Ousels or Ouzels?

Saturday April 7

When I checked the RBA website - my pager finally died 2 days go -  mid afternoon, news that there were 2 Ring Ousels in Winterton was too much temptation. To-day's southerly wind with spring warmth, at last, had encouraged migration.

Low Road is an unmade lane behind the primary school, inland from the dunes. We drove down the narrow, hedge-lined and very undulating track as neither the map nor any signs said that we couldn't. We were later told, very nicely, by an older gentleman that we could be prosecuted for doing so as it was restricted access. We had a good look but still didn't see any signs.

The drive north to south was free of any Ousels. We met a member of GYBC who told us that he'd seen one perched distantly earlier, it had probably moved on.

We turned round and returned to the area where there were two campavans parked laneside. Yes ! Both a handsome male and a well plumaged female Ring Ousel, the female's pale wing and sepia crescent showing clearly. It's the first time I've seen a pair together on passage.

A lone Swallow flitted through overhead as we returned to the asphalt and saw Steve and Dot parked at the side of the road. We turned and parked nearby. Yes, they were looking in the wrong area. We sent them in the right direction and drove home in time for the Man City/United match. I'm not watching and Kompany's just scored. He's the one who's been making the most noise about winning the league against us to-day.

Home-made Leek and Potato soup for supper, it was time to dig up the rest of the leeks. 

Joyous postscript...
We won 3-2. At least we stiopped them having huge bragging rights for ever that they won the league against us with a number of records e.g biggest points margin, earliest  certain win etc. They all looked very crestfallen. I'm still smiling....✌😀😀😀