Every year there are approximately 10-20 records of this species in Britain, but this is the first time I have seen one, what is known as a`lifer`. While I was at Rutland Water there were also 5 Smew, 3 Goosander and a Red-breasted Merganser plus a lot of more common wildfowl, but the american was what I went for and now I can put another `tick` in my book!
Digiscoped using Lumix FS15 and Kowa TSN-883 x30
And now a break from normal proceedings to announce that my humble blog has been presented with an award from my friend Gary. It is the `Honest Scrap` award;
Apparently I am now supposed to tell you some facts about myself, but as I am extremely dull and ever so humble, I have found this a bit difficult! Here goes anyway!
1. I do not follow football (soccer). I know this is extremely hard to believe, being male and English, but I just find it dull and the hype that surrounds it is awful! No-one was happier than me when England failed to land the World Cup!
2. I don`t like to see birds in cages. Birds were given wings for a reason and I don`t think that reason is to be shut in a cage!
3. I hate flying, it makes my arms tired! Ha Ha! Seriously, I don`t like flying!
4. I am an uncle to two fantastic children, Olivia and Harry. Great kids, who I am trying to educate in the ways of Birdwatching! (unsuccessfully at the moment)
5. I once played cricket with an England international and a New Zealand international.
There you go, five facts and now to pass this award on to others.
1. The Blogger Formerly Known As.... who started me on this blog adventure and is a constant source of advice, plus I think this is one of the few awards that they have yet to receive!
2. The Whimsical Gardener who takes fantastic photographs of amazing places.
3. Mustang Sally who is also a fantastic photographer.
I would like to pass this on to Bazza, but he has mentioned that he no longer wishes to accept awards, so I just thought I would provide a link anyway!
Firstly, thank you very much for the award. I could try to be as humble as Bazza and stop accepting them, but you know me.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have to agree with you totally, Olivia and Harry are fantastic kids. I’m sure they’ll want to go birdwatching before too long.
Thanks again, and have a great weekend.
The enigmatic, masked blogger
You are most welcome my masked friend! I don`t know about getting the kids to go birdwatching soon, but Olivia does like butterflies, so I am encouraging her there!
ReplyDeleteJ
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteApologies for not being around much, lately. This flipping flu has grabbed me on the rebound.
Anyway, undaunted, I shall bravely attempt to leave a comment.
Thanks again for another informative posting. I was surprised to find out that the American Wigeon had been observed over here. I've been to Rutland Water, once, and I thought it was a very tranquil location.
And you were a most worthy winner of the award. And cricket? Oh my, now that's one game that totally confuses me. And to think I played for my high school cricket team back in Vancouver:-)
Enjoy your Sunday..
In kindness and respect, Gary.
Hi John, I just came over from Bazza's. I love your birds - add another bird to your followers. I've never heard of the American Wigeon. Amazing how many birds are in different countries; I don't even know all the names of Aussie birds.
ReplyDeleteHi Gary, glad you are feeling a bit better, this man flu eh? ;)
ReplyDeleteThankyou again for the kind comments. Rutland Water is probably one of the best `birding` locations around here, it is just a shame that it is not in my beloved Peterborough Bird Club recording area!
Thanks again for the award.
J
Hi L`Aussie, thankyou very much for adding another `bird` to my list!
ReplyDeleteAustralia is such a vast country and has hundreds and hundreds of bird species, I am not suprised that you don`t know all the names! Britain has over 550 bird species that have been recorded, which is enough to be geting on with!
J