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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Take part in our Ivy Bee Survey by visiting an Ivy bush that is in flower on a dry, clear day and photograph any Ivy Bees you see. You can then share your sightings via iNaturalist or by posting the details below:

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Ivy Bee’s main food source are Ivy flowers and are seen from September to late November during the flowering period of Ivy. They are a solitary species, but nest in dense aggregations underground in sandy, light soils.

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

They were first recorded in Dorset in 2001 and in 2015 they were recorded in Birmingham and the Black Country for the first time. We need your help to discover how widespread this species is in 2026.

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Ivy is a fantastic late flowering plant for pollinators. If you look closely you might be lucky to spot an Ivy Bee! Ivy Bees are common in continental Europe, but they have only fairly recently made the hop across the channel to the UK.

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Today we lead an invertebrate survey at Bartley Meadow, next to Bartley Reservoir in South Birmingham. A highlight was this Clouded Yellow butterfly, spotted feeding on red clover near the picnic area! This migratory species is clearly having quite a year! Have you spotted one yet?

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Drop us a message if you're interested in coming along, and we can let you know the full details (meeting place etc).

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Join Birmingham and Black Country Invertebrate Group tomorrow, for an insect survey at Shire Oak Park in Walsall Wood. We will be using various survey techniques to explore the heathlands and find our more about what invertebrates are living at this wonderful site. Beginners are welcome!

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Good photos are one of the most important elements of a high-quality biological record, as they help others to identify species accurately and make your observations more valuable for conservation.

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Join iNaturalist on August 4th at 5pm for a free webinar where you will learn how to approach and photograph insects effectively, capture the key features needed to identify plants, get clear shots of the underside of mushrooms, and quickly upload multiple photos to iNaturalist in one go.

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

You can see the sightings so far here: uk.inaturalist.org/observations...

uk.inaturalist.org

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

If you DO spot one please let us know - preferably by submitting the record via iRecord or iNaturalist, or by sending us an email with the details.

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Every few years we get an influx of the migratory Clouded Yellow butterfly. This year we've already had several sightings in Birmingham and the Black Country, so it's looking set to be a 'Clouded Yellow Summer'! Have you spotted one yet?

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

The project is suitable for all ages and has been designed to be accessible to families, community groups and nature enthusiasts. For more information please email blackbirddetectives@gmail.com.

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Participants may also nominate nests for additional research through the Blackbird Detectives project.

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Participants are asked to make simple observations of Blackbirds and look for their nests in gardens, parks and other local green spaces. Observations can then be submitted through the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)'s Nesting Neighbours and Nest Record Scheme platforms.

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

A PhD researcher at the University of Birmingham has developed a citizen science project called Blackbird Detectives, which aims to engage families, schools and local communities in collecting observations of Blackbirds and their nests across urban and rural environments.

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

ADDITIONAL SURVEY DATE ADDED! - We have added an additional survey date to visit Bartley Meadows (next to Bartley Reservoir) in Birmingham. This will take place on Friday 7th August.

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY RESCHEDULED - due to the hot weather forecast, this Wednesday’s survey visit to The Summers in Willenhall has unfortunately had to be rescheduled. This field visit will now take place on Wednesday 1st August.

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Our other upcoming BIG surveys are below

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

The larvae of this species are known to feed exclusively on caddis fly larvae, indicating that the ponds at Wood Farm represent particularly valuable habitats.

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

While eating lunch we spotted a massive beetle climbing up a reed next to one of the pools. On closer inspection by Mark this is thought to be a Black-bellied great Diving Beetle Dytiscus semisulcatus - our 1st record of this species in Birmingham and the Black Country!

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

We had a great day exploring the site and its pools, with several species of dragonflies and damselflies, and Ringlet butterflies putting on a great display!

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Locally Rare Beetle Found at Wood Farm Survey! Thanks to all those that made it to out first Birmingham & Black Country Invertebrate Group (BIG) survey of the year last week at Wood Farm in Bloxwich.

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

This year we’re focusing on quality as well as quantity. Our aim is for at least 50% of observations to reach research grade which requires users to check and confirm IDs on iNaturalist. Anyone can help - follow the link in the comments to see what needs verifying.

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Five days left to upload and identify all the observations you made during the City Nature Challenge 2026 weekend (24–27 April)! We’ve smashed last year’s total, and you can explore the amazing wildlife recorded across the area so far - like this Slowworm observation by @JamesBenwell (on iNat).

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

You can see what we've recorded so far here: uk.inaturalist.org/projects/cit... Thanks!

uk.inaturalist.org

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Hi John. If you haven't already, would you please consider adding these photos to iNaturalist, so they can count towards our total? Any photos or sound recordings of wildlife taken between 24th to 27th April in Birmingham and the Black Country counts.

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Ruth Newby @ruthnewby.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

My first Large Red Damselfly this year, seen at Hill Hook LNR. Looking forward to seeing them in the garden soon. @britishdragonflies.bsky.social @ecorecord.bsky.social

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

That’s it! The City Nature Challenge 2026 recording period is over 🌿 As of now, our area has made over 10,700 observations spanning around 1,200 species! An amazing effort for such a short period. But it’s not over yet! We still have until 10 May to upload and identify observations.

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Tomorrow marks the start of the global four-day recording event, City Nature Challenge! Join in either independently or at one of our events: - Witton Lakes (24th) iNaturalist training & guided walk - Smestow Valley (25th) wildflower walk - Warley Woods (27th) bioblitz Happy recording! 🤳🐦‍⬛

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

The sun was shining so we were luck to see plenty of bees and bugs - particularly in the wonderful community garden area. Thanks to Birmingham Open Spaces Forum and Friends of Handsworth Park for helping us to put on the event!

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Today we kicked off our City Nature Challenge activities, with an iNaturalist training session and wildlife walk at Handworth Park! It was great to see so many people using iNaturalist to record the park's wildlife!

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Join us on the 22nd April for a pre-City Nature Challenge event in Handsworth Park! The workshop will involve a talk introducing you to iNaturalist and CNC, followed by a guided wildlife recording walk! Book via the link below: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bosf-celeb...

eventbrite.co.uk

BOSF: Celebrate Earth Day 2026 in Handsworth Park

Join us for Earth Day at Handsworth Park: EcoRecord workshop & nature walk - Free event & lunch hosted by the Friends of Handsworth Park!

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

🌿 One week to go until the City Nature Challenge! 🌿 Check out the events happening across Birmingham & the Black Country via our 2026 events poster. Event details & links on our CNC webpage (link in comments). Grab your phone, head outside, and spot local wildlife! 🌍📸

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

🌿 One week to go until City Nature Challenge! Check out these two events on Fri 24th: 📍 Salford Park, Birmingham (BCC Rangers) www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=... 📍 Saltwells NR, Dudley (Time2Breathe) www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=... Photo: danielsalinas00 on iNaturalist

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

🌳Its officially 10 days until the start of the City Nature Challenge!🌳 This year its running from the 24th-27th April. You can take part by taking photos or recording sound of any wild species and uploading them to iNaturalist by 10th May. Stay tuned for info about planned CNC recording events!

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Hughie King @hughieking.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Few pics of the 2 Ring Ouzels at Lutley Wedge, West Mids today.

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Ruth Newby @ruthnewby.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

One of the largest bees I’ve ever seen, a female Bombus vestalis (Southern or Vestal Cuckoo Bee) in the garden yesterday. #bees #bumblebees @ecorecord.bsky.social @bumblebeetrust.bsky.social

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Ruth Newby @ruthnewby.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Could this #spider possibly be Araniella displicata? Found in my Sutton Coldfield garden 6/4/26, nearest record I can find is from Hinkley (Leics). Abdominal markings are rather faint, but colour seems right. @britishspiders.bsky.social

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Lukas Large @lukaslarge.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

I love the weird faces of Criorhina ranunculi, seen at Sarehole Mill #UKwildlife #Diptera #flies

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Lukas Large @lukaslarge.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

This looks good: "We are hosting a Showcase evening of our work on Friday 10th April- 6-8pm and we'd love you to come along! This project combines our passion for Black Country heritage, natural history and design. We present... Siluria! A deep-dive into the Black Country's Tropical past!"

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Only 2 weeks or so to go until Birmingham and the Black Country takes part in the City Nature Challenge! This one looks to be the biggest ever with about 790 city areas worldwide taking part in the global wildlife recording challenge, including a record 29 from the UK!

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

If you’re passionate about wildlife recording and enjoy introducing others to iNaturalist, you might consider becoming an iNaturalist Ambassador. It’s a voluntary role supporting events (e.g. bioblitzes) and helping others make and ID observations. More info: www.inaturalist.org/pages/ambass...

inaturalist.org

iNaturalist Ambassador Program · iNaturalist

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Join us this Earth Day at Handsworth Park for a free session on using iNaturalist for biological recording. Includes iNaturalist training, an intro to EcoRecord, and a guided walk - perfect prep for City Nature Challenge 2026. 22 April, 11am–1pm Book: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bosf-celeb...

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John McGowan @jmc223.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Siskin at the garden feeder again - you don't see any for months then they are all over the place!! Birmingham UK - 22-03-26 #birds #ukbirding #uknature #ukwildlife #nature #ornithology #photography #birdphotography #canon #naturephotography

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EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Some sort of Chironomid (non-biting midge) - there are lots of them, and they're quite tricky to ID!

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John Dawson @uselessangler.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Taken at Winterbourne House Birmingham today, any ideas what it is? #bugs

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