iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Sam O'Donnell

David Bradshaw @davidbradshaw52.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

The first Nightingale for over 20 years was the highlight of a bird-rich August at London’s Walthamstow Wetlands. Roundup now on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @chris-farthing.bsky.social @ivorh.bsky.social and PS, AW, SJN & MLP for photos. #londonbirds

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Had a brilliant trip to the French Alps last week. 5 lifers being Lammergeier, Common Rock Thrush, Alpine Chough, Alpine Accentor, and Rock Bunting. Plus, lots of stuff that I don't often see in the UK such as Alpine Swift, Crested Tit, Honey Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Water Pipit and stunning scenery!

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

It's definitely summer on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands with few birds moving, though it is nice enjoying our breeding birds. Best from recently includes 2 Redshank, Curlew Oystercatcher, LRP, 2 Coal Tit (very scarce here), Garden Warblers, Lesser Emperors, RV Darters, Scarce Chaser, Norfolk Hawkers

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BirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

An image of a brood of Sand Martins peering out from their nest has won Photo of the Week:

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Photo of the Week: 8-14 June 2026

An image of a brood of Sand Martins peering out from their nest wins this week.

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David Bradshaw @davidbradshaw52.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Cattle Egrets and Ring Ouzel - both the first for a year - highlights of May at London’s Walthamstow Wetlands. Round-up of a month which was good for breeding birds but poor for migrants now on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to samodonnell25@bsky.social for photos #londonbirding

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Spurn Bird Observatory @spurnbirdobs.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

📣 Applications are now open for the Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder Competition 2026! If you're aged 16 or under and passionate about birding, this is your chance to compete at #MigFest2026 and win some fantastic prizes. ⏰ Applications close 19 July 🔗 tinyurl.com/MGSYB2026 Please share!

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

On Tuesday, I went to @rspbminsmere.bsky.social with @david-walsh.bsky.social. Had amazing views of the Roseate Terns and of a Tawny Owl! Also 2 Little Gull, Spotted Redshank, Bittern, Stone Curlew, Woodlark, Norfolk Hawker, Variable Damselfly and more!

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Patch birding has been pretty slow (and mostly quiet) for the whole spring at Walthamstow Wetlands. Here are some highlights in the month or so since I last posted: 2 Black Tern, Ringed Plover, 2 Cattle Egret, LRP, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Garden Warbler, Goldeneye (!), and Med Gulls. #ukbirding

I found these Cattle Egrets yesterday. Super happy to finally see some here as they are a Patch tick and they have been a proper bogey bird for me here!

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David Bradshaw @davidbradshaw52.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

The first Slavonian Grebe since 2018, Osprey and stunning Whinchats among highlights of an excellent & colourful April at Walthamstow Wetlands. Running total of 123 second best ever. Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @chris-farthing.bsky.social @Harringaybirder & MLP for photos #londonbirding

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David Bradshaw @davidbradshaw52.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Marsh Harrier, Med Gull, Avocet and Rock Pipit among 89 species at Walthamstow Wetlands in March. Annual total as first summer migrants arrive is 99 - five behind last year. Monthly round-up now on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @LolBodini and DD for photos

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Last weekend was by far the best weekend of the spring on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands so far! The best was this Slavonian Grebe. A patch tick for and it completes the grebe set for me here! Whimbrel, WFG, Whinchat YLG Gull, Swifts, LRP, Rook, Willow Warbler, all 3 Hirundines, Common Tern etc

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YOLOBirder @yolobirder.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

If birds did tribute bands…

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David Bradshaw @davidbradshaw52.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

White-fronted Goose - the first to put down at Walthamstow Wetlands for five years - was among the 80 species recorded in February. Monthly round-up on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com. Thanks to @samodonnell25 & MLP, AW and SN for photos. #londonbirds

walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com

Walthamstow Birders

Notes from the birders of Walthamstow Marshes SSSI, Walthamstow Reservoirs and WaterWorks Nature Reserve.

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

A very fun and successful weekend on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands, Marshes and Waterworks NR. Bittern (my 2nd here), White-fronted Goose, Marsh Harrier, 3 Jack Snipe, 3 Common Snipe, Rock Pipit, 6 Sand Martin (my earliest ever), Scaup, 3 Goldeneye, Siskins and Common Sandpiper!

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Nice to be back in Pembrokeshire last week. Mainly spending time around the Nevern Estuary. Dipped the Ring-billed Gull twice at Goodwick but a very smart (but distant) Black Guillemot made up for it. My first for 3 years! Plus a YLG. At least 2 Dippers showed very well along the Nevern as well!

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

Nice to finally catch up with the 1st winter White-fronted Goose on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands this morning. Missed it twice, so third time lucky! Please excuse the poor record shots.

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Nice to see 2 Firecrest, the Scaup, 4 Goldeneyes, Skylark, Raven, 6 Snipe, Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Stonechat, Mistle Thrush, Meadow Pipit and more on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands during the weekend!

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Good to see this 1st winter female Scaup on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands after college today. It was sleeping most of the time, but it's my first here for 3 years!

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

Nice to finally find a more interesting bird than just the regulars on Patch today at Walthamstow Wetlands, a Great Northern Diver! Only my 2nd here. Please excuse the poor photos, the light was really poor (just like Arsenal 🙄). It seemed to be just flying around for the hell of it 😅.

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BirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

The 20th annual BirdGuides Photo of the Year competition is here – and we're delighted to announce this year's shortlist, as well as give you the chance to vote for your favourite. Get voting!

bit.ly

BirdGuides Photo of the Year 2025

This is your chance to vote in the 20th annual BirdGuides Photo of the Year competition. Choose your favourite bird image posted on the BirdGuides website in 2025.

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London Wildlife Trust @ldnwildlifetrust.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

How incredible is this shot from the talented Sam O'Donnell 🤩 This peregrine falcon was photographed at our very own Walthamstow Wetlands, and if you’re lucky, you might spot one perched high up on the pylon near the bird hide. 👀🪶 Feeling inspired after Wild London? You know where to head! 🦅✨

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Bittern, 80+ Snow Buntings and the Temminck's Stint were among the highlights on a recent trip to the Suffolk Coast with @david-walsh.bsky.social @noahbai-123.bsky.social @tsbirding.bsky.social @lucasnature.bsky.social and others!

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David Bradshaw @davidbradshaw52.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

Bewick’s Swans, the first since 2013, White-fronts & Woodcock took Walthamstow Wetlands 2025 bird list to 148. December round-up now on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @chris-farthing.bsky.social & @Ivorh.bsky.social for photos #londonbirding #ukbirding

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Toby Sedgwick @tsbirding.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

Thoroughly enjoyable day on the snowy Suffolk coast! Highlights were Temminck's Stint, Spotted Redshank, Bittern, Goosander, Zitting Cisticola, and Snow Buntings. Many snowball fights with @noahbai-123.bsky.social throughout the day, too! @david-walsh.bsky.social @samodonnell25.bsky.social

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

2025 has been an absolutely incredible year on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands and Marshes. My personal total for the year was 138, beating last year's total by 6 and seeing 12 Patch ticks including RN Grebe, Bewick's Swans, WG Geese, Bittern, Gropper, Osprey, and Water Pipit!

35 Bar-tailed Godwits. A crazy April day for them passing over when c55 were seen.

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Pleased to finally get in on the Geese action yesterday with these 2 White-fronted Geese! A much anticipated Patch tick. Also Great White Egret, Common Sandpiper, Wigeons, Goldeneye, Stonechats and ridiculous views of Peregrines the best of the rest from recently.

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Kane Brides 🦆 @kanebrides.bsky.social · 27/12/2025

We can confirm these two Bewick's are now at WWT Slimbridge. Known as Clutton & Cameley, they arrived at Slimbridge on Christmas Day / Boxing Day. Clutton is a regular & Cameley is here for the first time @samodonnell25.bsky.social

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Mega happy to find these 2 Bewick's Swans on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands this morning! A very rare bird here and a Patch tick. Also found a Little Gull, 2 Ravens, good numbers of Lapwings. Saw a roosting Woodcock earlier in the week plus Wigeon, Buzzard, and more! A nice early Xmas present!

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Absolutely over the moon to win the urban animals category at the @rspcaoffficial.bsky.social Young Photographer awards yesterday with this image of a Sand Martin taken at Walthamstow Wetlands! I also got my photo featured in The Times, which is pretty cool!

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

Great to be out on Patch again at Walthamstow Wetlands today in glorious weather. I was certainly caught by surprise when I was looking through a Chiffchaff flock, and then this Common Whitethroat popped up! #ukbirding #patchbirding

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London Wildlife Trust @ldnwildlifetrust.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

We’re delighted to announce ‘Rewilding East London’ - a new species recovery project to reintroduce white storks and beavers to East London! Delivered in partnership with London Borough of Barking & Dagenham supported by the Mayor’s of London's Green Roots Fund. @london.gov.uk #GreenRoots

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David Bradshaw @davidbradshaw52.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

The first Bittern since 2012, our fourth ever Yellow-browed Warbler and a remarkable passage of Brent Geese were November highlights at London’s Walthamstow Wetlands. Round-up on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @chris-farthing.bsky.social and DD for photos.

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

At the 2nd attempt, I was very pleased to see the long staying Grey Phalarope at KGV yesterday, a lifer for me! Showed amazingly the whole time I was there. Also, Black-necked Grebe, 6 Goosander, Goldeneyes, 10 Wigeon, Red Kite and a Buzzard. #ukbirding

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Had some great views of this Yellow-browed Warbler on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands yesterday for a few mins. Only my 3rd ever and all of them have been here! So nice to see that lovely bright supercilium and hear the call again! #ukbirding #patchbirding

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

A long and anxious wait to finish my lessons at college today paid off as I managed to see this Bittern on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands. A Patch tick and the first here since 2012! Also a Yellow-browed Warbler seen this morning, though no sign later on. Hopefully tomorrow 🤞

No.1 Reebed in the background where the Bittern was

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

Yesterday's Brent Goose passage on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands was a bit insane! I had 114 out of a combined total of c200 all going high South! Also, 34 Lapwing and my first Goosander of the year here. #ukbirding

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David Bradshaw @davidbradshaw52.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

The first Water Pipit since 2021 was October's bird highlight at London's Walthamstow Wetlands. Round-up of the 97 species seen now on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @chris-farthing.bsky.social @wheresrhys.bsky.social & MLP for pics. #londonbirding

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

Since my last post 10 days ago, Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands has been relatively quiet. Firecrest trapped and ringed on the 22nd was nice to see. A Marsh Harrier today was my 2nd ever here! Also 2 Ravens, YLG, Rock Pipit, Brambling, Redpolls, Siskins, Skylarks and more!

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Dylan Daunt @alpine-swift.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

A 1st winter male SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT caught on North Ronaldsay!!! #RareBirdsUK #BirdingScotland #OrkneyBirding

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

Bit of a crazy few days on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands. Found this Water Pipit, a Patch tick! My first Great Egret, 2 Brambling and 6 Pintails of the year here! Also Rock Pipits, Yellow-legged Gull, 7 Wigeon, Siskin, Redpoll, Jack Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Fieldfares, and more! #ukbirding

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Conor MacKenzie @conormackenzie.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

After the initial couple of flyby’s the juvenile Sabine’s Gull showed incredibly well. Not many birds that are as stunning in juvenile plum as adults but Sab’s are definitely one of those. Just a shame for it be on site with no access #UKbirding @birdguides.bsky.social @berksbirdclub.bsky.social

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Great day on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands and Waterworks NR. Med Gull, Rock Pipit, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, 5 Jack Snipes, Common Snipe, 10 Redpolls, Siskins, Raven, Skylark, YLG, 4 Wigeon, 80 Redwings and more! #ukbirding #patchbirding

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David Walsh @david-walsh.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

I’ve really enjoyed birding at Landguard regularly this autumn. Y’day was great, with Jack Snipe & Long-eared Owl amongst 50+ species. Today was epic! A self-found Yellow-browed Warbler then the magic moment of relocating a Pallas’s Warbler with Will Brame which he & Bill Mackie had found earlier.

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 12/10/2025

Another decent weekend on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands. Raven, Garganey, YLG, Caspian Gull, 2 Rock Pipits, Meadow Pipits, 3 Wigeons, Snipes, my first Redwings of the autumn, Stonechats and more. Nice to help out doing WeBS as well! #patchbirding #ukbirding

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David Bradshaw @davidbradshaw52.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Honey Buzzard, Grasshopper W, Grey Plover & Raven - all new for 2025 - highlights of September @ Walthamstow Wetlands. Round-up on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @chris-farthing.bsky.social @ivorh.bsky.social @eugenedh.bsky.social & YLD for pics #londonbirding

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

Good to see 3 Rock Pipits this weekend on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands. My first here this year. Also, ringed Plover, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtails, Siskins, Swallows, Sand and House Martins, Green Sandpiper, Dunlin, Stonechats, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Sandpipers and more! #ukbirding

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

2 Green Sandpipers were nice to see on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands over the weekend, a species that I don't often see here. Also, decent movement of Meadow Pipits and Hirundines as well as a few Siskins and a Snipe.

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

A few more of the very smart juvenile Red-necked Phalarope while at Migfest! @spurnbirdobs.bsky.social

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Sam O'Donnell @samodonnell25.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

Migfest 2025 was really fun! Red-necked Phalarope (lifer!), Cranes, Curlew Sandpipers, Garganey, Pink feet, Osprey, Arctic Skua, Tree Pipit, Redstarts, Crossbill and 000s of Meadow Pipit the highlights! Was fantastic to have such amazing company as well! Sorry don't have enough space to tag people.

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Humphrey Keeper @humphrey-keeper.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

Had a great time at Spurn's #migfest this weekend. Not too many birds but good to spend some time with friends new and old. with @joesn.bsky.social @finchleybirder.bsky.social @samodonnell25.bsky.social @desertwarbler.bsky.social @amiranuseibeh.bsky.social and many many more

Birders waiting around in the early hours in a field with a spotting scope visible in the front of frame, a structure and some bushes are seen in the background.

An array of windmills out to sea with the sun rising behind them.

A small brown bird chilling on a beach, it is looking to its right. (An Arctic Skua)

Two small wading birds walking in some mudflats, surrounded by water and rocks. (Curlew Sandpiper and Dunlin)

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