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Reposted by @bigstarbirding.bsky.social

Helsinki Birder @helsinkibirder.bsky.social · 4h

Nuthatch. asiatica ssp. Day 4 of our new star #birds residency. The problem now, & I admit is very #FirstWorldBirdingProblems, will be getting images where he's not stuffing his pie hole! 😍😎🪶 #birding #birdwatching #finland #birdsseenin2026

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 18h

#Northantsbirds No luck with the Glossy Ibis at Summerleys this evening, but great views of 2 cc Marsh Harriers, with this much brighter bird posing nicely on Gull Island. On Marys Lake, this probable 2CY Caspian Gull was among a mix of other larids. Couldn't find yesterdays Garganey.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

#Northantsbirds Hadn't been to Summerleys for a while, so pleasantly surprised by the number of ducks present, with 150+ Wigeon, plus 30-odd each of Gadwall and Shoveler. Careful checking (hoping for Bw Teal or Am Wigeon🙂) and came across a Garganey, good reward for being thorough with them ducks😉.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

#Northantsbirds A trudge around Thrapston GP and Titchmarsh LNR this morning, with a Cattle Egret straight off the bat on Islip Water Meadow being the highlight (also 21 Egyptian Geese, personal record count, incl. the psychotic-looking leucistic bird!); Titchmarsh quiet, very few duck, zero waders.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

#Northantsbirds Peek-a-boo! With no sign of the Osprey, this Barn Owl was the highlight at NW South this evening (2nd Barn Owl briefly as well); also present, 2 Pintail, several Snipe, 4 Green Sand, 3-4 Gt Egret, several each of Wigeon and Shoveler, 12+ Little Egret.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Such a shame that evolution conspired to make humans so dominant; I can't believe any other species would make such stupid and shortsighted decisions as, it seems, so many on this planet willingly do...

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Reposted by @bigstarbirding.bsky.social

Hugh Harrop @hughharrop.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Slowly coming back down to earth after finding this Siberian Blue Robin in our garden here at Hillwell, Shetland last week. The 5th British record and only the 7th for the Western Palearctic. A Holy Grail moment for sure. #BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Perhaps not everyones cup of tea, but some really good graffiti art on the viaduct at Ditchford GP today, last time we passed that way there was hardly any, so clearly been a summer of artistry! For context, 'Minerva' is an area of the Queensway estate in Wellingborough that has a 'reputation'.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

#Northantsbirds A third of the way there to getting the same incredible garden tick as Shetland got today😉, just missing 'Blue' and 'Siberian'😆🤪.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

#Northantsbirds Afternoon session at the NW, with the North holding a Green Sand, and 104 Teal on the East pool (c30 more about the complex), while the South had 3 juv Ruff, the juv Osprey still, 2 juv Hobby, 3 Gt Egret and 2 Pintail; adult YL Gull by the gravel company compound.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

#Northantsbirds An earlyish start at Kinewell Lake today in glorious Autumn sunshine, will never tire of this place, looking forward to the Winter period🙂. First Wigeon of Autumn, with c30 present, and 3 Pintail were the highlight, also several Shoveler and 2 Teal, plus Gt Egret, Raven and Hobby.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

#Northantsbirds Another wander around the New Workings early evening, feels like it's only a matter of time before a decent wader drops in (damn sight more mud than Summerleys can muster😉). Juv Osprey still, 3 Pintail,3 Gt Egret, 2-3 Green Sand, 2 Snipe and juv Hobby; 61 Teal on the East pool North.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

If she doesn't let you go, maybe she'll 'never understand' you😉

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Buff-breasted do seem to like hanging out with Ringed Plover, so hopefully it finds the birds at Hollowell/Pitsford! Off to check the NW soon...

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Lsr Yellowlegs over two county borders,now a new Bairds Sand near Biscester, surely we can get in on the Yank wader-fest soon??🤞

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Seems appropriate to wear this tshirt out birding today. Hoping he's found some peace and tranquility somewhere.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

On to Minsmere, which was extremely quiet, 1cy Caspian Gull, Wheatear and 2 Whinchat the highlights; Dark Bushcricket and Light Emerald both ✅️. Then we got a screw embedded in a tyre, so early morning plans tomorrow for Cisticolas replaced with a visit to Kwikfit🤬.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Weekend away in Suffolk, started at Cattawade, contemplating a long and difficult stint trying to find the Hudsonian Godwit-took all of of 5 minutes to pick out a decent candidate, confirmed when it raised its wings🙂. Great to watch for 2 hours, part Barwit, part Spotted Redshank, quite distinctive!

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

#Northantsbirds An uplifting afternoon at the New Workings after a morning funeral, the juv Osprey putting on a real show,eating a small fish (Perch/Roach?) in its tree. An adult Cattle Egret was another site tick,plus an adult Caspian Gull briefly; 2 Green Sand and 38 Teal on North (East) side.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

This! I'm convinced these AI data centres have been deliberately designed to be as environmentally damaging as possible. You only have to see whose really pushing for/funding AI to know how horrific it is and will be.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

The joys of capitalism, will its benefits ever end? Don't worry, AI will sort all this out apparently (so obscenely wealthy fascist capitalists tell us plebs).

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

#Northantsbirds The New Workings this evening, North side quiet now the Glossy Ibis has vanished, just 3 Green Sand present. The South produced this lovely juv Osprey (doing a Harpy Eagle impression😆),which eventually flew off East, and a site tick female Pintail ('trust me bro' photo!)🙂

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

#Northantsbirds while NW South EBGP looked in better shape after the recent rain, with a juv Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sand and c35 Shoveler; 4 1Y Common Terns were the only ones we saw during the day.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

#Northantsbirds Resisted the lure of Little Stint and tried to find something ourselves. Summerleys was quiet, Ruff the best; Sywell produced our FOY juv Osprey, with 2 (ad and juv YL Gulls),2 juv LRP, Green and Common Sand. NW North EBGP held the Glossy Ibis still, Greenshank,4-5 Green Sand,

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

#Northantsbirds A look in the Walgrave Bay, Pitsford, mid-morning produced a pleasing number of several different passage waders; most were distant, but this Ruff and Greenshank decided to walk right in front of the hide🙂; a look at Lamport Hall produced plenty of Spotted Fly, but no definite Pied.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Nice to get a soaking birding before the soaking at Roseshire later...🙂

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

#Northantsbirds For once, putting off seeing a decent bird in the county paid off, as Daventrys Pec Sand was joined by 3 juv Curlew Sand today (photos appalling!), also Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit present - almost like the good 'ole days🙂. Glossy Ibis still NW North.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

#Northantsbirds Beautiful light early evening at NW North EBGP, and some quality birds too. The Glossy Ibis and the Spotted Redshank showed very well, with a supporting cast of at least 7 Green and 3 Common Sand. The reed-fringed muddy edges looked good for Spotted Crake, but no joy.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

#Northantsbirds Really good visit to Titchmarsh LNR today, with Turnstone, juv Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Greenshank, also single Garganey, 220+ Lapwing, 15 Egyptian Geese and a huge ad YL Gull. At Kinewell Lake, fem Mandarin again, with 10 Teal and 4 Shoveler notable. A Vestal was a moth tick.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

#Northantsbirds My good fortune continued today at Titchmarsh LNR, finding a Glossy Ibis on Aldwincle Lake; age problematic, not a juvenile, but too dull for an adult? Possibly a new bird if the Summerleys bird is the returning adult? Also Wood Sand, Greenshank, 3 Green Sand, 3 Snipe, ad YL Gull🙂

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

I'm almost certain there'll be an uptick in deliberately started fires tomorrow, just to show the government who's boss. Bloody Labour trying to protect the environment etc etc

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Great photo Stuart, pleased it hung around all day for everyone to connect with. Would be interesting to compare with any photos of the Etton-Maxey bird to see if the moult pattern matches.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

#Northantsbirds White-winged Black Tern as I'd initially suspected (presumably the recent bird at Etton-Maxey near Peterborough?). Very mobile, often keeping low over the water. And it got better, as 2 juv Spotted Redshank were found in Wader Bay, then I found a 3rd bird! Not a bad couple of hours😆

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

#Northantsbirds Given the hot weather today, we decided to stay close-to-home and popped to Summerleys. A scan from Rotary Hide revealed a few seconds view of a 'black Tern, which set alarm bells ringing, so we quickly walked to Screen Hide and 'boom', it was indeed a very nice moulting adult

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Again, please no 'right to roam' crap, we all know that a large percentage of the public are ignorant dumb idiots when out in the countryside.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

#Northantsbirds A first visit to Kinewell Lake for several weeks, expectations low, but ended up a decent visit. Site ✅️ Marsh Harrier was overdue, 2 Little Grebe unseasonal, ad Common Gull and a 1 Gadwall youngster remains. Two 'firsts' for the lake with Lsr Emporer and 15+ Small Red-eyed Damselfly

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Best get my arse in gear and actually go and see them before an extremely cold winter kills them all off...☃️🤪

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Last day in NW Norfolk, went back to Snettisham,luckily we found the WR Sandpiper just as the high tide was turning, and close in (photo showing it with its 2 confusion possibilities; Dunlin and Sanderling!). At Titchwell, a spangly dinky-billed juv Black-tailed Godwit present, plus a Brent Goose🙂

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Following many attempts at getting close to multiple Clouded Yellows the last 3 days in NW Norfolk, finally one deigned to nectar long enough to get some photos at Ringstead Common - love those eyeballs! Bonus of a bee ✅️, with a Gold-tailed Melitta, appropriately enough on Clustered Bellflower🙂.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

"Everything starts with an E" - Continental Black-tailed Godwit E12 giving some great views at Titchwell late afternoon, plus the Curlew Sand and an ad YL Gull. A few hours at Ringstead Common produced 'just' 15+ Hummingbird Hawkmoth, but several Clouded Yellow and Painted Lady, plus 2 Raven.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

But Hawkmoths stole the show - we found a Bedstraw Hawkmoth at Ringstead Common, with a minimum of 30 Hummingbird Hawkmoth also present, mostly in the lee of the strip of woodland, an amazing sight! Also a Clouded Yellow and a Latticed Heath. #norfolkmoths

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

What a day in NW Norfolk today; first, the birds, with great views of the White-rumped Sandpiper at Snettisham, plus Lt Stint, 3 Spotted Redshank, Cattle Egret. Early evening visit to Titchwell produced the moulting Curlew Sandpiper and a presumed 2s Arctic Tern🙂

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

The grassy meadow by Old Hunstanton GC/dunes produced 15+ HHawkmoth, 10+ Clouded Yellow and our first Marbled Clover. On to Ringstead Down, and incredible views of our first Queen of Spain Fritillary!! Constantly on view, defending a small section of the main track; Clouded Yellow and 5+ HHawkmoth.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Seeing the terrible scenes at Westleton/Dunwich, why the f@ck are disposable bbqs still allowed to be sold? Let's face it, anyone buying one in this drought, and taking it to the bone-dry countryside to use, is likely to be thick as pig shit, so don't give them the option!

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Reposted by @bigstarbirding.bsky.social

Rebecca R Helm @rebeccarhelm.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

“Artificial intelligence labs are in a new arms race to buy up millions of rare books, slicing them open, scanning the pages and pulping the remains — sparking concerns that the last remaining copies of out-of-print texts are being destroyed on an industrial scale.”

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

#Northantsbirds A slow walk round Summerleys this morning, with anything decent confined to the Scrape as the Trust were working by the main lake. The 2 Garganey showed well from the hide, with a juv LRP & Gt Egret. Still a few Wasp Spider about, incl this whopper, plus a ✅️Hook-banded Meadow Fly.

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

As a dorky young teen, reading 'BOLBBB' made me realise there was nothing nerdy about birding, read it over and over, the follow up 'Gone Birding' was the only thing I wanted that Xmas!

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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Thanks Stuart - got to be one of the most random rarity locations ever!

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