10,000 Birds

If you are a keen birder or you are interested in learning more about birds, the site 10,000 Birds is an excellent resource to read and bookmark for future reference. The name of the blog makes perfect sense since there are approximately 10,000 bird species on earth. It's a very comprehensive site, providing a "source for birding, blogging, conservation, commentary, and so much more."

There are lots of useful features including a glossary, an impressive collection of photos (constantly being added to), reviews of birding books and photography gear, and many articles and interesting blogs. There is even a section featuring nature themed poetry and prose to inspire you and if you still need convincing to join in this fun and educational hobby (and addicting) there is a page of Reasons To Become a Birdwatcher.

The three men - Mike Bergin, Charlie Moores and Corey Finger - who together are responsible for producing 10,000 Birds do a sterling job and their enthusiasm for birds is contagious if you spend even just a little time exploring their amazing site. I highly recommend it. (Mind you, I'm a keen birder already so I would say that!) Seriously, though this is one of the best birding sites on the web. Please go have a look at the site and see for yourself.

Daily Grammar: FREE grammar lessons via email

If you need to improve your writing skills, Daily Grammar offers FREE grammar lessons. The Daily Grammar lessons are written by Mr. Bill Johanson, a high school and junior high school English teacher.

You can choose to have the free grammar lessons emailed to you Monday through Friday, with a quiz on Saturday or you may choose to purchase a Daily Grammar Lessons eBook or workbook. You may also view the Daily Grammar Lesson Archives.

The site also offers a handy Glossary of Terms

Pregnancy, birth, baby guide

Baby Chaos offers information and advice about getting pregnant and having a baby (in the UK). As the site states:

We are here to guide you through those 9 magical months of being pregnant, giving birth and your baby’s first year.

The site contains lots of useful sections: preparing for pregnancy, pregnancy health issues, pregnancy problems, giving birth, baby development, information about child care, and a section for fathers.

There is also a glossary and a directory that contains links to appropriate sites, and a friendly forum.

Bob's Byway: A Poetic Diversion

Bob's Byway is an impressive site. It's a particularly useful resource for students studying poetry but also good for anyone wanting to learn more about poetry.

The site provides a Glossary of Poetic Terms, Examples of Poetic Terms, Tips for the Enjoyment of Poetry, and a selection of Bob's poems.

The Internet Dictionary

NetLingo "has thousands of definitions that easily explain the Internet and the online world of business, technology, and communication."

In additon to the dictionary, the site also provides the top 20 internet acronyms every parent needs to know, top 20 tech terms that are now common expressions, and top 20 newbie terms eveyone needs to know.

There's also a handy list of acronyms and text messaging shorthand, plus a list of online jargon and a list of smileys and emoticons.

NHS jargon buster

The medical terms and special vocabulary used by people in the NHS (National Health Service)can be baffling so I was very pleased to find this:

Your Guide to Understanding Terms Used in the NHS!