Born and bred in Sussex, I became more interested in birds when in North Devon, working in an office overlooking the Taw estuary in Barnstaple in the early 1980s. I thought I ought to find out more about what species were poking around in the mud so joined the local RSPB group to try to learn more. A talk to the group by a local bird ringer (also my GP) got me hooked on ringing and when I married and moved to North Somerset (then Avon) in 1983 I joined Chew Valley Ringing Group. Returning to Sussex in 1986 I continued ringing with Barrie Watson and Steyning Ringing Group (Phil & Brian Clay et al). Daughter Caroline arrived in 1987 and son Nick two years later. I recall leaving a Cissbury session in October 1989 and saying I may not be available next weekend as “the baby is due on Tuesday”! I was closely involved with the Sussex Ornithological Society from 1987, though have recently stepped back. I co-ordinated the SDOS Garden Bird Survey for several years, and still write an annual report on Ringing at Cissbury for the SDOS newsletter. I’m not a proficient birder – useless with calls – but am happy to lead walks on my home patch where hopefully I know what’s likely to be around!
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