How to Effortlessly Help Wildlife

Greetings once again dear blog-readers and welcome to another instalment of the greatest blog ever written*.

(i) Official sources have stated that this might be true.

We may be in the depths of lockdown 2.0 but at least we’re allowed outside for a bit longer than last time. Last Sunday, I decided to have a nice quiet walk around a nearby park and just soak in all the green naturey goodness. Instead, I was greeted by hoards of dog walkers and pushchairs. Even outside of social distancing, it’s difficult to appreciate nature when flocks of humans trample past. In a park that was teaming with wildlife, most people turned a blind eye to what was around them and were more concerned with cappuccinos and Christmas shopping.

And, it made me think. It's not the first time that I've been out with my camera and received weird looks for showing an interest in wildlife. This notion that my intrigue is somewhat uncomfortably obscure is, to me at least, unfathomable. This could be a generalisation but the average member of the public probably doesn't care about wildlife. It’s not the end of the world that, but just think if everyone stopped, looked and listened to the outdoor world, it would make a huge difference. You don’t have to be a binocular bridled bird nerd to care about the environment, we can all play our part. Similarly, we don’t all need to chain ourselves to trees or sabotage a fox hunt, it’s more straightforward than this.

Want to help wildlife without even really thinking about it? Here are some minimal ideas that ought to help you get there.

1. Respect their space

This logic can be applied to anyone walking down the street to avid photographers - just leave them be. Humans are the most destructive, dominant and dangerous living creature to have ever walked the Earth and yes, that includes you. The natural world hates our guts and it’s probably due to all the terrible things we’ve done to it. In light of this, not getting up all in their grill is probably best. Ecosystems are fragile enough without everyone stomping all over it. In a year where we’ve learned to appreciate each other from a distance, do the same for nature. Keep to paths, keep dogs are controlled as possible and generally, don’t be an idiot.

2. Feed them (correctly)

As our wildlife is yet to discover their own supermarkets, the significance of food and water in their lives is massive. When habitats have shrunk and food webs have been shattered, we can certainly lend a hand by giving them that extra bit of aid. However, as with most food, it must be healthy and in moderation. I’m not saying there’s a pigeon obesity crisis but if we want to optimise health, it’s important we don’t give them junk. The worst offender? Bread. To be clear, a few crumbs here and there isn’t apocalyptic but given the way so many people lob whole loaves into ponds, they’re like a crusty ticking time bomb. Not only is it incredibly unhealthy but it can wean wild birds away from natural food sources, as well as cause water pollution. Seeds, grapes and peas will do just fine, anything but bread! In the same token, make sure you leave enough wild food out during Autumn. Blackberries and apples make a great pie but when they’re in your fridge and not on a hedge, that can make a lovely starving blackbird. You don’t need every last bit of fruit, so leave some for the birds.

3. Be less trashy

Litter. The age-old enemy of any avid environmentalist. The consumable world we live in means waste is unavoidable but what is not excusable is the misuse of this rubbish. The height of laziness is not being able to carry a banana peel or a crisp packet. As soon as it’s on the floor, it’s not your problem, right? Well, when it flies off into a water supply, down a drain, into the sea and into a turtles belly, then it might just be a problem. The outdoors is not one big landfill. Be that one annoying friend and carry a bottle home to be recycled. Bag it all up and make sure it’s binned correctly. If a bin's overflowing, don't stuff it in there like a jumbled wardrobe, take it home with you. Don’t just assume someone below you should sort it, it’s not a feudal system. This logic requires such painfully minimal effort and costs nothing, but it’s still one of the biggest issues plaguing the planet today.

4. Embrace what you don't know

Ever wandered past a fungus that you didn’t know the name of? Or not been able to decipher one gull from another? We’ve all been there, but the most important part is being curious and engaging with learning more. Simply accepting that you can’t be bothered to learn about something new is pretty ignorant. Questioning the world around you is an absolutely minimal and even pointless thing to get fired up about, but if you share your knowledge and it sparks engagement in someone else, off goes that butterfly effect. A wider environmental consciousness in society is not a bad thing and should be actively encouraged. It’s better that then wrongly telling your friends that a coot is a duck. It swims, doesn’t it? Look beyond the steps ahead of you, shut your mind off to your immediate reality and you will discover sights, sounds and smells that you never first realised were all around.

There are of course plenty of more elaborate ways to be a gold star wildlife saviour but we’ll take baby steps for now. Next time you’re out and about, have a second thought about the ecosystems that surround you. It honestly doesn't take much effort, trust me.

Adios...

Why UK Biodiversity SUCKS.

Now guess who’s back with a brand new rant.

In my last piece, I highlighted the woes of being a young naturalist on planet Earth. Now, just to add insult to injury, I’m adjusting the spotlight on somewhere a bit closer to home. I say closer, I mean literally at home.

Sorry guys, but the fact is: the biodiversity in the UK officially SUCKS.

Now before you sharpen your pitchforks and google my IP address, hear me out. Of course, we have no rainforests or savannahs but even in the most simplistic of contexts, the UK’s natural environments are feeble. We do all deeply love the nature on our doorsteps but sometimes, we just need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. The flora and fauna of this country are pathetic in comparison to every single one of our neighbours and we have practically no grounds to dispute it.

I suppose you now want me to provide my grounds to dispute that the biodiversity is fantastic. Well, gladly.

Let’s start with something that’s completely out of our hands: geography. Now the UK has a temperate climate, much like the rest of Europe, but with more interesting biomes surrounding us, our deciduous woodlands, sandy coasts and occasional mountains seem vanilla. We’re not cold enough to draw drown the titans of the tundra yet we’re too mediocre to tempt upwards those from the Mediterranean. Sure, climate change has helped, bringing bee-eaters north and walruses south but still, that’s only a result of the deeply depressing temperature changes that have shaped the earth. Whilst large mammals like wolves and lynx have freely expanded across the subcontinent, our position surrounded by water has obviously hampered this. The only hope of bringing back the large land mammals we once decimated is to drag them by our own accord. Even If they could get here, would they want to stay?

From an ornithological perspective, I find myself looking at the incredible species that you can find so easily on the continent but would be a treat in the UK. Common cranes in their thousands in Germany, black-winged stilts in France, griffon vultures in Spain - the list could go on. My point is that the birds we regard as rarities may as well be garden birds across the channel. The habitats are more or less the same, the population densities aren’t too dissimilar - they just clearly hate it here.

To add insult to injury, this already isolated island in the North Sea also happens to have one of the longest histories of any country on Earth. To cut a long story short, it has been a tumultuous last 2000 years for the inhabitants of Great Britain. Even before that, we set about doing all that we could to eradicate species like cave bears and mammoths as best we could. Let me tell you, we did a smashing job. Over the centuries of various kings and queens, we’ve taken what was a rugged and wild island and completely coated in our artificial world. Forests felled for farming, rivers ruined and populated cities popping up left, right and centre. Our developments in industry and agriculture came at the price of our natural history. Then again, when the factories of the north were booming and London became one of the most important cities in the world, not many people stopped to ask where all the wildlife had gone. As a country, we were just very good at putting people first.

The relief is of course that this history of bullish ignorance towards our biodiversity is long behind us. Guess again. In the modern era, many of the mindsets of old have carried over. Fox hunting is somehow a cherished cultural event. Grouse shooting is condoned by the highest royalty. HS2 is all of a sudden a great idea. The logic of a disregard for the wild is deep-rooted in our society, more so than most other countries. Today, we’re met with a demand for more housing, bigger arable fields and more convenient transport infrastructure, all within the same island which remains the same size. Actually, which sea-level rise and coastal erosion, it’s shrinking.

Despite climate change and environmental decline being a hot topic for many world leaders, our government has failed massively. This isn’t a political statement, it is a scientific fact. 41% of UK species are in decline, birds like the turtle dove and hen harrier could be on the brink of national extinction and our iconic hedgehogs are staring over the edge of the precipice. Having been given twenty biodiversity targets to hit within ten years, the UK fell short in seventeen of them and was argued to have gone backwards in six of them. These included sustaining wildlife populations, managing land use for conservation and providing funding for conservation. The government had a clear set of goals and like a disinterested sixth-former, got a U in almost every exam. But how many more chances are there for a resit?

Sucks, eh?

But, it’s not all doom and gloom. Trust me.

As a country, we have spawned some of the most significant conservation charities in the world, including the Wildlife Trusts, RSPB and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. We have successfully brought avocets, red kites and otters back from the brink. We’re working hard to bring back white-tailed sea eagles, beavers and white storks. Rewinding projects like at Knepp or Wild Ken Hill are proving that we can develop our wilderness once again and let it thrive. We are the nation that inspired David Attenborough, Peter Scott, Chris Packham etc. If these heavyweights of conservation were engaged enough by what we have to offer, it can’t be that bad?

What can you do to better the situation? Well if you fancy building your own nature reserve or harass the prime minister until he agrees to ban driven grouse shooting, that might help! The main thing we can all do is small collective changes. Support your local conservation charities, feed your garden birds, reduce how much waste you produce. The list is endless. However, my biggest piece of advice is to try and engage as many people as you can with the environment. The more people that care, the better.

It may be dishevelled rocky outcrop filled with smoggy cities and a hopeless government, but it’s ours. As much as it’s depleting nature worries us to our core, it’s why we care for it so much.

Adios...

Why Being a Young Naturalist SUCKS

They say the world is your oyster, but what if you want your world to be about studying oysters?

Well, we’re nearly there, 2020 is almost over. Don't worry guys, we've got this!

I thought I’d ramble on again as I have done so many times before but this time, I’m whacking it up a notch from a ramble to a rant. For now, I’ll passionately shout to the hilltops about something which has been getting my goat for years and is evidently shared by many in a similar boat.

That fact is: being a young naturalist in 2020 SUCKS. Don’t believe me? Allow me to elaborate.

 1. The Planet

In case you’re new to this, we’re doomed. With wild spaces depleting, populations expanding and biodiversity crashing, our dear old Earth is going through its most rapidly awful time in its history. You don’t need me to remind you of this, Sir Dave did a splendid job on Netflix. The reality is that everyone before us will likely not experience the worst of our climate crisis and those after us will look at this generation for answers. Great, it’s now our problem. Like a pilot handing you the controls of a crashing plane as he parachutes away. No pressure guys.

Anyone who has studied a conservation-based degree will tell you that each lecture should probably come with a supplement of anti-depressants. The outlook is generally glum and the solutions to the Earth's great problems seem out of reach. But hey, at least the politicians know this and are prioritising this in all their policies...

2. Society

I can’t speak for literally every person on Earth but it is a fair assessment to say that the majority of Homo sapiens walking this green planet don’t give too many hoots about nature. As a whole, the masses are more concerned about economics, personal progression and their own happiness. Everyone claims to love David Attenborough but in the same breath would also not know how to recycle or would find birdwatching weird. If it's cute, pulse-racing and consumable within reach, then it's worth caring about. We all have different personalities and the reality is that not every single living individual has a vested interest in the environment.

What this does mean is that for the select few that bring their Eco-concerns to the forefront is a feeling of isolation. Singularity. Pointlessness. If no one cares as much as I, what is the point? The mindset is as much about fighting lack of awareness as it is environmental issues themselves. The holy grail of any naturalist is to tap into the consciousness of humanity and for there to be a reciprocal understanding of the planet's plight. Alas, the world will probably only wake up once it’s too late. That sucks.  

3. Opportunities

Fortune favours the brave. You only live once. Life is short. You get the picture, there are mountains of stock phrases if you need the motivation to follow your dreams. In the real world that we actually live in, pursuing an environmental career in a field you’re actually passionate for is practically impossible. Undergraduate degrees in zoology, ecology, conservation etc. serve as merely cartoon roads leading to fake Wile E Coyote tunnels. The great promise of profitability dashed by the simple reality of the job market. Any entry-level environmental job requires years worth of voluntary experience alongside a Masters degree. An undergraduate degree on its own feels like a broom without a brush. For those who need to get on with life and make sure there’s enough money in the bank to keep the lights on, this path isn’t as straightforward. Opportunities are evidently dictated by supply and demand, however, in a world where environmental awareness is such a marketable buzzword, you'd think there'd be plenty of companies eager to snap up the next generation of eco-warriors.

That's not to say that the opportunities are not out there, however they're beyond so many hurdles that the sprint is practically painful. Perhaps it is lack of motivation that is the clincher, but is it too much to ask to have a more straightforward career path? Time for another stock phrase: life isn't fair.

Rant over.

Not to be a negative nelly, but these are the harsh realities of the matter. The 'inconvenient truths' if you will. But it can't all be bad, surely?

Well as naturalists, we find enjoyment in the greener things in life, and when you scratch the surface, there's plenty to actually be optimistic about. The rise of renewables is a cause for celebration, plenty of successful reintroductions are bearing fruit and environmental activism has never been so vocal. In an age of social media, environmentalists must keep tapping into this fountain of knowledge from which this generation is immersed within. From my own experiences of like-minded environmentalists on social media, they're all a great bunch with sound core values. 

In terms of opportunities, it is how much you are willing to sacrifice to follow what you truly want. It simply is not feasible for everyone but if you are committed to your passion, you can shape your own destiny. If you want to do it and believe you can do it, then never give up.

The natural world is undeniably amazing and I am confident that the human world will do all that they can to preserve it. I guess that doesn't suck that much?

What do you love/hate most about being a naturalist in this day and age? Let me know in those comments!

Adios... 

My Top City Breaks

Good morrow dear fellows.

Yes, the blog is still alive, believe it or not. I've unfortunately come down with a pesky ailment known as 'work', meaning I have less time to rabbit on about, well rabbits in some cases.

My nature nonsense isn't for everyone though and oddly enough, I do have a life outside of just knowing lots about ducks. Back in the olden days when Tiger King was just a type of prawn and exam results were actually as a result of exams, I happened to be able to leave the house and even the country without fear of someone coughing on me in a different language. No quarantines, no masks, just embracing other cities and their cultures.

The UK does indeed have some spiffing city break opportunities themselves, however, if you were to weigh up New York versus Old York, the yanks sadly triumph there. We all go on holiday to escape the monotony of what is inevitably our everyday lives in search of something different and even better. Glossy images of sun-kissed promenades or world-famous architectural phenomena draw us in and get those juices flowing. The reality is that whilst some cities surpass their expectations, some may fall short of the mark.

In the last four years, I have gone abroad on seven occasions to (technically) six different countries all in aid of a tantalising trip never to forget. Whilst all my journeys are memorable, alas some are for varying reasons. Please note that this list isn't solely based on the cities themselves but also influenced by my own experiences there. It's merely my opinion and I'd love to hear contrasting stories from the places I've visited.

Right, let's crack on. In ascending order:

7. ROME, Italy

The wooden spoon in this list goes to Italy's capital and although it is not an awful city by any means, my stay was probably the least enjoyable of the lot. The city that famously was not built in a day and one where you also get two countries for the price of one (thanks Vatican City). On paper, an ancient city brimming with history with enough gelato to form a glacier sounds like pure perfection. In reality, the experience for me felt a bit awkward throughout. In Rome's defence, we planned this trip dreadfully. We'd picked a remote hotel, hadn't planned out what we wanted to when and we didn't have too much disposable income at the time. I'm also not a huge history boffin so although the majesty of the colosseum was incredible, it felt a bit vacant on the inside. Even though we thought we'd gone outside of peak season, Rome felt crowded and at times overwhelming. There were also a few hiccups with public transport which, being British, only added to the frustrations. The pizza was good though, as you'd expect.

Pro tips for Rome: Go in autumn/winter when it's colder, don't listen to strangers and have a vague interest in ancient history.

6. DUBLIN, Ireland

A* for convenience but a solid D for the whole trip in general. We discovered flights that meant we could leave for Dublin early in the morning and return the same evening (for around £18, which is cheaper than my commute). The buzz of spontaneously booking a day trip to essentially a different country did wear off fairly soon after arriving though. The castle and ha'penny bridge were must-sees and we ticked these off the list fairly quickly. What I loved about Dublin was a combination of feeling like a familiar city but also being basically abroad. The day was boding well until literally midday when the most Irish or Irish things struck. No, a leprechaun with a pint of Guinness did not throw some fudge at me, it rained. When I mean rained, it Irish rained. None of this English drizzle, it went for it. Ultimately, walking round Trinity College, St Patricks Church and the Temple Bar was quite so enjoyable whilst we were soaked to the bone. We also happened to eat at the one restaurant on the Temple Bar that did not serve Guinness. It's like an English cafe without tea. All in all, Dublin can be done in a day and presumably more enjoyably if the sun comes out.

Pro tips for Dublin: Skip the Book of Kells, look for cheap flights, and bring an umbrella.

5. MARRAKECH, Morocco

Two years ago, I blessed the rains down in Africa for a semi-city-break, semi-all-inclusive break. Forget the great plains or the Congo basin, Africa above the Sahara is hot hot hot and its tourism industry is developing nicely (well, probably not right this second). What I didn't realise was you need to fill in an immigration form when you arrive and leave the country, so be prepared. I've never seen such a mad scramble to get a pencil in my life. This almost desert destination, despite being a sunbather's paradise also has plenty of culture to it. Its botanical garden, the Jardin Majorelle, is a stunning oasis in the city centre, along with its main square filled with market stalls that give visitors plenty to do. On top of this, no-one can turn down a camel ride, ride? The downsides lie in both the intense heat which my pasty English body couldn't handle and the up-front nature of the locals which my pathetic English mindset couldn't get my head around. Brash street salesmen are of course part of the culture and if you prefer a quieter getaway, perhaps the streets of this Moroccon city may not be to your liking.

Pro tips for Marrakech: Make sure to try and plan experiences in advance, bring a pencil case, don't stay in the sun for too long.

4. PRAGUE, Czechia.

Remember like every film or TV show that depicts Eastern Europe as this cold, desolate and glum place? Prague is definitely the living counter-argument for this perception. With so many cities in the Eastern block opening their arms to tourists over the last few years, Prague is arguably the jewel in the crown. As soon as Brits realised it's got running water, electricity and cheap beer, the stags flocked to the Czech Republic for a mad one on foreign shores. Turns out there is more to this city then just prancing with 'the lads', it's a place of intriguing history, both ancient and modern. With a picturesque old town, scenic bridges and arguable the largest castle in the world, you won't complain about being bored. That exchange rate helps the bank and most Prague residents have learned English at school, so there's less of an awkward language barrier. The best word to describe Prague would be quaint as there are lots to do but nothing to truly take your breath away. Our experience was somewhat tainted by the choice of hotel (my bad) but there are plenty of other options available. The city isn't huge either so you can tick everything off your list in under a week. Also, there are chimney cakes, they're awesome.

Pro tips for Prague: Don't bring too much cash with you, get a chimney cake, be super careful when booking a hotel.

3. VALENCIA, Spain

A controversial pick this. There certainly bigger cities in the world, cities with more glitz and glamour and certainly more cities with things to do. I don't know why but I just adore Valencia. Perhaps overshadowed by other Mediterranean destinations, Valencia is a vibrant hub for culture, history, and food. Their central market is one of the largest in Europe and the famous 'City of Arts and Sciences' houses some of the most unbelievable modern architecture you will ever see. For sun-seekers, you can alternate a city break with a beach day, such as the beauty of being by the coast. For our trip, we spent a bit of time in the botanical garden there, as well as the famous cathedral which offers unrivalled views across the city. Perhaps the draw of Valencia was the lack of hustle and bustle. It doesn't feel like a tourist-packed rat-race, the pace of life more relaxed and with a public transport network that can take you anywhere across the city, it is perfectly suited for city-breakers. Much like Prague, it isn't an endless paradise by any means but there's definitely enough in Valencia to keep you more than occupied for a weekend away.

Pro tips for Valencia: Have a fondness for Paella, find a decent beach to go to, visit their zoo (because I didn't get round to it!)

2. NEW YORK CITY, USA

From small oranges to Big Apples, the city that never sleeps is a must for any holiday-goer. What astounded me about New York City was truly how much there is to take in at every moment you're there. The gargantuan skyscrapers and the boulevards that feel like they wrap around the globe, it's a feast for the eyes. I'm not going to explain everything to see in NYC because everyone knows about the Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty and World Trade Center (they're all amazing by the way) but I also enjoyed seeing a production on Broadway, visiting the railway-turned-garden 'Skyline' and having an authentic New York Cheesecake. Yes, there is a lot of food and yes it is massive. My weird food epiphany came when having fried chicken along with a scone because that's how Americans chow down. I don't need to sell NYC too much as it pretty much sells itself and it's a city everyone longs to visit. My only hesitations were the long flights and the aggressively manic street life of New Yorkers. You don't have time to sit and soak it in, you've got to keep moving otherwise the crowds will devour you. The city that never sleeps will certainly keep you awake for the first day or so but once jet-lag hits, good luck. All in all, New York City is mesmeric.

Pro tips for New York City: Plan well in advance, get a tourist pass early, beware the moody weather patterns.

1. BARCELONA, Spain.

It had to be exceptional to outweigh New York City and oddly, Barcelona does just that. In comparison to a city renowned across the world, maybe it doesn't have the universal draw but when put simply 'Where is the best city break destination?' - the answer is Barcelona. Much like Valencia, its Mediterranean climate ideal for anyone escaping grey skies and it allows for the same beach break flexibility. Sports fans can marvel at the Nou Camp, art aficionados can gaze at the wonders of Parc Guell and, well any tourist really, can appreciate the magnitude of the enormous Sagrada Familiara. There's no more vibrant spot in Europe than La Rambla under the Spanish summer sun with market stalls teeming with tapas. Barca is one of the few cities where we ran out of time and would happily return in the future. Such as the hold of the city, if it has the power to draw you back in then it's definitely somewhere special. Yes it can be overwhelmingly busy at times and has a bad reputation for street crime but in honesty, most European cities do, the spotlight just seems to be on Barcelona. If you're logical and aware of your surroundings, there are no issues. A city with bold basilicas, astounding stadia unique cuisine, Barcelona rightly tops the list.

Pro tips for Barcelona: Book more than a week, don't walk around with cash in your hand, don't mention Bayern Munich.

Subject to this global pandemic magically disappearing overnight, where should I go next? Which of my decisions on these destinations do you disagree with? Let me know in whatever way you can.

Adios amigos!

My Top Five UK Nature Reserves

Greetings once again dear fellows and welcome to another instalment of 'The Musings of a Bored Birder'. Forget that the governments update was as clear as concrete, here's another blog for you to ponder.

What is everyone missing from when life was normal before? It could be family, it could be the pub or it could be that sweet anticipation of a long haul holiday to somewhere hot. I'm sure for many birders out there, it's nature reserves that we so dearly miss. At the most active time of the year, many of these sites are bubbling with life without beady binoculars browsing over them and although it's great for wildlife, it isn't great for those wanting to see it. Whether there's a reserve you had big plans to visit this year or just a local patch you love to pop round, these are now mostly off limits. In light of this, I thought I'd look back to the good old days when we could go outside for more than one walk a day and reminisce about my favourite nature reserves. To break it down, here are my top five:

5. SWT Framlingham Mere

Far from the glitz and glamour of other sites (if you'd define a hide and a visitor centre as glamorous), this Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserve is one particularly close to my heart. Being overlooked by the imperious Framlingham Castle, the mere and the surrounding marshes were where I spent most of my more enjoyable afternoons enjoying nature. It helped that it was a stones throw from my school, so for about five years, it was a patch I knew well. Water voles, kingfishers and water rails were just some of the species I was lucky enough to witness there and whilst it was a tiny reserve in comparison to others, it was and still is rich with life. The mere flourishes with flag irises in the summer and fills with fog in the winter, so there's always something picturesque about the place. Despite lengthy rumours, I never saw the infamous otter that supposedly lived in and around the mere, not that I'm mad at all. In a town most famous for Ed Sheeran, this little slice of green is simply serene.

4. WWT Slimbridge

One of the most iconic venues for wildlife conservation in the UK and if not in the world. I'm not being hyperbolic here am I? Maybe, but the point still stands that Slimbridge is a colossus in comparison to all other nature reserves. This site is slap bang on the Severn estuary, comprising of thousands of acres just teaming with bird-life. The aviaries and captive collections may not be everyone's cup of tea but with so much history to the place, it's a must-visit for any budding birder. If you wanted to drag the less-than-ornithologically-inclined family round, there's plenty of pretty ducks and flamingos to keep them preoccupied.It's a reserve I've unfortunately only visited twice but somewhere that I will always want to go back to. Winter is when this place is in it's prime, with thousands of wildfowl all pitching up here for some arctic respite. It's a hotspot for Bewick's swans, white-fronted geese and even the common cranes that were reintroduced on the Somerset Levels. This being just one of many projects spawned from this incredible nature hub. It's continuous conservation initiatives, expansive estuaries and significant swans make Peter Scott's palace a real gem.

3. RSPB Rainham Marshes

The greatest RSPB reserve halfway in Greater London and that is a fact. For a Norfolk boy marooned in Essex for the foreseeable future, this wetland wonderland is like a throwback to my childhood exploring The Broads. The major difference being that this is very much a wild space on an urban backdrop. To many, this marsh might seem modest, but in the context of it's proximity and historical links, it's something special. A former rifle range, this is a nature reserve overlooked by the Eurostar, a landfill site and the Dartford crossing. Squished between two of the busy ports on the Thames, it still manages to draw migrants from across Europe, with internationally important breeding populations of lapwing and redshank. It's also within a 20 minute train ride from one of the largest metropolitan areas on the planet, so there's no excuse to pop by. I might be ever so slightly biased seeing as this is the nature reserve that I have volunteered at since 2016 but we'll gloss over that. I saw my first ever crane, heard by first ever quail and countless water pipits here, so it's not to be sniffed at. For a wetland overshadowed by pylons, high speed trains and cargo ships, it's not a bad little Essex oasis. 

2. Pensthorpe

Okay I like wetlands, you get it by now. The crown in the jewel of the Wensum valley, this is a nature reserve to truly catch the eye. Much like Slimbridge, there's more to the wild birds that flock here (of which there are plenty). If you don't believe me then I'm sure the Springwatch hosts can vouch for me on this one. It's lakes and scrapes play host to countless species such as avocets, lapwings and bitterns. Add to this their extensive ornamental wildfowl collections, aviaries and captive-bred cranes and you have yourself an attraction for all crowds. I can't tell you how excited 8 year old me was to walk into an aviary teaming with turtle doves and bearded tits, seeing these incredibly rare birds up close. Some may argue birds such as this in captivity is controversial but if it sparks an interest, then there's generations of future conservationists waiting to be inspired. With ongoing conservation projects for corncrakes and red squirrels, as well as habitat restoration initiatives, it is a nature reserve that is unique in so many ways.

1. RSPB Minsmere

It had to be. Whilst Slimbridge has swans and Rainham has redshanks, there's not much that Minsmere doesn't have. If you're being picky, there's no mountains, volcanoes or dragons. Aside from that, it's pretty awesome. Where can I even start this pantheon of nature reserves? The reemergence of avocets here inspired the RSPB logo, it's helped save bitterns from extinction, it was the home for Springwatch for three years and it was also the site that I based my dissertation on. Nothing like analysing shoreline management plans to assess the impacts on abundances of coastal and wetland birds. It's more fun than it sounds. Minsmere has woodland, heath, marsh and a coastal environment, all packed into one sensational site in Suffolk. There isn't a single visit to Minsmere where I have left disappointed, from seeing my first adders and hen harriers to scoping a stone curlew from the other side of a field, making it look like an insignificant brown blog. It was exciting, trust me. Minsmere is so amazing attractive to birds that it lured an albatross, a species that isn't even supposed to be in the northern hemisphere, let alone East Anglia! It's expansive, picturesque and quite simply the best.

So that's my list but what are your favourite nature reserves? Have you visited any of the above reserves and if so, what did you think of them?

Stay alert and peace out!

Ranking Britain's Birds of Prey

Good day/night to you. Thought you'd read my blog instead of doing yoga or baking sourdough again? You made the right choice.

Every birder has a list of favourites that they always love to see and can feel very passionately about the species that they hold close to their hearts. It's not always rarities or difficult birds to spot, it can sometimes be due to fond memories or general appreciation of their appearance. Birders favourite lists can vary from person to person but there's never any heated debate on the subject. At least, I can't remember anyone getting into a bar brawl about whether a brent goose is better than a barnacle goose. There's a first for everything though.

In any case, it is all based on opinion for which everyone is entitled to. With that being said, I'm going crack open a can of controversy and outline my opinions on some of my favourite birds. For today, I'll be ranking possibly the most beloved group of birds that grace our shores: the birds of prey. These are the lions and tigers of our skies and generally always a treat to lay eyes on any of them. They predatory nature adds that level of drama to the average birdwatch and there's never a dull moment when they're around. However, there are particular species that deserve the ranking as being 'more exciting' than others. Call it fact or call it opinion, here is my ranking:

I'll be going through this list in ascending order but first, to explain the rows. The basement tier, or 'Yay?' as I have labelled it is relatively self explanatory. These are birds of prey that raise and eyebrow but nothing more. 'They'll do' is reserved for maybe a double eyebrow raise and an excited jitter but the fun wares off fairly quickly. 'Stonkers' really get you off your seat and should be commended highly for the excitement that they bring. 'Trouser-rubbers' do exactly what it says on the tin and get even the most seasoned birder to jump for joy. The 'MEGA' tier is reserved for only the most elite birds of prey but disclaimer: sighting these birds may result in shortness of breath and high blood pressure.

First up on the bottom tier, we have the noble buzzard. A pretty standard bird of prey nowadays and a staple of any motorway journey. Those broad wings and white underparts are impressive but when next to a kite or an osprey, these birds look fairly feeble. Now that they're found pretty much on a widespread basis across the country, a sighting is only vaguely notable. Next up is the kestrel, the master of hovering. A dainty yet common bird of prey and one of the most easily recognisable of the lot. Their steady head when manoeuvring the hover is marvellously meticulous and they're definitely photogenic. A lovely bird by all means but nothing to write home about. The last selection is arguably the most controversial, so apologies marsh harrier fans! The fact is, once you've seen one, you've seen them all. If you're not well acquainted with wetlands then one of these giants gliding overhead can be eye-catching, however most marshy environments tend to have these guys hanging around as top predators. Granted, they've struggled for numbers over the last century but now that they've recovered, they just lack that certain something.

Onto the next tier up and the 'they'll do' of the raptor world. These next three are a solid C+ in my books. Sparrowhawks might be fairly regular and certainly easier to find than a kestrel, but who hasn't been enchanted by one of these hawks dissecting a pigeon on the patio? I'm sure Chris Packham would kill me for not putting these guys higher and although they are awesome, there's better birds out there. Red kites, much like buzzards, are gradually growing in numbers and if you'd have collated this list 30 years ago, they'd be a lot higher. With their hazel glow and that forked tail, the sight of a kite is always a thrilling one. For this list anyway, they're a victim of their own success and as they're popping up all over the place these days, their novelty has worn off. Last up is the hobby, the bird that inspired that football game your dad always goes on about. Don't get me wrong, the first hobby of the year is noteworthy and the fact that they catch dragonflies on the wing is captivating, but this is a tough list to crack. You never really hear long excited stories from birders who have just seen a hobby, and that's why they'll do. 

As we get to the stonkers, this list definitely does not get any easier. The merlin can kick us off and these pocket rockets are sure to bring a smile to your face. Whether they're marauding over the moorlands or whizzing over wetlands, a super-fast falcon the size of a blackbird is pretty epic. They're miniature balls of death with a name like magic but perhaps being so diminutive takes away some brownie points. Another stonker has to be the peregrine falcon and despite not being an ultra-rarity, you can't ignore the simple fact that they're the fastest animal on planet earth. Stooping at over 200 miles per hour, these birds are like literal lightning. In recent years, these falcons have traded cliff edges for cathedrals and have thus allowed us plenty of fantastic urban views of these birds up and down the country. A stonker for sure but perhaps nothing more. Last but not least for this tier, we have the honey buzzard. This is probably an incredibly harsh ranking, given that they're usually a twitchers delight but for me, they're just not quite worthy of a top ranking. Although incredibly rarely seen, would I sit there buzzing at the thought of seeing of these buzzards? They're without a doubt a stonker but maybe lack that star power to take them any further. 

Get the sewing machine at the ready because here come those trouser-rubbers. Argue all you like but ospreys needed to be up here. They're an essential sign of spring, they're on their way back from national extinction and they're absolutely huge. There is not a nature reserve or any context in the country whereby an osprey sighting can be downplayed. I always remember going to Florida and seeing them almost as common as pigeons, it was truly mesmerising. As far as iconic birds of prey go, you can't look beyond the hen harrier. They've been the focus of the nature media for a number of years, not least due to the fact that they might go extinct in England as a breeding bird. These incredible sky dancers, with the males dressed in silver and the females in mottled brown, are universally admired and quite rightly too. But as if the hen harrier could be outdone, enter the Montagu's harrier. Those who are fortunate enough to have seen one of these gracious raptors are certainly in an elite club in which I could only dream of joining. These birds are so rare that they're nests are individually protected. Now you know that a bird is special when they have their own bodyguards. A treat to see for twitchers and birders alike.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for... The MEGA stars of the birds of prey world. Where to even start with these guys? Why not with the goshawk and no, you are wrong, ospreys and red kites are not better. These sparrowhawks on steroids are like leopards with wings and they are the living epitome of a death stare. They're bulky and brutish but also masters of camouflage. You wouldn't ever see one of these eating a pigeon on your patio but it may take your cat instead. They're mysterious but marvellous and well befitting their mega title. Another recipient has to be the white tailed sea eagle and let's be honest, can anything compete with the flying barn doors? These titans have declined massively so any sighting whatsoever in the UK is mind-boggling. With successful conservation efforts in the outer Hebrides, and most recently on the Isle of Wight, there's hope that many more birders in the future will be fortunate enough to witness these wonderful eagles. The other gold medal has to go to our other native eagle, the golden eagle, of course. A specialist to Scotland nowadays but no less exciting. These guys are beyond trouser rubbing that you'd be wearing into your kneecaps. A two metre wingspan, a massive bill and talons as long as fingers, these guys mean business. You can't really argue that a kestrel is more deserving than an eagle so atop the list it must go.

I hope you enjoyed this read and I hope I didn't ruffle any feathers. Did I get any of these placements wrong? If so, let me know by aggressively fighting your corner. Also if you liked the format of this blog, do let me know if there's any other british bird rankings you'd like me to do.

Peace ooooouuuut.

Put Simply: Why Birds?

Good *insert appropriate time of day* everyone. How are we all doing today? Feel free to answer the question out loud to your screen as you read this. Don't worry, practically no one will think you're weird. You'll either be in lockdown alone or with your family who know you're odd anyway.

It's a question I get asked all the time... okay some of the time... actually I can't remember anyone being curious enough to genuinely ask me. In any case, I'll tell you all anyway seeing as you're all so keen to know. The question of course being 'Why birds?' We all have our own hobbies, whether it be crochet, baking or writing useless blogs. For me, I'd rather spend my weekends freezing in a hide or wandering through woodland and to many people, this may seem weird and intensely dull. Watching ducks is arguably on a par with watching paint dry. You aren't just genetically born with a fondness for flora and fauna, with every nature lover having their own anecdotes for who and what inspired them. As such, here's my summarised story for 'Why birds?'

On the most intrinsic level, humans and nature have had a mutual bond since the dawn of time, but since this isn't a history lesson, the point is that we all like animals in some way shape or form. It's why we have pets, it's why we love The Lion King and it's why some of us get questionable tattoos of dolphins. There isn't a human on the planet that doesn't have a favourite animal or had at some point been fascinated by something an animal has done. When you boil it down, the fact that I'm obsessed with birds is merely a more specified version of that. On the flip side, we all like chocolate but if you got a Cadbury's tattoo, that might be concerning.

That explains quite simply where the initial seed of inspiration derived from, but there's plenty of other personal factors that have shaped my bird-nerd mindset. To cut a long story short, sport wasn't my thing. In a household where everyone else was athletic as hell, that made me ever so slightly the odd one out. What it then meant was that (1) I had to find something else to fill my mind and (2) I had plenty of time whilst everyone else was off being sporty in which to do it. Trust me on this one, cricket pitches and golf courses can be great wildlife. If my family would travel the country for some sporty reason, there'd usually be a zoo or a nature reserve nearby, so that helped. Even when I didn't need to leave the house, growing up in Norfolk probably had a huge say in shaping the way I am. Essentially, having The Fens, The Brecks, The Broads and The Norfolk Norfolk coast within driving distance would seem like a dream come true for most birders.

So with any strenuous exercise out of the question, why not just be obsessed with any form of wildlife? Why not trees or insects? In the UK at least, the most bountiful and easy to see animals tend to fly and have feathers. We don't have any mega-fauna any more (damn you, ice age and prehistoric man) so birds happen to be the most prominent variety of animal to enjoy. To get a fix of wildlife beyond endlessly watching David Attenborough, the other solution is to go outside and find it yourself. Kestrels hunting mice aren't the same as lions stalking wildebeest but it's intriguing in it's own right. For birds specifically, they were relatively easy to learn when I was younger, easy to find and were interesting to watch. Young me didn't have much of an attention span for fungi or orchids, I needed something that at least flapped or made a noise. Don't judge little me.

But Jack, I hear you ask, they're just beaked organisms that sometimes eat bread and occasionally defecate on my window, they can't be interesting? Well, if you take the time to learn about them, there's a whole world to explore. Birds have life cycles much like ours which makes great opportunities to anthropomorphise them. The phrase 'free as a bird' is part of what makes their study so captivating, in that there's no guarantees what you will see when. As mentioned in my earlier blog (*subtle plug alert*), birding is like gambling and it's the thrill of the unexpected that draws you in. Catching a glimpse of something rare and knowing you've experienced something unique can't be underestimated. The fact that the conservation of many species hangs in the balance, it adds but another layer of interest. In this case, there is both a willingness to try and help struggling species as well as revelling in the satisfaction of seeing one bounce back from the brink.

For many, an admiration for nature and birds specifically can be an experience shared. Whilst some are more than happy to walk on their own, a day out in the wild with family or friends can be thoroughly enjoyable. There's nothing like one-upping a friend or recalling a story of an improbable birding encounter. The birding community is a friendly one and you can always rely on someone more knowledgeable being on hand to help you identify something obscure. In addition, there's always something new to learn with birds. You can revise every bird book, back to front, but new research is always coming out, giving further insights into this captivating wild world. You can never know everything about birds.

You can bundle all these contexts and factors all together but to bring it all back again, I just enjoy being out in nature. At a time when I'd usually be in a London office or be crammed on a tube train, the opportunity to visit a woodland, a meadow, a marsh or an estuary provides a green respite from an otherwise grey backdrop. Not everyone goes out in search for wildlife but we can all appreciate an escape to a green space, even if it is for that perfect selfie. No one can say that they'd rather be stuffed in the city than out in the fresh air. Which quite perfectly brings me back round to where I started - we all like nature anyway.

In summary, what may seem like a bizarre hobby to some is merely a more focused admiration for this planet that we all call home. For anyone who doesn't share the same interest, my question to you would be 'why not birds?'

Peace out.