Damn Nature, You Scary
Patch Gold
I could've sat for hours watching Grass Snakes tackling Marsh Frogs, and let's be honest I basically did, I just wish they were slightly closer for better photos!
Bird of the Year
I simply couldnt split between the Collared Pratincole or European Roller, both very rare and lifers that I don't expect to ever see again, at least for a few years!
Self Found
Largely due to Twitter, me and the rest of the world have been able to piggy back on everyone else's great findings, but this Garganey (along with his woman) were the best things I found myself, and at the time was only the second record for the year in my general area
Wtf Moment
Not sure what else to say when a wild lizard jumps on your face, let alone in February
Destination
I've birded a lot of sites this year, but i dont think anywhere could quite compare to the sheer spectacle of Bempton Cliffs in full breeding pomp. Just a shame it was a week before the Albatross turned up!
National Geographic
I literally had to crawl on my stomach to smeak up to a group of 5 Hares having a paddy in springtime, but it was so worth it to get ridiculous views of their boxing contests, and also pant-shitting when the ones you don't see suddenly bolt from literally a metre away from you
Patch Gold
This Short Eared Owl (one of a pair) hung around long into May on my local Swanscombe Marsh, giving so many rewarding moments, and not something I ever thought I'd see in the arse end of Gravesend
Best Picture
Didn't do too badly on these lads all things considered 😉
Cheers guys, maybe next year will be the year i manage to stick to it but we all know I'll see you in November or something silly
