John Lawton’s “Inn Search of Birds” recounts his discoveries from his eleven year survey of 711 British pubs in search of their respective names, or some other aspect of them, being associated with birds. Quite frankly, as an avid naturalist, an enthusiastic reader of British folklore, and an ardent believer in the importance pubs to their communities, I’m not sure whether to be emerald green with jealousy or kneeling in awe (much more likely the latter).
As it’s now past the ides of January, I’ve recently been noticing quite a lot of snowdrops – in my Instagram feed. While it is possible to find them in my home area of northwest Oregon, it is really my friends in the United Kingdom who are best attuned to their appearance each year.
Our dear Dr. Avery has been a very busy chap indeed this past week. Apparently, he’s been reading from sun-up to sun-down each day, and as a result has posted reviews of three newly published books for his Sunday Book Review – make that “Reviews” – this week.
Spain’s Extremadura region is famous with wildlife enthusiasts – particularly birders – from all about the world. I’ve not personally made a visit there (yet…) myself, but Mark Avery has, and he is by his own admission, a fan of the area and its many natural wonders.