Back to Basics

Back to Basics

The past few months have been a period of slightly unbalanced time management as I worked to complete my Master’s portfolio and keep on top of life. Creative writing portfolio submitted, I now concentrate on completing the novel and continuing to keep on top of life. Conscious I have neglected my blog during this time, I have decided to go back to basics. As some readers know, I publish regularly to Instagram. Most posts are nature photos from within the county and sometimes further afield.

Even those who follow me (thank you) won’t see every post. Social media algorithms are optimised for sponsored posts and high-follower accounts. Which means revenue for the platform. So, I’ve decided to use my blog to share photos and information from my Instagram account, and I hope that at least some of the content will be new for most readers. There will undoubtedly be other posts at times, but in the main, I appreciate having the opportunity to share images of nature and connect with others who also enjoy the natural world.

Spring 2026

Pairings and seasonal plumage were noticeable at the nature reserve in March. The herons returned to their regular nesting spot. As I walked around one of the smaller lakes, I spotted a couple of herons perched alongside a cormorant. The latter had a fine head of white breeding feathers around its face in contrast to the sleek black feathers on its body.

Here, a grey heron offers a contribution to the nest building. For the few years I’ve been observing them, the herons have returned to the same nest spot at the nature reserve. Female and male birds share domestic responsibilities, including nest building, incubating eggs, and feeding the young. They are protective of their chicks, with one parent remaining at the nest for around the first three weeks after the eggs have hatched. Once the young are old enough, they will be left alone while both parents hunt for food.

A goldfinch at the nature reserve. Seen across the UK throughout the year, the goldfinch’s bright feathers help it stand out against background colours. Flocking in large groups over winter, some migrate south as far as Spain to avoid the cooler UK weather. A group of goldfinches is called a ‘charm’.

The UK’s smallest duck, flocks of teal gather around lakes and reservoirs over winter. They move on in the spring to breeding sites in the north of the UK, other parts of northern Europe, and Siberia. Their plumage reminds me of oil paintings; deep, rich colours with vibrant contrasts. This group were making the most incredible whistling noise, which is their courtship call. Teal court and pair over winter and into spring, sometimes finalising pairings after migrating north for the breeding season.
The collective noun for teal is a ‘spring’, named for their ability to leap vertically off the ground.

Finally

As always, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy the photographs and accompanying information. Part of my love of nature exploration and photography is learning about the species I encounter. Not every photograph is in focus, but sometimes it’s enough just to have the requisite detail to identify flora and fauna without sharing the image. Learning keeps life interesting.

“When you stop learning you stop living in any vital and meaningful sense.”

Eleanor Roosevelt