Kite country

Had to go to High Wycombe on Sunday 23rd. Jen attended to her late husband's grave while I watched for Red Kites on a windy day with great visibilty.

Jen at Paul's graveside Feb 09

Looking across the valley where 2 pairs are often seen

As is often the case (with me, anyway) a bird suddenly appeared below and close to, only then to disappear behind the neighbouring gardens' trees. Frustrated I put the camera away (a Fuji F610) when Jen had finished and we drove off. Just then, it popped out over the cemetery and I fumbled for the camera, leapt out, turned it on and managed to just get this one shot (below) as it veered away from us!. I could have had a brilliant pic if I had been prepared earlier. At other times, they have sailed over the open grounds of the cemetery and our heads.

Record shot at H.W. cemetery

From here, we went to Hughenden Manor. The objective was to walk to Naphill and have lunch in the pub there. However, we were directed along the 'blue' trail when we should have been on the 'purple' one. At the far end of that, Jen would have been able to connect with a footpath to the pub she was looking for. Never mind, it was pleasant enough the way we went.

Hughenden Woods (NT)

Decision time. We then went for lunch at a pub in Great Kingshill called the "Polecat". Good 'home-made' food on the menu for a reasonable price (for this 'posh' area) .

The "Polecat Inn" sign

Afterwards, we went for coffees at some friends' house, which overlooks a regular kite area. The field opposite had recently been cut and was littered with the remains of many voles, shrews, etc.
An adult Red Kite was mantling something while 2-3 Crows strutted their stuff nearby.

Looking towards 'Combe Hill' .
Nearby is " Chequers"

We make this journey every 3 months or so; graves should not be left un-tended, me thinks.

Titchwell 16/08

Popped along on Sunday afternoon to view the progress with the new sea wall (you can't stop an old civ.eng!). For the first time ever, I did not see a single birder that I knew - unless you include Maureen who serves the teas and lives in the village.

Not much about but did manage - Cormorant, Heron, Little Egret, Mute Swan, Shelduck (ordinary ones), Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Marsh Harrier (and 3 Monty's somewhere not too far away), Sprawk, Moorhen, Coot, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover (lots), Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Spot. Redshank, Greenshank & Turnstone. A good few Linnets, too.

Had a lovely, bright-white (male) Barn Owl at Guyhirn (A47) in the dusk.