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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com

@howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social
369 followers 184 following 433 posts

I left the RSPB after 20 years in 2022 and now manage my own little tour company www.blueeyedbirder.com and freelance myself out as a guide for Oriole Birding and Bird's Wildlife & Nature. Read my blog here: blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com

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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
#mallorca for @oriolebirding.bsky.social 17th - 24th September 2026 A week in the sun bookended by Vultures. blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/09/mall...
Cinereous VultureBlaps gigas - a very large Darkling BeetleMediterranean Flycatcher Cabrera Lilford's Wall Lizard
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Lowestoft Life - Churchyard Grubbing - 16th September 2026 A pleasant afternoon spent working my way towards Stansted whilst exploring some rural Norfolk churchyards for wildlife. blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/09/lowe... @norfolkmoths.bsky.social
Dwarf MallowFirebug ( Pyrrhocoris apterus)Craesus septentrionalis Grapholita lobarzewski on Crab Apple
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The @oriolebirding.bsky.social tour of Mallorca is going well & up in the Tramuntana mountains, Vultures & Bonelli's Eagles ruled but my favourite find was an Orange-winged Dropwing on a puddle from grape must dumped by a vineyard. It shared its fruity home with Lesser Emps, Red-veined & Cm Darters!
Orange-winged Dropwing
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Lowestoft Life 3rd - 14th September 2026 A final post before I start on my travels again. I seem to have been spending a lot of time in graveyards. blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/09/lowe... @suffolkmoths.bsky.social @suffolk-nats1929.bsky.social @norfolkmoths.bsky.social
A cherub with lichen eye makeup but in need of a tissue - WissettPale Tussock - CovehitheCabbage-stem Flea BeetlePhyscia adscendens - St Andrews Mutford
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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 PointPale-bellied Brent GoosePale-bellied Brent GoosePale-bellied Brent Geese
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Lowestoft Life - 29th August - 2nd September 2026 Some churchyard lurking and a crowd pleasing little urban falcon. blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/09/lowe...
juvenile Red-footed FalconMetopoplax ditomoidesthe famous Worlingham Caucasian Elm - Zelkova carpinifoliaDahlica triquetrella - a scarce Bagworm that uses insect 'parts' as a house disguise
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Thirty Years Ago - August 1996 A fairly quiet month with butterfly royalty and a dubious Thrush tempting me out. blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/09/thir...
blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com
Thirty Years Ago - August 1996
3 rd August A very early start with Tony and Kettle to get up to Breydon Water for dawn.   Fortunately it only took us a few minutes to ...
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
This obliging juvenile Red-footed Falcon was eyeing up its next meal in the middle of Lowestoft this evening. @suffolkbirdgroup.bsky.social @rarebirder.bsky.social
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Lowestoft Life - 22nd-28th August 2026 blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/08/lowe... More local plodding. Moths, mines, galls, gastropods, flies and a hint of autumn birdlife.
Large Amber Snail - Succinea putrisTachina magnicornis I reckon with those dark front tarsiPied FycatcherPoplar spiral gall aphid - Pemphigus spyrothecae
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Lowestoft Life - 25th July - 7th August 2026 blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/08/lowe... Of moths, icons and a never ending drought. @suffolk-nats1929.bsky.social @suffolkmoths.bsky.social
True Lover's KnotElephant Hawk Moth catMarbled GreensCydia amplana
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Thirty Years Ago - July 1996 blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/08/thir... A hot summer and one of those twitches that made me wonder why I did it?
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
New Forest (ish) for @oriolebirding.bsky.social - 14th-18th July 2026 It was a magnificent few days down on the south coast heaths, downlands and forest. blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/07/new-... @dipteristsforum.bsky.social @britishdragonflies.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Bombylius minor - the very localised Heath Bee-flyScarlet DarterEctophasia crassipennisChalkhill Blue
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Mull, Iona and the Treshnish Isles for @oriolebirding.bsky.social Birding- 27th June - 4th July 2026 blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/07/mull... As seems to be the norm the weather tried to scupper our efforts but our perseverance paid off with Eagles, Otters, Puffins & Corncrakes
White-tailed EaglePuffinTwiteOtters
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Lowestoft Life - 21st June to 12th June 2026 Time for a bit of a random catch up of non-work related stuff. Nightjars, yet more auks and quite a lot of moths! blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/07/lowe...
Northern GannetRed-veined DarterLatin - a 1st for SuffolkProtocalliphora azurea
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Day 8 - 19th June 2026 - Svalbard - Spitzbergen & the pack ice with @bwntours.bsky.social & Oceanwide Expeditions blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/07/day-... The final run into Longyearbyen & a send off by a large pod of mini Moby Dicks! What a way to round up this most astonishing of adventures
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Day 7 - 18th June 2026 - Svalbard - Spitzbergen & the pack ice with @bwntours.bsky.social & @oceanwide-expeditions.com blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/07/day-... A final full day spent with giant blubbery Walruses and the towering Toblerone triangle of the Alkhornet.
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Day 6 - 17th June 2026 - Svalbard - Spitzbergen & the pack ice with @bwntours.bsky.social & @oceanwide-expeditions.com blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/07/day-... We headed south out of the pack ice on a glorious fog bow filled morning and back into open water where Blue Whales awaited.
Little AuksFog BowMinke Whale - Anne BielamowiczLooking down on Polar Bear tracks
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Day 5 - 16th June 2026 - Svalbard - Spitzbergen & the pack ice with @bwntours.bsky.social & @oceanwide-expeditions.com blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/07/day-... Anyone for Blue Whales before breakfast, loved up Polar Bears & a bbq on board while drifting in the pack ice at 80.6 ° north?
Blue Whale'mandti' 2cy Black GuillemotsIvory GullPolar Bears
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Day 4 - 15th June 2026 - Svalbard - Spitzbergen & the pack ice with Bird's Wildlife & Nature & Oceanwide Expeditions. A day exploring the Hinlopenstretet sound between with flocks of portly Polar Bears, puppy eyed and hirsute seals and a zillion auks... blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/07/day-...
Fat Boy Polar Bear... oh my word - who ate all the pies?  - pic by Anne Bielamowicz Ringed SealBlack GuillemotsIvory Gull
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Day 3 - 14th June 2026 - Svalbard - Spitzbergen & the pack ice with @bwntours.bsky.social & @oceanwide-expeditions.com A day within the living ice of the Liefdefjorden. blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/07/day-...
Arctic FoxBearded SealArctic TernGlaucous Gull on the Shooter
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Thirty Years Ago - June 1996 blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/07/thir... Summertime birding...
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Day 2 - 13th June 2026 - Svalbard - Spitzbergen & the pack ice with @bwntours.bsky.social @oceanwide-expeditions.com Our first full day at sea and in the zodiacs. A day never to be forgotten... blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/07/day-...
Atlantic WalrusPolar BearPolar BearPolar Bear and Little Auks
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Day 1 - 12th June 2026 - Svalbard - Spitzbergen & the pack ice with @bwntours.bsky.social Out to sea at last and northwards into a true Arctic adventure upon the MV Ortelius with @oceanwide-expeditions.com blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/07/day-...
Snow BuntingGlaucous GullRed-throated DiverNorthern Fulmar
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Lake Kerkini for @oriolebirding.bsky.social - Part 2 - 14th-17th May 2026 blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/07/lake... My final few days of a long month in Greece.
Golden JackalPygmy CormorantHoney BuzzardThread Lacewing - Nemoptera sinuata
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
The catch up continues: Back to Greece. Lake Kerkini for @oriolebirding.bsky.social - Part 1 - 11th-13th May 2026 blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/07/lake...
Southern White AdmiralSpur-thighed TortoiseBombylius quadrifariusGreat Reed Warbler
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Since being back from Svalbard for @bwntours.bsky.social I have been amongst the seabirds of Bempton and Nightjars of the Yorkshire moors and I am now on Mull for @oriolebirding.bsky.social where White-tailed Eagles were the stars of another grey and dreich day.
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Lesvos - The Family Week - 3rd -10th May 2026 A somewhat more chilled and chilly week but still bursting with wildlife. blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/lesv...
Masked ShrikeEastern Bath WhiteChrysotoxum intermediumCretzschmar's Bunting
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
25th April 2026 - Day 9 Northern Greece for @bwntours.bsky.social A final morning in the Nestos in search of that pesky Partridge before heading briefly homewards after a magnificent tour. blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/25th... A Queen of Spain Fritillary
Anemone hortensis Dancho and the viewQueen of Spain FritillaryFour Spotted Orchid - Orchis quadripunctata
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
24th April 2026 - Day 8 Northern Greece for @bwntours.bsky.social blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/24th... Exploring the Dadia Forest #BirdsSeenIn2026
Black VultureGriffon VultureEgyptian VultureBlack Stork
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
23rd April 2026 - Day 7 Northern Greece for @bwntours.bsky.social The extensive marshes of the Evros Delta beckoned and our inability to get where we wanted to led us to where the birding Gods actually needed us to be... blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/23rd... #BirdsSeenIn2026
Booted EagleWhite-tailed LapwingCalandra LarkLittle Gull
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
22nd April 2026 - Day 6 Northern Greece for @bwntours.bsky.social It was a bit damp but we persevered with the coastal marshes. blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/22nd... #BirdsSeenIn2026
four hirundinesBitternBlack-winged StiltGarganey
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
21st April 2026 - Day 5 Northern Greece for @bwntours.bsky.social Working the coastal pools east of Fanari. A day of Tribbles, kestrels, harriers, waders and terns. blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/21st...
Lesser KestrelsBlack-headed WagtailTribbles en masseLarge Venus's Looking Glass - Legousia speculum-veneris
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
20th April 2026 - Day 4 Northern Greece for Bird's Wildlife & Nature Tours Up into the Vrontous & Rhodope mountains in search of elusive Partridges but a Rock Thrush and botany won the day. blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/20th...
Rock ThrushHaberlea rhodopensis is monotypic and confined to the Nestos valley as we headed east into Thrace.Spring Crocus - Crocus vernusViola parvula
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Back on the keyboard again... I will eventually get back on track! 19th April 2026 - Day 3 Northern Greece for @bwntours.bsky.social A magical morning on Lake Kerkini followed by a walk in the woods. blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/19th... #BirdsSeenIn2026
Great White PelicanSemi-collared FlycatcherHabropoda tarsata - I believeGrey-headed Woodpecker
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Not quite sure how to sum up the first full day on the MV Ortelius on our @bwntours.bsky.social Svalbard tour. We got very lucky indeed with two Polar Bear encounters. The second from the zodiac was unexpected and beyond anyone's expectations. We are still lost for words.
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Brain won't turn off at the moment so I have been writing. Svalbard for @bwntours.bsky.social - pre-tour day 11th June 2026 Up close and personal with the urban bird life of Longyearbyen. The real adventure starts tomorrow afternoon... blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/sval...
Snow BuntingRed-throated DiversCommon Eidercolour ringed Purple Sandpiper
green flag C21 on the right leg and Orange above the joined metal below on the left.  Any help tracking it down much appreciated
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Ok - I may have told a porky pie earlier and there is always time for one more post. Lowestoft Life - 28th May - 9th June 2026 blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/lowe... @suffolkmoths.bsky.social @dipteristsforum.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social @bsbibotany.bsky.social
Small CatchflySericomyia silentisPainted LadyMerodon equestris
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Back to my Grecian spring: 18th April 2026 - Day 2 Northern Greece for @bwntours.bsky.social blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/18th... Dodging the showers in the Kerkini foothills.
Sooty CopperPurple x Grey Heron hybridCopyuPelican and Cormorant frenzy
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
7th April 2026 - Day 18 - Costa Rica for @bwntours.bsky.social blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/7th-... Another memorable tour came to an end aided by a fine crew, the expert guiding and company of Fito Downs and the multifaceted talents of the one and only Ramon Vargas Monge.
Hoffmann's WoodpeckerCoppery-headed EmeraldManduca schausi - a HawkmothPycnopalpa bicordata - an amazing Katydid
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
6th April 2026 - Day 17 - Costa Rica for @bwntours.bsky.social blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/6th-... Any birthday with three new birds and the dinky glowing gem that is a Snowcap is a good one.
SnowcapChrysina resplendensCabanis's Ground Sparrows - Garry BarkerPycnopalpa bicordata or similar - an astonishing Katydid
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
5th April 2026 - Day 16 - Costa Rica for @bwntours.bsky.social blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/5th-... Greeted by Hotel Quelitales's wondrous Sunbitterns before breakfast before working the cloud forest of Tapanti and the local coffee plantations for Sparrow gold. #BirdsSeenIn2026
SunbitternElegant EuphoniasCommon MorphoGreen fronted Lancebill
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
4th April 2026 - Day 15 - Costa Rica for @bwntours.bsky.social blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/time... The cloud forest still had secrets to share before the drive back to the Caribbean Slope for the last few days of the tour. #BirdsSeenIn2026
Resplendent QuetzalWhite-throated Mountion GemTalamanca Hummingbird and Green VioletearFiery-throated Hummingbird
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
3rd April 2026 - Day 14 - Costa Rica for @bwntours.bsky.social blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/3rd-... A full day exploring the Savegre valley with American Dippers here at last and host of other wonderful wildlife. #BirdsSeenIn2026
Black PhoebeBlack-thighed GrosbeakStripe-tailed HummingbirdAmerican Dipper
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
2nd April 2026 - Day 13 - Costa Rica for @bwntours.bsky.social blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/2nd-... Savegre and its Cloud Forest - what else is there to say? #BirdsSeenIn2026
Black-faced SolitaireMottled OwlsFlame Coloured TanagerCollared Whitestart
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
1st April 2026 - Day 12 - Costa Rica for @bwntours.bsky.social blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/1st-... From Pacific sea level to 12,000 feet. A day of many contrasts. #BirdsSeenIn2026
Streak-backed OrioleSooty ThrushVolcano JuncoGolden Naped Woodpecker
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
A busy day of writing. I know things are getting slightly out of order but needs must. Lesvos for @oriolebirding.bsky.social 26th April - 3rd May 2026 A busy week of mixed weather but great birding with a fantastic crew. Couldn't ask for more. blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/lesv...
Kruper's Nuthatch - one of three active nests this seasonCollared FlycatcherRed-throated PipitLong-eared Owl
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Thirty Years Ago - May 1996 A quieter month but still some spring treats to be had. blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/thir...
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
31st March 2026 - Day 11 - Costa Rica for @bwntours.bsky.social blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/05/31st... Exploring the dry Guacimo Road, sultry mangroves and sluggish waters of the Tarcoles. #BirdsSeenIn2026
Hudsonian WhimbrelLittle Blue HeronCollared PloverYellow-crowned Night Heron
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
30th March 2026 - Day 10 - Costa Rica for @bwntours.bsky.social blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/05/30th... A day spent in the sultry dry jungle of Carara before a sunset paddle in the Pacific. #BirdsSeenIn2026
White-fronted AmazonBlack-hooded AntshrikeGreen IguanaSouth American Scarlet Macaws
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Howard Vaughan - blueeyedbirder.com @howardvaughanbeb.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Lowestoft Life 20th - 26th May 2026 I have been making the most of my scant time back home... blueeyedbirding.blogspot.com/2026/05/lowe... @suffolkmoths.bsky.social @suffolkwildlife.bsky.social
Four Spotted ChaserHoopoeEyed HawkmothHybomitra bimaculata
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