A Puffin’s work is never done
A Puffin keeps its burrow clean at the Castle o’ Burrian.
Sandbanks
Sandbanks is the most exclusive beach in the country and contains some of the hottest properties. No, I’m not talking about Sandbanks …
Too Much Fish
When you’ve eaten too many fish to fly.
Jellyfish, jellyfish everywhere!
We are walking down past Backarass to see the birds when instead I spot two huge jellyfish in the sea. They are …
The Wren who hasn’t been told
It’s been an emotional journey over the last few days with the birds here at Einar. We always have Swallows and Blackbirds …
Puffin Portrait
Sometimes words are too many. Sometimes words are too few. Sometimes it is best that there are no words at all.
Never a dull day
The weather on Westray may be dull, but there’s never a dull day on Westray.
A white blanket of cloud shrouds the island but life continues as normal for the incredible menagerie which inhabits the shores of Westray.
Puffins in the air
I’m lying down on the grassy clifftop looking across at the Puffins on the Castle o’ Burrian when I realise I can …
The hours before sunset
We’re on Westray and only have a few hours before sunset to see some wildlife at the Castle o’ Burrian. At least …
Skipping among Skippers
I’m lying in the grass in a chalk meadow surrounded by the sounds and smells of nature. It’s a sensory delight. There’s …
Plenty of attitude without the spikes
A recent business trip to Eastbourne saw me staying in the sort of hotel I always imagined Bournemouth would have. The young …
Half an hour of nature
Tonight there’s a brief chance for a walk to the local park. It has a large lake and a small pond. The …
Hazel and Vanessa
I’m out tonight in the company of Hazel and Vanessa. We’re in the fields of South Devon together. Hazel is laid back …
It’s Not Cricket
It’s a Cricket; I know that much. It also looks like a Bush Cricket. I’ve found a Bush Cricket before. I’m also …
Hot weather
Hot weather changes everything’s behaviour. Butterflies are flying, plants are flowering, bees are buzzing and young people on the beach at Eastbourne …
Something hiding on a blade of grass
How do you hide on a blade of grass? Simple, make yourself look like a part of the plant. That’s exactly what …
Doormoth
There’s a moth on my doormat. I’m not sure whether it’s been wiping all six of its feet or not. Looking closely …
Knees Up Meadow Brown
I’m in a large meadow in East Sussex in the heat watching butterflies. They are a nightmare to photograph in this heat …
Seagulls attack from behind
Seagulls are masters of surprise. I’m in Teignmouth this morning and there are warning signs everywhere about the gulls. Herring Gulls are …
Time flies like Hoverflies
I’ve become inordinately attracted to Hoverflies. Should I be worried? This one is Eristalis pertinax. Apparently I should know that because of …
Feathered friends
There’s time to visit Stover Country park and see some wildlife today. I’m taking my dad along so he can experience one …
Azure Damselflies
Calling a Damselfly the ‘Azure Damselfly’ makes it sound much more exotic than if you called it the Blue Damselfly. There are, …
Skaters of ponds: threaten; repel; or mate.
Pond skaters are such common bugs. There must be millions of them. I’m leaning over the fence trying to focus on one …
When it’s summer and you still have the winter duvet on
I have a 13.5 Tog duvet on my bed. It’s June. Maybe I should change it. I think perhaps the same thoughts …
Spots and Burnets and Knapweeds
I’m walking in the fields next to the car park at Beachy Head. This really is life on the edge. With a …
Jackdaws and Skittles
There’s a Jackdaw on the cliffs at Beachy Head in East Sussex. It has its beak open and is panting in this …
Demanding money with menaces
If any species in the animal world is going to be found asking for cash to ‘look after’ your car then it …
Goat’s Beard
A Goat’s Beard seed-head is like a Dandelion clock on steroids. Tragopogon pratensis has long seeds and beautiful upside-down umbrella parachutes: Each …
Chrysis, what Chrysis?
There’s a smile on the side of this chalk hill at Beachy Head in East Sussex. The heat is intense and I …
The end of echelon parking
It’s the end of echelon parking. It says so on the sign. I’m glad they told me that. Goodbye echelon parking: it …