THE GREATER MANCHESTER 200 CLUB.

David Winnard · Status: Offline

THE GREATER MANCHESTER 200 CLUB.

Sean Sweeney · Status: Offline

Paul and other 200ers, although I'm merely on 172 GM birds, if fellow GM birders are having a pint to chat over the highlights of 2008 (again congratulations to Simon on his excellent dedication to Elton and much deserved reward) and looking ahead to 2009 let me know where you are meeting up and I'd love to join you

PS. Had a lesser pecker in Heaton Park in with a large titmouse flock while doing my atlas work on 24th Dec, not had one for a over a year in the park!

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

Due to the overwhelming success of Mr Simon Warford excellent acheivments this year, a special presentation will be held on Friday 2nd January 2009, and so as to not upset non-members ALL WILL BE WELCOME,

The presentation will commence at 8 o,clock, The tournament prize will be presented to the winner, photograph of the year and site list and year list winner as well.

What a year, and although its not over yet, we are in what the 200 club deems the dead days when we look back on the year, as well as looking forward to 2009.

Its our belief that GM birders and birdwatchers have had an excellent time, all made possible by Mr Ian McKerchar and his fantastic website. So please feel free to come along have a glass or two of finest ale and mead.

Well done Mr McKerchar on the tournament well done Warfy on the Site list, well done all photographers, but can you guess who the winner is?

Hope to see you all on the 2nd, have fun roll on 2009 and.

KEEP BIRDING

Geoff Hargreaves · Status: Offline

Paul, I should have writted sub prime

and proud of it,

it,s thanks to all the help and info
within the forum and web pages,that i,m slowly climbing towards membership,I know i could do better but i,m starting to savour each addition, and in one case deliberatly ignoring a 'sitter' so I can plan my 200th.A pennington glossy ibis wouldn,t have the same "buzz" if I,d managed to see it today ,dipping only seems to make the seeing more enjoyable.

cheers geoff

David Winnard · Status: Offline

no luck today paul (though i havent told Mr McKerchar that i saw the GW Egret in Nov for 199...oops!

). So 200 will have to be something different than Glossy Ibis to get me to 200!

Dave

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

Splendid turn-out this morning at Pennington, great to see so many GM birders trying to get an early yuletide present, it even got Mr Winnard out of bed hoping to claim his 200 bird before yuletide.

Lets hope it will grace us with its presence again.

Keep birding.

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

Mr Hargreaves a comment on the Elton thread has raised a few question in the club, I refer to your statement " I,m sure quite a few of the sub prime 200

would love to get it on their list" again refering to The Warfys merganser, now take heart my dear man no GM birder is a sub-member in fact it is the duty of all 200 club members to assist any other Gm birder in reaching the magical number 200.

I know of one recent member who supplied a list of his want, and I do believe we got one or two of them for him, so feel free to contact us on private messages and let us know if we can be of any help.

After all its all for fun and it gives me great satifaction if I can get another birder a new county tick, even if its a bogey one, we will keep it quite.

GM birders should be proud of what they have achieved this year, and Mr McKercher know what he has done for birding in Manchester,(even if he keep quite that he a member as well

)

keep Birding

Paul Cliff · Status: Offline

happy happy pal - hope it's a good one!

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

The 200 members have today annouced the New Years honours list, and as a snippet Ian McKerchar will be awarded a prize for the tournament winner for the second year assuming no one is going to beat him over the next few weeks,

Mr Simon WARFY Warford 35 today hope you got the Red Breasted Mergansger I left for you at Elton, ( took me ages to catch that one ). Will recieve the Elton Trophy for his amazing Elton Year list record.

And the photo lads Winnard and Cliff will also be named:biggrin

Hope the Birthday celebrations goes well you whipper-snapper.

Keep Birding.

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

Welcome John and it is nice to have new members and this past few month we have had a blooming influx, and you are quite right numbers are just numbers, however it is a mark of your commitment and as you say a great measure of your enthusiasm.

The Greater Manchester 200 Club will always be happy to see new GM birders reaching the fine figure of 200, and hope they have fun and learn something on the way.

You never know I wonder if it could be achieved in one year

Keep birding

John Rayner · Status: Offline

It's true! I did gain admission to a certain imaginary club today (the motto on the club blazer might read, "You don't have to be mad to join but it helps.")

Numbers are numbers and mean little in themselves - A measure of enthusiasm perhaps or just an indication how many years are the clock.

I've been passionate about birding for many years and, although I've lived in Greater Manchester all my life, I didn't really have a focus on county birding. Discovering this website changed all that and I'm delighted to have met some really nice people. Thanks to all those who have phoned, emailed or texted - you know who you are. And a special thank-you to Ian for creating and maintaining a wonderful website.

Mark Rigby · Status: Offline

A warm Welcome to Mr Rayner on his 200th GM bird-and didn't it show well!!

Paul Hammond · Status: Offline

Paul Heaton wrote:

Mr Hammond welcome to the figment of my imagination

What an achievement 200 birds seen in the county and what a trip the last one was, I have heard of ship assisted birds, in fact went for last Snowy Owl at felixstowe that came in off a ship, but blooming heck a boat assisted bird, who would have thought it,

You had to be there to believe it.

Scary place that mind of yours Paul but thanks

I also saw the Snowy Owl at Felixstowe

Took intervention of Steve Atkins, who flushed the sandpiper from top end of No1, to be refound for those who hadn' seen it.

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

Mr Hammond welcome to the figment of my imagination

What an achievement 200 birds seen in the county and what a trip the last one was, I have heard of ship assisted birds, in fact went for last Snowy Owl at felixstowe that came in off a ship, but blooming heck a boat assisted bird, who would have thought it,

You had to be there to believe it.

Welcome to the throng of people who have achieved the magical number, courtesy of MR Mc Kerchar as his website and all GM birders who pass on the information.

Keep birding

Judith Smith · Status: Offline

Just for the record, the last Purple Sandpipers were in 1996, 2001 and 2002. The 1996 one was at Rumworth and the others at Audi.

brian fielding · Status: Offline

well done to paul hammond who i believe reached the milestone today, i was with him today when he saw the great white egret on rindle road and the purple sandpiper at audi, well done mate.

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

Extremely sorry Mr Rigby Riggers, was not paying attention today

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 200 BIRD FOR THE COUNTY AND WHAT A BIRD

Another member of the 200 Club and I can see a few more application forms on the way.

Well done that man, and just for fun go and get that Rock Pipit at Audi

keep Birding.

Mark Rigby · Status: Offline

Paul,

Can I be seated with the Warfords please-if they will have me!!!

Rock Pipit was not my 200th GM bird

but the Great White Egret was!!

Now which door is it to the GM200 library?

Tony Coatsworth · Status: Offline

Just reached 150
I reckon another 25 years or so to reach 200 !!

Iain Johnson · Status: Offline

Maybe those of us with sub 200 totals could start our own club, the GM sub 200 club!

saying that, I'm not likely to be attending the Xmas dinner of any club for the foreseeable future

Ian Campbell · Status: Offline

Paul
Don't apologise, love your sense of humour, keep birding as you keep doing and stay MAD

What is sane

Cheers Ian

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

WHOOPS! TIME FOR A LITTLE APOLOGY.

It appears as if I have over stepped myself, and if I have caused any offence believe me none was ever meant.

Imitation is the sincest form of flattery, and to imitate is to pay the person a genuine compliment, and this is all I meant by my wild maddness.

I am a very avid reader of all sorts of books ranging from the classics Dickens, Bronte,
Shelly through to Dan Brown, Scarlett Thomas and Jasper Fforde, it is perhaps the last author which is reponsible for some rather odd quotes, for believe me if you google any names in my links it will be from a book somewhere( even the toast bit )

Forgiving the pun but when I poached the bits from Ian tournament rules I meant no offence,merely a little jest.

My comic heros are Monty Python, Spike Milligan, Rippling Yarns, Peter Cook,Eddie izzard etc, warped sence of humour has always followed me.

Therefore massive apology to all who took it the wrong way, it was never meant to be like that. I will refrain from any further tangents in regards to this thread, and can only encourage you to have fun and.

KEEP BIRDING.

Ian Campbell · Status: Offline

Met Paul in the Summer looking for Quail, at the time he seemed quite sane, am beginning to wonder

What is sane???

Cheers Ian

Mike Chorley · Status: Offline

Mark Rigby wrote:

Whilst myself and Mr Chorley looked skywards in vain during todays gales at Top Hill Low in the hope of seeing the Red Footed Falcon for over 4.5 hours,said Warford was sent a text "not looking good, pi55ing down now", we waited in earnest for a vote of encouragement or a 'Gee Up'-after several minutes we received our reply-"try looking harder"

He did. It just scared the rest of the birds!

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

Gentlemen.
I recently attended an extraordinary general meeting of the 200 club, where quiet a few members have been concerned about allegations made that they are not real.

The meeting was well attended by members of the Manchester Geographical society and The Manchester Pedestrian club ( go on I dare you to google them they exist )

It has been decided that the currently premises are too small, so for the next week we will have the builders in. The club and library will be closed, and I intend to take a small break in my cabin on St Agnes isles of Scilly, where I am hoping to relocate the American Flycatcher and a Nighthawk

A full report will be forwarded to the club upon my return, please enjoy birding while the work is in progress MR Adderely will be in over-seeing the work and will not have time to get out birding.

It only remains for me to say eat more Toast its tasty and nutritious and

KEEP BIRDING

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

Ian McKerchar wrote:

i thought you might have pointed out by now paul that the alleged 'manchester 200 club' is of course fictitious and purely a product of your imagination, just to avoid any confusion that it could (and indeed) has caused?

As for the dig at the website and tournament (?), i'll take that in my stride,

I dont know what you mean Ian, when have we ever had a dig at the wonders of the Website and tournament,

The 200 club prides itself on the close working bond between the webmaster and the hallowed halls of fame that have become the 200 club.

As for my imagination you only have to view it from time to time I have to live with it

Stay away from places that are not really, and dont talk to strangers but,

KEEP BIRDING

Mark Rigby · Status: Offline

Just for you Mr Heaton, I will refuse to see a ROCK PIPIT as my 200 GM bird. Even if I am lucky enough to find my own at Castleshaw(fat chance!) I will simply dismiss it as a dark Mipit with dark legs.

I will wait instead till next week when Mr Warfy(legend, ex legend???) finds our GM mega.

Whilst myself and Mr Chorley looked skywards in vain during todays gales at Top Hill Low in the hope of seeing the Red Footed Falcon for over 4.5 hours,said Warford was sent a text "not looking good, pi55ing down now", we waited in earnest for a vote of encouragement or a 'Gee Up'-after several minutes we received our reply-"try looking harder"

Just you wait-next time I wont keep quiet when I see an Osprey flying overhead,

so you can claim the points

-- Edited by Mark Rigby at 22:06, 2008-10-07

Ian McKerchar · Status: Offline

i thought you might have pointed out by now paul that the alleged 'manchester 200 club' is of course fictitious and purely a product of your imagination, just to avoid any confusion that it could (and indeed) has caused?

As for the dig at the website and tournament (?), i'll take that in my stride (no smileys etc as i'm at work and my phone cant cope with them!)

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

ROCK PIPIT, How very dare he

What does he think the 200 club is a joke, it,s for serious Gentlefolk birders.

Why only this morning as breakfast was been served in the Pennington suite ( named after the elite 200 member of said site) Colonel Richard Meinertzahgen was complaining about the standard of recent recruits and members.

I was ordered to go to the 200 club library and find the rule book, the head librarian Mr Quaverley was already polishing it after complaints of pies been left on the same shelf,it appears the Wigan members had a party last night.

A wonderful book it is with the embossed label on the front of the box in Gothic print.

This club is owned designed built and maintained by the ruling council, (rings a bell that does).

Rule one. Birders must have found 200 birds in Greater Manchester, the person claiming this amount must have seen or been involved in seeing the birds within the county boundaries. In the event of discovering a countable list of 200 you must endeavour to make sure you submit it to the club.
Any decent count over 200 is likely to have already been achieved by half a dozen birders before you. Honesty is paramount other wise we will be reduced to letting anyone in, which would be a shame.
KEEP BIRDING.

Simon Warford · Status: Offline

Paul, i think we will need a couple of extra chairs for the 198 and 199ers, tartmiester Rigby apparently needs Rock Pipit

, so he may be joining us at Christmas

-- Edited by Simon Warford at 17:06, 2008-10-07

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

So there you go Boys straight from the Bosses quill,

No segregation no elitism, and no bugger in the 200 club on Christmas day, its an open invite round to Ians,

No been honest if you make your way to the main door and you can show your notebook proving you have been birding in the GM area all year, the you can come in out of the cold.

keep counting ( but its not the size that matters)

Keep birding

Ian McKerchar · Status: Offline

fortunately boys, the whole manchester birding ethos is no segregation and no elitism, so all are welcome to the manchester birding christmas table regardless of list totals, as if that really matters anyway. Pig in a blanket anyone!

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

Gentlemen Gentlemen, the rules are quiet strict, if your names not on the list you cant come in

I believe this is the correct expression.

Its called the 200 club therefore even the 199,ers cannot come in.

Yes we will give some scraps out on Boxing day, but thats all, the Car-park is also out of bounds for anyone who has not got the 200 tag,

But dont dispair Mr Collins MR Cliff or MR McDonald we will raise a glass and have a toast to you all.

see you soon.

Keep counting to that wonderful number.

Keep birding

Geoff Hargreaves · Status: Offline

dean, that,ll be me taking your ticket and shuffling off into the cloakroom it,s the closest i,ll get this year.

cheers geoff

Dean Macdonald · Status: Offline

I'll just get my coat

Paul Cliff · Status: Offline

should those us around the 150 mark just come a loiter in the car park?

Steve Collins · Status: Offline

Can those of us in the 180's come for the pre-dinner drinks and leave before the food?

I'll try to get to the table for the year after

Steve

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

Ordered massive table for the yuletide feast, as Mr Riggers Mr Winnard Mr Hammond and a numbers of others appear to be knocking at the door,

Keep at it lads the more the better .

Keep birding.

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

Well we are going to need a bigger christmas table

What a day Mr Ian Woosey fought through the undergrowth and trees to clinch White Winged Black tern as his 200th bird for his county list, well done that man!

And theres no stopping Mr Fielding a dawn patrol at Elton left him still on 199, but a mad dash this afternoon had had county list on 200 as well.

So come on you 196 lads what are you waiting for?

It was good to be part of the GM Birders today, and a turning point in my twitching antics, glad i never went for the shrike now, loads more fun in GM.

keep stalking Elton Warfy

if you wait it will come.

keep Birding

Sonia Adderley · Status: Offline

Had a great albeit brief view of the Cetti's perched in brambles on 26th April. I even saw it again on Monday a couple of times on the way back from seeing the Cattle Egret. It's definitely much easier to see now it's at Hawkley, rather than Pearson's.

Paul Hammond · Status: Offline

Congratulations Sonia on reaching the milestone.

Btw did you get good views of Cetti's?

Steve Collins · Status: Offline

Yes congratulations Sonia.

I was just typing when Paul posted his message! A great week-end to hit the magic number!
Cheers
Steve

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

A very warm welcome to Mrs Adderley who has just made the cattle egret her 200th bird for the county. Congraulations

I still cannot believe your other half has left you in the cold for so long, but he did say dinner was on him tonight.

Hope you enjoy the 200 club.

Now who next to join Mr Fielding stop taking hoildays in wales GM birders no longer leave the county boundaries.

keep birding

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

Steve Suttill wrote:

I don't know which I'd prefer to join - the Greater Manchester Lunatic Fringe or the Lunatic Fringe of Greater Manchester!
- I won't join any group which would have me as a member!

therefore you cannot be a member of the 200 club, but look forward to you submitting your list.
keep birding

Steve Suttill · Status: Offline

I don't know which I'd prefer to join - the Greater Manchester Lunatic Fringe or the Lunatic Fringe of Greater Manchester!

Then again I'm a Marxist (Groucho, that is) - I won't join any group which would have me as a member!

Iain Johnson · Status: Offline

can anyone join or will they be forced to form anarchic breakaway groups?

also, does pennington have the highest density of hides per land mass in the UK?

east did have three in a very small space altho I suspect these have all been burnt donw now!!

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

Due to recent events on the forum,( sadly missed as I was out of county) it has been agreed that MR Simon Warford will be allowed to bring a guest, One, Mr Ian Woosey to the Pennington suite to discuss the formation of the Greater Manchester Lunatic Fringe

Gentlemen your views on the Hides of Manchester will be a revelation, and could result in a new trophy for the best hide in Manchester.
Horrocks I hear you say, or I think that what you said

Lunatics keep birding

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

The Club is proud to announce the grand opening of the new PENNINGTON SUITE, which is opened in honour of Mr Ian McKerchar grand achievement of reaching the 200 species seen solely at Pennington flash today with the Brent geese becoming his 200th bird at this site alone.

We would like to thank Mr McKerchar for his grand efforts with his website and the improvements in everyones lists in GM.

Well done that man

Keep birding.

-- Edited by Paul Heaton at 18:29, 2008-03-26

Simon Warford · Status: Offline

About time you made it Paul and that avatar is classic

Paul Heaton · Status: Offline

PIRATES AND PREDATORS, what have we become, a few of the birds i have found myself others are stolen from others, so am I a better birder for seeing 200, well yes and no, Feel pleased to have reach a milestone,improved some of my fieldcraft met loads of new birders and been to some great sites in Greater Manchester.
But I take my hat off to all those that year list the dedication it takes is amazing, I need a rest now

I have a tretrad to work on now and I wonder how many birder have a GM self found list maybe thats what I need to work on now

oh yes as soon as I have caught up with my buddy warfy

So many thanks so the GM band of birders and to Mr McKerchar.
Keep Birding