A Rufous Bush Robin (Cercotrichas galactotes) makes a great subject against a splash of colour, perching amongst the ripening sunflower heads As the summer tourist season get underway here in south-western Andalucia , the baked countryside is at its greatest risk from wild fires. In the north of Spain around Girona , forest fires have […]
North American Porcupine
The North American Porcupine (Erithizon dorsatum) is the third largest rodent in the world, with only the Beaver and Capibara being larger. Common in Alaska, Canada and the coniferous forests of the Northern United States, they are rather slow and docile….but with a very effective defense against predators. They are covered with sharp, hollow quills, […]
Barnstormers
. WITNESSastounding tricks of precision flying! THRILL to the sight of daring aerial capers! Come one, come ALL! The Flying Circus is winging its way to a backyard near YOU!! Critics are raving about this summer’s must-see event. Word to the wise, though—in addition to a lawn chair you’ll definitely want to bring some binoculars. […]
An Afternoon at Sea
Sea Birds We have had several days of easterly weather, starting with SE gales and rain, easing to fresh easterly and fine sunny days. Easterly gales and rain is seriously unpleasant here, as we are quite exposed to that quarter. However today dawned fine and calm, although there was still a moderate swell coming into […]
Red-necked Phalaropes (Phalaropus lobatus)
An early start to the autumn migration saw the arrival of thousands of waders to western Andalucia. It was a delight to have good views of Red-necked Phalaropes at the Salinas de Bonanza on the Guadlaquivir river I took this shot to compare the diminutive phalarope’s size with Black-winged Stilts. The Red-necked Phalarope has an […]
Eastern Bluebird Photography
Nesting Our bluebirds here in Ontario are a very beautiful species. so much fun to just sit back and watch them during nesting season. The male and female work together, and rarely will you see them separated. Mainly, they find man made bird boxes, and create nesting inside, through access of a 1 inch diameter […]
Prodigal sons (and daughters)
Cougars are one of several predator species returning to historic ranges, even when they include highly developed areas (Photo: Wayne Dumbleton, Creative Commons license) Midwesterners are welcoming the return of some long-absent natives. On second thought, “welcoming” is probably an overstatement… because just as in the famous biblical parable, not everyone is thrilled about this […]
UAE East Coast Pelagic 27.07.12
The UAE Pelagics this season have been quite poor compared to the last two years, counts are down and so is the variety. Even with that in mind I ventured out yesterday with a few of the guys and of course Abdullah our wonderful driver. Unfortunately, Ramadan meant there was none of his wonderful Cardamon […]