goosander

Have seen a pergerine take one hovering. Most birds of prey are getting scarce except buzzards which are eveywere. The estate were i fish near Perth used to have loads of birds of prey but now other than buzzards you see very few. This is not down to the keepers as the head keeper is a keen twitcher. Even song birds are getting scarce. The dawn singing is now down to a few blackbirds and wrens. Bob

Have beeb surprised by the lack of Kestrels hovering along the motorway embankments this year. Usualy see a fair number but not seen any for a long time. Loads of Buzzards/crows etc. Bob

Would be easier for the two of you to get some casting lessons before you pick up any bad habits. Better to go to the waters you intend fishing and see what others use. Good luck. Bob

We have several pairs nesting along the river. When you are fishing near them they fly down to within twenty feet of you screaming like mad. See them flying at each other and then going up into the sky together. Bob

Have IlIia Browns and the light Sussex Good pets if you want but good egg layers. The Sussex are big birds but if they are fat eneough will eat well. The grandkids gave them names but i just call them K.F.C. Bob

Throught the mention of free stretches to fish is one of the biggest reasons for lack of young blood on the banks. In my youth there was plenty of water you could fish free but now the various angling clubs have taken it all. Bob

Am wondering what has happened this season just gone. Snipe/hare/mallard and partridge none to be seen on our place at Lanark. Last year there were massive flocks of woodies in there thousands, never seen so many. Last season not a single fieldfare or redwing despite there beeing hundreds in previous years. Place is like a green desert with nothing on the ground except a few longtails. Is it me or has anyone else noticed this. Bob

Brought back a lot of memories for me. Was given the book must be at least fifty years ago. Best thing to encourage youngsters out into the countryside. My own son caught his first salmon when he was seven and to me it is the best fish ever we had. Bob

We have had no snipe [Lanarkshire] this year. Normaly we have lots on the ground. Wonder what has gone wrong with them. Bob