I'm on holiday this week, hence nothing much from me. So far have seen about 15 new species of bird as well as some old favourites. It's been hard work but someone has to do it.

Best wishes to everyone.

Angharad.

A man I greatly admire for his ability to cope with his motor neuron disease for so many years and to continue to work on his science despite his body barely functioning. Notwithstanding his illness he still managed to become a celebrity featuring in many documentaries and even the Simpsons as the 'wheelchair guy'. I can't think of any current larger than life scientists, who are really needed in this age of false news, to declaim the liars and bigots who seem to be in control. May he rest in peace.

From the Guardian ( where else?) a report of something which many of us dream about.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/feb/14/transgender-...

Sadly it isn't loading the text, just the titles and the end piece, so it would be a very short read. I have asked Erin for some advice, I'm probably doing something wrong. If it can be sorted I'll post it tomorrow, just means you'll have your Christmas present a bit late.

Angharad

I don't seem to have seen his name on the site for a while, has anyone else heard from him or his cats?

I know most readers here see me as a nature nut and always harping on about some crisis or other in the weather or the environment, but this latest report, upon which this very readable article is based is frightening. I suspect the worldwide picture is that insects are declining at an increasing rate due to the over use and abuse of pesticides primarily, and then loss of habitat. One cause human activity, especially industrial farming.

Don't think I'll be moving to Colombia anytime soon.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/oct/08/t...

Some of the comments were interesting, some the usual trollfest.

Apart from mosquito bites, which are heading towards twenty, I'm having a good time. Saturday had to be the most successful day, when we managed to get into the back of the El Hondo reserve (near Elche) and met up with some birders we saw last year. I doubt we would have seen some of the species without the extra eyes and expertise.

Such a Christian reaction, I don't think.

http://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/christian-parents-to-su...

Have survived the storm with themselves and their properties intact. It can be a very frightening experience when nature unleashes its power and we're reminded how insignificant we really are.

Article from the Guardian with photo by Annie Liebovitz.

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2017/aug/11/chelsea-mann...