Latest news with #birdwatching
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
The most beautiful UK islands for a walkable holiday revealed including one with Caribbean-like beaches
Want to ditch the rental car and explore on foot this summer? Luckily, you won't have to travel far to do so, as these five stunning island destinations are the perfect locations for a walking holiday. 'Some of the most beautiful and rugged islands lie just off the UK mainland, offering the perfect setting for discovery on foot,' say the experts at HF Holidays, who picked the list. 'Each destination blends wild natural beauty, rich local culture and a real sense of escape, all just a short ferry or flight from home.' The Isle of Man A self-governing island between England and Ireland, the Isle of Man is officially one of the UK's prettiest spots for a walking holiday, according to HF Holidays. The experts say: 'Almost equidistant between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the Isle of Man is a UNESCO Biosphere Region of fascinating history and phenomenal coast and countryside.' Their recommended walking route heads along the Raad ny Foilan (Way of Gulf) trail. Highlights include the 'winding streets of Castletown', the 'soft golden sands of Port Erin Beach' and a ride on the historic tram between Douglas and Laxey. Anglesey An island off the Welsh mainland's northwest coast, Anglesey is the ideal destination for birdwatchers. HF Holidays' experts say: 'The island boasts wild walking trails, sandy beaches and ancient castles. '[It's] renowned for being one of the best places in Britain for birdwatching, with thousands of rare bird species flocking to its scenic shores every year.' The company's recommended route includes a visit to picturesque Llanddwyn Island and the 19th century South Stack Lighthouse. Mull & Iona A pair of gorgeous islands in Scotland's Inner Hebrides, HF Holidays recommends combining visits to both Mull and Iona for a walking holiday. The experts explain: 'Adored for their breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife, and peaceful feel, the stunning islands of Mull and Iona are located amongst the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland.' The company's trip gives holidaymakers the chance to explore the islands 'long after the day-trippers have left' and combines it with another island Staffa. Highlights on the route include Staffa's 'towering basalt columns' and the chance to spot sea eagles, whales, seat otters and seals. Isle of Wight A favourite of Queen Victoria, the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England, is a dreamy spot for a walking holiday. 'The Isle of Wight tempts with golden sand beaches, rolling green hills, dramatic white cliffs, ancient woodland and charming seaside resorts,' say the HF Holidays' experts. While the island's beaches are sure to be a highlight for any walkers, the Isle of Wight has many other must-see attractions. Tourists can pay a visit to Queen Victoria's island home, Osborne House, which offers a spectacular glimpse into the monarch's life. Channel Islands HF Holidays recommend combining the Channel Islands, an archipelago off the coast of France. The experts say: 'Blessed with better-than-average weather than mainland UK, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm offer awe-inspiring coastal walks, white-sand beaches and seaside resorts fit to rival those found in Europe.' Highlights of a trip to the Channel Island include Herm's 'Caribbean-like Shell Beach' and exploring St Peter Port in Guernsey. Walkers will also get the chance to learn about Alderney's World War II past. If you're wanting an even longer walk, along the South West Coast Path, you'll be sure to see some stunning beaches. We recently revealed ten that will be featured in Gillian Anerson and Jason Isaacs' new movie, The Salt Path, out now.
The Guardian
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Country diary: There's peace to be found in flying kites
At first glance, while getting my binoculars to focus, it could have been a Liverpool v Newcastle football match. The black-and-white wing discs of the two lapwings twisted and fanned round the pivoting tale of the red kite. Corvids are often seen mobbing a kite, but lapwings? Recently, when I have begun to worry about the cares of others and grown weary of my own voice, I have sought out a pair of red kites nearby. My intention is to follow the example of Wendell Berry, the poet and farmer, in his poem The Peace of Wild Things. In it he speaks of waking at night fearful, and seeking solace by lying down 'where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds'. 'For a time,' he continues, 'I rest in the grace of the world and am free.' Even when mobbed, the graceful flight of a red kite brings me a sense of peace. This pair started to nest in March, though I wasn't sure where. In April only the male was showing; I could see where he disappeared into the edge of the wood through leafless trees, but still I could not locate the nest. So I went to see Roy the woodsman. I knew Roy would know, and sure enough he took me up a track – and there she was, sitting on a nest made in a fork of an ash tree. Now, in May, with the leaves fully unfurled, she and her eggs are protected from the intrusion of people with binoculars. Watching these birds is full of nostalgia for me. In the late 80s, as a countryside ranger in the Cambrian mountains, I helped to look after the last remaining indigenous kite nests. It was a serious operation – the previous year, to deter egg thieves, Gurkhas had sat camouflaged under the nest for the 31 days of incubation. Though many of our kites today were part of the reintroduction programme from Scandinavia, I like to think the pair I have been watching are distantly related to those last few that survived in the Cambrians. Under the Changing Skies: The Best of the Guardian's Country Diary, 2018-2024 is published by Guardian Faber; order at and get a 15% discount
Forbes
2 days ago
- General
- Forbes
Meet The Australian Bird Whose Tail Is Prettier Than A Peacock's. Hint: It's Also One Of The Most Unique Singers
The peacock is the bird most well-known for its radiant tail plumage. But that's not to say it's the ... More only bird with a particularly well-constructed rear end. Here's another avian species that rivals the peacock for tail plumage supremacy. Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder. Well, if you ask this biologist to weigh in on the question of birds with the prettiest tail feathers, I'd tell you to take a look at the exquisite backside of Australia's superb lyrebird. Sure, its plumage may not be as big or ostentatious as the peacock's – though, to be fair, ostentatiousness is an important quality as these feathers have evolved to capture the attention of potential mates. But it is every bit as intricate and well-colored. In fact, the sheer beauty of its plumage almost caused the superb lyrebird, and its smaller cousin, the northern lyrebird, to go extinct around the turn of the 20th century, as its radiant tail feathers were highly valued in the construction of women's hats (like these). Since then, Australia's population of lyrebirds has recovered and stabilized. There's a sad irony here: the radiant plumage of the male lyrebird – evolved to increase its mating opportunities with female lyrebirds – nearly led to its demise due to demand from humans who wanted to use it for more or less the same evolutionary reason. Perhaps the worst part of the story is that the lyrebird isn't alone in this regard; many species have been overhunted due to being viewed as a sought-after fashion accessory, and some went extinct because of it. (Sidebar: Discover the surprising link between the global bird extinction crisis and the most valuable package lost aboard the Titanic.) We can, and should, feel sad for the lyrebirds needlessly killed in pursuit of crafting a more fashionable hat, but I'll give you one scientific fact that might temper your pity. According to recent research published in Current Biology, male lyrebirds – who typically have a mellifluous chirp – sometimes mimic the sound of a mobbing flock of birds during courtship and copulation. This is presumably done to discourage their female target from leaving their protective company when a mating opportunity arises. Here is more detail on Australia's most radiant bird, and a few other bird species (not peacocks) that also have exquisite tails. Superb lyrebird in full display, fanning its ornate tail feathers. The superb lyrebird's tail is a model of symmetry and texture. When fanned out during courtship displays, the tail feathers form a shape reminiscent of a classical lyre, the musical instrument from which the bird gets its name. This fan is made up of 16 feathers: two long outer feathers with curve and twist, two filamentous central plumes, and twelve lace-like display feathers that shimmer in the light. These structural characteristics reflect and refract light in a way that creates a subtle but dazzling iridescence – less like the bold sparkle of a peacock and more like fine lace held up to sunlight. What makes the lyrebird especially compelling is that its beauty isn't just visual. Its song is arguably the most complex in the avian world. The lyrebird is a master mimic, able to reproduce the calls of other birds, chainsaws, camera shutters, car alarms, and even human voices with uncanny precision. This dazzling audio-visual display is performed atop a low branch or mound in the forest, where females can get a clear view. The males rehearse their routines obsessively — some even mimic environmental sounds they've only heard once. This unique combination of physical and sonic beauty makes the superb lyrebird a true performer in the animal kingdom. The peacock and lyrebird aren't alone in the avian world when it comes to spectacular tails. Let's take a look at two other birds with rear feathers that rival even the most flamboyant peacock. Male resplendent quetzal in flight, trailing its iridescent green tail feathers through the cloud ... More forest canopy. First is the resplendent quetzal, native to the cloud forests of Central America. Revered by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs, this bird has a shimmering green body, vivid red breast and a tail that can stretch up to three feet long in males. Its tail feathers are iridescent and appear to change color depending on the angle of light, a trait caused by microscopic structures rather than pigmentation. The tail isn't just for show – it plays a crucial role in mating rituals, where the male performs slow, swooping flights through the forest canopy to capture a female's attention. Indian paradise flycatcher feeding its hungry chicks Then there's the Indian paradise flycatcher. This slender bird is known for its elongated tail streamers, which can grow more than twice the length of its body in breeding males. These tail feathers trail elegantly behind as the bird weaves through the forest in pursuit of flying insects. The bird's plumage varies from white to rufous. In either coloration, the contrast between its sleek body and long, ribbon-like tail feathers makes it an unforgettable sight. Are you an animal lover who owns a pet, perhaps even a pet bird? Take the science-backed Pet Personality Test to know how well you know your little friend.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Great eared nightjar: The 'baby dragon' bird that lays its eggs on the floor
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. QUICK FACTS Name: Great eared nightjar (Lyncornis macrotis) Where it lives: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam What it eats: Moths, beetles and other flying insects With its large, forward-facing eyes and head tufts that look like ears, the great eared nightjar resembles a dragon more than a bird. Often nicknamed the "baby dragon," this otherworldly-looking creature has several distinctive traits, including an eerie, haunting call. Great eared nightjars, which reach between 12 and 16 inches (30 to 40 centimeters) in length, live in dense, low-lying woodlands across South and Southeast Asia. These elusive, nocturnal birds are masters of camouflage and blend into the forest floor, thanks to their mottled brown, gray and black plumage. By day, they remain motionless among leaf litter or tree stumps, with their coloring protecting them from predators. Rather than building a traditional nest, the great eared nightjar lays a single egg directly on the forest floor or in a shallow bed of leaves. While the exact reason they avoid nesting in trees like many other birds remains uncertain, it's likely that their natural camouflage offers effective protection for both egg and chick against predators. Their habitat is often dense with vegetation and trees, making it difficult for predators to find the birds and their eggs. Both parents incubate the egg until it hatches. Once the chick has emerged, it remains camouflaged on the forest floor where it is fed by its parents until it can fend for itself. RELATED STORIES —Dracula parrot: The goth bird whose piercing screams echo through New Guinea forests —Great potoo: The 'tree stump' bird with a haunting growl and can see with its eyes closed —Turkey vulture: The bird that vomits acid up to 10 feet and poops antiseptic onto its legs Despite their dragon-like appearance, great eared nightjars feed primarily on moths and other flying insects, which they catch mid-air in the twilight hours using their wide, gaping mouths. Their flight is silent and smooth, allowing them to hunt quickly and efficiently without alerting predators, such as owls and other birds of prey. The call of the great eared nightjar is a deep, haunting sound that echoes through the forest at dusk and dawn. This distinctive call includes a sharp "tsiik" noise followed by a pause and a longer, whistle-like call. Nightjars rely on these vocalizations to breed. Males often use their calls to mark their territories, attract mates or warn others of dangers.
BBC News
4 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Osprey pair near Poole Harbour hatch final chick of 2025
The only pair of breeding ospreys in southern England have hatched their fourth and final chick of ospreys, female CJ7 and male 022, laid a clutch of four eggs in their nest near Poole Harbour in Dorset for the second year in a row in chick emerged from its egg in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with the previous three having hatched last of Poole Harbour, a charity leading the area's osprey breeding project, said: "It is exciting news, the fourth and final Osprey chick has hatched on the Carey nest." The charity added: "It's fantastic to see the whole family doing well, and CJ7 and 022 carefully distributing the fish to ensure every chick is well-fed."Ospreys typically lay three eggs, so the charity has previously said it would be "unprecedented" if all four hatch for the second year in a row.A webcam set up by the charity, monitors the nest in a walled garden near of settling down again together the pair of ospreys were embroiled in a love triangle when another female also arrived at the unwelcome visitor, who normally calls Rutland home in the spring and summer months, left after a few birds, part of a reintroduction scheme, became the first nesting pair on the south coast in 180 years in 2022 and are protected under UK law. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
