North Cornwall and beyond

Standing at the kitchen window I can quite literally see 6 Green Sandpipers feeding at the waters edge. I'm most certainly not in Banstead - I'm in Bude, north Cornwall, the bungalow in which we are staying backing onto Maer Lake. This property is heaven on earth to a birder, as you get unrestricted views across the reserve. We've been here before and from the garden I have recorded Wood Sandpiper, Ruff, Peregrine, Raven and Little Egret. The reserve list includes Citrine Wagtail, Semi-p Sandpiper, Wilson's Phalarope... I could go on. Needless to say, I'm keeping one eye on the lake and the other on a host of food and drink.

If you haven't done already, check out Dylan Wrathall's  latest offering over at 'Of Esox and observations' where he has re-sharpened  his claws and has gone for the pan-listing jugular. He does have some interesting points to make and I will be responding in a post soon. A lively (but friendly) debate may ensue!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Ah Bude... historically one of the great sites for the fabulous M.arion.

Am a little over-awed by the sheer scale of the pan-listing prospect. Have registered on the new website, but realise to my horror the immense amount of head-scratching that will ensue trying to remember what flies, bees,beetles, grasses, mosses, lichens etc I have seen in the past 30 odd years of actually noticing these things. For now, my registration is without a single number to my name. I don't even, these days, know how many bird species I've seen in the UK... I stopped keeping count years ago.

Perhaps I'm afraid to start counting again. I fear it's a slippery slope, and I'm not sure I like the competitive ethos...
3 August 2014 at 16:04
Steve Gale said…
Jon, ignore the competitive element, it is not something that others most of those listed - for most people it is a personal challenge. I'm not as driven by the whole thing as I was, but still maintain a list anyway. It does at least make me far more aware of what is around me. Good luck with the counting!
3 August 2014 at 16:23
Dylan Wrathall said…
Steve, if, as you say, the majority of those involved do so for the personal challenge; why the need for a league table?
Hoping that Bude is proving to be a pleasant break - Widemouth Manor is owned by a family friend - Rick Perry (best man at my brother, Tim's wedding - have some very fond memories of holidays down there.
I didn't think that my claws were that sharp - my effort is rather mild in comparison to the original swipe

Take care and enjoy your holiday - Dyl
4 August 2014 at 14:23
Steve Gale said…
Dyl, such matters will be discussed in my up and coming post! Hope all is well with you and the family, S
4 August 2014 at 17:22
Dylan Wrathall said…
Steve, the (my little) world is good - Dyl
4 August 2014 at 17:56
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