A change of scenery in mid-June with a few days away in Dorset. We stayed in a caravan near Swannage, and spent sometime visiting the coastal reserve at Durlston Country Park. A few new plants, some great butterflies and a stunning Mediterranean Gull performing at Studland Bay. Finishing off with several Dartford Warblers at Arne […]
During June, a Great Reed Warbler set up territory in a small reed bed at the RSPB reserve of Langford Lowfields, in Nottinghamshire. The reserve is a partnership project between Tarmac and the RSPB involving restoration of a sand and gravel quarry on the banks of the River Trent. The Great Reed Warbler was very
One of my favourite British warblers is the Wood Warbler, which sadly is now Red Listed, following long-term declines of more than 50%. Breeding here in the UK, is now restricted to largely oak (Quercus) woodlands, and they are becoming ever more scarce across much of southern and eastern Britain. This particular bird was extremely
An Eleonora’s Falcon, a 2nd summer female, was discovered in Kent during the end of May. A long awaited “Twitchable” bird for many UK birders. The arrival of this bird coincided with my planned visit to Kent to see some of the rare orchids with a friend who lives in the village where the falcon
The RSPB reserve of St. Aiden’s, near Leeds, is one of the best places to observe Black-necked Grebe. This beautiful grebe can be seen from late March, as birds arrive back to their breeding areas.
During mid-April I finally managed to spend a few days with Black Grouse at a Lek in the Scottish Highlands. I booked myself on a photographic workshop, organised by pro-photographer Andy Howard. Well worth it, despite several very early morning rises. We had to be located in the hide well before daybreak. It was a
Affectionately known as “Albert”, the Black-browed Albatross returned to the RSPB reserve at Bempton Cliffs on the Yorkshire coast, in early April. Albatrosses are renowned for their long distance travelling, and this particular species is some 10,000 miles off course. The breeding grounds are located in the southern oceans, around the Falkland Islands. Albert has
I’m lucky to live fairly close to Calke Park and Abbey, in south Derbyshire, which is owned by the National Trust. It has one of the best bird feeding stations in my area and is often a good place to see Brambling in early spring. The males at this time of year look stunning as
