AA Birdpix, Birds, Travel and More

MOTHer's Day  In common with many birders I have taken up moth-trapping. I first started in 2012 with an actinic trap and moved on to a mercury vapour Robinson type, which I constructed myself so as to not divert too many funds from birding and travel. I've never got really in to it, I don't dissect, I bought the ingredients to try some sugaring about two years ago but have never got round to it, and I only bother with micros if I (or obsidentify). can i.d. them quickly. My enjoyment comes from the potential to trap new moths, and I have done some at other locations when travelling. I took the actinic trap to Shetland last October and recorded exactly two moths, although the chalet I stay in isn't ideally located. I fully expected to be getting bored by now, but last year was incredible from the point of view of new moths to my back garden. I know the potential as we have a strip of brambles, nettles etc. running along our fence at the edge of a farmer's field, we...

 Whilst re-vamping the Wildfowl page on my website, I thought about two of the strangest looking ducks in the world, which are both from Australia. There are several species of wildfowl in Australia, but it is easy to visit and not see them all.  Australia is one of our favourite destinations, and over the years we've spent a total of over six months in the country. So many birders are put off, mainly by the distance, but also by the length of time needed to see a majority of its birds. Unlike many countries, the problem of not seeing particular species is due to the fact that a large percentage are nomadic and move in response to rains, which are erratic in nature to say the least (even before climate change). However in a three week trip you can still guarantee a good number of species, many being endemic, and a lot of other wildlife as well. What is not a good idea is trying to do as much as possible in a fixed time, which tour groups are often guilty of.  I have seen ...