Sign in

Josh Sollitt

@joshsollitt.bsky.social
237 followers 269 following 94 posts

Naturalist & Conservationist | Birds - Dragonflies - Butterflies - Reptiles & Amphibians | C-Permit Bird Ringer (Views and opinions my own)

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust @lincswildlife.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Wow! Just look how close we are! A huge thank you to each and every one of you who has supported the campaign so far. Every donation really does make a difference. lincstrust.org.uk/hawthorpe-appeal
1125
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Alexander Lees @alexanderlees.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
So this is gripping.... Difficult to know at this point how this haul relates to exceptional sea temperatures vs a poorly-inventoried deepwater region #UKBirding
0477
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
BirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
A drop in breeding productivity has been linked to the long-term decline of Montagu's Harrier in Spain, according to new research:
f.mtr.cool
Breeding productivity linked to Spanish Montagu's Harrier decline
Spain's struggling Montagu's Harriers will continue to decline over the next decade, according to a recently published study.
081
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
BirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
A 36-year-old man has been arrested in Bulgaria in connection with the suspected poisoning of eight vultures in Central Balkan National Park, including a young Bearded Vulture:
f.mtr.cool
Man arrested after poisoning kills Bearded Vulture and seven other vultures
A 36-year-old man has been detained over the deaths of eight vultures in Bulgaria, including a reintroduced Bearded Vulture days after his return from a 14,100-km journey across Europe.
1153
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
RareBirdAlert @rarebirder.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Landmark count identifies Yellow-breasted Bunting winter strongholds www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/L...
rarebirdalert.co.uk
Landmark count identifies Yellow-breasted Bunting winter strongholds
The first coordinated international survey of Yellow-breasted Bunting winter roosts has established a vital new baseline for the Critically Endangered migrant.
082
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
John Oxley @joxley.jmoxley.co.uk · 18/09/2026
What on earth is happening?
  This had become the new normal. RNLI crew members had been forced to take their permits off their cars after their tyres have been repeatedly slashed. Most of them have been pilloried at the school gates or turned away from local pubs. One man who worked in search and rescue had been beaten unconscious and hospitalised, recognised for TV interviews he had done.
23833121339
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Bucktonbirder @bucktonbirder.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
HV has now reached Marakesh, Morocco. She roosted last night in a green river valley. She is going to be facing the harsh reality of proper desert soon.
0323
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
RareBirdAlert @rarebirder.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Rodenticide levels soar in Buzzards as campaigners demand Welsh restrictions www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/R...
rarebirdalert.co.uk
Rodenticide levels soar in Buzzards as campaigners demand Welsh restrictions
Campaigners analysing government monitoring data say second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide contamination has risen sharply in tested Buzzards.
074
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Mainstream conservation headed by Operation Turtle Dove (partners RSPB, Natural England, Pensthorpe Conservation Trust & Fair to Nature) is clear that such releases are reckless, unhelpful, not supported. Yet a National Park Authority is doing it anyway. #ornithology www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Turtle doves released in South Downs in bid to stop extinction
Conservationists release more than two dozen turtle doves in the South Downs National Park.
63014
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Two-tier enforcement.
093
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
NEW: Reported pheasant numbers increase in England to over 26 million, according to official data I've obtained under FOI But these stats fall far short of what the shooting industry acknowledges to be the true figures, as so many estates fail to comply with regs whoownsengland.org/2026/09/08/r...
whoownsengland.org
Reported pheasant numbers increase in England as government explores regulatory options
This post is by Guy Shrubsole. Photo: AndyHi8 on Flickr, Creative Commons Licence (CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0) The latest official figures show an ongoing increase in the reported number of pheasants being br…
29938
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Bucktonbirder @bucktonbirder.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Montagu's Harrier HV is crossing the Pyrenees this evening at 10,000ft!
29216
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
BirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
The best of the Bridges Brian McCloskey recounts a seawatch for the ages at Bridges of Ross last week, during which 20 lucky observers enjoyed a host of mega seabirds:
f.mtr.cool
The best of the Bridges
Brian McCloskey recounts a seawatch for the ages at Bridges of Ross in mid-August 2026, during which 20 lucky observers enjoyed a host of mega seabirds.
1234
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
BirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Some fantastic Montagu's Harrier news today – six chicks have successfully fledged at a secret location in England! The RSPB's Mark Thomas, who spent his summer monitoring the breeding harriers, will be joining us on Wednesday's episode of The BirdGuides Podcast as well.
1368
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Raptor Persecution UK @raptorpersuk.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Montagu's Harrier, UK's rarest breeding raptor, nests successfully in England for second year in a row. Excellent partnership working between RSPB and farmers. Press release ⬇️ #RaptorResearch raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/08/24/m...
raptorpersecutionuk.org
Montagu’s Harrier, UK’s rarest breeding raptor, nests successfully in England for second year in a row
Press release from RSPB (24 August 2026) THE UK’S RAREST BREEDING BIRD RAISES CHICKS AT SECRET LOCATION FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING The UK’s rarest breeding bird of prey, the Montagu&#8…
011635
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Professor Euan Ritchie FAMS @euanritchie.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
And now the marine mammals will likely start dying in significant numbers too www.theguardian.com/world/2026/a... 😭 The Albanese government has not invested in and prioritised developing a vaccine for use on native mammals. This is disgraceful and negligent.
theguardian.com
Fur seal’s death marks first Australian mainland mammal fatality from spreading H5 bird flu strain
Seal found dead at Beachport in South Australia presages ‘significant losses’, minister warns
23242151
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
stanfordbirder.bsky.social @stanfordbirder.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Stanford Reservoir - the ringing group have been out all week & numbers have been a lot lower than last year. Just reward today though with this Wryneck, the first since 2023. Reward for their great effort. Ferruginous Duck still, 30 Yellow Wagtail. #PWC2026
0393
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Helen Czerski @helenczerski.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
I cannot see a dead fish as a "conservation success". Bluefin tuna are still rare - they only avoid being technically endangered cos they stabilised at a tiny number. That's not a healthy population, just a stable one. Let them breed and really do well before you fish for them if you have to.
theguardian.com
First bluefin tunas caught off Yorkshire since 1960s ‘success story’ for marine conservation
Researchers laud return of giant tuna to North Sea after being fished almost to point of extinction
32866206
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
This Aurochs may well have walked through Monks Wood.
05611
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Birds of Poole Harbour @harbourbirds.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
An adult male Honey Buzzard came and landed on our Osprey nest briefly this afternoon, digging in the nest searching for a potential wasp or bees nest?! @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @birdguides.bsky.social
311121
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Currently hotter in my garden than in Algiers, Ankara, Athens or Damascus.
071
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Tom Lowe @saloplarus.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Looks like it has finally happened, British breeding #CaspianGull! #takingovertheworld #gulls #ukbirding
Screenshot of a many forwarded whatsapp announcement
28726
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Unidentified item in the moth-bagging area.
1345
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Raptor Persecution UK @raptorpersuk.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Natural England forced to admit 'Every White-tailed Eagle death in Dorset linked to rat poison'. #RaptorResearch raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/08/01/n...
raptorpersecutionuk.org
Natural England forced to admit ‘Every White-tailed Eagle death in Dorset linked to rat poison’
Last week, the independent group Wildlife Poisoning Research UK (WPRUK) issued a press release confirming the poisoning of more White-tailed Eagles in Dorset, following the high profile poisoning o…
34745
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Met Office - weather and climate @metoffice.gov.uk · 31/07/2026
In our latest press release we take an early look at the July stats: just how dry has it been? bit.ly/45xyDEF
A map of the UK for showing the total rainfall amount for the 1 - 30 July 2026 compared with the average for the full month. 
You would normally expect a total of around 97% of average at this point in the month, but the UK is currently tracking its third driest July on record with only 35% of average rainfall. 

England and Wales have seen less than 20% of their average rainfall for the month.
913567
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
"Some parts of Devon have not experienced any rain for 50 consecutive days." 😫 #ClimateCrisis www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Half of England officially in ‘exceptionally serious’ drought
Environment Agency names seven regions affected by unusually hot and dry weather and shortage of water
56022
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Helsinki Birder @helsinkibirder.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Ahhh no. 😢 That's a part of my youth gone. Bill Oddie, naturalist and broadcaster, dies aged 85 www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
theguardian.com
Bill Oddie, naturalist and broadcaster, dies aged 85
Coming to fame in The Goodies, Oddie was later known for his wildlife expertise and presented BBC Springwatch
2182
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Charnwood Forest Geopark @charnwoodforest.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
⚠️ Extreme Fire Risk ⚠️ 🔥 After an exceptionally dry summer there's an increased fire risk in Charnwood Forest. 🪧 Signs are up across the Geopark: don't light fires or barbecues. 🌳 Be smart and help protect the countryside 🦌
136
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
We're delighted to announce the 2026 Dorset Live Hobby cam is back and the first chick hatched just this morning, happy viewing! More info here www.youtube.com/playlist?lis... @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @dorsetbirdtours.bsky.social @dorsetwildlife.bsky.social y.social @raptoraidjimmi.bsky.social
Hobby on nest
35815
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Raptor Persecution UK @raptorpersuk.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Confirmation of further White-tailed Eagle poisonings in Dorset 🦅☠️ Press release from Wildlife Poisoning Research UK ⬇️ #RaptorResearch raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/07/22/c...
raptorpersecutionuk.org
Confirmation of further White-tailed Eagle poisonings in Dorset
Press release from Wildlife Poisoning Research UK (WPRUK), 22 July 2026: CONFIRMATION OF FURTHER EAGLE POISONINGS IN DORSET The white tailed sea eagle is one of England’s rarest and most impressive…
23427
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
wildlifewindows.bsky.social @wildlifewindows.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Dorset LIVE Hobby nest camera 2026 coming soon! Will post details when live (24 to 48 hours from now).
0134
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Dorset Raptor Study Group @dorsetraptors.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Dorset LIVE Hobby nest camera 2026 coming soon! Will post details when live (24-48hrs from now).
1296
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
The Scottish Ornithologists' Club @scottishbirding.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
A new Buzzard colour-ringing project has started in Central Scotland to better understand the local population and dispersal. The project is using red ring with a three letter code. If you spot a ringed bird, please report your sighting to buzzardcolourringing@gmail.com #ClydeBirding
Buzzard in flight viewed from below against a blue sky © Bob Hamilton
03924
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
West Midlands Ringing Group @westmidlandsrg.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
UPDATE: Male has been identified and details passed to the police. Thank you all for sharing.
1214
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
West Midlands Ringing Group @westmidlandsrg.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Please DM or email wmrg.contact@gmail.com with details so we can pass their details on to the police as part of their investigation. Please refrain from posting their details on this post.
022
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
West Midlands Ringing Group @westmidlandsrg.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Appeal for Identification We’re seeking to identify the individual pictured after the disturbance of a Sche 1 protected bird at an active nest. Their presence caused the adult birds to leave the nest potentially putting vulnerable chicks at risk during the current extreme heat.
53423
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
RareBirdAlert @rarebirder.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Hen Harrier vanishes on grouse moor after satellite tag is deliberately cut off Hen Harrier disappeared on Ruabon Moor, an area described by the RSPB as one of the UK’s most notorious raptor persecution hotspots. www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/H...
rarebirdalert.co.uk
Hen Harrier vanishes on grouse moor after satellite tag is deliberately cut off
>
0139
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
That was quick! Tophill's a sporadic breeding site ~48km from Spurn (2nd biggest dot on map below). Good example of Marsh Tits dispersing from isolated territories in fragmented habitat getting 'lost in the landscape', with no habitat or mates nearby. They keep looking until they run out of options☠️
2257
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
West Midlands Ringing Group @westmidlandsrg.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
⚠️ We’ve been made aware of people disturbing and photographing Schedule 1 birds with dependent young in Staffordshire. This is a criminal offence, even from a public footpath or right of way if your actions disturb the birds. Images & information has been passed to local police for investigation
092
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Gareth Clements @birdergaz.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
@rspbframptonmarsh.bsky.social @lincsbirding.bsky.social one of the 8 spot red is colour ringed I just cant read the numbers on yellow tag
0101
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Was it Oliver Rackham who said something like "temperate deciduous woodland is safe from forest fires because it burns like wet cardboard"? He didn't figure on #ClimateChange and 35-40C in Western Europe. Look out Chilterns beechwoods, this could be a near future...
4226
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Alexander Lees @alexanderlees.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Nest protection an emergency room conservation intervention that is unlikely to be scalable to reverse declines, but may prevent local extinction and thus warranted. Ultimately we need to stop giving generalists like Great-spotted Woodpeckers a leg up by feeding them #Ornithology
35712
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Very promising results for protecting Willow Tit nests and good work by @wildhorizons.bsky.social . We love all Woodpeckers, but Great Spots are the culprits here.
0236
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
RareBirdAlert @rarebirder.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Italy moves closer to expanding hunting of migratory birds A controversial reform of Italy's hunting law could allow shooting in protected areas, reopen pressure on Alpine migration routes and reduce penalties for hunting offences. www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/I...
rarebirdalert.co.uk
Italy moves closer to expanding hunting of migratory birds
A controversial reform of Italy's hunting law could allow shooting in protected areas, reopen pressure on Alpine migration routes and reduce penalties for hunting offences
2129
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
New in #BirdStudy Edge of extinction: Ring Ouzels found in just 9 sites in all-Ireland survey, all in County Donegal. Decline to near extinction of a mountain passerine: the status of the Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus in the Republic of Ireland in 2021 doi.org/10.1080/0006... #ornithology
Ring Ouzel
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flickr_-_Rainbirder_-_Ring_Ouzel_male.jpg
15715
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Raptor Persecution UK @raptorpersuk.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Yet another Hen Harrier 'disappears' from Ruabon grouse moor in North Wales - her satellite tag had been "deliberately cut off". Press release from RSPB and commentary from me ⬇️ #RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime 🌍 raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/06/24/y...
raptorpersecutionuk.org
Yet another Hen Harrier ‘disappears’ from Ruabon grouse moor in North Wales – her satellite tag had been “deliberately cut off”
Press release from RSPB (24 June 2026): RARE HEN HARRIER VANISHES IN WELSH ‘BERMUDA TRIANGLE’ – WITH SATELLITE TAG CUT FROM ITS BODY North Wales Police, RSPB and the National Trus…
35745
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Scott Horton @robertscotthorton.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Canicule: France records the hottest day of its recorded history
10211118
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Phil Sturgeon 🌳🚵⚓️ @philsturgeon.com · 19/06/2026
Charity exists to solve the failures of government. The Environment Agency has been defunded and defanged, and now they’re using what little power and resource they have left to go after *checks notes* volunteers removing rubbish from rivers for them. 🙃 www.mylondon.news/news/east-lo...
mylondon.news
Man facing up to 2 years in prison for clearing rubbish from East London river
Paul Powlesland, 40, and a group of volunteers filled over 200 bags of rubbish from the River Roding in Barking, East London
715967
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Miguel McMinn @mmcminn.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Black rat in osprey nest of Cabrera National Park. The eggs have been abandoned by the parents. Via @seobirdlife.bsky.social youtu.be/CYjsFFo3xIQ?... The eradication of invasive species on Cabrera has been bogged for years. When will it be done seriously?
youtu.be
LA RATA QUIERE LOS HUEVOS ABANDONADOS 🥚🥚🐀· Águila pescadora · P.N. Cabrera - Osprey Spain
YouTube video by SEOBirdLife
045
Reposted by Josh Sollitt
Raptor Persecution UK @raptorpersuk.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
More news on the satellite-tagged White-tailed Eagle that 'disappeared' on a grouse shooting estate in the North York Moors National Park. #RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/06/03/m...
raptorpersecutionuk.org
More news on the satellite-tagged White-tailed Eagle that ‘disappeared’ on a grouse shooting estate in the North York Moors National Park
On Monday the news broke that a young satellite-tagged White-tailed Eagle had ‘disappeared’ in suspicious circumstances on a grouse shooting estate in the North York Moors National Park…
37550