iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

An adult Whooper Swan at Brockholes with a distinctive deformity of the neck has me wondering where else this distinctive bird may have been seen over the years…? The flock of 7 departed west towards the Fylde if heading maintained. #LancsBirding

Adult Whooper Swan with deformed neck: Brockholes LWT, Lancs. 12th Oct 2026.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

What a joy to have this juv Pallid Harrier turn up just five miles from home at Belmont Reservoir. And what a performer! Three species of Harrier collectively seen by various observers in the vicinity of this upland SE Lancs Reservoir today + Red Kite. #LancsBirding

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

A few recents from Brockholes LWT. More detail in ALT. #LancsBirding

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

It is different from photos. Enjoy Portugal.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Belmont Reservoir juv Pallid Harrier present for second day, 07:40 at least. #LancsBirding

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

You sought an audience with the 2016 PWC Inland North Champion, and you were granted one! 😂… But seriously, great to see you Ryan and safe journey back.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Hobby fest continues at Brockholes LWT with at least four birds putting on a great show today inc a 3rd juvenile joining the 2 already present. 5 different birds recorded in recent days (Ad, 2CY, 3x1CY). Ruff & 2 Dunlin. 10 Skylark SW and the first Stonechat & Siskin (2) of the autumn. #LancsBirding

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Brockholes LWT, 20th Sept: The third Marsh Harrier of the month flew south in the morning and 3 Hobby put on a great show. 62 Shoveler a new record reserve count, the previous highest being 61 on 21st Jan 2005. #LancsBirding

Marsh Harrier: Brockholes LWT, Lancs. 20th Sept 2026. My third this month and the 63rd individual 1998-present.

Juvenile Hobby: Brockholes LWT, Lancs. 20th Sept 2026. 2 locally bred birds showing well.

2CY Hobby: Brockholes LWT, Lancs. 20th Sept 2026. An adult was seen on 19th Sept.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

A couple of juvenile Hobby at Brockholes LWT. 😍 #LancsBirding

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Autumn 2026 has seen the largest passage of the normally scarce Yellow Wagtail in east Lancashire I can remember. Even I’ve seen several. Whilst in north Lancashire a birding legend in that area of the county recently commented that it has been the best passage there for thirty years. #LancsBirding

Yellow Wagtail: Guide Reservoir, Blackburn, Lancs. 1st Sept 2026. A scarce migrant in east Lancashire and particularly nice to see at this urban reservoir.

Yellow Wagtail: Guide Reservoir, Blackburn, Lancs. 12th Sept 2026. Nice to see at this urban reservoir.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Some recents from Brockholes LWT, Lancs. Details in ALT. #LancsBirding

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

A gem of a programme that i haven’t seen for over thirty years! Brian Bland et al attempting a UK record Bird Race, c1983, featuring appearances from Big Jake, Roy Dennis and a Questar scope fest! - Warning: Unsuitable viewing for low carbon birders! 😉 #UKBirding youtube.com/watch?v=LmNy...

youtube.com

1985: He is Coming For Britain's Birds! | Classic BBC Documentary | BBC Archive

YouTube video by BBC Archive

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

That’s very interesting. Let’s see what today brings…

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

New Great Egret arrivals at Brockholes today also.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Landmark Egret day at Brockholes LWT, Lancs with 3 species recorded for the first time inc a record day total of 4 Great Egret. 5 sp. of heron recorded in recent days. Elsewhere locally, Whinchat and Spotted Flycatcher both notable at Fishmoor Reservoir. Further detail in ALT. #LancsBirding

Ad Cattle Egret: Brockholes LWT, Lancs. 28th Aug 2026. The 3rd reserve record totalling 5 individuals, the 2nd-3rd records occurring in the past week. The Brockholes and Belmont records over the past 11 months surely mark a watershed moment towards the species deeper and more regular penetration into Central/east Lancashire.

Great Egrets: Brockholes LWT, Lancs. 28th Aug 2026. Four birds present at the same time today doubles the previous record day total.

Whinchat: Fishmoor Res, Lancs. A nice migrant to see at this urban Blackburn, Lancs reservoir, albeit on land soon to be developed which will see Fishmoor surrounded by development on all four sides! 😢

Spotted Flycatcher: Fishmoor Reservoir, Blackburn, Lancs. 28th Aug 2026. What a wonderful bird this was, my first at the site and very confiding in the NE corner of this urban reservoir. My best views of the species for a couple of years.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

And as a byproduct of the great work at Woolston, an unprecedented year for Black-necked Grebe records on my Lancs patch 26 miles to the north; 5 records totalling 7 individuals! - I could get used to this!

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

An enthralling interview. Congratulations and gratitude to all involved in this success.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

The last week has seen some nice sightings at Brockholes LWT, Lancs. A few additional notables to the pics include a couple of Ruff, Dunlin, several Greenshank, flock of 11 Redshank through, a few Yellow Wagtails, Ospreys, Hobbies etc. Clouded Yellow still probably in double figures. #LancsBirding

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

A Bittern found itself in a bit of a pickle within a Phragmites Nursery at Brockholes LWT, Lancs this morning. After an hour, it finally realised it could spring vertically out before human intervention was required. #LancsBirding

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Thanks Gareth. We would have been watching it at same time. A nice grounded Tree Pipit on this side.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Zero interest in using AI to edit my photos. Very much enjoying the Podcasts.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

#Insects of interest at Brockholes LWT, Lancs today inc 16 Clouded Yellow, 3 Black Darter, Ruddy Darter, Southern Hawker. Best of the birds: Osprey, 2 Greenshank, Wigeon, Willow Tit. #Butterflies #Dragonflies #Odonata #LancsBirding

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Convenient Clouded Yellow heaven (4+) at the dropped pin by jcn 31 for anyone commuting along the Lancs M6: maps.app.goo.gl/1gUJGZMfxCzw.... #Insects #Butterflies

Clouded Yellow: Brockholes LWT, Lancs. 13th Aug 2026

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

IPhone slo-mo of Purple Hairstreak taking off. #Insects #Butterflies

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Nice garden tick that, Clouded Yellow, Mick. How many Tree Pipit would you normally expect by this time of year at Spurn.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Clouded Yellow fest continues at Brockholes LWT, Lancs, making up for the lack of Tree Pipits; just two in 12hrs of vis mig watches so far this week, but at least I haven’t blanked. Med Gulls trickling through, with two different juvs in recent days. #Insects #Butterflies #LancsBirding

Clouded Yellow: Brockholes LWT, Lancs. 13th Aug 2026. A total of seven for me today. No doubt present in double figures on the reserve.

Purple Hairstreak: Brockholes LWT, Lancs. 13th Aug 2026. One of two today, this one putting on a fantastic show, often landing on the footpath at my feet mid-morning.

Mediterranean Gull: Brockholes LWT, Lancs. mid-Aug 2026. Two juveniles depicted.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

A couple of second calendar year Hobby were new-in at Brockholes LWT over the weekend. Willow Tit heard. A few Clouded Yellow dotted around the reserve. #LancsBirding #Insects #Butterflies

2x2CY Hobby: Brockholes LWT, Lancs. Upper 4: 8th Aug 2026.
Lower 2: 9th Aug 2026.

Clouded Yellow: Brockholes LWT, Lancs. 7th Aug 2026. A few on the reserve currently.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Got me thinking what blockers remain from my long lapsed, manic twitching days: Golden-winged Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch and… Mugimaki Flycatcher. Long-billed Murrelet. Double Crested Cormorant for those who don’t include ROI. I too saw the Red-throated Thrush. Much more recently, Least Bittern.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

The unprecedented series of Black-necked Grebe records at Brockholes LWT in 2026 continued today with a juvenile on No1 Pit. The fifth record of the year, totalling 7 individuals! To put 2026 into context, only 7 individuals were recorded in the period 1998-2025! #LancsBirding

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

For completeness, should add that the AT Balancs is mounted on a Gitzo 1545T Tripod / GHF2W Fluid Head. #BirdingGear

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Today’s F5 westerly is one of those days when the Swarovski AT Balance really impresses. Here’s a bit of handsfree phonescoped footage; 4x optical iPhone zoom, 18x scope zoom. IS off > on > off in clip. #BirdingGear

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

A quiet morning at Brockholes LWT was enlivened by 3 Glossy Ibis over the reserve for a few minutes around 10:00 before heading SE and reappearing at RSPB St. Aidan’s, West Yorkshire 3hrs later. The 4th record for Brockholes totalling 6 individuals 1998-Present. #LancsBirding

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

… at least released the native species. I assume they’ll spread along the river system in time. 2/2 #UKReptiles #GrassSnake

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Grass Snake at Brockholes LWT, Lancs today. Originating from an unofficial release circa a decade ago, they appear to be thriving with several sightings this year. DNA from roadkill specimens has confirmed whoever released them… 1/2 #GrassSnake #UKReptiles

Grass Snake: Brockholes LWT, Lancs. 3rd Aug 2026.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Thanks. I’ll be gutted when the Buddliea finishes.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

I simply cannot resist attempting to photograph Hummingbird Hawk-moths EVERY time they appear in the garden! #TeamMoth

Hummingbird Hawk-moth: Feniscowles, Blackburn, Lancs. 3rd Aug 2026.

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Bill Aspin 🇺🇦 @billaspin.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Back home and an always enchanting Hummingbird Hawk-moth was on the garden Buddleia and a Least Yellow Underwing in a random check after dark. #TeamMoth

Hummingbird Hawk-moth: Blackburn, Lancs. 2nd Aug 2026.

Least Yellow Underwing: Blackburn, Lancs. 2nd Aug 2026.

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