We've been saddened to receive news of the death of stalwart local birdwatcher, Mick Shepherd. Mick's association with PBO dated back to the early 1960s and he served as Honorary Secretary from 1961 until 1981 - an onerous role during a period when his administrative skills were so often required as the fledgling Obs consolidated activities at its newly opened base at the Old Lower Light and later achieved charitable status for the first time. In the wider birding world, Mick was known to many through his work as a tour guide for Ornitholidays and as author of the Let's Look at...series of birdwatching guides. Always a staunch supporter of PBO, Mick remained a regular visitor until ill health finally curtailed his activities in recent years; he passed away yesterday, aged 92.
Mick Shepherd (right) with the then warden, Peter Morgan, at PBO in autumn 1961:
Today's only reports were of 3 Red-throated Divers through off the Bill, the 3 long-staying Redpolls still at the Bill and 3 Redwings at Foundry Close.
