I started birding in my early teens at my local patch Dagenham Chase, where i was to meet other keen birders Ken Barrett, Steve Bacon, Mike Sullivan and Colin Evans. It was with Steve and Colin that i first went on a rarity twitch, (the Little Bittern at Oreham Common West Sussex on 9th April 1988 ). Since then i have amassed fairly respectable BOU, Local Patch, Essex and London life lists. I have also birded in Canada(Pelee),USA(Arizona), and the Greek island of Lesbos. I am also a football fan West Ham United being my team of choice. I enjoy quality real ale, a pint of Hicks in The Atlantic Hotel St Mary's is one of my favourites.