Under Rydon Hill

Welcome to this blog about my time away from the tedium of domestic management. Once called "Tits and Things", now sub-titled "Life in Quantoxia", there's plenty of bird ringing (90%), some odd bits of general birding, some local steam trains, some personal bits and occasional 'away days' in other parts of Britain. Rydon Hill overlooks the lower valley of the Doniford Stream, where most of these activities take place.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Journey to the south.

Sunday: Intentions of going for a walk down the park scuppered by request to go to Dunstable STW, which is open on the first Sunday of the month. It's a fair way from Bedford and no direct route to Thorn, just off the A5. Mr Rob Dasley (current chairman of the Bird Club) saluted as we drove in, reminded us to sign in and gave us a quick run-down of what's about and a mini H&S spiel.

 Jen took a while to get a good view of a Common Snipe asleep in a rack cut into the Phragmites; with the aid of the telescope, she claimed it as a 'tick'. Next, a short walk up along the lagoons, giving a closer view of a pair of Ruddy Shelduck which have been hanging around the Beds/Herts border for some while. Tick No.2!


 Ruddy Shelduck pair at Dunstable STW. Andy Whitney.

After spying good numbers of Gadwall, Shoveler and Tufted Duck, plus a lone Dabchick and the ubiquitous Black-headed Gulls and Cormorants, we returned to the hide. RD came in and proclaimed that those manning the gate had seen 4 or more Swallows hurrying south. Kestrel, Buzzard, Heron in the distance and 20+ Teal out front. 

After a shout of "crake or rail", every one studied a small patch of reed until a spanking Water Rail calmly walked out, giving one of the best views anyone could wish for. Tick No.3 for the lady!
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