Autumnwatch

[Stewy]

Percy is the geezer!

[mh68]

Much better programme tonight (thankfully), apart from Oddie acting the plonker with antlers on his head (wheres a poacher when you need one ).
He did seem a bit more subdued later in the programme...wonder if he reads these forums
The Fox and Otter footage was excellent, looking forward to the Boars tomorrow

Mark H

[PMG]

..... and there was me actually hoping that Kate was going to really tranquilise him and that he would lie on the table for the rest of the programme........... ooooh that's a wicked thought isn't it - I'm not normally that evil.....

To be honest I think Bill can be a bit of a twit - but I can't fault his enthusiasm - and I've said it before - if it gets families and kids interested then you have to give him and Kate and the programme full marks - its reaching an audience that needs to be engaged - us oldies, birders and naturalists whatever have been there, seen it and done it and perhaps feel a bit superior - tho we shouldn't. David Attenborough does his thing and is top of his class - but he wouldn't work in this format - whereas Bill and Kate do. I still attribute a lot of Bill's quirks to live programme nerves - it takes a lot of bottle to stand up and speak in public - some folk never manage it.......

Pauline

[mh68]

I was a bit disappointed myself when I saw the syringe had no needle attached

Youre right of course,more so due to the fact the program runs live, so theyre obviously going to be more nervous for that reason too. But you cant deny the equal enthusiasm of Simon King and that Scottish fella (always forget his name ) but they come across in a less "in your face" way,while still showing a real enthusiasm for the species theyre commentating on.Later in the programme Bill wasnt half as annoying, mainly for the fact that Kate Humble could actually get a word in edgeways

Mark H

[Dan Salter]

Originally Posted by Carl

we`ll see but simon said that the animals haven`t been seen in england for years and are big and scary and are making a come back which basically describes the wolves.

if that was an impression of a wolf tonight then ill eat my cat....i mean ....hat.

[The Black Rabbit]

Duck cam is pretty poor, lets face it.
As were the starlings during the evening show. (WHY?!!)
The best thing about it for me was the glowing woodmouse being stroked by the glowing finger of the cameraman!
Great stuff!
Doug

[mh68]

Originally Posted by The Black Rabbit

Duck cam is pretty poor, lets face it.
As were the starlings during the evening show. (WHY?!!)
The best thing about it for me was the glowing woodmouse being stroked by the glowing finger of the cameraman!
Great stuff!
Doug

Have to agree about the duck cam.The shots of raptors attacking the flocking Starlings was pretty good though.Be interesting to see if they catch anything on film attacking the roosts through the night.
Glad i`m not the only one who thought the woodmouse snippet was class

Mark H

[Billy Wobble Dagger]

I have to say I was disgusted at the antics of both Bill and Kate with the tale of the stag getting caught up in the rope. Did any body else find it as amusing as they did. A great oppertunity to show the nation what damage discarded rope, fishing line and general litter can cause to our wildlife was missed.

Again the Beavers and the foxes were the stars of the show.

BWD

[The Black Rabbit]

Originally Posted by mh68

The shots of raptors attacking the flocking Starlings was pretty good though.Be interesting to see if they catch anything on film attacking the roosts through the night.
Glad i`m not the only one who thought the woodmouse snippet was class

Mark H

'Fraid not. They're off to the forest eh Mark, to find some boar.
Yes, I agree the Buzzard bombing the starlings was good - but after the light went, all we got was a picture of cold blue reeds. I'm pretty sure the beeb will have that down as if not an embarrassment, then a failure at least. Then again, as there were no glowing starlings to be seen, we got to see that woodmouse!
Doug

[mh68]

Well, its probably better theyre changing subjects, don`t think i could handle looking at blue reedbeds for 2 weeks

Mark H

[goosey]

I think lots of you are being too hard on Bill and Kate and the whole programme. For lots of people here, wildlife is their job or hobby so they know alot of the facts already. I think that the programme is actually aimed at people who have limited knowledge or have no idea at all, and this is their starting base to learn, want to learn and make them enthusiastic enough to want to get out and enjoy the wildlife for themselves, and not just watch it on TV or think it's for country folk!

If this jovial way works, at bringing awareness to people who haven't given nature a second thought, surely that is what is important here! Why slag off people that can bring awareness to millions - isn't that what we want, everyone to realise the importance of nature and what is going on around us?
I think the same can be said to the Alan Titchmarsh and The Nature of Britain debate. It's a bit of snobbery, perhaps jelousy, and who is tying you to the chair and forcing you to watch it?

I think both programmes are great - I wouldn't watch otherwise .

[juliejam]

Its the Wild Boar ..There's an article in this month's Wildlife mag..apparently feral populations of Wild Boar live here in deciduous woodlands ..Looking forward to finding out more about these rare creatures ..

Julie

[mh68]

Originally Posted by goosey

I think lots of you are being too hard on Bill and Kate and the whole programme. For lots of people here, wildlife is their job or hobby so they know alot of the facts already. I think that the programme is actually aimed at people who have limited knowledge or have no idea at all, and this is their starting base to learn, want to learn and make them enthusiastic enough to want to get out and enjoy the wildlife for themselves, and not just watch it on TV or think it's for country folk!

If this jovial way works, at bringing awareness to people who haven't given nature a second thought, surely that is what is important here! Why slag off people that can bring awareness to millions - isn't that what we want, everyone to realise the importance of nature and what is going on around us?
I think the same can be said to the Alan Titchmarsh and The Nature of Britain debate. It's a bit of snobbery, perhaps jelousy, and who is tying you to the chair and forcing you to watch it?

I think both programmes are great - I wouldn't watch otherwise .

The main criticism so far Goosey has been how irritating Bill Oddie is. Youre absolutely right with the points you make, but i`ve spoken to several people, not with a great interest in wildlife, but sufficient to watch the programme , who have all said the same thing - they couldnt watch it because of Oddie being so irritating.Most of us on WaB would watch the programme regardless, as to many of us ANY wildlife programmes on tv are worth watching faults and all, but I know if i only had a passing interest in wildlife I would have turned off halfway through the first programme this series.

Mark H

[The Black Rabbit]

Originally Posted by mh68

The main criticism so far Goosey has been how irritating Bill Oddie is. Youre absolutely right with the points you make, but i`ve spoken to several people, not with a great interest in wildlife, but sufficient to watch the programme , who have all said the same thing - they couldnt watch it because of Oddie being so irritating.Most of us on WaB would watch the programme regardless, as to many of us ANY wildlife programmes on tv are worth watching faults and all, but I know if i only had a passing interest in wildlife I would have turned off halfway through the first programme this series.

Mark H

Absolutely.
I think generally, the programme itself is wonderful, Goosey, though I stand by my comments regarding invisible starlings and the duck cam. I will try and watch as many as I can.
SImon King's piece on bird calls at dusk (for instance) was superb, informative, enthusiastic and jovial, as was the glowing woodmouse I mentioned in a comment above.

I've said this a lot recently - "Horses for courses".
I'm sure many people find Bill Oddie amusing, jovial and informative I suppose.
I don't though. None of the above. The complete opposite in fact.
I would like to think that AW would be just as informative, just as light-hearted and just as inspirational to millions, especially the younger viewers, without Mr.Oddie at the helm.

I find Billy Connolly very amusing, though I'm well aware that there are many, many others who find him intensely irritating.
I suppose thats the same thing?

Cheers
Doug

[coasty]

Interesting thread on that strange Oddie creature this, I can tolerate him but I have to say my wife cant bear to watch him. Wonder if its primarily a woman thing????

[The Black Rabbit]

Originally Posted by coasty

Interesting thread on that strange Oddie creature this, I can tolerate him but I have to say my wife cant bear to watch him. Wonder if its primarily a woman thing????

Hope not!
Last time I checked I was a big bruiser of a bloke!
Got me worried now!
Doug

[ron1863]

Originally Posted by mh68

Maybe the Beeb should sort something out along the lines of "To mute Bill Oddie, press RED on your remote now"

Mark H

My thumb would be blistered

[Dan Salter]

The way the poor entangled stag was dealt with in a laughing joking manner did feel was a bit off...the actual footage was shocking and very serious.

I still found the search for the "invisible starlings" amusing and really feel for Simon King who is an absolute pro and a legend, but lets face it? wildlife watching is full of "no shows"...blanks...wasted trips, hours of nothing etc...it wouldnt be fun if it was too easy. Glad they are leaving it there and moving onto the Boar and in reply to the post about them being here in the uk?..yes...Kent ...or my part of Kent certainly has them..

Simon Kings bird song segment was superb!..glad i recorded the whole program just for that part. Was only days ago hearing my first water rail calls while working at an RSPB reserve and snipe too....

One problem i have though watching Simon King, is that i spend the whole time he is on screen thinking...Where can i get that jacket..that hat?...i need a green scalf.....why is his green cap looking better on him than my own?....what are those boots he's wearing? ha ha.....he is a walking advert/model for top notch outdoors gear and is always dressed perfectly for the habitat he is in or the climate....something which is in my view a very important part of wildlife watching....blending in plus being dry and warm enough while still being able to move, work, use camera/bins....superb.
His personal website recognises this and you can get a breakdown of all the gear/clothes etc he favours....but.....you need a second mortgage!

Incidentally i have the same problem watching Packham or Ray mears...but strangely not with Titmarsh?...Wildlife watching in flourescant red jackets has never worked well with me?

[mh68]

Who`s going to hazard a guess as to the outcome of Simon Kings meeting with that Wild Boar?

Mark H

[paulchandler6]

Originally Posted by mh68

Who`s going to hazard a guess as to the outcome of Simon Kings meeting with that Wild Boar?

Mark H

We will have to wait and see.

Paul

[The Black Rabbit]

Originally Posted by mh68

Who`s going to hazard a guess as to the outcome of Simon Kings meeting with that Wild Boar?

Mark H

Don't spoil it for me!
Missed it last night due to an office meal out.
Gottae watch it on "catchup tv" when I eventually get home this afternoon...
Doug

[mh68]

Yes, it`ll be a very interesting show tonight ....A Wild Boar, only feet away - with young - surely the most effective natural cure for constipation available

Mark H

(edit) Sorry Doug, posted at the same time as you did, i shall say no more

[Billy Wobble Dagger]

What a difference a day can make. Autumn watch was excellent last night because Bill and Kate weren't shouting a screaming and making a fool of each other. The Beavers are still the best part. And was Simon given more air time last night, I thought so.

BWD

[Tinkerbell]

I watched the first of this current series, but the narration finally got to me. I like both presenters when they are on their own, (particularly Bill's own nature programmes) but when they are together it doesn't work for me. So I've used to 'Off' button! Now, The Nature of Britain is very watchable.

Tinkerbell