Of all the creatures with whom we share this planet, surely the ones which most spark our imaginations and enthusiasms are the birds. They move in a world so similar to ours: one of rich vocal and postural communication; lifetime partnership – and infidelity; the tender and devoted care of young; their skillful “built environment”; protection of property; ardent courtship and more. All of this is done with a charm and beauty which is hard to find an equal for anywhere in nature. And then there’s the birds’ supreme mastery of flight.

Bird Note is a celebration of birds and birding. Now and again we explore some of my favourite interests, like avian evolution, systematics and biogeography. However, we’re also into basking in the magnificence of birds and nature on many other levels, including behaviour, physiology and more.

Conservation

It’s impossible to love nature and not be deeply passionate about its conservation. My key areas of concern are human overpopulation, land clearing, destructive ocean fishing, feral invaders, land claims of wetlands, river damming and the big one: global warming. We will visit all of these regularly both in a philosophical and activist mood – I promise to well and truly rant now and again.

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