some time off

I`m going to be taking a few days off social media just for time to reflect on things. 

It`s an important family time, a time to be together when we say goodbye to Dad, but i`ll be getting back to some nature photography and maybe social media again in a week or so. 

Thanks

Swansea airshow

 

There`s nothing quite like a good airshow. Out in the fresh air, the level of anticipation of what`s to come, and then of course the noise of a Typhoon roaring in at some stage.

This year I could only get to the second day in Swansea, which started off with the Red Arrows at precisely 12 noon (not 11.59 or12.01!). Coming in over Swansea from behind the crowd line, they put on the usual display of excellence although they were unable to perform their full display, including high loops, due to low cloud-base at the time.

A great show followed, with the Strikemaster pair, Team Raven, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Wing walkers, Yak, Thunderbolt and many more, but of course not forgetting the Eurofighter Typhoon.

The Typhoon`s individual display followed a dual flypast with the Lancaster from BBMF, which i`ve never seen before.

No helicopters this year unfortunately, which was a shame as I was looking forward to seeing (for the first time for many years) the Westland Wasp, which was on the original schedule. However, there was one aircraft that i`d never seen before, even though I had it in Airfix when I was young! - the Swordfish. 

If ever there was a complete opposite to the very fast and very loud Typhoon, this was it. A wonderfully-lumbering biplane from early WWII. 

Other airshows are unfortunately out of the question for me this year, but i`m already looking forward to what might be on `the menu` for the Wales National Airshow next year.

As Red 1 would say, "Smoke on ...."

How Dad encouraged my love for nature

 

Over the last few days, or in fact over many months now, I have been reflecting on the great influence our late Dad has had on me, as well as also on my sister and brother. But for the attempt of wanting to put down some thanks to him on this blog, I make a feeble effort at trying to put some words together that might make sense - so if it seems a bit of a ramble, I apologise in advance. Formulating words to express how you feel at a time like this is not a strong point of mine. (English language teacher: "Could try harder, Myners".)

Dad was quite simply a humble, quiet, polite and kind `gentleman` in the true sense of the word, underpinned by a quiet but firm Christian faith. He might not have been a high-flyer, but he worked hard to help provide for a us, three children and his beloved wife, making sure there was food on the table, a roof (occasionally leaky) over our heads, and an annual caravan holiday somewhere in Cornwall.

There are many memories, but on this blog I just want to mention how the kindness of my parents, and Dad`s never-ending patience, helped mould my life long interest in nature - birds in particular.

When Neil and I were young we always shared a room, and this room became our `den`, with my airfix planes hanging from the ceiling and posters on the wall. We were both keen on wildlife amongst other things, watching Anglia TVs` `Survival` programmes, and having a `World of Wildlife` magazine to share between us. One of these have a large, possibly A2, poster of a Cheetah which ended up on the wall. But this was also the beginnings of my wider interests in nature, and in particular birds. Dad (and Mum) were always encouraging, taking us to the then Plymouth Zoo, the Aquarium, and other places which kept this interest going.

When I was about 11 or 12, I received my first `big` (meaning slightly more expensive) Christmas present - my first pair of binoculars, which was top of my Christmas list. Although looking back they weren`t an `expensive` pair in terms of quality, brand, etc, (Boots 8 x 30s), I thought the world of them. It would have been a very expensive Christmas for my parents, quite sacrificial, to ensure we all had nice presents we wanted. I had in fact secretly "tried out" the binoculars before hand, having found out where they had been stored, un-boxing them then re-boxing them carefully after! 

Probably the best and typical memory of Dad buying that Christmas present was that he sacrificed a very wet and cold Boxing Day afternoon to take me to the River Plym as I wanted to see what was on the mud flats with those new bins! This was just typical of Dad, giving up his time for one of his children, leaving the crackling fire and the box of Quality Street to stand in the wet with me. I`ve never forgotten it.

Dad and Mum always saved hard for our Christmas presents, Dad`s income being topped up by Mum working part-time in a local sweet shop. Those first binoculars really opened my eyes to what was around me, and I can honestly say that they set me on a path of enjoying nature more, and to where I am these days with my photography, and as a volunteer with the Wetlands Trust.

So the binocular story is just one of many i`ve been recounting where Dad has been gracious, giving of his time so willingly. The binoculars were eventually replaced of course, but Dad`s love and kindness never changed.

So proud to have had Dad as Dad.

Dad

 Yesterday we lost a truly humble, gracious and loving Father, whose example is a benchmark that I would do my best to try and achieve.

I`m no good with words at times like these, but I just want to say "thanks Dad" for everything you have done, and the example you have set to so many people. You never sought the limelight in anything, instead always quietly being supportive and kind to so many people.

Thank you to ALL the staff at Pembroke House, Gillingham for looking after and caring for Dad so well.  

Young male Kingfisher returns

 

A check-in from one of the juvenile Kingfisher fledged early in mid May earlier this week, after a concerning time that they might not have made the last few weeks.

Hope the parents remain undisturbed, and this young male (encroaching back on their territory) doesn`t push his luck too far.

(undisclosed location)

Heading back to Skomer

 

Photography time has been very limited over the last few months, but looking forward to my second visit to Skomer Island next week. Sounds a bit extravagant after having had a visit a few weeks ago (that was an `extra treat`, as life`s a bit too short), so - weather permitting - it will be concentrating on Puffins this time. However, if a Shortie is spotted, I could get distracted to the North valley again.

During the little time i`ve had, i`ve been working on a project for the WWT, and also have had some experiments with AI. Perhaps a bit more info disclosed on that at a later time.

I haven`t designed those new cards yet, but will get a move on soon as i`ll need them for early July! Watch this space.

A mixed week!!!

 

It was good to be back with the falconry this week for their Customer Experience, although the fabulous weather was (and is) a nightmare for photography. Bright sun, harsh shadows, and other exposure issues. It went well though.

On Thursday, `time stood still` when I saw my phone fall into some inaccessible and deepish water, hearing that fateful `plop` when it went in. Utter disbelief followed, this being only four weeks after having to buy a new laptop! 

Fast forward to Saturday morning, and i`m still trying to find contact numbers for people who  i`ve known for years. Apologies too to a couple of people whose numbers I had on the phone who were expecting me to get back to them by now! Sorry!

Hoping next week goes better.