Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Saturday, 20 November 2010

November

November

by Thomas Hood


No sun--no moon!
No morn--no noon!
No dawn--no dusk--no proper time of day--
No sky--no earthly view--
No distance looking blue--
No road--no street--
No "t'other side the way"--
No end to any Row--
No indications where the Crescents go--
No top to any steeple--
No recognitions of familiar people--
No courtesies for showing 'em--
No knowing 'em!
No mail--no post--
No news from any foreign coast--
No park--no ring--no afternoon gentility--
No company--no nobility--
No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,
No comfortable feel in any member--
No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds,

November!


How true the poem by Thomas Hood, especially with the current weather!

The day started, and continued with varying thickness of mist and fog. It was my daughter, Abigails morning at music school in Daventry, so a walk around the country park was possible. I really don't know why I carried my scope and camera as neither were usable in the conditions. A large mixed "tit" flock accompanied me on my walk, containing Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Long tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Treecreeper and one Siskin. The water contained the expected duck species - Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Pochard, Teal, Shoveler and Wigeon. An impressive gathering of Goosanders were near the dam with three drake and fifteen females.

The usual out of control dogs accompanied their irresponsible owners as is to be expected at this site. Interestingly, the naughty boys and girls sentenced to "community payback" duties were out, and appeared to be having a bit of a "jolley"! I was convinced that community payback schemes required a service to the community? Maybe crime does pay?


Todays Sightings:

Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Robin; Chaffinch; Blue Tit; Wren; Long Tailed Tit; Wigeon; Coot; Teal; Black Headed Gull; Tufted Duck; LBB Gull; Moorhen; Mallard; Gadwall; Buzzard; Jackdaw; Magpie; Great Tit; Blackbird; Bullfinch; Cormorant; Shoveler; Harbour Porpoise; Goldfinch; Dunnock; Treecreeper; Siskin; Goldcrest; Coal Tit; Grey Heron; Common Gull; Great Crested Grebe; Pochard; Goosander; Mute Swan.



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2 comments:

  1. ShySongbird20 November 2010 at 17:36

    Well the poem just about sums it up nicely Kevin! I hate these short dark days, roll on Spring.

    A very good comment at the end too about the 'naughty boys and girls'!

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  2. Kevin Groocock20 November 2010 at 18:26

    Not very nice days at the moment. Don't mind the shortness but when it doesn't get light - depressing.

    I think the community payback participants were supposed to be litter picking. They had the tools but seemed to be out for a stroll and a chat!

    As you say, roll on spring!

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