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Richard Carter, FCD

@friendsofdarwin.bsky.social
349 followers 413 following 674 posts

Writer • #HebdenBridge offcumden • #CharlesDarwin fanboy • European Interested in where #science, #histsci and #nature intersect. Writing book about looking at the world through #Darwin ’s eyes. richardcarter.com friendsofdarwin.com

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Reposted by Richard Carter, FCD
Eleanor Bath @eleanorbath.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Why do animals fight? I’m recruiting a PhD student at Durham University to investigate the ecology, evolution and genes underlying aggression in fruit flies Funded PhD (UK students only). Details & how to apply 👇 www.findaphd.com/phds/project... Please share! #PhD #Evolution #BehaviouralEcology
findaphd.com
What drives aggression? Linking Ecology, Evolution, and Genes at Durham University on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - What drives aggression? Linking Ecology, Evolution, and Genes at Durham University, listed on FindAPhD.com
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
TFW you’re revising one of the later chapters in your book, and you realise it repeats a whole bunch of stuff from a much earlier chapter. How could I have missed this? Time to kill some darlings! #AmWriting
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
A new, copiously illustrated post on my personal website about my latest missed photo-opportunity--a lesson in stoical photography…
richardcarter.com
Distracted by a heron
My latest lesson in stoical photography.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
A41, obvs.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
10-Oct: On this day in 1881, Charles Darwin’s final book, ‘The Formation of Vegetable Mould Through the Action of Worms, with Observations on their Habits’ was published. It was a magnificent swan-song. You can read my review here: friendsofdarwin.com/reviews/darw... #HistSci
friendsofdarwin.com
Book review: ‘The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worms’ by Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin's wonderful final book.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Fellow tetrapods of the order Primates, I have finished revising two more chapter of my book, ‘Through Darwin’s Eyes’. I'm starting to feel the end of the second draft might finally be in sight… But then what?
richardcarter.com
Through Darwin’s Eyes
About my work in progress, a book exploring how Charles Darwin looked at the world, and how his theories enabled us to look at the same world in new and better ways.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Probably should have got a human being to write the response.
bbc.co.uk
OpenAI admits response to Australian government hacks 'not good enough'
Top executive Jason Kwon tells hearing company has added "more precautions" to its training environments.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
TFW you go out for a lovely romantic meal for two at a bijou restaurant and one of the party of ten on the table next to you is a woman with a laugh like a bloody kookaburra.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
02-Oct: On this day in 1836, HMS ’Beagle’ docked in Falmouth after an almost five-year voyage circumnavigating the globe. After he disembarked, young Charles Darwin was to remain a landlubber for the rest of his life. friendsofdarwin.com/articles/dar... #HistSci
friendsofdarwin.com
02-Oct-1836: Darwin returns to Blighty
<em>HMS Beagle</em> returns to Britain after nearly five years circumnavigating the globe.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
It's what finally made my buy noise-cancelling earbuds. Game-changer!
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
I’m not at all sure how this happened, but I got up at 05:30 this morning and revised three chapters of my book before breakfast! (In fairness, they were damn short chapters. Still, though…)
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
A young woman just offered me her seat on the train… It has come to this.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
28-Sep: On this day in 1838, Charles Darwin brainstormed some old ideas about population growth from Rev. Thomas Malthus, and a famous simile was born… #HistSci
friendsofdarwin.com
28-Sep-1838: Darwin brainstorms Malthus
On 28 September 1838, Charles Darwin made some notes inspired by the writings of Rev. Thomas Malthus, and a famous simile was born.
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Reposted by Richard Carter, FCD
Julian Hoffman @julianhoffman.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Absolutely over the moon and deeply honoured to see Waterstones select LIFELINES as one of their Paperbacks of the Year for 2026! They've backed this book right from the very beginning and I'm so grateful for the incredible support. @eandtbooks.bsky.social @waterstones.bsky.social
Image from Waterstones Paperbacks of the Year promotion with the cover of Lifelines by Julian Hoffman against a gold and starred background.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
A family of five kestrels were hunting in the updraughts on the Moor this afternoon.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Almost twelve(!) years ago, I wrote about the early morning shadow of our kitchen tap cast on the kitchen wall at this time of year (link below). This morning, it was back… All is right with the world! richardcarter.com/sidelines/au...
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Thanks, Thony!
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
23-Sep: On this day in 1832, young Charles Darwin made an important discovery at Punta Alta in Argentina: the fossil remains of what he took to be a species of rhinoceros. It was actually an extinct species of giant ground sloth, or Megatherium… friendsofdarwin.com/articles/dar... #HistSci
friendsofdarwin.com
23-Sep-1832: Darwin discovers a ‘rhinoceros’
…for which, read ‘giant ground sloth’ or ‘Megatherium’.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
23-Sep: Fifteen(!) years ago today, I began writing my book ‘On the Moor: science, history and nature on a country walk’. It took me six years and two months to publish it. My Darwin book is also taking a bit of time, but I'll get there in the end! richardcarter.com/on-the-moor/
richardcarter.com
On the Moor
‘On the Moor: science, history and nature on a country walk’ shows how a routine walk in the countryside is enhanced by an appreciation of science, history, and natural history.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
17-Sep: On this day is 1842, Charles Darwin moved to his forever home, Down House, in Kent. Here’s the story… friendsofdarwin.com/darwin-comes... #HistSci
friendsofdarwin.com
Darwin comes to Downe
On 17th September 1842, Charles Darwin moved into Down House. It was to remain his home for the rest of his life.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Just over a year ago, I began a project to re-photograph the same lichen every time I re-visit my beloved Anglesey, to see how it changes over time. This week, I added a third photograph to my collection. You can see all the photos on my website at: richardcarter.com/sidelines/li...
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
16-Sep: On this day in 1835, Charles Darwin first set foot on the Galápagos Islands… friendsofdarwin.com/articles/dar... #HistSci
friendsofdarwin.com
16-Sep-1835: Darwin sets foot on the Galápagos Islands
Darwin first sets foot on the Galápagos Islands.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Around 40 chapters. I‘m about 75% of the way through my second draft.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Well, since you asked, I’ve avoided AI this week by editing *my* latest book, ‘Through Darwin’s Eyes’. Very much looking forward to your Bradford gig! richardcarter.com/through-darw...
richardcarter.com
Through Darwin’s Eyes
About my work in progress, a book exploring how Charles Darwin looked at the world, and how his theories enabled us to look at the same world in new and better ways.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Thanks. I recognise those jars!
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Ladies, gentlemen, or whatever label rocks your boat… I HAVE FINISHED REVISING A CHAPTER of my book ‘Through Darwin's Eyes’ and am relieved to report it's a significant improvement on the first draft! #AmWriting richardcarter.com/through-darw...
richardcarter.com
Through Darwin’s Eyes
About my work in progress, a book exploring how Charles Darwin looked at the world, and how his theories enabled us to look at the same world in new and better ways.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
08-Sep: On this day in 1832, Charles Darwin observed gauchos using bolas. He later tried them out for himself, and managed to ensnare his own horse in the process… friendsofdarwin.com/articles/dar... #HistSci
friendsofdarwin.com
08-Sep-1832: Darwin encounters bolas
On 8th September 1832, Charles Darwin observed gauchos using bolas. He later tried them out for himself, and managed to ensnare his own horse in the process.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
05-Sep: On this day in 1831, Charles Darwin first met Robert FitzRoy, captain of HMS Beagle. Here’s the story… friendsofdarwin.com/beau-ideal/ #HistSci
friendsofdarwin.com
05-Sep-1831: Darwin meets his ‘beau ideal of a Captain’
Darwin meets Fitzroy.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
31-Aug: Today is a bank holiday in England & Wales. Bank holidays were introduced by John Lubbock M.P., a banker, archaeologist & ethnographer. In his youth, Lubbock had been Darwin’s neighbour and scientific protégé. A review of a recent biography of Lubbock… friendsofdarwin.com/reviews/owen...
friendsofdarwin.com
Book review: ‘Darwin's Apprentice’ by Janet Owen
An archaeological biography of John Lubbock.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
This evening, we shall be mostly playing Dolly Parton.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
24-Aug: On this day in 1831, Charles Darwin’s great friend and mentor John Stevens Henslow sat down at his desk, took up his pen, and wrote what turned out to be one of the most important letters in the history of science. Here’s the story… friendsofdarwin.com/articles/hen... #HistSci
friendsofdarwin.com
24-Aug-1831: Henslow’s letter
On 24th August 1831, Charles Darwin’s great friend and mentor John Stevens Henslow sat down at his desk, took up his pen, and wrote what turned out to be one of the most important letters in the histo...
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
(Early) Dawkins, Gould, Darwin, not Austen… Well, yes, exactly.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Finished the second draft of one of my chapters this afternoon. I found myself uncharacteristically satisfied with the result. Which is, of course, now making me wonder whether all the earlier chapters are crap. (I’m pretty sure they’re not. Not all of them!) #AmWriting
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
New post on my personal website… richardcarter.com/sidelines/sc...
richardcarter.com
Science calls it, yet again
Yet another correctly forecast solar eclipse
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
A composite sequence of yesterday evening’s partial solar eclipse, taken from our garden.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Two of the reasons we in parts of Europe were lucky enough to observe this evening's solar eclipse were we knew: 1) precisely when and where it was going to happen; and 2) it didn't mean the end of the world. THANK YOU, SCIENCE!! 🌍 🌙
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
07-Aug: On this day in 1838, Charles Darwin described his first ever railway journey. He was not overly impressed. friendsofdarwin.com/articles/dar... #HistSci
friendsofdarwin.com
07-Aug-1838: Darwin takes the train
On 7th August 1838, Charles Darwin described his first ever railway journey. He was not overly impressed.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Yes, this story came up on my radar the other day. Always good to see Darwin's predictions validated.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
05-Aug: On this day in 1832, in what he described as ‘an eventful day’, Charles Darwin and his HMS Beagle shipmates helped put down an armed insurrection in Argentina. More here… friendsofdarwin.com/articles/dar... #HistSci
friendsofdarwin.com
05-Aug-1832: Darwin under fire (get used to it, Charles!)
On 5th August 1832, in what he described as ‘an eventful day’, Charles Darwin and his HMS Beagle colleagues helped put down an armed insurrection in Argentina.
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Reposted by Richard Carter, FCD
Bluemoose Books @ofmooseandmen.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Here we go. For your Christmas stocking. Bluemoose Books - Hebden to Hollywood . My recollections of the publishing industry and why we started Bluemoose. Plus a few stories and successes along the way. Marvellous.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Mint choc chip knocks chocolate, strawberry and salted caramel cookies into a cocked hat. The real outrage is why rum & raisin and pistachio weren’t way above those non-contenders.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
I clearly heard more than one red grouse guking away in the background on the rebel moon Yavin IV in series two of Andor. But this was set a long time ago in a galaxy far, far way....
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Sorry. You missed a fantastic show.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Music gigs attended so far in 2026: - Sugar Rush (all-female barbershop quartet), Hebden Bridge - LYR (feat. Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage), Hebden Bridge - Paul Weller, Halifax - David Byrne, Halifax Gigs still to come in 2026: - Arab Strap, Leeds - Bob ‘His Bobness’ Dylan, Sheffield
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
The new Charli XCX album is pretty catchy. All the hep cats are gonna dig it.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
I keep using this dispute as an example of the UK media's London-centricism… Can you imagine the coverage this would be receiving if it were happening in London? Ditto the ongoing rail transport problems in the North of England.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
New post… richardcarter.com/sidelines/fo...
richardcarter.com
Fountain pen mod
Plastic fountain pen versus power-tool: what could possibly go wrong?
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
20-Jul: On this day in 1858, Charles Darwin began work on an ‘abstract’ of his planned major work on evolution. The abstract was later given the title ‘On the Origin of Species’. friendsofdarwin.com/articles/dar... #HistSci
friendsofdarwin.com
20-Jul-1858: Darwin puts pen to paper
Charles Darwin begins work on ‘On the Origin of Species’.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
I gather it’s the end of the men’s soccer world cup this evening… Just think, an ENTIRE MONTH soccer free until the start of the next season.
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Richard Carter, FCD @friendsofdarwin.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
David Byrne at the Piece Hall, Halifax this evening. An astonishing show. Sell your puppy to buy tickets.
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