Andrew Verrall, who died on 20th November 2020 after a long illness, was an experienced and enthusiastic London Birder whose local patch for many years was Brent Reservoir. After moving home in 2011 he also watched Kilburn Grange Park but continued to visit Brent regularly until illness prevented it.
AGV was always wonderful company in the Brent Reservoir hides or during walks around the site. He was an inspiration to newer birders — friendly and welcoming and always ready to help the less experienced from his deep knowledge and wide experience.
Andrew was responsible for a number of major sightings at Brent Reservoir. Among the more recent was Brent’s first Great Skua in November 2011 and, to his surprise, a second Great Skua in October 2014. His meticulous submissions of these and other sightings helped to enrich the London Birds Report over many years.
He faced harsh personal problems during his life, but he always remained cheerful and optimistic, never complaining about anything.
He will be sorely missed.