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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

A day of wildfowl and passerines on the move along the mighty Humber: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/09/nort...

Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Lovely seawatch at Eyemouth this morning with highlights including two Pomarine, one Great and eight Arctic Skuas, nine Little Gulls, Sooty and Manx Shearwaters, Ruff south, plenty of noisy, high Pink-footed Geese south, and a constant stream of Meadow Pipits coasting south. Now, to the Highlands!

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

A busy, birdy work day on the industrial south bank of the mighty Humber - migrants were very welcome (as always): northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/09/migr... Pics - Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Common Buzzard, Black-tailed Godwits @lincsbirding.bsky.social @lincswildlife.bsky.social

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

A fabulous day on the boat out of Staithes, North Yorks, with Minke Whales stealing the show: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/09/back...

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

It wasn't just whales - plenty of tubenoses to enjoy on our boat trip out of Gloucester, Mass, including 325 (!) Wilson's Sorm-petrels... more here: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/09/tube... #seabirds #petrels #whalewatch #pelagic #massachusetts

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

The weather scuppered my planned pelagics off Yorkshire today, so I'm consoling us with more of the Humpbacks off Massachusetts a couple of weeks ago: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/09/hump...

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Photos and videos of an insanely entertaining whale-watching trip out of Gloucester, Massachusetts a couple of weeks back: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/09/hump... Thanks Neddy for great pics! #whalewatching #humpback #masswildlife #cetaceans #stellwagenbank

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

A quick one from Sharon, Connecticut, where - not unusually, most of the wildlife highlights were a) non-avian and b) during local runs... more here: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/08/shar...

northernrustic.blogspot.com

Sharon, Connecticut - mid-August '26

Another entertaining encounter with wildlife while on a run A few days on the western edge of Connecticut with another part of the fam -...

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

More from the shore: an Osprey nest at ground level on the rocks and more, here: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/08/on-r...

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

More from the shore - migrating shorebirds offshore from Maine, plus other goodies: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/08/on-r... (Pics - Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers)

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

From our time in Maine: a trip out to Damariscove Island with Bob and co, with Wilson's Storm-petrels and more on the way there and back: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/08/dama...

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

More from Maine - Common Loons and sparring Bald Eagles at our local swimming hole: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/08/loon...

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Recent taxonomic revisions have shown Ospreys are actually more closely related to Muppets than they are to other raptors, a revelation not hard to accept on morphological evidence such as the photo below. More here: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/08/dama...

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Osprey Code, rule one - don't shit on your own doorstep. This well-grown young 'un is taking one of its last dookies under the folk's roof before migrating to Central / South America for the first time. More here: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/08/dama...

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

A fine week in Maine with great people, birds, animals and landscapes: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/08/main... (Pics: Eastern Bluebird, Broad-winged Hawk, Monarch)

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Reposted by Mark James Pearson

Radio Lento @radiolento.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Night all. 😴 Episode 170 - Night murmuring in Tenby (60 mins) This is an hour-long, *sleep safe* episode. Let the sound of the wind in the trees lull you to sleep. > radiolento.podbean.com/e/170-night-... <

a dark purple / grey night sky over tall trees in summer

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Just back from our family trip to Vermont, where a few birding sessions were inevitably sneaked in: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/07/jama... (Pics: Northern Yellow Warbler, Hermit Thrush, Chestnut-sidedc Warbler, American Red Squirrel)

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

A huge thank you to everone who donated - three and a half grand for Leeds Swifts! That's more than three years worth of rescue and rehab costs, plus leftovers for boxes at local schools and more. No more half-marathons for the foreseeable 🚑🐢

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

More breeding wader drama on my industrial survey site on the south bank of the Humber - against all odds, Ringed Plovers have again nested in an area where it seemed all suitable habitat was lost. Also the first returning flocks of Avocets & Black-tailed Godwits as autumn migration begins....

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Very happy to have cashed in on the Quail influx on my #York #nocmig - two the night before last, and another two last night! Full counts at trektellen.org/count/view/3... @xeno-canto.bsky.social @trektellen.bsky.social @nybirdnews.bsky.social

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Ok, one last push... with less than 48 hrs til the race, I'm just a few 100 quid shy of 3K - that's THREE YEARS of funds covering all Leeds Swifts rescue, rehab & release costs with enough left for Swift boxes at local Schools! It takes less than a minute: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding...

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Swift fundraising update! With less than a week to go, we've revised the target up to £2500 - and we're not far off! Any chance you could help me get there? Donate here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding... For a full update have a look here: northernrustic.blogspot.com/.../running-....

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

A flurry of Common Quails have been picked up by my Flamborough recorder this week - three (!) in the early hours of 10th, and one on 6th - a joy to hear those distinctive rasps and whips recorded as they migrated overhead in the dead of night. More here: trektellen.org/count/view/2...

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

A long but enjoyable day on the South bank of the Humber: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/06/nort... @lincsbirding.bsky.social @lincswildlife.bsky.social

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Big dramas with small fluffballs - more here: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/06/indu... #Lapwings #Springwatch #Lincsbirds

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

A real highlight of our last School of Birding was making it to the near-summit of Cairn Gorm, where we were hoping for Dotterel, Ptarmigan, Ring Ouzel and more.... how did we fare? Find out here: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/06/cair... #highlands #scotsbirding #cairngorm #birdingscotland

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Reposted by Mark James Pearson

Yorkshire Coast Nature @yorkscoastnature.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Our new blog on Yorkshire Coast Nature is a wonderfully written feature by @markthebirder.bsky.social on his personal challenge to help Swifts. Please use this link below to read his blog and help him reach his goal: www.yorkshirecoastnature.co.uk/blog/567/swi...

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Catch-up time... a summary of a memorable and hugely enjoyable School of Birding last month, with a great many highlights and memories! northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/06/scho... We're all sold out for 2026, but our 2027 dates are now available and selling fast: www.schoolofbirding.com

northernrustic.blogspot.com

School of Birding, Module Two, Class Three - May '26

Alright, catching up time.... May was, as ever, super busy (not entirely sure where it went, to be honest) but after guiding at Spurn and ...

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Reposted by Mark James Pearson

Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Up in Northumberland on a family break but the training continues... A few runs including this hilly 15km. Nothing hurts and nothing fell off - so far, so good. I'm doing it for the fantastic volunteer team at Leeds Swifts - can you spare a few quid? Click here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding...

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Please share! I've left it late, but I've decided to run the East Yorks Half-marathon in 4 weeks' time to raise money for Leeds Swifts. Can you get my lazy arse over the line, and help them save the quintessential sight, sound and spectacle of the summer? THANK YOU! Donate here: tinyurl.com/36akubft

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

Plenty more to enjoy at Eyemouth yesterday morning (not just the Honey-buzzard): northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/05/eyem... (photos - Peregrine, female Stonechat)

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

A little more on this morning's Honey-buzzard, in off the sea and low over my head at Eyemouth: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/05/eyem... @scottishbirding.bsky.social @birdguides.bsky.social @rarebirder.bsky.social

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Honey-buzzard just arrived in off the sea here at Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders - right over my head! @birdguides.bsky.social @rarebirder.bsky.social @scottishbirding.bsky.social

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

A fine few days guiding back on my home turf of @flamboroughbird.bsky.social and RSPB Bempton Cliffs - northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/05/guid... (Pics - Black Redstart, Grey Seals) @yorkscoastnature.bsky.social @nybirdnews.bsky.social

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Reposted by Mark James Pearson

Yorkshire Coast Nature @yorkscoastnature.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

It was a cracking birding week for Mark Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social leading our five day YCN Spurn holiday in April with many great birds such as this Wryneck (photo by Mark). Read all about their week in his blog here: www.yorkshirecoastnature.co.uk/blog/565/spu...

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Halfway through a working week guiding at @flamboroughbird.bsky.social and RSPB Bempton Cliffs for @yorkscoastnature.bsky.social . Lots of migration to enjoy, sunny skies, and countless thousands of breeding seabirds - including these little 'uns.

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diddlydog.bsky.social @diddlydog.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Very enjoyable visit to #Flamborough and #RSPBBempton yesterday with @markthebirder.bsky.social of @yorkscoastnature.bsky.social . Great guiding, friendly group and some unexpected birds, inc Hooded Crow and Greenland Wheatear. All the Auks were on show and 2 Razorbills at war. #UKBirding #ECK

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Enjoyable sunny afternoon session back at #Filey, with Tree Pipit, Spot fly, Fieldfares, Painted Ladies and more to enjoy. More here: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/05/sunn... @nybirdnews.bsky.social @yorkscoastnature.bsky.social

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

A ridiculous double-header in our last hour at Spurn - Nightjar & Wryneck within 20m of each other! To have these two legendarily cryptic species so close was a classic Spurn moment. Thanks to the Obs team & locals for being so helpful (as ever!). More: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/05/guid...

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

Fair to say the Hawfinch at Kew Villa showed well for our @yorkscoastnature.bsky.social group.... more here: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/05/guid... @spurnbirdobs.bsky.social #Spurnbirds #Hawfinch

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Black Brant on Kilnsea Wetlands - with a pale-bellied nearby (and hundreds of dark-bellied), we'd a hat-trick of Brents from across the Arctic to compare at close quarters. More here: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/05/guid... @spurnbirdobs.bsky.social @yorkscoastnature.bsky.social

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Just back from guiding our @yorkscoastnature.bsky.social residential group at the mighty Spurn Bird Observatory - a fabulous group and top quality birding with a great many highlights... more here: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/05/guid... @nybirdnews.bsky.social @spurnbirdobs.bsky.social

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

A joyous encounter with the long-distance world record holders of songbird migration: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/04/whea...

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Another lovely stopover in the Scottish Borders on the way back to Yorvik: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/04/eyem... (Pics: European Rabbit & Brown Hare, Peregrine)

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Mark James Pearson @markthebirder.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Our second Module Two (and our tenth School overall!) has just wrapped, and it's fair to say it was a cracker: northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/04/scho... All our 2026 schools are sold out, BUT we're about to release 2027 dates. Watch this space for details..... www.schoolofbirding.com

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