By education and training I am a microbiologist and worked in the NHS and biotech sector. I finished my working career in clinical research and patient safety in the pharmaceutical industry, so am a firm believer in evidence-based science. I’ve been a member of the RSPB for many years and started volunteering for them when…
Tag: passenger pigeon
Reviews good and bad
I review quite a lot of books on this blog, and I’ve reviewed many books elsewhere over the years too. I’ve tried to adopt an approach of describing what I like or dislike about a book – the way it’s written, illustrated and the arguments inside it – rather than saying that it is a…
I almost forgot
The paperback edition of A Message from Martha is published today. At less than a tenner (£10) it’s ridiculously cheap! ‘This absorbing book is an engaging and wistful, yet measured, chronicle about the tragic loss of one very special, iconic, species‘ – Guardian ‘An entertaining book … told with humour and disarming self deprecation‘…
Speaking in Maidenhead on Thursday evening
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I’m speaking to the East Berks RSPB group on Thursday evening – in Maidenhead at 730pm (doors open at 7pm). I’ll be speaking a little about Behind the Binoculars, a little about Passenger Pigeons and a little about why we should ban driven grouse shooting. And the meeting is open to non-RSPB members (£4) as…
A Message from Martha – the paperback
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The paperback of A Message from Martha is out on 24 September: it has the same words, a lower price and a slightly different cover. Today is the 101st anniversary of the extinction of the most numerous bird on Earth. In the last year have we moved closer to saving the world’s biodiversity? Not much,…
I write books
It’s not a great idea to have two books coming out within days of each other in the same month – but these things happen. And, as friends have said, it’s better than not having two books coming out within days of each other in the same month. On 20 July, Behind the Binoculars –…
Corner Laughers’ new album and video
Do you remember the Passenger Pigeon? Do you remember Martha? Do you remember the Corner Laughers? Here is the Corner Laughers’ latest video of their song Martha (Cincinnati, 1914) which is the shortest song, and naturally my favourite, on their new album Matilda Effect. The best of luck to Karla and the guys on a…
Guest Blog – Minds and happiness flourish with outdoor learning by Emma Websdale
Emma Websdale is a Conservation Biologist and writer. Working as the Senior Communications Officer for The Wildlife Trusts, she is particularly motivated in engaging younger audiences, helping them make sure that nature doesn’t drop off their agenda. She has written two previous Guest Blogs for this site (one about extinction and Passenger Pigeons, and the…
Round up
A few things: I enjoyed being at the Norfolk Bird Fair on Saturday. I gave a talk about Passenger Pigeons and Hen Harriers to c70 people and I thought it went well. I sold a few books, had a few chats, met a few friends and saw a Hobby overhead – did anyone else see…
Tomorrow
I’m doing a couple of things in Norfolk tomorrow. First the Norfolk Bird Fair at Mannington Hall, north of Norwich. I’ll be giving a talk at 1345 which will encompass Passenger Pigeons and Hen Harriers. Looks like it will be a fun event with lots of stands. Maybe Songbird Survival will be able to tell…