First outing this 'Magic May' was back to the traditional nightingale haunt at Lee Valley with Isabelle. Unfortunately the satnav took me to a different car-park and from there I didn't know how to get the same spot as last year! However after a longer than usual walk we found …

A family trip for the Easter school holidays took me to Centre Parcs Sherwood Forest where the cabin we stayed in was surrounded by forest (and other cabins). I signed myself and the kids up for a nature ramble around the northern part of the site, which proved an interesting …

After another blank month in January, at last some proper birding! At Mayday Farm in the Brecks, I went looking for displaying Northern Goshawk with Isabelle who was very patient despite being bored. Her restlessness and hunger caused us to return to the car where we had great views of …

The first outing this month was to RSPB Rainham Marshes, with my kids, the first time they've both been out with me birding! Their initial excitment of having binoculars and running along the boardwalks soon waned and we had to go for ice cream. Two raptors, Sparrowhawk and Hobby were …

Back to Massachusetts for family summer vacation/holiday, and as with Florida earlier in the year, I was able to hit some familiar hot spots.

First I was keen to visit Allens Pond for specialty Saltmarsh Sparrow (2) and life tick SEASIDE SPARROW (3), identified as dark, short-tailed birds in …

This month, during a short family holiday to Norfolk I visited Hunstanton Cliffs, with the usual Northern Fulmar nesting on the cliffs, accompanied by Common Swift nearby. The cliffs presumably making a traditional nesting site before eaves of houses became more typical.

Sunday 22nd, Hunstanton Cliffs, Norfolk, UK.

One visit to Tyttenhanger GPs this month with Whitethroat, Yellowhammer and Tree Sparrow all in the hedgrow, being the highlights.

Saturday 9th, Tyttenhanger Gravel Pits, Hertfordshire, UK.

Only one outing, but for a couple of 'magical' May birds.

During my first spell in London (2005-2011) Lee Valley Park was a good place for nightingales and cuckoos, amongst others. On returning to London in 2016, I took my eldest daughter during half-term to see if they were still …

Oh yes, Florida! An Easter visit where I was able to hit all the usual places and take a good walk at one I hadn't visited for a while.

First up was Venice Rookery where I connected with some typical Floridian birds but also 3 flyover Swallow-Tailed Kite. Among the …

With a house move severly restricting my chances to go birding in December, I only managed to get to Tyttenhanger GPs once to see a scarcity Hawfinch. I connected with 10 of them in the tall trees to the south of the main pit. It was satisfying to see them …