71. Rural Reading: Jays are natures' tree planters

I have never been entirely convinced that tree planting is a good idea.

72. Rural Reading: Fishing for a glimpse of wildlife

It looks like we are in for a good weekend – if the weather forecasters are to be believed.

73. Rural Reading: Kingfisher flashes past my river spot

I recently promised myself a fishing trip to spend a few hours sitting by the river watching the water flow by.

74. Rural Reading: American crayfish make a tasty dish

75. Rural Reading: Unusual sights and saving a lost swan

I had a most amazing day out today. I awoke in the dark with the wind whistling through the leaves of the silver birch tree outside my bedroom window.

76. Rural Reading: Frosty dawns and wild windy walks

Two days offered two very different long walks.

77. Rural Reading: Blue tit in my bat box

In theory the birds that spend the winter in our gardens are not the same ones as spend the summer in them.

78. Rural Reading: Keep an eye out for waxwings

When the weather gets this cold a lot of birds flock together to find food and look out for predators.

79. Rural Reading: Sweet singing Robin is a bully

A simple and very rewarding thing that we can do, if we have a little bit of space, is to put some food out for the birds.

80. Rural Reading: Fine feast for a birdwatcher

Some days are better than others and one day early this week was better than most.