RSPB bird count - again

I am repeating my 1 hour bird count today, this time at the front of our bungalow overlooking the grass patch, hedges and windmill near our local village museum. I expect to see fewer birds, but it will make an interesting comparison. 

This morning, there was a crow actually on the birdtable and a red-legged partridge underneath.   Both were missing from my count yesterday!

UPDATE 1725z:  Although there were fewer species spotted at the front (4 rather than 6) the number of starlings was much higher as there is a roost on the windmill sails. I saw 26 unique starlings but had this been an hour later it would probably been 100+.

RSPB birdcount weekend

Any 1 hour, record max number of each species seen in period. Last year just 1 wood pigeon! At previous house often saw 10-12 species.  Weather was setting full sun, about 5 deg C.

This year, 6 species recorded late PM (3.10 to 4.10pm):

• 2 dunnock, 
• 6 starlings,
• 5 wood pigeon,
• 1 blackbird, 
• 3 mallard, 
• 2 black headed gulls.

NOT seen, but often seen in garden, were long tail tits, blue tits, great tits, robins, jackdaws, rooks, crows, red legged partridges,chaffinches,collared doves.

Saudi Arabia - double standards?

Lots of double standards over the death of King Abdullah in Saudi Arabia as world leaders fly in to show their respects. Why does the cynic in me say this has more to do with arms and the oil trade? At the same time this "nation" is brutally beating a moderate blogger with 1000 lashes after Friday prayers most weeks and it has subjected him to 10 years in jail. Cameron, Obama and other world leaders - use your influence on the new king! I know Middle East politics is complex, but this punishment is brutal and not in keeping with the 21st century and true democratic values, Saudi Arabia should change.

7 party TV election debate?

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30955379 .

It looks likely that one of the TV election debates will include representatives from 7 main parties. There is also a debate planned between Ed Milliband and David Cameron.

Cambridge United v Manchester United in the FA Cup 4th round

This match was on BBC TV this evening.

Humble little Cambridge United (non-league until this season) held mighty Manchester United to a 0:0 draw and win a replay, worth an estimated £1.5M to Cambridge, at Old Trafford. It was a great game and Cambridge outclassed the Premier League team for quite a lot of the time. Well done Cambridge!

Greece - Sunday's election

At the moment Syriza, the left wing party, looks set to win in Greece on Sunday. If so, an exit from the Euro, and the EU, is possible. This could have dramatic ramifications for both Greece and the rest of the EU, including the UK.

Saudi King Abdullah dies

So the 90 year old king, the longest serving king in the world, has died and he is being succeeded by a 79 year old. Many are praising the old king. Call me stupid if you like, but to me he represented a backward, if oil rich, nation that still does not like the idea of women driving cars! We were friends with this dictator because he had lots of oil and bought our fighter jets. Sorry, but I wish this place would become a fair society for all its citizens. It has some way to go. The 10 year jail term and 1000 lashes in public after Friday prayers for a moderate blogger, says a lot to me. Move forward. The world expects more humility and kindness please. The world does not want you to be another USA, but it does expect all nations to respect its citizen's right to freely express views.

The new king promises "continuity".  What does that mean?   Little change?   See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-30950731 .