iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Henry Cook

WePlanet @weplanetint.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

In this video, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social and @marklynas.bsky.social go an adventure to watch bluefin tuna. George explains how Atlantic bluefin tuna were fished to near-extinction — but now, are in recovery Tell the UK Government: Defend bluefin tuna! Sign the petition: shorturl.at/fTY80

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Birding in urban Nottingham whilst at a conference. Nice to see Nuthatches which are rare where I live. Ring-necked Parakeets also a strong feature here.

Highfield Park with a large stone building sat high above a park lake

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Our first Pink-footed Geese flew by whilst hiking in the Lake District this weekend. Autumn is here no doubt. @sophieshrike.bsky.social

Two birders standing on a hill looking at something through binoculars, with a blue sky and some clouds

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Field Studies Council @fieldstudiesc.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

There's lots to like about the proposed Natural History GCSE, but there's still time to make it even better. 🍃 The Department for Education's consultation is open until 4 September, and we'd encourage anyone with an interest to share their views. 👉 Have your say here: buff.ly/UbevxdQ

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Reposted by Henry Cook

East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 26/08/2026

Some reserves are lusher than farms – and farmers are grateful. Conservation grazing is becoming a win–win for wildlife and struggling graziers. Read Kate Moore on how the wildlife trust reserves are saving the day.

eastangliabylines.co.uk

Wildlife trusts, grazing animals and the challenge of drought

Livestock play a vital role in managing conservation habitats. But prolonged heatwaves and drought create challenges for all grazing animals

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Deep partial lunar eclipse from the comfort of bed 😅 🛏️

Deep partial lunar eclipse - the moon is about 96% eclipsed and appears dark orange with a pale crescent at the top right hand side.

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Front on, this Common Quail looks like it has spines on its back from the pale triangular centres to the feathers. An intimidating feature for predators perhaps? 🪶

A Common Quail, a small gallinaceous bird, facing front on to the camera showing its back

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

It was a shock to get this close fly-by from a male Montagu's Harrier in Spain recently. That this scene is once again possible in the UK too with successful breeding this year is heartwarming. 🪶 @sophieshrike.bsky.social

A male Montagu's Harrier flies past. He has a large black wing tip, chestnut flecking to the underwing, a grey head and neck with a yellow eye and bill base.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Wonderful news alert! 🎉 One of the UK’s rarest breeding birds has had a remarkable year. Montagu’s Harriers have successfully bred in the UK for the second year running, raising six youngsters from two nests at a secret farmland location. www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

I'm proud to support the @worldlandtrust.org, who since their founding in 1989 have directly funded the protection of over 2 million hectares globally. An amazing achievement. If you want to make a difference to conservation globally, this is one of the best ways!

Infographic detailing that over 2 million hecatres of land has been directly funded by supporters of the World Land Trust and nearly 20 million hectares has been protected with corridors and extensions

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Last but not least in terms of vultures in Spain were the Griffons. They provide massive benefits in the landscape to clear up carcasses within minutes. Wonderful birds! 🪶 @sophieshrike.bsky.social

A group of Griffon Vultures facing various directions. They are very large brown birds with a pale neck and chunky black bill. They have white leg warmers.

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

The huge Cinereous Vulture - looking rather regal with these shoulder tufts. This was the hardest of the four species to see in the area of Spain we were in, with only a single pair around. 🪶 @sophieshrike.bsky.social

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Simlaco @simlaco.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Lightning over Morcuera, Spain (13/08/26)

Two cloud-to-ground lightning strikes fill the frame, illuminating the cloud in blueish-grey light. The foreground is dark, with the outline of trees visible.

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

An Egyptian Vulture taking off. The smallest of the vultures we saw but one of the most striking. 🪶 @sophieshrike.bsky.social

An adult female Egyptian Vulture takes off showing black flight feathers and white coverts. The bald yellow head is distinctive in this species.

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Simlaco @simlaco.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Total solar eclipse from Morcuera, Spain (12th August 2026). Nikon D850 with Nikkor 70-200 mm f/2.8. Shot at 70mm, f/8, ISO 800. 9 EV bracketing (between 1/125" and 2"), and blended.

Total solar eclipse with the Spanish countryside included in the foreground. The grey disc of the moon obscures the sun, such that the sun's golden corona is visible.

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Down in Spain we saw several Common Quail coming to a puddle to drink, quite the surprise. It really has been the year of the quail! 🪶 @sophieshrike.bsky.social

Three Common Quails stand by a puddle surrounded by grass. They are a small chunky gamebird with striped brown and buff plumage.

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Sophie Barrell @sophieshrike.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

I think this may be the greatest photo I have ever taken on my phone !! Griffin vulture flying directly above us during our trip to the Pyrenees 🪶 @hcbirding.bsky.social

Griffin vulture in flight with its wings fully outstretched, against the blue sky, above a mountain range, with two dozen vultures sitting on the ground below

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

I give to you the majestic Lammergeier, AKA Bearded Vulture, from the Pyrenees in Spain @sophieshrike.bsky.social

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Sophie Barrell @sophieshrike.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Obligatory record shots of the eclipse from Spain yesterday 😍 Incredible phenomenon! @hcbirding.bsky.social

Landscape shot showing the total eclipse of the sun looking across a valley

Zoomed in record shot of partial solar eclipse with a crescent shaped sun as the moon passes across it

Selfie of Henry and I at the eclipse viewing plateau

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Pin-tailed Sandgrouse up close and personal on the steppes of Spain. Stunning plumage makes it quite possibly one of the best birds in Europe @sophieshrike.bsky.social 🪶

A male Pin-tailed Sandgrouse drinking at a puddle

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Scouting mountain tops to see the eclipse, with Crag Martins making close passes @sophieshrike.bsky.social

Crag Martin flying right. It is a brown hirundine with longish wings and white spots in the tail

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Over in Spain for the upcoming solar eclipse. Black Redstarts keeping us company from the rooftops in the mean time. @sophieshrike.bsky.social

A moulting male Black Redstart perches on a rooftop

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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

If you went down to the woods in May... A short 🧵about how @birdsandbikes.bsky.social and I spent our spare time this spring in Coed Gwydyr and adjacent woodlands in the Afon Conwy catchment, #NorthWales. #BirdingWales

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

A spritely Madeira Firecrest from our recent voyage to the Macaronesia islands. A millisecond later it was gone. @sophieshrike.bsky.social

A Madeira Firecrest perches on a twig. It is a tiny bird with contrasting patterns of black, yellow, orange, green and white feathers. It has a pollen horn on its forehead from consuming insects near nectar/sap

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David Roche @papaybirder.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Roosting around Hundland this evening #BirdingScotland #RareBirdsUk

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

A cracking Hummingbird Hawkmoth has been regularly feeding by the visitor centre at #RSPBLakenheathFen lately on its preferred Viper's Bugloss flowers.

A Hummingbird Hawkmoth hovers by a blue and pink flower from a Viper's Bugloss plant

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

4 dorsal fins in a row from a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins seen recently off Madeira. Interesting to see tooth marks on some of the fins. @sophieshrike.bsky.social

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Seeing the Western Reef Heron at Morfa Conwy over the weekend with a backdrop of the Great Orme, both places I grew up birding at, was a scene more likely in a dream than reality! @sophieshrike.bsky.social

A Western Reef Heron hunts with wings outstretched in a pool on the beach

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Marcbuzzard @marcbuzzard.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

After a week away finally added the Western Reef Heron to the Conwy list! Now to try and scope it from the Great Orme 😂Bird still present on the Conwy Morfa today (19/06). Good to see @hcbirding.bsky.social and Sophie - thanks for the Orme/WRH pic Henerz ☺️👍 #ukbirding #rarebirdsUK #BirdingWales

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Reposted by Henry Cook

Caroline Lucas @carolinelucas.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Good news! Ministers have finally given green light to new #NaturalHistory GCSE. We’ve campaigned so long for this! Big hats off to tireless advocate Mary Colwell 🙌 Now our young people will have a chance to get to know & love the natural world, to feel awe & wonder, & gain skills to protect it 🌷🌳🦡

theguardian.com

Natural history GCSE to teach teenagers to plant wildflower-friendly gardens

Long-awaited course to examine human effects on natural world and explore everyday ways to aid biodiversity

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Nick Acheson @themarshtit.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

My lovely friend Mary Colwell has fought for a Natural History GCSE, supported by many, including Caroline. For it to be proper natural history, we need lots of naturalists to give their opinions on the proposed framework. Please consider visiting the public consultation www.gov.uk/government/c...

gov.uk

GCSE natural history proposed subject content

We are seeking views on the proposed subject content for a new GCSE in natural history.

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Spurn Bird Observatory @spurnbirdobs.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

📣 Applications are now open for the Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder Competition 2026! If you're aged 16 or under and passionate about birding, this is your chance to compete at #MigFest2026 and win some fantastic prizes. ⏰ Applications close 19 July 🔗 tinyurl.com/MGSYB2026 Please share!

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Managed great looks at a Sperm Whale on the approach to the Azores, when it popped up close to our ship. Note the characteristic angled blow from the single blowhole on the left side of the head in this species. @sophieshrike.bsky.social

A Sperm Whale surfaces close by and is blowing at the same time

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Incredible views of a migrating Common Quail as it flew past the ship in the English Channel! @sophieshrike.bsky.social

Common Quail flies over the sea with wings outstretched. It is a small brown streaky gamebird.

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

After poor weather in the Azores meant missing out on quite a few whales, things improved in Madeira with Fin Whale, Minke Whale and Sei Whale seen well - the latter shown below. @sophieshrike.bsky.social

A Sei Whale is moving through the water between breaths against a backdrop of the Madeiran coastline. A Manx Shearwater is also photobombing the scene.

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

The dapper Azores Chaffinch was the other land endemic seen on several of the Azores islands we visited, including Sao Miguel where this photo was taken. @sophieshrike.bsky.social #BirdingAzores

Two male Azores Chaffinches, a finch with stout metallic bill, grey hood, peachy throat and breast, green mantle, and white wing bars.

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

On a brief stop in Sao Miguel, Azores, we hiked up into the hills with resident guide, Gerby, and saw the rare Azores Bullfinch, or Priolo, as it's known locally. @sophieshrike.bsky.social

An Azores Bullfinch eating Hydrangea seeds. It is a plump brown bird with a black cap and chin, chunky bill and steely blue flight feathers.

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Chuffed to find a 'flock' of three Barolo Shearwaters in the Azores, between Ilha do Pico and Sao Jorge. @sophieshrike.bsky.social

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Sailing out to the Azores - yesterday was an excellent Fin Whale day with 9 confirmed and another 8 probables! Also Striped Dolphins. Excited to be approaching the mid Atlantic ridge soon. @sophieshrike.bsky.social

Fin Whale - a long dark grey whale with a fairly small dorsal fin. Pale markings and scars are visible on the body.

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Peter Stronach @macstronach.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

The Great Glen skua portal opened up today, amazing to see Long-tailed Skuas thermalling over Loch Linnhe like giant Bee-eaters up to 1000m before whizzing northeast towards Inverness! 🪶 #ornithology #highlandbirds

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Dave Rogers @daverogers11.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Evening crake survey at RSPB Lakenheath Fen. Sadly no crakes but barn owl, water rail and nightingale were pretty good

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Spending all my days on a fine wetland reserve certainly has its advantages! #BeardedReedling #RSPBLakenheathFen

A male Bearded Tit perches on a reed stem. He has a grey head with a black handlebar moustache and an orange body with wing stripes.

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Tom Lowe @saloplarus.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Nothing to see here, just 22,400 Sabine's Gulls in one flock... 🤯🇨🇦😍 ebird.org/checklist/S3...

Part of a superflock of at least 22,400 Sabine's Gulls off British Columbia, taken by Joachim Bertrands

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

A striking Puss Moth from the trap at #RSPBLakenheathFen overnight was definitely my highlight #SuffolkMoths #MothsMatter

A Puss Moth sits on a twig with a dark green background. It is a large white moth with a furry body and the wings are adorned with scallops of orange and black markings.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Sir David Attenborough… on your 100th birthday, we thank you. For a lifetime dedicated to the natural world, and for sharing its story with such grace and wonder. Generations have fallen in love with nature because of you. Happy birthday, Sir. 🎉

This photograph captures Sir David Attenborough seated outdoors on the rugged terrain of Skomer Island. Behind him, the ocean and coastal cliffs form a scenic backdrop under a clear sky. Sir David, dressed in a khaki jacket and light trousers, looks towards the camera with a gentle expression, exuding a sense of warmth, calm, and wisdom. Around him, puffins can be seen flying and perched on the rocky ground, illuminated in rays of golden sunlight as the sun sets behind the cliffs.

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Drew Lyness @djlbirding.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

It's Swallowtail season soon! I'll be leading walks at the fantastic RSPB Strumpshaw Fen in celebration of it's 50th year of being open to the public, in hope of spotting these plus lots of other scarce wildlife of the area. #UKButterflies #UKBirding ➡️ Book here: events.rspb.org.uk/browse?filte...

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Henry Cook @hcbirding.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

The Ross's Gull at Thurrock Thameside Nature Park, Essex, today was a little beauty and with patience it performed brilliantly! #RareBirdsUK #UKBirding #EssexBirding @sophieshrike.bsky.social

An adult Ross's Gull swims side on to the camera. It has a dark bill, beady black eye and black collar on the nape. The remainder of the bird is white with a was of grey on the wings.

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Wild Horizons @wildhorizons.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

Blue Tits are a problem for Willow Tits, often taking over WT nest cavities by aggressive eviction. With 6 WT eggs inside, these BTs spent an entire day removing nesting material! The second day was full on warfare, ending in successful WTs. Now a full clutch of 8 eggs safely under incubation. Phew!

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