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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 8h

Sea Aster - Aster tripolium - time. These at #CuckmereHaven at the weekend. An Aster with its own rare bee the Aster Mining Bee; not sure whether this is found here but just a little further east at Rye Harbour it is recorded. @bsbibotany.bsky.social @sussexwildlife.bsky.social

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Dr Rebecca Warren @drrjwarren.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

If you'd like to bury yourself in essays charting seasonal change, our 2023 book 'Nature's Calendar' is for you. Not your thing? Then our 2026 book 'The Ritual Year' is an almanac of British customs and rituals, old and new, weird, funny & fascinating. After all, Christmas is coming...😄

Cover of pale yellow book with title in gold and numerous black and white sketches of animals, insects and plants, including a dragonfly, a swallow, a frog, and fern frond and a robin.

White-yellow cover of book with title in black, and four gold phases of the moon at each corner; Also four black and white sketches under the gold moons, of hawthorn blossom, a deer's antlers and skull, a running hare and part of Stonehenge.

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

A Black-headed Gull keeping a watchful eye on a sleeping Greenshank at #CuckmereHaven at the weekend. In Sussex the wader is a fairly common passage migrant lingering here for snooze and food. #sussexbirding @sussexornitholo.bsky.social

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

A Meadow Pipit at #CuckmereHaven or as the Rev Morris notes in his 1850 book British Birds: Titlark, Pipit Lark, Titling; Meadow Titling; Moss Cheeper; Ling Bird, Grey Cheeper, Meadow Lark. Alternatively Anthus pratensis. #sussexbirding

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

My second Amanita muscaria of this fungi season - this one at #BewlWater - eventually I will see a more photogenic specimen! #MushroomMonday #fungifriends

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

White & blue reflections - Egretta garzetta at #CuckmereHaven 26/9. It used to be that the commonest Ardeid here was the Grey Heron whereas 1 counted 3 of those I counted 36 Little Egret - how things have changed! @sussexornitholo.bsky.social #sussexbirding

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wildflowerhour @wildflowerhour.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Joining in with #Wildflowerhour is easy! Look for wild & naturalised blooms from across Britain & Ireland during the week & then share Sunday 8-9pm!

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Yesterday’s walk at #RSPBBroadwaterWarren with an occasional subsong from a Woodlark plus, less melodically, the screeching of a Jay, also: Chiffchaff; Coal, Long-tailed & Marsh Tit; Crow; Goldcrest; Robin; Wren and these Wild Breed Goats. @sussexornitholo.bsky.social

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

My first Amanita muscaria Fly Agaric of the season here at #RSPBBroadwaterWarren in time for #FungiFriday. A Birch & Spruce habitat suit it well so it won’t be long before it is joined by more. #fungifriends

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

A Shaggy Parasol looking shaggy on a mature muckheap in our High Weald wood. #fungifriends

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Sunny morning at #OldLodgeNR today with Stonechat plus: Blue & Coal Tit; Buzzard; Chaffinch; Chiffchaff; Goldcrest; Great Spotted & Green Woodpecker; Jay; Robin and of course Clouded Yellow and Speckled Wood @sussexwildlife.bsky.social @sussexornitholo.bsky.social

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Amanita rubescens.A Blusher on our High Weald lane verge blushing for an appearance for #MushroomMonday

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Pararge aegeria, the feisty Speckled Wood here at #ArlingtonReservoir - a butterfly that sparkles in rays of sunlight in shade. It is also different as content to overwinter however it finds itself: caterpillar or pupa. @savebutterflies.bsky.social

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BirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Eight wild-born Choughs have fledged in Kent, marking another step in efforts to restore the species to the county after an absence of more than 200 years:

f.mtr.cool

Eight wild-born Choughs fledge in Kent

Chough has bred in the wild in Kent following the release of captive-reared birds in 2023, with the county population now estimated at 35.

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Wealden lane-side Boletes for #FungiFriday, admittedly not one of the most exciting! Nor name, as I think this is Rooting Bolete. #fungifriends

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Polyommatus icarus, the Common Blue still being delightfully common at #ArlingtonReservoir last weekend, it is considered a robust species so hopefully will continue to be common next year. @savebutterflies.bsky.social

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Probably most will be familiar with adult summer or winter plumage but I wonder how many are familiar with the others and might Ist summer birds be overlooked?

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Dunlin Calidris alpina at #ArlingtonReservoir at the weekend generally scarce away from estuaries August/September is a likely time to see them here passing through. #sussexbirding

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Not a usual dung-heap fungi at the barn but there this morning obviously for #MushroomMonday Pleated Inkcap Parasola plicatilis but I don’t suppose it will be there by the end of the day despite not deliquescing. #fungifriends

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

21 joined me today for the @sussexornitholo.bsky.social outing at #ArlingtonReservoir and probably a group of 4 Spotted Flycatchers actively fly-catching were the most appreciated. Also: Buzzard; Chiffchaff; Common SP; Dunlin; Green WP; Kestrel; Kingfisher; Raven: Willow Warbler #sussexbirding

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

The Red-necked Phalarope at #WestRiseMarsh gave me the runaround this morning and this was the best poor ‘record shot’ of the juvenile migrant. Already on my U.K. list but this is a Sussex lifer for me. #sussexbirding

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Passing waders (Dunlin and Ruff) last weekend on the shoreline at #ArlingtonReservoir last weekend - what will be passing this weekend at the @sussexornitholo.bsky.social outing? #sussexbirding

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

More a ‘record shot’ but it was distant and it did catch a fish eventually: fishing Osprey at Thorney Deeps on the @sussexornitholo.bsky.social walk at the weekend. #sussexbirding

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

A female Migrant Hawker perhaps keeping out of the way of the ever-patrolling males which were more obvious at #ArlingtonReservoir this past weekend and likely to be so well into the autumn. @britishdragonflies.bsky.social

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Pinnipeds a plenty at #ThorneyIsland last weekend. When I see them in East Sussex Harbour Seals tend to be Rye Harbour seals whilst Grey are more likely to be ‘bottling’, either way they are curious. Here though both are hauled out for a snooze. @sussexwildlife.bsky.social

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

2 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus merging in at #ThorneyIsland at the weekend. Now is a good time to see these waders (and hear them) as they head south. #sussexbirding

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wildflowerhour @wildflowerhour.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

For the last weekly challenge, we want to know what was your favourite plant that you’ve spotted from across Britain and Ireland this year? Share your pics for #wildflowerhour this Sunday 8-9pm using the hashtag #favouriteplant and we’ll celebrate it with you! 🥳🌿🌸

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Bulbulcus ibis juveniles from last weekend’s #ThorneyIsland circuit @sussexornitholo.bsky.social outing. Cattle Egret first confirmed breeding in U.K. was in 2008 and in Sussex in 2020. #sussexbirding

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Have Hoverfly numbers been down this summer? I don’t recall having noticed so many but here is one I did: Eristalis pertinax at #ArlingtonReservoir on 5/9/26 in time for #WildWebsWednesday

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Of late it has seemed that every dragonfly was a male Migrant Hawker but here is a female Southern Hawker, often known for attempting ovipositing in the most unlikely of locations and I think our High Weald lane was a mistake. @britishdragonflies.bsky.social

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

A Ruff stepping out at #ArlingtonReservoir at the weekend, perhaps practicing for next weekend’s @sussexornitholo.bsky.social outing. A passage migrant here and now is likely a peak time. #sussexbirding

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David Bentley @sussextangerine.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Join Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve & become part of a brilliant group who support a brilliant nature reserve. Benefit from talks, events etc. PLEASE pass it on! See snippets from our latest newsletter... ryeharbourfriends.net/join-us @sussexwildlife.bsky.social @sussexornitholo.bsky.social

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Lovely weather for the 7 of us on the @sussexornitholo.bsky.social “Thorney Island Circuit” on 6/9/26 and lovely birds: Blackcap; Cattle & Little Egret; Curlew; Dunlin; Grey Plover; Marsh Harrier; Osprey; Sparrowhawk; Wheatear; Whimbrel; Whinchat; White Stork; Whitethroat; Wigeon #sussexbirding

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

8 ignored the dire weather forecast and joined me at Beachy Head for the @sussexornitholo.bsky.social #WhitbreadHollow walk. We did get very wet but were rewarded by an Osprey and Firecrest and 5 “bottling” Grey Seal.

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Sympetrum striolatum the Common Darter perched up at #RSPBBroadwaterWarren decoy pond (where low water levels were exposing Carp). Also there: Chiffchaff (some calling, some showing and one in subsong) and on the way a very busy smart male Goldcrest. @sussexwildlife.bsky.social

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wildflowerhour @wildflowerhour.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Some wildflowers have seed heads that are truly spectacular! The challenge this week is to find some and then share your lovely pics for #WildflowerHour this Sunday 8-9pm using the hashtag #SeedHeads! Any wild or naturalised blooms you find too are of course always welcome!

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Lines of Hirundo rustica - Barn Swallow outside our barn - I counted 53 in the late afternoon sunshine. Still, thankfully, a common summer visitor and abundant passage migrant here in Sussex. @sussexornitholo.bsky.social #sussexbirding

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

A walk yesterday after morning tasks and before a morning espresso here in the Sx High Weald and as many species of butterfly as bird. Here a Common Blue (also seen: Clouded Yellow; Green-veined White; Meadow Brown; Small Copper & Heath). @savebutterflies.bsky.social

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

A couple more photos of Laetiporus sulphureus - Chicken of the Woods - from #RSPBBroadwaterWaren #MushroomMonday #Fungifriends

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

A Green Sandpiper in the green at #BoughBeech yesterday. (Living up to its name? Not sure how it got its English name or its species name of Tringa ochropus as its feet don’t look ochre to me, its Swedish and German names refer, I think, to woods). @kentishplover.bsky.social #kentbirding

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

A Grey Wagtail blending in at the depleted decoy pool at #RSPBBroadwaterWarren yesterday. A Chiffchaff tried some subsong here but most called. Also: Blue, Long-tailed & Marsh Tit; Crow; Great Spotted WP: Pheasant; Robin; Treecreeper; Woodpigeon; Wren @sussexornitholo.bsky.social #sussexbirding

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

From #RSPBBroadwaterWarren for #FungiFriday a rather splendid Laetiporus sulphureus - Chicken of the Woods (apparently they taste a bit like chicken if young) or, perhaps more visually obvious, Sulphur Polypore. #fungifriends

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

The Willow Emerald Damselfly was first recorded in the U.K. in 1992 in Kent. This one from yesterday at #ScotneyCastle is actually the first time I have seen one in Kent though they have now spread widely across the U.K. @britishdragonflies.bsky.social

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

2 more #Dungeness butterfly: Common Blue (L) and Small Copper (R), surprisingly easy to overlook amongst this summer’s dry browns but delightful flashes of blue or orange otherwise. @savebutterflies.bsky.social

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Thank you very much to those of you who have already entered your BBS data, it is very much appreciated! If you haven’t already done so, please enter it by the end of August at the latest so it can be verified. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology

The caption says: 'Two weeks to go!' A male Blackbird features, which is mainly black with a yellow beak.

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Hovering over the board walk in front of me at #RSPBDungeness at the weekend I felt it would be churlish not to attempt a photo: a male Aeshna mixta, Migrant Hawker, the one most likely to be seen now. @britishdragonflies.bsky.social

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Seashore Pieris at #Dungeness Large White (L) concealing itself amongst seaside Brassica (Sea Kale) but Small White (R) more interested in nectaring from Viper’s Bugloss; both likely to have crossed the Channel. @savebutterflies.bsky.social

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Artemisia vulgaris for #WildflowerHour #CommonNames I know this as Mugwort which seems quirky enough or Gypsy’s tobacco but Mabey found it was called “Council weed” in Lancashire apparently because it appeared after the council had been out.

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mayfieldbirder.bsky.social @mayfieldbirder.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

2 Numenius species at #RSPBPaghamHarbour recently Curlew L and Whimbrel R). Whimbrel, which breed in places like Scandinavia etc numbers will peak around now as they head south to winter in Africa. @sussexornitholo.bsky.social #sussexbirding

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