Hello and welcome to my Sunday Recommendation. Thanks for joining me. Every week I read great wildlife and nature books, stumble upon engrossing websites and hear wonderful new music. This is my chance to bring you carefully curated recommendations of all the best I’ve experienced – every Sunday. If it’s …
As we arrive at Parco della Caffarella there’s a Hooded Crow, called a Cornacchia here, frolicking in the flowers. I would have …
I’m used to having trouble getting photographs of Cattle Egrets being Cattle Egrets. Here’s my Cattle Egret on a Horse shot: Today …
I can still remember the excitement I felt when I saw my first Puffin on Westray. Naturally I couldn’t believe they were …
This Greenshank is flying around the Vasche di Maccarese in Italy. It’s a WWF reserve which is a series of artificial ponds …
There’s a beautiful male Black Redstart in the Pratone di Torre Spaccata here in Rome. Unfortunately, this whole area is due to …
This Monk Parakeet in Rome is in urgent need of a scratch. It requires the same agility as I used to have …
I don’t trust the Police. It seems strange to hear me think that, without even having to saying it out-loud; I don’t …
The Siskin, or Lucherino, as it’s known in Italy, is a beautiful, tiny finch. It has gorgeous green colours, a forked tail …
Take a moment to look at this magnificent product of natural evolutionary forces and wonder. And then, just when you think life …
There’s a stretch of the abandoned land which serves as the natural world here in Rome which I love. I’ve returned here …
Willow Tits aren’t rare birds. There are hundreds of millions of adults across Europe and Asia. In the UK though? Their population …
Here’s a taster of what is to come on my blog: I may have just filled my memory card with Greater Flamingoes.
Seeing Bearded Reedlings for the first time this year, after dreaming about seeing them for so many years, has been a pleasure. …
I love how a lively sea gives a different perspective to a Shag’s life.
There’s a Black-Headed Gull on the lake in beautiful light. It’s still in winter plumage. As am I.
Evolution doesn’t result in perfection, but in ridiculous compromises, recoveries from enforced limits and the sheer variety of difference achieved using the …
I know that the Bearded Reedling’s head is grey really, but I like to think of it as blue. What colour would …
Seeing a Carrion Crow bouncing around like a comedy undertaker is always a joy.
Birds are extraordinary. Reed buntings go from hatching out of an egg to fledging in under 14 days. I’ve had children and …
The word stock originally meant a wooden post. Farmers would keep their stock animals behind a stock fence made of wooden posts. …
There’s a Mediterranean Gull in amongst the Black-Headed Gulls here at RSPB Lodmoor. And just like Black-Headed Gulls not having black heads, …
The Premier Inn haven’t cleaned my room properly again. They’ve left someone else’s book next to my bed, which appears to be …
Swans are exceptional birds. I particularly like Mute Swans, but that’s because I’ve yet to see a Bewick’s Swan or a Whooper …
I was surprised to find that House Sparrows have other, local, common names. Then I was shocked that so many people I …
We were at Tate Britain in London a month or so ago when my eye was drawn to this exhibit, mainly because …
Dunnocks are the very definition of skulking. They often keep low and rarely go far from cover. This time of year, though, …
Having a day out to walk around, surrounded by nature, is a wonderful thing. It’s even better if there’s a natural spectacle. …
It’s beautiful weather so it’s time to head to Dorset and RSPB Radipole in Weymouth. I’m hoping to see Bearded Reedlings. There’s …
While in London, the Puffin Whisperer and I took the opportunity to visit the National Gallery to see Piero della Francesca’s painting …