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Neil McMahon

@northantsbirding.bsky.social
390 followers 338 following 90 posts

Birder, avid bird feeder, Naturetrek.co.uk tour leader, ringer, blogger (Northamptonshirebirding.blogspot.com) and regularly takes a camera for a walk but is certainly no photographer!

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Neil McMahon @northantsbirding.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
A busy twenty-four hours ringing by members of the Northants Ringing Group (UK) provided well over two hundred birds which included seventy-five Swallows, thirty-seven Blackcaps, eighteen Meadow Pipits, four Barn Owls, five Cetti's Warblers, two Yellow Wagtails and a Stonechat. 🪶🦉😊
Nestling Stock DoveBarn OwlFirst year male Stonechat
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🇨🇦JOY 🇨🇦 @joycomes.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Long-eared Owls chicks 4 weeks old leave the nest at 26 days and climb and huddle together on branches fed by their parents. They develop flight feathers and are able to take short flights at 5 weeks of age. They will be 15 cm when full grown. Live across the North America, Europe, Asia, N Africa
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Wildlife @worldwildlife.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Pink Robin (Petroica rodinogaster): This is a small passerine bird native to southeastern Australia. Photo taken by Nikki Long, Tasmania, Australia. #robin #pinkrobin #australia #bird #wildlife #pink
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Neil McMahon @northantsbirding.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
action.ifaw.org/page/176634/...
action.ifaw.org
Help protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales
Act now to protect the 380 critically endangered North Atlantic right whales remaining in our ocean before it's too late! #SaveTheWhales
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Jon Cook @jcbirder.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Ruff this evening at Hollowell Reservoir, one of two present #northantsbirds #waders
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Dungeness Bird Observatory @dungenessbirdobs.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Four Honey Buzzards recorded during the course of the day, with one juvenile and three adults. Other vismig included 630 Sand Martin, 140 House Martin, 1450 Swallow, five Tree Pipit and 170 Yellow Wagtail. #kentbirding
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bigstarbirding.bsky.social @bigstarbirding.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
#Northantsbirds Beautiful light early evening at NW North EBGP, and some quality birds too. The Glossy Ibis and the Spotted Redshank showed very well, with a supporting cast of at least 7 Green and 3 Common Sand. The reed-fringed muddy edges looked good for Spotted Crake, but no joy.
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Graham Deacon @grahamd12.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Spectacular CES11 on Salisbury Plain with the site's 10th Wryneck plus Firecrest & Spot Fly new for the year. 250 birds processed inc 12 Grasshopper, 8 Reed, 30 Sedge, 16 Willow, 15 Garden, 55 Whitethroat, 5 Lesser, 52 Blackcap. Water even fell out of the sky for 30 mins! @wiltsbirdclub.bsky.social
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Peter Howlett @cardiffbirder.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Autumn sedge Warblers are beautiful birds, especially when you get really good close views of one creeping around the bottom of reeds and other vegetation at Cardiff wetland reserve #birds #birdingWales
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Mountain Birder @dawson61.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Handsome Male Redstart what a beautiful bird to photograph.
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Dungeness Bird Observatory @dungenessbirdobs.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
A brilliant control Sedge Warbler from this morning! This bird was ringed at 05:50hrs yesterday morning at Lychett Bay in Dorset, it was then caught in our first round this morning at around 05:30am! It had travelled 213km within 24hrs. #kentbirding
The Sedge Warbler from Lychett Bay, photographed in the hand at Dungeness
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Seven* of our satellite tagged Cuckoos are south of the Sahara, having made epic migrations from Europe! *Actually, make that eight - Irish bird Brock has 'reappeared' & his signal shows that he is in Chad. Find out more, & follow the Cuckoos' progress: ➡️ www.bto.org/cuckoos #birds #ukbirding
Image shows a map depicting the locations of seven satellite tagged Cuckoos, having completed their migratory flights across the Sahara desert.
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Tyler Atkinson @tylapwing.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
It’s nice to have local long staying redstarts at Clifford hill GP and have them showing well along the hedges in the mornings. I believe one of them is a new male and 1 of the original juveniles has left. #northantsbirds #ukbirding #wildlife #birdphotography #redstart #PWC2026
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birderneil.bsky.social @birderneil.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
A trip out with Neil M to Gloucestershire (just) to see the Long-tailed Shrike. It performed perfectly and we had a bonus male Redstart close by.
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Jon Cook @jcbirder.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Wood Sandpiper this morning at Hollowell Reservoir. #northantsbirds #ukbirding #waders
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birderneil.bsky.social @birderneil.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Summer Leys today’s venue. The Garganeys eventually showed, if only briefly. The Wasp Spiders are increasing in size with every visit. A Snipe showed briefly from the Paul Britten hide top deck and a GWE was on the reverse slope of the scrape. The highlight however was an inquisitive Stoat.
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glastomichelle.bsky.social @glastomichelle.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
A photo from this morning's candy floss sunrise here in Glastonbury. 🩷
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birderneil.bsky.social @birderneil.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
A total of 9 Wasp Spiders found at Summer Leys this morning plus Hummingbird Hawk Moth, Brown Argus, C Blue and Small Copper.
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Jon Cook @jcbirder.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Osprey circling high over Hollowell village this evening, with a large Bream; & being mobbed by the local Swifts. #ukbirding #northantsbirds
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birderneil.bsky.social @birderneil.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
A visit to Summer Leys on Thursday morning to look for Wasp Spider was unsuccessful. As was my attempt to photograph Hummingbird Hawk Moth on thistles by the 5 bar gate west of the visitor centre. I did manage Brown Argus though ;-))) C. Sand the only bird of note.
Brown Argus. Brown Argus.
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Marburymoths @marburybirds.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Today 6 juvenile Ravens came and followed me on the 1st 2 hrs of my walk. No sign of the adults until I heard a calling above me to see at least 11 Ravens flying above. No idea what was going on 🤷Just as I assumed the adults weren’t coming they have both turned up for their egg!
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Rob Thomas @robthomasbirds.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Highlights of a few days on the wonderful Skokholm Island, doing the annual storm petrel survey around Ronald Lockley’s cottage, and followed by a brief hello to the beautiful Western Reef Heron at Dale (please park sensibly, etc etc).
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Neil McMahon @northantsbirding.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
A very pleasant day out in rural Northamptonshire (UK) yesterday with a visit to the Wildlife Trust BCN reserve at Lilbourne Water Meadows, and Bucknell Wood near Silverstone later...soooo many butterflies at both! 🪶🦋 @the-wildlifetrusts.bsky.social
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Andrew Whitehouse @anthrobirder.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
An Upland Sandpiper pivots on a fence post in the Alberta prairies last weekend. Such oddly proportioned birds but it seems to work for them. #Birds #Alberta
An Upland Sandpiper perches on an old wooden fence post against a light green background.An Upland Sandpiper perches on an old wooden fence post against a light green background, pressing its long tail downwards.An Upland Sandpiper perches on an old wooden fence post against a light green background, lifting its wings.An Upland Sandpiper perches on an old wooden fence post against a light green background, lifting its wings slightly.
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Dave J 🌱 @davejaxon.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
A classic 'snipe on a post shot for today's #BirdOfTheDay #Birds&Bokeh cropped in portrait from @naturetrek.bsky.social Iceland in Spring - Photographic Special #Birds #Wildlife #BirdPhotography #waders #shorebirds
A Common Snipe perched on an old fencepost with a mottled background cropped in portrait mode.
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Neil McMahon @northantsbirding.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Our @naturetrek.bsky.social adventure in Norway visiting the Lofoten and Vesterlan islands has concluded, so now time to catch my breath and sort through some images! Wader chicks were numerous with large broods of Eurasian Curlews in particular which was great to see.🪶😊🐣 #norwaybirds
Oystercatcher chick.Male Red-spotted Bluethroat.
Female Elk (Moose in the New World).
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birderneil.bsky.social @birderneil.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
A very sunny walk down to the Bird Club Hide at Pitsford Res this morning. A family party of Lesser Whitethroats was an unexpected surprise and along with a GWE the only birds of note. The whole walk was full of butterflies: Marbled Whites 30+, Small Heaths, Painted Lady & S & L Skippers.
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Neil McMahon @northantsbirding.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
We have been most fortunate on the @naturetrek.bsky.social Norway's Lofoten Islands tour to encounter Orcas, a lone Beluga, a Basking Shark as well as typical birds of the Arctic. Today was very special as we were in amongst an active and curious pod of Long-finned Pilot Whales...🐋😊 🪶#norwaywhales
Long-finned Pilot Whale (calf)Long-finned Pilot Whale (calf)Long-finned Pilot WhalesSpy-hopping Long-finned Pilot Whale.
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Dave J 🌱 @davejaxon.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Three more shots for #BirdOfTheDay #birds #InFlight #photography from @naturetrek.bsky.social Iceland in Spring - Photographic Special with Sanderling, Red-throated Diver (Loon) and Red-necked Phalaropes, two females after one male #BirdsSeenIn2026 #IcelandBirds
A Sanderling in flight showing its white underside with wings and tail fully spread.A Red-throated Diver (Loon) running across the lake to get airborne with both feet clear of the water.Red-necked Phalaropes, two females after one male, the females are the brighter plumaged and take no part in incubation or raising the young. That's left to the male and the females often find another male to mate with.
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Hugh Harrop @hughharrop.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
What a stunner! Enjoyed absolutely incredible views of this Arctic-bound White-billed Diver (aka Yellow-billed Loon) in full breeding plumage at West Burrafirth, Shetland yesterday. #BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #Birds #UKWildlife
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birderneil.bsky.social @birderneil.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
An Osprey over the Scaldwell Bay at Pitsford Reservoir this morning was invited to leave by one of the local breeding Black-headed Gulls.
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Simon Satchell @simonsatchell.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Some highlights from a week in Romania's Carpathian Mountains with @naturetrek.bsky.social. Other sightings included Brown Bears from the hotel, Fire Salamander and a variety of orchids and butterflies. #naturetrek
Brown BearLesser Spotted EagleMarsh FritillaryYellow Wagtail
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Neil McMahon @northantsbirding.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
The @naturetrek.bsky.social 40th Anniversary British Isles Cruise concluded today - an epic journey with great British wildlife visiting the islands around the UK with visits to Lundy, the Isles of Scilly, the Calf of Man, Rathlin Island, St Kilda and islands in the Hebrides, Orkneys and Shetlands.
Leaping Common Dolphin.
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Dave J 🌱 @davejaxon.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
It’s a wintery start to @naturetrek.bsky.social Iceland in Spring though the birds on our pre-breakfast excursion didn’t mind at all with Harlequin, Long-tailed Duck and Barrow’s Goldeneye putting in excellent performances #BirdsSeenIn2026
A drake Harlequin Duck standing on a grass bank by the river.A drake Long-tailed Duck flying along the river.A drake Barrow’s Goldeneye in flight during a snow storm.
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Dave J 🌱 @davejaxon.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
I‘m a little late for today's #BirdOfTheDay theme #HeadShots, headshots of any bird, as I’ve just arrived in southern Iceland on @naturetrek.bsky.social Undiscoverd Iceland tour and took this shot of an obliging Redwing earlier. It’s great to be back! #BirdsSeenIn2026
A head and shoulder photo of an Icelandic Redwing looking over its shoulder.
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Neil McMahon @northantsbirding.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
A day of looking at geological features still provided some birds during the @naturetrek.bsky.social 'Go Slow in Iceland' tour. A keen, cool breeze but sunshine all day long during our visits to Dettifoss, Asbyrgi and Namafjall...🪶🦆😊 #icelandbirds
Drake Barrow's Goldeneye.Long-tailed Ducks.Great Northern Diver.White Wagtail on ice.
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Neil McMahon @northantsbirding.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
First full day of @naturetrek.bsky.social 'Go Slow in Iceland' tour at and close to Lake Myvatn. We were lucky with the weather, the light and some fabulous iconic Iceland birds...🪶🦉🦆😊 #icelandbirds
Male Ptarmigan.Short-eared Owl.Great Northern Diver.Drake Harlequin Duck.
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Simon Satchell @simonsatchell.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Highlights from a short break to Sweden in search of owls with @naturetrek.bsky.social. However, having the privilege of watching a Lynx guarding its kill for over an hour will take some beating!
Eurasian LynxUral OwlEurasian Pygmy OwlSwedish Sunset
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Neil McMahon @northantsbirding.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
@naturetrek.bsky.social second 'Camargue in Spring' tour this year has provided a diversity of bird species but also insects and mammals too, with a few reptiles and amphibians along the way! 🪶🐸😊 #camargue
Black Redstart.Eurasian Roller.Little Gull.
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Neil McMahon @northantsbirding.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
Back in the south of France with the @naturetrek.bsky.social The Camargue in Spring tour which birds dominate, but other wildlife disciplines catered for too...🪶! #camargue
Southern White AdmiralSulphur Owl-flyAdult Black-crowned Night HeronGull-billed Tern
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Marburymoths @marburybirds.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Some information on this morning’s tagged Marsh Harrier. She was tagged by North West Norfolk Ringing Group as a nestling in 2025. She was seen in Northamptonshire at Summer Leys NNR in March this year (fabulous photo by Stuart Munday) and now Marbury. Birds are just amazing 😁 #ukbirding
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Neil McMahon @northantsbirding.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
Local bird ringing in an open countryside setting (UK) with members of the Northants Ringing Group today provided us with returning warblers from Africa and a few special residents too! 🪶 #birdringing Images courtesy of Dr Sean Gower...😊🐦‍⬛
Male Yellowhammer.Female Green Woodpecker.
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Mark Simmonds @markbirdingpinoso.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Another day and another amazing experience with this beautiful male Western Black-eared Wheatear. One of my favourite Spanish birds. #birds #birdoftheday #birdsseenin2026 #birdphotography #birding #naturephotography
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Neil McMahon @northantsbirding.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
The eight day @naturetrek.bsky.social tour 'Provence in Spring' is now concluded with our final few days in the Camargue where waterbirds dominated proceedings...🪶🦩 The tour seeks to locate and enjoy the best of the botany, insects, birds and mammals of this large region in south France...😊 #france
Black-winged Stilt.
Grey Heron - not sure if the odd-shaped pupil is as a result of exposure to bird flu?Grey Heron and family trying to stay cool in the Camargue sunshine.Coypu - a widespread animal in the Camargue
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Dave J 🌱 @davejaxon.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
I Think it’s safe to use the term ‘showing well’ for Audouin‘s Gull and a tired migrant Turtle Dove on @naturetrek.bsky.social Go Slow in Mallorca today for #HeadShots #BirdOfTheDay #BirdsSeenIn2026 #Birds #BirdPhotography Do you agree?
An Audouin’s Gull headshot showing its mostly red bill turned to the left.A European Turtel Dove headshot with the bird’s head tilted to view other birds flying overhead.
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Neil McMahon @northantsbirding.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Over half-way through our @naturetrek.bsky.social 'Provence in Spring' tour with very warm conditions and strong sunshine in southern France...🪶🦊😊 #fox #france #provence
Male Common CrossbillGriffon Vulture St MaySulphur OwlflyRed Fox
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Marburymoths @marburybirds.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Morning from Chips. Although I am lucky enough to see them everyday some days I am still blown away by how magnificent they are!😁
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Graham Appleton @wadertales.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Snipe news! 1/4 Two Snipe tagged in Iceland by José Alves left Ireland at dusk on 5 April and reached Iceland 17 hours later. See map. Averaging 80 and 87 km/h @birdwatchireland.bsky.social #ornithology
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Dave Burges @orbvalleybirder.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
A sparkling day on the Espinouse. Darties, skylarks, woodlarks, dunnocks (!), 2+ cuckoos, 3 black woodpeckers, short-toed (4) booted & golden eagles, 7 Alpine swifts NE #birds #birding #OrbValleyBirding #orbvalleyflyway
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