A trick of the tail!
When we look at an organism, we see a host of different adaptations which have evolved to improve or enhance the fitness and survival of that species. One such trait … Continue Reading A trick of the tail!
Munia mayhem
One hotel I stayed at recently in Bali (the Ramada Bintang Bali Resort) had attractive gardens with a number of water fountains. These were a magnet for birds, specifically munias: small, gregarious seed … Continue Reading Munia mayhem
Such good parents!
Kittiwakes are such good parents! They each spend roughly the same amount of time on the nest looking after the chick(s), whilst the other goes in search of food. During … Continue Reading Such good parents!
“Did you hear that?” Said the butterfly.
It used to be thought that butterflies could not hear; that they were deaf. Well I suppose it is understandable, as they do not have ears sticking out from their … Continue Reading “Did you hear that?” Said the butterfly.
Palawan peacock-pheasant
The Palawan peacock-pheasant, Polyplectron napoleonis, is endemic to the island of Palawan in the Philippines. I was not sure how easy it would be to see this species during my visit … Continue Reading Palawan peacock-pheasant
Harbour sparrows
Much has been written about the demise of House Sparrows in the UK, which according to the BTO have declined in numbers by nearly 71% since 1977 (1). There are … Continue Reading Harbour sparrows
The amazing Purple Sandpiper!
A small flock of Purple Sandpipers overwinter in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, every year. It is very easy to see these beautiful birds roosting just above the water on the artificial concrete … Continue Reading The amazing Purple Sandpiper!
Peck me here! Butterfly predation.
It is said that 50% of wild butterflies are killed and eaten before they get a chance to mate and reproduce (1). Poor things! One way to avoid being eaten … Continue Reading Peck me here! Butterfly predation.
Little beggars!
Turnstones (Arenaria interpres) are a common sight all around the harbour, during the winter, in Scarborough. Many of them have been fitted with coloured leg rings and flags (PVC) which … Continue Reading Little beggars!
Kittiwake kittiwake!
The cliffs along Marine Drive, Scarborough, are bare and strangely quiet now that winter is coming. The kittiwakes have long since left and are far away, over the ocean. Only … Continue Reading Kittiwake kittiwake!
Heron Food II
Retirement is having enough time to sit and watch herons feeding! I watched this Grey heron (Ardea cinerea) feeding in a rock pool, at low tide, at Scalby Mills, which is … Continue Reading Heron Food II
A young turnstone
I came across this turnstone on the edge of the Ria Ortigueira. It was busily feeding – yes they really do turn over stones! – looking for invertebrates (insects, crustaceans, … Continue Reading A young turnstone
Heron food
I watched this Grey heron (Ardea cinerea) feeding in the Ria Ortigueira, Galicia, Spain,one evening this week. It suddenly picked up what looked like a ‘beakful’ of seaweed and … Continue Reading Heron food
New gulls on the block!
I have watched the new Herring Gulls growing up this summer in Scarborough. Starting off as ugly ducklings (gullings!) on the roofs where they hatched out, waiting for their parents … Continue Reading New gulls on the block!
Rocky the (one-legged!) Rock Pipit
Rock Pipits (Anthus petrosus) are a common sight amongst the rocks and concrete blocks bordering the sea on Marine Drive, Scarborough. Rock Pipits – which rarely breed more than 100m … Continue Reading Rocky the (one-legged!) Rock Pipit
Northern Gannets at Bempton cliffs
Northern Gannets at Bempton cliffs. The great news about gannets – the northern gannet (Sula bassana) – is that their numbers are increasing (2). With all the horror stories about wildlife … Continue Reading Northern Gannets at Bempton cliffs
