Category Archives: Wildlife

Big Garden Birdwatch 2017

At the weekend we completed the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. We did it last year (read about it here) in our old house. I’d seen a goldfinch at our bird feeder in the week, and the blackbird and his wife … Continue reading

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Smuggling

Last night must have been perfect for smuggling. It was pitch black when I went out on my bike first thing, only a thin slither of a moon to be seen. My bike light picked out the edges of the … Continue reading

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Sun rise

The sun has been struggling up each morning this week around about 7.20am and each morning a bird has been singing outside our bedroom window at just about the same time. I did try to learn some of our British … Continue reading

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Nerves

I can’t even tell you how relieved I am that the Christmas tree is gone. I had it down on the 27th and wrestling it out of the back door was major catharsis. It wasn’t the tree’s fault. It was … Continue reading

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Waymarkers

When do you think a regular activity becomes a tradition? This is our second year in Devon, Wren’s first Christmas, and Finch’s first Christmas that makes any sense to him. I think it’s a lovely phase in the life of … Continue reading

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Counting Hedgehogs!

The Mammal Society are conducting a study of the prevalence of hedgehogs. If you have seen one this year they want to know! In fact, if you haven’t seen one they also want to know. Hedgehogs are in long-term decline … Continue reading

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Life lessons

Sunday morning was bright and clear. We put on our boots and headed up into the hills behind our house. In a meadow high above the city we sipped scalding hot chocolate out of flasks and munched on satsumas. Below … Continue reading

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Hedgehog update

We have seen our resident hedgehog! And he or she is still very much resident! I’m so pleased. I thought I might have completely frightened it off when I interfered with its bed under the bike tarpaulin (read about it … Continue reading

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Hosting a hedgehog

In the meadow by the river, cow parsley flower heads dance like a sea of white saucers over a table cloth of golden grasses. Along the river banks hogweed umbrellas are drying out and dying back, giving room for other … Continue reading

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School’s out!

School broke up on Thursday. The summer holidays are officially here. Finch, Little Owl and I found a shady spot in the garden, lay on our backs in the grass and turned our toes up to the bright blue sky. … Continue reading

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