We only love Nadine

You can see how it happened. That singular clarity of thought, that incisive mind, that charm and wit. When that was no longer on offer as your democratic representative, well, what's the point? Might as well stay home. No Nadine, I'd rather not even vote. We love Nadine. Only Nadine. It is remarkable that she was ever elected, let alone that she became a Secretary of State, but that is where UK politics is at. Sycophants, charlatans and liars.

If the two by-election voter swings this week are mirrored across all constituencies in the next general election then political oblivion for the Tories beckons, at least for a while. I think that's a good thing and am very much looking forward to it becoming reality. Equally I am not saying that the Labour Party will do any better, but it is time for a change and they deserve their chance. It may all continue to go horribly wrong, but at least you know their intentions are likely honorable. Whereas with the current lot you feel that they'd auction you for medical research if it meant they could make a few quid. A few more quid. As and for the other guy, Pincher, why do these people go into public life?

Angel has some water in it for the first time in a long while. Now it just needs some Snipe in it.

I've been out on Wanstead Flats every day this week, dodging the showers. Sometimes for an hour, sometimes for longer. It has been moderately successful, but no more than that given the time of year. On one day I scored a Brambling, very clear calls somewhere over Long Wood. A couple of days later, perhaps even the next day, a very early Woodcock scooted over the brooms and plopped down right in front of me. Brambling I knew I was going to get, it was only a matter of time. Woodcock would likely have required some effort, some standing around in the cold at dusk waiting it for fly out to feed. I declined that opportunity earlier in the year even though it was pretty close to my house, it didn't really appeal for obvious reasons. Far easier to just jam one whilst standing around, I've done it before and will likely do so again. 

These two additions mean I am fractionally ahead of my average for the time of year, somewhat against the odds you would have to say, but I have been putting in the hours lately so perhaps it is no more than I deserve? I've actually been so keen that on some days I've arrived at the VizMig Point in the dark. I've no idea why, it hasn't helped in the slightest, but my October Redwing count is up to 1496, Fieldfare a distant second with 103. Grim determination is probably as good a summary as any.