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The Empire Nature Club - 27/12/2012 9:20:00 PM

Harry Lime

Posts: 5106
Joined: 30/9/2005

"Never let it be said that Harry Lime is not a Renaissance man. He is a poet, critic, essayist, inventor, sportsman, sex symbol. A former Moderator, he holds the record for most Mr Underhill Post of the Day awards, spearheaded the launch of the Empire Hall of Fame and Golden Oldie Sub-Forums and created the ever-popular Empire Dead Pool. He also holds the record for most completed wanks during a single episode of Going Live!".

So says my latest Who's Who entry. It's a generous tribute that captures my humanitarian spirit and cultural significance, as well as my overpowering and irresistible masculinity. However, those good people at A & C Black have omitted one major passion in that all too succinct summary. I am also an avid Birdwatcher.

So, not content with bringing tidings of death to your forum on a regular basis, I have decided to bring you the very essence of life as well. The gift of the nature!

This is a thread for us outdoorsy types and our lists, recommendations, sightings and general conservation chattery. Whether you want to talk about places you visit, creatures you have seen, add a bit of trivia or post the occasional pretty photo, this is the place for you.

I'm also going to keep a list for all of the sightings that I have over 2013. I'm geeky that way. I'm sure that some of you are the same.

So, feel free to join. All are welcome. After all, you only have to look out of the window to participate!

< Message edited by Harry Lime -- 12/2/2013 6:27:43 PM >

_____________________________

"People think I have an interesting walk. Hell, I'm just trying to hold my gut in."

If I get there early will it be the right time
our heaven is just waiting so put your hand into mine.

Post #: 1

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 27/12/2012 9:20:36 PM

Harry Lime

Posts: 5106
Joined: 30/9/2005

My bird list for 2013:-

Avocet
Bar-tailed Godwit
Barn Owl
Barnacle Goose
Bittern*
Black Brant
Black Redstart
Black-headed Gull
Black-necked Grebe
Black-tailed Godwit
Black-winged Stilt
Blackbird
Blackcap
Blue Tit
Brambling
Brent Goose
Bullfinch
Canada Goose
Carrion Crow
Chaffinch
Chiffchaff
Coal Tit
Collared Dove
Common Buzzard
Common Gull
Common Sandpiper
Common Tern
Coot
Cormorant
Corn Bunting
Cuckoo
Curlew
Dunnock
Dunlin
Fieldfare
Gadwall
Garden Warbler
Garganey
Goldcrest
Golden Plover
Goldeneye
Goldfinch
Goosander
Great Black-backed Gull
Great Crested Grebe
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Great Tit
Greater Scaup
Green Sandpiper
Green Woodpecker
Greenfinch
Greenshank
Grey Heron
Grey Plover
Greylag Goose
Hen Harrier
Hobby
Herring Gull
House Martin
House Sparrow
Jackdaw
Jay
Kestrel
Kingfisher
Knot
Lapwing
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Lesser Redpoll
Lesser Scaup*
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker*
Lesser Whitethroat
Linnet
Little Egret
Little Grebe
Little Gull
Little Owl
Little Ringed Plover
Long-eared Owl*
Long-tailed Duck
Long-tailed Tit
Mallard
Magpie
Marsh Harrier
Meadow Pipit
Mediterranean Gull
Merlin
Mistle Thrush
Moorhen
Mute Swan
Nightingale
Osprey
Oystercatcher
Peregrine
Pheasant
Pied Wagtail
Pintail
Pochard
Raven
Red Kite
Red-breasted Merganser
Red-crested Pochard*
Red-legged Partridge
Redshank
Redwing
Reed Bunting
Reed Warbler
Richardson's Canada Goose*
Ringed Plover
Robin
Rock Dove
Rook
Ruddy Duck
Ruff
Sand Martin
Sanderling
Sedge Warbler
Shelduck
Short-eared Owl
Shoveler
Siskin
Skylark
Smew
Snipe
Song Thrush
Sparrowhawk
Spoonbill
Spotted Redshank
Starling
Stock Dove
Subalpine Warbler*
Swallow
Swift
Tawny Owl
Teal
Temminck's Stint
Tree Sparrow
Treecreeper
Tufted Duck
Turnstone
Turtle Dove
Twite
Water Rail
Waxwing
Wheatear
Whimbrel
Whinchat
White Wagtail
White-fronted Goose
Whitethroat
Whooper Swan
Wigeon
Willow Tit
Willow Warbler
Wood Sandpiper
Woodcock
Wood Pigeon
Wren
Yellow Wagtail
Yellowhammer

2013 Total - 159

Asterix (*) denotes lifer

< Message edited by Harry Lime -- 18/5/2013 6:57:07 PM >

_____________________________

"People think I have an interesting walk. Hell, I'm just trying to hold my gut in."

If I get there early will it be the right time
our heaven is just waiting so put your hand into mine.

(in reply to Harry Lime)

Post #: 2

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 27/12/2012 9:46:59 PM

Harry Lime

Posts: 5106
Joined: 30/9/2005

In fact, I'll start with a quiz. Here are pictures of five of my favourite birds that I have seen on my local patch in 2012. A special ENC badge for anybody who can name all five...

NO CHEATING!!!

< Message edited by Harry Lime -- 27/12/2012 9:47:37 PM >

_____________________________

"People think I have an interesting walk. Hell, I'm just trying to hold my gut in."

If I get there early will it be the right time
our heaven is just waiting so put your hand into mine.

(in reply to Harry Lime)

Post #: 3

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 27/12/2012 10:16:06 PM

simonmckergan1

Posts: 1263
Joined: 8/11/2005
From: Belfast

I think I know one or two. Is the first a male Hen Harrier, then a Waxwing, then a one is Short Eared Owl. Not sure what the other two are without cheating lol.

Here are a couple photos of animals that I feed regularly:

_____________________________

As you can see, my young apprentice, your friends have failed. Now witness the firepower of this fully ARMED and OPERATIONAL battle station!

(in reply to Harry Lime)

Post #: 4

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 27/12/2012 10:17:27 PM

Hood_Man

Posts: 11277
Joined: 30/9/2005

quote:

ORIGINAL: Harry Lime

In fact, I'll start with a quiz. Here are pictures of five of my favourite birds that I have seen on my local patch in 2012. A special ENC badge for anybody who can name all five...

NO CHEATING!!!

Alan, Steve, Paul, Mike and Dave?

(in reply to Harry Lime)

Post #: 5

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 27/12/2012 10:17:56 PM

Sway

Posts: 8878
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Albuquerque

Great idea Harry!

Geek alert: When I was a kid I used to be part of the YOC - the Young Ornithologists Club, haha! Think it was an off-shoot of the RSPB?

Despite that, and the fact my dad loves them and we have RSPB calendars in the house every single year, I'm a bit useless with birds. Without cheating, I think I could only name 3 of them there - the second one is a Waxwing, the third one a Nut thatch (?) and the final one an Avocet (?!). I can't think of what the owl is.

_____________________________

"I am not in danger, Skyler. I AM the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!"

(in reply to Harry Lime)

Post #: 6

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 27/12/2012 10:40:04 PM

Harry Lime

Posts: 5106
Joined: 30/9/2005

That's awesome Simon! I would love to get foxes and badgers in my garden! Funnily enough, my better half lives in Belfast as well and she gets them in her garden too! Must be a hot-bed for carnivorous mammals! I do get hedgehogs where I am though!

And you're right about the Hen Harrier, Waxwing and Short-eared Owl!

There's nothing wrong with the YOC, Sway... Although it's called the "Wildlife Explorers Club" now, though! Far more hip!

I volunteer as an information officer at my local RSPB reserve a few days a month but get out and about for some hardcore bird-watching pretty much every weekend. It's good exercise for body and soul!

Unfortunately, you are incorrect with your guesses of Nuthatch and Avocet... Although I can see why you went for them! They definitely bear a passing resemblance!

You are, of course, correct with the Waxwing. Stunning birds! Keep an eye out for them in supermarket/ hospital car-parks at this time of year. We've had a sizeable irruption from Scandinavia this winter and they will flock wherever there are lots of bushes with fruiting berries.

_____________________________

"People think I have an interesting walk. Hell, I'm just trying to hold my gut in."

If I get there early will it be the right time
our heaven is just waiting so put your hand into mine.

(in reply to simonmckergan1)

Post #: 7

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 27/12/2012 10:58:49 PM

simonmckergan1

Posts: 1263
Joined: 8/11/2005
From: Belfast

Cool thread Harry. I am a bit of a nature buff. Plus I work for Natural Heritage which is cool. I will have to add my list of animals I see this following year. Top of the list is a Pine Martin.

_____________________________

As you can see, my young apprentice, your friends have failed. Now witness the firepower of this fully ARMED and OPERATIONAL battle station!

(in reply to Harry Lime)

Post #: 8

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 27/12/2012 11:55:05 PM

homersimpson_esq

Posts: 19969
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Springfield

I think those were pictures of birds.

Also I misread this thread as naturist club and got excited for a sec.

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That deep-browed Homer ruled as his demesne.

TREK WARS

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Post #: 9

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 27/12/2012 11:57:50 PM

elab49

Posts: 51612
Joined: 1/10/2005

I'm guessing just 'owl' wouldn't get a point?

Is the one with the backwards cap some kind of '-hatch' or somesuch?

_____________________________

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Films watched 2012

What are your top 10/25 films of 2012? Vote in the forum Annual Poll now! Deadline is Sunday.

(in reply to homersimpson_esq)

Post #: 10

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 28/12/2012 12:07:07 AM

tommyjarvis

Posts: 6609
Joined: 2/11/2005
From: Caught somewhere in time

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sway

Great idea Harry!

Geek alert: When I was a kid I used to be part of the YOC - the Young Ornithologists Club, haha! Think it was an off-shoot of the RSPB?

Despite that, and the fact my dad loves them and we have RSPB calendars in the house every single year, I'm a bit useless with birds. Without cheating, I think I could only name 3 of them there - the second one is a Waxwing, the third one a Nut thatch (?) and the final one an Avocet (?!). I can't think of what the owl is.

Haha, I was in the YOC as well. There was a time when I could have named every bird in those photos without even trying. Sadly, I'd struggle now

_____________________________

"I've been too honest with myself, I should have lied like everybody else"

My Top 101 Rock Songs - The first Audiophile list to actually get completed!

(in reply to Sway)

Post #: 11

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 28/12/2012 9:32:18 AM

sanchia

Posts: 16711
Joined: 3/1/2006
From: Norwich

quote:

ORIGINAL: homersimpson_esq

I think those were pictures of birds.

Also I misread this thread as naturist club and got excited for a sec.

He'd already taken his vest off.

I think next year i am going to go through my tree book so I can identify trees better. The number of times I am out and wonder what type of tree is before me.

(Insert Monty Python joke here)

< Message edited by sanchia -- 28/12/2012 9:35:22 AM >

_____________________________

Nothing to see here.

(in reply to homersimpson_esq)

Post #: 12

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 28/12/2012 11:47:39 AM

Sway

Posts: 8878
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Albuquerque

While we're still on the subject of birds, here's one of my favourite bird related pics that I took at the start of this year.

It could have been a better photo if I had a slightly better camera. I did try zooming in, but the quality wasn't that great.

And my final one is a photo that contains four ptarmigan. This photo is a bit small, if I can find the original I'll post that instead, might make it a bit clearer. Anyway, see if you can spot them all/any!

_____________________________

"I am not in danger, Skyler. I AM the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!"

(in reply to sanchia)

Post #: 13

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 28/12/2012 12:22:15 PM

simonmckergan1

Posts: 1263
Joined: 8/11/2005
From: Belfast

Great pics of the Grouse Sway.

_____________________________

As you can see, my young apprentice, your friends have failed. Now witness the firepower of this fully ARMED and OPERATIONAL battle station!

(in reply to Sway)

Post #: 14

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 29/12/2012 10:32:37 AM

Harry Lime

Posts: 5106
Joined: 30/9/2005

They are cracking pictures, Sway. I particularly like the top one! I eventually found all four ptarmigan too - but it took some looking!

Unfortunately, elab, "owl" doesn't quite get you the points but you do get a mince pie for being in the right ball-park. The bird isn't a ...hatch though, I'm afraid. Like with Sway, I can see why you thought that. This is a Nuthatch...

I'll give it another day or so and then I will reveal the answers.

And Sanchia, I need to get better at my tree and plant identification too.

_____________________________

"People think I have an interesting walk. Hell, I'm just trying to hold my gut in."

If I get there early will it be the right time
our heaven is just waiting so put your hand into mine.

(in reply to simonmckergan1)

Post #: 15

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 31/12/2012 4:16:16 PM

Harry Lime

Posts: 5106
Joined: 30/9/2005

The answers to the quiz...

1. Hen Harrier
2. Waxwing
3. Wheatear
4. Short-eared Owl
5. Black-winged Stilt

_____________________________

"People think I have an interesting walk. Hell, I'm just trying to hold my gut in."

If I get there early will it be the right time
our heaven is just waiting so put your hand into mine.

(in reply to Harry Lime)

Post #: 16

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 31/12/2012 4:48:53 PM

Harry Lime

Posts: 5106
Joined: 30/9/2005

A pleasant walk around my local woods capped off the year nicely today. A flock of twenty Waxwings finished the year with a dazzling bang and, wonderfully, I saw my first Brambling of 2012!

Here's my final list of 2012 (Total of 171 species)...

Artic Skua
Arctic Tern
Avocet
Bar-tailed Godwit
Barn Owl
Barnacle Goose
Black Guillemot
Black Tern
Black-headed Gull
Black-necked Grebe
Black-tailed Godwit
Black-throated Diver
Black-winged Stilt
Blackbird
Blackcap
Blue Tit
Brambling
Brent Goose
Bullfinch
Canada Goose
Cape Shelduck
Carrion Crow
Chaffinch
Chiffchaff
Coal Tit
Collared Dove
Common Buzzard
Common Gull
Common Sandpiper
Common Tern
Coot
Curlew
Curlew Sandpiper
Cormorant
Corn Bunting
Dunlin
Dunnock
Eider
Fieldfare
Gadwall
Gannet
Garganey
Golden Plover
Goldeneye
Goldcrest
Goldfinch
Goosander
Great Black-backed Gull
Great Crested Grebe
Great Northern Diver
Great Skua
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Great Tit
Greater Scaup
Green Sandpiper
Green Woodpecker
Greenfinch
Greenshank
Grey Heron
Grey Plover
Grey Wagtail
Greylag Goose
Hen Harrier
Herring Gull
Hobby
Hooded Crow
House Martin
House Sparrow
Jack Snipe
Jackdaw
Jay
Kestrel
Kingfisher
Knot
Kumlien's Gull
Lapwing
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Lesser Redpoll
Lesser Whitethroat
Linnet
Little Egret
Little Grebe
Little Gull
Little Owl
Little Ringed Plover
Little Stint
Long Tailed Tit
Long-tailed Duck
Mallard
Magpie
Marsh Harrier
Marsh Tit
Meadow Pipit
Mealy (Common) Redpoll
Mediterranean Gull
Merlin
Mistle Thrush
Moorhen
Mute Swan
Nene Goose
Nightingale
Osprey
Oystercatcher
Pectoral Sandpiper
Peregrine
Pheasant
Pied Wagtail
Pintail
Pochard
Purple Sandpiper
Quail
Red Kite
Red-legged Partridge
Red-necked Phalarope
Redshank
Redwing
Reed Bunting
Reed Warbler
Ring-necked Parakeet
Ringed Plover
Robin
Rock Dove
Rock Pipit
Rook
Roseate Tern
Rough-legged Buzzard
Ruddy Duck
Ruff
Sand Martin
Sandwich Tern
Sedge Warbler
Shag
Shelduck
Short-eared Owl
Shoveler
Skylark
Snipe
Song Thrush
Sparrowhawk
Spoonbill
Spotted Flycatcher
Spotted Redshank
Starling
Stonechat
Swallow
Swift
Teal
Temminck's Stint
Tree Sparrow
Treecreeper
Tufted Duck
Turnstone
Turtle Dove
Twite
Waxwing
Wheatear
Whimbrel
White Fronted Goose
White Wagtail
White-rumped Sandpiper
Whitethroat
Whooper Swan
Wigeon
Willow Warbler
Wood Pigeon
Wood Sandpiper
Woodcock
Wren
Yellow Wagtail
Yellow-legged Gull
Yellowhammer

< Message edited by Harry Lime -- 31/12/2012 7:12:10 PM >

_____________________________

"People think I have an interesting walk. Hell, I'm just trying to hold my gut in."

If I get there early will it be the right time
our heaven is just waiting so put your hand into mine.

(in reply to Harry Lime)

Post #: 17

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 1/1/2013 9:36:52 AM

Sway

Posts: 8878
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Albuquerque

quote:

ORIGINAL: Harry Lime

The answers to the quiz...

1. Hen Harrier
2. Waxwing
3. Wheatear
4. Short-eared Owl
5. Black-winged Stilt

Thank God you gave the answers - those two were really doing my head in. I'd even tried using the bird identifier on the RSPB website, but nada.

Still, those are two birds whose names I'm unfamiliar with, so I could never have got them on my tod.

That's quite a mammoth list you've got there - I'm assuming you must take a wee note of the ones you see as you go along?

Anyway this year I saw one of these guys -

chilling out at this place -

_____________________________

"I am not in danger, Skyler. I AM the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!"

(in reply to Harry Lime)

Post #: 18

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 1/1/2013 12:41:44 PM

sanchia

Posts: 16711
Joined: 3/1/2006
From: Norwich

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sway

Anyway this year I saw one of these guys -

I love it when the Great Crested Grebes are dancing in the spring.

_____________________________

Nothing to see here.

(in reply to Sway)

Post #: 19

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 2/1/2013 8:36:42 PM

Harry Lime

Posts: 5106
Joined: 30/9/2005

Totally Sanchia. It's such a delightful ritual to watch! That's another nice photo, Sway.

And yep. I'm a typical man and, as such, I like making lists. Speaking of which, I had a good few hours in the sunshine at Frampton Marsh (my local RSPB reserve) on New Year's Day and not only managed to spy fifty species but also got a lifer included in that... a female Red-crested Pochard.

Other highlights were:-

Peregrine - 2
Hen Harrier - 1 (m)
Merlin - 1
Sparrowhawk - 1
Pink-footed Goose - 350+
Waxwing - 9
Lesser Redpoll - 12
Yellowhammer - 1
Chiffchaff - 1

The Chiffchaff was a pleasant surprise too. Traditionally they migrate to southern Europe in winter, but a very small number will stay resident in the south of the UK. Combined with the sunshine, this gregarious little fellow made they day feel positively Spring-like!

< Message edited by Harry Lime -- 2/1/2013 10:16:01 PM >

_____________________________

"People think I have an interesting walk. Hell, I'm just trying to hold my gut in."

If I get there early will it be the right time
our heaven is just waiting so put your hand into mine.

(in reply to sanchia)

Post #: 20

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 2/1/2013 8:40:02 PM

Sway

Posts: 8878
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Albuquerque

quote:

ORIGINAL: Harry Lime

Other highlights were:-

Peregrine - 2
Hen Harrier - 1 (m)
Merlin - 1
Sparrowhawk - 1
Pink-footed Goose - 350+
Waxwing - 9
Lesser Redpoll - 12
Yellowhammer - 1
Chiffchaff - 1

The Chiffchaff was a pleasant surprise too. Traditionally they migrate to southern Europe in winter, but a very small number will stay resident in the south of the UK. Combined with the sunshine, this gregarious little fellow made they day feel positively Spring-like!

I would love to think that you actually counted as far as 350 then just said, 'Fuck it! I'm plus-ing the rest.'

_____________________________

"I am not in danger, Skyler. I AM the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!"

(in reply to Harry Lime)

Post #: 21

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 2/1/2013 8:57:35 PM

Hobbitonlass

Posts: 11515
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Westeros

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sway

And my final one is a photo that contains four ptarmigan. This photo is a bit small, if I can find the original I'll post that instead, might make it a bit clearer. Anyway, see if you can spot them all/any!

I think I have found them all

Doesn't help that they are grey though!!

The top photo is just stunning. I'm so jealous you have surroundings like that on your doorstep (assuming it is on your doorstep as such)

Whereabouts is that?

_____________________________

Come join in the Photo competition http://www.empireonline.com/forum/tm.asp?m=3116407&mpage=1&key=

(in reply to Sway)

Post #: 22

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 2/1/2013 9:02:05 PM

Harry Lime

Posts: 5106
Joined: 30/9/2005

Haha! I get close to doing that sometimes! Especially when you have big flocks of several thousand flying around!

To be honest, I'm not the greatest bird counter - although I am slowly getting better. I actually tend to underestimate or be conservative. With the Pink-footed geese I got one skein of around 100, another skein of approximately 250 and a third of exactly twenty. So, 350+ seemed the best way to go there!

_____________________________

"People think I have an interesting walk. Hell, I'm just trying to hold my gut in."

If I get there early will it be the right time
our heaven is just waiting so put your hand into mine.

(in reply to Sway)

Post #: 23

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 3/1/2013 6:13:53 PM

Harry Lime

Posts: 5106
Joined: 30/9/2005

Had my first Barn Owl of the year on my way to work this morning. Stood watching it hunt for five minutes or so. Gorgeous. No matter how many times I see one (and they are very regular around these parts), they never get boring.

_____________________________

"People think I have an interesting walk. Hell, I'm just trying to hold my gut in."

If I get there early will it be the right time
our heaven is just waiting so put your hand into mine.

(in reply to Harry Lime)

Post #: 24

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 3/1/2013 6:47:05 PM

Sway

Posts: 8878
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Albuquerque

quote:

ORIGINAL: Hobbitonlass

The top photo is just stunning. I'm so jealous you have surroundings like that on your doorstep (assuming it is on your doorstep as such) Whereabouts is that?

Yeah, it's only about an hour's drive away. That's Glen Esk, and we were on top of Cairn Lick (small-ish hill) at the bottom of Loch Lee. There's a lovely circuit to do once you leave the carpark. You can't see it in the very top pic, but on the second pic down you can see directly to the right of the grouse an old castle - that's about 5/10 minutes away from the carpark. You can walk along the whole length of the loch and carry on until you get to the back of Cairn Lick where you pass some waterfalls. Then it's up and over and back down onto the original path once you hit the bottom.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Harry Lime

Had my first Barn Owl of the year on my way to work this morning. Stood watching it hunt for five minutes or so. Gorgeous. No matter how many times I see one (and they are very regular around these parts), they never get boring.

I'm jealous - I think it's very, very few and far between I've seen any owls around here in the wild, and I don't think I've spotted a Barn Owl in the wild before. I remember returning from school one day years ago though and getting a surprise when I looked out my bedroom window upstairs and looked directly at an owl sitting on one of our trees in the back garden. I can't recall what type - but I think it could actually have been the short eared owl, looking at that photo you posted. Having checked up where they reside, it seems to check out. But that's the only time I've ever seen one in my garden, ever.

_____________________________

"I am not in danger, Skyler. I AM the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!"

(in reply to Hobbitonlass)

Post #: 25

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 3/1/2013 7:11:35 PM

Sway

Posts: 8878
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Albuquerque

Please excuse the quality of some of these photos - some are fairly bad.

Nothing too exciting here, but I just had a browse through my photos from over the years to see what nature I'd encountered on my walks and here are a few:

Adder

Saw him on the track by the side of Loch Lee (same area I took the photo of the grouse)

This wee fella somehow attached himself to my boot. We couldn't stop laughing at the markings on him which made him look like he had a grumpy face. We nicknamed him Bert.

Common lizards

Mountain hare.

Really bad picture, but a load of seals hanging out!

Edit: Thrown in a picture of deer too, just because.

< Message edited by Sway -- 3/1/2013 8:22:12 PM >

_____________________________

"I am not in danger, Skyler. I AM the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!"

(in reply to Sway)

Post #: 26

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 3/1/2013 8:06:49 PM

Hobbitonlass

Posts: 11515
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Westeros

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sway

quote:

ORIGINAL: Hobbitonlass

The top photo is just stunning. I'm so jealous you have surroundings like that on your doorstep (assuming it is on your doorstep as such) Whereabouts is that?

Yeah, it's only about an hour's drive away. That's Glen Esk, and we were on top of Cairn Lick (small-ish hill) at the bottom of Loch Lee. There's a lovely circuit to do once you leave the carpark. You can't see it in the very top pic, but on the second pic down you can see directly to the right of the grouse an old castle - that's about 5/10 minutes away from the carpark. You can walk along the whole length of the loch and carry on until you get to the back of Cairn Lick where you pass some waterfalls. Then it's up and over and back down onto the original path once you hit the bottom.

Right! That's it! One of my new years resolutions is to visit beautiful places in Scotland and that (as well as Glen Coe) has gone on the list. Well, that's the only two places at the moment

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Post #: 27

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 3/1/2013 8:46:47 PM

Sway

Posts: 8878
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Albuquerque

I have to admit that as much as I get really, really frustrated about not being able to see as much of the world as I'd like to, I also really appreciate what I have on my doorstep. Shameful narcissitic posting, but here's some more of my pics from across Scotland.

< Message edited by Sway -- 3/1/2013 8:49:21 PM >

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Post #: 28

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 3/1/2013 9:11:26 PM

matty_b

Posts: 12879
Joined: 19/10/2005
From: Outpost 31 calling McMurtle.

Where's the one with the lighthouse taken? That looks amazing.

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Cool Breeze
Mattyb is a shining example of what the perfect Empire Forum member is.

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Post #: 29

RE: The Empire Nature Club - 3/1/2013 9:13:40 PM

simonmckergan1

Posts: 1263
Joined: 8/11/2005
From: Belfast

Some great photos there Sway. I am jealous that you got to see an Adder up so close.

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Post #: 30