Crocus
The world turns, the sun burns and life returns. Purple and orange is such an extreme colour scheme.
The Hall of Einar – Sunday Review #2
Sunday Review: She & I by Kirsty Merryn and Meandering Wild by Suzanne Easton.
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
Sunday Review: Out of My Own Light by Louise Bichan and Naturally Orkney by Raymond Besant.
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 sea. 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 …