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 …
Dead Man’s Fingers
It’s cold on Dartmoor but it’s always worth making it to Fingle Bridge. I’m looking forward to a pint in the pub …
The Pebble Worm
The word Crocodile means Pebble Worm, named because of its bumpy skin and elongated shape. This skeleton of a Nile Crocodile at …
Pee-wits and worm stroking
A weekend trip to RSPB Lodmoor was good for the soul and it was great to catch up with my friend Martin, …
Reed Bunting
Hello. You wouldn’t believe how difficult to see this Reed Bunting was. And even more difficult to point out to the Puffin …
Scratch
Sometimes you just need a really good scratch.
Mediterranean Gull 3PE0
There’s a Gull I’ve only seen a few times on the beach. It’s a Mediterranean Gull and it’s a beauty. Luckily it’s …
Giant Sequoias
A trip to the Natural History Museum in London is always a thrill. I love seeing all the dead things they’ve killed …
Laughing Gull
It was my birthday, so I decided to do something different – to go on a twitch. A twitch is the pursuit …
The Third Ladybird Book of British Birds – #17 The Great Crested Grebe
I’m currently reading the third volume of the Ladybird Book of British Birds and their nests from the 1950s. Times have changed: …
Splashing in mud
There are Black-Tailed Godwits on the Exe. I’m pleased to see them, but wish my knees weren’t as muddy as their ankles …