Some sad news to report, we recently lost Eltons longest serving birder Peter Baron after a short illness. As well as being a dedicated Elton birder since the late 1960s he became the Elton Bird Recorder where he recorded the sites birds comprehensively from 1969! He produced an annual Elton Bird Report for the entire period of 1969 to 2008 and these reports were no doubt enjoyed and cherished by many birders, not just Eltons birders (as most being written before the use of internet or mobile phones). It has to be one the most impressive recording of birds at any one site. Peter also ran three local birdwatching classes for many years working on behalf of Bury Council, which were very popular and always well attended, making the classes such fun sessions and he could often be found taking groups to Holcombe and Astley Moss. Peter was such a friendly, happy guy always looking on the bright side of life, as he was often found singing those words around Elton.

I have kindly been passed all his Elton Bird Reports and have copies of most years if anybody would like any copies please get in touch with me by private message. Peter saw and found many good birds at Elton over his many years of coverage including several shrikes such as the sites only Great Grey Shrike which he found in February 1980, Leachs Petrel 8th December 1980, Pectoral Sandpiper 9th September 1983, Guillemot 1st March 1986 plus many more. He also found the White-winged Black Tern on the 25th September 2008 which later relocated to Heaton Park Reservoir. An Elton birding legend he will certainly be missed by many and birding Elton will not quite be the same again without him.