I set out late this morning with the intention of spending a few hours on the heather.  The weather has been appalling with what seems like a week of solid rain, and today was no exception.  I set off, waterproofed to the hilt, and at the edge of the moorland cast Archie off, keeping Grace on her slip lead.  Archie ran ok, but we were up against a fence on one side and as the heather was very deep  he couldn’t really get into his stride.  The second photo though shows a peculiar problem that I have just discovered and shall have to work out how to overcome.  In an effort to ensure Archie didn’t take too big a bite at the end of his beat I would recall him towards me then recast him out across me again, but this time from a much closer position.  This has worked out fine until today when I had Grace on a lead at my side.  As Archie gets close, he sees Grace standing still, and backs her.  The first time this happened I thought he had a scent so moved forwards to encourage him to flush the bird.  It was then obvious that Archie was watching Grace, not pointing a bird.

I cast Archie off again and he did, very soon, pick up scent and roaded forwards until he reached the fence.  Because there was nowhere left to go I had to whistle him back which wasn’t ideal.  I moved forwards and cast both dogs off giving them very little instruction.  Grace worked the strong wind really well, keeping her beat nice and flat.  Neither dogs found a bird, so I picked them up and moved to another section of moorland.

I cast Archie off to the right and immediately to the right of me two jack snipe lifted.  I dropped Archie who only went into the ‘hupped position’ – note to self – this needs more work.  I have never come across jack snipe until this November but now seem to have seen a few.  Archie watched them flit away before I recast him.  We practised quartering and he did ok really although I really must bring him closer to me as he crosses (the white specks in the photos with the arrows are Archie). 

The wind was very strong and occasionally he would be pulled forwards.  At one point he really seemed to signal birds, but didn’t seem confident, so I dropped him and cast Grace off to see if she would pick up a scent.  She stopped in exactly the same spot and when I tried to send her out to the right looked back at me as if to ask why I was being so stupid.  I picked her up and decided to let Archie road in and find the bird as I really wanted him to get a bird under his nose for himself.  I cast him off and he ran out, turned then on his way past me, hesitated then started to road forwards.  He went a long way forwards then ahead of him rose a load of jack snipe (probably including the two we had flushed earlier).  I counted six but there could have been more.  I cast both dogs off to work out the area on the moorland edge and Grace flushed a snipe.  I dropped both dogs. 

I then decided to walk back up the hill over the ground we had just covered and work back down the hill into the wind again but a little further along.  That was the theory anyway.  In reality I veered off to the right and put up yet another jack snipe.  Neither dog was close enough to notice at the time which was a missed opportunity.  When we had moved far enough up the hill I turned and cast Archie off again, intent on improving his beat.  He did ok, and I followed him with Grace on her lead.  One thing I did notice though was if I stopped and Grace was standing leaning forwards against the tension on her lead Archie would stop and back her.  I really must ensure he works comfortably on his own and doesn’t start to rely on Grace to find the birds.  I don’t think this will be an issue but I need to ensure I do all I can to make sure I don’t inadvertently encourage this.

To think that I once wondered how I would ever train a pointer to back.

Oh dear, having just dealt with the lame cat, I’ve now got a lame pig Poor old Perky, she’s currently hobbling round on three pins, while we wait for the vet to arrive. I’m hoping she’s just bruised her foot (somehow) and that a swift recovery is just round the corner.

Wait and see, that’s all I can do.

Ho hum

Snipe and Perky - 17 November 2009

Rather rainy. Went into Baldock but failed to get any rose bushes. Bought a peony root which perhaps I can plant at the corner instead of a rose. Clarke’s[1] say the shortage of grains, or the difficulty of sending them to & fro, is actually much greater than the papers make out. Saw a bird which I think must have been a golden plover, though so far as I know they are not found round here. Slightly larger than a snipe (it was certainly not a snipe), redshank type of flight, but its back was brownish. Too far away to see its beak. The only thing that makes me doubtful is that its belly was almost white.

9 eggs. Sold I score @ 4/4. (According to Clarke’s the Gov.t are controlling the price at 4/-). Total this week 46.

[1] Produced food for fowls. Peter Davison

If you could look into the future and know what your next training session would throw at you it may seem less risky to change plans and opt for a walk in the nearest park.  Today was one of those days.

I took both dogs into the forest this afternoon and started off in a relaxed mood, having decided to let the dogs have a good run without my boring voice interjecting.  I let them out of the back of the car without leads and told them just to get on.  Grace ran a few yards before stopping to sniff about and Archie ran ahead for about 50 yards before acknowledging something and drawing forwards in a semi-crouched, half stalk, type of way.  He then stalked his way up the path for a little way before I thought that he was just having me on.  Grace was strolling along beside him and nothing seemed to be coming to anything.  In an effort to break him out of this non productive stalk I dropped him using the whistle.  He dropped straight away but Grace just sat in the hupped position rather than dropping.  In an effort to drop her I ran at her waving my hat, but instead of this having the desired effect I flushed a snipe to the side of the path – the snipe that Archie must have got scent of earlier.  Both dogs watched the bird away as you can see from the photo and I let them get on, realising that I know nothing and I should trust Archie a little more.  I then practised the ‘get on’ and the recall with no problems.

I then decided to head onto the heather for half an hour,  I set both dogs up then told them to get on, not really worrying where they went.  Both dogs had a blast and agreed on the wind direction which was good to see.  I let them get a good way out before practising the drop to the whistle, which Archie did well and Grace nearly got right – she would hup, then move towards me when I walked away.  I ended up having to walk a long way out to her to put her back in position.  Whilst I was doing this Archie just stayed put in the heather.  I then cast both dogs off again and within seconds Archie signalled a bird.  He roaded in for a long while before reaching the moorland edge and the forest fence, at which point I called him back and recast him.  Grace continued to hunt behind me, not once even showing the slightest inclination to back.

I then cast Archie off and the 7th and 8th photos show what happened.  I let him get out as far as he wanted, he then turned and ran forwards taking a bigger bite than I would have liked.  I decided to photograph this for the record before turning him (I had my whistle in my mouth).  As he pulled forwards he flushed a pheasant (I don’t think he pointed at all but it was too far away to tell with any certainty).  As I saw the bird lift I blasted on my whistle and he dropped to the ground.  The 8th photo is a zoomed in version of the 7th and you can see Archie dropped and the pheasant heading off.  His drop was superb, but he should have pointed rather than bumped the bird.  He needs more exposure to game really.  I was pleased though.  The command to drop was given over a very long distance and he stopped and dropped instantly.

I cast both dogs off again and within minutes Grace was on point and Archie was backing.  I moved in and encouraged Grace forwards, which she did, to put up a hen pheasant.  I blew the whistle and Archie dropped instantly, whilst Grace ran into the trees after the bird.  Within seconds she had appeared and sat, waiting – just far enough away to avoid any reminders of my displeasure at her chase.

An odd session that was a bit of a curate’s egg.

I had to get some more bales of straw yesterday, and after a bit of rearranging, managed to fit three on the back seat, leaving the dogs in the boot (sans parcel shelf, worry not!) and me and my crap in the front.

On the drive back to the farm, I was puzzled by the strange looks and wide grins that other drivers were giving me, especially those at various set of traffic lights.

It was only when I arrived at the farm and got out of the car that I discovered the reason:

Snipe - 15 November 2009

*shakes head sadly*

Wind had swung into the southwest (at last!) overnight, and remained reasonably fresh with it until midmorning, when it eased somewhat. Dry and sunny for much of the day, the ground got a chance to dry out a little, and birding around the isle was less of an endurance test than yesterday.

Arrivals and departures. No sign of anything new in, but some familiar faces seen once again in the more clement conditions – 4 Robins, double figures of Blackbirds, the 3 Snow Buntings still in Brough, and the Chaffinch there too. White-fronted Geese had gone, as had the Garden Warbler at Saltness.

Came across a snipe in Brough that gave me cause for a double-take…

Got lots of photos of it crouching and eyeballing me right up until the point when a car came up behind me and hooted its horn (I was using my car as a hide on the single track road). Needless to say I jumped, the snipe flushed and flew, and I didn’t get any photos of it in flight as it bombed away at right angles to the road. I moved the car, and spent much of the afternoon returning to the spot in the vain hope it would have returned. Alas not. The snipe below are, just for the sake of comparison, a typical (adult, I think) faroeensis Snipe and the good candidate for (juvenile, with some adult-type feathers coming through – better seen in other photos) delicata from nearby in August. (Also see yesterday’s Nature in Shetland website for a photo by M Pennington of a Snipe on Unst).

Aren’t snipe ace? All constructive thoughts gratefully received.

..il week end “anzioso” potrebbe essere riassunto così:

..al sabato troppo “bello”:

pic via eug.

..e alla domenica veramente troppo troppo brutto!!

..in ogni caso medesimo risultato: NULLA DI FATTO!!

..qui i dettagli di domenica, qui sotto i dettagli di sabato!

“Sarà stato per punizione? Sarà stato perché la scorsa volta non ho sfidato i 20 ruggenti con un bikini all’ultimo grido cinghiando come una laserista?…o sarà perché potevo sfruttare il mio peso “relativamente” leggero per sverniciare i miei superbi colleghi?…comunque, (sfortunatamente?!), è passato anche questo secondo appuntamento dell’invernale di Anzio.

Dispiaciuta per la mancata prova, di un invernale che NON è ancora partito, incrocio le dita per le prossime due domeniche!”

-powered by Sara-

I know that there are probably too many photos attached to this post, but this morning was so enjoyable that any fewer would do it no justice at all – or rather would do the dogs no justice at all.

With these dark evenings and limited time to exercise the dogs adequately in the week, let alone train the dogs, the importance of a good weekend blow out for all of us cannot be overstated.  Don’t get me wrong, both dogs get a good walk every day but in the dark this is limited to walking the lanes with a headtorch, keeping them both on leads.  Pointers need to run.

This morning I set out early with the intention of working both dogs over a patch of ground that I thought may hold snipe.  It was a wet, rushy piece of ground, flanked by a mixture of heather and willow.  I don’t really know very much about snipe, rarely coming across them, but felt that if anywhere held them this would be it.  I had also picked up from Des O’Neile’s diary that snipe numbers seem to be good this year (at least in Northern Ireland) so figured it was worth a look.  I had come across the odd snipe in this patch before so felt I wouldn’t be completely wasting my time.

On the way to the hill I saw two snipe flush from the field adjacent to the road and later saw another that Archie signalled but didn’t point, rising from the grass alongside the track as we walked to the area I wanted to cover.  Whilst this was a good sign, we ended up seeing no others.  That’s not, however, to say that the session wasn’t useful.

When we reached the moorland edge I decided to cast both dogs off and let them have a blast.  I figured that the worse thing that could happen was Archie ended up chasing a few birds if I wasn’t on top of him to drop him…I had already come to terms with the fact that Grace would chase if she had the opportunity and that there was no point beating myself up about it.  So, prepared for chaos, I cast both dogs off.  Now, neither dogs have been run together on heather with any real intent.  Yes, they have had a gallop about together in open spaces, but not really in any areas that are likely to hold birds.  This was a little different today.  I soon found that scenting conditions must have been very good as Grace had barely run twenty yards before signalling a bird then pointing.  Archie immediately backed her, Grace then roaded forward with Archie keeping his distance but following suit.  I walked forwards, clicked Grace in and she sprung forwards to put up a cock pheasant.  I blew the whistle, Archie dropped and Grace watched the bird away without chasing.  This was looking good.  I called both dogs back to me, made a fuss and cast them off again.  With renewed vigour both dogs ran well.  Grace quartered really well, very flat and wide.  Archie tended to pull forward a bit far so needed turning back every now and again but he did ok.

After we had moved about 200 yards forward Grace went on point again.  Archie however was further out to the left and carried on running away from where Grace had pointed.  I didn’t want Archie to turn at the end of his cast and run across the front of Grace so walked towards Grace and gently called Archie who swung around and came running back directly towards Grace.  The heather was deep so Archie didn’t see Grace on point until he was nearly on top of her, but when he did see her he stopped dead in his tracks and dropped like a stone into the heather.  I am not sure if he also ran straight into the scent cone but whether it was the sight of Grace or the scent of a bird, he dropped.  I then stood there, whistle in mouth with Grace on point in front of me and Archie, backing on the other side of Grace.  We stood there for a good few minutes before I finger clicked Grace forwards.  She roaded forwards and put up another cock pheasant.  I blew the whistle, Grace didn’t chase and Archie just watched the bird away from his belly down position in the heather.  It was great to be part of this.  Both dogs were actually working together…and I would even like to think that I played a small part in the event.

I cast both dogs off again and we covered a lot of heather before turning to retrace our steps and put ourselves in a position to walk across the wet, rushy area, into the wind.  As we walked back to get into position Grace ran into a thick clump of willow and I lost sight of her.  Archie was standing outside the willow obviously backing Grace although I couldn’t see her.  I walked forwards, told Grace to get on, wherever she was, and a woodcock came jinking out in front of me and headed off along the scrub edge.  Both dogs came to me and we walked on.  Great. 

We eventually positioned ourselves at the start of the wet area and I worked both dogs across the bog.  We covered every inch of ground but no birds.  As we reached the top of the wet area we had to move through a large patch of bracken.  Both dogs were ahead of me and out of sight.  When I eventually got up the bank I could see what I initially thought was Grace backing Archie.  Now I know this is unlikely but as everything had been going so well my hopes where high.  As I moved forwards I realised that actually Grace had gone on point behind Archie, and once he had noticed he backed her from in front by twisting his head around (the photo shows this better).  As I drew alongside Grace she turned her head and looked at me, which is usually a sign that she isn’t confident.  This proved to be correct as we didn’t produce a bird.  An interesting point and back though.

We then went onto the heather and I let  the dogs have a good ten minute blast before heading back to the car.  Whilst we didn’t see any more snipe the session was really good.  Grace worked very well and demonstrated her excellent nose, Archie backed beautifully and both dogs worked together very well.  If I have one criticism it is that Archie didn’t quarter flat enough, but I can work on this another time.

A really good morning.

This weekend offered two contrasting days; Saturdays halcyon calm and Sundays raging storm.

Thankfully I went to the RSPB reserve at Saltholme on Saturday and enjoyed clear skies, still winds; no hint of the wrath to come the next day with that deep low pressure crossing Scotland.

Leaving the centre to go to the hides, I saw some Greenfinches, taking advantage of the feeders.

Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris)

And flitting in the long grass, a Wren.

Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)

Ensconced in various hides throughout the day, there were plenty of birds on view. First, one of many Coots on the waters.

Coot (Fulica atra)

And some fine views of Mute Swans, on the water and taking off into the air.

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

In the air and and framed by the industrial backdrop of electricity pylons, I saw a Curlew glide silently by.

Curlew (Numenius arquata)

Later, I saw one settle on the water’s edge.

Something now to test all budding augurs. A flight of Greylag Geese came across the sky…

with a few passing close enough to offer fine views; beating wings, orange bills, sunlight glinting in their eyes, a passing moment before they settled on the water.

Greylag Goose (Anser anser)

The skies were also filled with a desert of Lapwings and a congregation of Golden Plover, mixed together in a cloud of birds which filled the sky as they escaped a passing (but unseen by me) predator.

The rounded wings of the Lapwings contrast well with the pointed wings of the Plover. They flew around before settling nervously on the ground. Something else triggered their self preservation instinct, and both species took to the air again, eventually filling the sky.

Finally, they settle on the ground.

Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)

A Snipe, up to his knees in the mudflats could be seen from Saltholme hide.

Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)

Black-tailed Godwits were seen from every hide. Here’s the best photographs of them, showing off their elegence.

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)

This next sequence shows a Godwit preening itself.

A Moorhen passed behind the Godwit.

Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)

There were plenty of Shoveller Ducks on the waters.

Shoveler Duck (Anas clypeata)

And a fine display from a Male Pintail.

Pintail (Anas acuta)

There were also plenty of Wigeon in their winter plumage, yellow forehead prominently displayed.

Wigeon (Anas penelope)

Ever present in the UK waterways are Mallards, with the males distinctive green head and both sexes purple-blue speculum, along the wing.

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

In the setting sun, Teal showed their wonderful green head band and yellow stripes off.

And their bottoms…

Back to their heads.

Teal (Anas crecca)

Sulking in the long grass were a pair of Little Egrets, one of which played peek a boo enough to be photographed.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

Across a kilometre of open water, in the shadow of the Transporter Bridge, a Cormorant rested on a post.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Finally, in the distant skies with a setting sun (red sky at night) a Kestrel patrolled.

Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

Surely red skies at sunset don’t signal storms? Apparently they can do, sometimes…

Alcune News sullo snipe:

#La Flotta Snipe Caput Mundi ha un nuovo Capitano di Flotta.. la foto sopra non è casuale, si tratta proprio del Nostro “gracile” Passerottino!!

#Confermata nella carica di Delegato Zonale Snipe la Nostra tesserata Eugenia!

-Buon Lavoro e inculoallabalena ad entrambi!!-

Ieri si è tenuta l’Assemblea Nazionale Classe Snipe, chi vuole i dettagli (compreso il derivato calendario delle regate Nazionali) non ha che da clicckare qui!

In estrema sintesi, per quel che investe direttamente l’attività del sabbazzietto e dei sabbazziari:

# Il Bracciano Sail Contest, all’organizzazione del quale collabora anche il sabbazzietto in quanto parte del Co.Bra., sarà Nazionale Snipe!!

# Il Campitaliano Snipe 2010 si terrà a Pescara.. quindi a 2h di macchina-con-carrello dal cancello del sabbazzietto..

A breve i dettagli del Calendario, appena ci sarà un attimo per riordinarli anche con le date locali!

I’ve been doing silly shifts at work (t’is the season and all that), hence the lack of posts recently.

In lieu of having to engage my brain, I decided to cheat and took some photos this morning that I thought Lec and Jan would appreciate!

Leaves - 29 October 2009

Snipe - 29 October 2009

DO of the Black Flock Gang

You may call him DO, you may call him the Deacon, but whichever moniker you prefer, you must pay heed to the Poet Laureate of the Streets, blood brother to Mouf Piece of da City, and one half of Birmingham’s legendary duo, Dem Hard Headz.

Word from every corner has it this enigmatic icon will soon take wing with microphone in hand, launching into a furious lyrical lashing which is certain to bring even the most jaded, hardened soul to bow down to his power and dominance. This is not idle chatter, friends, this is not bravado, this assertion is grounded in a proven track history of freestyle battles, adept delivery on the mic captured on film, and the throngs of fans who mob the dimly lit backdoors to each nightclub he plays in an attempt to catch even the briefest glimpse of the legendary and darkly mysterious icon with his corn rows down.

An elusive character often spoken of as possessing the wisdom, power, and stealth of a black jaguar in the Amazon, at heart DO is surprisingly down to earth. A creature molded by his years on the tough streets of the Magic City, his lyrics are filled with insight into the trials and tribulations of a portion of society which goes largely unnoticed and neglected, except for in the eyes of entities such as local and federal law enforcement.

Hard Headz: Blood Brothers

A solid example of his roots might be found in his coming smash hit, “Cash In”, with older brother, mentor, and all around savvy Hard Head, the oft spoken of highly and widely, Mouf Piece of da City. In the high octaine cocaine based single, DO proceeds to break down the underworld of cocaine, a realm in which the search for sheer and immediate satisfaction through “white china” creates an element of the hopeless, strung out, and addicted, as well as the accommodating dealers poised, as the song takes point of, to “Cash in”. 

On DO’s mark, the field has assembled in legions to futilely attempt to trump this poet laureate. When asked how he feels about the jam up of so called opponents, the Deacon just smiles, sits back, and proceeds to pop open another chaser of Budweiser. With the nickname the Budweiser Kang, DO shows no fear of the perils of this world, as through a supreme sense of confidence, he senses no fear. Perhaps out of a sense of haughty superiority which has evolved through years of walking up and down the block stomping over the competition, his confidence is as warranted as it is appropriate.

DO: Poet Laureate of the BFG

In the debut of BFG, the CD certain to take the world by storm, Dem Hard Headz pair up with the FAM Boy$, whose ranks include Facts, Lo, and the most infamous citizen of Birmingham by way of Adamsville, the honorable and worthy Hood Shuttlesworth. The collective known as Black Flock Gang  gather for a round at stardom beyond the pale of imagination. 

Word has it their subsequent mind bending stab into the psyche of the general public will follow with the future release of a compilation album, brain child of Joe Stern-McGovern and Shaka Productions of Universal Artists, International. Partial proceeds of the album will go to fund the agency’s concern for the issue of pediatric AIDS. Filled with a social conscience as well as the skills which level the competition, DO is filled with heartfelt kindness, coupled with pride and professionalism. He is able and ready, and promises to devastate any negativity or hate so prevalent in the field known as hip hop. His casual yet poignant manner has replaced in its stead an image of social awareness and compassion for his culture, people, and the community as a whole. 

Preacha Boi: Other Half of Dem Hard Headz

For more information on DO, Dem Hard Headz, FAM Boy$, or Black Flock Gang and their debut, BFG, make sure to visit us today at www.universalartists.net, www.myspace.com/universalartists, www.youtube.com/universalartistsintl, or the acts own profile on Myspace at www.myspace.com/blackflockgang.

If you would like to book the DO and his cohorts, please feel free to either call our offices in San Diego/LA Metro at 1(619)757-1301, or write to blackflockgang@myspace.com. For international matters, please contact the office of our President, Joe Stern-McGovern at joe@universalartists.net or joesternmcgovern@myspace.com.

Fans, if you’d like to leave a message for the acts, you may either write to them through www.myspace.com/universalartists or directly at www.myspace.com/blackflockgang. When writing, please specifiy which artist you are showing particular interest in along with your comments and personal reflections or criticism.

Black Flock Gang: BFG

If you have footage or photographs of the acts in concert or elsewhere, please contact us at info@universalartists.net for instructions on how to submit them. All submissions posted will cite you as photographer, and all material submitted will by default be subject to release on any of our sites or promotions.

For matters of production or A&R, please contact Shaka at www.myspace.com/universalshaka or shaka@universalartists.net. To donate to any of the acts particularly favorite charities, please contact us at payments@universalartists.net.

Coming before the close of the year, the ability to purchase BFG merchandise, albums, and singles will be implemented at www.universalartists.net.

We look forward to hearing from you soon, as your comments and patronage are greatly appreciated.

s’appresta ormai l’Invernale Snipe di Anzio 2009-2010

che vedrà scendere in acqua diversi equipaggi sabbazzieschi

divisi tra le Classi dinghy 12″ e snipe..

..qui di fianco una foto rubata durante dei lavori di up-grade su di un noto snipe sabbazziesco “panza-de-cane”!!

..a cosa stiano lavorando Passerottino e Vanda non è dato saperlo, a parte questa foto.. che però non dice molto.

pic via blur.se

Of the blogs I read, two dogs have gone missing. Shadow came home in the most dramatic style, Annie is still missing.

I’ll be keeping a close eye on mine (especially after last time).

Please do the same with yours.

Snipe - 17 August 2009

Midge - 18 August 2009

The RSPB reserve at Saltholme marshes has Hares as residents that are occasionally seen. Normally they keep well hidden, but I saw one on my most recent trip as it bounded to the edge of the waters at Wildlife Watchpoint, the hide nearest the reserves main building.

Hare (Lepus europaeus)

There were fine views of Redshanks on the mud flats.

Redshank (Tringa totanus)

The mudflats also attracted a pair of Dunlin.

Under bright sunlight, the speckled pattern along their wings can be seen.

As soon as the cloud dims the light, they appear much duller.

Dunlin (Calidris alpina)

These birds are probably Juveniles, as they do not show the distinctive black patch on their bellies, seen in the breeding season. In winter they look grey.

Black-tailed Godwits were present at a number of the hides. Firstly from the new viewing point (close to the car park) called Back Saltholme. This sequence shows off the wingbars in flight and the black tail.

These show the elegance of the birds when feeding in the mud.

They often group together.

From Saltholme Pool, I saw through the spotting scope a Black-tailed Godwit in the water, again displaying the wing pattern and the black tail before flying off.

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)

Needless to say, Bar tailed Godwits have a barred tail, amongst other distinguishing features. I didn’t see any bar tailed godwits this day, but I did see a Greenshank on Back Saltholme.

Greenshank (Tringa Nebularia)

Ruffs were along the waters edge…

Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)

… as were Snipe.

Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)

In the background, you can see a Lapwing.

Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

It was a windy day, so I didn’t see many flying Lapwings. However I did see two great displays of flying geese. First Canadian Geese, who noisily honked their way across the waters, before settling down again.

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

Later a gaggle of Greylag Geese followed the same path.

Greylag Goose (Anser anser)

Whether flying in a gaggle as above, or in pairs

or singly on the ground

these birds always elicit a huge warm smile from within me; les oies sauvages.

Lurking in the long grass was a Grey Heron.

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

And there were plenty of Little Egrets to be seen all day.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

Ducks have begun to reappear in numbers. First, a newcomer to this diary, a male Pintail.

Pintail (Anas acuta)

Now, a welcome return to the shores of Saltholme by the Wigeon.

Wigeon (Anas penelope)

The last two pictures shows the male duck changing from summer to winter plumage, with the distinctive yellow forehead and the white band on the wing.

Next, Gadwalls. They are large ducks, and the males in winter have a wonderful, complex grey colour in full sunlight.

Gadwall (Anas strepera)

Teal have also returned in numbers. These are much smaller ducks and the males have a delightful pattern on their head. The first few pictures were taken under cloudy, windy conditions as the Teal rides the waves. The last pictures were in still, sunlight conditions and show off their colours to their best.

Teal (Anas crecca)

Mute Swans are always present at Saltholme.

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

Another new visitor to this diary; a powerful Great Black-backed Gull swept over the reserve.

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

That beak looks vicious!

This next little bird is most definitely finch like.  I’m going to identify it as a female Reed Bunting, but I’m open to other suggestions…

Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Finally, a congregation of Golden Plover, swept over the water.

Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)

I await the huge, shimmering flocks of Golden Plovers that can be seen later in the year at twilight.

Il Nostro Nonno-Ferro ce l’ha fatta, ha coronato con l’atteso successo la sua missione: nella foto qui sopra il Nostro alla guida del primo “convoglio umanitario” che garantirà adeguata fornitura di beni di conforto per l’incipiente Invernale di Anzio, dove scenderanno in acqua molti sabbazziari, sia nella Classe Dinghy12″ sia nella Classe Snipe!!

PS: tranquillo, quella sopra è la fornitura “solo” per la prima giornata del campionato!

There’s a lovely old tree in my field, which must have been wonderful as a climbing tree, back in its day. Sadly, it’s now getting to be quite rotten and although I have scrambled up its lower branches (being 30 is all the more reason to climb!), I daren’t go very high, just in case…

On a couple of occasions, I thought I saw Midge jumping out of the tree but thought I was imagining things.

Turns out that my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me:

Midge the Tree Dog - 12 October 2009

As for Snipe… Just don’t ask:

Explore Your Future at Universal Artists

When the city of Birmingham, Alabama, was established as a potential hub in direct competition with the great city of Atlanta (ATL) for the title as capital city of the Deep South, little did the world know the city’s greatest achievement and note as a power on the world front would come through a vehicle of hip hop acts and producers known now globally as Shaka Productions.

Shaka of Shaka Productions

From the mind of Joe Stern-McGovern, global agent and President of Universal Artists, International, comes the largest smack on the richter scale since the volcanic eruption on Krakatoa, DO and Mouf Piece of da City, blood brothers of Dem Hard Headz, and lyrical shoguns on the mic, Facts, Lo, and Hood Shuttlesworth of the Shuttlesworth long line of blue bloods, collectively known as Black Flock Gang aka BFG.

The Noble Hood Shuttlesworth of BFG

It’s rumored through inside sources the Black Flock Gang’s smash debut might break all previous records of Dirty South acts such as T-Pain, TI, 36 Mafia, Gucci Mane, and Yo Gotti put together, with it’s down home, grits and sweet tea thumper, bumper, and shaking the trunker collection on the coming self titled album, BFG. These numbers have been scientifically gathered and analyzed not only by the industry’s top number crunchers, pocket protectors and lab coats, but registered with the moderators of good taste and etiquette, Trap House Coalition, also hailing from Birmingham. Look for the Trap House Coalition’s Rodney Smalls on the coming single, “Don’t Think About It”, accompanied by Lo and Hood Shuttlesworth.

DO: One Half of Dem Hard Headz

The debut of the BFG is certain to titillate, shock, awe, and jaw drop any who hear the magnificence of an album largely consisting of beats by Tiptonville’s, A-Dub, www.myspace.com/adubbeatz, and the mastery of Shaka of Shaka Productions fame, www.myspace.com/universalshaka, as well as the artistic engineering genius and attention to detail of Hood Zone Productions.

Hood Zone of Hood Zone Productions

If you’re curious about the BFG and would like to check out a preview of the act, make sure to frequent downtown Birmingham’s art focused venues through the end of October, where copies of the hit debut, Black Flock Gang: BFG, will be sold in great numbers and all 5 of the act’s members themselves will be present following earth shaking shows to personally sign posters from their well known and much to do CD debut, BFG.

With Universal Artists, International’s expectations high in the firm belief they’ve hit pay dirt with the BFG, the agency has began to acquire new talent worldwide. If you think you have talent on the level of BFG, A-Dub and Lil’ J, The Bionic Rapper, Ms. Kesha Lee, or Christian Levi, please contact Universal Artists, International directly at either info@universalartists.net, or at universalartists@myspace.com.

BFG featuring Christian

If you are an investor in search of the chance to get in on the ground level of a company certain to rock even the most distant of the four corners of this earth, if you have a love for money, if you care about social conscience and humanitarian causes, or simply a fan of the genius of Shaka Productions and its acts, please write directly to France’s Guy Aeschelmann, entrepreneur, MBA, and counsel to Joe Stern-McGovern, at guy@universalartists.net.

Ms. Kesha Lee: Letting Her Hair Down

If you’d care to reach Shaka of Shaka Productions himself to pitch your talents and particular genius, feel free to write to shaka@universalartists.net. Only serious queries will be given attention. Please be prepared to submit photos, bio, and at least two songs as a demo, or the URL to your Myspace.Com profile. If your profile is set to private, make sure to add either www.myspace.com/universalartists, www.myspace.com/universalshaka, or www.myspace.com/joesternmcgovern.

Lo of the BFG: I'm Coming for You

If you are a videographer or film editor, producer, or director, please visit us at www.quicktimefilms.com, or contact Joe Stern-McGovern’s assistant directly at joesternmcgovern@myspace.com, or by adding Joe Stern-McGovern at www.myspace.com/joesternmcgovern with bids on future studio projects such as music videos and documentaries.

If you are a retailer, distributor, label, scout, or if you care to book the BFG for any show of merit, please write to Universal Artists, International’s info@universalartists.net attention Ashley M. Our acts are generally available 24/7 for the right gig, the right price, or the right cause.

BFG: In Concert Summer 2009

For information on how to donate to the favorite charities of the BFG, please write to their representative at payments@universalartists.net, or the act themselves on Myspace.Com at www.myspace.com/blackflockgang attention, “Hood Shuttlesworth”.

If you are interested in Universal Artists, International’s artists, wholesale products, or merchandising their retail items such as ball caps, T-Shirts, sweat shirts, posters, or special edition CDs, make sure to write to info@universalartists.net.

If you do not have ready access to the Internet, you may call Universal Artists, International directly at their San Diego office at 1(619)757-1301 anytime and leave a message. To reach our staff, call between the hours of 8am to 5pm Pacific Standard Time.

Preacha Boi: Mouf Piece of da City

For specifically European queries, you may write Terje at terje@universalartists.net or in Asia, Kiyotaka at kiyotaka@universalartists.net.

For comments of either praise or criticism, add Universal Artists, International as a friend at www.myspace.com/universalartists and drop us a note in the comments section of the profile, or write directly at universalartists@myspace.com.

If you are with the press, or if you have any interest in employment opportunities such as journalism, music management, high commission sales, acting as a scout, publicizing, if you are interested in charity or donations, or if you are simply destined for success through the arts, contact Joe Stern-McGovern’s assistant at joe@universalartists.net or joesternmcgovern@myspace.com.

A-Dub and Lil' J of the 731

Domenica scorsa è andata in scena la CoppaCamilla’09..

..le gesta dei nostri, e qualcosa altro a contorno: clicckando qui!!

-nell’immagine sopra quello che ha tirato via dalla pala del timone del suo snipe Mano, dopo essere rientrato a causa di una piccola avaria allo stesso!-

I lost Snipe last night.

Snipe - 20 September 2009

Knowing that we’ve got rain heading our way, I took my time at the farm, lingering in the pig enclosures long after they’d finished eating, enjoying the warm evening air and the sounds of the birds as they got ready to settle down for the night (they take longer to say good night than the Waltons ever did…).

By the time the owls started waking up, I decided it was time to head for home and let the dogs have one last run round while I washed the pig buckets. I stacked them to dry, hung up my brush, closed the shutters on the shipping container I use as a feed shed and called the dogs to put them in the car.

Midge came running.

No sign of Snipe.

I called and whistled and waited for the sound of her name tag tinkling against her collar.

Nothing.

I called again, louder this time.

And again.

And again.

And again.

I walked down the lane, calling and whistling.

Nothing.

I tried the neighbouring fields.

Nothing.

I walked down to the river.

Nothing.

I was about to call the police to report her missing when I had a thought and ran back to the shipping container and flung open the shutter.

Yup, there she was.

I let her out and she fell at my feet, crying and shaking, rolling over onto her back, twisting and writhing as she apologised for not coming when I called.

Why didn’t the idiot bark?!

..è stata una grandissima edizione, come sempre organizzata in maniera encomiabile (vedi sopra)!

In grandissimo spolvero 2 equipaggi sabbazzieschi nella Classe Snipe ed il Nostro Presidente nella Classe Dinghy12″..

..more will follow!

..domani si celebra la “Coppa Camilla”, che con la sua pasta&fagioli post regata funziona un pò come l’Epifania, e tutte le regate al Lago si porta via!

Numerosi i sabbazziari attesi sulla linea di partenza, in svariate Classi, tanto per cambiare!!

Hood Zone: King of the Jungle

In a move which many in Birmingham, let alone the entire music industry, call the coup d’etat of this century, Universal Artists, International’s Joe Stern-McGovern and Shaka of Shaka Productions have somehow managed to ensnare the elusive big cat, the man eater of idle prey, the king of the jungle, Hood Zone of the industry’s rap and R&B notorious Hood Zone Productions fame.

A young man by any account of relativity, Hood Zone of Hood Zone Productions was born into this world a prodigy of unique distinction. The heir to a long blue bloodline of the musically inclined, Hood Zone of Hood Zone Production’s recently departed father was a renowned keyboard player whose claim to fame includes a stint as a player for the legendary, Temptations.

According to industry phenom himself, Joe Stern-McGovern, who is reportedly juggling a current 3 way circus in the form of a rumored buy out by EMI, Sony/BMG, or the large conglomerate of Time-Warner, Hood Zone of Hood Zone Productions is the key element on the chessboard introduced at precisely the right time.

Hood Zone of Hood Zone Productions: The Signing

Embroiled between giants in a bold contest for the sale of the century, Joe Stern-McGovern has played his hand, pulling an ace from his sleeve in the calculated and brilliant signing of the elusive, Hood Zone of Birmingham, Alabama. With a single checkmate move, Joe Stern-McGovern has moved from stalemate to certain victory in this battle of modern day industry trench warfare.

It is reported that unbelievably, the largest signing of this decade to date went down in the center of Birmingham, where Shaka of Shaka Productions fame, Joe Stern-McGovern, and the modern day savior of the urban game, Hood Zone of Hood Zone Productions, met at a fast food joint of all places, where they dined on apple turnovers and sweet tea with ink pen at the ready.

Hood Zone: Nothing Less than Success

Down to earth, the trio was above the usual pomp and cirmcumstance that would usually accompany such a monumental occasion. Hood Zone of Hood Zone Productions, the common man’s white knight, and black knight to the naysayer, was dressed in simple black and adorned with what was reported as black headdress. Although each of the three held enough power to level destinies, dynasties, and the idle idol, their junta was casual, civil, and yet the singular signing of the century.

What does the future hold for Hood Zone one asks? Why not simply ask the destiny of surefire success, as by its very definition, Hood Zone of Hood Zone Productions implies glory and untold fortune by name and reputation alone. Is Hood Zone the crown jewel and king to pawn’s move in today’s game? The question is rhetorical and needn’t be given a second thought. His mastery of whichever genre Hood Zone of Hood Zone Productions chooses to perform, as well as his adept managerial skills and concern for his fellow man, have earned Hood Zone a ranking at the top of what many consider an extremely cutthroat business at the very least.

Hood Zone: Can't Touch This

Money, money, money…does anyone have a spare wheel barrel for rent? As the single by FAM Boy$ and blood brothers, Dem Hard Headz of BFG fame, as well as Christian of Christian Levi fame’s smash single, Dis How Money Sounds implies, it’s a player’s world, and Hood Zone of Hood Zone Productions refuses to rest on his certified laurels as monster publisher of ASCAP, continuing to cash in on every opportunity the market presents the contemporary Stephen Hawking with.

If you’ve ever wondered what the future looks like as it stands before you, if you’ve ever asked yourself what is the source of genius, if you’ve ever pondered the notion of the artistic sublime, look no further than Hood Zone of Hood Zone productions.

Hood Zone: An Unstoppable Force

Kudos must be given to Joe Stern-McGovern and Shaka Productions of Universal Artists, International, especially in these times of economic hardship, as the trio which now includes the genius of Hood Zone of Hood Zone Productions promises hope on the horizon of the lost, weary, and yearning music lover and general consumer.

What is the solution? Where did genius begin? Who will save the game? Who rules supreme and uncontested? Hood Zone of Hood Zone Productions. Bow down mortal fools to his capitalistic genius, his artistically shrewd intellect, and yet open and humble nature. Lesser gods of the distant heavens, humble yourselves as Joe Stern-McGovern and Shaka of Shaka Productions bring a king before your eyes.

Hood Zone and Shaka: It's a Done Deal

Hood Zone of Hood Zone, there can only be one!

Yesterday evening, I was happily pottering about in the field, chatting to the pigs and generally enjoying the last of the day’s warmth. Midge was snuffling about in the long grass and Snipe … well, I hadn’t seen her for a wee while but the last time I did, she was in the middle of the field, by the path.

Suddenly, the peace of the evening was shattered when my phone rang.

A young, male voice asked “Have you got a Golden Retriever?”.

My first thought was that it was a very strange version of one of those phone calls.

Then I thought that Snipe isn’t a Retriever, she’s a Labrador.

Finally, the penny dropped and I managed to grasp enough common sense to say “Oh bloody hell, is she out on the road?”.

The young guy confirmed that she was and I peered through the gaps in the hedge until I spotted my missing dog with a middle-aged woman and two lads on mountain bikes.

It turns out that the woman had been driving past when she saw a dog sitting on the grass verge, looking quite content but very much alone.

I know that pose. It’s the one she uses when she gets half way across the field, decides she’s going no further, plops herself down in the grass and stays until I return, whether it’s five or fifteen minutes later!

She pulled over and Snipe greeted her happily (traitor!). The two lads chose that moment to cycle by, so she flagged them down (not having a mobile of her own) and one of them rang me…

The thing is, Snipe had gone wasn’t more than about twenty feet from where I was but having gone down the bank, across the stream and then up the bank on the other side, she’d clearly managed to lose herself and was therefore waiting to be rescued!

Snipe - 28 September 2009

B often describes my dog as being “daft as a brush”. I generally defend poor Snipe but in this case……