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…
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…
At risk of repeating myself as another month reaches its conclusion, where on earth has the time gone? It only seems like yesterday that I was bemoaning my lack of visits to both local patches and yet, with March knocking at the door, I find myself in little better shape. Read more…
Catch-up time here on My Life Outside I’m afraid after other projects kept me well and truly occupied last week. It’s surprising just how time consuming building a giant model of the Millennium Falcon can actually be! But I digress. Let us instead travel back to Saturday before last where Read more…
My plan for Sunday was to have a full on, dawn to dusk patch bashing extravaganza in which records would fall leaving my competitors quaking in their boots. The previous night I’d dreamt of six pointers, a premonition perhaps of the Glossy Ibis seen a few hours later though alas Read more…