Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 08/09/2026To celebrate bird migration to and from the county, the KOS & partners are holding a day of birdwatching, ringing & recording on 27th of Sept. Please join us at one of 3 participating sites. See kentos.org.uk/index.php/even… for details & instructions of how to sign up where relevant. 094
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 28/08/2026Germany: Protect the North Sea and its harbour porpoises! actions.eko.org/a/germany-pr...actions.eko.org 000
Reposted by Murray OrchardDigital Brain @yourdigitalbrain.bsky.social · 31/07/2026A small act of kindness toward someone vulnerable just went viral, proof that you do not need grand gestures to make a real difference. Sharing food, helping a hurt animal, aiding a stranger, this is 607144712914
Reposted by Murray OrchardBritish Birds @britishbirds.bsky.social · 25/07/2026Looking for your next wildlife read? Explore the latest book reviews in the British Birds Journal, covering everything from bird identification and ecology to conservation and natural history. Read the reviews in the latest issue: britishbirds.co.uk/volume-119/i... 194
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 25/07/2026N Herts: Quick check of Amwell Pits 09.15-10.30. Nice catch up with Mr Reed. 8 ad Com Terns plus juv and 2 chicks (1 large 1 small) using raft😊, also 4 large BHG young; Com Sand, Green Sand, 20+ Lapwing, 2 f Shoveler, Swift and H/Martins collecting mud😊….and lots of Gadwall! @hertsbirds.bsky.social 000
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 18/07/2026Medway Islands WeBS 17/7 Still breeding gulls & terns present but most departed - no Little Terns🙁. Sandwich Terns still present tho at new site, with 2+ juvs😊 so hopes for return next year. Also young Med Gull. Over 1,000 Curlew & 50+ Whimbrel Pics @bobknight.bsky.social @smp-seabirds.bsky.social 071
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 15/07/2026The KOS is organising a Family Bird Day at Dungeness RSPB on 16 August. Free for members and non-members. Several activities planned - see flyer. Please sign up via admin@kentos.org.uk. And do share with friends who might be interested. Thanks. 072
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 13/07/2026The 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/do...you.38degrees.org.ukTell 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: 001
Reposted by Murray OrchardNational Trust @nationaltrust.org.uk · 02/07/2026It's been a record-breaking year for little terns at Long Nanny, Northumberland! A minimum of 126 breeding pairs are nesting at the site this season, far surpassing the previous record of 57 breeding pairs in 1994. They're the UK’s second rarest breeding seabird so this is good news. 416430
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 14/06/2026Evening twitch to Amwell for the 2 superb Black Terns - swooping and feeding over Hardmead Lake😊 Also 32 B/H Gull AON (2 near-fledged young), 7 Com Tern (1 AON on island, 2 AON on raft), 18+ Egyptian Geese, 2 LRP, 4+ Lapwing, m Shoveler, 16+ Cormorant nests, Sparrowhawk etc. @hertsbirds.bsky.social 010
Reposted by Murray OrchardSussex Ornithology @sussexornitholo.bsky.social · 12/06/2026We are really excited to be hosting the Honey-buzzard live stream on our new website. As seen on Springwatch 2026. tinyurl.com/42ubayu8 The Society part-funded this work, which should contribute much to our understanding of the species’ breeding ecology in Sussex. Thanks to all partners.tinyurl.comHoney-buzzards - The Sussex Ornithological SocietyHoney-buzzards have been studied and surveyed in Sussex since the early 1990s, with many chicks ringed at the nest as part of a wider project in Britain. 01611
Reposted by Murray OrchardCaroline Lucas @carolinelucas.bsky.social · 12/06/2026Good news! Ministers have finally given green light to new #NaturalHistory GCSE. We’ve campaigned so long for this! Big hats off to tireless advocate Mary Colwell 🙌 Now our young people will have a chance to get to know & love the natural world, to feel awe & wonder, & gain skills to protect it 🌷🌳🦡theguardian.comNatural history GCSE to teach teenagers to plant wildflower-friendly gardensLong-awaited course to examine human effects on natural world and explore everyday ways to aid biodiversity 391219372
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 11/06/2026My contribution to #WorldSaltmarshDay A harsh, changeable, vulnerable, scarce and declining habitat. Here, the saltmarsh of a Medway island on a spring high tide. Our gulls and terns breed on a knife edge. Photo by @Bknight_3 @smp-seabirds.bsky.social 0132
Reposted by Murray OrchardMassimo (mirror) @rainmaker1973-m.bsky.social · 10/06/2026Crested mynas, as many other birds, are born altricially, which means young are underdeveloped at the time of birth, therefore fed by parents. When they grow up, they have to learn that food doesn't simply jump into their beaks. [📹 Rebecca Gelernter] Original post 1783652512
Reposted by Murray Orchard@amybisinthewoods.bsky.social 🍄🍄🟫 @amybdogsandfungi.bsky.social · 05/06/2026We have to end his power in November. It is life or death. 700124835750
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 06/06/2026I'm calling on the Government to make sure developers deliver for nature through Biodiversity Net Gain! action.rspb.org.uk/page/192593/...action.rspb.org.ukMore exemptions proposed for Biodiversity Net GainNew proposals offer developers even more exemptions when it comes to delivering for nature. 000
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 27/05/2026Out on Medway, doing Redshank survey. Landed on Nor Marsh (with permission) where nesting B/H Gulls. A check of other islands produced 390 Med Gulls & 170 Sandwich Terns😊 The latter in new nesting area following abandonment of usual beach. So Kent’s only colony survives!?🙏 @smp-seabirds.bsky.social 094
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 25/05/2026Thanks Owen, be good to know the final total of RP nests and success. How are Wheatears doing? 000
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 25/05/2026The first two pics are Black Barn Pools, the third is one of the main clay pits which has a couple of secure islands. In other pits the islands are now connected to surrounding land due to low water levels….and so are abandoned due to predator access. 010
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 25/05/2026A bit of both, but mostly climate related with very dry winter and too little too late rain early spring. The “Black Barn Pools” (pictured) rely on winter/spring rain. No source to pump, only efforts to retain. The main pits with islands COULD be topped up from Thames sluice….but EA won’t allow. 110
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 24/05/2026Back from Devon and straight into delayed WeBS and SMP visits. Utterly grim at Cliffe RSPB, with the low water levels resulting in almost total loss of breeding season for gulls, terns and waders. However, a pair of LRP with 4 chicks😊, and one small BHG colony (83 AON) @smp-seabirds.bsky.social 110
Reposted by Murray OrchardMichelle says: Be kind. Always. ❤️ @snarkysillysad.bsky.social · 24/05/2026Inca tern of Peru and Chile: #AGoodPlace Source: www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsi... 934379588
Reposted by Murray Orchard🦌 The Deer Whisperer 🦌 @thedeerwhisperer.bsky.social · 18/05/2026Mt St Helens May 18, 1980 I just cannot imagine what seeing this would've been like. The person who took this photo had to abandon their car and escape with the motorcycle. 📸Richard Lasher 35355141018
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 18/05/2026Are they all in Kent? Fingers crossed they fledge some young. Would be good to know end of season results. How are Wheatears doing? 100
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 17/05/2026Well done Tim! A hello from Murray & Jill Orchard (Jill Gibson was your next door neighbour in Swanley, and I worked at Welcome with Tony Morris). Happy Days!….and good birding! 010
Reposted by Murray OrchardMark Hamill @markhamillofficial.bsky.social · 16/05/2026You're entitled to your own opinion. You're NOT entitled to your own facts. #BelieveTheScience What he said 💯 👇 👇 👇 593249416703
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 15/05/2026PHEW!! Much better results on May Medway Islands WeBS than expected, after April survey. 320+ Med Gulls, 30 Little Terns and…..100 Sandwich Terns at new site😄 (usual beach abandoned). Also 3,500+ B/H Gulls & 35 Com Terns An unexpected Shag to finish!🤔 Pics by @Bknight_3 @smp-seabirds.bsky.social 030
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 04/05/2026None at Cliffe, as low water levels have exposed links to islands so Foxes can access. When last checked, no Meds (and very few BHG) on Fowley Island. 010
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 02/05/2026Has anyone got our Med Gulls? North Kent has seen a major decline in breeding Med Gulls last two years. From 850 pairs in 2024, to about 150 last year and now none (so far) this year? Any other sites missing birds?, or with greatly increased numbers? @smp-seabirds.bsky.social @ukrbbp.bsky.social 373
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 19/04/2026Busy couple of days in Kent. Three WeBS counts & Redshank survey in N Kent and Bittern survey at Stodmarsh on Friday evening. Great to “put in”💪 Still found time for scope-filling views of the Crane at Seasalter RSPB!😂 @rspbengland.bsky.social @naturalengland.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social 040
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 19/04/2026Medway Islands WeBS. First returning Little Terns, but no activity at Sandwich Tern site - beach looks scoured/abandoned🙁- just 7 birds in estuary. B/H Gulls in low nos, mostly one main island. Very few Meds, but 3 prs GBBG? Lots of Brents! Pics by @bobknight.bsky.social @smp-seabirds.bsky.social 020
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 06/04/2026Happy Easter! Bright but cold & windy! - did a couple of local greenspace surveys. My first use of the App in the field (the 17/3 was a test run). Just so quick and simple! Good to provide data for assessing our public greenspaces. Singing Greenfinches at both sites👍😊 @btobirds.bsky.social 120
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 04/04/2026Stop Royal Caribbean from Bulldozing the Maya Jungle! action.eko.org/a/stop-royal...action.eko.org 000
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 03/03/2026Great BTO Conference yesterday in Northampton. Packed programme of talks from Nightjars, Bird Atlas 2027-31, results of WinGS and Blackbirds/Usutu virus to tracking seabirds & Birds in Greenspaces 2026. Good networking with staff/attendees and good catering. Thanks BTO! @_BTO 010
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 24/08/2025Bribery!😉 My contribution for Seabird Sunday. Sandwich Terns in the Medway (Kent) earlier this year. Pic by Bob Knight. #SuperSeabirdSunday @smp-seabirds.bsky.social 050
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 05/08/2025Very enjoyable Naturalists Picnic Lunch at Upper Mystole Park Farm, hosted by Keith & Jenny Dugmore. Nice to say hello to long time birding colleagues and have tour of new wetland habitats. A drive through Denge Woods afterwards produced a flock of 14 Crossbills. @kentwildlife.bsky.social 030
Reposted by Murray OrchardAlexander Lees @alexanderlees.bsky.social · 05/08/2025The current position of Natural England is that (re)introduction of White Storks should not be supported. Evidence for their historical presence here is sketchy and it is difficult to rule out historical remains as not pertaining to regular vagrancy. Cultural evidence is weak at best #UKbirding 1/2 97528
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 20/07/2025Enjoyable visit to Dover White Cliffs on Thurs despite the sea fret. A few nice flowers, a Chalk Hill Blue, pair of Stonechats, then the superb path down to the beach. A Black Redstart & Rock Pipits on the cliffs on way down. Ended with Raven flying over into the mist. @whitecliffsdover.bsky.social 020
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 17/07/2025Wow, few will ever achieve that in the UK, let alone inland local patch!👏 010
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 09/07/2025Donald Trump wants to open the spectacular deep Pacific Ocean to drilling and mining. It's a global emergency: resistors in the government say we need to flood the public comment process before it’s too late! action.eko.org/a/trump-atta...action.eko.orgStop Trump's attack on our oceans!Donald Trump just announced he’s going to open the Pacific Ocean to deep sea mining!That means his friends will get permits to vacuum up the ocean floor, destroy irreplaceable marine life, and make bi 000
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 08/07/2025Did my annual farm walk around Braughing/Bozen Green N Herts to check local Corn Bunts. Four pairs, plus 3 R/Bunt, 13 YH, Linnet, lots of Skylarks and a juv Y/Wagtail. Been like this for 20+years. Farmer/s here getting it right👏 In one 50m stretch got CB, RB, Y. S. LI & YW!😊 @hertsbirds.bsky.social 010
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 06/07/2025A collection of pics from Anglesey last week for Super Seabird Sunday😊 #SuperSeabirdSunday @smp-seabirds.bsky.social 1203
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 06/07/2025🌳 Dame Judi Dench is calling for the return of ancient woodlands. Will you sign the petition to help restore the Ghost Woods and protect our green spaces for future generations? you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/br...you.38degrees.org.ukBring back the ancient woodlands smothered beneath your timber plantationsAncient woodlands are vanishing – and with them, some of our most loved and endangered wildlife. Forestry England manages over 100,000 acres of land that used to be ancient woodland - that’s bigger th... 000
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 31/05/2025Lovely morning for Late BBS visit to TL3336, Therfield, N Herts. Pleased to get singing Corn Bunting and Willow Warbler, both present on Early visit too. A surprise fly past Grey Partridge, L/Whitethroat, several Skylarks, Linnets & Yellowhammers. Song Thrush on the up? @bbs-birds.bsky.social 131
Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 31/05/2025Medway Islands WeBS/SMP count 26/5. Count of adults - B/H Gull 3,443, Med Gull 336, Sandwich Tern 155, Little Tern 25, but virtually no Com Terns. Sandwich Tern nesting beach deserted…although some birds have moved elsewhere. Effect of the earlier cold NE winds? Pics by @Bknight_3 @smp_seabirds 020
Reposted by Murray OrchardRupert Evershed @rupertevershed.bsky.social · 30/05/2025Really sad to have to announce that Steve Blake @blakey9.bsky.social passed away last night after a long battle with illness. He will be greatly missed, not least as a good friend to many, a great birder and the man behind Herts Bird News @hertsbirds #hertsbirds #londonbirds 😢 463