iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 8h

Back in Southern Morocco with @naturetrek.bsky.social & we have crossed the High Atlas to get to Boumalne Dades. Endemics of Levaillants W/p, Atlas Wheatear plus specials of Hoopoe Lark, Red-rumped Wheatear & both Bee-eaters already. Supporting cast of dragonflies, lizards and Butterflies

000

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

The afternoon was spent at Upton Fen, which was alive with dragonflies including Norfolk Hawker & Scarce Chaser. The only Swallowtail of the day fortunately showed well. The last target was Fen Orchid - the most inconspicuous at the site.

000

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

A day in the Bure area of the broads started at Ranworth with the breeding Ospreys - Norfolk's only pair and a mix of other wetland birds.

000

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Our last day in Morocco with @naturetrek.bsky.social & we returned to Oukaimeden. Another stunning day with clouds of butterflies.The Berberia Graylings performed brilliantly, Spotted Adonis, Aetherie's Fritillary, Moroccan Meadow Brown and so much more.

021

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

A day in the N'fis valley with @naturetrek.bsky.social. Thwarted from getting to Tizi n'Test by N7 roadworks we stayed lower around Tinmel. The c12th Mosque still looks terrible from the earthquake but added Moroccan Small Skipper, Mountain Argus plus Swallowtail. RT Scrub Robins were plentiful

011

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

With the weather a bit cooler we headed to the N'fis valley at Aouzar with @naturetrek.bsky.social Desert Orangetips, Plain Tigers & Desert Fritillary found. The usual desert-like valley is transformed by meltwater this year. The breeding Rollers seem to enjoy it! Af Knapweed Frits on the way back.

010

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

A day around imlil & Tizi n'Tamatert with @naturetrek.bsky.social. Giant Graylings & Vaucher's Heath were good finds at high altitude, adding Spanish Marbled Whites as we descended through the pine woods. We watched Moussier's Redstarts feeding young, all in the shadow of a snowy Toubkhal

041

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Another day in Morocco's High Atlas with @naturetrek.bsky.social this time in the Ourika Valley. Flowering season appears late here but still added some new butterflies inc Spotted Fritillary, False Ilex Hairstreak & African Grass Blue. Even the endemic Atlas Goldenring made an appearance.

051

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

It wasn't all butterflies at Oukaimeden with @naturetrek.bsky.social today. The swathe of Marsh Orchids were spectacular. Atlas Day Geckos were sunning themselves. Barbary Featherlegs were the best of the Odonata & good views of the Crimson-winged Finch plus Atlas Wheatears

021

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

A great day at Oukaimeden on Atlas Butterflies with @naturetrek.bsky.social The alpine meadows were full of flowers and clouds of butterflies. Whites, small coppers dominated but Fritillaries were plentiful, lots of blues and key species such as Vaucher's Heath and Berberia Graylings.

031

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

The 1st day in Morocco's High Atlas for Butterflies with @naturetrek.bsky.social & lots on the wing. Focused on low elevation near the hotel & already specials found Inc African Babul Blue, African Knapweed Fritillary, False Mallow Skipper, False Baton Blue & Med Tiger Blue. Cloud of whites too

041

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Odonata were the biggest surprise in Uzbekistan with @naturetrek.bsky.social. Of the ten species 3 had previously been unrecorded on these trips - Forked Bluetail, Samarkand Demoiselle & Ivory Featherleg. Added to these were local specials of Turkestan Goldenring & Turkestan Winter Damsel.

Forked Bluetail - first record for iNaturalist in Uzbek although known historically here

011

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

The last few days with @naturetrek.bsky.social in Uzbekistan were around Bukhara & the Kyzlkum desert. Rain in the desert made it challenging however still found Turkestan Ground Jay & other specials like Desert Finch, Scrub Warbler and Saxaul Sparrow. Perrin's Green Toad & a few butterflies too

021

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Today we were in Samarkand with @naturetrek.bsky.social & focused on the cultural sites related to Amir Temur. The Registan was the obvious highlight. Wildlife was not totally forgotten. Alpine Swifts & Blyth's Reed Warblers were common across the city. The riverside walk added Marsh Frog & Muskrat.

021

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Our last day in Za'amin Uzbekistan with @naturetrek.bsky.social before heading to Samarkand. Great views of Blyth's Rosefinch & Bearded Vulture amongst the high altitude birds. The lower meadows were full of gentians & lilies even if there was new snow on the high tops.

041

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Day 2 in Uzbekistan with @naturetrek.bsky.social & after a brief tour of the sights of Tashkent we have been in Za'amin NP. Mtn species have been our targets with White-winged Grosbeak & Grey-crowned Goldfinch showing well. Butterflies & dragonflies including local endemic Samarkand Demoiselle

031

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

A Historic Hampshire day trip with @naturetrek.bsky.social with 4 clients in the footsteps of Gilbert White around Selborne. Lots of Firecrest & the first Spotted Flycatchers were singing on territory. Duke of Burgundy & Dingy Skippers were found as were a few orchids inc the spectacular mimic, Fly

011

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

The last full day in the desert on Moroccan Sahara with @naturetrek.bsky.social took us to the desert spring. A Lanner hunting Bee-eaters & Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse were the highlights before visiting a nomad camp where they baked bread in the sand. Finished with sunset camel ride in Erg Chigaga.

020

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

Day 4 of Moroccan Sahara with @naturetrek.bsky.social started with a viewable Fennec Fox. We then found Ostrich & Addax, both part of reintroduction programmes here. Migrants continue to stream through, Montagu's & Marsh Harriers, Booted Eagle & lots of European Bee-eaters were today's treats

010

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Day 3 in Moroccan Sahara with @naturetrek.bsky.social started at the Sandgrouse pools. 2 hrs after dawn & the birds dropped in with both Crowned & Spotted present. A Lanner came through as we were leaving. We later headed south to the Draa itself - no water but Fulvous Babblers on a walk.

011

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Day 2 of Moroccan Sahara with @naturetrek.bsky.social & we stayed in the vicinity of Camp al Koutban. The overnight rain meant that the usually dry wadis were flooded. We found a mix of migrants & resident birds. Desert Sparrows & CC Courser were highlights. An evening drive yielded Dorcas Gazelle

051

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

First full day in Moroccan Sahara with @naturetrek.bsky.social travelling from Foum Zgoud to Camp al Koutban in the shadow of Erg Chigaga. Found our first Desert special with Tristram's warbler and Sandfish. All in dramatic landscapes

051

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

The last full day in Oman with @naturetrek.bsky.social & hoping for flight home tomorrow. Returned to Muscat via Wadi Fanja, a wet wadi with 5 Greater Spotted, 2 Steppe & Booted Eagles. Also found Arabian & Sand Partridge plus Long-billed Pipit. Isabelline Shrike was a crowd pleaser too

041

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Day 10 in Oman with @naturetrek.bsky.social & we spent the day around Jebel Shams. We arrived at our first wadi just in time to watch 7 Lappet-faced Vultures leave their roost. A pair of Bonelli's Eagles & LL Buzzard joined them on the thermals. We finally caught up with the striolated buntings too.

020

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Day 8&9 in Oman with @naturetrek.bsky.social .We crossed. Wahiba sands & headed into the Hadjar Mtns. Dramatic landscapes & some special birds inc Lappet-faced Vulture & Plain Leaf Warblers. Persian & Hume's Wheatears, Dhofar Toads and Semaphore Geckos added to the mix

030

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Day 6&7 in Oman with @naturetrek.bsky.social With Salalah out of reach now, we spent our time in the Empty Quarter looking for desert species. Hoopoe Lark showed well. At Muntasar we watched Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse come to drink. Asian Desert warblers and the vagrant White-breasted Waterhens too

010

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Day 5 in Oman with @naturetrek.bsky.social started with a Sociable Lapwing next to our hotel - amazing views. The mixture of desert & coast gave us the chance to connect with wild Asses, Black crowned Sparrow-larks, Green Turtles and Red-billed Tropicbirds for a varied day around Ras Al Khabah.

010

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Day 4 in Oman with @naturetrek.bsky.social We left Muscat with many Egyptian Vultures being seen as we headed SE. We stopped at estuaries with Spoonbill & the main target of Crab Plover secured. We spent the evening with the nesting Green Turtles, 2 females & 3 hatchlings returned to the sea. Magic

000

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

Day 3 in Oman with @naturetrek.bsky.social & everything here seems normal. We headed out on a boat trip off Muscat finding Loggerhead Turtle, Common Dolphin and hundreds of Red-necked Phalaropes. Few seabirds though. We then headed into the mountains for more Hume's Wheatear and Arabian Babblers

020

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

Day 2 in Oman with @naturetrek.bsky.social & we tried the stoney desert and mountains around Nakhal west of Muscat. Persian Wheatears, Arabian Babblers & Egyptian Vulture were all key finds in this dramatic landscape. The spring at Tawarah attracted Indian Rollers & lots of dragonflies.

030

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Day 1 in Oman -Arabia's Finest Birding with @naturetrek.bsky.social focused on the coast west of Muscat. Plenty of waders, gulls & terns to keep us busy with great views of Sooty and Pallas's & 7 species of tern Inc both crested. Even had a visit from a friendly Desert Wheatear.

040

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

The last day in Tunisia with @naturetrek.bsky.social was a full circuit of Djerba island. Shorebirds were the target & we found a few new species for the trip. Red-throated Pipit & Ferruginous duck were key species - however flamingos, spoonbills & gulls were plentiful esp Slender-billed & Med

021

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

Day 3 in Tunisia with @naturetrek.bsky.social is always one of transition from desert to coast. Started at Ksar Hallouf with its many House Buntings, found more Marmora's Warblers in a rocky wadi, before heading to Boughrara with Spoonbills waders and Flamingos. Also treated with Eagle Owl at nest.

021

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

Day 2 in Tunisian Desert with @naturetrek.bsky.social was all about Larks. We found the iconic Hoopoe Lark, charismatic Thick-billed, Desert, Bar-tailed and Temminck's. Ably supported by CC Courser, Desert Sparrow & Pharaoh Eagle-Owl. Magic stuff

031

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Day 1 Winter Sun birding in Tunisia with @naturetrek.bsky.social found us south of Tataouine in the desert. A day of Wheatears, with 5 species Red rumped, Desert, Maghreb, White-crowned all in song. Moussier's Redstarts & Marmora's Warblers at a new site. Atlas Buzzard & ST eagle good finds.

141

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

A full day in Massa with @naturetrek.bsky.social Morocco winter sun. Started with Stone Curlew, Little Owl & cont... with Tchagra, Plain Martin & Red-,necked Nightjar at roost. Not only about birds, Green striped Whites & Greenish Black tips, Lesser Emperors & lots of flowers inc. Brownbells. Magic

041

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

Travelled up the coast to Tamri with @naturetrek.bsky.social on Morocco winter sun. Flock of 74 Bald Ibis foraging on the short turf & a few birds at the nest site. Audouin's Gulls are plentiful on this stretch, a migration north included Whimbrel. Gannets & Gt Skua. Yellow Cistanche in full flower

031

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

Today we transferred from Guelmim to Agadir on Morocco winter sun with @naturetrek.bsky.social . We stopped at the park & the landscape was green and blooming as the winter rains have done their magic. Addax, Dorcas Gazelle & Red-necked Ostrich were at their best.

031

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

Our second day in the desert on the @naturetrek.bsky.social Morocco winter sun. We found more classic species top of the list were the 3 Cream-colored Coursers, Trumpeter Finches and more Hoopoe Larks. The Tristram's warbler is another regional endemic.

052

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Winter sun in Morocco with @naturetrek.bsky.social & our first day in the desert. Great views of Temminck's & displaying Hoopoe Lark. Party of Fulvous Babblers enlivened our lunch stop. Singing Desert & Red-rumped Wheatears showed spring is coming as were migrant Quail & Northern Wheatear

051

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

Another great day birding in Kuwait with @naturetrek.bsky.social. Last night we sought Pallid Scops Owl in the local park. Today, we started at dawn at Al Jahra with 4sp of Eagle plus PGP & Swamphen. Other sightings kept us going through the day in calm warm conditions

082

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

Day 6 in Kuwait with @naturetrek.bsky.social & another action packed day started with Hypocolius and Oriental Honey-buzzard, moved on to a dozen or so Purple Sunbirds. Picked up more Shikra & Red-vented Bulbuls before 6 sp of Wheatear inc Persian. Finished with sunset & a Lesser Flamingo. Magic!

041

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Day 5 in Kuwait with @naturetrek.bsky.social & after dawn at Al Jahra Reserve we concentrated on some of the scarcest birds in the Western Pal. Kurdish Wheatear, Afghan Babbler, Indian Roller and Rufous-backed Redstart were all found. Good mix of supporting species especially raptors too

021

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

Day 4 in Kuwait with @naturetrek.bsky.social started in Kabd with desert species adding the much desired CC Courser & Hoopoe Lark. Red-wattled Lapwing were also present near the experimental fields. We headed to the coast for high tide. Crab Plovers were the highlight but exception numbers of birds

041

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

Day 3 in Kuwait with @naturetrek.bsky.social and we focused on the desert species with Pharaoh Eagle Owl and Mourning Wheatear on the Al Mutla cliffs. Steppe Eagle, Shikra, LL Buzzard & Pallid Harriers gave raptors a strong showing. We finished the day with mythical Sand Cat nr the Iraqi border

061

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 04/01/2026

Day 2 in Kuwait with @naturetrek.bsky.social with the focus on Hypocolius - a dozen birds seen well. Shorebirds really came to the fore, with '000s seen along the gulf coast Terek and Broad b Sands amongst the teeming Sandplovers to a backdrop of Flamingos & herons. Indian Roller completed the day

042

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

Day 1 of Kuwait -Winter Sun birding with @naturetrek.bsky.social started in the park with great views of Masked Shrikes, Clam Reed Warbler, White-eared Bulbul & Bluethroats. We then headed south. Lots of desert species Inc the eponymous Warbler, Wheatear & Finch. Finished with 2 crested tern sp.

041

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

The last full day in Morocco with @naturetrek.bsky.social & we headed into the High Atlas. A few new species inc 3 Golden Eagles and a pair of Rock Buntings. Atlas LL Buzzards were behaving as if they were a pair already. The roads were a little tortuous at times but the scenery was great.

042

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

A great day in Oued Massa, Morocco with @naturetrek.bsky.social with lots of variety & numbers of birds. Highlights many but inc BW Kite, Bonelli's Eagle, Glossy & Bald Ibis, 2 RN Nightjars, Marbled Duck, Slender-billed Gull, Plain Martin, ducks, waders and so much more.

041

naturevc12.bsky.social @naturevc12.bsky.social · 07/12/2025

Day 4 Morocco Winter Birding with @naturetrek.bsky.social was spent on the coast north of Agadir. Blue Rock Thrush & Black Wheatear at Cap Rhir, a few prospecting Bald Ibis near their nest ledges, then Gulls & Waders at Asif N'Srou inc Audouin's Gulls, Kentish & a lone Golden Plover

021