It was like any other ringing session at the farm. The sky over head began clear and blue, welcoming a cold crisp morning with a rising sun that burnished the tops of the trees, gradually revealing more from the dark blue shadows. The trees and bushes stirred in the breeze and were bustling with birds, … More A treat in the garden
The weather was as it has been for the first few weeks of the year, dull and grey. A monotone sky that seemed to sap colour from the surrounding trees. It was cool but not terribly cold, just grey and dank. Here in Santon Downham the river winds its way through blocks of forest before … More Parrots in the tree tops
I can see why it is called World’s End. The steep slopes round out to extensive moors covered in reddish brown heather, dark green gorse and pale tussock grasses. As far as the eye can see there is nothing but a seemingly desolate undulating landscape, dropping into gullies and valleys, before rising steeply once more. … More At World’s End
The grass crunched beneath our boots. Each blade outlined by opaque crystals. A layer of ice topped the puddles of the gravel drive. The previous days rain had been caught out by a plummet in temperatures brought on by clear skies overnight. On branches of bush and tree small droplets of water were held frozen … More Frosty Garden, Frozen Fingers, Fabulous Feathers
The wind tears through the reeds and tall grasses along the margin of the pool. Their heads, heavy with seeds, buffeted one way and then the other as blasts of frigid air sweep through the chilly fen. Inside the hide the wind is a muted roar, the large windows and heaters providing a most comfortable … More Wonderful Whoopers of Welney
Mist was rising off the rippling water of the pools at Cranwich making them appear steaming hot, perhaps tempting one in for a quick dip. But this is not the time to be fooled as our breathe steams in the cold morning air. The sun was just peaking over the horizon, it’s golden rays streaming … More An Autumn Dawn
So here we are at the end of September and autumn is upon us. While the official ‘Constant Effort’ ringing period ended at the beginning of the month, at Cranwich we undertake a couple extra visits during the season. Our aim is to capture the departure of our main study species the Reed Warbler, including … More Autumn Gold
Storm Alieen was barreling into the UK and the Bay of Biscay between Spain and France was feeling it’s effects. Waking after a delayed start from Portsmouth and a rather bumpy night through the English Channel the group of intrepid whale watchers from the marine charity ORCA were out on deck at first light, albeit rather murky and damp, … More Stormy Bay
A keen, rather cool sea breeze blustered in through the open wooden windows of the hide, rippling the water and bending the tops of reeds and grasses of the lagoons. It was another of those days where the weather cannot decide what it wants to do. Out of the breeze it was warm, especially when … More Happy ‘Bird’ Day
From bird and insect watching to simply admiring wild flowers here is the story of my 30 Days Wild. 30 Days Wild is a campaign run by the Wildlife Trusts to encourage people to connect with nature and do something wild each day during the month of June. Now I like to think I am … More 30 Days Wild
Wild Barley 