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Megan Shersby

@meganshersby.bsky.social
5.8K followers 3.2K following 1.3K posts

Naturalist, writer and board gamer. Working at @wildlifebcn.org (views my own). Lead author of Where to Watch Wildlife in Britain By Low-carbon Transport (2026). Owner of a dog/servant to two cats. She/her.

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Reposted by Megan Shersby
Butterfly Conservation Norfolk @norfolkbutterflies.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Reports received of Swallowtail caterpillars feeding on Fennel. These are likely to be the Continental Swallowtail (gorganus), not the British one (britannicus) which is found only in the Norfolk Broads. We would be interested to hear of any sightings of the Continental form.#savebutterflies
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Could this be Andricus gemmeus f. agamic, on oak? #Galls #Inverts #Wasps #Plants
A small green growth on the bud tip of an Oak.
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Managed to get most of my nature writing books together in one place! Excluding large books, anthologies, and a few others. If I were to add just one more book, what should it be?
Four wooden shelves filled with nature writing books.
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I believe this is a type of bolete? Found at @wildlifebcn.org Great Fen / Ramsey Heights, beneath an Oak tree. #Fungi #UKWildlife
A mushroom growing amongst low green leaves. It is peach coloured on top, with yellow gills.
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
An enjoyable LEGO build this weekend. The Love Birds kit, which I intend to rebuild into Treebeard the Ent, following Terauma's instructions. Of course, Lucy thought the box was for her.
LEGO kit featuring two pink birds in a tree.A pile of LEGO pieces, with instructions nearby. A black cat trying to fit into a LEGO box.
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Great day at the @wildlifebcn.org Species and Habitats Workshop run by @brianecambs.bsky.social, good to refresh and link up topics. Plus, some #PanSpeciesListing lifers: ⭐️ Striped Millipede (Ommatoiulus sabulosus) ⭐️ Buzzing Spider (Anyphaena accentuata) - tbc ⭐️ Aphanus rolandri ⭐️ Rubus vestitus
A black millipede with red stripes on the palm of a hand.A pale spider on the underside of an oak leaf.A black bug with an orange patch on the side of a hand. The hairy underside of a bramble leaf.
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Spinach pipefish 'rediscovered'*! *first scientific sighting in 40 years, albeit known by locals. #Fish #FreshwaterFish #WildlifeNews 🧪
discoverwildlife.com
‘Lost’ animal caught in fishing net in Papua New Guinea. It hasn't been seen by scientists for more than 40 years | Discover Wildlife
Missing from scientific records for four decades, the spinach pipefish has been 'rediscovered' thanks to local communities – who knew of its whereabouts all along.
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
First time seeing a fasciated Rosebay Willowherb. #Wildflowers #WildflowerHour #NorthantsWildlife
A globular clump of Rosebay Willowherb seeds. The thickened stem of a Rosebay Willowherb.The thickened stem of a Rosebay Willowherb.
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Some nice variety in sizing and colour in Sputnik galls (caused by Diplolepis nervosa on Dog Rose). All seen today - normally I only see one or two on a walk, but loads today! #Galls #PlantGalls #NorthantsWildlife
A large cream spiky gall on the underside of a Dog Rose leaf, and a smaller green spiky gall on the underside of another.A medium sized green spiky gall on the underside of a Dog Rose leaf.A small green spiky gall on the underside of a Dog Rose leaf.A medium-sized green and red spiky gall on the underside of a Dog Rose leaf.
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
I forgot about a courgette... #Vegetables #Gardening #GrowYourOwn
A hand holding very very large courgette - really now a marrow. In the background is a courgette plant, and a runner beans plant
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Reposted by Megan Shersby
British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) @bou.org.uk · 03/09/2026
NEW on #theBOUblog from Lucy McRobert We Just Want to Go Birding: Everyday sexism in birding and the nature sector adds up bou.org.uk/blog-mcro... #ornithology 🪶
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
This is not a reflection of a blue sky. How worried should I be, and if I need to do anything, what do I do? I don't know what it might be that is causing this in the pond.
An iridescent blue colouring in pond water
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Reposted by Megan Shersby
The Onion @theonion.com · 21/08/2026
David Attenborough Admits To Exaggerating Wonder Of Seals theonion.com/david-attenborough-adm…
David Attenborough Admits To Exaggerating Wonder Of Seals
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
I have a chalk paint marker and I'm not afraid to use it! A selection of recent #foraging makes. Now that they've been labelled, I can make even more - and not forget which bottle / jar contains what!
Three bottles and one jam jar all written on with white chalk pen - Blackberry Vinegar, Himalayan Balsam Cordial, Blackberry Jam, Blackberry and Basil Syrup
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Anyone interested in these birding journals? Donation to @wildlifebcn.org, pay for postage.
Cotinga journals Birding Asia journals Journal of Asian Ornithology
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
RSPB Lodmoor is where I first heard a booming Bittern, c.12 years ago - getting up before dawn to head over from the Isle of Portland and listening to the strange sound reverberating across the reedbeds. How brilliant that they are now successfully breeding there.
birdguides.com
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
A little leafcutter bee taking a short rest in the garden. #Bees #Insects #GardenWildlife #NorthantsWildlife
A bee with a rolled piece of leaf, resting on some pallet wood.
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
And so it begins... This were quite small last time I checked on them. Went for a weekend away and now they're huge! I haven't gone too mad with courgette plants this year- only 2.5. The 0.5 is because one is very shaded and close to a big one, I don't think it will be very productive
Two courgettes on a wooden counter
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Learnt that the common name for this gall is Willow Rose Gall, how lovely is that? Caused by the midge Rabdophaga rosaria. #Galls #PlantGalls #Insects
A rosette of willow leavesA rosette of willow leaves
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Getting new shelves soon - do I order my ID guides by series (as seen here), or by subject? The poll on Instagram is leaning one way (I won't say which yet), but interested in what BlueSky folks think...
Wildlife ID books on a wooden bookcase, covering a range of groups (mostly insects) and grouped together by publishers' series. E.g. all of Bloomsbury's Field Guides together.
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Reposted by Megan Shersby
Wildlife Trust BCN @wildlifebcn.org · 13/07/2026
📸 Your photo could become our next social media header image! 🌿🐦 We’re looking for beautiful shots taken across our reserves to feature as our header photo of the month. ✨ This month’s winning image was this great shot of a curious reed warbler at Summer Leys by Steve Clark. 👇 All details below
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Reposted by Megan Shersby
Wildlife Trust BCN @wildlifebcn.org · 09/07/2026
🌿 We're hiring! 🌿 Join our team as a Reserves Engagement Officer & help connect communities with our nature reserves. Fab opportunity to inspire visitors, support conservation, and play a key role in protecting wildlife through meaningful public engagement. 🔗 www.wildlifebcn.org/jobs
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Butterfly folks - what do we think? This burnet moth has its head firmly stuck onto the fence post, and was missing its forewings. I poked it (obvs) and the (swollen) abdomen started moving around. Maggots? Parasites? Do I go back and collect it in a pot? Annoyingly, BlueSky won't load the vid
The abdomen of a burnet moth on a fence postThe abdomen of a burnet moth on a fence postThe abdomen of a burnet moth on a fence post
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
A weekend visit to RSPB Dungeness resulted in another gall lifer! #PanSpeciesListing I spotted an unusual-looking Viper's-bugloss from a distance, and immediately thought "that's probably a gall" - and yes, a little research later revealed that it's caused by the Aceria echii mite.
A large clump of Viper's-bugloss plants, where some on the edge are green and galledA clump of Viper's-bugloss, where half is galledCloser photo of the galled Viper's-bugloss, showing furry-like galls instead of flowersClose-up photo of the galled Viper's-bugloss, showing furry-like galls instead of flowers
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Reposted by Megan Shersby
Andy Marshall @fotofacade.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
One of my fave things in York Minster: a medieval wren stalking a spider. It reminds me that history isn't only kings and battles. Someone, centuries ago, found joy in the same things we still notice today. It's a reminder of how much we have in common over our differences.
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Himalayan Balsam flowers picked during balsam bashing. What shall I make?
Photo of pink Himalayan Balsam blossoms in a plastic bag
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Reposted by Megan Shersby
Wildlife Trust BCN @wildlifebcn.org · 06/07/2026
We've absolutely loved Megan's 30 days of Galls - do check out all her posts there are some great finds in there 😍
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Day 30 of 30 Galls Wild: a lifer on familiar ground! Finishing the challenge with a lifer! This is a gall caused by Dasineura rosea (midge) on Dog Rose, and it's less than 50m from my desk at the @wildlifebcn.org HQ. #Galls #PlantGalls
A folded green Dog Rose leaf.A folded yellow Dog Rosr leaf.
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Day 29 of 30 Galls Wild: a little pea in the bush. A cute little gall, the Smooth Pea Gall can be caused by with Diplolepis eglanteriae or D. nervosa (wasp). D. nervosa can also produce spiked galls called Sputnik Galls, but there were only smooth ones here. #Galls #PlantGalls
A smooth and round pink and green gall on top of a Dog Rose leaf.A smooth and round green gall on top of a Dog Rose leaf.A number of smooth and round green galls on top of and underneath three Dog Rose leaves.A smooth and round green gall underneath a Dog Rose leaf, next to an immature shield bug
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Day 28 of 30 Galls Wild: maple pimples again! Having seen both Aceria macrochela and A. myriadeum earlier in the month, and shared the former, I thought it wouldn't take long to find the latter again. But it took me until almost the end of the month! #Galls #PlantGalls
Very small red pustule galls across a Field Maple leaf.Very small red pustule galls across a Field Maple leaf, with a couple of larger ones.Very small red pustule galls across a Field Maple leaf, with a couple of larger ones.Very small red pustule galls across a Field Maple leaf, with a one ones.
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Day 27 of 30 Galls Wild: a gall for Rutland Water. I headed up to Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust's Rutland Water Nature Reserve to contribute some galls to the bioblitz - one of the highlights was this lifer Eriophyes axillaris (mite). #Galls #PlantGalls
Small green pimple like galls, in pairs down the centre of an Alder leaf.Small green pimple like galls, in pairs down the centre of an Alder leaf.Small green pimple like galls, in pairs down the centre of an Alder leaf.Small green pimple like galls, in pairs down the centre of an Alder leaf, seen from the underside
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Reposted by Megan Shersby
Steve Ormerod @steveormerod.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Royal Mail special stamp issue on moths! #mothsmatter shop.royalmail.com/special-stam...
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Day 26 of 30 Galls Wild: Looking at galls in a beaver enclosure. Yup, in the enclosure of an awesome reintroduced species, and still looking at galls! These are galls caused by Iteomyia major (or at least Iteomyia sp., midge) on a willow sp (willows confuse me...). #Galls #PlantGalls
Green bulge on a willow leaf.Green bulge on a willow leaf, from the underside.Green bulge on a willow leaf.Green bulge on a willow leaf.
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Day 25 of 30 Galls Wild: little Sycamore fingers. As mentioned previously, here's the gall caused by Aceria macrorhyncha (mite) on Sycamore! A bit larger and more pointed than the Aceria cephalonea gall shared previously. #Galls #PlantGalls
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Day 24 of 30 Galls Wild: Cola-nut gall! A return to the more recognisable and conspicuous types of galls. The Cola-nut gall is caused by Andricus lignicola f. agamic on Oak, and looks a little like a small Marble gall - sometimes it can be hard to be sure. #Galls #PlantGalls
A small brown round gall on an Oak tree A small brown round gall on an Oak tree A small brown round gall on an Oak tree
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Day 23 of 30 Galls Wild: a familiar rust. Puccinia glechomatis on Ground-ivy. I've said before I don't know much about rust fungi, and I'll say it again. I do know that this species is on Ground-ivy. #Galls #PlantGalls
Small brown spots on underside of Ground-ivy leavesSmall brown spots on underside of Ground-ivy leavesA trailing stem of Ground-ivySmall brown spots on underside of Ground-ivy leaves
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Day 22 of 30 Galls Wild: Aceria cephalonea on Sycamore. Another case of some ID work required for this one, with two potential Aceria species. Fortunately the NatureSpot website had a helpful note regarding the shape of the galls' apex (also size). #Galls #PlantGalls
Small red galls on a Sycamore leafSmall red galls on a Sycamore leafSmall red galls on a Sycamore leafSmall red galls on a Sycamore leaf
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Day 21 of 30 Galls Wild: tricky tetratrichus at Trumpington. Phytoptus tetratrichus on Silver Lime - this one has caused me a right headache, and a delay in sharing 30 Galls Wild posts as I want to keep them chronological! #Galls #PlantGalls
Light green wart like galls on a Silver Lime leaf Light green wart like galls on a Silver Lime leaf Light green wart like galls on a Silver Lime leaf Light green wart like galls on a Silver Lime leaf
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Reposted by Megan Shersby
Great Fen @greatfen.org.uk · 26/06/2026
If you're walking, cycling, skateboarding, roller-skating, or skipping your way down to our exciting multi-media exhibition Echoes of Change on Sunday, admission is just a suggested donation of £2pp. Explore the changing landscapes, histories and folklore of the Fens through art, drama and music.
A man freewheeling side saddle on a bike and a woman riding a bike, through a field on a sunny day, wearing summery clothes. Speech bubble calls out 'Hurry up darling, Echoes of Change is starting soon and we don't want to miss it!'
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
#icanhazpdf request: Beavers are not alone: parasitic assessment of released Eurasian beavers in Central Italy link.springer.com/article/10.1... 🧪 #Rewilding #WildlifeReintroductions
link.springer.com
Beavers are not alone: parasitic assessment of released Eurasian beavers in Central Italy - Mammal Research
The Eurasian beaver Castor fiber L., 1758, absent in Italy for over 500 years, has established reproductive populations in Central Italy since 2019, most likely following unauthorized releases. Beside...
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American Birding Association @aba.org · 25/06/2026
Breeding Bird Spotlight: Bristle-thighed Curlew Cool Fact: After breeding in Alaska, Bristle-thighed Curlews migrate thousands of miles across the Pacific to winter on islands throughout Polynesia, including the Hawaiian Islands. Have you ever seen a Bristle-thighed Curlew?
Bristle-thighed Curlew, by George Armistead
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Reposted by Megan Shersby
BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Do you love filming, and creating videos? Our Digital Communications Officer (Videographer) role could be for you! Find out more and apply ➡️ www.bto.org/jobs 📆 Full time. 📝 £33,954 per annum. 📍 Thetford, Norfolk (Hybrid). ⚠️ Application deadline: 5 July.
A side view of a Cuckoo perching on top of a tree, showing its pointed wings and long tail, blue-grey head and upper plumage with white black-barred underparts. Wording above reads: We're hiring! Digital Communications Officer (Videographer).
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Are these all willowherbs? My thoughts on ID: 1. Hoary 2. Broad-leaved 3. Greater 4. Rosebay #Wildflowers #NorthantsWildlife
Focused on a single willowherb plant surrounded by other greenery A single willowherb planted, against a concrete path A corridor of willowherb plants alongside a black railing A cluster of Rosebay Willowherb plants
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
A small delay in the latest 30 Galls Wild posts as I try to determine the ID on a couple of them - but don't fear, I have continued getting a different one each day! #30DaysWild #PanSpeciesListing #NorthantsWildlife #Galls #PlantGalls #Inverts #Botany
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Looking forward to the Great Fen members-only guided walk next walk!
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Day 20 of 30 Galls Wild: Aceria campestricola. The mite Aceria campestricola causes these small galls on Elm. ⭐️ My boss at @wildlifebcn.org has set me the challenge of seeing a different gall each day during #30DaysWild ⭐️ #Galls #PlantGalls
Small bumps on the top surface of an elm leaf Small indents on the underside of an elm leaf
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Day 19.2* of 30 Galls Wild: Eriophyes similis. This is becoming a familiar gall even though it was a lifer just this year, as I've seen it a couple of times at Strawberry Hill. Caused by Eriophyes similis on Blackthorn. #Galls #PlantsGalls
Small swelling on a Blackthorn leaf.Small swelling on a Blackthorn leaf.Small swelling on a Blackthorn leaf.Small swelling on a Blackthorn leaf.
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Day 19.1* of 30 Galls Wild: Contarinia tiliarum on Lime. A pea-like gall caused by Contarinia tiliarum (midge), this was was all green but they can be reddish too. Spotted in the grounds of @elycathedral.bsky.social just before I gave a talk about wildlife gardening. #Galls #PlantGalls
A pea-like green gall on LimeA pea-like green gall on LimeA pea-like green gall on Lime. In the background is a blurry Fire Exit sign on the tree trunk.
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Can anyone recommend somewhere in or near Ely that I can work for a couple of hours that is cool inside or has actual aircon, and Internet? Considering the library of course, but it may not be cool enough inside so looking to hear of other options to consider.
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Megan Shersby @meganshersby.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
I need to come clean... The last few days of 30 Galls Wild have actually been from last week, as I've been on holiday in Essaouira, Morocco.
View of an old stone building Palm trees outside a city wallA view of a setting sun from a rooftop terrace of a restaurant
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