
J is for Jay. This jay is very pleased to be a jay.

H is for Hammerkop: the platypus of the bird world, occupying a genus all of its own. Like certain other species, Hammerkops are compulsive nest builders. Possibly as part of the pair bonding process, they construct several nests each year, complete with domed roofs and entrance passageways.

G is for the Grey-headed Mollymawk (or more boringly, albatross). Half of them nest on South Georgia; they’re in decline due to unregulated fishing.

F is for Fin Whale: the second biggest animal on the planet.

E is for Elephant Seal. They call this “catastrophic moulting”, and they ain’t wrong.

D is for dassie: cute as long as you’re careful.

B is for bee. I think this is a violet carpenter bee; native to southern Europe, but spreading north for obvious reasons. Love the antennæ.

A is for Adélie Penguin (also arse).