Only just seen this thread, that is very sad news indeed. As mentioned, his epic birding day out posts were always entertaining. Not only that though, I used to bump into Dave and his (mainly) Rochdale crew quite a lot, Spurn, Northumberland, Cheshire, winter Goose watching in East Lancashire, and believe or not even 1300ft above sea level in a mountainous quarry in Blaenavon, SE Wales, watching an immature Rock Thrush. Dave was a thoroughly decent bloke, my thoughts go out to his family and friends, and his birding crew.
I always enjoyed reading his reports on this forum, getting ideas from them and thinking that his trips sounded like great fun. Thoughts to everyone who knew him.
Sorry to hear the sad news about Dave, I agree with Pete Berry comments about enjoying his posts on Manchester Birding, I didn't know him but felt like I did if that makes sense...he had a great way of conveying the ebbs and flows of a big birding day out at Spurn or somewhere like that.
Not seen Dave for a few years but used to bump into regularly at twitches,both nationally and Greater Manchester ones as well.He was also a regular years ago at Heaton Park Reservoir when permits weren't quite such an issue as they are now,used to pedal down on his bike from home!!!! Used to enjoyed his posts on this website,always a good story with his posts. Such a nice,pleasant guy,always enjoyed his company,he'll be sadly missed,RIP Dave.
It is with great sadness to have to let Daves friends and the many birding companions he had over many years, that Dave peacefuly passed away overnight.
Thankfully he is at peace now and he, nor his family, will have to suffer any more pain.
The Lancs and Manchester birding scene has lost a very decent bloke and lots of us who knew him well have lost a very good friend.
RIP Dave.
For anyone interested, I will post funeral details when I receive them from his daughter Gemma.
-- Edited by Craig Bell on Thursday 4th of July 2024 09:56:02 AM