By Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara
Noisy and gregarious, the house sparrow is probably the most well-known urban bird.
They are real opportunists, but are now struggling to survive in the UK, along with many other once-common birds. Their recent declines have earned them a place on the UK Red List.
By Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara
I read earlier that apparently a leading shark expert reckons it is possible for great white sharks to be present in British waters.
Indeed the closest verified great white shark was captured off La Rochelle, western France, a mere 200 miles south of the UK. However, because of its globally- threatened status, this is very unlikely as there are so few left anywhere.
Declines are more than 50% in some species in just a few recent years throughout the North Atlantic.
By Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara
There are many changes afoot at the minute among our wildlife. It can be a time of great excitement, or even heartbreak as all the effort comes to nothing, but one thing for certain is that it's never dull.
The dreaded mother-in-law said the other week: "There are no birds in me garden and I've seen that blasted hawk about again."
Quick as a flash I said: "Well he mustn't have eaten them all because he's still hanging around." There was no reply, just "the look".
By Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara
I cannot hide my passion for otters - I have had it since I was a small boy and I don't understand it. It is just one of those strange traits of life.
I don't, however, view them as cute, cuddly creatures much beloved by the media, and I have often been at pains to point this out, much to their disappointment. That cute whiskered face hides a fierce and fiery temperament, and an astonishing array of teeth set within very powerful jaws. On top of this is the mustelid mindset of determination and that wiliness never to give in, coupled with a brain-powering logic to solve problems that most other creatures (apart from the primates) would find impossible.
By Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara
I can be a lucky swine at times, often having the knack of being in the right place at just the right time, but I suppose if you live in a "field", as I have for most of my life, then you narrow your chances down.
I've witnessed the exact moment when "cock robin" was snatched in mid-song by an aerial assassin, seen the precise emergence of an emperor dragonfly, and much, much more. I have been very fortunate to the extent that I become a little blasé at times, and unsurprised at some of my escapades.
By Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara
Now, here's the thing, I like gulls (yes, those big things that harass the life out of you until you relinquish your chips whilst on a day trip to Seahouses).
I'm being very broad-brushed here, as there are so many different types, but at this week's Sunderland International Air Show it dawned on me why I have so much appreciation for these often less-welcome members of our avifauna.
By Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara
Late July can often be a dull time for nature as most birds have fledged and they are hidden either in the leafy canopy or have moved from breeding grounds to other areas.
As we have had a warmer than normal year, so far, with some wonderful spring sunshine, it could possibly be the bumper year we need after two particularly hard winters. One thing that is certain is that smaller creatures, the beetles, bees, bugs and other insects are certainly making hay whilst the weather is good.
By Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara
There is nothing better than a good walk in the countryside through the lanes and along the rides, over the moors or even through the woods.
Each time of the year holds something different - spring greens, summer bursts of life, autumn golds and even in this overcrowded little island of ours, there are still places where you can find peace and solitude.
By Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara
One of the hardest things to do in conservation is to try to repair the damage of the past.
Why this can be so difficult probably falls into two areas.
One is quite obviously the limitations of cost, and the second - which can be equally difficult - is trying to convince people that there is a problem which needs to be remedied.
By Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara
I stepped forth from the airport foyer to be greeted by over a dozen wheeling white storks directly overhead. What a sight; I was definitely in Portugal.
The sun was shining and on the way to the hotel, amidst the bouts of childish 'lads' humour I spotted numerous Mediterranean delights: hoopoes, a roller and several azure-winged magpies and a host of small birds.
Morpeth Links
John Dawson - Local history tales
Wildlife - With Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara
Ian Lavery - Updates from the MP for Wansbeck
Ray Purvis - Through the seasons at Wallington
DAWN Advice - Liz Chadwick from the advice charity
Robson and Prescott Vets - Pet advice
Morpeth Lions Club - By Lion Simon Pringle
Wendy Errington - Volunteering at Wallington
Andrew Gibson - Fishing and photography
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