AS rain poured down and flood warnings seems to be everywhere I started looking through old diaries. Going back to January 1987 I found that the Foulridge area was flooded and soon afterwards birds flocked into the reservoirs.

If you have some free time next weekend ignore the weather and follow the circular route around the reservoirs of Foulridge. Now that the days are getting longer there will be time to stroll along the banks of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal.

Among a restored group of lime kilns overlooking the canal I found a roost of more than 100 pied wagtails. Although it was only just light these birds persuaded me to take an early breakfast but I did not eat much. I did not just give them the crumbs -- I gave them the butties and I had the crumbs. Thank goodness birds don't drink hot coffee sweetened with honey.

I saved enough food for lunchtime by which time I was overlooking Lake Burwains. I had already seen more than 120 Canada Geese, a record to add to those sent in by our 'eagle-eyed' LET readers.

My list also included redshank, dunlin, lapwing, golden plover, pochard, goldeneye, tufted duck, wigeon, heron and little grebe.

If you visit Foulridge before the end of February there will almost certainly be large counts of birds. It is not only experienced bird watchers who enjoy the Foulridge area but it is also excellent for those who are learning the art.

I am often asked what you need to do to be a naturalist. The answer is nothing at all! If you enjoy natural history then you are a naturalist. The hobby should never become competitive. I know too many people who want to beat everyone else and because of this they are never satisfied.

Whether you are nine or 90, able to walk miles or just limping along the wildlife will never disappoint. I recently had a heavy cold and on one day I spotted 32 species of bird from my bedroom window!