Firstly, thanks to anyone that reads my blog and a happy New Year to you all. I only started blogging for my own records at the start of 2018 but it’s been humbling to hear from quite a number of people that it’s been informative to them. I have to be honest and say It was a tough year (birding wise) but I still managed a healthy 242 species locally and on my trips further afield (although I did miss some that I would have expected).
I didn’t obtain that many lifers this year but I guess that when you’ve seen over 400 species the lifers do get harder to get. However the quality this year far outweighed the quantity of birds seen with American Horned Lark, Green Heron, Grey Catbird and Pied Wheatear being my stand out birds.
Another surprise was the Dalmatian Pelican that hung around Cornwall and spent a little time in Devon a couple of years ago was added to the UK list and became a nice armchair tick for me. I will never forget how impressed I was with that wingspan!
I was lucky enough to see a number of rare species but simple things like the Hawfinch influx was one of most enjoyable things of the year as were higher than average Brambling flocks. Yes, I love going for that mega but It’s not always about that prize if you truly enjoy watching our feathered friends.
That said, my biggest disappointments were a few missed lifers with Brown Shrike in Cornwall, and a Franklin’s Gull at Radipole Lake. Also, (although not a lifer) what will no doubt be Devon’s first Pallid Harrier. A great find by Matt Knott and I was smothering with flu so couldn’t drag myself out.
So here’s hoping 2019 will be a great birding year for you all. Thanks to all those that have helped me this year. I feel blessed to be part of a great group of people in this area.
So here’s hoping 2019 will be a great birding year for you all. Thanks to all those that have helped me this year. I feel blessed to be part of a great group of people in this area.
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