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 …
“Girls are not much better either”
I’m briefly stuck in the 1970s, before I get back to jellying a salad in the 1940s, because I’m fascinated by this …
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: …
Adult Human female
I was at the Natural History Museum in London a month ago when I saw the skeleton of an adult human female. …
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 …
My peanuts bring all the Parakeets to the yard
It’s a delight to see Rose Ringed Parakeets in London, even if they are noisy and seriously out of place. This one …
Three Old Women
I’ve always wanted to go to Hampstead Heath. No, not because it’s the busiest gay cruising site in the UK, possibly the …
The Great Northern Diver and the crab
Great Northern Divers are sleek and handsome characters. There are many around the coast of South Devon at the moment. This one …
Goldeneye
We’re told there’s a pair of Goldeneye when we arrive at RSPB Radipole. I’ve seen one before from a great distance and …
Money-making Marx
My son and I are having a trip to Highgate Cemetery, or I should say cemeteries, as there is an old one …
Urban Corvids
We’re got three species of corvids in this London park. Firstly, there’s the robust Carrion Crows, with their large beaks festooned with …
Curlew flypast
A chance encounter with a Curlew always improves my day. They’re my emotional connection to the wilderness we’ve lost.
Archaeopteryx
The Natural History Museum has some wonderful fossils, as well as casts of wonderful fossils faked to look real. Recognise this? Here’s …