I celebrated International Dawn Chorus Dawn by leading an early morning field trip around the Lagan towpath, as part of the Queens Open Learning programme. I was delighted with the turn-out, both human and avian. Among the choristers we encountered were blackbird, robin, chaffinch, wren, goldfinch, blackcap, greenfinch, blue tit, great tit, willow warbler, chiffchaff, grasshopper warbler, coal tit and dunnock. There were a few warning rattles from mistle thrush, and we got a splendid sighting of a silent song thrush; perhaps the cold turn in the weekend weather made them a little reluctant to serenade? Anyway, it was a lovely start to the day and wonderful to meet so many people interested in birds and appreciative of their song. Birds are inspirational ambassadors for message that we must protect biodiversity for the sake of all species, including our own.

Can’t resist a little Gilbert Whitean tribute on hearing my first one of these of 2019 this morning!

Was in England last weekend, visiting friends for St Patricks, and we found our way to Adlestrop. I love the poem and the way it captures the ineffable; and the magic of its final rhyme. The railway station is long gone, but the bus shelter has a tribute. I was also glad to look out over the Oxfordshire countryside. There was a robin singing rather than a blackbird, but I did hear a warning chuckle …

My third Guardian Country Diary piece is on this lovely and intriguing spot.

I am delighted and honoured that my poem “After the Fact” is forthcoming in the 50th issue of Crannóg. Due for publication on 1st March in Galway! Many thanks to the editors.

My Country Diary piece on Oxford Island is in today’s Guardian:

Thanks to Pascal Downing at the Discovery Centre for all his insights and helpfulness.

My first contribution to The Guardian’s Country Diary appeared yesterday:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/oct/06/country-diary-light-bellied-brent-geese-eelgrass-strangford-lough

Kez Armstrong, formerly Warden at Castle Espie, and Graham McIlwaine of the Irish Brent Goose Research Group were very helpful to me as I wrote this piece. Thanks to them both.

I am delighted that my poem ‘Itch’ is included in this new anthology of 250 Irish writers to celebrate 250 years of Dublin bookshop Hodges Figgis. I was honoured to read as part of the launch of the anthology at The John Hewitt Hillsborough Literary Festival last Sunday, with Ruth Carr, Medbh McGuckian, Deirdre Brennan and Kate Newmann. Thanks to Alan Hayes, editor.

I was delighted to be commissioned by The Guardian to write a short piece on the Sperrins for a feature on wild places. Although I no longer live there, the Sperrins will always be close to my heart, so it was great to have the chance to sing their praises.

Check out the piece at:

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/apr/19/11-uk-best-wild-places-chosen-by-outdoor-experts-walking-cycling-adventure

Look what was lying on my mat when I got in from teaching in Dungannon today! Galway’s Skylight 47 with my poem Sehnsucht secreted inside. My first time to hold this publication in my mitts and what a gorgeous layout and style of publication. Great to be in company so many esteemed writers and many thanks to the editors, Bernie Crawford, Nicki Griffin, Marie Cadden and Ruth Quinlan.