Saturday, December 31, 2011

The final curtain...

2011 Highlights...


Mmm. Now then.


On the patch 154 species. Down on last year but still not too bad with nearly the lot self found ( or maybe even the whole lot). The list included -  Great Northern Diver, Water Rail, Mealy Redpoll, Waxwing, Lapland Bunting, Roseate Tern, Quail, Storm PetrelBalearic Shearwater, Mediterranean Gull, Tree Pipit, Black Tern, PintailShoveler, Scaup, Velvet Scoter, Snow Bunting, Black Redstart, Short eared Owl, Twite and White fronted Goose.


Those in red are firsts for the site.


55 new moths for the garden too, the best being Mullein, Great Brocade and Fen Wainscot..


Plus several new birds for me - Black Scoter, White throated Robin, Sandhill Crane, Greater Yellowlegs and not forgetting the Eastern Black Redstart ( though not a 'tick' cos its just a race). This is the most I've added to the list for several years, quite surprising considering the lack of easterly winds and twitches.


Marsh Fritillary and Northern Brown Argus. Great butterflies and great crack with my companions.


Two Minke Whales in Scotland...


2011 Lowlights...


The weather. A cold wet summer and a westerly autumn resulted in very little migration or seawatching on the patch.


2012 Targets...


1. I must update this blog more. I am almost a hundred posts down on other recent years. I would like to say that its quality over quantity but not so I'm afraid. Must do better.


2. I will keep up with the whole genaralist naturalist thing. Its much better than just constant birding, you should try it. You do? Oh ok... 


3. Look for High Brown Fritillary, Mountain Ringlet, Small Blue and maybe Scotch Argus. I've seen the latter two but not for years. Natterjack Toad may be combined with the Cumbrian butterflies.


4. Finally do some mothing off-piste...


5. Do some garden alteration. Remove some knackered old shrubs and replace with something better. Increase the flowering season and quantity to help the insects.


5. Stay healthy. I have not taken a day on the sick since 2003 and have only had two days off in the 4 years before that. Long may it reign.


6. Try to be less miserable, drink more water, get more sleep, eat less of everything particularly chocolate. I'm getting the blame now for increasing the weight of other birders in the county...
 Here's wishing you all health, wealth and prosperity in 2012.  A Happy New Year to you all...now, where's that bottle....

8 comments:

Alan Tilmouth said...

And to you, Jane and Bunty, look forward to seeing you on the other side.

The Hairy Birder said...

I have really enjoyed your blog over the past year and look forward to following you in 2012. Cheers, Seumus

Kingsdowner said...

All the best for 2012 Stewart!

Resolutions are pointless, especially when they involve chocolate....

Johnnykinson said...

Yes, you must post more Stewart. One of the most informative blogs on the go.
All the best and above all KEEP HEALTHY !

Anonymous said...

"Try to be less miserable"

That`s my main goal for the year, Stewart ;-)

All the best for 2012, mate.

Warren Baker said...

Hi Stewart,
I always make sure I get my quota of sick days in - ill or not :-)

Have a cracking 2012, enjoy the wildlife mate!

The Wessex Reiver said...

Have a great New Year Stewart, it's all to do again in 2012

Stewart said...

Many thanks to you all!