Well, that's 2014 nearly over and done with but wow, what a year it's been. I've had some pretty bloody amazing opportunities, visited some fantastic places and met loads of wonderful and inspiring people so I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been a part of it.
A special mention must go to A Focus On Nature and the Next Generation Birders as well as all the ringers & birders that have offered their advice and/or enthusiasm over the last year; for without the help of all the people around me, I would definitely not have achieved as much as I have over the last 12 months.
Here are some of my 2014 highlights in pictures:
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| A very obliging Grey Phalarope in East Sussex |
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| A memorable encounter that I shared with some fellow AFON members on the Somerset Levels |
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| The group of us that spoke at the AFON #youngbirders workshop at the BTO |
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| My first ever Stone Curlews which rounded off an amazing day at the #youngbirders workshop |
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| It was a privilege to follow the breeding trials and tribulations of a pair of Starlings that nested in my neighbours roof |
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| Ringing some young birds of prey, such as this Kestrel, was an unforgettable experience |
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| Meeting other young like-minded birders is always good fun |
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| Ringing some Barn Owl chicks and meeting some more great people thanks to AFON |
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| Finally catching up with a Nightjar at a ringing session after 6 failed attempts |
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| A trip to the Farne Islands with 7 other young photographers |
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| Cairngorm family 'selfie' - fantastic wildlife, scenery and company (most of the time) |
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| Masses of jellyfish washed up on a beach on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula |
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| Spotted Flycatcher trapped and ringed in Hampshire - a cracking species to have in the hand |
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| A few days spent at Portland Bird Observatory with some good birds and cracking company |
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| I <3 my patch - Nightjars, Dartford Warblers & Woodlark... what more could you want?! |
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| Met some amazing people on the NGB Bardsey trip |
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| Stunning scenery on Bardsey Island |
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| Some cracking birds on Bardsey too |
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| After 3 years of training, I achieved my C Permit for ringing!!! |
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| There's nothing quite like being out on a marsh in the freezing cold catching some lovely birds and great company too |
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| What a way to end the year - speaking at the BTO Conference with 5 of my birding friends in front of c.300 people. Very nerve wracking but an amazing opportunity and experience nonetheless |
Thanks again to everyone who has supported me over the last 12 months. I am extremely grateful for all your support and really do appreciate it because without it, I wouldn't have done or achieved half as much as I have managed in the last year, so for that I really do thank you.
So, with only 5 minutes of 2014 remaining, here's to 2015 - I hope it's a good one! Happy New Year folks!
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