I quite often see Yellowhammers on my walk, as the flailed hedges suit them and there are plenty of those across the farm. I noticed a female cheeping in a rather desultory manner over the course of a week or so, and then to my delight over the weekend, she seemed to pair up with … Continue reading Yellowhammers, dogs, and a Wood Pigeon
A Visiting Red Kite
I have seen Red Kites a number of times around here, but mainly over the South Downs; I remember pulling over in to a lay-by on the A27 so I could watch a pair enjoying the air currents as I was driving back from Lewes. Like with the Peregrines, I see them too infrequently here … Continue reading A Visiting Red Kite
Stock Doves & Wood Pigeons
The fields behind my house are currently still stubble, although they have been sprayed so the weed seeds are much reduced; I'm not sure what the birds and deer are eating but they are foraging on something! I love Stock Doves, but I only discovered what they were a few months ago, as I had … Continue reading Stock Doves & Wood Pigeons
Peregrine Falcon, and a Magpie
It's been a bright day today, and I wandered out of the back gate and headed up the track towards the farm. There are two horse chestnut trees halfway up, and it's a favourite resting spot for Carrion Crows, Magpies, Wood Pigeons and thrushes. I noticed a bird fly up from the ground at the … Continue reading Peregrine Falcon, and a Magpie
Snipe, and Low Carbon Birding
I am definitely more of a lark than an owl, and usually take my dog out for a walk as it's getting light. I've been birdwatching around these fields since I moved here in 2008, and although the volume and variety of species has reduced somewhat in that time, I thought I would make a … Continue reading Snipe, and Low Carbon Birding
Blackbird Nature Notebook
We went for a trip to our local biodynamic farm shops here in Sussex and a walk on Ashdown Forest, which is one of our favourite ways to spend the afternoon, and there were a number of Blackbirds both on the heathland as well as at the farms. The winter light was so cool and … Continue reading Blackbird Nature Notebook
New Sketchbooks; New Projects
I had some wonderful sketchbooks for Christmas, and a clutch pencil with sepia leads which is a joy to use. My mum also posted me her copy of Sketching Wild Birds by Trevor Smith. My aim this year is to improve and prioritise my sketching. When I did my foundation course I was drawing every … Continue reading New Sketchbooks; New Projects
Last Posting Day!
Monday is the last day I will be posting any logbooks as I'm "closing the shop" until the New Year, from Tuesday 21st December until January 4th. It has been such an incredible year for me--with a very steep learning curve!--so I am looking forward to some quiet reflection and gentle planning over the holiday … Continue reading Last Posting Day!
More Catkins
I adore willow catkins, and on my dog walks it's great to see the bright lemon yellows stand out against the ubiquitous grey. I noticed a fiery variant on one tree: it reminded me of a firecrest, with the bright orange and yellow: The pewter grey is stunning - I've never seen catkins like it, … Continue reading More Catkins
Great Tit and Willow Catkins
It has been such beautiful weather here over the last week or so, and I have found it so helpful for my mood and general outlook. it has made the fields and footpaths around here very busy so I have to pick my moment to walk the dog; I have hens so am up with … Continue reading Great Tit and Willow Catkins
Jennifer Moore Artist 