MARKS REALITY DIARY September/October/November 2000

September and I only had three days birding in the local area, but it was enough to pick up two waders on the Eric Morecambe Pools, Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint. The rest of the month was spent on Fair Isle with the usual birds seen, Lanceolated Warbler, Great Snipe, Olive-backed Pipit (found that one !) and Pacific Golden Plover, in flight only.

The new Fair Isle world pudding eating record is now seven helpings, to me!

October was almost the same as September, with only four days birding within the area, with only one new bird, Shag from the public hide at Leighton Moss. This was only the third record for the reserve.

My two weeks on the Scillies did not produce as many ticks as last year, only Solitary Sandpiper, but a good list of other birds, two Red-eyed Vireos, Arctic warbler, Blue-winged Teal, Swainsons Thrush, Rose Coloured Starling, and Spectacled Warbler.

Due to work, lack of birds, and a Stellers Eider in Scotland, I only again managed four days local birding. I did however manage to see one new bird, Water Pipit at Leighton Moss. (You have to be there!)

Mark Prestwood