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Reposted by J Hanlon

Martin Collinson @docmartin2mc.bsky.social · 11h

Poops from the recent Shetland Egyptian Nightjar yielded DNA. Not much genetic difference between nominate (eastern) and saharae (western) subspecies, but Shetland bird is likely nominate; DNA is like birds from Oman and Kuwait. #birds #birding #birdingscotland @birdguides.bsky.social

Gene tree (cytochrome b) showing Shetland bird cladding with nominate Egyptian Nightjars

Egyptian Nightjar poops cradled in limpet shells

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 14h

Redshank & Greenshank are named after the colour of their legs. This odd Greenshank I had at Grafham last week clearly hasn't read the books. @cambsbirdclub.bsky.social

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 14h

Peregrine (subad male), Cambs, April 2025 The world's fastest animal, reaching over 200mph in a gravity-assisted dive. This is one of a regular suburban pair - urban peregrines have become commoner in recent decades after pesticides decimated their population mid last century. #Birds #Birding

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Reposted by J Hanlon

Raptor Persecution UK @raptorpersuk.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Whilst the shooters are out casually and mindlessly killing and wounding thousands of sentient birds for no reason other than their own entertainment this w/e, it’d be great if you could do this! raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/10/02/d...

raptorpersecutionuk.org

Defra’s Call for Evidence on gamebirds: what exactly is it asking for, and how can you help?

I hope by now that blog readers are aware of Defra’s Call for Evidence on gamebird rearing, releasing and shooting. The Call for Evidence was launched in September 2026, and closes on 1st Nov…

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Penduline Tit (1st yr m), Ouse Fen RSPB, Dec 2012 A species hovering on the threshold of BBRC rarity status, with a stable record of around 10 UK records a year. Colonisation has been predicted previously but hasn't yet happened though they've increased here since late last century. #Birds #Birding

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

A couple of days at Spurn a little below par as the EB thrush had gone but this poorly seen harrier (mainly into the sun) continues to intrigue me. Saw the E Bonelli’s on way home at last knockings whilst getting hammered by 🦟 #birding

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Reposted by J Hanlon

Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Today, 1st October, is the start of the pheasant shooting season. Some 50 million pheasants are released into the British countryside for this sport annually. If you have concerns about the impacts of this out-of-control industry, tell the government - handy guide below: bsky.app/profile/guys...

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Reposted by J Hanlon

Richard T Taylor @richardttaylor.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Migratory Locust just found by Mark Baker with Steve Brayshaw on #Bryher #IOS #Shipmanhead @migrantmothuk.bsky.social unxpected @willowglass12.bsky.social

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

What’s happening with this #easterly then? Should I get out of bed yet? #birding #migration

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper (ad), Shetland, Aug 2007 This Calidris wader is our most numerous Trans-Atlantic Avian visitor with widespread records (often inland) in autumn and smaller numbers in the Spring, usually May. #Birding #BirdsA-Z

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Parrot Crossbill (f), Breckland, Jan 2018 Part of a flock of 28, this one is a particularly brutish female with a hefty bill. Irruptive, erratic rare visitor from Scandinavia with v small numbers breeding in the Scottish Highlands. #BirdsA-Z #Birding

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Pallid Swift (juv), Suffolk, November 2018 1 of 2 I went for, the other bird falling victim out of sight to a Sparrowhawk during my visit. Another former mega rarity, this sp turns up on S winds late Oct-Nov, sometimes in numbers. A tough ID, tho' Common Swifts have usually left by then #BirdsA-Z

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Pallid Harrier (juv f), N Herts, Sept 2018 A visitor that went from Mega to regular annual rarity as it spread West across Europe. With males already seen 'skydancing' here, soon it could replace Montagu's which maintains a toehold as a (now intermittent) UK breeding species. #BirdsA-Z #Birding

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Pallas's Warbler, N Norfolk, Oct 2016 Tiny Asian leaf warbler ('sprite' to some) giving our own 'crests a run for their money for the title of 'Britain's smallest #bird'. Dozens may appear Oct-Nov after easterlies, flashing a lemon yellow crown stripe & pale rump as they flit & hover among leaves

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Who remembers birding the UK’s East Coast during the memorable autumn of 2016? Reminisce with my article in the latest issue of Birdwatch in preparation for some October #birding next month.

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Paddyfield Pipit, Land's End area, Nov 2019 A jaw-dropping record of this sedentary cryptic Asian pipit that was assessed and controversially not accepted as likely naturally-occurring. But they've reached the Middle East Oct-Dec & must be hugely under recorded. Let's hope it's upgraded. #BirdsA-Z

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Pacific Golden Plover (ad m breeding), Frampton RSPB, July 2021 - Formerly treated as conspecific with American Golden Plover under the species name 'Lesser Golden Plover' this long-legged Asian sp is annual in mid-late Summer, though I have found one in late autumn too. #BirdsA-Z #Birding

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Chuffed to have 1st for garden Noctule this evening showing v well overhead. It was out nearly an hour before sunset! #bats

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Pacific Diver (1st w), N Yorks, Jan 2007 A 5th diver sp on the British List was not on the radar for many back in 2007 but it soon became apparent this subtle species was hiding in plain sight. Increased observer awareness resulted in annual records, often involving faithful long stayers #BirdsA-Z

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Oystercatcher, Aldeburgh, July 2013 There's nothing subtle about the Oystercatcher, with its starkly pied plumage, long luminous orange sabre-like bill, fiery red eye and its loud squeaky, piping calls. A Statement Wader. #BirdsA-Z #Birding

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Courtesy of The Shore Hunter on Facebook here’s a Flying Fish in Plymouth at the weekend - another exotic species becoming more regular with our warming seas. Gripping for me as I was down there the weekend before - looking mainly at #fish! 🐠🐟

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Burnished Brass #moth in the Gent’s toilet at Welches Dam today. Can’t remember the last time I spotted a lifer while answering nature’s call! #TeamMoth

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Ovenbird, Scilly, October 2004 Unfortunately a little out of focus, but my only shot. Just the 4th record for Britain of this N American warbler species. Clearly ill, it was taken into care but sadly died, at around the same time a Cream-coloured Courser there suffered a similar fate. #BirdsA-Z

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Having kids reintroduced me to the delights of #rockpooling. S Devon last weekend was a blast - I discovered another world in miniature. #IntertidalZone

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Osprey (juv), Cambridge, Sept 2024 Well known globally cosmopolitan fish specialist. This long staying juvenile was great value and prompted the park owners to erect a nest platform. Another platform at Grafham Water followed. Will Osprey soon be breeding in the county? #BirdsA-Z #Birding

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Ortolan Bunting (1st w), Waxham Sands, Oct 2018 Despite seeing half a dozen or so in the UK, I have yet to see this continental species here well enough to get a decent shot! Migration peaks Aug-Sept & they're elusive by nature; luckily I've seen them much better abroad. #BirdsA-Z #Birding

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The Great Mew Stone at the weekend. Last time I saw this lump of rock was nearly 30 yrs ago when there was a white phase Gyr falcon sat on it!

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Oriental Pratincole, Frampton Marsh, May 2010 Just the 8th for Britain (& my 2nd here) and iirc there hasn't been one since. This great RSPB reserve has recorded all 3 pratincoles but this 'mega' really put it on the map during its early yrs. #Birds #Twitching

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Olive-Backed Pipit, Shetland Mainland, Oct 2014 Though there's nothing I love better than searching for rarities on Shetland in autumn, I've only actually been for a couple of holidays there. This OBP (1 of a pair at Voe) was one of several good finds for our small group that yr. #Birds #Sibes

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

(European) Nuthatch, Suffolk (unknown date) The bird famous for going down tree trunks, perhaps sometimes meeting a treecreeper on the way up. Had to wedge a peanut in a log crevice to get a decent pic of this one! #birds #birding

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Today offshore 20 miles SSW of Plymouth I got to swim near a Blue Shark briefly in challenging conditions. Seabird highlights single Wilson’s Petrel, Sabine’s gull, 2 Bonxies & a Sooty; also C dolphins, Tuna & poss Sunfish briefly @birdguides.bsky.social

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Northern Wheatear (1st w male pres Greenland race), Cambs, c2008 Wheatears have one of the longest migration routes in the world, particularly birds from Greenland that average larger than U.K. birds and pass through later in spring, usually in May. #Birds #Migration

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Northern Waterthrush, Essex, Jan 2024 My 2nd and must have been 9th or 10th British record of this ground-dwelling N American species which is v similar to Louisiana Waterthrush (yet to be recorded here). #Birds #Birding

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Northern Parula (1st w female), Tiree, Sept 2010 15th British record of this beautiful N American Wood Warbler species, a group highly prized on this side of the Atlantic. Sadly my ageing low res digiscoped image doesn't really do it justice! #Birding #Twitching

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Northern Mockingbird (2nd cal yr), Exmouth, Feb 2021 Just the 3rd British record of this common N American species, after two seen in the '80's. Almost certainly ship-assisted but no less appreciated for it, it was subsequently seen by many in Sussex then in Northumberland! #Birds #twitching

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Northern Harrier (juv f), Ouse Washes, Oct 2013 Formerly 'Marsh Hawk', the N American race of Hen Harrier, this species went from a single record on Scilly (1982) to almost annual in recent yrs. This one (one of my better local finds) was a county 1st and just the 7th for Britain. #Birds #Birding

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

(Common) Nightingale, S Cambs, May 2016 Accomplished songster immortalised in English literature. Much declined but holding on OK at certain sites. Seeing my 1st in 1989 at this same site lives long in my memory as it did for my Mother who recalled the sighting fondly for years afterwards #Birds

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Thank you so much @rogerriddington.bsky.social for an amazing opportunity to see this 3rd Egyptian Nightjar for Britain next to your house on Shetland! Pls pass thanks too to a wonderful team of helpful local birders (Phil, Kevin & others) who made us feel welcome in the downpour. #MEGA

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Naumann's Thrush, N London, Feb/Mar 1990 The 1st British record with a weird (suspicious) 2nd record from just a few miles away 7 yrs later. At the time it was considered a race of Dusky Thrush but was subsequently split. Just 10 miles from home & worth bunking off school for! #Birds #Twitching

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Egyptian Nightjar (ad-type), Shetland 6/9/26 3rd record for Britain after single observer sighting 1984 & one shot in the 1880’s. Crazy record & enjoyable twitch. Well done Roger Riddington who found it initially on his driveway! #birds #twitching

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Mute Swan (ad male), London, Dec 2013 One of the UK's largest birds and our only non-migratory swan (of 3 species). A Mute Swan has some 20,000 feathers and though quieter than the 'winter' swans, they're not quite mute #Birds #Birding

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Mourning Dove, N Uist, Nov 2007 3rd of 9 records from GB & Ireland of this common N American species.Whilst watching it I also saw both eagles plus RN duck & on the way home, 300-500K Starlings passed over us at Gretna, prompting us to leave the motorway to watch the huge murmuration #Birding #birds

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Some fantastically obliging birds seen last week with @mrm27.bsky.social (Red-foot & Red-necked Phal) #Birds #Twitching

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Moorhen, Fowlmere RSPB, Sept 2010 Continuing daily posts of all species from my #Birds album (UK & Ireland). This common water bird with its impressively large feet needs no introduction, but is often overlooked. #Birding

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J Hanlon @jahanlon.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Montagu's Harrier (juv), NW Norfolk, Aug 2010 After declining as a breeding species and 5 yrs of zero productivity, 'Monty's' bred successfully again in England in 2025 & 2026. In 2024 I was lucky enough to get one over my garden! #Birds #Birding

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Reposted by J Hanlon

Steven Wright @stevenwright58.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

The BBC cancelling Winterwatch is such a shame, especially when we need to be connecting with nature more than ever. If we want people to protect our wildlife, we have to show them it! Add your name to ask the BBC to reconsider. you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/pr...

you.38degrees.org.uk

Tell the BBC: Save Winterwatch!

The UK is losing its wildlife, and shows like Winterwatch are vital for connecting us to nature. The BBC's decision to cancel it makes no sense. Let's ask them to rethink this! Add your name here:

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