Sign in

Lesser Spot Network

@lesserspotnet.bsky.social
927 followers 60 following 159 posts

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker conservation project supporting birdwatching volunteers to find & record Lesser Spots, their nests & breeding outcomes. Posts by Ken & Linda Smith, website www.woodpecker-network.org.uk

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
New job alert 🪶🧪 We are hiring a Conservation Scientist to work on links between hydrological restoration and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker conservation Deadline: 7/10/26 Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car... #SpeciesRecoveryProgramme @naturalengland.bsky.social 📷Ben Andrew
A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker perched by its nest hole
23237
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Excellent spot, Mark, you can't have been expecting a LSW to appear.
000
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Mark Mallalieu @mallalieum.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
After a 20 year wait, an LSW finally appears whilst I'm raptor watching, flying <2m above a grassy field for 150m and landing briefly on a willow sapling. @sussexornitholo.bsky.social @lesserspotnet.bsky.social
1313
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
David B @djbevanphoto.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Where Wood Ants are found in abundance you should find lots and aphids and hopefully hungry LSWs!Pleased to have a short observational article in @britishbirds.bsky.social this months. Thank @lesserspotnet.bsky.social for the encouragement. @bucksbirdclub81.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social
1134
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 'Ant-Flinger'- fascinating observations by David Bevan @djbevanphoto.bsky.social of a male LSW systematically removing & discarding wood ants whilst foraging for aphids. Article & video just published in @britishbirds.bsky.social see britishbirds.co.uk/journal/arti...
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker foraging for aphids
3204
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Very promising results for protecting Willow Tit nests and good work by @wildhorizons.bsky.social . We love all Woodpeckers, but Great Spots are the culprits here.
0236
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Watch BBC Countryfile tonight, BBC One at 7:15. Woodpecker Network and @lesserspotnet.bsky.social volunteers, Ken and Linda Smith, will be in the New Forest talking about and looking for Woodpeckers.
1145
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Delightful - an adult female Great Spotted Woodpecker (on the left) & its recently fledged youngster on the right. Note that young Great Spots have a red cap when they leave the nest, this disappears with the first moult after a few weeks/months, but causes confusion with Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers
150
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Delightful scene - but don't get confused these are both Great Spotted Woodpeckers, an adult female (on the left) feeding its youngster. Young Great Spots have a red cap when they leave the nest and are sometimes mis-identified as male Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers. (not by anyone on here though!)
071
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
New **50m** resolution British soil map from @ukceh.bsky.social, for soil health, farming, planning, habitat mapping & habitat creation potential; 13 natural capital units. Free for non-commercial use. www.ceh.ac.uk/news-and-med...
24016
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Feeling downhearted after the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker breeding season is over? This good cheer from Somerset LSW volunteer @angusrobin.bsky.social
0122
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Pied Sandpiper @piedsandpiper.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Two healthy chicks seen this morning - great to see both survived the Jay attack. They’re roughly 18 days old so due to fledge quite soon. The female parent seems to be visiting the nest less often now #HantsBirds #NewForest @lesserspotnet.bsky.social
0224
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Pied Sandpiper @piedsandpiper.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
And away… I must have just missed this little one fledging this morning. She was sat in the adjacent beech for an hour calling to be fed. Soon after she was chasing her mother around further afield. One left to go! #HantsBirds #NewForest @lesserspotnet.bsky.social
0173
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Pied Sandpiper @piedsandpiper.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
There are now two more female Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers out in the world! What a joy it’s been to share this patch of woodland with these incredible birds for the last 11 days. Thanks to @lesserspotnet.bsky.social for the guidance. The clearing feels very quiet now! #HantsBirds #NewForest
1336
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Ed Horncastle @edhorncastle.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Here's a slow mo of the first two flights for this young male. Not elegant but beautiful none the less. I hope to see the 3 chicks again as adult birds over the coming years. @lesserspotnet.bsky.social
0152
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Pied Sandpiper @piedsandpiper.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
Looking for the exits. The LSW chicks are very restless now - sticking their heads out the hole and yelling at their parents. Fecal sacs are no longer being removed. A chance they could fledge today at ≈22 days old. Both appear to be female #HantsBirds #NewForest @lesserspotnet.bsky.social
0122
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
angusrobin.bsky.social @angusrobin.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
This Wood Warbler was singing in a new spot on the Quantocks for me this year. Nearby a female Lesser Spot was quietly feeding. Only one new GSW nest found today (calling young giving them away) @somersetbirds.bsky.social @btosomerset.bsky.social
0425
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Pied Sandpiper @piedsandpiper.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
I fell asleep last night with ringing in my ears. It took a moment to realise it was the sound of LSW chicks. Jaygate is over for now - still at least one chick calling today. We’ll find out how many tomorrow morning #HantsBirds #NewForest @lesserspotnet.bsky.social
1221
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
angusrobin.bsky.social @angusrobin.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Here’s an example of LSW young calling from a nest (there were three young not far off fledging in this nest) @ukrbbp.bsky.social @lesserspotnet.bsky.social
14011
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Pied Sandpiper @piedsandpiper.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
The good news is the chick(s) started calling louder again. The bad news is the Jay made another visit. Let’s hope the hole is small enough and the cavity deep enough to win out 🤞
111
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Phew
000
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Pied Sandpiper @piedsandpiper.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
The chicks are getting larger and louder now. That was until a Jay stuck its head in the nest cavity tonight. I don’t think it took a chick, at least one still calling, albeit much quieter now. Perhaps it’s the remaining younger chick or just spooked #HantsBirds #NewForest @lesserspotnet.bsky.social
2101
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Oh no!
000
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Interesting thread with thoughts on habitat and food requirements for Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers by @rufusdawson.bsky.social
062
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Interesting thread with thoughts on habitat and food requirements for Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers by @rufusdawson.bsky.social
010
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Brilliant
010
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Pied Sandpiper @piedsandpiper.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
In 2.5 years I had only ever seen a female LSW, even when I found a nest late on Friday as only the female seemed to be visiting. So I was thrilled to see this male turn up on Saturday morning strutting his stuff! #HantsBirds #NewForest @lesserspotnet.bsky.social
2242
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Ed Horncastle @edhorncastle.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
The lesser spots have finally fledged! Want to see it don't watch this video! Watching through my bins and didn't notice my camera had frozen in the heat. Watch the pre-behaviour and you can hear the bird fly away calling at 31 secs. Then her siblings realise at 37 secs @lesserspotnet.bsky.social
1124
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
British Birds @britishbirds.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Following interest in our Dec 2025 paper on Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and acoustic monitoring, we invited readers' questions to the experts britishbirds.co.uk/news/ask-exp... Thanks to Linda Smith and @LesserSpotNet.bsky.social 📸David Tipling
0156
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Great news from Paul and the Blean Woodpecker Network volunteers team. With four Lesser Spot nests found and monitored now .
020
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Paul Cox @paulc090316.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
@lesserspotnet.bsky.social one of two new nests found in The Blean this weekend. Three chicks in the nest but no sign of the adult female
2131
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Thanks to @piedsandpiper.bsky.social the nest was checked yesterday, 2 good looking chicks snug in the nest cavity, both adults feeding.
051
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
A Lesser Spot nest found on Friday and now being monitored by @piedsandpiper.bsky.social has 2 good looking chicks see photo in thread. One of 4 new nests found in the New Forest this weekend
0110
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Pied Sandpiper @piedsandpiper.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
All the early February mornings trying to understand a LSW territory paid off today when I finally went looking for nests. Amazingly, this was the last tree on my list! #HantsBirds #NewForest @lesserspotnet.bsky.social
1221
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Thanks to @piedsandpiper.bsky.social the nest was checked yesterday, 2 good looking chicks snug in the nest cavity, both adults feeding.
051
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Ed Horncastle @edhorncastle.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Lesser Spots still not fledged. Typical behaviour this morning. Chicks calling from the hole, Female brings a quick feed then tries to call them out. They didn't want to come out. Has to be tmrw but I've been saying that since Thursday! @lesserspotnet.bsky.social
1283
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Dr David W. Smith @drdavebirding.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
It's coming to the end of lesser spot season, and chicks are fledging. Listen out for calling chicks if you're in the woods. Video by Paul Cox (thanks Paul for permission to use).
1193
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Fascinating observations Ed, huge thanks for monitoring the nest and gathering so much information
110
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Ed Horncastle @edhorncastle.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
I cant believe the lesser spot chicks haven't fledged yet. The female kept calling at them to come out this morning. At one point for over 6 minutes straight. The adults are tired and want the chicks to forage for themselves. They are doing there best to avoid the lunges! @lesserspotnet.bsky.social
1367
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
This is the sound to listen out for - if you are searching for a Lesser Spot nest to monitor - well done @angusrobin.bsky.social
081
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Fabulous Lesser Spotted Woodpecker nest found and monitored by Woodpecker Network volunteer @angusrobin.bsky.social
041
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Well done and thanks to all the volunteer nest finders/monitors in the South West
020
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
angusrobin.bsky.social @angusrobin.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
6 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker nests have been monitored in Devon and Somerset this year. One failed at the hatching stage, others will be fledging in the next few days, 1-2 weeks early. Young can now be heard calling in nests @lesserspotnet.bsky.social @somersetbirds.bsky.social @ukrbbp.bsky.social
34510
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Stunning images and so much information on the food being brought for the LSW chicks, thank you both @edhorncastle.bsky.social and @stuckateur.bsky.social
121
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Stuart keenor @stuckateur.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Thanks Ed for letting me enjoy them too ! Loads of data to go through Wonderful parent birds too a joy
031
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Ed Horncastle @edhorncastle.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Female was briefly spooked tonight by a strange noise which meant she stayed a while. Not many days to go until fledging. Could be tmrw @lesserspotnet.bsky.social If this is the last I see of them this year, good luck its been a beautiful spring. #Birds
2389
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Thanks Tom, excellent information. The adults are doing well with the feeding rate.
010
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Tom Williams @pterodaktyl.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Monitoring a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker nest this morning for @lesserspotnet.bsky.social @edhorncastle.bsky.social using a remote camera to get detailed footage of food sources with minimal disturbance. Adults averaging a feed every 3.6 minutes, with a mix of invertebrates, predominantly aphids.
6419
Reposted by Lesser Spot Network
Stuart keenor @stuckateur.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Some shots of lesser spotted woodpecker monitoring the invertebrates in SW big thanks to @edhorncastle.bsky.social @lesserspotnet.bsky.social
1245