iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

A close fly-by from a Great Skua yesterday while hauling the trawl mid-Channel. This time in some fantastic light #SuperSeabirdSunday #birds

1412

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Little wonder around the woodlands surrounding Pendennis castle this morning. Minimum of 18 Firecrests in relatively small area. Lovely to see so many of these gorgeous little birds #UKBirding #birds

0321

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Home for the next few weeks @cefasgovuk.bsky.social RV CEFAS Endeavour for #Peltic2026 survey. Just departed Falmouth to begin operations in the morning

050

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Meep-meep - Wheatear coming through. Northern Wheatear on the barrage this morning showing a good turn of pace across the grass #BirdingWales #Birds

1302

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

The family have been using the well-formed 'nest' at the far end of the open area, assume the female built that as the chicks couldn't get into the original nest

010

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Is it reusing the one it's just got three young from, or is it a different bird?

100

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Some lovely clear skies here in Cardiff around dawn yesterday and the 84% waning gibbous moon looked lovely

0170

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Lots of Chiffchaff around the Bay at the moment, easily the commonest migrant species (actually almost the only!). This one played ball near the Cardiff wetland boardwalk the other day #BirdingWales #Birds

0121

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

But any evidence (ringed beached birds etc) as to which populations, could still be different ones

100

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I wonder whether these moulting Manx are breeding birds from the Atlantic Islands which came north with the Balearics and not UK breeding birds (though could perhaps be non-breeders)

100

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Rather like this water level photo of a Black-headed Gull taken in Cardiff Bay a few days ago. They really are very smart birds #SuperSeabirdSunday #BirdingWales

0291

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Cetti's Warblers are generally secretive beasts but I a little patience on the Cardiff wetland reserve boardwalk (there are several in the area) was rewarded with it popping onto a bramble branch for a very brief but lovely view in some soft early morning sunshine #SmallBirdSaturday #BirdingWales

0273

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

I had assumed so with that number

010

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

A Moorhen had set up a nest on top of a bramble bush in the open 3m from the Cardiff wetland reserve boardwalk. She now has 3 young, just a few days old by the look of it, some funky colours going on around the head. #birds #birdingWales

0210

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Wow, 141 sounds a huge total for Kenfig. There were a few pairs around the Bay but not a bumper year. Got the impression it may have been family parties still hanging out together until recently

120

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Had still been seeing them regularly in the previous few days at various other locations around the bay

110

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I don't see Common Whitethroat in Britannia Park, Cardiff Bay very often. So a lovely adult on Sunday 20 Sept, which was relatively confiding was a nice find

1151

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Any morning when you can watch an Otter on your patch has got to be a good one #mammals

0162

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Adult male Guillemot with its youngster in the Minch a few days ago, saw and heard a large number of these during the 11 day cruise #superseabirdsunday #birds

0255

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Lovely close Manx Shearwater in the Irish Sea on the 5th September #SuperSeabirdSunday #birds

0386

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

After the excitement of the Black Tern at Lisvane last week it was nice to find a juv on patch in Cardiff Bay, tho sadly too distant for photos. Then @garethstamp77.bsky.social found an adult on the Taff. Caught it during a brief shower with some sun #SuperSeabirdSunday #BirdingWales

0494

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Amazingly, given that it's not exactly prime wader habitat, the Black-tailed Godwit has stuck it out at the Cardiff wetland reserve for a week now. It's now been joined by Snipe too, don't get to watch these in the open here normally #BirdingWales #Birds

1240

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

I felt this week's juvenile Black Tern was worth a second visit, so returned the morning of the 25th when the light was much better for some flight shots #BirdingWales #Birds

3301

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

A short train ride to north Cardiff yesterday afternoon to have a look at a lovely juvenile Black Tern that had been found at Lisvane reservoir in the morning #BirdsSeenIn2026 #BirdingWales

0362

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

They've taken a while to show up but finally saw my first Wheatear of the autumn on the barrage this morning - always a very welcome sight #BirdingWales

0262

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Great to watch a handful of Tufted Duck feeding just off the endof the cardiff wetland reserve boardwalk yesterday morning #BirdingWales #Birds

0180

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Black-tailed Godwit is a bit of a rarity in Cardiff Bay, so great to catch up with one at Cardiff wetland reserve this morning #BirdsSeenIn2026 #BirdingWales

1519

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Spotted Flycatcher, one of my favourite autumn migrants in Silurian Park, Cardiff Bay this morning and just a couple of minutes walk from the house #birdsseenin2026 #BirdingWales

0304

Reposted by Peter Howlett

Dr Alex Bond @thelabandfield.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Big new @adriftlab.bsky.social paper - we show for the first time that plastics affects seabirds at the POPULATION level. Plastic ingested as a chick reduces recruitment of birds to the breeding population. And the story is pretty grim. 🧵 www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...

316092

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Autumn sedge Warblers are beautiful birds, especially when you get really good close views of one creeping around the bottom of reeds and other vegetation at Cardiff wetland reserve #birds #birdingWales

0261

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Been seeing loads of reports of Hummingbird Hawk Moths turning up in people's gardens. Finally had one in mine yesterday - just a shame the light had gone a bit

0100

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

It may 'only' have been 93% here in Cardiff but the eclipse was still impressive. The change in the quality of the light was amazing and yet equally amazing how light it still was given how much of the sun was covered. 1 18:14 pre-contact 2 18:52 3 19:13 4 19:27 with a wisp of cloud

1194

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

A visit to Lerwick last week allowed for some lovely close views of Fulmar on the Knab #SuperSeabirdSunday #birds

0232

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Plenty of Emperor Dragonflies around at the moment, can be a challenge to get a decent shot of them as they scoot around looking for prey but quite pleased with this one taken on the River Taff a couple of days ago #wildlifephotography #wildlife

A male Emperor Dragonfly caught in flight against a blue backdrop

1292

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

A Blackbird with a beak full of food for it youngsters, in a nest just off the boardwalk at Cardiff wetland reserve, couldn't hear them calling when it dived into cover so perhaps still small #birdingwales #birds

A male blackbird perches on a branch with a beak full of slugs and caterpillars for its nestlings

0220

Reposted by Peter Howlett

Paul Bowerman @severnsidebirds.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

A speedy response from the BTO. It was ringed as a chick at RAF Honington, Suffolk 29.5.19 It was first reported here at Northwick Warth, South Glouceserdhire 3.9.23 Then Rutland Water 10.3.24 So 7 years old and well traveled.

051

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Some beautiful light on the water surface shows how this River Skater (Aquarius najas) manages to take advantage of the surface tension and move over the surface #wildlife #insects

A River Skater (Aquarius najas) sits on the surface of some water. The light has made the water look like liquid bronze and the dimple made where each foot makes contact with the water surface stands out

0130

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Lovely juv Med Gull in Cardiff Bay on 17/07 and, as it turns out, a fast mover. Ringed as chick in colony near Leipzig 16/06, seen in colony on 07/07 then the 1059km to Cardiff in 11 days #BirdingWales #SuperSeabirdSunday

0473

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

The IWSG online Register of wader colour-ring projects suggests it could be research.sightings@bto.org

200

Reposted by Peter Howlett

Bird Observatories Council GB&I @birdobscouncil.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Our team are at Global Bird Fair this weekend. Call in to say hi and learn about Bird Observatories in the Swallow Marquee (S15&16). Thanks to Limosa/Wildwings for their sponsorship and the £250 prize off any holiday for our quiz.

094

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

I think another look back to my visit to New Zealand in 2024 for this week's #SuperSeabirdSunday with this lovely White-capped Albatross gliding overhead on outstretched wings against a clear blue sky

0312

Reposted by Peter Howlett

Ann @stellarpics.net · 30/06/2026

You head to Costa Rica with a bird bucket list. Then along comes a little bird you didn't even know existed and it takes your breath away. Meet the Sungrebe. It's not a grebe and it dislikes the sun. What's in a name anyway! #birds #birdsseenin2026 #CostaRica #wildlife #nikon #z8

A small, duck-sized female Sungrebe swims on calm water. It has a striking blue/black cap, bright white stripes down its neck, and vibrant orangish-brown cheeks. Its stout bill is pointed, and its fanned tail rests on the water's surface.

Female Sungrebe identified by its orange cheeks. The male has white cheek patch.

3607

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Not much better than a magnificent Wandering Albatross gliding low over the waves for #WorldAlbatrossDay and #SuperSeabirdSunday

0224

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

A beautiful Black Guillemot in Hammerfest harbour, Norway back in April #SuperSeabirdSunday

0232

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

A little look back to October 2024 for #SuperSeabirdSunday and my annual visit to the Channel and Celtic Sea with CEFAS. This Cory's Shearwater was living up to its name in the Channel

0142

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Got excited about seeing 2 Cory's Shearwaters out in the Porcupine Seabight yesterday, seen more than 70 today between 150-200 miles SSW of Ireland. Likely females from Portuguese colonies on pre-laying exodus #UKbirding #seabirds

0296

Reposted by Peter Howlett

tombrereton.bsky.social @tombrereton.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Exciting MARINElife survey ahead covering Biscay and the shelf-edge of south west Ireland. Survey dates 25 May - 2 June. Surveyors Robin and @cardiffbirder.bsky.social Follow the action on the blog that will be here, once the survey is live marine-life.org.uk/survey-repor...

023

Reposted by Peter Howlett

Paul Dufour @pauldufour80.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Some migration info from 7 Whinchats (Saxicola rubetra) tagged with multi-sensor loggers: kind of loop migration, spring Sahara crossing up to ~5,000 m despite their tiny size (~16g), and unusually prolonged flights both at autumn and spring. 🪶🏔️ Full paper here: doi.org/10.1007/s10336-026-02409-1

migration tracks and info of seven Whinchats tagged in the Alps

04418

Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

A visit to Caerffili common this morning and a little taken aback that the first bird I saw on getting out of the car was an Osprey, drifting over to the north #BirdingWales #BirdsSeenIn2026

0364