Tuesday
26th January Gale force W (55mph) 12C very heavy rain all day
It
doesn't take long to see the slavonian grebe once daylight returns.
Last night's clear, star-filled sky has been replaced by thick low
cloud and it is raining hard. The promised gale, the remnants of the
storm that dumped over two feet of snow on the Eastern USA killing so
many, has arrived this side of the Atlantic and the weather is truly
foul outside the confines of the C.B.W.P.S. (Cornwall Bird &
Wildlife Preservation Society) hide.
The
slavonian grebe, a bird that takes me to 144, is quite
distant and after texting the news I am unsure that I did see it as a
little grebe extends its neck before flying closer. I did see the
bright white cheeks didn't I? Scanning again I cannot see a slav'.
Half
an hour later the slavonian grebe comes closer and I get photos and a
short thirty second video as it bobs up and down on the sea-like
swell.
With
no intention of cycling in this squall; it would be suicidal to even
try, I settle down in my sleeping bag and read and watch. Birds are
few and far between; four little grebe occasionally come close
catching small sticklebacks and the occasional gull lands on the
water to preen.
A male goldeneye stays around in front of the hide
for an hour or so.
The
book is called Austerity by Kerry-Anne Mendoza and details the
current obscenity of Neo-liberalism and the destruction of all that I
hold dear; education, NHS, the Justice system and social compassion.
The
other book I have with me is by Roz Savage and is the story of her
rowing across the Atlantic. She is eloquent and intelligent and the
read is inspirational. “If one is going to be outside one's comfort
zone then expect things to be uncomfortable.” I'm wrapped up and
cosy in this small bird hide.
Midday,
rain and wind still battering the water, I am joined in the hide by
Jim, a birder from Newquay. Together we watch as the slavonian grebe
swims very close by and a firecrest is seen to the right of the hide;
my second of the year.
The
Green Year list now stands at 144, twenty ahead of where I
was at this time last year.
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