Author: colmphilpott

The Courtmacsherry Estuary, The Winter Birds are Here!

I have visited the Courtmacsherry Estuary in August, you can read about that here if you like: https://autismneurodiversity.com/2024/08/17/the-courtmacsherry-estuary-and-its-spectacular-birds/ But as someone who was quite new to birdwatching, this is my first time visiting the Courtmacsherry Estuary during the Winter, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Note, for the pedants out there, this … Continue reading The Courtmacsherry Estuary, The Winter Birds are Here! →

The Joy And Frustration Of Photographing Birds In Flight

One personality trait I have, that makes me quite ill suited to the bird photography related goal I'm about to talk about, is that I'm extremely impatient. And I don't understand it. If it's a beautiful day with the sun shining, and I see an amazing bird, and I'm within striking distance of getting a … Continue reading The Joy And Frustration Of Photographing Birds In Flight →

Nature Boy by Seán Ronayne, a Beautiful Story About Irish Wildlife and Why We Must Protect It

I remember it was April of this year that I first heard about Seán Ronanye, a fellow Cork man who had the audacious plan to record every birdsong in Ireland. And I remember how he described his passion for animals and wildlife, and, I remember thinking there was something very familiar about it. I did … Continue reading Nature Boy by Seán Ronayne, a Beautiful Story About Irish Wildlife and Why We Must Protect It →

I Photographed Fifty Different Species Of Bird

This, year, my year of getting really, obsessively interested in wildlife, I decided to set myself a goal. That is, photograph and identify fifty different species of bird. I wasn't sure if I'd succeed or not, because plenty of times I'd "get stuck", having seen 44 birds, and not seeing any new species for a … Continue reading I Photographed Fifty Different Species Of Bird →

On “Separating The Art From The Artist”

So, let's start with an obvious statement. Brilliant musicians are often shitty people. Miles Davis, who re-invented jazz so many times that you can nearly get a good idea of the genre's history just by listening to him, admitted to beating his third wife, Cecily Tyson. https://www.gq.co.za/culture/entertainment/miles-davis-a-problematic-life-a-problematic-legacy-46651610 So, it's a fairly obvious fact, great musicians … Continue reading On “Separating The Art From The Artist” →

Sounds That Can’t Be Made, A Late Era Gem From Marillion

Marillion are a band that were in danger of being confined to my list of bands that I’ll never listen to for the remainder of my life. Why was this? Did I hear anything bad about their music? No, quite the opposite in fact. I’d heard nothing but good things. But, there is so much … Continue reading Sounds That Can’t Be Made, A Late Era Gem From Marillion →

How I Fell Down The Pseudo Intellectual Technological Centrist Pipeline, And How I Got Back Out

So, you’ve probably heard of the alt right pipeline. Many straight white dudes aged twenty to forty fall into that. I didn’t. I was in danger of falling into it sure, there were plenty of close calls as I look back on it. But I don’t think I ever fell down that. The pipeline I … Continue reading How I Fell Down The Pseudo Intellectual Technological Centrist Pipeline, And How I Got Back Out →

How To Not Give A Shit About Palestine

Content Warning: Dark Humour About The Palestinian Genocide So, as you may have read, or encountered in one of these, TikTok videos, despite your best efforts to ignore it, there’s a bit of trouble going on in Palestine. And, the more you hear about dead babies and entire families being wiped out, your guilty conscience … Continue reading How To Not Give A Shit About Palestine →