NORTH DOWNS & BEYOND

My first recommendation today is for the second book in the British Wildlife Collection series, the subject being Meadows ( click here for details) . If it is half as good as the first (Mushrooms) it will be well worth purchasing. I'm not on commission by the way, but I am keen for independent publishers like British Wildlife to succeed, as it benefits those of us who like natural history books that are well produced, are written for the informed amateur and that add something worthwhile to the body of  literature. Secondly, please take a peek at Parus's blog ( click here ). I do like to read about other's birding experiences, especially when they are laced with humour and self-deprecation. This site does exactly that. It is now May (just in case you hadn't noticed). When I used to do nothing but bird (as opposed to look at other things that are in the wild), May was second only to October as my 'favourite' month. Now, what with other interests vying for...

We bid April 2012 farewell tomorrow. It's been bloody wet, hasn't it... Birds: the weather saw to it that there were more than a few good species recorded locally. Inland patches need inclement weather to push down migrating waders and terns for us to see them. So, a procession of Whimberls, Barwits, Grey Plovers, Ringed Plovers et al helped to keep the spirits up because, if you were out looking for passerines, you were out of luck. Unless you count Ring Ouzels. They seemed to be popping up all over the place. I don't know why either... Moths: what's a moth? The MV remained indoors and my big year list push is moribund. Stupid idea in the first place. A whole month's inactivity means that I'm champing at the bit to switch on for the next decent night. Just in time for hawk-moths and prominents I reckon. Plants: sad to say, I've not done much looking. I know that stuff is out, because other blogs have said so, and have photographic evidence to prove...