Two years ago almost to the day, the bird club contacted me and asked if I was available the following Saturday morning. Intrigued, I said I was and asked why. 'Do you fancy taking someone out birding for a few hours?' I was asked. 'The Irish Ambassador to the United Kingdom is attending a civic reception at Alnwick castle after giving a lecture in Newcastle. He is a birder and has some time to kill.'
'His people' would be in touch to make arrangements.
The following Saturday saw me waiting at Seahouses when a black BMW complete with ensignia pulled up, the driver in a black suit, looking the part. The Ambassador, Mr O'Kelly ( O'Ceallaigh) was a very nice chap, who had previously been the ambassador in Finland. I took him in my car for a jaunt around Budle Bay and Stag Rocks where he enjoyed Long tailed Ducks, Scoter and Eiders. I even struck lucky on the day and found a drake Green winged Teal in Budle bay. We had a good chat and he left at lunchtime to continue with his duties.
Shortly after I recieved his letter above, he kindly donated to the Bird Club funds.
Now I have lead the odd walk around the county at places such as Cresswell and Kielder etc but that one will be the one to remember...
7 comments:
That is cool sir.
Wasn't Daithi something to do with Alula back when he was the Irish ambassador to Finland?
A grand day for you Stewart (I was one who didn't know)
At least you just had one Beema. Friend of mine who does Falconry was contacted by an Arab gentleman before Xmas, the day turned out to be for the Saudi Ambassador and his "people", day began with a fleet of 4x4's arrived with discretely armed guards. Not what my friend was expecting for a "quiet day with the falcons"
Andrew - you must be the only one!
;)
Cheers all, except anon. You must have heard the tale before, though I cant imagine where...?
I had not heard it either, did they check your car for bombs, was there a Geordie to Irish interpreter or did you just point to a field guide.......and just who was it that planted the duck decoy ????
Boulmer Birder CBE has a nice ring to it !!!!!!!
Brian
WOW - how impressive! - and I was one that didn't as well!
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