For those of you who are aware of my trip to NZ may also be aware of a certain split present in the UK group ... so over a wait for Coffee & Carrot Cake in Cathedral Square, Christchurch, NZ Sarah & I came up with the following "Guide to Guiders"

'Lesser Spotted Brit'
A very shy and insecure creature usually observed in large groups at mealtimes. At other times they can generally be found around their nesting areas. Although the species does not hibernate as such, they do require regular dormant periods. DO NOT INTERFERE WITH THEM IN THIS STATE. Communication occurs between members of the same nesting group however cross-species interaction is extremely rare.

'Muchas Loudas Brit'
Readily identified by their red, white & blue plummage on which they display their trophies, these can be found in any situation where the opportunity for cross-species socialisation occurs. Can be easily amused with large quantities of local produce & caffiene. Unlike their lesser spotted cousins dormancy is only taken in short periods due a species fear of missing out on something. From a distance, they still can be identified by their call which resembles hysterical laughter followed by the occasional 'Bad Dobby' & banging their heads on any available hard surface. As can be gathered from their name they are a particularly vocal breed unlike their lesser spotted variety. They do sometimes find themselves put into a lesser spotted nesting group, where cuckoo-like they will cause distress and pandamonium in their attempts to escape.

.... and for out NZ cousins who wear Aqua instead of Blue

'Common Aqua'
This large species group has many sub-species. It is readily indentified by its bright Aqua plummage with navy fletchings. In winter its plummage can go darker due to a fleece plummage being added.
The sub-species can be very territorial with much cross-species socialisation occuring when in large groups of the Common Aqua group as well as species such as the Muchas Loudas Brit.
Examples of the sub-species are the Wellingtonian & Canterbury as sell as others of both the North and South Divisions.

So hopefully you now have a good feel for the people I encountered at the conference!