Stephen Colton
Take on Nature: From small acorns to mighty oaks, the natural links to the festival of Samhain and Halloween
AS shadows lengthen, autumn breezes purge our trees and, wrote John Clare, "every object wears a different hue".
Take on Nature: Take time to enjoy late summer's modest guests
THE shuffling and cackling sounds which greet me at my back door tell of summer's waning.
Take on Nature: On the Wild Atlantic Way
STANDING on Spiddal pier two weeks ago, I looked out across Galway Bay towards the grey mounds of limestone which form the Burren, a lunar-like landscape full of mystery and charm.
Take on Nature: The chattering rock dweller is the sound of summer
THE month of May traditionally signalled the arrival of summer and the pastoral growing season for our Celtic ancestors, who celebrated the reawakening of the earth in their Beltane festival of fire and fertility.
Take on Nature: Beginnings and endings as my old canine friend leaves behind happy memories – and much sadness
JUST before I began to write this piece, I noticed a roguish magpie carrying food to a nest in the upper branches of my neighbour’s evergreen tree.
Take on Nature: Witnessing decades of change with our wildlife
They’re back, which means the earth’s still working. I heard my first chiffchaff of the year on March 28, later than last year but still a most welcome sound. The bird’s arrival signals that we are now tilted towards the warming rays of the sun for the spring and summer months.
Take on Nature: A long-time Irish resident
Listening to the long running Mooney Goes Wild on RTÉ Radio 1, two weeks ago, I enjoyed hearing about one of Ireland’s most graceful but elusive mammals, the otter.
Take on Nature: March is an unpredictable bridge to spring
The week before last, I noticed blades of grass straightening up in readiness or growth. Buds were swelling, and early rays from the sun had encouraged small clusters of insects into the air...
Take on Nature: Lent signals the start of nature's preparations for Spring
LENT, the 40-day period leading to Easter in the Christian calendar is traditionally a time of fasting, reflection and preparation before the celebration of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection.
Take on Nature: The Times They Are A-Changin'
WE have now passed the ancient festival of 'Imbolc' which the Celts celebrated as their first day of spring on February 1, or Lá Fhéile Bríde as we know it.