Sign in

Andy Stockhausen

@andy-1963.bsky.social
1.2K followers 944 following 1.2K posts

Bristol-based sports journalist with a passion for birding. Mostly retired now and spending more time on my local Severnside patch, though still prone to twitching on occasion.

PostsRepliesMedia
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 16/10/2026
A more or less annual feature of sea watches off the Somerset coast, Sabine's Gulls on land remain a scarcity in the county. I diverted on my way back to Bristol from Cornwall to observe this confiding juvenile at Wall Common, Steart. Good to catch up with @julianthomas19.bsky.social #ukbirding
1906 90
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
Juvenile Sabine's Gull doing the business at Wall Common, Steart this morning #ukbirding #birdingSomerset
213810 138
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
I was pleasantly surprised to find a Willow Tit at a former breeding site in east Cornwall following a run of several years with zero encounters. This is an increasingly scarce species away from the traditional South West stronghold of the Tamar Lakes #ukbirding #cornwallbirding
1591 59
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
On this day last year - Scilly for a magnificent St Agnes quartet of Mourning Dove, American Pipit, Spotted Sandpiper and Hoopoe with good friends. One of the best days of my 2025 'Big Year' #ukbirding
2311 31
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Accorded celebrity status during it's 6-day stay, the Pendeen Lapland Bunting must have been the most visited individual of it's ilk anywhere in the British Isles during early October. An extremely confiding individual, It put on quite a show for ardent Longspur devotees #ukbirding #birdingCornwall
0341 34
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Have seen most of the Shetland specialities in England: Great Snipe (Sandwell Valley 95), Pechora Pipit (St Leven 96), Lancy (Landguard 97), Rubythroat (Osmington Mills 97) PG Tips (Blakeney Point 02) & Yellow-breasted Bunting (Portland Bill 03). Anyone else done something similar? #ukbirding
8192 19
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Touch of quality in the far West this week. Spotted Sandpiper (Pic: @runnelstone.bsky.social), Wilson's Snipe (Pic: @migrationmatt.bsky.social), Yellow-browed Warbler and Lapland Bunting seen in Cornwall/Scilly. Planning to return to the 'Magic Isles' for more rares next week #ukbirding
0371 37
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
What could be my final voyage on Scillonian III proved an exhilarating experience with superb views of Minke Whale, Risso's & Common Dolphins, Harbour Porpoise, Cory's Shearwaters, Grey Phal, Bonxie & Euro Stormie. I'll miss this old boat when it retires next month. So many fond memories #ukbirding
1501 50
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
It's identity confirmed from photographs only this morning, the Scilly Wilson's Snipe performed admirably from a cramped hide at Lower Moors. I even managed a brief view of the underwing! My second seen in the UK (three decades after my first), both encountered on St Mary's #ukbirding
1361 36
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Lapland Bunting playing hard to get below Pendeen lighthouse #ukbirding #birdingCornwall
0552 55
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
I love the unbridled enthusiasm demonstrated by young birders just starting out and eager to learn. I was energised by a day out in Dorset and Wiltshire with @kidphotographer24.bsky.social, who enjoyed his first encounters with Spotted Crake, Woodlark and Stone Curlew #ukbirding
1430 43
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
The probable Todd's Canada Goose I found at Slimbridge WWT last week may have been open to debate, but there was no doubting the Night Heron that flew by uttering it's gutteral call at Ham Wall 2 days later. A quartet of Glossy Ibis showed particularly well from Avalon hide #ukbirding
0342 34
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
SIBERIAN BLUE ROBIN! Hillwell, Shetland. Enough said . . . #ukbirding
101159 115
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
September has served up some tasty Autumnal scarcities, including Pallid Harrier, Semipalmated, Bairds, Buff-breasted & Pectoral Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs, multiple Grey Phalaropes and a Wryneck. I wonder what goodies October will bring . . . #ukbirding
1292 29
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A flying visit to see family in Lancashire proved well-timed as it coincided with the presence of the juvenile Pallid Harrier at Marshside. I couldn't quite believe my luck when it flew in close and landed on a fence post, posing beautifully for several minutes #ukbirding
2834 83
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A morning spent at Slimbridge WWT produced 19 species of wader, including 2 juv Pec Sands, 2 Little Stint, a juv Wood Sand, 2 Green Sand, 10 Spotshank, 2 Golden Plover, 2 Grey Plover, 6 Knot, 15 Ruff, 25 Barwit, 3 Greenshank and a mega-flock of 200+ Avocet in flight over the Severn #ukbirding
0220 22
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Chew Valley Lake again came good for me, serving up four juvenile Little Terns in the rain. A welcome addition to my Avon year list after dipping several on patch in Spring. No chance of pics today, so here's one seen on Severnside in September 2023. Pic: @severnsidebirds.bsky.social #ukbirding
0342 34
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Semipalmated Sand (right) stands out structurally, appearing hunch-backed when feeding. Contrast with flat-backed 1st sum Western Sand in Ayrshire from last year. Note neat brown streaking on breast sides of Semi-p & dark crown contrasting with white super to create capped effect 3/3 #ukbirding
0362 36
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
There is also a marked difference in overall upperpart colouration, juv Semipalmated Sandpiper (left) being colder-toned grey/brown, lacking Little Stints rufous fringes, bold white mantle stripes and black-centred tertials. 2/3
0242 24
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
There should be no room for confusion between Little Stint (left) and Semipalmated Sandpiper (right) for those who learn the respective face patterns. Semi-p shows strong brown loral stripe & ear covert patch, with a bold white super that flares behind the eye. 1/3 #ukbirding
1342 34
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
A visit to Keyhaven marshes in Hampshire provided my best views of juvenile Semi-palmated Sandpiper in the UK since one at point-blank range on Porthloo Beach, St Marys in 1986. It amply demonstrated all the key ID features as it kept company with a juvenile Little Stint. What a bird! #ukbirding
1463 46
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Glad to say the Chew Valley Lake Lesser Yellowlegs is still performing for it's admirers on Herriott's Pool, now for it's 13th day. The fourth 'lesserlegs' I have seen in Avon, all of them juveniles and in September/October #ukbirding #birdingAvon
0282 28
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
I set myself the goal of seeing 200 species in the county of Avon in 2026. Today's juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper at Chew Valley Lake saw me hit that target with 3 months of the year still to go. It was too distant to photograph, so here's one I saw in Cornwall recently #ukbirding #birdingAvon
4472 47
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
No rarities, but a really enjoyable few hours spent mooching around the Hayle estuary and Carnsew Basin in glorious sunshine. Two varieties of Godwit, Med Gulls galore, long-legged beasties, double figure Greenshank count and returning winter wildfowl #ukbirding #birdingCornwall
0270 27
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
No Tropicbird for me off Gwennap Head/Land's End, but I did see two Bearded Tit at Marazion Marsh. Proper rare in the county, these represent a Cornwall tick for me! #ukbirding #birdingCornwall
2521 52
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Wow! P Hall's image of Red-billed Tropicbird off Porthgwarra this morning #ukbirding
418725 187
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Here's a very average experimental video of last week's juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Siblyback Lake. I never tire of watching these attractive nearctic wanderers when they reach our shores in August and September. Back to Cornwall tomorrow to search for more #ukbirding #birdingCornwall
0241 24
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Enjoyed getting to grips with this juvenile Baird's Sand at Black Pill. Characteristic scaly pattern on coverts/scaps, diffuse breast streaking, white loral spot (left image) and attenuated structure/primary extension (right) seen well once I got my eye in. A subtle bird. #ukbirding #birdingWales
0422 42
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
What a night to be a Bees fan!!
050 5
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
If last year's Wryneck at Turf Lock performed for the crowds, this week's bird at Colliford Reservoir was a classic skulker. A painstaking three-hour search in a cold north-west breeze eventually yielded a positive outcome. I do love a happy ending! #ukbirding #birdingCornwall
0391 39
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
So often overshadowed by the far West and Scilly, East Cornwall does occasionally seize the birding limelight. Certainly, Siblyback Lake is punching above it's weight right now with Buff-breasted Sandpiper and a brace of Pectoral Sandpipers! #ukbirding #birdingCornwall
0611 61
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Feeling the need for a little more action than the currently becalmed Severnside patch could serve up, I abandoned ship and headed to Lisvane Reservoir in pursuit of two Grey Phalaropes. Great views were obtained and my excitement requirement satisfied - for now at least #ukbirding #birdingWales
0391 39
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Another big high tide on Severnside pushed roosting waders onto Northwick Warth this morning. A quartet of Curlew Sands played hide and seek among the throng of Ringed Plover and Dunlin. Surely our first Pectoral Sandpiper of the year cannot be long in coming . . . #ukbirding #avonbirding
0262 26
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Saturday's Lesser Yellowlegs at Chew Valley Lake was only available for two hours after being found by @garyboiler.bsky.social. Fortunately, I was able to make it with time to spare to connect with this graceful nearctic tringa. Pic: Rich Andrews #ukbirding #avonbirding
0483 48
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Was counting waders over the big high tide on Severnside when Gary Thoburn reported a Lesser Yellowlegs at Herriott's Pool, Chew Valley Lake. An hour later, I was clocking Avon year tick number 199. Rubbish phone image at least shows yellow legs! #ukbirding #avonbirding
0261 26
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Mid-September usually brings passerine migrants to the Severnside patch and this year has not disappointed. Whinchats, Wheatears, Redstarts, Spotted Flycatchers, Yellow Wagtails, Tree Pipits and hirrundines all moving through this week with the return of rain and cloud #ukbirding #avonbirding
0413 41
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Found myself a long-overdue patch lifer Ring-necked Parakeet on Severnside at New Passage. I've seen many more Ospreys on patch, including this one captured by @severnsidebirds.bsky.social as it moved south this morning. Talk about an unexpected species combination! #ukbirding #avonbirding
0262 26
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
One of the chief joys of birding the Severnside patch at this time of year is the opportunity to peruse the Severn Beach wader roost in search of unusual visitors. Curlew Sand, Sanderling, Knot and Little Stint all found among the Dunlin, Turnstone and Ringed Plover this week #ukbirding #avonbirding
0342 34
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Productive visit to the Severnside patch, the overnight rain having grounded some common migrants. Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Redstarts, 4 Whinchats, 3 Yellow Wagtails and 11 Wheatear all put on a show once the sun came out, plus a bonus Hobby #ukbirding #avonbirding
0302 30
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Spent 10 hours flogging the Severnside patch convinced I would unearth at least one scarce migrant. No phalaropes or Nearctic waders as yet, so had to make do with Spotshank, Curlew Sands, Sanderling, Knot, Whimbrel, Manx Shear, Hobby, Whinchats and Wheatears. The quest goes on . . . #ukbirding
2362 36
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Back on the Severnside patch for a brief early-morning jaunt. The tide may have been out, but I still had birds. Spotshank, Green Sand, Common Sand & Barwit represented the pick of the waders, while several Yellow Wagtails cavorted at the feet of cattle on Northwick Warth #ukbirding #avonbirding
0281 28
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Joined @markcoller.bsky.social on his Chipping Sodbury Common patch today and learned plenty. Excellent scrub habitat held Redstarts, Whinchats, a Spot Fly and stacks of warblers. A Hobby scythed through and Clouded Yellows added a dash of colour. Thanks for the tour Mark #ukbirding #avonbirding
1423 42
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Finally back on the Severnside patch after time spent on work/family commitments. Delighted to connect with my first Spotted Redshank of the year on the Pilning wetland, propelling my Avon year list onto big-time 197. This image by fellow patcher @severnsidebirds.bsky.social #ukbirding #avonbirding
0312 31
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Several hours of trolling around Falmouth Bay in promising conditions, surprisingly failed to produce anything overly exciting. But Great Shearwater is always worth seeing and at least 20 of these southern pelagic wanderers delighted on a big sea. Pic: Paul Chapman #ukbirding #Cornwallbirding
0552 55
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Return wader migration is well and truly underway on the Severnside patch. There has been a notable uptick in Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Blackwit and Barwit numbers, while Turnstone are now starting to arrive, including this eye scorcher found by @kidphotographer24.bsky.social #ukbirding #avonbirding
0302 30
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
A year ago today, I refound a Western Bonelli's Warbler on Scilly. Missing for a few days, it materialised right in front of me and performed beautifully. Later that same day, I managed to catch up with a Marsh Sandpiper at Seaton Marsh on the trip back to Bristol. Birding memories . . . #ukbirding
0170 17
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Another busy morning on the Severnside patch, early-morning rain grounding a good selection of migrant waders and passerines. My first Golden Plover of the Autumn vied for attention with 2 Knot, 5 Barwit, 7 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear and this splendid female Redstart #ukbirding #avonbirding
0544 54
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
My luck was in when Severnside's second record of Ortolan Bunting flew up in front of me calling at Severn View Services. Unfortunately, like so many scarcities on the patch, it did not hang around to be admired. So I grabbed a pic of this Wheatear with my phone instead! #ukbirding #avonbirding
1503 50
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Grounded passerine migrants have been few and far between on the parched Severnside patch. That all changed with the advent of novelty cloud cover, 6 Whinchat, 3 Redstart, 7 Wheatear, 10 Yellow Wags and a host of common warbler species making for an action-packed few hours #ukbirding #avonbirding
0442 44
Andy Stockhausen @andy-1963.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Wader migration now well underway on the Severnside patch, with our first juvenile Curlew Sand of the Autumn alongside 220 Ringed Plover, 52 Dunlin, 2 Barwit and 2 Knot from New Passage. Here's one photographed by fellow patcher @severnsidebirds.bsky.social in 2024. #ukbirding #avonbirding
0272 27