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Calf of Man Bird Observatory

@calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social
209 followers 65 following 81 posts

Bird Observatory since 1959 🐦🔭 @manxheritage.bsky.social , managed in partnership with @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social | A jewel of #ManxNature 🇮🇲

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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Recent highlights: Black Redstart & 525 Meadow Pipit on 24th. 1st for the year: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Coal Tit, Ring Ouzel, Greenfinch and Grey Plover (44th Calf record!). Ringing stars: two more Sparrowhawks and the first Greenfinch, Dunnock & Great Tit of the autumn. #ukbirding #birdringing
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
This week we had our 1st autumn records of Skylark, Blue & Great Tit, and a Sparrowhawk ringed. Two Puffin were seen on 15th, with 77 House Martin on 13th, and 3 Canada Goose & 915 Razorbill on 17th. @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #ukbirding #birdringing
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Wryneck trapped and ringed at the Observatory this morning! It is the 41st Calf record (first since 2019) and the 22nd to be ringed on the island. A surprise on a quiet morning - amazing to see up close! @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #ukbirding #birdringing #rarebirds
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
A stormy week, with highlights from seawatching on 1st: Common Scoter, over 4,000 of each Manx Shearwater and Kittiwake, and the first Arctic Skua of the year. The first Grey Seal pups have been born as well 🦭 @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #ukbirding #seawatching
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
This week's high counts: 829 Shag (23rd), 211 Swallow (26th) & 86 White Wagtail (29th). Also first autumn Goldcrest (25th) & Teal (29th). Personal favourite: using the drone to survey Purple Sandpipers in their hidden cave. @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #ukbirding
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Another windy week on the Calf! Wagtails and Pipits are starting to move, with the first White Wags seen. One of my favourite parts of autumn is Robin migration - small numbers of birds are starting to pass through. @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #ukbirding #birdringing
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Tree Pipit migration is picking up and the Sparrowhawks are following! Black-headed Gulls are frequent and the first Purple Sandpipers are back. Recent star birds: 4 Little Egrets, a Med Gull and two Arctic Terns. @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #ukbirding #birdringing
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
It's been a bit quiet lately, but recent highlights include some Willow Warbler passage, early autumn Tree Pipits, the first returning Turnstone and some Storm Petrel ringing sessions. @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #ukbirding #birdringing
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Highlights of last week: Sandwich Tern, two Treecreeper at the Obs, four Rook and the first push of Sedge Warblers ringed. Shag & Linnet flocks are both increasing, whilst Black-headed Gulls & Common Sandpipers are moving through. @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #ukbirding
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
It feels like autumn now! 1st records of Redshank and Common Gull, with returning warblers & hirundines and dispersing Song Thrush, Woodpigeon & Starling. Breeding birds wise: 1st fledged gulls and baby Wrens everywhere! @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #ukbirding
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Recent firsts: gull chicks ringed, Red-veined Darters (1st & 2nd Calf record), Oystercatcher fledgelings, and autumn Grey Wagtails & Swifts (one of the best return Swift passages in a decade). @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social 📷Sheila Norris #swiftawarenessweek #ukbirding
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Recent weather: fog to start, but brightened up to sunny and Green! A Green Warbler was trapped and ringed at the Observatory yesterday morning - if accepted by BBRC this will constitute the first record for the Isle of Man! @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #ukbirding
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Trickle of autumn migrants this week (📸 Lesser Whitethroat and failed-breeder Willow Warbler). Seawatch on 13th produced 3 Wigeon (2nd Jun record) and three Gadwall (4th Calf record). First Puffins on land seen taking off from South Harbour. @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
A quiet week on the Calf, with star bird indubitably being a male Blue-headed Wagtail (8th Calf record). Seawatching produced unseasonal Common Scoters, Shag flocks are building up offshore and there are lots of gull chicks running around! @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
We're looking for keen birders to join us in monitoring the wonder of autumn migration on the Calf of Man! Please email calfbirdwarden@mwt.im for more information on how to apply. 🗓 The deadline for applicants is Friday 17th July @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
The Spotted Flycatchers have finally arrived! Other recent highlights: Ringed Plover on the deck, Reed Warbler, Moorhen (1st since 2022), Tree Sparrow, singing Rosefinch (38th record) and Great Crested Grebe (1st May record). @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #ukbirding
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
Star bird this week was a Subalpine Warbler (putative Western) trapped and ringed at the Obs. Also new for the year were Osprey, Stock Dove, Red-throated and Great Northern Diver. Whimbrel passage included this bird from Iceland! @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #ukbirding
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Migration highlights from the last week include Cuckoo, 'acredula-type' Willow Warblers, an arrival of Whitethroats, one Fieldfare, Purple Sandpipers, a light passage of hirundines and some particularly stunning Lesser Redpolls. @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social
A Lesser Redpoll in the hand.
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Delayed post but we're back in business! Meet the 2026 team: Eleanor Grover returns as Bird Warden, joined by a fantastic new group: Marcia Webberley (Assistant BW), Chloe Attrill (Assistant EW) and Jasmine Smith (Estate Warden). @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Fancy experiencing life on a remote island bird observatory? We're looking for spring/summer volunteers (see following thread)! 1/4 *Appointment of these voluntary positions is conditional upon the outcome of a tender that has not yet been awarded (as of 30/01/26). Shag and birding 📸s: Kate Fox
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
The Calf of Man won Environmental Initiative of the Year 🏆🎉 This award recognises the vital conservation work undertaken by past and present wardens and volunteers and the important partnership between @manxheritage.bsky.social and @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social. Thank you to all involved!
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
Last weekend we closed down the observatory and said goodbye to the Calf for the winter. It's been a great season - thanks to all who have helped to make this year a success! 📸 @birdingfox.bsky.social @manxheritage.bsky.social @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
A windy day took an exciting turn this morning with this beaut of a Buzzard caught! A young female, she is only the second Buzzard to be ringed on the Calf. @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #ukbirding #birdringing
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
A real gem waiting for us on the outside of the moth trap this morning. What a moth!!! @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
🐦 RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER ringed at the Obs this morning! The 2nd record of RB Flycatcher this season an exciting addition to a busy day’s ringing (206 processed incl 193 new). A notable increase in Chaffinches, Goldcrests, tits and Robins among other species too 📸 Matt Livsey #ukbirding
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
A young Pink-footed Goose was ringed on the Calf last night, only the second ever caught after the first in 1990! We’ve seen the first push of ‘Pinkies’ the past couple of days as they head south for the winter. A classic autumn sight! 🪿🍂 @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #ukbirding #birdringing
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
A young COMMON ROSEFINCH ringed at the Observatory today! A nice addition to the arrival of migrants, with a notable increase in Robins and Swallow passage, a family of 4 Pink-Footed Geese, 13 Golden Plover and 13 Redshank also. www.trektellen.org/count/view/2... 📸 Matt Livsey #ukbirding
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
Second autumn vagrant in a week: RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER above Gibdale this morning, the first August record and 1st since 2020! Also a more showy Pied Flycatcher present (pictured) for a handy comparison. 📸 Matthew Livsey #ukbirding @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social
Pied Flycatcher
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Birders check yer bramble bushes… immature BARRED WARBLER ringed at the Observatory this morning! Autumn migration is well underway with birds continuing to trickle through the Calf, and this beauty was an exciting addition to the net round. 📸 @birdingfox.bsky.social #ukbirding
A young Barred Warbler in the hand
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
🗺️🐦 Our Wheatears are on the move! One of this year’s Wheatear chicks colour-ringed on the Calf was seen at the Lower Otter Restoration Project in Budleigh Salterton, Devon! One of over 100 pulli we ringed this year, with over 30 nests monitored. @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #ukbirding
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
🐣 With the breeding season coming to an end, let’s look back at how our seabird colonies have done this year! The Bird Team have been busy counting nests, monitoring productivity and ringing chicks and adults to help us understand how they’re doing. 1/ @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #seabirds
A volunteer being trained in taking measurements on a ShagThe Calf Team counting seabirds from the boat Shag ringing training on the coastal slopes of the CalfA gull nest among wildflowers
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
There’s still time to apply for our Assistant Bird Warden position! 🗓️ Deadline THIS FRIDAY 🐦 see below for more details 👇 @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #ukbirding
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
🗓️ DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY! There’s still a few days left to get your applications in for our September Ornithological Volunteer position. A great opportunity to join the Calf team for some quality birding and island antics during peak migration! Follow the link below for full details 👇 #ukbirding
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Ed Betteridge @edjbetteridge.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Didn’t expect to have a very vocal LAUGHING GULL fly around above me whilst I went to ring gull chicks on the Calf of Man this afternoon!! The bird stayed around just long enough for others to get there and bring a camera before it headed high north! #ukbirding
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
#ukbirding
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
LAUGHING GULL found by @edjbetteridge.bsky.social this afternoon! Smart summer-plumage adult, very vocal circling with other gulls for 15mins before heading towards the Isle of Man. @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social @britishbirds.bsky.social @rarebirder.bsky.social @birdguides.bsky.social
Breeding plumage Laughing Gull viewed from underneathBreeding Plumage Laughing GullEd and Eleanor watching the Laughing Gull flying over the sea
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
🦆 Eider Update! 🐣 The Bird Team have been busy over the past 2 months monitoring our breeding Eiders. They’ve been mapping nests, recording clutch size and catching the females as part of a long-term project. So far this season they’ve found 76 nests, predominantly in bracken and heather… 1/4
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BirdTrack @birdtrack.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Please continue to report all sightings of dead birds for possible testing for avian influenza: 📌In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/rep... 📌In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/dae... 📌In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/report
gov.uk
Report dead wild birds
How to report dead wild birds.
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
🦆🔭 Join our Team! We’re looking for a passionate ringer & birder to join our friendly team as Assistant Bird Warden! The role will involve monitoring autumn migration through daily census and bird ringing. To find out more 👇 www.mwt.im/jobs/calf-ma... 🗓️ Applications close Friday 18th July
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 22/06/2025
A bit of excitement this afternoon when Ed found TWO Quails! The seventh Calf record and first since 1990. It’s also the first involving more than one individual! @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #calfbirdobs #ukbirding #ManxNature
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
1/ 🐧🧐 Can you spot the real Puffin? The team had a very exciting encounter yesterday during seabird productivity checks on Burroo Neck… As we walked back, a Puffin circled close by and landed right next to our decoy Puffin colony! 🤩 @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #calfbirdobs #ManxNature
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
📣 NEW BLOG POST! 🦆 We had some great birding highlights throughout May, and the Ornithology Team have been busy following the progress of our breeding birds. Head over to our new blog to find out more... 👇 www.mwt.im/blog/calf-ma... @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #calfofman #ManxNature
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
🐦 Exciting volunteering opportunity! 🔭 We are looking for an Ornithological Volunteer to join our friendly team on the Calf of Man during peak autumn migration, from the 2nd September until 30th September 2025! See below for more information 👇 www.mwt.im/jobs/calf-ma... @btobirds.bsky.social
Barred WarblerMerlinTwite
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
📣 NEW BLOG POST! 🪏🌸🦈 Wondering what the Calf Team got up to in May? Check out our latest blog for an update on the Estate work, special visitors and some wildlife highlights from the past month… www.mwt.im/blog/calf-ma... @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #calfbirdobs #ManxNature
mwt.im
Calf of Man: May Estate update | Manx Wildlife Trust
The Estate Team made the most of the gorgeous weather throughout May to tick off many of the outdoor jobs. The sunshine also brought the island's flora to life, while the birds were busy with their br...
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
📣Our latest blog post is up! Check it out to find out what the Calf Team got up to in the latter-half of April, including the wildlife highlights, bird monitoring and estate work... www.mwt.im/blog/calf-ma... @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #calfbirdobs #ManxNature
mwt.im
Calf of Man late-April Antics! | Manx Wildlife Trust
Late April saw more spring migrants arrive and pass through the Calf, while other species settled down to breed. The Ornithology Team were successful in their ringing efforts, breaking several records...
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Bird of the day, and what a handsome chap! 😍 Other highlights included a juvenile Crossbill, 2 Swifts, a Tree Pipit, 14 Spotted Flycatchers, a Jackdaw and two Hen Harriers. www.trektellen.org/count/view/2... #ukbirding #ManxNature
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
A brilliant spot by Ed this morning, with the Calf and Isle of Man’s 1st Red-rumped Swallow! A good arrival of other migrants too. Full day counts 🐦⬇️ www.trektellen.org/count/view/2... @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #ukbirding #ManxNature
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Ed Betteridge @edjbetteridge.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Breeding Eiders are starting to pick up on the Calf of Man now with females starting to lay across the island. Slowly getting my eye in to this rather cryptic species #ukbirding
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Ringing highlights today included 2 Reed Warblers, a male House Sparrow, and two foreign controls (a Belgian Sedge Warbler 🇧🇪 and French Chiffchaff 🇫🇷). Other migrants included Dunlin, Collared Dove, Grey Heron, 4 Spot Flys. www.trektellen.org/count/view/2... #ukbirding #ManxNature
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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
Our Water Rails have hatched! 🥳🐣 Last year they returned as a breeding species on the Calf for the first since 1994, with a single pair. This year we are pleased to report we have two pairs, and both now have fluffy black chicks (broods of 4+ and 7+)! @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social
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