Hi' gain George, yes I did pack up fishing, the waters I was fishing are packed to overflowing with fish and it was too easy to catch, not enough challenge to it, although I fear they may have suffered with the intense cold we had late last year.
The angling forums I read have been reporting high volumes of fish deaths and some trapped in solid ice.
Birdwatching has gone for a Burton also, where I live is too far away for very good birdwatching opportunities and the price of petrol is a big problem as well as the crowded roads.
Having said that,
 what good places there are around this neck of the woods are very risky to park your car for fear of them being broken into and vandalised.
I made the decision last Autumn to pack up and start to learn myself Watercolour and Acrylic painting.
I set about tarting up the garage, ie: put down a carpet, improving the general feel of it, improved the lighting and heating and made a start.
Then we decided we needed a downstairs toilet so arranged for a ground level extension to be built to provide a cloak room and toilet.
I gave them half of the garage to store their tools and equipment but they gradually took over most of it and this was made worse by the delay caused by the severe weather.
Coincidentally they finished today and I have the garage to myself again although I have to have a major clean up starting tomorrow.
So when and if you are out in the morning give me a thought as  I begin to reclaim my work place
 

Hello George, it is good to read your reports on your outings and the Rough Legged Buzzard seems to be giving you plenty to think about, enjoy it mate.

Good luck with the Buzzard spotting George.

Thanks for pointing in the right direction George, excellent pictures as always!
Had difficulty in remembering my pass word but got it in the end, advancing years I'm afraid