Bazza is Back Again

Beggars Bridge

2011-09-12T15:52:00.002Z

Whitby Abbey

2011-09-04T13:53:00.002Z

Just returned from a holiday in North Yorkshire.

Katie

2011-08-21T08:51:00.001Z

Apologies, very rude of me, I should have introduced Katie, here she is.

New Blood

2011-08-21T08:44:00.001Z

My 9 year old daughter has just started her own blog, this may re-kindle my interest.

Bigger

2011-02-19T15:10:00.002Z

Where's Bazza Been?

2011-01-30T18:53:00.003Z

We got a dog, he's called Frank

RSPB Saltholme

2009-09-18T13:37:00.002Z

Spent the weekend in the Hartlepool area and whilst there visited the new RSPB site. I was suitably impressed even though it was very cold and windy. A nice visitor centre with friendly staff, some good walks around the site and an adventure playpark for the kids. Lots of birds to see, highlights for me were the Yellow Wagtail, Curlew Sandpiper & Little Stint, all new for the year taking the total to 105

One down

2009-09-13T12:39:00.001Z

Eldest son got married, that's Joe in the middle. Any offers for the other 2?

More bird news

2009-09-12T08:35:00.003Z

This is Harry sat in an Osprey's nest, took us ages to get him up there! Whilst on our travels I have also seen Barnacle Geese and Whinchat taking the yearly total to 102.

Bird list update

2009-09-07T14:54:00.003Z

I know, I know, I'm really sorry, but anyway, the bird list, at the last count was 95. Since then I have visited Bempton Cliffs again and seen a Puffin, a Guillemot and a Kittiwake which takes me to 98. At the beginning of August we all went to Wales for a week where I saw a Jay (99) and I am pleased to announce that bird number 100 was an Osprey. The caterpillar in the picture was taken at Conway RSPB site, Harry particularly liked it as it is in Hull City colours.

Old pier

2009-07-15T17:27:00.000Z

The old pier isn't used anymore, except by the Cormorants

Intriuging

2009-07-12T17:55:00.003Z

If you walk along the banks of the Humber from the city centre towards the ferry terminals you will come across this wreck. It has been there as long as I remember (which is a very long time!) I am always intrigued as to the history of the boat, what it was used for, who owned it, how old is it etc.

Surprise!

2009-07-11T06:44:00.003Z

I took this photo of what I thought was a Razorbill, and didn't realise until I downloaded it that there was a Puffin there as well (2 if you look very carefully)

Into the caves

2009-07-07T16:34:00.002Z

We arrived at low tide giving us plenty of time to explore the caves.

Flamborough

2009-07-06T18:15:00.002Z

Anybody want to go and explore those caves?

Lime Hawk-Moth

2009-07-05T16:23:00.002Z

It's not every day you see one of these, so 2 is a treat. Apologies for the absence, many reasons, one of which was having my internet account suspended for being a naughty boy!

Head Gear

2009-06-10T17:12:00.000Z

Nice headgear, but you couldn't wear a hat with it.

Hide & Seek

2009-06-07T09:41:00.002Z

Katie & Harry found this tree at Forbidden Corner

Pond Life

2009-05-31T12:14:00.003Z

I had a new visitor from blogland called moosh, who has recently posted a photo of a Tree Frog. Sadly we don't get Tree Frogs round these parts so you'll have to make do with this chap who was hanging around our garden pond.

2009-05-27T15:56:00.002Z

Whilst away at the weekend I saw a Lesser Black Backed Gull, a Red Breasted Merganser, a Little Owl and a Wheatear, taking the years total to 95. The bird above is a Snipe conveniently posing on a dry stone wall near Muker.

Wierd Weddings

2009-05-26T18:59:00.002Z

This is me outside the Tan Hill Pub, Britain's highest pub. Whilst in the pub, enjoying a pint, we witnessed a couple getting married, they had 2 lambs as bridesmaids, this was one of them. It takes all sorts.

91

2009-05-21T16:37:00.002Z

I took a photo of a Shelduck, which I have already seen this year, but unbeknown to me at the time, a Housemartin sneaked into the picture (top right) and became bird number 91 for the year.

GLASVEGAS--LONESOME SWAN

2009-05-19T17:46:00.001Z

It's been a while since I shared music with you, so here goes.

Lonesome Swan

2009-05-19T17:36:00.002Z

Actually, not lonesome at all, but I couldn't resist the Glasvegas link. Spotted this fella at Filey Dams on Saturday.

Foxy Foxy

2009-05-17T09:30:00.004Z

You might have to look closely to see it, but it's definitely a fox, spotted yesterday at Filey Dams. Click on the photo for a better view.

Mixed Feelings

2009-05-10T12:25:00.002Z

We had a fox in the garden this morning, which was great to see, however it was trying to get into the tortoises house, which is not so good. The tortoise, in case you were wondering, was none the worse for his ordeal, I guess he just went into his house within his house. Apologies to those of you who would've rather seen a photo of a fox.

Bird update

2009-05-09T06:34:00.002Z

Great news on the bird front, we had a Greater Spotted Woodpecker on our home made fat feeders in the garden this morning. Let's hope he comes back for more. Alos saw my first Swift of the year yesterday taking the years total to 90.

Asymmetry

2009-05-06T06:24:00.000Z

Harry and wifey mess with the asymmetry of the photo!

Waterfalls

2009-05-04T07:55:00.003Z

2 waterfalls from our recent trip to the Dales. The 1st one is in the beuatiful village of Clapham and the second one was just up the road from where we were staying.

More Birds

2009-05-02T05:56:00.003Z

2 birds seen on our recemt trip to the Dales. Top is a Bullfinch and below is a Little Crested Grebe.

Alternative view

2009-04-30T18:39:00.000Z

An alternative view from Castle Bolton

Castle Bolton

2009-04-30T18:21:00.002Z

If you look at the right hand window at the top of the left hand tower you will see the window that I took the other photo from. Got that?

Having Fun

2009-04-27T17:50:00.001Z

Dippers

2009-04-25T16:17:00.002Z

Dippers as promised, apologies for the delay.

Been away

2009-04-18T14:53:00.002Z

This is the view from the door of our cottage. We've been away in the Yorkshire Dales, just near a place called Keld. New birds for the year were: Bullfinch, Snipe, Skylark, Little Egret, Swallow, Sand Martin, Ring Ouzel, Dipper & Red Grouse, taking the years total to 89. Pictures of the Dipper will follow.

Bazza hits 80

2009-04-13T16:14:00.002Z

A Stock Dove, not very exciting I know, but number 80 came along in my mothers back garden. Tomorrow I go to a place where I hope to add to this years list, more in a few days.

Something in the air

2009-04-12T18:04:00.002Z

Every one of the Peacocks at East Park was displaying today, except for one, maybe he bats for the other side, or perhaps he just needs a bit of Viagra!

2009-04-05T18:31:00.000Z

It's a Grey Wagtail and it's number 79 for the year.

Easter Bonnet Parade

2009-04-02T18:01:00.003Z

The kids school gave us 24 hours notice that there was to be an easter bonnet parade, Tina has insisted that I tell you she worked wonders, all you have to do is let me know who the winner is.

Hornsea

2009-03-29T16:16:00.005Z

A lovely sunny day at Hornsea today, venue chosen by Harry because he wanted to dig holes in the sand. Also found a pink footed goose at Hornsea Mere taking the years total to 78.

Hard man

2009-03-27T20:25:00.001Z

The following story appeared in today's Hull Daily Mail:

Man assaulted and hit by car
Friday, March 27, 2009, 18:20
A Hull man was allegedly assaulted and hit by a 4x4 in Holderness Road, east Hull.
The 36-year-old Hull man was near the Boyes store yesterday at 3.16pm when a Mitsubishi 4x4 pulled up beside him and a man got out of the car and assaulted him.
The victim tried to run off but the car was driven into him.
He suffered a broken ankle and cuts to the head, but did not need medical treatment.

The last line intrigued me, a broken ankle, but did not need medical treatment, that's impressive.

Wheeldale Moor

2009-03-25T18:59:00.004Z

Popped up to Wheeldale Moor at the weekend, very cold, but the journey yielded 2 new birds. A Red Kite (magnificent) and a Curlew taking the yearly total to 78. Cancel that I've already had a Curlew, make that 77.

Future Star?

2009-03-22T18:11:00.004Z

Harry has started football training, he enjoys it and I hope he continues to do so. I am not particularly competitive, so will never be one of the Dad's on the sidelines screaming at their kids. What surprised me at Harry's first training session was 5 year olds feigning injury as well as the over elaborate goal celebrations!

2 more

2009-03-13T17:43:00.003Z

A much better view of a Barn Owl than last week and an orangey hued Greater Spotted Woodpecker (maybe we should call it a Ginger Woodpecker!), I also saw a couple of Common Buzzards taking the yearly total to 76.

Not just any old Sparrow

2009-03-10T18:49:00.000Z

End of the rainbow?

2009-03-08T15:42:00.002Z

Spotted in the local park today.

Tophill Low

2009-03-07T16:06:00.003Z

Visited Tophill Low today with Katie & Harry and were treated to several good views of a Barn Owl (actually saw at least 2 different ones). New birds for the year included Gadwall, Red Legged Partridge and Great Black Backed Gull taking the total to 74. Could've been more, but unfortunately Katie and Harry get restless after 10 minutes or so in a hide (bless 'em).

Turnstones

2009-03-04T18:13:00.003Z

A pair of fighting Turnstones or are they just getting frisky? I saw bird number 71 today, a Common Sandpiper on the mud banks of the River Hull

Bridlington

2009-02-23T17:43:00.002Z

Whilst at Brid on Sunday we spotted this Herring Gull and Turnstones helping themselves to a free meal of Red Sea Bream. If you look closely you will see that all the fish have been filletted, hence no angry fisherman chasing them off!

Bempton

2009-02-20T16:41:00.003Z

Today we went to Bempton were we saw Gannets (Pictured) Razorbills (pictured) and Fulmars taking our total for the year to 70.

I've probably mentioned this before, but if you click on the pictures they go big!, I recommend it for the Gannets.

York

2009-02-18T17:41:00.003Z

We went to York today, I'm always drawn to the Minster, it's one of those buildings you never tire of looking at.

2009-02-16T17:11:00.000Z

and on the evening a Tawny Owl landed on our neighbours roof, taking the yearly total to 67.

Privileged

2009-02-15T15:29:00.002Z

Some birds I feel privileged to see, they're a little bit special and today was one of those days. I've never seen a Barn Owl close up, or during the day. Today I saw 2 within the space of a mile and both sat on hedgerow less than 10 foot from the car, giving us all fantastic views. Sadly the camera was in the boot, so you get to see a Treecreeper which I took later. New birds for the year where, Barn Owl, Sanderling, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Redshank, Nuthatch, Marsh Tit and Yellowhammer, taking the years total to 66. Our original plan today was to go to Dalby Forest, but the forest road was closed, so we did Forge Valley and Filey instead.

2009-02-07T07:57:00.003Z

It took me until Thursday to recover from last weekend (aching limbs!) and what with the snow, I haven't been getting up to much. The picture above is of Beverley Westwood, I haven't been there for a while, I must fit it in sometime. This weekend may involve a day trip on Sunday, but today it's the turn of my Mother, who is visiting for lunch. Philip Larkin wrote a poem about parents, probably a bit harsh in the case of mine and wifey's, but they do muck up your social life at times.

Nightmare!

2009-02-01T18:24:00.002Z

I have been to Hell, it is a semi detached bungalow in Leeds, specifically the front room. It belongs to the in laws and it is were wifey volunteered our services to lay a laminate floor. We arrived at 10 am on Saturday morning, expecting it to take about 4 or 5 hours. However when we arrived we found that we had to rip out a concrete fireplace before we could start which took an hour, and then we discovered that none of the bits of laminate flooring fitted together. In the end we had to go back again on Sunday to finish off, thus losing the full weekend. Still, look on the bright side, at least I can go back to work tomorrow for a rest.

That time of year

2009-01-28T07:28:00.002Z

We've just planted our first set of tomato seeds, hoping to emulate last years efforts above!

The power of the press

2009-01-26T18:30:00.002Z

Some of you will know I work in complaints, some of you won't. One of the most common things complainants say to me is "if this doesn't get sorted I'm going to the press", and yet this has never happened. I've often wondered if it's an idle threat or whether they do and the press tells them to bugger off!

The best laid plans

2009-01-25T17:37:00.002Z

The plan was to go to Filey Brigg and spot a few Oystercatchers and Turnstones and maybe a few others if we were lucky. However it was cold and wet so we changed our minds and ended up secondary glazing our bedroom (what exciting lives we lead!) So the Oystercatcher you see above was taken at Filey Brigg it just wasn't taken today.

Hull City v Millwall

2009-01-25T17:33:00.002Z

Well we won, 2-0 and probably deserved it. Reasonable performances throughout the team, with the exception of Garcia and Halmosi, who were both shocking. Harry enjoyed it immensely, refusing to leave early to avoid the crowds, and didn't even notice the crowd trouble.

Momentous Occasion

2009-01-24T07:31:00.003Z

Today is a special day, Harry is going to his first Hull City game, I don't know who is more excited, him or me. I have taught him all the appropriate things to shout (particularly at the referee) so we are ready to go. We've just got to wait until 3 o clock now.

2009-01-21T16:54:00.002Z

Wifey surveys the wier at Egton on Sunday. The bird list rises to 58 courtesy of the lovely feral Pigeon which I see every day but never thought of putting on the list, but hey it's got wings and a beak so why not!

East Park

2009-01-20T18:43:00.002Z

Whilst travelling in East Hull today I popped into East Park to see if the Goosanders were still there. Not a particularly good photo, but there is one female Goosander and several Pochard which is also a new one for the year, taking the total to 57.

Cawthorne, Wheeldale and Egton

2009-01-18T18:10:00.002Z

Today we drove to Cawthorne Woods (that's my shadow in the bottom left corner). Just before we got there we saw a flock of at least a hundred Fieldfares and in the woods managed to spot a Treecreeper, taking us to 54 for the year. After Cawthorne we drove over Wheeldale Moor where we spotted a Stonechat (number 55), but not much else. We then stopped at the stepping stones at Egton Bridge where normally we would expect to see a Dipper and a Grey Wagtail, but the water levels were too high, which covered the rocks we normally see them on. So, a nice weekend out and about, but unfortunately it's back to work tomorrow.

Waters Edge

2009-01-18T17:59:00.002Z

Yesterday after Blacktoft we went to Far Ings and then on to Waters Edge. Waters Edge is a fairly new nature reserve on the south bank of the Humber just near Barton. It has an impressive list of birds seen so far, and if it's very cold like it was today, it has a decent cafe inside as well! Other birds seen today include Teal, Goldeneye and Sparrowhawk, taking our years total to 52. The other photograph is as close as I got to the Harrier at Blacktoft.

Blacktoft Sands

2009-01-17T16:26:00.004Z

We went to Blacktoft Sands today and I had high hopes of getting some nice bird shots. However as you can see from the above shot, there wasn't a lot about! Of the 6 or 7 hides at Blacktoft, all but 1 looked like this. The 1 hide with birds on threw up a Grey Heron and Shelduck which took the years total to 48, we also saw a couple of cavorting Marsh Harriers, make that 49.

2009-01-16T07:21:00.003Z

Hello everyone, I haven't posted for a couple of days because on Wednesday I saw a Reed Bunting. Now I know I have a photograph of a Reed Bunting somewhere and I wanted to post it, but I can't for the life of me find it, so no post. Anyway it was a new bird for the year so gets added to the total, making it 46. This weekend should see more birds added to the tally and hopefully I will have some fresh photos, I bet you can't wait!. Finally a big welcome back to Gawpo.

Turquoise Beavers

2009-01-13T18:17:00.005Z

Harry joined the Beavers last week. In my day it was called Cubs and you wore a nice dark green uniform with a neckerchief and toggle. The new uniform is a screaming turquoise and in my opinion is a bit girly. I bet they don't play British Bulldog anymore either!

2009-01-12T13:55:00.002Z

This is a bottle brush plant in one of the green houses within the walled gardens at Normanby Hall. we have one of these plants in our garden, but it only flowers every 2 years, however when it does it's quite spectacular. We went to Normanby Hall last weekend. We couldn't get out this weekend because of kids parties. I took Harry to a party yesterday, it was a lively affair, bouncy castles etc and the usual party food afterwards. Guess which of the 30 children threw up all over their dad?

2009-01-10T18:50:00.002Z

Wifey has been poorly today, so I've been running around doing shopping and things. No new birds today, but I did hear a woodpecker in the garden. Almost certainly a Greater Spotted Woodpecker like the one above that we saw at Sherwood Center Parcs last November. I have seen these from our garden in the past so it's nice to know they're still around.

2009-01-09T18:03:00.001Z

I'm nursing a horrendous hangover today, please leave comments quietly thank you.

Hong Kong Radio

2009-01-08T20:05:00.001Z

If you see this you know your on the wrong side of the City. (apologies to non Hull residents who probably won't understand this)

2009-01-08T08:08:00.002Z

More than one way to skin a cat.

The View - Shock Horror

2009-01-07T20:04:00.001Z

I love this. I suspect it might be the new single. Sorry for not posting more, but very busy at work, and the buggers have sent me on even more training tomorrow!

Training

2009-01-06T18:26:00.002Z

I've worked for the council for 27 years, and now they send me on induction training. Today was, Values, Principles and Legislation, absolutely riveting. Went for a walk at dinnertime, no new birds, but followed a flock of Goldfinches for a while, which was nice.

I can't complain

2009-01-05T18:51:00.002Z

Back to work today as a Complaints Co-ordinator, and after being off for 12 days, not a single complaint, everyone's happy, can you believe that? No, me neither. Got out for lunch for half an hour, but no new birds today as it was dark when I went to work and dark when I came back, and bloody freezing all day long, oh dear that's a complaint isn't it?

Last day of rest

2009-01-04T16:21:00.004Z

It's back to work tomorrow, boo! no new birds today, because wifey has had me cleaning the house, but managed to sneak these 2 pictures through the kitchen window when she wasn't looking. A Starling and a Coal Tit both enjoying my home made lard feeder.

Confidence

2009-01-03T20:04:00.002Z

I've never been the most confident of birders, so when I say this is a Meadow Pipit, don't quote me, but feel free to put me right if I'm wrong, I won't be offended. And for those who don't like birds a picture of a boat/barge (not confident on watercraft either!)

Not a bad day

2009-01-03T16:56:00.003Z

First of all Hull City didn't lose, we live to fight another day. Secondly a nice day out at Normanby Hall and Far Ings, and thirdly, chilling with a can of cider or 2. The new birds for today; Chaffinch, Curlew, Lapwing, Siskin, Pheasant, Mallard, Long Tailed Duck (female) Coot, Moorhen, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Shovelor, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Pied Wagtail, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Tree Sparrrow, Goldfinch, Kestrel & Robin. Giving us a new total for the year of 44.

Resolutions part 2

2009-01-02T15:47:00.002Z

Ok I said I would lose weight, and I weigh 1 pound less today than I did yesterday so that's that one sorted. I also said I would reduce my alcohol intake and I had no alcohol at all yesterday so that's that one sorted as well, aren't I doing well? New birds today were; Goldcrest, Coal Tit, Black Headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Jackdaw, Rook & Canada Goose, taking the years total to 21.

Resolutions

2009-01-01T13:16:00.003Z

So 2009 is here and with it the time to make resolutions. I will lose weight and get fitter, I will do this by drinking less alcohol and doing more exercise. I will also reignite my passion for birding by having a 2009 bird list, which starts with the following 13 spotted in the back garden today. House Sparrow, Blackbird, Starling, Greenfinch, Wood Pigeon, Collar Dove, Magpie, Crow, Wren, Dunnock, Great Tit, Blue Tit and Long Tailed Tit. Sadly the female Goosander pictured above doesn't count because I saw this yesterday at East Park.

Not no more, no never

2008-12-31T15:23:00.002Z

2 years ago to the day I blogged this photo, stating that people would gather at this fountain at midnight to celebrate the new year. I said as a father of young children, I wouldn't be joining them, but maybe in a couple of years, who knows. Well the short answer is, I won't be doing it this year, due to the riot that occured there last year. It's a sad fact that for every drunk that wants to kiss you, there's another that wants to punch you. So on that happy note, I bid you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Gone fishing

2008-12-31T14:44:00.002Z

I have never understood the appeal of fishing, I understand some men do it to get away from their wives. This guy must really hate his wife as the lake was frozen and the weather was sub zero. It takes all sorts.

Xmas Presents

2008-12-27T15:08:00.000Z

I got some nice stuff for Christmas.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-26T10:06:00.000Z

To escape the madness of Christmas we went to the woods

Sunset

2008-12-16T18:04:00.000Z

We had a nice sunset the other day, I took this from our back garden.

Travellin'

2008-12-11T18:24:00.000Z

I went to London the other day, it was ok.

Flying kites

2008-10-26T14:30:00.000Z

Kite flying at pearson Park. Great fun was had by all.

Spikey

2008-10-19T18:37:00.002Z

This is a bearded dragon, it belongs to Katie & Harry's older brother Luke. I'm not sure I could go to sleep if he was kept in my bedroom!

And did those fields...

2008-10-19T18:33:00.004Z

We decided we had better dig up the Jerusalem Artichokes before it fell over. This plant produced a good crop. We had never eat them before, so we made them into crisps and they were lovely.

Stranglers / La Folie (PV)

2008-10-16T19:22:00.001Z

Lay back shut your eyes and enjoy!

Fungi

2008-10-11T17:03:00.002Z

It's that time of year again.

Beverley Food Market

2008-10-06T15:12:00.003Z

As you can see it was very busy, full of people blagging free samples (us included!) I bought some extra hot chilli cheese and some chilli chocolate which was very nice.

Big pond

2008-09-25T17:28:00.000Z

A couple more images from our trip to Tophill Low last weekend.

Tophill Low

2008-09-21T14:44:00.002Z

We went to Tophill Low today. The top picture is a Great Crested Grebe on the 'O' reservoir. Katie and Harry were both thrilled to see a hedgehog for the first time, sadly, because hedgehogs are nocturnal, this one is probably poorly.

He's a baby, He's a baby

2008-09-20T17:01:00.001Z

Katie left her dolls pram in the conservatory, naturally Boozer had to sleep in it, but given his size it's a wonder it's still in one piece!

Blogging

2008-09-18T18:03:00.002Z

I was on a training course today, learning how to investigate complaints, it was ok. At the beginning of the course, as part of the old 'ice breaking' routine, we were asked to garner 3 facts from 3 different people and then feed them back to the group. People were coming up with interesting facts like where they went on holiday and what they did in their spare time. One woman commented that she did the ironing in her spare time and this caused quite a reaction amongst the participants, as did the person who said they did something called 'body combat'. I happened to mention that I had a blog; this was met with complete silence, not a flicker, a real tumbleweed moment. Oh well, nice to know I'm doing something popular!

2008-09-14T16:02:00.002Z

We went to Filey Brigg today, after all the recent rainy weather, it was lovely. Everyone had a great time until Katie went full length into a rock pool. It was time to go home then!

Self Portrait (This is me!)

2008-09-13T13:14:00.003Z

Well, this is the last day of Robert's challenge and it has been a challenge, mainly to find the time! I have enjoyed it and visiting all the other blogs has also been a challenge. Nice to meet so many new people, but with the time difference, by the time I got to a lot of the blogs it was difficult to find anything original to say! So if some of my comments have appeared a little brief or even strange, forgive me, I did my best! I'm sure I will meet some of you again.

How do I relax?

2008-09-12T16:30:00.004Z

It's Robert's challenge, so it's only fair that I should copy him and go for music as my relaxation method of choice. 10 smartie points for the first person to name all the albums!

A view from the home!

2008-09-11T16:37:00.003Z

I may be using an element of poetic license here with Robert's photo challenge, because it said a view from in your home. The top photo was taken from my garden, so that's pretty close isn't it?
This was taken from my conservatory so technically that's in my home. It's not the squirell as such that's significant, just wildlife in general. We live in the middle of a big city, but we still get Squirrels and foxes and a fantastic selection of birds. So I give you my 2 favourite views from my house.