Holme Bird Observatory

When in the UK I was very lucky when Steve arranged for me to spend a few days at Holme Bird Observatory with Jed Andrews (the warden) and his wife, and Sophie (bird ringer at the observatory) where they catch and ring birds for studying migration. This is just one of many observatories studying birds in the UK.

Me with Jed outside the observatory

Ringing a Reed Warbler

Catching and ringing Swallows at dusk when they came in to roost

Bird ringing is fantastic. Maybe the some of the warblers and swallows we ringed at Holme might go to the Gambia this winter. I find migration very interesting and am still learning all about it. In Gambia we get migrants from Europe and from southern Africa.

Birding in the UK

Whilst I was staying with Steve and Liz in the UK (I am back home now in the Gambia), I was able to go birdwatching at many of the top sites.

I spent a day at Rutland Water (where the Birdfair is) with Steve and Liz

I went to Paxton Pits with Ray Mathews

I went to Titchwell a couple of times with Jim Swalwell (Geordie Jim)

And to Minsmere with Terry Leonard

I was lucky and I see many good birds like Bittern, Stone-curlew (like our thick-knee), Temminck's Stint and much more.

Where I stay with Steve amd Liz, around the house we spent many hours birdwatching on the fen and saw lots of Hobbies (like our Hobby), Marsh Harriers, even a Red Kite which I found. They get lots of small birds like Tree Sparrow in the garden. You can see Steve's site for things in his garden (including many moths).