iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dawn Balmer @debalmer.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Great to see this paper published and happy to have helped in a very small way. Congratulations @pomscheme.bsky.social - top job!

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

PoMS reaches another key milestone with publication of our modelling paper and blog on the eve of the last day of our 10th survey season!! 👏🎉 Thanks as ever to all the volunteers, partners and funders who have made this possible 🙏 🌟 More details below!

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Dawn Balmer @debalmer.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

You can check out Nutcracker and hundreds of other species on the amazing Eurobirdportal. Here are counts of Nutcracker. You can change species by clicking on 'new data' and updating visualisation. Also counts/occurences. #BirdTrack data feeds in nightly www.eurobirdportal.org/ebp/en/#home...

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UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme @pomscheme.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Last few days left for your FIT Counts! 😃 If you can find flowers and good weather you can still contribute a #pollinator count - but hurry 👩‍🦽🏃🚴‍♀️ the season ends on Weds 30 September ⏳️

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Did you know some UK-breeding Lesser Black-backed Gulls are migratory? In autumn, they head to Spain, Portugal, and North and West Africa to winter. Could individuals you've monitored be among those heading south? #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Image of a Lesser Black-backed Gull with two chicks.

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European Bird Census Council @ebcc.info · 28/09/2026

New Pick of the Week by Nils van Duivendijk - Pallas's Warbler! A vagrant species in Europe, coming from Siberia, usually in autumn. By checking the new EBP viewer, you can follow its whereabouts across the continent: eurobirdportal.org/ebp/en/#home...

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Dawn Balmer @debalmer.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

What an amazing contribution! I can't wait to enter mine to #BirdTrack - just need more days in the week!

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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

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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 · 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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Dawn Balmer @debalmer.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Four singing Woodlark at East Wretham Heath this morning. Stood dreaming of water and ducks when one of these cows on Langmere put up a Snipe. That was a surprise! I'm predicting a year or more until there is water back in the meres. None here since June. #NorfolkBirding

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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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British Birds @britishbirds.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

What were your birding highlights in August? We’ve looked back at some of ours and are looking forward to more autumn birding!

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

New job alert 🪶🧪 We are hiring a Conservation Scientist to work on links between hydrological restoration and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker conservation Deadline: 7/10/26 Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car... #SpeciesRecoveryProgramme @naturalengland.bsky.social 📷Ben Andrew

A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker perched by its nest hole

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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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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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Dawn Balmer @debalmer.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Always enjoy visiting RSPB Frampton Marsh and today clocked up 67 species for #BirdTrack Superb Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Merlin, 2 Whinchat, Stonechat, 50 Pinks, 25 Yellow Wags, 150+ Mipits and a stunning White Wagtail. Water in reedbed but rest very dry. #LincsBirding @lincsbirding.bsky.social

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The departure of the Swallows and the return of the Meadow Pipits. Observations added to @birdtrack.bsky.social as "complete lists" through the app or browser version help us to map seasonal changes such as this. It's a nice, mindful way to feel connected to time and place! #ShropshireBirding

The BirdTrack reporting rate graph for Meadow Pipit in England, showing a small increase in reporting rate for March-April (20% compared with an average of around 10%) and a larger increase, peaking in late September and early to mid-October at 32%.

The BirdTrack reporting rate graph for (Barn) Swallow, showing the arrival of the birds during April, and their departure in September/early October).

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Dawn Balmer @debalmer.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Afternoon visit to Welney WWT 2 Garganey, Glossy Ibis, Hobby, 52 Ruff, 11 Great Egrets, 25 Cattle Egrets # NorfolkBirding

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Over the past week, we’ve received additional colony count data from the 2026 season for 16 SMP species, including Great Skua! If you haven’t submitted your data yet, there’s still time before the October 31st deadline. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An image of numerous Great Skuas. One of the species for which additional data has been submitted this week.

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Dawn Balmer @debalmer.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Buff-breasted Sabdpiper still at Frampton RSPB. On grassland nr raptorviewpoint 1720hrs @birdguides.bsky.social #LincsBirding @lincsbirding.bsky.social

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British Birds @britishbirds.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

BBCT are delighted to welcome David Stroud and Ian Packer as Trustees. Both bring extensive experience in ornithology and conservation, together with expertise that will help support the work of BBCT. Read more: britishbirds.co.uk/journal/arti...

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

(1/) Sand Martins are often found nesting in banks alongside waterways. This small insectivorous species increased by 69% in this habitat 1999–2024. Find out more about this summer migrant species: www.bto.org/learn/about-... @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social

A Sand Martin is shown. It is perched in a crack in a wall. It is a brown bird with long wings. It has white on its face.

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Don't miss the first Youth Out in Nature Summit on 26 September at RSPB Newport Wetlands! Join us for FREE! Sign up at www.bto.org/our-work/eve... @rspbcymru.bsky.social

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

(1/) John Gibson’s story of 26 years of change on a BBS square in the Wigan area of Northwest England shows just how much can change during that time period. It used to be a coal mine, and now it is home to Willow Tits and many other species: www.bto.org/get-involved... @btobirds.bsky.social

A Willow Tit is shown. It has a brown body, white cheeks and a black cap. It is perched on a branch. The caption says: 'Volunteer Stories'.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Black-headed Gulls — rather noisy gulls, especially at breeding colonies! Their notable ‘black head’ comes and goes, but other plumage features change throughout their lives too. Take a look at the examples below to find out more! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An image of Black-headed Gulls in different stages of life/plumage. Images include a young juvenile, older juvenile, 1st-summer individual, and adults in both winter and summer plumage.

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

We're looking for our next Editor of BTO News! Find out more about the role and apply here➡️ www.bto.org/jobs 😀 📅 Full time, Permanent. 📝 £38,710.00 per annum. 📍 Thetford, Norfolk (Hybrid). Deadline for applications: 30 September 2026. #Ornithology

A bird called a Redstart perches on top of a post, showing its bright orange-red underparts, grey upperparts and black face and bill. Wording above reads: We're hiring! Science Communications Manager.

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Less than a week to apply to join BTO as a Senior Research Ecologist. ➡️ www.bto.org/jobs #Ornithology #Bioacoustics

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Graham Appleton @wadertales.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Dotterel. Nearly 1000km beteen nesting attempts. wadertales.wordpress.com/2026/09/15/b... WaderTales blog #159 #ornithology

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British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) @bou.org.uk · 15/09/2026

Check out this small grant fund from @essexbirdnews.bsky.social Available to support conservation or research projects relevant to bird conservation and knowledge within the county of Essex ebws.org.uk/conserva... #ornithology 🪶

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British Birds @britishbirds.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

A Least Bittern was discovered at Scousburgh, Mainland, Shetland, on 7th October 2022. Consequently, Least Bittern has been added to Category A of the British List. This constituted the tenth record for the Western Palearctic. Read more: britishbirds.co.uk/journal/arti... 📸Tom Hines

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

(1/) It has been something of a Quail ‘year’ this year. This mysterious species is sometimes recorded on BBS squares, almost exclusively detected by its loud and distinctive ‘Wet My Lips!’ call that is typically delivered from deep cover. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social #Ornithology

A Quail is shown. It is small brown game bird with streaked plumage. It is perched on the ground.

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Essex Birdwatching Society @essexbirdnews.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

The 2026 Big County Birdwatch starts in just 5 days and there are lots of free walks you can join. Visit www.ebws.org.uk/index.php/ev... for more information and we look forward to seeing you there 🦆🦢🦉 #essexbirding

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Suzanne Atkinson @suzanne11a.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Should I or shouldn't I - oh go on then - wait for me! Scaup at Spurn today #Migfest #yorkshirebirding #ukbirding

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Dawn Balmer @debalmer.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Just home from another amazing Spurn Migration Festival #Migfest Some great vismig, brilliant presentation by Mark Constantine & Magnus Robb, masterclasses, talks, social, pub time. Big shout to the Spurn Ladies who provided fab food and drink throughout. Many thanks to all the organisers and vols.

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Dawn Balmer @debalmer.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

#Migfest bring it on....and the Meadow Pipits!

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British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) @bou.org.uk · 10/09/2026

⏰ NOMINATIONS CLOSING SOON Know someone in #ornithology deserving of recognition? Nominate them for a BOU award now! 🪶 🥇 Godman Salvin Prize 🥇 Alfred Newton Lecture 🥇 Janet Kear Union Medal 🥇 Early Professional Award Deadline: 15 September 2026 Nominate: bou.org.uk/about-the...

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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

This evening 15 adult Pale-bellied Brent Geese touched down at Ness Point, Lowestoft. They could not be any further east & were completely un-phased as they fed as the tide pushed them ever closer to us. A memorable encounter for East Anglia. @suffolkbirdgroup.bsky.social #ukbirding #suffolkbirding

Pale-bellied Brent Geese looking out at Ness Point

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Welsh Ornithological Society @birdsinwales.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Welsh Ornithological Society Annual Conference 2026 📅 31 October 2026 📍 Aberystwyth University ⏰ 10am–5pm 🎯 Theme: ‘Bound for Wales’ | ‘Ar y ffordd i Gymru’ 🎟️ Book your place now - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/welsh-orni...

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Yorkshire Naturalists' Union @ynuorg.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

We're pleased to be one of the exhibitor's at this weekend's Spurn Migfest, you can join the YNU or purchase past publications at special event prices. With weekend tickets sold out it should be a great event - please pop by and say hello 👋 @spurnbirdobs.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

We've had over 1,000 colony count submissions to the SMP in 2026 so far! Of the 23 seabird species with data, Fulmar has the most. Remember to submit your colony count and breeding success data before the October 31st data deadline. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

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British Birds @britishbirds.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Come find the British Birds team at this weekend’s Spurn Migration Festival We’re very pleased to be sponsoring several events to make the weekend truly an experience including the Friday night lecture by The Sound Approach.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Razorbill — perhaps one of our most striking seabirds! Take a look at the post below to find out more about this cliff-nesting species. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Image of a Razorbill with an accompanying species fact file which highlights wingspan (60 - 69cm), maximum age (41 years), diet (fish), number of eggs (1), when to see (year-round), and number of pairs in Britain and Northern Ireland (165,000).

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Dawn Balmer @debalmer.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

First Meadow Pipit of the autumn over East Wretham Heath this morning. Woodlark singing and a Tree Pipit still lingering. Scraped 31 species for #BirdTrack - having no water in the three meres makes a big difference to list length! #NorfolkBirding

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

(1/) This week’s volunteer story comes from Alan Gomersall, who surveyed a BBS square on a housing estate in Middle England for many years. With Red Kites drifting by overhead, he encountered an interesting variety of species over the years…: www.bto.org/get-involved... @btobirds.bsky.social

An image of a Red Kite is shown. It is a large bird of prey with a forked tail. The caption says: 'Volunteer Stories'.

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Dungeness Bird Observatory @dungenessbirdobs.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Come join us for the Big Kent Bird Migration Day at Dungeness Bird Observatory! There will be lots going on, with a guided walk, visible migration watches, seawatching and hopefully bird ringing if the weather allows. We hope to see you there! #kentbirding

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

David from the BBS Team attended this Regional Network Meeting at Attenborough Nature reserve near Nottingham this past weekend! It was great to see some of our fantastic volunteers who are based across England. Find out more about the BTO Regional Network here: www.bto.org/get-involved...

bto.org

Regional Network | BTO

Regional RepresentativesA Regional Representative (RR) is our local leader for BTO in their region, and a key point of contact for other local members and volunteers. The key elements of the role are ...

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British Birds @britishbirds.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

The UK breeding population of Eurasian Spoonbill continued its rapid expansion in 2025, with up to 93 pairs fledging 197 young across 15 breeding sites, according to the UK Spoonbill Working Group. Read more: britishbirds.co.uk/journal/arti... 📸 Andrew Bloomfield

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