I've been working on a series of linocuts for a little book on the birds of the Colne estuary. "Coastal Birds" is arriving back from the printers any day now, and the launch is in a couple of weeks at the Nottage Maritime Institute, Wivenhoe, Essex 21st June 12-2pm.

10th March Trundle Mere Lookout near Holme, disappointingly cold and grey after yesterdays glorious spring sunshine, although I was rewarded with ecellent views of this Great Grey Shrike. It perched on wires, bracing itself against the brisk wind, looking around and occassionally dropping down to seize an angry bumble bee which was soon dispatched and swallowed.
Also from the hide, a male Hen Harrier, Red Kites and Buzzards a a fly by Hooded Crow, while in the birches a mobile flock of c100 Redpoll.

Spent an excellent day sketching the endangered Vietnamese Giant Magnolia Snail and the Fregate Island Beetle, the snails being surprisingly nimble, positively zipping around the tank in search of a tasty mushroom. The beetles were more sedentary and clustered together under the logs, they look very prehistoric.

Another finished project that was started earlier this year for Exmoor NP, an illustration showing the various habitats from the coast to the high moors. A great job to get, and one that allowed me to visit this lovely corner of England.

 



The heathland management interpretation board I illustrated for BBOWT is now in place on Crookham and Greenham Commons. This was a particularly pleasing job as this was an area I birded as a teenager, never thinking there would be nesting Dartford Warbler and Woodlark, you had to go to the New Forest for those.

Another glorious sunset at Alresford Creek after an early wet and miserable day. The tide was just dropping and the waders and Teal were eagerly feeding on the newly exposed mud.

Went in search of the Rough-legged Buzzard at Orford Ness, had good, but rather distant views of this impressive bird of prey. Whilst there I was intrigued by the complex of aerials and old building,(exBBC transmitter), in this wild open landscape, meanwhile a flock of Brent Geese, newly in from their arctic breeding grounds, fed unconcerned amongst the saltmarsh.