Bass Rock, Firth of Forth, Scotland We started off fine, the sea was choppy and the sky cloudy, but I was looking forward to spending time on Bass Rock getting close to Gannets, Puffins and Shags. I was lucky I guess, one chap had made several previous attempts to visit the rock without success due to rough seas, by the changing shades of blue, purple and green on his face, I wasn't sure if he was enjoying the trip or not. He said he was, as he took a deep breath and swallowed hard. Finally we approached the island as Gannets flew all around us, swooping into the water to catch their meal. I was eager to get some pictures, so I took my camera out of the bag and pointed it skywards. Focusing was a nightmare. I must have looked like an idiot, trying to steady myself with the motion of the boat, like a drunk trying to stand still. Clicking the shutter in the hope of getting something in focus there it was - the inevitable. It's quite something you know, the amount or stuff that can come out of a Gannets backside in one go. Splat! Just missing my ear but completely covering my shoulder in what can only be described as, nasty white goo, yuk! As a consolation though I did manage to get some nice pictures, so all was not lost.
	Dunwich Heath, Suffolk I had visited the area on many occasions searching for Red Deer and other wildlife. Deer and Foxes regularly wandered around the area so building a hide was a must. I chose my spot and used local, natural materials for the hide so I could leave it in place and it wouldn't be noticed by passers-by. Selecting dead and decaying tree trunks and branches, I began. An hour or two later and everything was in place. At 4am the next morning I used it. Fantastic! A female Red Deer in the early morning mist came as close as 4 or 5 metres. On this particular morning after a long period without using the hide, I decided to return. It was summer now and getting out of bed at the ungodly hour of 3am was called for. There I was, while it was still rather dark, eyes stuck together from lack of sleep and a facial expression that must have resembled that of a zombie from one of those old B movies, I sat and sat. The sun started to rise, the sky was clear and the light was perfect. I waited and waited some more. Now usually deer make an appearance between 6am and 8.30am, it was around 7-7.30, no deer, no foxes, in-fact nothing, nothing that is but a strange rustling in the distance to my left. There it was the reason for the lack of the usual wildlife, a formidable presence in any country setting or wildlife hotspot. Homo erectus had made an appearance, stomping across the heather then standing proud with his chest puffed out and his fists rested on his hips in a stance like the jolly green giant. A wasted morning I know, but I had to laugh as he stood there, master of all he surveys, blissfully unaware that he was being watched. Priceless!