Wrens – The Fascinating Life of Troglodytes troglodytes
Wrens are confident birds, but difficult to photograph because of their cryptic colouring and speed, and their penchant for the dapple of undergrowth and nooks and crannies, hence their wonderful Latin name,Troglodytes, the cave dweller. They are a relatively common bird found throughout Europe, North America, and much of Asia. They occupy a wide range…
The Cold Spell Brings Redwings
January 15th saw the beginning of a short, severe cold spell which brought flocks of Redwings from the countryside to towns, where conditions are less exposed and there is a plentiful supply of berries to feast on. Views of Redwings in Hastings We had a flock of more than twenty birds regularly feeding on the…
Part 1: The Politics of Swifts
The compulsory use of swift nesting bricks in new buildings debated in parliament and locally, in Hastings. Considerable cross party support.
Part 2: Nest Boxes and the Attraction of Swifts
The story of the Common Swift and our attempt to attract them to nest. Our 2023 diary.
The Goldfinch – beautiful, melodic, captivating or captive!
Goldfinch, a beautiful songster, that was much prized as a cage bird. It is still popular along the Mediterranean coast.
Awash with Waders – from flocks to murmurations
The Wash is one of the most important wildlife areas in the UK, with upwards of 2 million birds using it throughout the year to nest, overwinter, or as a migration stopover.
The Hastings Rarities – from the Bristow Affair to Now
George Bristow, early 20th Century, taxidermists from Hastings, accused of fraudulent sale of rare preserved bird specimens. His assumed guilt, although case not proven. Hastings area had and still has rich and biodiverse habitats. A good place to see birds, rare or otherwise.
The Dunnock – the Most Extraordinary of Ordinary Birds
The Dunnock is a relatively common British bird, but also one of that rare group of birds in which three or more unrelated adults can collaborate in the rearing of the young.
Sanderling and Gulls on Hastings Beach
At the end of April we were surprised to see a group of Sanderling in full breeding plumage feeding at low tide on Hastings beach.
Predation and Culling – Cormorants, Gulls, Buzzards and Bee-eaters
A few days ago, I read the string of comments on our local Nextdoor about the ducklings spotted on Alexandra Park lake, and their sad demise. Later, some were calling for justice and the culling of the possible perpetrators. Others were more stoical and said “well that’s life, it’s tough out there.” I thought I…