Incredible sunspots!

More aurorae on their way?

Interesting night sky...

The beautiful crescent Moon revealed some fascinating features last night, in particular a long rille across the 'Sea of Nectar'. Before dawn I caught the tail end of an auroral display, while Venus was incredibly bright in the eastern sky...

Kites and garden year-ticks!

While I was getting ready to 'do' my talk yesterday, we were visited by a beautifully-marked Red Kite that circled over the garden for several minutes. Later on, while enjoying strawberries and fizz with Peter and Sue, we were entertained by newly-arrived Swifts and House Martins.

Black Terns at Ranworth

Linda and I were out most of the day, lecturing at a U3A meeting in Wymondham: our friends Peter & Sue e-mailed us to say they'd found a flock of Black Terns at Ranworth NNT reserve, so as soon as we'd returned home we grabbed bins and camera and drove the short distance to the reserve: the terns were instantly on show, on posts in front of the centre...

The Moon, Jupiter and Elnath

As we drove home from Sussex last night, the Moon was close to Jupiter and Elnath, the star marking the tip of one of the 'horns' of Taurus, the Bull.

Pulborough Brooks

(Photos tomorrow)
Last day of our brief visit to Sussex: we decided to spend half of it at Pulborough Brooks so Mary could listen to the Nightingales and Cuckoos. Once we'd arrived and checked in, I set off on my own to look for the Green-winged Teal that's been present for ages: needless to say there was no sign today! Lots of Nightingales and Cuckoos, but no photos of the former:  Hobby and Wood Sandpiper were good to see, as were Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers. Coffee and a sandwich on the terrace gave us more Nightingale song, as well  as perched and flight views of several Cuckoos. Back to  the cottage via a spot of merchandising at a Garden Centre near Findon...

The Night Sky and ISS in May

Here's a digest of what to look out for this month, plus the transit times of the International Space Station (remember negative numbers are bright!)

Shopping and Buzzards!

Mum-in-Law Mary doesn't get out much on shopping trips, so she was happy to explore both Hayward's Heath and Burgess Hill. Mission accomplished, with a summer jacket and top and an enjoyable lunch out. Back at the cottage, half a dozen Buzzards wheeled overhead in the sunshine, while a Blackcap called continuously from the hedges..

Drusilla's and the Long Man

Another visit to one of our favourite places: Drusilla's Park. As always we were enchanted by the Sloths, Red Pandas, Giant Anteaters and many other rare and endangered species. We enjoyed a pleasant lunch before traveling the short distance to the Long Man of Wilmington..