The Starling, One Of The Most Original Singers I’ve Ever Heard

Have a listen to this: https://xeno-canto.org/1066013 This is an example of one of my absolute favourite birdsongs. Indeed, the sound of starlings often gets me to do another bit of recording even when I'm really tired and need to go home. When I'm recording birds, I go into such a state of hyperfocus that my … Continue reading The Starling, One Of The Most Original Singers I’ve Ever Heard →

“Do They Know It’s Christmas”, A Misinformed, Condescending Depiction Of Africa

On December 1984, or in the year 1 BMB (before my birth), a single was released with the aim of raising money for the famine in Ethiopia. The public face of this single was The King Of Fair Weather Humanitarianism, Bob Geldof. I talked here about how it took him the better part of two … Continue reading “Do They Know It’s Christmas”, A Misinformed, Condescending Depiction Of Africa →

This SHOULD Be Obvious, But Fox Hunting Is Evil

During the Summer, when the evenings were long, I used to cycle into the countryside, camera and recorder ready, to get some bird photos and record some bird vocalizations. And every so often something would happen that would make my heart stop (metaphorically, don't worry!) I would stop the bike, and approach a field, maybe … Continue reading This SHOULD Be Obvious, But Fox Hunting Is Evil →

No, The Titanic Is Not A Monument To Man’s Hubris

Every few years or so, I become what I like to call "Titanic Brained". I start obsessively learning the details of this ship that bumped some ice on its first voyage. And I'll start telling you, "Boat 7 was the first boat to launch," and "Boat 15 almost crushed boat 13" and "Collapsible Boat B … Continue reading No, The Titanic Is Not A Monument To Man’s Hubris →

Climate Change, Gaza, And Mutually Assured Destruction

The day before yesterday I watched the film Threads. There are three main reactions to Threads that people have. 1. Traumatized. 2. Quite Traumatized. 3. Extremely traumatized beyond belief. But why? Were the acting, dialogue and special effects really that bad? No, I'm not going for a silly joke like that here. Threads is possibly … Continue reading Climate Change, Gaza, And Mutually Assured Destruction →

The Sedge Warbler, The Frank Zappa Of The Bird World

During the Summer of this year (2025), I spent many happy days in the Glen River Park listening to the birds singing. Whether it was the jovial baritone of the wood pigeon, the achingly beautiful tones of a blackbird, or the relentless, breathless clicking of the stonechat, all of these sounds brought me great joy, … Continue reading The Sedge Warbler, The Frank Zappa Of The Bird World →