Hello! This post is all about hirundines, that family of birds whose exploits on the wing are almost unchallenged in the natural world. I thought I would write this post while many of these birds are making preparations for their return migration back to Africa. So this post is to explain what they’re doing, beforeContinue reading “The Farewell Flight is now Open”
Author Archives: Henry Jones
It’s Bird Moulting Season
Have you ever noticed a bird looking completely different in the winter, after you’d seen it in the summer? Different colours, patterns and plumages are actually completely normal. Or have you suddenly realised that you’re not seeing as many birds as usual in your garden? There’s likely a few reasons for this, but one ofContinue reading “It’s Bird Moulting Season”
Hyde Park Birding
Hyde Park is a patch of green among the greys of city life, a wonderful space in the heart of the English capital. The Serpentine Lake, so named for its snake form, slithers through its heart, populated by birds and pleasure boats alike. A popular spot with the inhabitants of London, the lightly wooded grassContinue reading “Hyde Park Birding”
Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre Exhibit
This weekend’s journey to London had began with a birdy purpose. That purpose was to visit the Natural History Museum’s new exhibit – ‘Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre’. The Museum has partnered with the RSPB to create an unforgettable experience, its main aim to showcase how amazing our natural world is. Both adjectives mentioned in theContinue reading “Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre Exhibit”
Peat Bogs and Dartmoor
Most people will never have given a seconds thought to Peat Bogs, or perhaps even know what they are. Until very recently I was one of those people, however a days hard work with the Dartmoor Youth Rangers has opened my eyes to their importance, and how vital it is that we protect and restoreContinue reading “Peat Bogs and Dartmoor”
Welcome Back to Birdfair
Hello and welcome back to Global Birdfair 2024: the final day. Can’t stop, we’ve got an appointment with Leica for a nature walk. Bye! Just kidding, but we did have to move quite rapidly for that Leica nature walk. Anyway, Harry Read, handy with a camera, was leading another nature walk alongside Elle Kaye, birderContinue reading “Welcome Back to Birdfair”
Saturday at Global Birdfair
The wind howled in Rutland, England’s smallest county, but the weather was pleasant enough. Compared to last year, anything could be an improvement from the vast thunderstorms and the heavy rain outbursts, which punctuated 2023’s edition at some of the most inopportune times. It took nothing away from the event, which was incredible, but itContinue reading “Saturday at Global Birdfair”
Birdcamp Brilliance: A Symphony of Feathers and Fun
In order to reach Hawes End, it took a fair amount of staying power to negotiate the meandering lanes that snaked across the fells of the Lake District. Sheep, pheasants and wood pigeons constantly appeared on the road, and the sun beat down on the meadows and fields that lay at the feet of theseContinue reading “Birdcamp Brilliance: A Symphony of Feathers and Fun”
BTO Birdcamp: Avian Enjoyment Awaits
Next week I shall be setting off up the country towards the Cumbrian wonders of the Lake District, packed and ready to go for a weekend to remember. The BTO Birdcamp, part of a youth programme designed to inspire young people and create a desire to learn more about the avian world. And I’ve beenContinue reading “BTO Birdcamp: Avian Enjoyment Awaits”
Black Ops and Beaver Bombing (by Tim Kendall and Fiona Matthews)
On a warm Spring evening a few weeks ago, I was sat inside Grace and Favour Home listening to a book talk, organised by Leslie at First Draft Books. The book was of a peculiar title; Black Ops and Beaver Bombing. The former was certainly an unexpected mention for a book on Britain’s mammals, butContinue reading “Black Ops and Beaver Bombing (by Tim Kendall and Fiona Matthews)”
