Mistle Thrush on the Mistletoe

For years our ailing rowan tree had a clump of male mistletoe, the neighbour’s much healthier tree was host to a berry-laden female that attracted a Mistle Thrush. The bird has a cackling call unlike the melodious and repeating sound made by the Song Thrush.* Then, a couple of years ago, we sprouted a berry-laden … Continue reading "Mistle Thrush on the Mistletoe"

Posted on: 20 December 2024 | 6:19 am

The Last Laugh is on the Clown – a song

If my last song, Hand-me-down Parade, was an attempt at some kind of emotional catharsis then this new song, The Last Laugh is on the Clown, is perhaps the sequel to that, but equally ineffective in improving my mental health, in so many ways. The After Words EP by Dave Bradley The Last Laugh is … Continue reading "The Last Laugh is on the Clown – a song"

Posted on: 17 December 2024 | 3:48 am

Natural Highlights for 2024

In recent years, I’ve pulled together an end of year diary entry to remind me and Mrs Sciencebase of the various natural sightings we’ve had during the year. I normally post it on New Year’s Eve, but am bringing it forward this year so that it sits as the most recent blog post as we … Continue reading "Natural Highlights for 2024"

Posted on: 16 December 2024 | 12:48 pm

Protected: Ray Bradley RIP

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

Posted on: 16 November 2024 | 10:31 am

What is social media like these days?

Here’s a quick summary to explain the feels on the various social media as I perceive them: Twttr – Trolls, babebots, bigotry Threads – Engagement bait, passive-aggressive putdowns Facebook – Parochial whinging LinkedIn – Needy networking Mastodon – Mastodon discussions BlueSky – Friendly chat, sharing, info Guess where my focus is, right now. I know … Continue reading "What is social media like these days?"

Posted on: 13 November 2024 | 5:35 am

Moth of the Moment – Black-spotted Chestnut

In my first couple of years of garden mothing, almost everything species that appeared was new to me, there were dozens and dozens. Well over 120 moths I’d never knowingly seen before. In subsequent years, there were the dozens of regulars, but even then still a few dozen species that were new to the garden … Continue reading "Moth of the Moment – Black-spotted Chestnut"

Posted on: 11 November 2024 | 2:18 am

Back in the Fenland Study

Regular readers will know that I was recruited via my doctor’s surgery to take part in the Fenland Study. The study is taking a sample of the population in this area born between 1950 and 1975, and carrying out a raft of blood tests, body stature measurements, DEXA body fat and bone density and tests … Continue reading "Back in the Fenland Study"

Posted on: 7 November 2024 | 7:58 am

Hand-me-down Parade – A song

It can be quite cathartic writing a song when a parent dies. This is my tribute to Dad who died in October. Maybe there’s a little Gerry Rafferty in here, a dash of ELO, there’s probably no Roy Orbison nor Buddy Holly in it, except in spirit, perhaps.* Hand-me-down Parade by Dave Bradley Inevitably, it’s … Continue reading "Hand-me-down Parade – A song"

Posted on: 2 November 2024 | 4:11 pm

Bearded Reedling redux

The Bearded Reedling used to be known as the Bearded Tit. The name change wasn’t down to some odd political stance. After all, the Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, and even the Penduline Tit are all still tits. No, the rationale for the rename is that the Beardie is not a tit all. It … Continue reading "Bearded Reedling redux"

Posted on: 28 October 2024 | 11:00 am

Photographing birds from the comfort of the settee

Busy day, no chance to get out birding or togging, even. Moreover, it was dull and grey, so not great for capturing avian beauty. That said, I was setting up the new lens on my Canon R7 adjusting the customised settings buttons, a Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM. Once I’d done that I snapped … Continue reading "Photographing birds from the comfort of the settee"

Posted on: 21 October 2024 | 12:33 pm