As many of you will have heard, sadly Julian (baycityroller- to some) passed away peacefully after a long illness on Sunday 18th May at St. David's Hospice with his family by his side. He was laid to rest last week 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. As you will see from this blog 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 and insect recording scene and will be missed greatly. Our thoughts are with his family. May he rest in peace.
Robin
