In a previous post, I mentioned how the midday hoot of a tawny owl - and my thwarted attempts to see him - had driven me nuts. But that was nothing ... nothing ... compared to the song of a certain bird which has sent me doolally. This unidentified bird sings a simple refrain, over and … Continue reading Birdsong And What To Do About It
Nature
The South Downs Way: Winchester to Eastbourne
Of all England's long-distance footpaths, I know the South Downs Way best. For twenty years I've lived almost within sight of it; walked many stretches countless times and all of it at least twice. But I had never completed the entire 100 mile trek from Winchester to Eastbourne in one continuous, sweaty effort. Until now. On … Continue reading The South Downs Way: Winchester to Eastbourne
Dungeness
I wanted to go but would I get it? The woman in Rye got it but her son did not. "He's arty, like me, so I wanted to take him because I knew he'd love it. I knew he'd get it." She grimaced. "But he didn't; he hated it. Called it God-awful forsaken. He said … Continue reading Dungeness
Almost Wordless Wednesday: That Darn Owl
I don't see him very often but when I do, the Priory tawny owl brightens up my day. He'd be so much easier to photograph if he roosted in a less twiggy tree. But he likes his lofty, camouflaged perch and my focusing challenge just puts a twinkle in his eye.
A Frosty Pause
After my last doleful post, winter got her act together. For a couple of days last week the rain stopped, the skies cleared, temperatures plummeted, mud froze, and, at long last, it was shiveringly cold. Not on a Siberian or Alaskan scale but at -5°C, Sussex was cold. My first chore on arriving at work … Continue reading A Frosty Pause
A Walk From Seaford To Berwick Station
With my gardening enthusiasm washed away by heavy rain, here's a post about something else. On a sunny Saturday in September, I walked into Seaford to meet my friend Tracy for a day's walk. Whereas I prefer walking alone, Tracy is sociable. Not only has she recently joined The Ramblers but she now leads their … Continue reading A Walk From Seaford To Berwick Station
Almost Wordless Wednesday: House Martins
I'd forgotten about some house martin photos I took in July at the Barrowburn Tea Room in Harbottle, Northumberland. This seems as good a time to use them as any - before summer slips away completely along with the swifts, swallows and martins. I've seen plenty of martins here in Sussex recently on their way … Continue reading Almost Wordless Wednesday: House Martins
The Anxious Gardener 