iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Just bought myself a used EV car, and I'm loving it! 🥳

Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Thought I better give an update from my Swift colony as it's coming to an end. It's been another good year with 31 fledged birds v's 27 last year. This is despite less breeding pairs, 13 v's 15 however more clutches of 3 eggs this year 6 v's 2.

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Just had an Osprey over Dover Western Docks, that looked like it come in off, before heading inland over the cliffs. #kentbirding

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Despite still waiting on over half my Swifts to arrive back, the first egg was laid yesterday from my pair in box 20, just 9 days after arriving back.

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

Any millionaires out there that want to purchase a Country Park and help protect nature? Looks like the developer at Betteshanger has given up his quest and is looking to sell. invest.jll.com/uk/en/listin...

invest.jll.com

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Reposted by Dan Richards

Alice Roberts @profaliceroberts.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

With all that’s going on in the world right now, I feel it’s really important to draw a distinction between ‘religion’ and ‘faith’. I’m not religious, but I have a humanist worldview which prioritises rational thought, empathy and kindness. I know many people of faith who hold similar values. 1/5

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Welcome back old friend, a bit of light in a very dark world!

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

White Stork flew over my workplace at Dover Western Docks earlier and headed southerly along the coast towards Folkestone. #kentbirding

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

Further proof Betteshanger Country Park is a significant place for wildlife. An invertebrate survey carried out last year in accordance to a S106 linked to planning on the adjacent business park, found it to be of similar significance to Swanscombe Perninsula SSSI.

A page from an invertebrate survey carried out at Betteshanger Country Park in 2025. It lists a minimum of 336 invertebrate species recored with two species officially recorded as extinct and two species previously never been recorded in Britain. It also states the site is of regional level of importance and possibly national importance, on par with Swanscombe Perninsula SSSI.

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Two days later than last year but its here nonetheless #kentnature

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

Nice hearing the Redwings on the move, making my night shift more bearable #nocmig

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Reposted by Dan Richards

Tony Juniper @tonyjuniper.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

An across-government technical assessment published today recognises that "nature is the foundation of national security" and that "every critical ecosystem is on a pathway to collapse". A rational response to this would be to get very serious about nature recovery. www.gov.uk/government/p...

gov.uk

Nature security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security

This strategic assessment explores how global biodiversity loss and the collapse of critical ecosystems could affect the UK’s resilience, security and prosperity.

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 15/11/2025

Had an overtime shift yesterday. Although it never felt like work, but more a step back in time and a history lesson.

Entrance to the former Dover Marine Station.

Former station, now part of the Port of Dover Cruise terminal.

The Cavell Van was used to transport the three British bodies repatriated at the end of World War I to London including Edith Cavell and Charles Fryatt in 1919, and the Unknown Warrior in 1920 for his funeral.

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

Had a quick wander around Dover marina this morning, plenty there to keep me happy #kentbirding

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Bit of slow mo footage of a Humming-bird Hawk-moth seen in my garden yesterday. #Kentwildlife

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

At work and currently watching a Black Redstart feeding nearby, nice way to break up my 12hr shift 😅

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

I went to see the Spotted Crake this morning at Sandwich Bay, and as much as it was a pleasure to see it was the hirundines that gave me the most enjoyment. Thousands in the area with some feeding in large numbers just overhead.

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

A change in job and career began this week, and with it, a change of workplace birds to look out for 👀 #DoverDocks

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

I was treated to the spectacle of thousands of hirundines while walking the dogs yesterday, video doesn't do them justice, as they stretched as far as the eye could see. Also Med Gulls, Ravens and Buzzards made for an interesting walk across what are normally barren fields.

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

Nice morning spent birding Sandwich bay. Caught up with the Glossy Ibis that are in the area, plus Great White and Cattle Egret, and always a pleasure to see the Grey Partridge. #kentbirding

Glossy Ibis passing over a Great White Egret

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

Had a brief sea watch from the end of Deal pier this morning. Not much on the bird front, but called the coastguard, after spotting a life raft drifting south down the channel.

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Fair Political Coverage - we want to hear from ALL our parties @fairpoliticsnow.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

Ed Davey is leading narrative on Elon Musk’s incitement to violence msg. But is it getting ANY broadcast media attention? @bbcnewsnight.bsky.social @itvnews.bsky.social @skynewsrss.bsky.social @itvnewspolitics.bsky.social We demand ALL our parties get proper coverage not just overplatforming of one

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

My wife was after some driftwood, so where better than the beaches of Dungeness. While she searched for wood, I looked for birds, a win-win situation. An enjoyable sea watch was had, fittingly topped off by 3 Swift, battling the headwinds, on their journey south.

Two of three Swifts, seen heading south off Dungeness.

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Reposted by Dan Richards

Jason Hickel @jasonhickel.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

Amid international outrage, Israel is now claiming the double-tap strike on Nasser hospital was an accident—after celebrating it in Hebrew media. Drunk on their own impunity they take us all for fools. They mock humanity itself. Hell is not hot enough for these monsters.

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

Two weeks ago, I had to remove two chicks from a box after both adults had failed to return for a number of days. Both were underweight and needed urgent care, so I drove them to my nearest rehabber in Reigate. The second was released today, at 46 days old, and flew of strong 🥰

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 16/08/2025

My last two Swift chicks have had no adult contact since their last feed on the 14th. Hoping the adults have timed their departure right, and their weight isn't far off for fledging. I've also been informed, the 1st of my rehabbed chicks was released successfully today😁

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

Pissed off to see the remains of a House Martins nest, that was situated on my Doctors surgery. It's been used the last two or three years, and this year was no exception, when I watched adults feeding young, on my last visit.

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

Found this moth sadly dead in my garden this morning, is it a Striped Hawk Moth? #moths #Kentwildlife

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TG42Birder🇵🇸 @tg42birder.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

Important interview of a highly experienced American Green Beret by Jeremy Bowen, documenting IDF war crimes at aid sites.

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

Anyone able to identify this bee for me? I found it using my bee hotel, the holes are 4mm for comparison #bees #Kentwildlife

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 20/07/2025

Good news. But all while the country park is owned by a property developer, the nature there will hang on the balance.

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

Believe it or not, this Swift has just returned to feed its chicks. But rather than nest in the box, they had found an old cavity that took them into my loft space. Which means a climb up and back down with every feed 😅

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

A serious amount of ladybirds in my garden these past couple of days. #kentnature

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

When you're at work and get a message from your wife about a large moth in the garden. So I've still never seen an Elephant Hawk Moth 🙄

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

On a more positive note, while at work this afternoon, we had a walk over Kearsney Abbey, and enjoyed watching some Tufted duck chicks just doing their thing 😊

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

So I've been having a problem with a neighbours cat and despite my best efforts the bastard has still managed to get onto my outbuilding and take a prospecting Swift. When are owners going to take some responsibility for their pets, that constantly decimate our wildlife

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

These Swift chicks are less than a week from fledging, while other eggs at the colony have only just hatched. Which just shows the contrast between their breeding journeys. Still a bumper year here, with all 14 pairs attempting to breed, and currently 25 chicks across the nests. #kentnature

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 28/06/2025

The first morning of our event for Swift Awareness week was a success. Lots of interested people visited, with some spending their time just chilling in the garden watching the Swifts come and go, whats not to like 😊 #kentnature #kentbirding

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

A strange but enjoyable encounter with two deer on my drive home from work recently. These would have to be the most Easterly deer I've seen in kent, in maize fields, between Whitfield and Deal. #Kentwildlife

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

The speed these adult Swift enter the nest here is incredible. The trust they must have in each other to nail their landing 😅 #Kentwildlife

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 08/06/2025

Walmer and Deal Action for Swifts will be hosting two mornings at my colony for Swift Awareness Week on the 28th and 29th June. Anyone can pop along to talk all things Swifts, be it conservation or just a love for them. With live camera feeds and birds on the wing, what's not to love. #kentnature

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 08/06/2025

The fourth Swift chick only held on for two nights before the adult removed its weak body from the nest. Elsewhere at the colony, more eggs have been laid recently, with 13 pairs having now laid or in the process off laying. 1/2

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

The fourth Swift chick hatched today in box 21a. But with a 3, 4 and 5 day headstart, its siblings already have the upper hand. However, I do love an underdog, and I'll be rooting for it from the sidelines #kentwildlife

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 01/06/2025

Looks like a late Swift has returned to find its partner had started without it 🙈 Seen this happen before on occasions but never as late as this. #kentnature

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

Two Swift chicks hatched now in box 21a, it's all going to get chaotic from here 😅 #Kentwildlife

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 18/05/2025

Box 21a have always laid 3 eggs, so it was a shock to see 4 when they shuffled about this morning 😲 will make for interesting viewing if all four are fertile. #kentnature

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Dan Richards @danswiftr.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Single White Stork over my garden at Upper Deal, before drifting South. #kentbirding

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