We are back in (rural) Mallorca once again, and this time our accommodation played a much larger part in the birdwatching side of things. A lot of the birds that will be mentioned were heard from the villa, and then seen elsewhere such as the Sardinian Warbler. This is an account of all birding completedContinue reading “Villa Days”
Author Archives: Henry Jones
Woodchat Wonder
We were back in Majorca once again, for the second time. We had visited 4 years earlier, just before the pandemic in 2019, and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Well, except the mosquitoes. However, this time was a little different. Our Grandparents had arranged this one, and they flew out with us towards Palma Airport. ThatContinue reading “Woodchat Wonder”
An Old Favourite
The family ambled down the gorse lined slope, with scores of sheep, confined to the next door field, making quite the racket. Buzzards wheeled around above, and unknown songbirds flitted above the undergrowth briefly. There seemed to be more people out than usual for the time (early evening), and we certainly had help achieving ourContinue reading “An Old Favourite”
Slip and Slide
Earlier: I crouched on the boardwalk, squinting through the viewfinder of my camera. As the picture came into view, I smiled. A coot perched precariously on a messy heap of sticks, weaving twigs twice its size into the structure. The bird seemed content enough, water droplets glistening on its back. Suddenly, it fluffed up itsContinue reading “Slip and Slide”
Spring Is (Almost) Here
The weather down in Bovey Tracey doesn’t seem to be able to make up its mind; one moment absolutely glorious, the next miserable. It seems hard to believe, but Spring is on its way. The birds are singing, the daffodils are in full bloom. The resident House Sparrows have returned to their nesting box (whichContinue reading “Spring Is (Almost) Here”
Brilliant Bradley Delivers
Me and Bertie (my brother) darted and dodged about the field, Daddy chasing us, and not far behind. A gentle breeze swept the grass, and the sun sat low in the sky, watching us gleefully. We vaulted the stile, and ambled up the path, through the gate and past the minuscule car park. Ducks quackedContinue reading “Brilliant Bradley Delivers”
The Big Freeze
We clambered out of the car into the refreshing yet bitter dawn air, having woken at an ungodly hour. It was just the two of us [me and Daddy] and the alluring calls of geese and wildfowl rose up into the misty morning air. With all the equipment either hoisted onto shoulders or clutched inContinue reading “The Big Freeze”
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
The Big Garden Birdwatch happens but once a year. Run by the RSPB, this citizen science project collects vital information for conservation. For example, it has revealed the catastrophic declines in House Sparrow and Starling populations, which we assume common. All you need to do is watch birds in your garden or local area forContinue reading “RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch”
Boom!!!
The Somerset Levels are a place I have been longing to visit for years. The Levels are an ancient wetland which have survived over the centuries. The Romans attempted to drain it, but did not prevail. However, they were drained eventually, and now lots of channels and lakes and reedbeds point to its former glory.Continue reading “Boom!!!”
First Thrushes of Winter
On returning home from an enjoyable day out, I head for the stairs and into my room. By default, I glance down through the window. A few birds were hopping about, occasionally turning over grass with their beaks. One was definitely a blackbird and the next caught my eye. Clutching my binoculars, I focus inContinue reading “First Thrushes of Winter”
