Stewart McPherson is the owner and manager of Redfern Natural History Publications and author of many of its books. His global explorations have afforded him a place of significance in the botanical world, and many of his worldwide field trips have resulted in the classification of new plant species, with a particular emphasis on carnivorous […]
Seabirds & Fishboats (eventually)
Across the Straits A couple of days ago I took our boat over to Bluff to collect a load of diesel fuel. The distance is about 22 miles, wharf to wharf, and Foveaux Straits has the reputation of being an unpleasant stretch of water. Its a well deserved reputation, being quite shallow, with significant tidal […]
Bird Tour Report
Last weekend a US couple residing in Shanghai came over for a few days of birding in my region of Japan. They arrived late Friday afternoon, and we had just enough time to briefly check out Isahaya. We missed the juvenile male Pied Harrier that has been patrolling the area, but it was a nice […]
Log Spotted Owl Habitat Again? Didn’t We Already Make That Mistake Once?
The recent proposed Critical Habitat designation for the Northern Spotted Owl does not protect the threatened species charge the Society for Conservation Biology, The Wildlife Society, American Bird Conservancy, and other groups. Comments submitted by the groups find that, by encouraging controversial and unproven logging practices in owl habitat, the draft plan fails to provide […]
From Cape Trafalgar to La Janda
The Natural Park at Barbate which incorporates two different areas covering over 5,000 hectares is quite unique and diverse for wildlife. This is a view of the pine forest of La Breña, taken from the summit of the Sierra de Retin. Cape Trafalgar is just around the corner and the cliff top walk from the […]
Could This Be Another Pine Siskin Irruption?
The Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) is another irruptive bird species like the Red-breasted Nuthatch which is still hanging around my house. I am getting these finches at my feeders and at the water feature now. Could this be another Pine Siskin irruption year like the 2008 – 2009 winter? Pine Siskins are distributed across much […]
Aerial Kung Fu
A starling in crane stance, kung fu master clutching invisible enemies, wind shredded through whistling talons – Starling – Sturnus vulgaris
Common Copper Butterfly
New England is seeing the last of this year’s common copper butterflies. Click on my blog, UrbanWildlifeGuide.net to read about them. Lots more about butterflies and wildlife in my book — the Field Guide to Urban Wildlife.