Author Archives: Bo Beolens

This article first appeared in the October edition of Birdwatching magazine Seventeen lifers in two days in August! No, I’ve not gone back to twitching and there’s not been an unreported fall of exotics to rival the Hastings Rarities. What’s … Continue reading →

This article first appeared in the Autumn edition of Birdwatching magazine Déjà vu struck as I watched the news reports on the unprecedented heatwaves in May and June 2026. Fifty years ago, in the summer of 1976, as a community … Continue reading →

This article first appeared in the September edition of Birdwatching magazine There is no doubt about it. As you age, not only does your behaviour change, but your world becomes increasingly microcosmic. Most of us are likely to develop infirmities, … Continue reading →

This article first appeared in the July edition of Birdwatching Magazine Our current government, worried about an environmental campaign at an upcoming by-election, announced several re-introduction projects, of eagles, beavers and pine martins. Thereby showing its naivety and complete lack … Continue reading →

This first appeared inn the June 2026 Birdwatching Magazine A ludicrous percentage of new housing is still being built on floodplains. An even more ridiculous percentage is being built on greenfield sites on the edge of southeast towns and villages. … Continue reading →

This article first appeared on page 19 of the May 2026 edition of Birdwatching magazine I’ve written before of the most wanted lifer, which I encountered on a huge boulder as we forded a stream in India. A ‘jungle’ Wallcreeper … Continue reading →

This article first appeared in the April 2026 edition of Birdwatching Magazine  The Office for Environmental Protection watchdog has said that the UK government will not meet its targets to save wildlife in England and Northern Ireland and is failing … Continue reading →

This article first appeared in the March 2026 edition of Birdwatching Magazine  The last time I stood glass in hand, surrounded by people counting down to midnight, must have been in the 1980s. Being a curmudgeonly hermit, I don’t miss … Continue reading →