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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Global October Big Day! Challenging birding conditions today (very windy!) - we finished the day on 45 species. The highlight of was seven Sanderling that flew past Cow Harbour - just the 16th Calf record and the first record for October. 💪 #ukbirding #globalbirding #globalbigday

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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

For the first time ever on the Calf... Two Great Spotted Woodpecker were caught in a season! Amazingly, they were both caught on the same day! It provided a nice comparison between female and male as well. This represents the 18th Calf record. #ukbirding #birdringing

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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

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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

Manx Shearwater Volunteer. Daily callback work to determine the island population! Also involves checking nest boxes, and catching adults at night. The position runs from 26th May - 23rd Jun (dates flexible). Deadline: 17th Mar 2026, for full details contact calfbirdwarden@mwt.im 📸Kate Fox 4/4

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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Eider Volunteer. Are you good at spotting Eiders in bracken? Help us map nests and dazzle adults. This role will also involve seabird ringing. The position runs from 28th Apr - 22nd Jun (dates flexible). Deadline: 3rd Mar 2026, for full details contact calfbirdwarden@mwt.im Eider 📸Kate Fox 3/4

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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Breeding Birds Volunteer wanted! Do you love mapping territories and finding nests? The focus is Linnet also seabirds and others. The position runs from 21st Apr - 26th May (dates flexible). Deadline: 24th Feb 2026, for full details contact calfbirdwarden@mwt.im Chick 📸Ed Betteridge 2/4

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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

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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

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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

3/3 The majority of chicks were colour ringed, allowing them to be identified in the field. We also had success catching adults in the breeding colonies, so we’re excited to see where they spend their winters. Keep an eye out for the Calf Class of 2025! @manxwildlifetrust.bsky.social #seabirds

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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

2/ Herring Gulls did well with 277 chicks ringed (2x the highest total from the last 3 years and highest since 2019). LBB Gulls did poorly, with only 3 chicks ringed and stronghold colonies devoid of chicks. GBB Gull chick numbers were on par with the last 5/6 years, with 39 ringed. #seabirds

The Bird Team ringing Herring Gull chicks at Cow Harbour

A Warden ringing Great Black-backed Gull chicks

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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 Shag

The Calf Team counting seabirds from the boat

Shag ringing training on the coastal slopes of the Calf

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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

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 underneath

Ed 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

4/4 After the females have left the nest, we return to check if they were successful. If so, we can estimate the number of chicks from the fragments of hatched shells around left the nest 🐣 This feeds into the @btobirds.bsky.social Nest Record Scheme, informing about Eider productivity!

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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

3/4 Once their chicks hatch, they walk them down to the sea and work their way round to the north of the island. There they wait for the tide to be just right so that they can paddle their family across the Sound to the Isle of Man to raise them!

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Calf of Man Bird Observatory @calfofmanbirdobs.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

2/4 Catching the females informs us about our breeding population and their habits. One female retrapped this year was ringed on the Calf in 2009, a new Calf longevity record! We also find some females consistently nesting earlier or later, and many returning to the same areas year on year

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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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