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Julian Hughes

@penrhynbirder.bsky.social
1.1K followers 386 following 999 posts

Nature, and saving it. Editor Welsh Bird Report. birdsin.wales Weekly BirdNotes in Daily Post North Wales. www.birdnotes.wales Co-editor of The Birds of Wales. tinyurl.com/TheBirdsOfWales

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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 16h
Three species new to Wales here, bringing the total to 15 since 2020. With four years to go, that's already surpassed the total for the whole of the previous decade. Look forward to reading the write-ups in the forthcoming @welshbirdsrarities.bsky.social report. #BirdingWales Details in AltText
Chart showing the number of species recorded on the Welsh List at the start of each decade from 1900 to 2030, although the final point shows data only from 2020-25. It is based on species recognised in Avilist 2025, so may change when taxonomic changes are published later this autumn. The List grew slowly from 276 species in 1900 to 298 in 1950, but has subsequently averaged 20 species per decade. The 1960s saw the greatest number added (32), many of which were recorded by Bardsey and Skokholm Bird Observatories.
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Congratulations @brigitstrawbridge.bsky.social! As the recipient of last year's Dilys Breese medal, sorry I can't be in London tonight to shake your hand. Well deserved for your work inspiring more people to connect with nature.
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
See global climate change...
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Guardian Environment @environment.theguardian.com · 01/10/2026
Floating scarecrows: how Cornish fishers are stopping seabirds drowning in their nets
theguardian.com
Floating scarecrows: how Cornish fishers are stopping seabirds drowning in their nets
Simple deterrents can slash the number of razorbills and guillemots being trapped underwater, two-year study shows
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NationCymru @nation.cymru · 01/10/2026
A rare moth has been recorded in north Wales for the first time, with 19 found during a single night’s survey wp.me/p8Mk4U-1ucP
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RSPB Cymru @rspbcymru.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Ardal warchodedig = rhywle anghysbell? Ddim bob amser. Mae rhai o drysorau naturiol Cymru i'w cael yn annisgwyl o agos i'r lle rydyn ni'n byw, gweithio a threulio ein penwythnosau. Dewch i weld beth sydd wedi'i warchod yn eich ymyl. #Natur #Cymru #Wales #Nature #UKNature #Wildlife
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NationCymru @nation.cymru · 29/09/2026
A brutal attack on badgers in Wales has been highlighted in a new report warning that thousands of suspected wildlife crimes are going unpunished wp.me/p8Mk4U-1u4h
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Not often I get to see an avian visitor from eastern Europe, perhaps Central Asia, then one from high Arctic Canada just an hour later. These, plus some birds in #NorthWales I didn't see last week, in Daily Post BirdNotes. 📷 @zoobirder.bsky.social #BirdingWales www.birdnotes.wales/blog/eastern...
birdnotes.wales
Eastern starling gets a good reception
Residents of Moelfre may have wondered why birdwatchers were paying close attention to the village’s tv aerials and power cables at the weekend. The answer lay in a flock of Starlings that...
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Welsh Ornithological Society @birdsinwales.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
33 Diwrnod i fynd | 33 Days to go Cynhadledd Cymdeithas Adaryddol Cymru Welsh Ornithological Society Annual Conference 2026 📅 31 October 2026 📍 Aberystwyth University ⏰ 10am–5pm 🎯 Theme: ‘Bound for Wales’ | ‘Ar y ffordd i Gymru’ 🎟️ Book your place now - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/welsh-orni...
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Great to be in on the only Baird's Sandpiper in #NorthWales this autumn (so far). Right place, right time. Well done Robin for getting a photo when it was enough to hold my tripod still. #BirdingWales
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Neil Forbes @treebeard793.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Almost any other policy area and politicians would be falling over themselves to get on board. A significant majority of people care about #nature. It is integral to our future and yet it is still so often treated as a fringe issue with lip service, indifference & a total lack of comprehension.
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Graham Appleton @wadertales.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
LPO is calling for permanent shooting ban for #Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit. This would provide protection for thousands of both species that winter in and migrate through France. Background: wadertales.wordpress.com/2018/07/30/b... Map shows tracks of Curlew returning from France to breed in UK.
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
As expected, the Jays are coming...
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Do you have nature records in notebooks that you never look at and wonder what to do with? I've transcribed 10,000 records from the 1960-70s from a Welsh ornithological legend into @birdtrack.bsky.social and @cofnod.org.uk. And it was fascinating... #BirdingWales www.cofnod.org.uk/news/natural...
cofnod.org.uk
Naturalists' Notebooks: a treasure trove - Cofnod
Naturalists' Notebooks: a treasure trove
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Will be interesting to read the results from @smp-seabirds.bsky.social in due course. Looks like a species doing well in Wales, albeit localised. I counted 40 in one scan of Conwy Bay on Tuesday. Here's an article I wrote earlier in the summer www.birdnotes.wales/blog/black-g...
birdnotes.wales
Black Guillemot: a seabird on the up
At a time when some of Wales’ breeding seabirds are in trouble, meriting the launch of a conservation strategy to which the new Plaid Cymru government committed in its election manifesto, some good...
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
#BirdingWales
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BTO Cymru @btocymru.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Living in North Wales and interested in surveying waterbirds this winter? We will be running two free Wetland Bird Survey training sessions along a section of the Menai Strait. Sign up today at: www.bto.org/about/where/... #Ornithology #BirdingWales
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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
New job alert 🪶🧪 We are hiring a Conservation Scientist to work on links between hydrological restoration and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker conservation Deadline: 7/10/26 Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car... #SpeciesRecoveryProgramme @naturalengland.bsky.social 📷Ben Andrew
A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker perched by its nest hole
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
A successful breeding season for Hen Harriers on @rspbcymru.bsky.social nature reserves, another pulse of Leach's Petrels pass #NorthWales and the first Redwings of autumn. The week's @northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes. 📷 Nick Hopkins. #BirdingWales www.birdnotes.wales/blog/autumn-...
birdnotes.wales
Autumn birding: a walk of hope
Walking the coast path at Pen Cilan, south of Aberdaron in Sunday’s sunshine, I scoured every bush and field for autumn migrants. Wheatear and White Wagtails pausing en route to the continent were...
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Curlew Action @curlewaction.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Wednesday 11th November 2026 there will be a talk by Sam Kenyon on Curlews and Nature-friendly farming. www.montwt.co.uk/local-groups... 📷 Terry Whittaker
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Swiss Ornithological Institute @vogelwarte.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
In a new report, @pauldufour80.bsky.social et al analyzed data from 411 migratory landbirds to quantify the proportion of migratory flights at night. They found that nocturnal migration is the dominant strategy in small- to medium sized landbirds. doi.org/10.1016/j.cu...
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Mandy Marsh @mymarsh.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Join CIEEM on 1st October to learn more about #marine mammals around #Wales. We'd also like to hear your thoughts on marine training provision. events.cieem.net/events/detai... Image: Marie Firmin Bocourt
Minke whale
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Glorious day. Plenty of Clouded Yellows, Painted Ladies and Skylarks flying along the coast at Pen Cilan. Wheatear and White Wagtail were the only migrant birds, but good to find several Grey Seal pups on two beaches. Waved to @bardseybirdobs.bsky.social and @bardseyben.bsky.social's Mum!
Me, wearing a red t-shirt and grey shorts and holding my binoculars by my waist, stood on the coastal path above Aberdaron, with green bushes behind and a grassy slope beyondTwo Grey Seal pups and an adult on a stony beach below the coast path. The adult female, mottled grey and beige below and dark grey above, is nuzzling one of the pups, which was probably born in the last few days. Both the pups have white fur, the other is lying on its back at the base of the cliff - it was alive, we saw it move!A stand of heather in the foreground, around 30% of it still in flower, against a backdrop of blue sea and sky, with a headland and the St Tudwal islands in the background Ynys Enlli/Bardsey, an island at the end of Pen Llyn. From the northeast side, it looks like a huge whale in the water, with steep cliffs. The surrounding sea is deep blue.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
🔊 Registration is now open for The Non-Estuarine Waterbird Survey (NEWS)! Sign up ➡️ www.bto.org/webs-news NEWS monitors waterbirds along stretches of open coastline that aren't covered by estuary surveys, helping us build a more complete picture of wintering birds around the UK. #UKBirding
An Image of a Purple Sandpiper features in a circular frame. Wording to the left of the image reads: Volunteers needed. Take part in the Non-Estuarine Waterbird Survey (NEWS). The BTO and News Logo feature top right.
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NationCymru @nation.cymru · 18/09/2026
A Liverpool man who was one of a group which caused serious damage to a Site of Special Scientific Interest and later posted images and videos on TikTok has been given a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him for entering the area for three years
nation.cymru
Man from Liverpool fined for damage to protected site caught on TikTok
Nation Cymru staff A Liverpool man who was one of a group which caused serious damage to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and later posted images and videos on TikTok has been given a Crim...
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NationCymru @nation.cymru · 18/09/2026
In a worldwide setting, peat only covers 3-4% of the land surface. In Wales we are lucky to have 11-12% of our land covered with peat and peat soils ✍️Douglas Lloyd
nation.cymru
Why peatlands are unsuited to windfarm developments
Douglas Lloyd’s explanation of why peatlands need to be protected in his objection to the proposed Lluest y Gwynt wind farm and grid connection. I have a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Earth Science and ...
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Welsh Ornithological Society @birdsinwales.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Ydych chi wedi archebu eich ticedi ar gyfer Cynhadledd Cymdeithas Adaryddol Cymru eto? Brysiwch! Mae nhw’n gwerthu allan yn gyflym iawn. Peidiwch a methu allan! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/welsh-orni...
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Welsh Ornithological Society @birdsinwales.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Have you purchased your ticket for the Welsh Ornithological Society Conference yet? Hurry! They’re selling out quickly! Don’t miss out! Get your ticket here⬇️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/welsh-orni...
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Liverpool Bay is known for its Leach's Petrel passage when autumn weather conspires, but this is a #seabird in big trouble - for how much longer will we see them? A roundup of #NorthWales sightings in Daily Post BirdNotes. 📷 @zoobirder.bsky.social #BirdingWales www.birdnotes.wales/blog/leachs-...
birdnotes.wales
Leach’s Petrels: no port in a storm
Bat-like as they fluttered into the teeth of a storm, Leach’s Petrels that passed the coast last week are truly marine animals. For a few hours on Tuesday and Wednesday, a northwestly wind pushed...
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Likely the last count of the year for which t-shirt and shorts are a sensible option. Wader numbers starting to increase on the lower Conwy estuary: 145 Redshanks, 98 Oystercatchers, 60 Ringed Plovers, 40 Turnstones and 36 Sanderlings, but few ducks. 7 Black Guillemots in the bay. #BirdingWales
The round towers of Conwy Castle dominate the surrounding walled town, with a few boats in the foreground at high tide on the estuary. Behind the castle is the woodland of Coed Benarth, and the 1950s grey steel bridge is in front of Thomas Telford's suspension bridge, built 200 years ago.
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David N. Thomas @dnthomas01.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
A heartwarming tale about a dedicated effort to save the last few remaining gooey snails (Myxas glutinosa) in the UK bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Zoos help to save snail found in only one lake in Wales
Once prevalent across the UK, this mollusc is now only found in one lake in Wales.
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Pete M 🌳 @pete-m.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Natur i Bobl Nant Ffrancon New project for nature restoration across 1,635ha of upland bog, heath, rivers and wildflower grassland, with ring ouzel, pine marten and otter as indicators. Delivered with local communities, tenant farmers and volunteers. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/...
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Welsh Ornithological Society @birdsinwales.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Cynhadledd Flynyddol Cymdeithas Adaryddol Cymru 2026 📅 31 Hydref 2026 📍 Prifysgol Aberystwyth ⏰ 10am–5pm 🎯 Thema: ‘Ar y ffordd i Gymru’ | ‘Bound for Wales’ 🎟️ Archebwch eich lle nawr - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/welsh-orni...
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Welsh Ornithological Society @birdsinwales.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Welsh Ornithological Society Annual Conference 2026 📅 31 October 2026 📍 Aberystwyth University ⏰ 10am–5pm 🎯 Theme: ‘Bound for Wales’ | ‘Ar y ffordd i Gymru’ 🎟️ Book your place now - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/welsh-orni...
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BTO Cymru @btocymru.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Live in North Wales and have an interest in seabirds? Head over to Penrhyn Bay on September 18th for a talk on these wonderful bird! #BirdingWales Ydych chi'n byw yng Ngogledd Cymru ac â diddordeb mewn adar môr? Ewch i Fae Penrhyn ar y 18fed o Fedi i wrando ar sgwrs am yr adar rhyfeddol hyn!
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The Species Recovery Trust @speciesrecovery.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Field Gentians feeling climate breakdown in the New Forest 💔
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Bucktonbirder @bucktonbirder.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Montagu's Harrier HV is crossing the Pyrenees this evening at 10,000ft!
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Shorebirds feeding on inland waterbodies is a feature of early autumn, as drawdown provides temporary habitat for passage waders. These among a roundup of sightings in the #NorthWales Daily Post BirdNotes. 📷 @zoobirder.bsky.social #BirdingWales www.birdnotes.wales/blog/muddy-m...
birdnotes.wales
Muddy margins pull in the birds
Low water levels in the region’s reservoirs are a worry for water companies, customers and anglers, but the muddy edges have attracted waders migrating overhead, to which they look – and perhaps...
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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
New job alert🪶 Research assistant to support research on Willow Tit demographics. Must have a BTO ringing licence at C level or above Location: Midlands and North of England Duration: Oct-Nov 2026 Deadline: This Wednesday Sept 9th Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car... 📷Ben Andrew
A Willow Tit perches in a branch, looking directly to camera
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Anthony Roberts @anthony-zed.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
From now until midnight Sunday BST, all orders get free UK shipping (not including fine art or canvas prints). Check out our jumpers, hoodies, long sleeved tees, accessories, gifts and more, all available to buy from our shop: graphic-nature.teemill.com
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
An excellent summary of a long-fought battle, written by two of the experts at the forefront, Drs Debbie Pain and Rhys Green (with credit to Dr Ruth Cromie as the third key player). Pleased they documented this, as sometimes it's too easy to forget how key nature-positive changes were achieved.
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Bringing Bitterns back to Cymru has been a real success story by @rspbcymru.bsky.social. Now they're booming. Science + practical nous. 👏
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natreswales.bsky.social @natreswales.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
📢 Interested in the key findings from the State of Natural Resources Report? 📢 🌊 Welsh seas 💧 Welsh rivers 🌳 Wales' land 🦋 Wales' animals and plants 🏙️ Urban Wales Find out more and register orlo.uk/o7At2
ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru
SoNaRR 2025: Drumbeat Webinar Series - Natural Resources Wales Citizen Space - Citizen Space
Find and participate in consultations run by Natural Resources Wales
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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
New job alert🪶 2.5yr fixed term Conservation Scientist role in our England and Wales team Project: Developing a trial management intervention for upland breeding Whinchat through a programme of new science Deadline: 23 Sept Full details here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car... 📷Ben Andrew
A Whinchat perches atop a fern.
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
18-year old me on my first visit to Norfolk: "wow... a Spoonbill!" 55-year old me on a visit to Norfolk: "wow, a flock of 66 Spoonbills" 18-year old me doesn't believe 55-year old me... Great morning of wader-watching at @rspbengland.bsky.social Snettisham. #NorfolkBirding
A flock of waterbirds standing in shallow water at RSPB Snettisham nature reserve, Norfolk. Within the flock are a number of all-black birds (Cormorants) and all-white birds (mostly Eurasian Spoonbills, with a couple of Little Egrets)
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Lucky @bardseybirdobs.bsky.social to find an Ortolan Bunting last week, part of a broadscale arrival that is increasingly rare. BirdNotes, the weekly roundup of sightings in @northwaleslive.bsky.social The Daily Post 📷 @bardseyobswarden.bsky.social #BirdingWales www.birdnotes.wales/blog/rain-br...
birdnotes.wales
Rain brings relief – and rare buntings
A small songbird, the subject of numerous court cases in France, made appearances across Britain and Ireland last week, with six of the 15 records in Wales, including one on Ynys Enlli/Bardsey....
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Success, after years of failure at this nesting site, thanks to activity groups observing seasonal restrictions introduced by @natreswales.bsky.social. 👏
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Great record, especially on the deck, of an increasingly rare species in #BirdingWales
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NationCymru @nation.cymru · 26/08/2026
A lifetime spent exploring the wildflowers of the west Wales coast has been captured in a new book completed following the sudden death of its author wp.me/p8Mk4U-1rPf
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Julian Hughes @penrhynbirder.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Finally remembered to book this event. Nice to have an option to pay an extra tenner for your ticket to support the attendance of a young person. #BirdingWales
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