Hi

Tursiops · #1 (**permalink**) 31-10-2005, 12:20 PM

Hello everybody
I've been lurking for a few weeks and thought it was time to introduce myself.
I'm in my early fifties and a keen birdwatcher and general naturalist. I used to work as an archaeologist but now I'm a freelance CAD draughtsman under contract to the local NHS. I moved to Ipswich 3 years ago after 25 years of city living (Bristol/London). I spend as much time as I can (not as much as I'd like) walking the south bank of the River Orwell watching everything from seals to little egrets, and I'd like to extend an open invitation to all members of this forum: If you're ever visiting Ipswich and you'd like to spend a day birdwatching on the river, just give me a shout, I'll be glad to show you around.

bye for now
T

nightshade · #2 (**permalink**) 31-10-2005, 12:29 PM

hello tursiops welcome, does your name indicate your mammaliam preferences?

fbcpmike · #3 (**permalink**) 31-10-2005, 12:30 PM

As one CAD draughtsman to another - welcome. This is a great site full of like minded and helpful souls.

Tursiops · #4 (**permalink**) 31-10-2005, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightshade

hello tursiops welcome, does your name indicate your mammaliam preferences?

No, its just the first thing that came into my head when searching for a username- can't even remember what it means! I was hoping no-one would ask (sheepish grin).
T

StuartDH · #5 (**permalink**) 31-10-2005, 01:59 PM

Welcome to the site Tursiops.

We'll have to start a new branch site - Wild About CAD

I also do contracts in CAD and 3D visualisation for architects and furniture designers, which gives me plenty of opportunity to work from home and work on this site as well

Is there a particularly good time of year to head over to Ipswich? I've always fancied going, but it's a fairly long drive from up here in Cheshire and I've never been too sure about what time of year I should go.

nightshade · #6 (**permalink**) 31-10-2005, 02:54 PM

bottle nosed dolphin is one and the other is some kind of body lotion

Tursiops · #7 (**permalink**) 31-10-2005, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuartDH

Welcome to the site Tursiops.

We'll have to start a new branch site - Wild About CAD

I also do contracts in CAD and 3D visualisation for architects and furniture designers, which gives me plenty of opportunity to work from home and work on this site as well

Is there a particularly good time of year to head over to Ipswich? I've always fancied going, but it's a fairly long drive from up here in Cheshire and I've never been too sure about what time of year I should go.

To be honest, there isn't a bad time to visit , although late summer (mid-June - mid-August) tends to be quietest (it's also the tourist season).

Highlights:
Winter - Internationally important numbers of Brent geese and Black-tailed Godwit; abundant wildfowl (wigeon, teal, shoveller, gadwall etc) and waders. Chance of Short-eared owl, Peregrine, Jack Snipe
Late winter - As above, plus small numbers of Red-breasted Merganser and Red-necked Grebe.
Spring- migrants, including (if you're lucky - no guarantees) Spoonbill, Marsh Harrier, Bearded Tit.
Summer- breeding Avocet, Nightingale, terns, Redshank, Oystercatcher
Autumn- migrants, as per Spring, but almost anything can turn up. A few Grey Plover in summer plumage late July/early August are worth seeing.

Little Egrets present all year now (recent maximum of 20), Mediterranean Gulls increasingly frequent.

Yes it is a long way from Cheshire, and you couldn't do it here-and-back in one day. I'd recommend taking a couple of days to explore both banks of the River, and be prepared for long walks as access is a bit restricted.

Is there a Private Message facility on this site? I'd be happy to give you my phone number/email but I don't want to make it public.

I'd be interested in discussing CAD with you (and fbcpmike) - I've only recently started in the business and could do with some advice- but that's another topic for another time.

Off home now, back tomorrow

ATB
Tursiops