Birds and Dartmoor

It’s no secret that I’m constantly raving about Dartmoor. It’s an incredible place for birds and people alike, a precision mosaic of unique habitats, which fit together like a puzzle to allow us all to thrive. Since I could walk, rain or shine, I’ve been out on the moors, looking for birds, wildlife and newContinue reading “Birds and Dartmoor”

A Nature Walk and a Natter

A nature walk with young children is guaranteed to feel really special. Those were my thoughts, anyway, after our walk around Bovey Heathfield. A few days ago, I was lucky enough to be asked to help lead a nature walk for young families, organised by Better Places and the Devon Wildlife Trust. It was myContinue reading “A Nature Walk and a Natter”

Mountain Management in Mallorca

The Black (or Cinereous) Vulture is Europe’s largest raptor, and an iconic species in Mallorca. It thrives in the northwest mountain range, the Serra de Tramuntana, and has recently been showing signs of expansion in its breeding range, putting the exclamation point on an awe-inspiring conservation success story that brought the birds back from the brinkContinue reading “Mountain Management in Mallorca”

The Forgotten Generation?

Gen Z and birding are, according to certain outdated stereotypes, not a common mix. Birding is traditionally a hobby for older people. A common misconception is that a lot of time and money is needed to fund such a hobby. But this could not be further from the truth, and there are many young GenContinue reading “The Forgotten Generation?”

A Sunny Sunday at Birdfair

On Sunday, about two weeks ago, we returned to Global Birdfair, following an action-packed Saturday. We were in the heart of England’s smallest county, Rutland, on the south shore of the aptly named Rutland Water. The Global Birdfair is a celebration of all things nature, from birds to bugs and everything in between, but itContinue reading “A Sunny Sunday at Birdfair”

Global Birdfair Returns!

Last week, we travelled to Rutland, the smallest historic county in England, to visit Global Birdfair, the brilliant festival celebrating and raising money for birds, nature and conservation efforts across the globe. It has been held at Lyndon Top, on the south shore of Rutland Water since 2022. The large annual event brings together birders,Continue reading “Global Birdfair Returns!”

Phantoms at Dusk: In search of Nightjars

On Saturday night, we went straight from a swimming gala to Brimpt Woods, managed by Forestry England. Brimpts Wood is very close to Dartmeet, where the two branches of the River Dart meet. The West branch flows alongside the Woods, increasing the diversity of species in the area. I would be doing a nightjar surveyContinue reading “Phantoms at Dusk: In search of Nightjars”

Feathered Forecasters: Is There an Avian Answer to Natural Disasters?

Natural disasters are a fairly regular thing nowadays, happening all over the globe, from landslides to flooding to hurricanes. These events often claim many lives, and they’re only going to become commonplace now the world is in the grip of climate change. Weather forecasting can sometimes be unreliable as to when these disasters will happen,Continue reading “Feathered Forecasters: Is There an Avian Answer to Natural Disasters?”