Many of you will have passed by “The Warren” – the steep slope along Valley Drive by Livingstone Road shops in Gravesend. But how many of you have stopped to explore this small open area of grassland? The grassland is sympathetically managed to encourage meadow plants and now would be a good time to visit. […]
Very interesting day yesterday (20th July). In the morning I received an email from Jeff and Ann. Amongst the birds that Jeff has been recording in his part of Gravesend during lockdown were sightings of linnets. He wrote “[these] are the first I’ve seen mating in this area since 7th May 1998, when a pair […]
Thanks to everyone that responded to the Stag Beetle posts. My top favourite response came in an email from David, one of our best naturalists. “I thought you might be interested to hear about something that happened to us a few days ago here in Meopham. I was upstairs in my study at about nine […]
A few days ago, Andy sent me this photograph of a male stag beetle that he had found in his garden. I know that he has a very tidy garden (a subject we have debated together several times!) but he does have several rotting tree stumps. There are very few records of stag beetle […]
Not another post on bees. Well don’t blame me, blame Pam! Another of my natural history heroes is Gilbert White (1720-1793). He only wrote one book “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne”. He is known for his meticulous observation and documentation of Nature. Although he was one of the first to observe migration in […]
Seventeen gardens were surveyed for our 4G Birdwatch. Thanks to those of you that sent in your lists. I hope that you enjoyed taking part. 42 species of bird were recorded and I have separated these into two lists – one of “typical” garden birds and the other of “flyovers or unusual visitors”. First the […]
Roy has sent me some pictures and video from the camera in his blue tit nest box. The box was put up earlier this year and its first family has already fledged! The photograph shows the last three birds waiting to go. I very nearly bought a camera for one of my house sparrow boxes. […]
Join Sally and I for the 4G Bird Watch. What birds are using your garden or have made a flypast. Almost no rules! All we want is a list of birds in your garden (estimated numbers or maximum count) seen or heard. Add a note if you have nesting or have seen fledged birds or […]