The Common Bog
This Greenshank is flying around the Vasche di Maccarese in Italy. It’s a WWF reserve which is a series of artificial ponds …
The Red-tailed Chimneysweep
There’s a beautiful male Black Redstart in the Pratone di Torre Spaccata here in Rome. Unfortunately, this whole area is due to …
In urgent need of a scratch
This Monk Parakeet in Rome is in urgent need of a scratch. It requires the same agility as I used to have …
I can’t believe I’m saying this
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 …
Lucherino
The Siskin, or Lucherino, as it’s known in Italy, is a beautiful, tiny finch. It has gorgeous green colours, a forked tail …
In the pink
Take a moment to look at this magnificent product of natural evolutionary forces and wonder. And then, just when you think life …
Common Kestrels in the Pratone
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 Tit
Willow Tits aren’t rare birds. There are hundreds of millions of adults across Europe and Asia. In the UK though? Their population …
How is this possible?
Here’s a taster of what is to come on my blog: I may have just filled my memory card with Greater Flamingoes.
Return to the Bearded Reedlings
Seeing Bearded Reedlings for the first time this year, after dreaming about seeing them for so many years, has been a pleasure. …
Spray
I love how a lively sea gives a different perspective to a Shag’s life.
Non-breeding plumage
There’s a Black-Headed Gull on the lake in beautiful light. It’s still in winter plumage. As am I.
S-bend
Evolution doesn’t result in perfection, but in ridiculous compromises, recoveries from enforced limits and the sheer variety of difference achieved using the …
Adorable
I know that the Bearded Reedling’s head is grey really, but I like to think of it as blue. What colour would …
Carry On Crow
Seeing a Carrion Crow bouncing around like a comedy undertaker is always a joy.
Bring out the bunting
Birds are extraordinary. Reed buntings go from hatching out of an egg to fledging in under 14 days. I’ve had children and …
Stock
The word stock originally meant a wooden post. Farmers would keep their stock animals behind a stock fence made of wooden posts. …
A little bit of the Mediterranean and Linnaeus having a laugh
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, …
White wedding
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 …
Spug
I was surprised to find that House Sparrows have other, local, common names. Then I was shocked that so many people I …
Keeping close to cover
Dunnocks are the very definition of skulking. They often keep low and rarely go far from cover. This time of year, though, …
A harrying Marsh Harrier
Having a day out to walk around, surrounded by nature, is a wonderful thing. It’s even better if there’s a natural spectacle. …
Are Bearded Reedlings addictive?
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 …
Nativity
While in London, the Puffin Whisperer and I took the opportunity to visit the National Gallery to see Piero della Francesca’s painting …
Goosander
This is the first time I’ve seen a Goosander in good light. That means I should try to get some decent photographs …
Coot contenders
I’ve enjoyed seeing fights between Moorhens before, if enjoyed is the right word. Here’s a Moorhen fight I saw in Rome: I’ve …
Robert
There’s a beautiful Robin (short for Robert) close by. In my photographs I’m looking for a combination of a wonderful bird, beautiful …
A sparkle of Golden Plovers
The traditional name for a flock of Golden Plovers is congregation. The doesn’t seem very apt to me, since it’s me who …
I’m just dabbling
There’s a Eurasian Teal plodding its way through the mud towards me at RSPB Lodmoor in Weymouth. I love how muddy its …
Fire in sunshine
I’ve never seen a family group of Bullfinches before, but we can see four in this tree. There are three bright pink …