It was fantastic to see the return of some decent weather yesterday and after finishing work we decided that it was high time we made a first trip of #30DaysWild out onto our local patch. Regular readers will by now be more than a little familiar with this area as Read more…
This year will see big changes coming to my little corner of the world. Not the slow creep of urbanisation which continues to erode our countryside but full on, landscape wide transformation. And all apparently in the name of green energy and saving the planet. I’m surely not the first Read more…
Last Saturday was my first opportunity of 2017 for a proper days birding and, in keeping with my new year resolutions, that meant Patchwork Challenge time. As mentioned previously I’ve abandoned the two patch plan from last year and instead returned to the area that started it all, Cefn Drum Read more…
When I look back on 2016 in a few months from now one thing will become abundantly clear – I was way too ambitious in what I planned to take on. There simply hasn’t been the time or quantity of free weekends available, particularly over the summer, to do everything Read more…
High drama graced our garden last night following the discovery of a grounded juvenile Goldfinch. This is not a wise move in an area plagued by feral cats and our concerns were rightly raised that were it to stay there it would not be long for this world. Physically it Read more…
It’s been a wet old day down here in South Wales, more reminiscent of last winter than our recent run of warm weather. Even the prospect of gathering quotes for building work couldn’t tempt me out into the murk but I did make a compromise and pop to the garden Read more…
I really wasn’t expecting to be writing any more on the subject of our local Cuckoo but once again mother nature has managed to surprise me. In years past sightings, or more accurately heard calls, have been limited to a single day with my presumption being that birds were either Read more…
If only days contained twice as many hours I might actually have a sporting chance at keeping up with all my various activities plus the mundane intrusions of everyday life. As it is the three weeks since our return from Cornwall have flown by with barely a peep appearing on Read more…
As predicted Willow Warblers have now arrived on mass and fill the valley of my Cefn Drum patch from top to bottom. Each evening I’ve been out since last week has been accompanied by their song though I think Chiffchaffs are just about winning in terms of sheer numbers. Actual Read more…
A chilly breeze last night meant that it felt more like winter than spring but the sight of my first Swallow of the year served as a timely reminder that somehow, and I know I’ve made this remark several times already, April and its migrants are well and truly here. Read more…