As many of you will have heard, sadly Julian (baycityroller- to some) passed away peacefully after a long illness on Sunday 18th at St. David's Hospice with his family by his side. He was laid to rest today at Llanrhos after a service recalling his twitching, local birding and ringing jaunts. It was fitting that the area around the Church was buzzing with House Martins and Swallows.
Julian was a life-long birder originating from Manchester. He was heavily involved in setting up the Connahs Quay reserve when he moved to North Wales. He was also interested in moths and dragonflies and more recently contributed to the various blogs and forums on both subjects. He got as excited as most in finding a county first or other good local records and he always liked a good ID challenge, often helping me out when I was stuck.
Julian enjoyed birding and made the most of it right up until last Christmas, watching the Hoopoe at Pensarn and Buff Bellied Pipit at Burton. Despite being ill I never heard him grumble and if I bumped into him on the reserve we'd take twice as long going round chatting as we went. We'll all have our personal memories but I'll remember him at Rhos Point enjoying the worst the weather could throw at him on an autumn seawatch, hoping for a passing skua or petrel.
He was highly regarded on the local birding scene and will be missed greatly. Our thoughts are with his family. May he rest in peace.
Robin
Perfect words Rob.
ReplyDeleteWe will all have our own memories ofJulian. Mine being hurrying around to his house to see my first ever Convulvous Hawk-moth which he had caught. Another being so relieved seeing him run round the corner half dressed to see the Penrhyn Bay Hume's Warbler one November morning a few years ago.
As Rob had referred to already, Rhos Point was his place. That spot by the bars, just by the steps will always be known as Julian's corner. Next autumn won't quite be the same without him there.
RIP Julian.
Marc
RIP Julian. Nice guy. Spent many an hour with Julian if a good bird was about in North Wales chatting about birds and winding each other up about our football teams. Will be missed and a sad loss.
ReplyDeleteJust found out about Julians’ passing. We were best friends at school and afterwards including being each other’s best men. Hadn’t seen him for over 40 years but always hoped we’d meet up again,sadly not to be.
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