The Simple Things

Taking time to live well
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Taking Time to Live Well

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Illustration by Christina Carpenter

Bird Watch | House Martins

Iona Bower August 23, 2022

House Martins start leaving for warmer climes in late August so now’s a great time to spot and appreciate them.

Look for: A bluey-black head and back and white undercarriage, a white rump that ends in a forked tail and a short, black beak.

Spot them: Darting in and out of their mud nests, which they build in the eaves of buildings. They’re seen all over the UK, other than in the north and west of Scotland, especially in buildings close to woodlands or water, where they can find insects to eat easily.

Listen for: A high-pitched trill, similar to a sparrow.

More from our August issue…

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Aug 23, 2022
Bird Watch | House Martins
Aug 23, 2022
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Aug 16, 2022
Simple Things | Summer's Tiny Pleasures
Aug 16, 2022
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Gathering Coleslaw.jpg
Aug 13, 2022
Recipe | Summer Veg Coleslaw with Coriander
Aug 13, 2022
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More from our bird hide…

Featured
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Aug 23, 2022
Bird Watch | House Martins
Aug 23, 2022
Aug 23, 2022
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Jul 19, 2022
Birdwatch | The Swift
Jul 19, 2022
Jul 19, 2022
turtle dove.jpeg
May 31, 2022
Birdwatch | The Turtle Dove
May 31, 2022
May 31, 2022
InNature Tagsissue 122, birdwatch, birdwatching
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  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well
Feb 27, 2025
Feb 27, 2025

Buy, download or subscribe

See the sample of our latest issue here

Buy a copy of our latest anthology: A Year of Celebrations

Buy a copy of Flourish 2, our wellbeing bookazine

Listen to our podcast - Small Ways to Live Well

Feb 27, 2025
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The Simple Things is published by Iceberg Press

The Simple Things

Taking time to live well

We celebrate slowing down, enjoying what you have, making the most of where you live, enjoying the company of of friends and family, and feeding them well. We like to grow some of our own vegetables, visit local markets, rummage for vintage finds, and decorate our home with the plunder. We love being outdoors and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with a job well done.

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