Pros: Designed with the birder / nature enthusiast in mind. Neutral olive colours and robust, non-rustle fabrics, thoughtful design. Insulated food pocket inspired. With three sizes in the range there's a bag for every occasionCons: Hard to find anything specific to fault here... a couple of spurious features I'd question the usefulness of, but none that would detract from … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Vanguard Endeavor Bags
reviews
Book Review: Ireland’s Birds; Myths, Legends and Folklore
Birds have always held a special draw for me.It was a a fascination with birds that first kindled my interest in wildlife as a youngster. I guess you could say that they were my first wildlife love, and while I'm interested in all sorts of wildlife today, birds will always hold a special significance. I suspect many wildlife enthusiasts have a similar story to tell.I'm … [Read more...] about Book Review: Ireland’s Birds; Myths, Legends and Folklore
Book Review: Britain’s Habitats: A Guide to the Wildlife Habitats of Britain and Ireland
Understanding habitats is an important part of wildlife watching. Whether you're targeting a particular species or looking to find as much wildlife as you can on a trip to a particular location, knowledge about the various habitats you're likely to encounter, and the species they support, is a key part of a successful wildlife watching expedition."Britain's Habitats -- A … [Read more...] about Book Review: Britain’s Habitats: A Guide to the Wildlife Habitats of Britain and Ireland
Book Review: The Complete Naturalist
When I was a youngster I was forever outdoors exploring all the nooks and crannies and marvelling at the wild world that unfolded before my eyes, ears and nose. In the garden, down the woods, at the beach, along the riverbank -- there was a never-ending world to explore, literally on my doorstep.The Complete Naturalist (published by Bloomsbury in association with the RSPB) … [Read more...] about Book Review: The Complete Naturalist
Book Review: Insects of Ireland
I've always had a fascination with minibeasts.As a child I used to lie in the long grass for what seemed hours at a time, watching the drama of the miniature ecosystem unfold in front of me. What I was seeing, quite literally under my nose, was every bit as dynamic, exciting and unpredictable as the natural history programmes on the telly. But this was live in my back … [Read more...] about Book Review: Insects of Ireland
Book Review: Narture — nature / art manual for primary schools
When it comes to conservation there's nothing more important than encouraging young children to connect and engage with the natural world around them.Children have an innate curiosity for nature that makes them open to exploring its secrets -- but that connection doesn't last long. Unless we nurture that spark of interest at an early age, and fan it into an enduring flame … [Read more...] about Book Review: Narture — nature / art manual for primary schools
Gear Review: Lensmaster Gimbal RH-2 Tripod Head
Pros: Strong, lightweight and easy to set up. Professional grade finish. Very smooth pan and tilt, and extremely stable and well balanced once you've found your gear's centre of gravity. Excellent for photography (with long lenses or digiscoping), but also surprisingly effective for normal "scoping". Competitive price for a top quality gimbal head, and Rob at Lensmaster has to … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Lensmaster Gimbal RH-2 Tripod Head
Book Review: Finding Birds in Ireland
One of the biggest problems faced by bird watchers visiting Ireland -- or indeed resident birders travelling to other parts of the country -- is finding the best places to look for birds and other wildlife. Sure, you can pick a likely looking piece of habitat and spend time exploring it, and discovering wild places for yourself is all part of the fun, but it can be a bit of a … [Read more...] about Book Review: Finding Birds in Ireland
Book Review: Ireland’s Wild Orchids, A Field Guide
Ireland's orchids are a fascinating group of plants, and are among our most beautiful and evocative wildflowers. There's always a thrill when you spot the flower spike of an orchid thrusting skyward through the grass or pushing through the surface of a bog.Then comes the tricky part. You know it's an orchid... but which orchid is it?That's exactly when you should reach … [Read more...] about Book Review: Ireland’s Wild Orchids, A Field Guide
Nikon Fieldscope ED50 Review
Pros: tiny size, lightweight, outstanding performance and image quality. Amazingly packable -- ideal travel scope or second scope for birding and wildlife watching situations where you need to keep down the bulk.Cons: pearlescent green perhaps not the most flattering of colours for a scope (go for black), low light performance not as good as full size scopes (but does … [Read more...] about Nikon Fieldscope ED50 Review
