Took my younger daughter Katie (plus a large stuffed bear named Spike- part of a project she is doing at pre- school) to Baron's Haugh today. Leaving aside the numerous requisite photo opportunities for Spike, had a brilliant 3 hours. (not bad, considering her ladyship is only 5, and didn't need carried once!) Saw a pair of Goldeneye in the river Clyde, plus Coots, tufties and Mallards in the loch proper. And gulls, gulls, gulls!!
Also a pair of mute swans- disappointed not to see any whoopers, but its possible they're away for the summer. KAtie loved hearing about the different species, and checking them in her handy bird book- when I say handy, it fitted into my pockets, I mean, a princess can't carry her own stuff now, can she? Quite a few birders out today, me a wonderful couple with their son/ grandson? who Katie befriended. Really appreciated it, and it highlighted the whole community aspect of birding. Dipped a pair of goosanders by concentrating on the female goldeneye that they were following. Obligatory cursing was restricted due to a) Katie learning enough bad words without me adding to them, b) she'd tell her mother on me and get me into trouble.
All in all, a wonderful day at a hidden gem of a reserve (its a 7 minute drive from my house) The only downside was, as we were leaving, the obligatory ne' erdowell youths arrived with their carryout of a certain tonic wine brewed by monks in Devon. aka in these parts 'buckie.'
Can't wait to go back, this time without Spike, and also a lot earlier in the morning.
Oh, and if there's anyone who was at the Dalzell estate about 3 pm- did I imagine things, or was there a flock of about 15 fieldfares swooping down in one of the higher fields?
I even love magpies
Hi Johnny, good to see you are now allowed to take your daughter out on your own again. I still remember the adventures when you took them to the shore. Sounds like you had a really enjoyable time and I am so impressed that little Katie is already checking birds in her book.
I find it so refeshing when I see familes out walking and birdwatching maybe there is hope for the future of wildlife. I do wish adults would be a little more tolerant of children though. We were in a birdhide last week and a young girl around 5 or 6 had sat patiently for over an hour when she suddenly shoted " mummy mummy a woody woodpecker" and 50% of the occupants of the hide tutted and glared at her instead of saying " well done you are a good spotter " they left almost immediately,no doubt with a child that thought she had done something wrong. Enthusiasm should be encouraged
Of all creatures, man is the most detestable, he is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. ~ Mark Twain
Very good point and no good people complaining about all birdwatchers being old when some are really intolerant,think quite a lot of us find it really nice to help the young children and see their enthusiasm and they need encouraging to carry on the good work in years to come also offsets some of the vandalism that some do.
That's a lovely story Johnny. I really enjoyed sharing your day with you and your daughter (and Spike!). It's good to know that you are happy to have her with you and that you encourage her interest in wildlife as all children are the future for wildlife on our planet.
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
I think Mrs Mac had gotten a little tired of having evry conversation interrupted by Katie or myself running to the window shouting 'woodpigeon' or 'blackbird' and felt that she may as well get rid of both of us for an afternoon. Knowing Katie, its entirely possible that she didn't believe me and had to check her book to confirm what I said we were seeing!!
The best thing about it is that it confirmed that she has a genuine interest in bording. Older sister, realising that Katie got something that she didn't, has also suddenly erupted in birding knowledge (the walk to school now takes twice as long, as she stops and stares at trees.)
All we need is for my boy (3 tomorrow!!) to get beyond his RUN!! JUMP!! CLIMB!! SHOUT!! FALL!! CRY!! stage. Give him another year.....