That was a pivotal moment in our relationship; that adolescent catharsis when you realise your parents cannot sustain you as they once did – the mome… - Sean Dooley

I remembered why I liked hanging out with the top rate twitchers – they might be freaks but they were awesomely brilliant freaks.

The Twitcher’s list is very democratic. Each bird counts as one tick. There are no extra points for beauty or rarity.

As I settled into the sleeping bag in the back seat of the car, I revelled in the glorious stillness of the country at night. The first night away from the city you can feel the tension almost physically draining out of you as you gaze at the achingly beautiful sky and greedily inhale the invigorating fresh scent of the country.