Kelvin, Reg & Dave's Bird Race 2001.
Having been denied legal aid to challenge our disqualification in 2000, Reg and I decided this year to swot up on the rules. On the 7th January accompanied by our required third man, Dave Rees - a wetland specialist, we set off from my home in Tremadog at 7am. Throughout our successful run of wins in the event we have always stuck to the same basic route. Bird Rock at day break, picking up anything singing en route, up past Tal y Llyn, Dovey Bridge, Aberdovey - scoping across to Ynys Hir, The Broadwater at Towyn, a secret hot-spot for Hawfinch, North Cardigan bay and then finishing on some marshland at Porthmadog.
As always the clock is our enemy and time will not wait. Luck is always required, as illustrated the first year when Reg and I arrived at Harlech bang on high tide with a flat calm sea and perfect light, lots of ticks. The hot-spot was not so hot this year and we failed to get our Hawfinch but that is the big dilema of the day - how much time do you give one tick? Oh my, a Hawfinch worth no more than a humble Blue Tit!
The stipulation about seeing a Red Kite could easily cause us problems in North Wales but again luck has always been with us. The past two years have been easy but three years ago, at 1-o-clock in the afternoon and about to set-off even further north, no Red Kite - panic!. Fortunately one decided to glide over the car at Bryncrug. Luck is not always with us though, this year myself and Reg saw some nice Goldfinchs at Cader Gates near Corris, but where was the third man? - answering the call of nature!! He will be properly briefed next year about how much tea he is allowed to consume and about how to undertake field ablutions without letting go of his binoculars!.
The WKT Bird Race has got to be my favourite way of starting the year, despite the fact that work often dictates that 1st January is not always possible. The highlights change from year to year. Redand Black throated Divers both together, and close up, on Porthmadog Cob. Willow Tits at Corris, Little Egret at Ynys Talsarnau - all good birds made better by the occasion. Low points, when you have staked out certainties, such as Yellowhammers at Llanfrothen just the day before and then they suddenly go missing. Never mind there is always next year.
The secret is a good route with a variety of habitats and most importantly a lot of luck (It helps to have Reg and me in the team though!) Our total for 2001 was 92, 9 down on our best ever of 101, but still a very good winter total and a great day out.
So 2002, weŒll be there again. WeŒll check the rule book again in case Tony has sneaked in another little rule change to give you all a little help. So all the best and may luck be with you, but not as much as with us. Most importantly enjoy the day.
Kelvin Jones (Team Lawyer.)
Next year it has been decided that, for a change, we should hold our annual Bird Race in May. Competing teams will be allowed to select their own date. The extra day-length and additional species available should make it a good challenge whilst the warmer weather should make it a bit more enjoyable.
The Bird Race, whilst maintaining its loyal "racers" has failed to attract new competitors and the sponsorship element has been a bit neglected by some of those taking part!!
Please, if you haven't taken part before do consider joining in, you really do not have to be an expert - just identify what you can. If you don't like collecting sponsors (which includes me for a start), how about getting your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews involved. Apart from being a fun day out, which could easily foster in them a lifelong interest in birds, they are usually great at collecting sponsors!
The Welsh Kite Trust would like to thank all the following for taking part in this years event.
Robert & Lesley Beddall, Neil Bond, Tony Cross, Simon Holloway, Paddy Jenks, Kelvin Jones, Richard Knight, Red & Peggy Liford, Ben Palmer, Carlton Parry, Dave Rees, Richard Roberts, Ben Stammers, Reg Thorpe and Gareth Williams.
