Targets for 2009

[Adam Cheeseman]

Well, another year has come and gone, and we start looking to what awaits us in 2009.

Just wondering what targets people had set themselves for 2009.

I am going to make an effort to go and see some of the Orchid sites I have been told about and try and break my 200 bird species for Surrey (I need another 6). I'd like to get my work's moth species list over the 300 if possible and get my British bird list over 350 too.

Happy New Year,

Adam

[Hedge Witch]

Interesting question.

I'm just getting into birds and their songs/calls. So I imagine quite a few bird species will be on my hit list this Spring. Spoilt for choice here, and I've just discovered the Herts atlas, which is just a wonderful tool for me, in this neck of the woods.

http://www.hertsatlas.org.uk/

Nothing too rare (yet). Will give this some thought.

[ron1863]

To increase my knowledge of Fungi and have already bought Phillips Mushrooms and Jordans Fungi books along with DK Pocket Fungi Book, all excellent and interesting. Now for a microscope.

[nutmeg]

I'd like to to dip into Diptera a bit more - but try to concentrate on hoverflies, robber flies and soldier flies rather than everything because otherwise I haven't a hope!

I also hope to get to some places in Lincs that I haven't yet visited; I have a tendency to revisit the same ones over and over (although that's not a bad thing because I like to look in depth over time).

Carrying on with my photographic record of things in my garden is also a target.

[Fauna]

Just started out with the bewildering world of carabids, really want to try and increase my knowledge with these in 2009. Got to grips(well sort of)with Moths, Molluscs and Woodlice this year.

And the same as you with Moths, like to take my garden count up from 233 to anything over 250

[Dutchess]

Originally Posted by nutmeg

I'd like to to dip into Diptera a bit more - but try to concentrate on hoverflies, robber flies and soldier flies rather than everything because otherwise I haven't a hope!

I also hope to get to some places in Lincs that I haven't yet visited; I have a tendency to revisit the same ones over and over (although that's not a bad thing because I like to look in depth over time).

Carrying on with my photographic record of things in my garden is also a target.

I reckon I concur with you, Nutmeg, on most things! To specialise is probably the best way forward.

Specialise in my own garden, for a start. I don't always get out as much as I'd like to, so my own back garden should be my focus. Not on birds, as I have four cats. Creepy crawlies then? Yes.

Which of those am I specifically interested in? Moths and spiders....and as I have invested in books on both, I should be ok.....shouldn't I? I have my trusted friends here on WAB to help me out with ID....now I just need to work out how to operate the most decent(ish) camera in the house! The only one I can operate at the mo takes floppy discs

Ok ok, it's not 2009 yet....I'll work on it!

D.

[Billy Wobble Dagger]

As for this year still looking for my first otter sighting. Found some anal jelly, for those that don't know it's an otter territory marker, on Saturday morning so hopefully I am closing in.

BWD

[Wild-Woman]

I have a huge list of invertebrates I would like to see and just keep adding to it.
I don't count bird species as such but I have a mental note of when and where I saw a new one and hopefully will add to that this coming year.If we get to Scotland this year...the Golden Eagle will definitely feature.

I've no doubt that a friend of mine will introduce me to some to some new gall flies/wasps and and their associated parasitoids. That also means new plants, so the list really will go on and on.

[ChrisJB]

To see a Corncrake on Iona (it has to be on Iona because it is such a wonderful place) and to bag Ben More whilst I am up there. I'm in the process of trying to get some 'digs' on Mull for a week at the end of May.

Regards, Chris

[demicav]

I would like to get some more mammal pics. I find it hard to see them let alone photograph them . Other than that more reptiles especially Adders, love to see them, never tire of it. Also there are so many Bird species I'm desperate to see, just want to keep trying and of course there's all the invertebrates I enjoy seeing. Oh I could go on for ever. Nothing beats a surprise though.