A short break in Sussex
Posted 20-02-11 at 06:55 PM by Dave H
My employer sends me to work a few shifts in Crawley from time to time. I don't enjoy working late shifts from a hotel, but have settled down to make the most of it. One advantage in winter, is that I have 5 to 6 hours of daylight time to myself each day.
Whilst there, I have visited the RSPB site at Pulborough and had a pretty good time, adding a few lifers to my list, most recently a male Hen Harrier.
Several birders were keen to share their sighting of Bewick Swans which was nice of them. I must admit to being unsure about what some of these birds look like and rather than show my ignorance (..and not for the first time..) I looked through my bins in the general direction they indicated, not knowing what I was looking for. Perhaps I should tell them next time, I'm sure most would be pleased to guide me.
Whilst driving to the site, I pass mile after mile of woodland. There must be plenty of birding opportunities there, so I bought a book on the area and had great plans to visit some very likely places.
It was recently my birthday. On the day I had a few cards in the post and, according to my wife who phoned me to tell me, a large card from my employer which came "special delivery"! She thought that was a nice gesture. In reality, my complaints about working away had clearly bourne results....they were making me redundant.
Now that the initial shock has (nearly) passed, there are positive aspects to not working for them, if only that I have much more time for birding!
Whilst there, I have visited the RSPB site at Pulborough and had a pretty good time, adding a few lifers to my list, most recently a male Hen Harrier.
Several birders were keen to share their sighting of Bewick Swans which was nice of them. I must admit to being unsure about what some of these birds look like and rather than show my ignorance (..and not for the first time..) I looked through my bins in the general direction they indicated, not knowing what I was looking for. Perhaps I should tell them next time, I'm sure most would be pleased to guide me.
Whilst driving to the site, I pass mile after mile of woodland. There must be plenty of birding opportunities there, so I bought a book on the area and had great plans to visit some very likely places.
It was recently my birthday. On the day I had a few cards in the post and, according to my wife who phoned me to tell me, a large card from my employer which came "special delivery"! She thought that was a nice gesture. In reality, my complaints about working away had clearly bourne results....they were making me redundant.
Now that the initial shock has (nearly) passed, there are positive aspects to not working for them, if only that I have much more time for birding!
Total Comments 4
Comments
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What a horrible way to find out!
I hope you get to visit some of the sites you identified, on pleasure instead of business!
A male hen harrier, wow! I hope you're able to look back on your time in Sussex with some good memories at least.Posted 20-02-11 at 07:28 PM by astafjevs
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Sorry to hear about your job Dave......what a dreadful day to find out too!
Hope you get something soon that will allow you more time for birding......and yes do always ask most birders will happily share their info and knowledge with you.Posted 21-02-11 at 02:39 PM by Twitcheruth
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A rotten thing to happen to you Dave. Every cloud has a silver lining so your ex boss may have done you a favour! Fingers crossed for you that this is the case.
Enjoy your birding and let us know what you see!Posted 22-02-11 at 10:03 AM by Little Sparrow
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Thanks for your kind words. I do believe that this marks a change in my life, as an opportunity to re-assess what I (we) want from a working life. I suspect that I will seek to regain my weekends and stop that late working shift type existence.
This could be a good thing indeed!Posted 28-02-11 at 03:09 PM by Dave H
