131. A quacking good time at gravel pits

On a recent trip to Prospect Park I noticed an unusually high number of mallard ducks on the pond

132. Rural Reading - farewell Jez, my loyal companion

My trips into the countryside are either on foot or by bike. If on foot I have with me my dogs, a motley pack rescued from The Dogs Trust.

133. Rural Reading - Bird Bonanza

My walks are not the same without my dog Jez who, as I wrote last week, recently passed away and I am really grateful for all the kind support I have had since.

134. Cold comfort for birds – a feast of seeds

My garden has had a steady flow of birds visiting the feeders for the last few weeks.

135. Take a walk in wood for real autumn watch

This is no place to review television programmes but I have to say how disappointed I am with Autumnwatch 2008, which has become presenter watch, autumn edition.

136. The mystery of the nesting mistle thrush

137. Foxy crimes down by the dark canal

It really has felt like winter this week, with the clear blue skies and freezing air.

138. Close up view of a hunting sparrowhawk

I was just sitting at my window writing an article about a lovely walk in the countryside and I looked up to see a sparrowhawk perched in the plum tree 20 feet away.

139. Bird watching is taking up my work time

If you have been putting food out for the birds they will have reason to thank you over the last few days.

140. Rural Reading: New super tidy mentality bad for birds

Soon the great spring migration will begin, and birds will be heading north to spend the summer here. The epic journeys of birds, which may actually have begun already, are one of the great features of the life on our planet.