I know you are inclined to celebrate major life milestones in a humble and restrained manner, but don’t let this moment pass. Cut loose for once and give yourself a well deserved pat on the back.

Max bought a case of Kaiserdom Pilsner (German readers may now nod their heads in silent approval) and I bought a bottle of cheap, but surprisingly tasty champagne, the cork of which I shot off the porch.

Needless to say, this morning was a little dusty, but I did manage to get in some birding before work - Red-necked Avocets, Eastern Curlews, a godwit, a Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoo and a Black-shouldered Kite being the highlights.

My favourite moment was when, trying to sneak in closer through tall grass in thongs and shorts, I managed to put-up the whole flock of Avocets - one of my finer moments, I must say.

Before:

After:

everyone in Comm Devt says HORRAY!

and hey, I’m finishing my degree too!

I’ll see you on Thursday night + we can celebrate you & I finishing our degrees!!!