Monday, April 11, 2005

The human splat-o-meter! But very definitely worth it.... 142 species in total

In beautiful spring sunshine, I took a 77km 'mystery tour' of the downs north and west of Winchester, with one big target species, and the hope of a few early migrants in the warm valleys. None of the latter at all (apart from a few Swallows and lots of Willow Warblers), but a big Hampshire speciality nailed in the shape of a pair of Stone Curlews at a traditional (but necessarily secret) site, where I also had two Grey Partridges.

Parts of the ride were incredibly insect-infested - big juicy black ones which were quite painful at 30km/h! Glad I wore shades. Also the first Orange Tips of the year (unsplatted.....)