Great Yellow Bumblebee – Bombus distinguendus
This time I know what I’m looking for. I’m a man on a mission to find one of Britain’s rarest bumblebees. I’ve …
This time I know what I’m looking for. I’m a man on a mission to find one of Britain’s rarest bumblebees. I’ve …
I’m standing in the garden of Einar, against a stone wall, taking photographs of Swallows. They’re great to practise on because they’re …
There’s a piece of marshland I regularly trespass on. It’s between a river and a railway and accessible only by climbing down …
Humans and Puffins. We share a love of sunlight on turquoise ocean. And sparkles. We both love sparkles. I’ve just added another …
Umbilicus rupestris is a great scientific name for Wall Pennywort. Its alternative name is Navelwort. I prefer the name Bellybutton plant, but …
Farming near a town must be very stressful. It’s not just the dogs being walked near sheep. Although that’s stressful enough. There’s …
I’ve cycled out to The Wood again. I’m collecting my trail camera (more of which, later) and want to check on the …
I’ve seen Bee Orchids before. I went all the way to Brixham to search for them and was successful. They were a …
Bluebells are a woodland species. Here, on Dartmoor, there are fields of them. It used to be forest but we cut all …
I’m having a wander through the reeds in the heat of the sun. I can hear the robotic call of the Reed …
I’m cycling around villages in South Devon when I see an old stone wall completely covered in intense yellow-gold flowers. It looks …
I’m incredibly excited that there are Iron Age hill forts nearby. Of course there are, there are hundreds of them. Who knew? …
I’m currently reading the third volume of the Ladybird Book of British Birds and their nests from the 1950s. Times have changed: …
There’s Blackbird activity in the town centre. This female has a beak full of worms. It’s suggested to me that they might …
House sparrows have accompanied human domestication. They’ve followed our agricultural practices. They’ve lived in our homes and they’ve eaten our spilled grain. …
Sometimes you’ve just got to stop and listen to nature.
Sticky Willie. Cleavers. Goosegrass. All great names for an extraordinary plant. Here it is is a pool of sunlight in a South …
I’ve finally found the active Buzzard’s nest deep in The Wood.
I’m currently reading the third volume of the Ladybird Book of British Birds and their nests from the 1950s. Times have changed. …
My friend Paul made and put up an owl box in one of the large trees which border his property. He chose …
Have you noticed the weather. There’s a possibility that you’re reading this in the UK, so it’s likely that you’re similarly obsessed …
I decide to get up at dawn and go to Dartmoor. I’ve decided that before and stayed in bed. This time I …
The Green Hairstreak is a green butterfly. Saying it’s green really does do it a disservice, though. Just look at that colour! …
I’m walking through a narrow walkway in the reeds, looking for Reed Warbler’s nests, when I come across a Swan-made clearing in …
I’m currently reading the third volume of the Ladybird Book of British Birds and their nests from the 1950s. Times have changed: …
There’s a noisy Pied Wagtail family on the River Lemon in South Devon. I’m enjoying their fluttering, wagging, calling and feeding antics. …
A trip to the Exeter Vaccination Centre was my morning appointment. It’s only seven minutes by car from there to RSPB Aylesbeare …
Wrens have one of the highest noise to weight ratios amongst birds. I know some people like that.
I’m hidden in the bushes waiting for Cuckoos when I see a Buzzard heading straight towards me up the hill. It veers …
“When will I have time for Redstarts?” I asked a few weeks ago. Well, today is the answer. I’m at Emsworthy Mire …