A STRETCH in the evenings and with it nature, although a little late, is busy again.

SAINT Valentine’s Day 2010 remains memorable as one of the most all-round perfect February days for years.

A Johnny-the-bogs regularly stands sentinel at the end of an old pier, Tanner’s Pier, now reduced to a corridor of wrack-grown rocks opposite what was once the Earl of Shannon’s summer house, now the elegant Courtmacsherry Hotel.

THIS week, I will diverge from reports of local events in nature, the marvellous humpback whale displays in Wexford, and the shoals of sprats in the seas off west Cork, to tell readers about a book I’ve greatly enjoyed called Birding from the Hip: A Sound Approach Anthology.

A GREY adolescent seal and two pure white adult spoonbills in front of Timoleague Abbey in the falling light of a mid-January Sunday were only two of the delights of west Cork this winter.

A GREY adolescent seal and two pure white adult spoonbills in front of Timoleague Abbey in the falling light of a mid-January Sunday were only two of the delights of west Cork this winter.

THE cold weather has had a big impact on the bird life where I live.

THE TALK in the pub was all about birds and everybody, nature watchers and gunmen alike had sympathy with the Redwings.

WE have a bully at the bird table.

A HAPPY New Year to all.