Skies, blossom and monumental trees
We were in the north of Italy before the pandemic. Flowers were out in profusion on trees on the terraced hillsides. The …
The claws of the world’s oldest euphemism
We’re in the Orechiella National Park, Parco dell’Orecchiella, in the north of Italy. Here, there are bears. There are only eight species …
Shag
There’s a perky looking Shag at Brixham. What an exceptional bird. That lemon-yellow gape and oil-black plumage is set-off by a jaunty …
The adventures of Dick and Titty at Brixham breakwater
There are long lenses galore at Brixham harbour. A flock of twitchers have arrived. They’re perched at the end of a jetty, …
Surely that’s got to scratch on the way down?
A few days ago I had my first experience of a Great Northern Diver. I was disappointed with my photograph of it …
Ruddy Turnstones
Ruddy Turnstones. No, I’m not cursing, that’s their name. There are several at Brixham Breakwater which I’ve come to enjoy greatly: They …
The Hall of Einar – Sunday Review #1
Hello and welcome to my Sunday Review. Every week I read great wildlife and nature books, see engrossing websites and hear wonderful …
Hermes
Back in Brixham, looking for Great Northern Divers, I see a large shape out to sea. I look closely with my binoculars …
The Brixham diver
I’ve decided to have a trip out to Brixham in South Devon. Yes, again. It’s a beautiful town, with fishing and tourism …
Dolphins and a Great Northern Diver
I’m at Brixham in South Devon again, looking out to see. It helps that I’ve met a couple of great people who …
Teignmouth
I spent many of my childhood holidays in Teignmouth in South Devon. I love it here. It was the last place in …
The Madeira outtakes
On the way to Madeira I sit next to a couple and they chat. I say ‘they’ chat, when I mean ‘the …
Clinging on
At 1,800m the clouds are below me and above me on Madeira. I’m a cloud sandwich. On the slopes is a wizened …
Fire and water
I’m off on a trip to the far west of Madeira. There’s a lighthouse at Ponto do Pargo which sounds great. Firstly …
There once was an ugly duck. A very ugly duck.
You know the story. There’s an ugly duckling which turns into a swan. I don’t need to go all Hans Christian Andersen on …
Skum
Have you ever looked at a fire extinguisher in Denmark? No? Can I say that I’m not surprised? If you did you …
Madeira birdwatching with Luis Dias
There’s another birdwatching business on Madeira. It’s called Birds and Company. I would give you a link to their website, but it’s …
Yes! we have no bananas
I’m in Calheta in Madeira for the afternoon. Behind the road following the coast is a large garden which appears to have …
Red-Legged Partridge up the mountain
I’m standing bathing in the cold orange light of sunset when I spot a largish bird walking towards me. I feel like …
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 …