To be alive to see this sight is a victory
It’s beautiful at the top of Pico do Arieiro on Madeira. Apart from the huge air defence radar station, that is. There’s …
“Where the blue of the sea meets the sky”, in Madeira
It’s a beautiful day in Madeira. I’m heading to Calheta in the south-west of the Island; I’m staying in the north-west of …
Madeira Wind Birds – taking a guided bird tour. Is it worth it?
I’ve had a day on my own in Madeira taking photographs and exploring the island. It’s time I tried an organised tour. …
This Instagram life
It’s so beautiful here at Pico do Arieiro in Madeira that I can hardly be bothered to take photographs. I’m at 1,800m …
The view from Pico do Arieiro
It’s time to set off for Madeira’s third highest peak. I fancy seeing the sunset from the top. As I drive up …
Observação de aves
I don’t speak Portuguese, but I guess what this sign means as I drive past. It’s a blue bird and that must …
The dragonfly’s revenge on Madeira
Stepping outside the door of the place I’m staying in Madeira I’m met by a marvel. It’s 300 million years since insects …
Running up that hill in Madeira
It’s the first day of my time in Madeira. I’ve booked the cheapest place I can find to stay. It’s a room …
Clean or unclean?
Clean or unclean? That is the question. For most religions there are deeply-held beliefs about handling and eating animals. There are cultural …
The Upside-Down Bird is hatching nuts again
I’m fascinated by Eurasian Nuthatches. They’re unlike any other bird in the UK. That’s because all the world’s other nuthatches live elsewhere. …
When Robin and Blackbird meet
Within bird species there’s a strict pecking order. It’s played out in battles over territory, food and mates. Robins are some of …
Robins – a classic gateway drug to hardcore nature appreciation
It’s lovely light in South Devon today and there are Robins galore: This one appears possessive over its stash of seeds. The …
Stock Dove
Slowly, very slowly, I’m getting closer to a decent photograph of a Stock Dove. I need to get closer. I need to …
I’m never going to complain about having sore feet again
I love photographing Chaffinches. You have to get the exposure just right to show their plumage in all its glory. The females …
Fluffy Blue Tit
Isn’t this a gorgeous little character?
The mellow babble of the Hedge Chanter
There’s a Dunnock in the undergrowth. It looks so beautiful in this light. It’s too busy searching for food amongst the russet …
Black Blackbird bird
I love how scaly male Blackbirds look in the sunshine. This one has a few white feathers. It’s leucistic to a tiny …
Sorrowful Robin
Robins are quite different from the common public perception. Here’s one with an injury after a rival had drawn blood. The poor …
Duck!
Ducks are a constant source of comedy. If you want to tell a joke including an animal, a duck is the safest …
Heron portraits
It’s difficult light in The Regent’s Park in central London, but I’m making the most of being this close to a Grey …
The Grey Heron and the frankfurter sausage
I’m in London for a conference. It’s a whole day event, but I’m speaking at the end of the day, so I …
Rock Pipits on breakwater beach
This is the view from Brixham’s Breakwater Beach on a pleasant day. There’s the insistent calling and elegant undulating flight of two …
What’s wrong with ‘Managing deer for climate, communities and conservation’?
A new document has just been published campaigning for new laws to kill deer in Scotland. It’s from a large coalition of organisations. They …
Ruddy Turnstone portraits
After the shock of getting so close to Ruddy Turnstones I decided to try some portrait photography. Here’s my first approach: They …
Ruddy Turnstones at Brixham breakwater #3
I’ve been enjoying filming the Ruddy Turnstones in Brixham. I hope these tiny films have given you some insight into their lives. …
Ruddy Turnstones at Brixham breakwater #2
I never expected to get quite so close to Ruddy Turnstones in Brixham. I certainly never expected them to act like pigeons.
Ruddy Turnstones at Brixham Breakwater #1
I set off before dawn to see what wildlife I could find at Brixham breakwater in South Devon. I was delighted with …
Purple Sandpipers at Brixham Breakwater
I’ve lived in Devon for thirty years and yet hardly ever been to Brixham. It’s meant to be beautiful. It’s just that …
Why do people hate Greta Thunberg?
I’ve noticed something consistent in all my social media feeds; a deep-seated hatred of Greta Thunberg. She’s the 17 year old young …
The Shag and the Pouting at Brixham breakwater
There’s a Shag off Brixham breakwater. It’s popped up out of the water quite close to me. I love it when they …