BIRDING THE LUNE ESTUARY THE FOREST OF BOWLAND AND BEYOND................................................................................SCAUP MORECAMBE BAY PETE WOODRUFF

Tuesday, 24 December 2024

Seasons Greetings

Brent Goose.

It looks like this goose might be bird of the year for me, this is because I found 112 Brent Geese on the north shore at Heysham on Thursday 19 December, representing the peak count for 2024 so far. I picked out a LDBWS Annual Report for 2014 to find the Pale-bellied Brent Goose wasn't even featured anywhere in the recording area 10 years ago.

The history of the Brent Geese in number at Heysham doesn't start until 2019, when the count peaked at 43 Pale-bellied Brent Geese in March. The species was recorded then as, 'a scarce winter visitor but a regular late-winter feeding area is developing at Heysham'....This is the status still recorded in the last published LDBWS report in 2021, but surely won't be recorded as 'scarce' in the next report.   

I'm really chuffed to send seasonal wishes to all followers of B2B, dedicated, occasional, or even rarely. Chuffed because the peak count of views was 162 to a recent post. This includes my thanks to those who regularly forward news and info about the presence of birds in our area....'who needs WhatsApp anyway'....and the little army of photographers who also forward excellent images to add some colour and often excitement to the blog. 

I'm grateful to Ian Mitchell for unwittingly taking on the role of providing me with a Christmas header image of the Cockersand Barn Owl. Perfect timing Ian, I was struggling to find one when the owl arrived in my inbox....Thank You Ian. 

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE  

18 comments:

  1. Feliz Navidad Pete.Un fuerte abrazo amigo.

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  2. So very sorry, I've not been in touch for ages, but promise to put that right in the New Year.

    My wishes to you for a HAPPY CHRISTMAS Antonio....Pete.

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  3. Pete - No problem just thought it might make you smile.

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  4. I thought it was great Ian and thank you.

    I note you're not 'anonymous this time Ian?

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    1. No that is because I posted the comment from my computer. If I post from iPad or iPhone it is anonymous. I think it is if you are logged into Google or not.

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  5. Season’s greetings to you Pete and all the friendly faces I have seen at Conder Pool over the past 12 months. As always thanks for keeping us updated with all that is going on in the area. I for one find it very informative

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  6. David....I scrolled through to my post for last December on B2B and found your comment there, to be honest I knew you would come here again this year....How's that for knowing your friends so well!

    A Happy Christmas to you David and thank you so much.

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  7. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. Hope you have a fantastic end to the year and a wildlife filled 2025.

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  8. I echo your message word for word Marc.

    Thank You....Pete.

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  9. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I will try to find some wintering Stonechats for you on Tarnbrook Fell in the New Year!
    Cheers
    Simon Hawtin

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    1. Many Thanks Simon. Looking forward to your Stonechat reports, I certainly won't get any on Tarnbrook Fell, can't get up there anymore unfortunately, sadly even.

      The Very Best for 2025 Simon....Pete.

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  10. Same to you and your family Pete and all the best wishes for 2025. Let's hope we get a summer next year!

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    1. Looking forward to some dragon (and bird) hunts, roll on spring!

      All the best for 2025 Steve....Pete.

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  11. I've really enjoyed reading your blog over the last year Pete. I've never interacted before, but just wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the new year! Looking forward to reading more of your posts in 2025.
    Simon P, Lancaster.

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  12. Thanks for your kind words, despite the frustration of not working out the 'P' in Simon P yet....Give me time!

    Best Wishes for 2025 Simon....Pete.

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    1. Ha haa! The P is for Phillipson; would have been a tricky one to work out I think!

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  13. All the very best to you for 2025 Pete.

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  14. Many Thanks Howard....I know Seasons Greetings are traditional, but if they come to B2B that is very special to me and much appreciated.

    HAPPY NEW YEAR to yourself and Gerri.

    Regards....Pete.

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