iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

In the #ShropshireBirds area "our" adult Shelducks make a moult migration and leave us for the Dutch or German coast, or to one of six UK coastal sites, to drop all of their flight feathers in relative safety. Adults depart in June/July and return in November, leaving the juveniles behind.

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Important habitat and site maintenance work at Venus Pool NR 1) From 29 September. Major programme of willow scrub management to restore the grassland away from the pool to the north. 2) 5 to 7 October. Annual maintenance work. Essential, but likely to cause some disturbance. #ShropshireBirds

Venus Pool Nature Reserve as seen from the Memorial (south) Hide. The view shows a pool slowly refilling after the summer's drought with vegetation in the foreground and trees lining the far bank, under a grey, overcast sky.

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

These sessions are so good; a little bit of helpful theory and lots of practice time. We were joined by one new and two potential Shropshire counters for @webs-gsmp.bsky.social and also had bonus flyovers from a Spitfire!

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

It was an exceptional summer for Quail in Shropshire, too. Please add any notebook records to @birdtrack.bsky.social so that the Shropshire Bird Report for 2026 can better reflect where, when and how many of these enigmatic little birds were present. #ShropshireBirds

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

BTO News is an excellent magazine and worth the price of a monthly takeaway coffee on its own, but there are plenty of other benefits to BTO membership. Follow the link to find out more!

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The departure of the Swallows and the return of the Meadow Pipits. Observations added to @birdtrack.bsky.social as "complete lists" through the app or browser version help us to map seasonal changes such as this. It's a nice, mindful way to feel connected to time and place! #ShropshireBirding

The BirdTrack reporting rate graph for Meadow Pipit in England, showing a small increase in reporting rate for March-April (20% compared with an average of around 10%) and a larger increase, peaking in late September and early to mid-October at 32%.

The BirdTrack reporting rate graph for (Barn) Swallow, showing the arrival of the birds during April, and their departure in September/early October).

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

It's been a great Quail year in the #ShropshireBirds area, too! First recorded on 11 May with a total of 22 records that month and another 30 in June. Q2 total of 52 (awaiting July & August data) compares well with these annual totals from the Bird Report: 2024 19 2023 36 2022 8 2021 26 2020 74

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Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) | Goose & Swan Monitoring (GSMP) @webs-gsmp.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Zero counts count! 🦸‍♀️ With the dry weather that much of the UK has experienced this summer, many of our wetland sites have dried up. We ask that counters still continue visiting dried up WeBS sites, as counts with zero birds is still incredibly important data. #zerohero

Photo showing a grassy field, which is a dried up wetland.

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Welsh Ornithological Society @birdsinwales.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Welsh Ornithological Society Annual Conference 2026 📅 31 October 2026 📍 Aberystwyth University ⏰ 10am–5pm 🎯 Theme: ‘Bound for Wales’ | ‘Ar y ffordd i Gymru’ 🎟️ Book your place now - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/welsh-orni...

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Led by Stuart Edmunds, whose trail cameras discovered Shropshire’s Pine Marten population and… our county’s only Red-flanked Bluetail!

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Brigit Strawbridge @brigitstrawbridge.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Ever wondered how people count large numbers of #birds? I've just signed up for @btobirds.bsky.social's free online training so I can learn how to count flocks... AND how to put these skills to use in the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) Choose from 3 dates next week, here: www.bto.org/our-work/tra...

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

David from the BBS Team attended this Regional Network Meeting at Attenborough Nature reserve near Nottingham this past weekend! It was great to see some of our fantastic volunteers who are based across England. Find out more about the BTO Regional Network here: www.bto.org/get-involved...

bto.org

Regional Network | BTO

Regional RepresentativesA Regional Representative (RR) is our local leader for BTO in their region, and a key point of contact for other local members and volunteers. The key elements of the role are ...

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

New job alert🪶 Research assistant to support research on Willow Tit demographics. Must have a BTO ringing licence at C level or above Location: Midlands and North of England Duration: Oct-Nov 2026 Deadline: This Wednesday Sept 9th Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car... 📷Ben Andrew

A Willow Tit perches in a branch, looking directly to camera

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John Martin @pilning.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Early shift for #westmidsalldayer at VP. 2 Green Sand, LRP, Water Rail, Starling (no honestly) and best of all 2 Spotted Flycatcher in the car park as I was leaving for #ParkRun volling. Less than annual for me on patch. #Shropshirebirding

1w Spotted Flycatcher on wire. Back of camera

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

What a great mix of birds, science and people at our BTO Regional Gathering at Attenborough NR today! Exciting times are ahead with Atlas 27-31 ever closer. Talking to people about birds and showing them Hobbies and an Otter through our scopes doesn't count as anti-social behaviour. We checked! 🙂

A group of BTO Regional Network volunteers birdwatching beside a flooded gravel pit. One of them is wearing a fleece with the BTO strapline “Birds Science People” on the back.

A sign on a wooden gate warning about anti-social behaviour. Above it is a group of birdwatchers walking away from the viewer along a footpath. The last person is wearing a jacket with the BTO strapline “Birds Science People” on the back.

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

It's 21 years since Shropshire-bred kites took to the skies after an absence of 130 years. You can read 'Red Kite in Shropshire 2005-25' via our Bird Surveying Opportunities in Shropshire Padlet: padlet.com/martin690/bi... Many of the project's volunteers are BTO members 🙂 #ShropshireBirds

The front cover of the report, showing two Red Kite nests, one with wing-tagged nestlings and another being visited by a wing-tagged adult bird.

The contents page of the report, with an inset image of a Red Kite.

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Martin George @jannerbirder.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

An "in context" post about the VP Curlew Sand'. There were no BirdTrack records in 2025. The Shropshire Bird Report shows that this "very rare passage migrant" last occurred, briefly, on 9 Nov 2022 at Bridgwalton Quarry and in 2011 at Wood Lane NR (31 Aug) and Mirelake (13-18 Sep). #ShropshireBirds

A collection of birds on a muddy spit surrounded by water, with the margins lined with pale feathers from moulting birds. The Curlew Sandpiper is in the left foreground in the margins. The small, grey bird behind it is a Pied Wagtail. The larger birds are (left to right) Lapwing, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Cormorant, Shoveler and Teal. Wasn't paying much attention to the wildfowl at the time and the birds are mostly hunched brown balls so duck identifications should be viewed with caution!

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Ian Sheppard @iansheppard.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

The two recent #Shropshire rarities at Venus Pool this morning. Turnstone, left and Curlew Sandpiper. #ShropshireBirding

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Tom Lowe @saloplarus.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

A Bittern flew over #salopobs early on Monday morning, giving seven clear calls over 4mins, a year to the day after the only previous autumn record. Same bird?! Not annual in the county but that's the 7th #nocmig record for the garden 💥 macaulaylibrary.org/asset/663744... #ukbirding

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MᴀᴛᴛA @shropshirematt.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

We had a lovely soggy walk on Brown Moss this morning. Two Little Egret Great Egrets stood side by side with herons Ringed plover #ShropshireBird #ShropshireBirds

A ringed plover with wagtail in the background

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Martin George @jannerbirder.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Venus Pool near Shrewsbury was buzzing late this afternoon: two county rarity species - Curlew Sandpiper and Turnstone - plus five other wader species. Met some nice people in the hides, too, including @debalmer.bsky.social and @rdpphoto.bsky.social #ShropshireBirds

A Turnstone (left) and Common Sandpiper walking along the water margin.

A juvenile Turnstone along the water margin.

Two Turnstones feeding on or around the remains of a carp.

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Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) | Goose & Swan Monitoring (GSMP) @webs-gsmp.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

With two weeks until our training sessions, there are still places left! Book your spot here ➡️www.bto.org/training

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

John has since added that Turnstone is a Shropshire rarity “and this is the largest group ever seen in Shropshire (previous best were groups of three at Whixall 15 May 1994 and Alscott Sugar Beet Factory on 1 Sep 1994).” Great work by Graham and John 🙂 #ShropshireBirds

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

The next “Birds of Shropshire” course starts in September. It’s highly regarded and would be a great primer for anyone considering getting involved in fieldwork for the next Bird Atlas, which starts in November 2027 and runs for four years. More info: introbirdcourse.wordpress.com #ShropshireBirds

A poster for the “Birds of Shropshire by Habitat and Season” course, which starts in September. The poster shows a Wheatear and a group of birders in upland habitat.
More info on the course here: https://introbirdcourse.wordpress.com/

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Martin George @jannerbirder.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Several of us were #ZeroHeroes for @webs-gsmp.bsky.social today, but zero counts are better than missed counts. This is the Cockshutt floods WeBS site, which in May 2025 held more Shelduck than anywhere else in the #ShropshireBirds area all year. Today's wetland bird count: one Reed Bunting.

A sheep pasture with mature hedgerows beyond under an overcast sky.

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Good luck to the #ShropshireBirds area WeBS team for today’s count. Many of us will be “zero heroes” with no wetland birds to count as our sites are dust bowls, but negative data are as important as positive data 🙂

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

There are now only three weeks to go to submit your BBS data! If you would like a refresher on how to enter your data online, this video should help!: youtu.be/4uRgFHNOnY0?... Any questions, please email bbs@bto.org. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology

The caption says 'Three Weeks to Go!'. A Robin is shown perched on a branch. It has a red breast and a grey stomach.

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

In the #ShropshireBirds area any remaining wetlands, however small, are worth checking for Common, Green or (if you’re lucky) Wood Sandpipers. Did you hear Quail in the county? It may have been a record year! Please add any 2026 records to BirdTrack to help assess the extent of the influx.

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Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) | Goose & Swan Monitoring (GSMP) @webs-gsmp.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Not sure what WeBS is about or need a confidence boost with counting birds, before getting involved? In Sept, we will be running 3️⃣ FREE, virtual 'Counting Birds and WeBS' sessions, aimed for amateur birdwatchers who want to increase their skills. Sign up ➡️ www.bto.org/training

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Mark your calendars! 🐦 Our 2027 Annual Conference will take place in Sheffield, from Friday 5 to Saturday 6 March. Join us for the whole event or just Friday or Saturday only! #Ornithology Find out more and book your place today ➡️ www.bto.org/landing-...

A crowd is seated at the BTO conference watching a large screen and speaker at a podium. Wording over the tile reads: 2027 annual conference, Sheffield. Fri 5 - Sat 6 March.

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John Martin @pilning.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

VP this morning, hides only. Rarity - light drizzle briefly! Influx of Little Egrets (10 incl new juvs), 2+ Green & 3+ Common Sand, 4 Grey Heron, 15 Teal, 11 Egyptian Goose (5 flew in causing much scrapping), Green Woodpecker, Reed Warbler etc. #shropshirebirding 🪶

Adult Little Egret at Venus Pool, one of 10 including a number new in, mainly juvs

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Waterbird ID practice, and an introduction to @webs-gsmp.bsky.social & @birdtrack.bsky.social Two practical sessions led by BTO experts at a wetland near Rugeley, around 45 minutes from Market Drayton and Newport. #ShropshireBirds www.bto.org/our-work/eve... www.bto.org/our-work/eve...

A screenshot of one of the web links in the post, showing a Lapwing on damp grassland with water beyond, and the event details.

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

(1/) This week, we head north for an interesting study that was conducted by Nord University in Norway. It used an online bird identification test to upskill survey volunteers in order to increase the number of species that were detected during surveys. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social

An image of a Fieldfare. It has a white belly, a grey head and a grey tail. It is a thrush species perched on a branch.

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Listen to ‘A is for Auk’ on the BTO podcast, Beyond The Bird Table! Join us as we delve into the world of seabirds with ornithologist, writer & broadcaster, Prof Tim Birkhead & Senior Research Ecologist with BTO Scotland, Dr Nina O’Hanlon #Birds #UKBirding

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Data from @birdtrack.bsky.social suggest this is the best Quail year in over 20 years. Please add details of any you find to the app 🙂

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Happy new WeBS year to the Shropshire team, who were out on the count today! DM if you’d like to join us 🙂 Any remaining 2025/26 count data needs to be added to WeBS Online soon, please, to ensure your data are included in the annual analysis. #ShropshireBirds

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

And because Martin uses the @birdtrack.bsky.social app for mammals as well as birds this confirmed evidence of breeding will go the Shropshire Mammal Group via iRecord. Biological recording was never easier! Also works for reptiles, amphibians, dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies and orchids.

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

There have been several records from the #ShropshireBirds area of calling Quail. Listen out for that “wet my lips” call and please add any records to BirdTrack 🙂

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Many of us think BTO News is so good it’s worth the subscription on its own, but there are plenty of other membership benefits. We’re a DM away for local info if you want to make your birding count 🙂

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

We're so excited about this! Head to our Cuckoo Tracking page to find out more about Bean the Cuckoo, currently making his way south through Central Europe. You can even sponsor Bean and other satellite tagged Cuckoos! www.bto.org/get-involved... Get Birding Podcast: getbird.ing #Birds #Birding

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Thank you to all the BBS counters from the #ShropshireBirding community for another season’s data. Did you have any special sightings this year? Personal highlight for the BTO Shropshire team was a flock of Crossbills during the early visit at Haughmond Hill.

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

We’re always happy to welcome new WeBS counters to the team! For a map of vacant sites see app.bto.org/websonline/s... #ShropshireBirds

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

A nice Wem to Warwickshire recovery for the Shropshire WMRG team 🙂 #ShropshireBirds

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BirdTrack @birdtrack.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Been to see the Western Reef Heron in Wales? BirdTrack has now been updated so this species will appear on your British year and life lists #ukbirding

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Martin George @jannerbirder.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Finally, a positive news story about nesting #Swifts, and it’s from #Shrewsbury, courtesy of the legends at Action for Swifts over on Facebook 🙂 I believe this refers to the development off Meole Brace roundabout that will include a Starbucks, a tanning salon and a care home. #ShropshireBirds

A screenshot of a Facebook post by Action for Swifts. Text reads:

Big milestone on our Shrewsbury project 👏

These special double height S Bricks are being installed for a multi-storey care facility, where the A1 fire rating was absolutely essential for the specification and overall safety performance.
The building is being finished in Ibstock Red tile bricks a new one for us and we’re really pleased with how the final detail has come together.

Working alongside Ladbrook Manufacturing, who produced the bespoke chambers, and after sourcing specialist diamond cutting tools, the end result has been worth the effort.
Great teamwork, quality craftsmanship, and another unique project taking shape in Shrewsbury.

#Construction #Brickwork #CareFacility #Shrewsbury #IBSTOCK

A collection of Swift nest boxes, ready for installation.

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BirdTrack @birdtrack.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Green Sandpiper seen by @sconebirding.bsky.social at BTO HQ in Thetford this morning - the start of autumn migration! Mid-June is a typical date for first returners from Fennoscandian breeding grounds, before autumn migration peaks in August #ukbirding Photo: Allan Drewitt / BTO

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Phil Pickin @philpickin.co.uk · 13/06/2026

Peaceful spot in which to take part in today’s BTO Birds in Green Spaces survey day. @btobirds.bsky.social @btoshropshire.bsky.social

Overgrown cemetery with old headstones appearing above the long grass.

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Volunteers are at the heart of BTO. 🐦 We couldn't achieve what we do for birds, science & people without you. Thank you! Here's a snapshot of what some of our survey volunteers have achieved 🙌 From Regional Reps to BTO Youth, there's a variety of volunteer roles at BTO➡️ www.bto.org/volunteer

An infographic showing volunteer statistics. The title reads: Thank you to BTO Volunteers. White cut out images of birds feature on a green background. A Swallow raises its wings near the wording 100k users on BirdTrack. Below, a Starling perches near the words 2,500+ signed up to the Birds in Greenspaces survey. At the bottom of the image a Stonechat perches on top of a gorse bush next to the wording 2,800+ volunteers achieved the greatest number of sites ever monitored for the 2025 Breeding Bird Survey. Above, the head of a Curlew appears on the left of the image alongside the wording 3,435 sites covered for the latest Wetland Bird Survey report. Above this a Chaffinch flies with wings outstretched by the wording 10.9+ million submissions to date to Garden BirdWatch.

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Rhys @rdpphoto.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Video of previous Grasshopper Warbler. Excuse the shaking! Had my IS settings all to cock 🤦 #ukwildlife #shropshirebirds #Nature #wildlife #birdphotography #UKBirding #birds #photography #video

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