Pushing Boundaries

Over the last two decades I have driven hundreds of thousands of miles throughout the UK, Ireland, Europe and United States, all in search of new customers, new birds, or both. It has taken me to some great places, such as the below sea level Salton Sea in Southern California, the Texas Blackland Prairie, Rio Grande Valley and the central Florida wetlands in the USA. I have visited Honey Buzzard migration hotspot Falsterbo in Sweden, the superb Waddensee island of Texel and the wild Atlantic Way in the far west of Ireland, each of them special in their own way,…

The Northlands

Here I reflect on birdwatching experiences during work trips to Sweden, highlighting sightings of various rare birds such as the Alpine Chough, Baltimore Oriole, and Great Grey Owl. Frustration over missing photography opportunities is evident, alongside memorable moments like observing cranes and close encounters with species like Bearded Reedlings and Thrush Nightingales.

All Dutch to Me.

I have been travelling to Netherlands for work for now more than a dozen years. Most of those trips will have involved a trip to Texel and had opportunity to get some birding done, either before work or after. During that time I have connected a few decent birds both on Texel & the mainland too. Here is a selection of some of my favourites.

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby!

The Siberian Rubythroat, once a rare sight in the UK, remains a prized bird among British birders. Over the years, personal encounters in Shetland, the Netherlands, and Sweden have yielded joyous and frustrating experiences. Observations highlight the bird’s elusiveness, while moments of solitude foster a deeper appreciation for its beauty and rarity.

2020 Hindsight part 1

It all started so well! It was the year I was determined to enjoy my photography again and get my mojo back. I was determined to get out more birding, attempt some nightscapes with a new lens and I had a stack of gigs lined up with photo passes and a meet & greet for an intimate gig with Joanne Shaw Taylor at the Liverpool Arts Club. Harnessing that enthusiasm I was at Crosby Marine Lake on a bright and sunny January 3rd for a Long-tailed Duck. It was yet another 1st winter female, oh how I long for another…