Birding Braunie

Famdabidozy. Finally found the Wryneck at Fambridge. Phew. All this week I have been on a quest ti see the Wryneck along the seawall at South Fambridge. Fact is, I have seen this species on a few occasions in the past but having such a enigmatic bird so close to work has motivated me to use my early spare time to seek out this unique bird. Call it a quest I suppose but some may call it a fixation. Fair enough but the truth is, I have seen so many wonderful birds here and it would seem South Fambridge is a rather under-watched 'patch'. I mean it’s no RSPB reserve with hides and tempting sausage rolls along the way, but just a romantic section of countryside that snuggles up against a tranquil river estuary coupled with an expanse of arable farmland. But most of all, its the birdlife that really attracts. In some ways, it makes you think anything is possible. For example, two relatively scare birds, the marsh harrier and the corn bunting; they’re there , you just have to ...

Working in Rochford has its moments but not many. Unless you a member of a mobility scooter club or look forward to being poisoned by the odd Indian restaurant or two, there really isn’t much to get excited about.  Even the local Sainsburys appears to have  ended it’s Meal Deal deal. So why the duck do I get to work 2 hours before anyone else??? There’s a couple of reasons for this – both lame. One. The traffic at that time is light and this saves me a good 30 minutes as well as fuel. Secondly, I get stuff done. No phones ring. No one demanding work and most of all, I can raid the Haribo bowl without anyone knowing. No, it’s okay, they don’t read my blog. Come to that, I’m not sure anyone does. So, this isn’t very healthy. The Haribos and the driving are making me fat or fatter. I used to walk a good 45 minutes every day to tube stations etc and today I walk nowhere. Until a wryneck turned up down the road. I didn’t know it was down the road until I looked th...