Friday, 18 April 2025

BIKING BIRDER I May 16th 2010

 

16th May 2010

The Lost Song    Cat Empire


   

A quick bike ride from Congleton to Coombes Valley RSPB Reserve. Quick - who am I trying to kid? It was a case of the usual getting lost when trying to find a short cut along a canal towpath. Twit! Once there I was met by Steve Allcott, an ex-pupil from when I was a Secondary teacher in Wolverhampton many moons ago, who came down to see me at Newport Wetlands RSPB reserve a couple of months ago if you remember and then by Kerry and Heather, two lovely RSPB Volunteers. Both of the girls were superb and a credit to the RSPB, being very friendly and deeply knowledgeable about the reserve and its birds.
Great to see Steve, a tonic to meet someone from my life away from Biking Birding. Steve and I went for a walk, clockwise around the reserve and soon saw a Garden Warbler. It was here I met up with Alan and Beryl Turner from Ashton under Lyme. Coincidence here was that I had met Alan at Inner Marsh Farm RSPB reserve only last week. Indeed Alan was well remembered because I think he wanted to clonk me one because of my sincerely meant comments on a certain Man United manager. I cannot stand the cheating, arrogant ex-Man U manager but I will not go there again, until someone mentions Premiership football! Friends now and comrades in arms, both of us looking for birds.
Both Pied Flycatcher and Redstart were seen and a very obliging male Orange Tip butterfly that rested on my finger.


Steve had to go so I cycled to the reasonably nearby Churnet Valley RSPB Reserve; receiving texts on England's progress against the Aussies in the Twenty:20 cricket match. More of the same birds as at Coombes Valley but with a beautiful walk down to the canal and back.


My evening was spent celebrating England's win with a fruit loaf and some orange juice.

Tickle My Feathers




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