Western Reef Heron and a return to form
Western Reef Heron, said the message on my phone. I was, to put it mildly, surprised. I had logged out of social media, blog, listing software and websites and BirdGuides a month earlier, putting birding WhatsApps on mute, and withdrawing into my own company for a little while. So when several people of my acquaintance wanted me to know there was a first for Britain 80 miles from home their messages built up until not even I could ignore the deluge. Western Reef Heron, said BirdGuides when I logged back in. Three exclamation marks to tell me it was a serious rarity. Seen in Caernarfon, a favourite place of mine full of friendly people, good birders, great scenery and the potential for close encounters with wildlife. I pondered. My withdrawal wasn't a mistake, or a whim, or a tantrum. I needed a break. Was I ready to rejoin the hobby? Was I ready to socialise more broadly? Was I refreshed enough to want to go birding - not just ...