This morning, I was enjoying really good close-up views from the footpath of the Cleethorpes local nature reserve of the long-staying female stonechat (one of my favourite species) until .. .
I suddenly found myself surrounded by six dogs including a West Highland white terrier that began growling and snapping at my ankles like some enraged tropical insect.
I looked at the owner thinking she might apologise, Instead, she completely blanked me and chortled to the wessie: "You're a feisty little fellow, aren't you?"
When I turned back to watch the stonechat, it was being chased away by one of the other dogs.
I like dogs (as a youngster, my sister had a wessie), but some owners don't half test your patience.
Also seen this morning, plenty of pochard and tufted duck (at least 12 of each) on Cleethorpes boating lake.
This is a place where I have a lingering hope that I might one day see a smew. It's my target species for this winter. But, as ever, no joy.
On an unrelated matter, subject to no overwhelming opposition, I think there should be an admission charge at the AGM on March 22 and have posted something to this effect on the forum ( General Lincs Birding section).
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