A Final Rant At this time of year we always think of our good friend, Mike, with whom I used to travel on foreign trips, especially as his last Christmas and New Year was spent with us. One of his many great attributes was that he didn't like controversy, if he didn't agree with an identification he wouldn't argue, until it could be confirmed by use of photos, books etc. For this reason we never argued or fell out on our trips together, and he often said that the best years of his life were those when he was able to go abroad. Like Mike, I don't like controversy, although I will argue as Ann will testify, but I normally don't like to write anything controversial. However, this is my last blog this year, and I have something I want to get off my chest before the new year. I am sick and tired of seeing letters in magazines, or hearing or reading in support of the view that birding should not involve transport, especially by air, since that adds to carbon emissions. I...
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Hard work in West Africa Here is a quick resume of my recent trip to Ghana. There are many species found in West Africa which cannot be found elsewhere, but the region as a whole isn't easy to access. Many countries have little or no tourist infrastructure, several are downright dangerous to visit, and others are horrendously expensive. Gambia used to be the first African country to visit, and indeed is still a top destination, but many specialities don't occur there, Rockfowl (or Picathartes to prove I can spell it) being one. There are only two countries in the world where the two species in the genus can be found, until recently Cameroon, where Grey-necked occurs, was the only option, but the country has suffered political instability and most tour companies no longer offer tours there. Jonathan and I were given a "heads-up" about Ghana last year by a mothing friend, and he advised us to use the services of a top guide, Kalu Afasi. I had long wondered about vis...