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BTO Somerset

@btosomerset.bsky.social
72 followers 85 following 2 posts

BTO page for Somerset for all information on the BTO in the Somerset. Look out for information on the forthcoming Atlas!

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Viv K @vivkeene.bsky.social · 13h
Had a stop at Chard Reservoir this a.m. Pleased to see my largest-ever flock of Mandarian ducks! Counted 32. Far away. Even got some flying (almost in focus). I also had excellent views of a male Kingfisher, which was a surprise, as they usually avoid me there. 😂 #UKBirding @dhelliar.bsky.social
A male Kingfisher perched on a stump, over the water's edgeA flock of Mandarin Ducks in flightA Kingfisher with a large fish, that it took nearly 8 minutes to swallow.A flock of Mandarin Ducks on the water.
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colinfbrooks.bsky.social @colinfbrooks.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Great White Egret and small flocks of Cattle Egrets with Lapwings at RSPB Ham Wall yesterday evening.
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colinfbrooks.bsky.social @colinfbrooks.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Great White Egret with a successful catch!
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Brian Hill @bjhill47.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Curry Moor. 2 Whinchats 8 Stonechats feasting on Crane Flies. Sedge Warbler & 7 Clouded Yellows. @somersetbirds.bsky.social @ukbutterflies.bsky.social @btosomerset.bsky.social
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
(1/) The next three Waterways Breeding Bird Survey trends that we are going to share are all summer migrant species. Think of them as a throwback to summer! Sedge Warbler dropped in numbers by almost half over the last quarter of a century along waterways. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social
A Sedge Warbler is shown. It is a small, streaky warbler species with a distictictive pale eye stripe. It is perched on a Reed Stem.
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Richard Rosslyn @rich62.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Buzzard and Mute Swan along King's Sedgemoor Drain, Bawdrip, Somerset this morning. #birds
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Tim Farr @suttonbingham.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
There's been exposed mud like this at SBR for a couple of months, yet it's been pretty much devoid of waders and those that have dropped in didn't stay. Real sad state of affairs.
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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
56% of breeding success records submitted to the SMP for 2026 are from sites in England! If you have records from any SMP-covered country, please submit them by October 31st. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
An image of two adult Cormorants and their two young.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
⭐ Exciting opportunity! Volunteer with BTO Youth and join the Youth Advisory Panel! ➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/youth If you love nature, would like to join our amazing team of volunteers aged 16-24 and get involved with BTO's work, then this role could be for you. 🐦 📝 Closing date: 4 October 2026.
A group of BTO Youth volunteers are gathered together in an office smiling at the camera. Wording over the image reads: BTO Youth. Join our Youth Advisory Panel.
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Oli Mockridge @yeovilbirder.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Summerhouse Hill this am: 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 22 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap, 5 Goldcrest, 3 Siskin, 1 Linnet, 5 Skylark & 29 Meadow Pipit #ukbirding #somersetbirding
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UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) @ukceh.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
🐝 🪰 How can we track change across the UK's insect pollinators? A new paper from @pomscheme.bsky.social outlines how we're generating robust metrics to monitor pollinator trends at a national scale. Another key milestone for PoMS! besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/... 🧪 1/
Collage of images featuring bee on flower, UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme logo, a person carrying out a FIT Count on flowers, and a landscape of moorland with a pan trap monitoring system in place.
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BTO Garden BirdWatch @bto-gbw.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
🎉Congratulations to everyone involved in this new PoMS paper! PoMS provides the evidence needed to understand how pollinators in the UK are doing and focus conservation work where it's most needed.🐝🦋
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Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) | Goose & Swan Monitoring (GSMP) @webs-gsmp.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Time for a #WeBSSpeciesSpotlight✨ Today we have the gorgeous Shelduck. These chunky, charismatic birds are usually seen on estuaries and coastal marshes, and they nest in burrows! To learn more about Shelducks and other WeBS species, visit BirdFacts➡️www.bto.org/birdfacts #Ornithology #UKBirding
A photo of a shelduck with latin name Tadorna tadorna, with labels showing a dark green head, a bright red bill (males have a fleshy bump at the base of the bill), a white body with black patches, and a chestnut brown band around the body. Their seasonality is present throughout the year, peaking during winter and spring migration. Weight is 1250g. Eggs are 8-10. Diet is small invertebrates, and some vegetation and seeds. Habitats are estuarine, marine and intertidal, and wetland.
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Derek C @derekfc1960.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Saw a Red Kite in flight coming out of Keinton Mandeville towards Somerton this afternoon @btosomerset.bsky.social @somersetbirds.bsky.social
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
(1/) As you may know, BBS started in 1994, so it has been running for over 30 years! Another similar monitoring scheme, the Polish Common Breeding Bird Survey is now celebrating 25 years of data. Read on to find out more…. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social #Ornithology #CitizenScience
A Wryneck is shown. It is a small, cryptically camouflaged Woodpecker species. It is perched on a branch facing right.
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Ian Hayes @ianhayes.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
At least 3 Crossbills at Stockhill Woods this morning.
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Andy Slade @burnhambirder.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Bearded tit, Ham Wall RSPB, 25/09/2026
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Andy Slade @burnhambirder.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Pectoral sandpiper, Ham Wall RSPB 26/9/2026
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
The peak weekly reporting rate for Quail in BirdTrack in early July this year was 2%! This was the highest ever recorded for this species in this scheme. You can get involved and record the birds you encounter via www.bto.org/birdtrack 📷 Graham Catley / BTO
A Quail appears on the path near to long grass.
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Derek C @derekfc1960.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
My patch walk near Somerton this afternoon was uneventful but did snap a Stonechat and Heron at the Fisheries @btosomerset.bsky.social @somersetbirds.bsky.social
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M C G Owen @m-cgo.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Pectoral sandpiper, Avalon Hide, RSPB Ham Wall 25-9-2026. #somersetbirds
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Do you have nature records in notebooks that you never look at and wonder what to do with? I've transcribed 10,000 records from the 1960-70s from a Welsh ornithological legend into @birdtrack.bsky.social and @cofnod.org.uk. And it was fascinating... #BirdingWales www.cofnod.org.uk/news/natural...
cofnod.org.uk
Naturalists' Notebooks: a treasure trove - Cofnod
Naturalists' Notebooks: a treasure trove
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
We've got some brilliant BTO Youth events coming up in England including at #RSPB Rainham Marshes & at Port Meadows in Oxford. Book a FREE space here ➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/you...
A Golden Plover stands on the top of a grassy mound. Wording over the image reads: Oxford birding get-together. Port Meadow, Oxford. Saturday 17 October. 10am-1pm. Free entry. bto.org/youth-events A Short-eared Owl flies over grassland. Wording over the image reads: Young birders walk, RSPB Rainham Marshes. Saturday 31 October. 11am-3.30pm. Free entry. bto.org/youth-events
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British Birds @britishbirds.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
A new study of Black-headed Gulls in Sweden found that survivors of a 2023 highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak developed long-lasting immunity and changed their behaviour. Read more: britishbirds.co.uk/journal/arti... 📸 David Tipling
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Paul @vivthesetter.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
A couple of hours in the Avalon Hide, #HamWall #Somerset condensed into a couple of minutes - Glossy Ibis, Pectoral Sandpiper, a bathing Green Sandpiper, GW Egret with reflections...flipping marvellous. #UKBirding #nature #wetlands #wildlife #birds youtu.be/pcAUF3SFQA0
youtu.be
GW Egret, Glossy Ibis, Pectoral & Green Sandpiper and Grey Heron - Avalon Hide, RSPB Ham Wall.
YouTube video by thesetter
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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Aren't Black Guillemots striking birds at all times of year?! This year, we've had one of the largest non-census year site coverages throughout SMP's time! If you've got Black Guillemot data to submit, please do so by October 31st. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
Images of Black Guillemots in summer and winter/juvenile plumage.
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Alastair Swinnerton @alswinn.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Little Egret, #yeovilcountrypark #Ninesprings this morning. Seems to be quite a regular at the moment. @somersetbirds.bsky.social @btosomerset.bsky.social
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
(1/) The skulking but loud Cetti’s Warbler continues to spread across the southern half of the UK. It increased by 272% along waterways 2014–2024. It overwinters in wet areas and scrub, even if you can’t see it! @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology
A Cetti's Warbler is shown. It is singing! It is a small brown bird with a white chest.
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European Bird Census Council @ebcc.info · 24/09/2026
We are proud to say that generic bird-monitoring initiatives are growing across Europe, with over 15,000 volunteers participating annually ! Data quality also seems to be improving, and more schemes are publishing their results openly. More: pecbms.info/update-on-th...
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
(1/) Some inspirational words from long-term BBS volunteer and member of the BTO Regional Network Muriel Cadwallender about surveying Upland Rovers squares. Although not for the faint hearted, you can make a one off visit to an upland square during the BBS survey season… @btobirds.bsky.social
The quote says: The achievement of reaching remote squares, after a seemingly vertical climb, with the reward of panoramic views of the Cheviots, singing Skylarks, ‘pipping’ pipits, calling Curlews, and Snipe drumming is all the incentive needed to visit this beautiful part of Northumberland.

Muriel Cadwallender 

The background shows an upland area and the title says: 'Volunteer Stories'.
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David Minshall @dbminshall.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Adult and juvenile Great Crested Grebe at RSPB Ham Wall. Lovely to sit on a bench and watch the pair drifting about. (21.09.26) #ukwildlife #birds #somersetbirding
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Dawn Balmer @debalmer.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Here's the link to the BTO Auto-ID statement www.bto.org/develop-your... on use of Auto-ID tools for surveys such as BBS, GBW and use in BirdTrack
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Lorraine @lorrainebirder.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Glossy ibis at RSPB Ham Wall @rspb.bsky.social @rspbengland.bsky.social #birds
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Oli Mockridge @yeovilbirder.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
5 Egyptian Geese and 2cy Yellow-legged Gull at Sutton Bingham this afternoon #ukbirding #somersetbirding
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Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) | Goose & Swan Monitoring (GSMP) @webs-gsmp.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Look to the skies over northern & eastern UK in the next few weeks, and you might spot Pink-footed Geese arriving for winter after a long flight from their Arctic breeding grounds! 🪿 Learn more about our Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme ➡️ www.bto.org/gsmp #Ornithology #UKBirding
A photo of 13 pink-footed geese flying against a blue sky, with the title 'Pink-footed Geese return!'
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
(2/) Although the majority of the Upland Rovers squares across the UK are in Scotland, there are also some in Northern Ireland, Wales and England. Find out more about what it takes to survey one of these squares and to sign up in time for the 2027 survey season: www.bto.org/get-involved...
bto.org
Upland Rovers | BTO
Red Grouse.
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Marc Hunt @somersetbirder.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Yesterday afternoon, this Pectoral Sandpiper was the ⭐️ of the show from the Avalon Hide at RSPB Ham Wall 😍
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Marc Hunt @somersetbirder.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Avalon Hide, RSPB Ham Wall yesterday 😍
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Richard Rosslyn @rich62.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Great White Egret at Westhay Moor NNR this morning. #birds
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BTO Garden BirdWatch @bto-gbw.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
🐦Sparrowhawks tend to hunt for small birds, many of which are now associated with gardens. Often, the only sign of their visit is a scattering of feathers.🪶🪶 Share your Sparrowhawk visits with us to help us monitor their populations around the country. www.bto.org/GBW/Join 📸 Liz Cutting /BTO
A Sparrowhawk stands on top of a dead small bird. The Sparrowhawk has grey-brown upper plumage, buffy and barred underparts, yellow eyes and bill. The small bird's feathers are scattered on the green grass of a garden.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Dream job for an #editor & nature lover! 🐦🌿Apply now ➡️ www.bto.org/jobs 📅 Full time, Permanent. 📝 £38,710.00 per annum. 📍 BTO HQ in Thetford, Norfolk (Hybrid working). Deadline for applications: 30 September 2026. #Ornithology
A Nightingale perches on a branch amongst the green foliage of a bush. Wording over the image reads: We're hiring! Science Communications Manager.
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
(1/) The BBS Upland Rovers scheme is a way of monitoring bird species in Montane habitats, where sought after species such as Ring Ouzel, Dotterel & Ptarmigan may be encountered. A similar scheme in Germany is now gathering momentum… @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social #Ornithology
A male Ring Ouzel is shown. It is a black bird with a white beak. It has a white crescent marking on its breast. It is perched on the ground, facing left.
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Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) | Goose & Swan Monitoring (GSMP) @webs-gsmp.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
We need your help!🫡 The NEWS IV survey period runs again from 1 December 2026 - 31 January 2027 🎉 If you'd like to take part in a single-visit waterbird count along a stretch of coastline this winter, visit www.bto.org/webs-news for more info on how you can get involved🦆 #Ornithology #UKBirding
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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
With many seabirds now beginning to migrate to wintering grounds, there’s still some time to see them at coastal and inland sites before they depart. Keep an eye out for adults and juveniles alike, such as this young Arctic Tern! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
An image of a juvenile Arctic Tern in flight.
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Derek C @derekfc1960.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Another quiet patch walk ( Etsome Somerton) either side of sunset. Herring Gulls on Field with odd LBBHs were the most vocal. Merlin picked up Garden and Cettis Warber &Firecrest but not seen. Concerned about Rv Cary- an important part of my Walk. Heard a distant Tawney Owl @btosomerset.bsky.social
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Brian Hill @bjhill47.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Good Whinchat passage locally with birds present every visit. Max daily count 5. Tailing off with only one today. @dhelliar.bsky.social @somersetbirds.bsky.social @btosomerset.bsky.social
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Mike Davis @mikebirding2024.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Bearded Tits at RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset. Great to see a few flocks fly past the Avalon Hide this morn. Also there 3 Glossy Ibis, GW & L Egrets, Snipe (3+), a Pectoral Sandpiper, 2 Green Sands and a few Marsh Harriers & Kingfisher flypasts. Osprey flew S past hide with prey c9am. Sadly a mink too
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
🔊 Registration is now open for The Non-Estuarine Waterbird Survey (NEWS)! Sign up ➡️ www.bto.org/webs-news NEWS monitors waterbirds along stretches of open coastline that aren't covered by estuary surveys, helping us build a more complete picture of wintering birds around the UK. #UKBirding
An Image of a Purple Sandpiper features in a circular frame. Wording to the left of the image reads: Volunteers needed. Take part in the Non-Estuarine Waterbird Survey (NEWS). The BTO and News Logo feature top right.
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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
An hour stroll around set-a-side fields nr Chard gave 3 Whinchat, 6 Stonechat, 16 Skylark, 8 Stock Dove & c.100 Linnet in murky, windy weather. Earlier at #ChardRes the Kingfisher brightened the morning. 12 Mandarin are gaining colour too, 4 Lt Egret & the 'resident' Cetti's Warbler #Somerestbirding
One of three Whinchat hunkering down in set-a-side fieldsKingfisher posing at Chard Reservoir
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Reuben Veal @reuben-veal.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Very nice Leach’s views this morning preceded an amazing afternoon with the Brue Red-necked Phalarope feasting on flies just metres away. Showing as well and as unphased as only juvenile waders seem to #somersetbirding
Juvenile Red-necked Phalarope, pools adjacent to river Brue
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