Bank Holiday Weekend

It's a grey and wet Bank Holiday Monday and so I'm not venturing out today,  Instead I'm going to stay at home and spend the afternoon listening to music. I'm going to do an End Of The Road playlist as this year I have decided not to go to Moseley Folk Festival and head off to Dorset instead.  With the likes of The Fall, Mogwai, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Allo Darlin' and Beirut it is too good to miss.

Despite the weather it hasn't been a bad day so far.  Earlier Clare checked her bank and it looks like we've been allocated tickets for the Olympics although we have no idea which event we will be going to (don't get me started on the whole ticket process thing. The way it has been handled is terrible but out of the 3 or 4 events we applied for we have managed to get tickets for one at least).

Although the rest of the weekend has been dry it has been grey, windy and a little on the chilly side and so we haven't ventured far. 

Friday, I met Clare and my parents at All Fired Arts before heading to the Kitchen Garden Cafe for afternoon tea.  It's not the cheapest but the sandwich was lovely. You also get a scone and a slice of cake, washed down with a large cup of coffee.
Saturday, Clare and I went into Knowle, bought bread from the The Bread Collection bakery and had a look around the shops.  On the evening we settled down to watch the Champions League Final between Manchester Utd and FC Barcelona.  A good game, held at Wembley, which Barcelona won 3-1 (which I was chuffed about). Rodriguez put Barcelona ahead after 27 minutes. Rooney levelled the score 7 minutes later.  In the second half  goals from Messi (54) and Villa (69) put the game beyond Man Utd.

Sunday, Clare and I went to Solihull Nature Reserve. We stopped at the cafe in the park before following a footpath alongside the River Blythe. It takes you through the woods and out into an open field alongside the M42.  We followed the path for a bit and then took the bridge over the motorway and onto the fields beyond.  We decided to turn around and head back, saving the footpath for another day.

Whilst following the path we came across a Greater Spotted Woodpecker nest.  A hole in a dead branch of a tree we could hear the chick calling from some way away.  As we stared up at the tree a small red head popped out of the hole! We watched for a while before moving on.

We saw about 30 species of bird including Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Chaffinch and Bullfinch.

After the walk we headed back to the cafe where we met my parents for a bite to eat. They said they would like to see the Woodpecker and so we headed back along the path.  When we reached the field we found the gate was blocked by cows who had no intention of letting us into the field.

Having been over the reserve for over six hours we decided to head home, my parents joining us for coffee.  Not long after they had left my brother arrived. He stayed for most of the evening and when his girlfriend picked him up she also popped in for a bit.  It was a lovely day spent with my family.

Here We Go Again!

Having missed out on seeing the Night Heron on Sunday we decided we should give it another go and so last night we went back to Earlswood Lakes.

We arrived about 6.30pm and headed off around the lakes scanning the trees and the undergrowth.  It was a fantastic evening, and the lakes looked lovely with the blue skies above and the sun reflecting upon the water.  The ducks were present (although we didn't see the Mandarin Duck that is there) as were the terns, gulls, geese, grebes and swans.  Swifts and swallows skimmed across the water and, as the sun went down, the fish started to jump.

Having spent an hour and a half looking we were still no closer to seeing the Night Heron.  We headed back towards the road and as we came towards the end of the lake we found a small group of bird spotters.  I asked if they were waiting for the Night Heron and they said they were.  They seemed much friendlier than the ones we encountered on Sunday and so we took up a spot close to them.

As the sun got lower the insects were swarming over the water and all around us. We had been there about 15 minutes (8.15pm) when the birders started to watch the silhouette of a bird approaching from the lake we had just come from.  At first I mistook it for a crow but as it got closer I realised that this was what we had been looking for.  The bird was making it's nightly journey over the lakes to the canal.  We watched it pass and head beyond the trees behind us before rising up and turning a couple of times and then disappearing. The whole thing lasted about a minute.

We hung around until just gone 9pm. The bird watchers we had first spoken with had mainly disappeared but they were replaced by about a dozen others who seemed a bit miffed to be told they had missed it.

Whether it flew back or not I don't know. It was getting cold and we had achieved our goal so we called it a day and headed to the pub.  Just before we left I heard one of the birders say that that was the first Night Heron he had seen in over 25years of bird spotting.  

 

Usually found in Southern Europe, Asia, Africa & The Americas, the Night Heron is a rare visitor to this country.  Usually there are about 10 recorded visits a year.  With one just a couple of miles down the road I'm really chuffed I was able to see it

PS  All the pictures are mine except the one of the bird itself.  That was taken by a Mr Dave Hutton. I would've loved to have seen it that clearly!

Update

Not much to say except that Blues and Blackpool were relegated.  Wolves, despite losing 3-2 against Blackburn, stayed up along with Wigan who, to my suprise, managed to beat Stoke 1-0.

Blues went 1-0 down five minutes into the second half ( a great strike by Pavlyuchenko) putting us into the bottom three.  Craig Gardiner equalised with ten minutes to go. Just as I started to believe we would be OK  Wolves pulled a second goal back against Blackburn which put us back into the relegation zone on goal difference.  In the dying seconds of the game Pavlyuchenko scored his second and condemned Blues to the Championship.

Not the greatest of afternoons but as the song says Keep Right On To The End Of The Road!

Drawn A Blank

Been to Earlswood Lakes again this morning.  Just like last week we walked there and then got a taxi back.  It was raining when we set out about 8.30 this morning but by 9 it had stopped and the sun had come out.  There was a fairly strong wind which helped dry us out.

The reason we chose to do it again was because last week, although we didn't now it at the time, a Night Heron had been spotted.  A rare migrant bird that was still present up until last night. 

The lakes seemed quiet compared to last week. No boats on the water and less anglers.  There were more birders though.  We saw two groups of men in camouflage whilst out walking. I asked the second group if they had seen the Heron but they were not of the friendly type and all I got was a no. 

We hadn't been at there that long when we did spot a Heron flying over the smallest of the lakes.  It didn't look like a Grey Heron but I couldn't say that it was definitely the Night Heron.  If it was then it was our only sighting.  We did see a juvenile Cormorant and other birds including Arctic Tern, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Black Headed Gull, Nuthatch, Chaffinch and Blue Tit.

A quick drink at The Reservoir and then a taxi back home in readiness for the football.  The last game of the season and as I write all eyes are on the bottom of the League.  With West Ham already relegated there are two relegation spots left and 5 clubs trying not to be in that position.  Wolves, Wigan, Blackpool, Blackburn and Birmingham could possibly go down today. Obviously I'm hoping Birmingham can survive but it's a tall order as they are away at Tottenham who are currently in fifth spot and playing to keep Liverpool from taking it.

They walk around the lakes is in stark contrast to yesterday's trip to Birmingham.  It was very busy in town but we managed to find a bit of peace and quiet at Ikon. 

We wandered around the exhibitions.  First up was Tadasu Takamine's Too Far To See.  A collection of videos that we were warned contained sexual imagery.  I have to say I never really got it but the 2 that stood out were Inertia (1998) involves the uneasy combination of a young woman and a bullet train. She is shown close-up and feet first on top of a carriage while the rest of the world flashes past. A powerful electric hum dramatises her fruitless attempts to push her dress down over her legs against the force of the wind.  I'm not sure of the title of the other film but it involves a naked girl swimming.  The images projected through a fish tank onto the front of the glass. 

The next exhibition was by John Salt.  His paintings are basically of dumped American cars or run down trailer homes.  Despite it being very American I like his work.  1986's Trailer House being my favourite. It really drew me in.

Finally we saw Kristoffer Myskja's Machine That Uses A Thousand Years To Shut Down. It is a machine that runs for no reason except that, after one thousand years, it will turn itself off. Powered by light, a sequence of geared wheels rotate increasingly slowly, so that the movement of the last one is imperceptible.  It's an odd little thing but I was fascinated by it.

Afterwards we spent some time shopping and I popped to Swordfish and bought a couple of CDs (Sergeant Buzfuz, Barth & Flamingoes) before catching the train home.

A quick update with the football.  Half time and Blues are still 0-0 with Spurs. Elsewhere Wolves are losing at Blackburn and Wigan are drawing with Stoke meaning that both Wigan and Wolves are in the dropzone but as we are all on 40 points, along with Blackpool, it is only goal difference that seperates us. One goal changes everything. Fingers crossed no one scores in the second half!  We will know in just under an hours time.

The Weekend's Here!

Saturday morning and it doesn't look like a bad day weather wise. I'm heading into Birmingham shortly but thought I'd drop by and bring the blog up to date.

Last night was a quiet night in front of the TV.

Thursday I met a couple of friends for a drink at The Coach House in Solihull.  It was a nice night.  I don't mind The Coach House during the week or in the early evening.  It's quite a relaxing place to sit and have a drink.

I was also there on Wednesday night. I met Clare and we had a drink before nipping round to Pizza Express. It was fairly busy but the food arrived quickly.  We strolled home through the park.  Again it was a pleasant evening but a bit chilly.  I can't wait for summer proper to start!!!

Last Weekend

I'm still being a bit lax when it comes to writing this but I will try and improve things this week.

Saturday morning and it was off to Cherry Red's for breakfast.  I had the hearty veggie breakfast which was huge!  Consisting of veggie sausage, beans, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, potato rosti, grilled haloumi, fried egg and toast.  With extra toast and coffee it was the perfect way to start the day!

Afterwards we did some shopping (I ended up buying a couple of CDs from Poundland. A live Ramones compilation and Kaiser Chiefs' Employment!).

We headed home and I settled down for the FA Cup Final (Man City versus Stoke). Not the greatest of matches. I had hoped for a Stoke win but it wasn't to be.  Man City finally breaking them down, winning 1-0.

After the football it was time to head to St Mary's Church in Acock's Green for Skittles Night!  Their annual fund raiser is usually a relaxed night.  Fish and chips (or soup if you prefer) are included in the ticket price. Take your own drink and await your turn.  If you win you become the proud owner of a shield which you keep for a year before returning to defend your title.

Sunday and we decided to walk to Earlswood Lakes.  It's about 4 miles and took about an hour.  Having refuelled at the local shop we headed for the lakes.  There was plenty of birds to be seen with Swallow, Swift, Great Crested Grebe and Arctic Tern. 

We walked around the lakes and then around the woods.  We could hear a number of cuckoos but unfortunately never got see one.  After a couple of hours we headed back, stopping at the Reservoir pub for a quick drink and a packet of crisps before getting a taxi home.  A lovely day but it did get a bit chilly around the water's edge.

Must Try Harder!

No posts since last Sunday.  I'm becoming lazy!   To be honest, there hasn't been much going on.  Clare and I had a pleasant evening last night.  We popped along to Bella Italia for something to eat.  It was quite busy but the wait wasn't too bad.  Afterwards we strolled home through the park.  It was a nice evening although slightly chilly.

That's about it really.  The rest of the week was pretty quiet.

Gone In A Flash

Where's the weekend gone?  I can't believe it's Sunday evening already.  It's been a good one and quite a quiet one compared to the last couple of weeks.

Yesterday we went to Sandwell Valley.  Waking up to grey clouds and quite heavy rain we wondered whether it was worth heading over but decided we should make the effort.  It rained all the way there but there were signs it was easing off as we arrived.

I think the weather put a lot of people off and so it was just seven of us who accompanied the guides around the reserve.  After a heavy downpour about half way round the sun started to break through and by the time we finished the walk I had completely dried off.

In the end it was worth the effort as we managed to see over 40 different species of birds.  These included Little Ringed Plover, Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Willow Tit, Oyster Catcher, Lapwing, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Swallow, Swift and both House and Sand Martin.  All in all a very good day.

Today was also a grey and wet start but again has brightened up considerably.  Not that it makes a difference to me as I've not ventured out.  Clare, however, has been off doing the BRMB Walkathon (having text not long ago to say she has completed it, in a decent time as well!). For those who don't know the Walkathon is a 26 mile sponsored walk around Birmingham. It follows the 11 bus route which is the longest route in Europe.  She'll be shattered when she gets in and it means I'll have to cook dinner but I don't mind as she's done really well. 

Whilst she's been off walking the streets I've spent the day listening to music and going through CDs, keeping one eye on the football.  It's been a good day as I don't often get the chance to do it these days.

One final thing.  The British public voted against electoral reform so we keep the current system and the Liberal Democrats suffered heavy losses as expcted.  Nick Clegg really messed things up when he started going back on his word.  During last year's election I think the public thought that he might be different from the other politicians, that was his strong point and what got him the vote.  Now they realise he is just like all the others if not worse, he sold out and now he is paying the price.

Two Quick (But Important) Things

It's a big day today. Polling Day for the local elections.  Whilst there you will also have the chance to vote for electoral reform.  Do we keep the same system or do we go for AV?  There are decent arguments for both and I have made up my own mind as to which I prefer. 

The fact that the public have the chance to vote on reform is historic in itself but if they decide it is time for change then tomorrow will be a truly historic day for British politics.

Secondly, although I'm a little late in posting, this week is Hedgehog Awareness Week.  It is designed to highlight some of the problems hedgehogs face (from food shortages to Postmen dropping elastic bands) and ways you can help them.  Here are some useful tips.

Don’t use slug pellets or rat poison and get your neighbours to do the same.

Put out bowls of water in a heavy dish – hedgehogs are very prone to dehydration.

If you do get a hog in your garden then put out food for it (make sure you put it under a box so that cats and foxes can’t get to it. You can now buy hedgehog food called ‘Spikes’ – they go mad for the Spikes wet food. Meat based cat and dog food could also be used but NEVER BREAD AND MILK.

Make sure hedgehogs can get out of your pond or swimming pool by putting in a ramp.

Check your pea netting and football goal netting regularly – a hedgehog trapped in netting for a day in the sun will be very distressed and dehydrated.

Make sure you have plenty of ground coverage – a hedgehog loves to potter round in the undergrowth looking for your garden pests. If your garden is all concrete and turf then forget about attracting a hedgehog.

Make a log pile or a compost heap. Hogs love nosing around damp areas of the garden and a log pile or compost will attract lots of hedgehog food as well as possibly provide a place for a hedgehog to give birth or to hibernate.

Check your bonfires. Even if you leave a pile of sticks for a day check it before lighting it you never know what might of crawled in seeking refuge.

So there you go, two quick but important things.

For more on the voting reform go here.

For more on hedgehogs go here.

Another Long Weekend

Just like last weekend it was another long one.  Today is the May Day Bank Holiday but Friday was an extra day for The Royal Wedding.  Prince William and Kate Middleton got married and to celebrate the day was declared a Bank Holiday.

The Wedding itself was watched by 2 billion people worldwide with another million lining the route along the streets of London.  Some people had street parties, some watched it in the pub.  Clare and I watched it at home with family and friends. Clare made cakes and put on a buffet (and an unexpected evening meal) 

Our friends arrived at about 10.30am and we started with Bucks Fizz. Once the champagne had gone we moved onto wine.  I felt a little drunk by midday!

The day went really quickly and considering the early start it was gone 9 by the time our friends left. 

I know that a Royal wedding is not everyone's cup of tea but it I enjoyed the whole thing and to have my friends and family around me to celebrate was a good way to start the weekend.

Saturday, a day out in Chester.  We drove up to Shropshire to pick up a friend, taking the leftovers from the buffet to give to her pig. 

The weather was lovely and sunny but the breeze made it feel somewhat cooler. 

Chester is a lovely place. Having poked our heads into the Grosvenor Museum (a great contemporary art exhibition. You could vote and even buy copies of the work. There were a couple I liked but at £850 quid it was a little out of my price range. We also  looked at some Roman artifacts including a Roman skeleton found at the bottom of a well) we headed for the shops. I like the fact that it has a good mixture of chain stores and independent shops. 

After the shops we had a look around the cathedral but stopped short of paying the £5 entrance fee.  Instead we had a look around the perimeter before walking along the city walls.

It looked fantastic down by the river, especially in the sunshine and Clare and I decided we would have to come back and spend a long weekend there as I don't think we got to see much before it was time to head home.

Yesterday and another journey up the M6.  This time to Monkey Forest in Trentham. 

Part of the Trentham Estate the forest spans 60 acres and is home to 140 Barbary macaques.  They run free throughout the forest and as you wander around the paths the monkeys can be seen in the trees and all around the forest floor. Sometimes walking across the paths in front of you.  A word of warning, don't stand beneath one!  The walk is about three quarters of a mile and the forest looked fantastic in the sunlight. 

At £7 to get in it is fairly priced. There is also a cafe and some climbing frames for the kids (not quite an adventure playground as billed). There is also a picnic area.  I really enjoyed it and got some great photos!

We walked the three quarters of a mile path before visiting the cafe and afterwards walked it again before heading home.

Today has been a quite day although an historic one. We awoke to the news that Osama Bin Laden had been killed in a raid by US Special Forces at a compound in Pakistan.  The Al Qaeda leader was shot during a fire fight.  As the news unfolded and we watched the scenes of jubilation in America I spent my time catching up with bits and pieces. I also spent a couple of frustrating hours putting software on my new laptop.

Monkey Forest Website

Grosvenor Museum Website