philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 16/11/2025Paul you are always welcome back at my beach hut. The only man to ever turn up with scones with jam and offer cappuccinos all round. 110
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 16/11/2025And here’s some Black-throated Diver to go with it. A grand day indeed. 081
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 12/10/2025I love my rake which I inherited from my father and it’s been donkeys years since I last trod on it… 010
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 11/10/2025Thank you Ben! This is what Jim Addey says. What time did Ben pick it up? www.scarboroughbirding.co.uk/2025/10/frid...scarboroughbirding.co.ukFriday 10th OctoberAn exciting day! Around 10.15am Jim Middleton found a WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL feeding on the south side of Castle Hill. It remained to fe... 100
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 11/10/2025Any evidence prey specialisation is learned behaviour based on prey fed in the nest? Please explain your Italy point… 100
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 11/10/2025It would be a bit more convincing if they were sourcing chicks solely from nests in European cities. Preferably from pairs specialising in Grey Squirrels… 110
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 11/10/2025The Last of the Bollocks…that’ll be the day. 000
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 11/10/2025I am much obliged. Were you there for seconds from Filey Thursday evening or is there a story to tell? 000
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 11/10/2025I have very few regrets in life but the trough in the middle of this graph is one of them. I’ve put my old notebooks into Birdtrack but the trough represents a period when I worked too hard and didn’t keep detailed records. The last BTO Atlas cured me of that! Listen to Steve! 070
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 10/10/2025Beautiful view over Scarborough N bay from the castle this lunchtime. Arrived to see the Needletail starting to drift north and disappeared off to the north west. Not a crippling view but saw the distinctive shape and white undertail. Thank you @markthebirder.bsky.social for getting me on to it. 280
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 12/09/2025Interesting paper but missed a trick in not providing the detailed timelines of extinctions of the various groups and linking them to known geological/geophysical events which might have shed more balanced overall light on the causes of extinctions beyond the already known human impacts. 000
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 11/08/2025The Lincs population sits as an important link between the uplands, Derwent Valley NNR and E Anglia. To save our lowland Curlews it needs to be strengthened. @CurlewAction @curlewcalls @curlewrecovery @Natures_Voice @_BTO @NaturalEngland @TonyJuniper @LincsWildlife 030
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 11/08/2025Our Curlew population has persisted despite licensed egg collection on active RAF airfields over many years. These eggs have been productively used for head starting for 5 years now. Time for some of these birds to be released at suitable sites in Lincs? 130
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 11/08/2025In 2024 LBC organised a breeding Curlew survey on airfields in the west of Lincs. The report has just been published. 29 pairs found and two pairs with 6 young. Up to 10% of the lowland English population. lincsbirdclub.co.uk/site/images/re…lincsbirdclub.co.ukLincolnshire Bird Club - HomeLincolnshire Bird Club 372
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 16/07/2025On 4 July I did a curlew breeding success survey on the moors south of Holmfirth W Yorks. Not a single curlew was recorded. There were 11 pairs present in April. Anyone else had similar outcomes in U.K. this year? @curlewaction.bsky.social @curlewrecovery.bsky.social @curlewslakes.bsky.social 010
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 06/07/2025Curlew surveying up in the Pennines on Friday. After 4 miles across Heather moorland took my scope off my back pack to use it and found a leg and fastener had fallen off my Benro Stealth BICLT204 tripod. Don’t understand why. Perhaps the plastic failed? Anyone else had this? 020
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 14/06/2025Me too, especially if I wear trainers. Mine are Les Chameau. Excellent for hill walking and not as heavy as Muckboots. John Clarkson had a pair of Aigles that lasted him about 12 years but they obviously don’t make them like they used to. 010
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 14/06/2025I’m with you on Bat out of hell. Kept me awake on many overnight twitches. 010
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 14/06/2025I would say you’re looking after your feet. A useful asset for bird surveyors! Muckboots are comfy but my last 3 pairs lasted about 18 months each. Now on some fancy French ones even comfier than Muckboots and a 2 year guarantee. Lucky because the first pair lasted 18mths! Current pair now 12 mths. 110
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 11/06/2025@WeBS at Manby today. Though it’s the best site for Green Sand in Lincs I was still surprised when I heard the call and a bird dropped in. Last I had here was 16 April and it’s the earliest autumn returner I can remember. Wonder if it’s the same bird as April? Failed breeder? 010
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 07/06/2025Interesting work on impact of copses. Are you aware if it has influenced management practices anywhere ie any copses taken out, if so any positive results? 100
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 07/06/2025But only because Labour and Tories not delivering what people want leaves them nowhere else to go. 010
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 07/06/2025Sadly more likely Reform in Lincs. What if they come up with decent rural and wildlife policies? They will lie to get elected, as Labour did. 110
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 31/05/2025Not heard of this young lady but her name sounds like a phonetic rendition of an excellent Islay malt whisky. 110
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 12/05/2025Enjoyed Tristram’s Warbler so much I invented a cocktail. The Tristram’s Tingler: shots of Bombay Sapphire gin and Cointreau with juniper berries, sprig of rosemary and a slice of orange evoking the habitat and Morocco. Drink while admiring this fine shot from @APCbirding 030
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 04/04/2025So what are the top 50 potential British firsts? 110
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 03/04/2025Yes a reverse list is a lot of fun. Started doing it in 2002 and it’s been my favourite spreadsheet and the one I work my British list off. Also record when I have last seen each BOU species abroad and where. A good spur to seeing everything on it. That Gib YbB is a memory I treasure the most. 010
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 02/04/2025Thank you, a great trip down memory lane. Guess you were too young for the Cheddar Wallcreeper in 78? the 2nd oldest bird on my last seen in UK list after the Gib spring male Yellow-breasted Bunting of May 77. Wonder how many sad old gits keep a last seen list? One of my favourites… 120
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 04/03/2025What about this one. maps.app.goo.gl/62ccPT8VLZXm... Don’t know the history of these islands but possible they have been de vegetated by goats since colonisation and could be restorable.maps.app.goo.glGoogle MapsFind local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. 100
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 04/03/2025There are several Islands round the Mauritius coast that could have their original vegetation re established to create a safe space for dodos. In the same way as Nonsuch Island Bermuda has recreated original Bermuda Petrel breeding habitat. Don’t know if this possibility has been investigated? 100
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 15/02/2025The Red Sea crisis is a subset of the Gaza genocide. Shouldn’t the destruction of that territory in terms of embedded carbon in weapons, buildings and human lives and their replacement also be named for raising emissions? 000
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 15/02/2025birds were feeding in an unharvested mixed crop of wheat and barley in a 100 acre or so field. Magical. The largest flock of Corn Buntings I’ve ever seen in my life. @lincsbirding.bsky.social #Britishbirding 040
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 15/02/2025Mind blown this morning. Went with a farmer at Dovendale near Louth to identify a large flock of small birds. 300+ Corn Buntings including 1 leucistic bird almost certainly the bird on my BBS last June 2.5km away. Also 250 Yellowhammer, 200 Linnet, 100 Chaffinch, 100 S, 30 RB 170
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 06/02/2025What looked like it might be another poor winter seawatch turned to gold at Sutton on Sea with 78 Red-throated Divers many giving incredible close views. Then a Black Redstart did a brief stop over and headed south: patch tick! Red-necked Grebe still at Sutton Brick Pit. 010
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 01/02/2025Painting on rocks in caves might be a better bet! 100
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 30/01/2025We were to do a cruise from Shanghai to Singapore in May 2020 on which I hoped for Streaked, kelched due to Covid. For some reason Hermit Warbler has never been on my radar. 000
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 28/01/202516 species predicted in all. Townsends Warbler was the only 1 in common. The only 2 species predicted I haven’t seen are Streaked Shearwater and Hermit Warbler so recommendations for the easiest place to see either please. 100
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 28/01/2025I just asked ChatGPT exactly the same question and it came up with 11 new ones out of 22 (11 were already on the list), so ChatGPT wins. I guess the best AI will be the one which comes up with nothing already on the list! And makes a prediction which proves correct! 110
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 28/01/2025Previously played with ChatGPT and it failed to forecast any new birds for the BOU list. Just tried with DeepSeek and it came up with 7 new ones (edited list attached) out of 28 listed. Anyone else tried this with what result? Anybody tried to get AI to write a bird report entry? 110
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 25/01/2025In my opinion you’ve had the best Yank this century, shame I didn’t twitch it, so another would be good. 000
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 25/01/2025Thank you Jo for those very kind comments. Hope you can make the talk so I can thank you in person. 100
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 25/01/2025If only Orkney could get a fantastic Nearctic passerine, like Varied Thrush? The best one there is. Wood and trees obviously a problem on Orkney with all that wind. 110
Reposted by @philespin.bsky.socialLincs Birding @lincsbirding.bsky.social · 19/01/2025@philespin.bsky.social will also be at Whisby Nature Reserve from 2pm on Saturday 25th January and giving a talk on the birds of Louth. Copies of will be available on the day and all are welcome! @whisbynaturepark.bsky.social 021
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 18/01/2025Did she mention how many bird species Elon intends for his back up planet? 110
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 06/01/2025It’s now linked from the BOU website but only the first page is visible. Rest behind a paywall unlike 2023 report… 100
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 06/01/2025I try not to make mistakes and apologise when I do. Don’t mind others pointing them out to me either, in fact I find it helpful. Also don’t take 17 days break over the “holiday season”. Out now bird surveying in the pouring rain. A box would be useful right now😉. 100
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 06/01/2025Wordle 1,297 4/6 ⬜⬜⬜🟩⬜ 🟨⬜⬜🟩⬜ 🟩⬜🟩🟩🟨 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 It’s tricky riding 2 horses at once 😉 020
philespin.bsky.social @philespin.bsky.social · 06/01/2025Seems remarkable that the BOU list has legal status in UK law but the British public can’t read it for nothing as soon as it is changed. What a way to run a list. 100
