Category: Nature

  • The Fearless Mistle Thrush

    The Fearless Mistle Thrush

    The mistle thrush is a proud character, who first came to my attention last spring. He is back again this year and hard to miss.

  • A Gathering of Birds

    A Gathering of Birds

    I’ve noticed a gathering of birds in my garden, lately. Not a menacing gathering, reminiscent of Daphne du Maurier’s ‘The Birds’, but a bright, babbling chorus of goldfinch, chaffinch, blackbird, wagtail and swallow.

  • Frogs and Fallen Trees

    Frogs and Fallen Trees

    I went down to the woods and sure enough, a big surprise awaited me. My usual path to the stream (and on to the frogspawn, I delight in spotting every year) was blocked by a host of fallen trees.

  • Mountains, Swans and a Good Book

    As February hovers on the horizon, I’m seeing out January with a few treats to counter the wind, rain and wintry showers.

  • Hidden Kingdoms – Following the Trail

    Hidden Kingdoms – Following the Trail

    I’m always looking for something to watch on these quiet winter nights – particularly now that I’ve read all the books I was given for Christmas. For me, BBC 1’s ‘Hidden Kingdoms’ is a current highlight.

  • West Cork Adventure: Mizen Head, Barley Cove & Glengariff

    West Cork Adventure: Mizen Head, Barley Cove & Glengariff

    Are you ready for part 2 of my West Cork adventure? Last week, I shared my Schull and Harvest Moon Festival experience. This week, I’m reflecting on time spent at Mizen Head, Barley Cove and Glengariff.

  • A Walk on the Cahir Side #Nature

    A Walk on the Cahir Side #Nature

    Ducklings, cygnets on the verge of becoming swans, adult swans – these were the sights that met my eyes as I arrived in Cahir, County Tipperary, last Friday. The cygnets were like mousy adolescents – unsure of themselves in the company of swans, but brave enough to chase a duckling or two! Hubs and I…

  • Swallow Chicks, Big Fish and Orange Berries

    Swallow Chicks, Big Fish and Orange Berries

    If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you may have heard me mention my new family of three – the swallow chicks! Ok, so they’re not quite mine, but as their nest is situated just a few feet from my door I have adopted the ‘watchful aunty’ role and I think we’re beginning to…

  • Alive and Spiky! A Hedgehog Calls

    Alive and Spiky! A Hedgehog Calls

    Imagine the scene. My husband cheerfully mowing the lawn, when a sudden movement catches his eye. Is it a rat, a mouse with a mohawk? No, it’s a hedgehog. Cue, sigh of relief!