Well, Springwatch starts again on Monday. I for one am looking forward to it although it has never been the same without Bill Oddie. I have a lovely personal memory of Bill. He was speaking at an event at the NEC in Birmingham and then was signing copies of his new bird book. It was lovely to meet him face to face. He was very shy but charming.
I live just up the road from Martin Mere WWT and I love it when the programme comes from there - so many familiar sights. I hope it returns there before too long.
Pipit
Hi Pipit
Thank you for opening this thread as I think it will be a great place to talk about the nightly events of Springwatch 2010.
I think that Bill Oddie knows his stuff, and puts his environmental points across very well as a presenter to a wider audience of adults and children alike. In IMHO, he is better presenting his own shows. To me, he is a one man show, and does better on his own. As mentioned, I also understand that he can be cantankarous in his own way. He suffers from depression and that can be debilitating in its own way too (have that problem myself) - and it does not make you a lesser person for having depression - it is managing it that is the best way in life - and staying away from issues/people that inflame the problem.
Having a job in front of a camera must be quite stressful, and people take you on your merits as they see you and that can be either a good thing or a bad thing for you as a presenter.
I have seen Bill Oddie at the Bird Fair over the years at Rutland - we passed each other. Dave and I plan to go this year as we have done so over the last few years.
I have always like Kate humble and she seems to fit in with all the presenters that she had shared her air-time with. She can laugh at herself, and had a GSOH and that makes her good at what she does. A great choice for Springwatch anyday, so well done to the beeb.
I like Chris Packan also. He is a very keen 'wildlife' presenter, and he fills a person up with an awe of wildlife. If you listen to him he really puts his point across very well indeed. The same applies with Simon King. Love both of them in the same way - great people.
I have met David Attenbrough a few years ago, and was lucky to see him at a live 'wildlife' presentation at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh and he was a fabulous as he always is.
We really need to fill in the gap when David Attenbrough is not around anymore. I feel all the presenters are josling to take his place and there is a sense of that going on now.
Another up and coming wildlife presenter I like a lot is Mike Dilgar. I would love to see him take a place in the wildlife presenters listings, and move on from a 3 minute 'presenting' slot on the One Show. He can do so much better for himself than that now.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Haven't watched Springwatch for years, got fed up with everything being dropped to watch the badgers as soon as they appeared from the sett. That programme made me start to really dislike badgers! Too much of the presenters and not enough wildlife, plus I agree with the others who has said about Kate Humble taking on the asking questions role, especially since it's usually the same questions every year! I'm pretty sure she is just as knowledgeable as the others, I suspect she could certainly give them a run for their money when it comes to marine topics, but it's the same on Animal Park - only on that Ben has to look like an idiot who knows nothing too!
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Good to see Springwatch back. Met Simon KIng when he was at South Stack. What a lovely man, So friendly and approachable. He's my favorit presenter. Chris does tend to take over a little but his enthusiasm is great.
Birds Rule
Got to watch Springwatch today on BBCi. (there are advantages to giving up work!!)
I really enjoyed it and was really charmed by the enthusiasm of the presenters (especially Simon King who I adore!)
I felt there was more Wildlife and less Presenter in this first episode, so let's hope it continues.
Fantastic shots of the Hobby and I was also really impressed by the shots of the two Bitterns.
Was there an 'Unsprung' as I couldn't see it advertised?
Yes, I agree Pipit, I thoroughly enjoyed this first episode and look forward to the next.
Kind regards Jane.
Yeah - I was channel surfing for 'unsprung' as well, after the main event. I love it's chaos and off the cuff approach. It didn't seem to be on last night, so I'm hoping it'll be back tonight. It'd be a shame if they've ditched it :(
Corriepaw x
On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it - Jules Renard
I thoroughly enjoyed it last night, for me I have to say the Bitterns - seeing two like that flying together. I've never seen one although I've been to reserves to do just that but always been foiled (dagnammit!). I really like the presenters, Kate I think is a real sweetie. I love the way Chris just sits there when he's not talking, staring into space but with an expression that shows he just loves being there. Well at least I hope he loves being there!
As to who could fill Attenborough's shoes, oooh that would be very tough a really hard act to follow but I think it should be Simon King, he's been doing similar for years albeit behind the camera he would make a really great replacement. He's a bit dishy if I say so myself and I'm not really one for saying things like that normally plus his personality really comes across you can feel his passion for all things wildlife.
Mike Dilgar is very enthusiastic but I've only ever seen him on the One Show. We did however see him in real life last year. He was staying at the same hotel as us in the New Forest, he and his crew were there to film funghi.. He's just as enthusiastic in real life as he is on TV well about everything actually!
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
Yes, who could fill Attenborough's shoes?? Simon King would be a good choice especially for his from-the-heart enthusiasm and love for wildlife. I will NEVER forget him crying on Big Cat Diaries when he found his hand raised cheetah safe and sound after it had disappeared. Waaahhh!
Did you see Springwatch tonight? Not as good as the blockbuster episode one with the Hobbys and Bitterns but it was good to see the otter in daylight.
Cheers
Pipit x
Unfortunatey no, the time has run away with me so will have to catch up later.
Hey Corriepaw
I can't find the thread where you said it, but you correctly identified the 'mystery' call on last night's Springwatch. It's just been on and, of course, it was a Nightjar.
Bats are on at the moment. I have a bit of a 'thing' about bats so I'm watching from behind a cushion ( a phobia only shared with watching the Daleks!!)
Good man