Here it is again the great event we look forward to each year the Rutland Water Birdfair. To look at equipment we would like but need a loan to purchase. I looked at various binoculars this year why? 'cause i like to dream. I quiet fancied the Swarovski 8x32 Bins small light weight fitted nicely in the hand and gave a beautiful image and at £1100, well, we all need dreams. We meet our guide from the Gambia for Nov '05,Yaya Barry, taking it easy, and caught up on a few things, good to see old friends. I bought a new field guide for the Gambia ready for our next trip in March 2007 and then wondered around the vaious stalls looking and marvelling at the paintings. Not forgetting the Supermarket trolley art, great stuff.(look at the pic). I also purchased a Cable Release Bracket for camera in a hope that it will give me a bit more stability for the digiscopiing efforts - watch this space.

We stopped overnight at a place in Woodnewton the Bridge Cottage great place and if you need a place to stop in the area this is it, look no further than  Bridge Cottage

We saw some great birds in the area, try looking around Blatherwycke Lake. These included Red Kites at least a dozen. Buzzards, Kestrels and Hobby in the Raptor line. Waders included Lapwing, Common Sandpipers and a Whimbrel, with Swallows and House Martins going thru a plenty.
I hope next year is as good. More photos at my photos