[rlchew]

Firstly, my binoculars, telescope and camera and lenses always go everywhere.

I try and visit my local patch at Wat Tyler Country Park as frequently as possible. That requires no pre-planning as I know it so well and I know what I am likely to see at different times of the year.

If I decide to birdwatch further afield (Kent, Suffolk, Norfolk) I usually look at the BirdGuides website to see what has been reported over the previous few days.

I also usually have at least one holiday in Wales and the Scottish Highlands and that requires a bit more research and pre-planning in terms of background reading i.e. books, magazines, Internet, etc.

I have been birdwatching for over 40 years so I do have a fair idea what can be seen where at different times of the year although as Julie says I also expect the unexpected, especially so now with climate change and so much happening in the natural world.

Joining WAB has led to a renewed interest in mammals and a new interest in butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies .... there is loads of research required in respect of the latter both in terms of ID and knowing when and where to look .... and then there is mastering the camera and macro lens!

Richard