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Simon Phelps

@simonphelps.bsky.social
780 followers 144 following 431 posts

Conservationist, naturalist, wildlife photographer and writer. wildlifephelps.wixsite.com/wildlife…

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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I've shared wildlife photos from the Austrian Alps, but the real star of the show were the mountains. Staying in Mayrhofen I was surrounded by them. Many trails and two cable cars meant exploring them was easy. I loved nothing more than getting up high in the wilds to take in the inspiring views.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
@johnwalterswildife.bsky.social or @barryhenwood.bsky.social might know how to rear it
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
As summer draws to a close and the days shorten, my mind drifts back to June in the Austrian Alps. The alpine flowers were wonderful. Snowbell and Trumpet Gentian were my favourites. Delicate, elegant pink Snowbell, and the gorgeous unique deep blue of the Gentian. The alpine flowers were a joy.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Fantastic John. Do we know that they (and other species) go back down South? I was aware we'd got evidence of other species doing this but did not know moths did. Has it been proven? Makes sense for them to. Hope all is well with you.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Fantastic. I also had Large Thorn, Cydia amplana and Palpita vitrealis. Not the others though. I've loved getting new species for me since coming back to Peterborough.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Guide here: www.derbyshiremoths.org/guide-to-cop...
derbyshiremoths.org
Guide to Copper Underwings – Les Evans-Hill Public – www.derbyshiremoths.org
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Palps on their own are unreliable. As are most other features. See study done by Les Hill on this. www.derbyshiremoths.org/wp-content/u...
google.com
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
I've had lots of new moth species since moving from Somerset to Peterborough. I had another on Thursday night, this fantastic Large Thorn. A stunning moth, quite different to the other Thorn species I have seen. #teammoth
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Forgive the terrible phone pic but delighted to see my first Cydia amplana in Peterborough this morning. Had 3! Got 69 species, a lovely selection. Clay Triple-lines, Maiden's Blush other highlights. There was a whopping 89 Vines Rustic! #teammoth @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
I also saw probably my smartest one this morning. Black and white!
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
This might interest you! bsky.app/profile/port...
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Really pleased to also get this Ni Moth. Another new species for me. I've been wanting one for years. Quite distinct from Silver Y, although I can see how you could overlook it! #teammoth
Ni MothNi Moth
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
An excellent moth trap this morning in Peterborough. 64 species. Lovely variety. Gypsy Moth and Small Ranunculus new for me. Always a delight to see flashy favourites such as Jersey Tiger and Buff-tip. #teammoth
Jersey TigerGypsy MothBuff-tip
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
I saw lots of cool beetles in Austria. My favourite may have been this tiger beetle. I think it is Cicindela sylvicola, but there could be similar species and it is hard to find information online. There were a few of these flying along the path in the Stilluptal Valley.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
"No single waterway passed a separate test for chemical pollution." Shameful. Heartbraking. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Majority of England's rivers and lakes fail pollution review
A comprehensive assessment of England's waterways is the first in six years and shows little improvement.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
One of the most striking butterflies that I saw in Austria was the Black-veined White. Large and bold, and truly stunning up close. It went extinct in England in 1925. There is work taking place to potentially reintroduce it. You can't say it wouldn't be a welcome gem to have back!
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
As a butterfly lover I had to spend part of my birthday yesterday looking for them. Yet it was a death of one which brought me most joy! 😂 A Meadow Brown snared by a crab spider. I did also delight at live Purple Hairstreaks and Silver-washed Fritillaries. Found in the lovely Bedford Purlieus wood.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Far fewer species in the Peterborough garden moth trap today. Only 33. However it was worth it for this gorgeous Palpita vitrealis. I've only seen it a few times before. A lovely sheen to its wings. #teammoth
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Starting to make my way through my photo backlog. Here are photos from April of the stunning Pasque Flowers that I saw near Peterborough. That combination of purple and gold is magical. They gave me hope when I needed it. The natural world keeps growing & regenerating, inspiring me to do the same.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Green is the theme it seems! A few days ago I found this stunning Musk Beetle on my walk home from work in Peterborough. More fabulous urban wildlife in the Nene Valley. Not seen this species before. It shows that you can have excellent wildlife in urban settings.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Another Peterborough moth trap, another new moth for me. Delighted to catch several Tree-lichen Beauty. Wanted to see it for a while. On 74 species at the moment, will go over 80 when fridge micros are done. Chinese Character always makes me smile. #teammoth
Tree-lichen BeautyChinese Character
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
New garden and new moths! Moved back East to Peterborough. A new moth for me this morning: Toadflax Brocade. On 75 species, expecting to go over 80 and maybe close to 90. Heat made sleeping hard but mothing exciting! Always a joy when the trap is full up. #teammoth
Elephant Hawk-moth Blue-bordered CarpetLeast CarpetToadflax Brocade
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Ah yes you're right. Sorry for the mistake John. I stand corrected! Thanks for your help. Hope all is well with you.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Amazing to see huge swarms of Cockchafer beetles in Ailsworth yesterday evening. Never seen that before. There were so many swarming around the trees. Zooming around over the grass in the park.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Interesting to hear that. They are amazing structures!
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Another first for me in Austria were hundreds of trees wrapped in Ermine moth webs. Seen hedges coated in the UK but never found whole trees. Incredible to see. Amazing how much webbing these tiny caterpillars produce. Fascinating to see the entire trunk wrapped up, like clingfilm! #teammoth
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Bidding a fond farewell to Austria today. I'll miss waking up to Grinbergspitze mountain each morning. Mayrhofen is an incredible place to stay. I can't wait to return and explore other parts of the Alps. They're such a special landscape.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Further evidence of the complete system collapse with regards our rivers. Nothing works or is fit for purpose. It is desperately sad. Campaigner threatened with prosecution by Environment Agency after waterway cleanup www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Campaigner threatened with prosecution by Environment Agency after waterway cleanup
Paul Powlesland told he acted illegally after organising volunteers to remove litter, weed and silt from River Roding
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Blink and you'll miss it! Just watched a Dipper pair flying through this waterfall to reach their nest. Incredible to witness. Such remarkable birds.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Thanks. I'll take a look. Got some good photos to help with the ID.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
You may have helped me identify a little moth I have been seeing all week in the Austrian Alps. Your photo of Metaxmeste schrankiana looks lots like the moth I have been seeing. The ones I saw appeared to have a blue tinge though. Will do some investigating!
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
A final high alpine walk for me as my Austrian Alps holiday draws to a close. Reached my highest point of the trip at 2278 metres. Awe inspiring views of the Zillertal Alps. Amazing wildflowers everywhere, including lots of Bird's-eye Primrose. Mazarine Blue and Ring Ouzel the other highlights.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Ah I see. My first time in Austria and I love it. Great food, beer, scenery and wildlife. I shall definitely return!
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Thanks. Glad they have that effect! It is a wonderful place.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
A more sedate day today, to ease my aching legs. 6 miles along the valley floor. Beautiful chapels and churches. Lovely rivers and waterfalls. Screaming Swifts and gliding White Admirals the highlights.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Thanks. First time I've been here. Feels like paradise! I do love the Alps. Not been to many places but every time I go I love it. Such a special landscape. Went to Corfu last year and loved it! First time for me in the Mediterranean.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Today was all about the alpine flowers. Up above 2000 metres in the Austrian Alps. Alpine Snowbell, Globeflower, Trumpet Gentian and many more I could not identify. A kaleidoscope of colour. Pure magic.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Breathtaking walk in the Stilluptal valley today. More lovely butterflies, including Thors Fritillary which was new for me. Large Blue and Chequered Skipper also great to see. Some cool beetlew too and the ever present wildflowers.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
This is fantastic. We need more of this. Properly monitored and quantified. But we need decision makers to listen. The science isn't new. It is about giving nature space to do its thing. When we take everything, as we normally do, we make problems for ourselves www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
independent.co.uk
How eight beavers solved a decades-old Tube flooding problem
The creatures were reintroduced in 2023 after being hunted to extinction 400 years ago
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Wonderful 8 mile walk exploring the Zillergrund valley. Up to Steinerkogl and down via Brandberg. Lots of lovely flowers and butterflies. Black-veined White and Birds nest orchid may have been the highlights. But there were so many delights. Just paradise!
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Arrived in Mayrhofen for a week in the Austrian Alps. The Zillertal Valley is stunning. Feels like paradise. Views of the majestic mountains from my hotel room balcony. Can't wait to get walking the trails tomorrow. Excited to see what wildlife I can find.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
Lots of wonderful wildlife in my parents garden. The Slow worm in the compost heap and Mullein moth caterpillars the highlights. The usual bat was out last night. Two hedgehogs seen recently. Painted Lady butterflies too. Ermine moth caterpillars on the apple and spindle. Newts in the pond.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Final day in Snowdonia. Climbed Moel Siabod. Lovely walk, although the ridge path up was tough. Especially in the hailstorms! Another Cuckoo heard. So many here. Such a stunning and special part of the world. Can't wait to return!
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
A more gentle walk today, after the exertion of yesterday. Starting in Trefriw and going round two lakes: Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Crafnant. Lovely views and lots of bluebells. Soundtrack of Cuckoo's (four or five) and Willow Warblers. Just wonderful.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Marsh Fritillary for me. I love its larval webs as much as the adult. And the swathes of devils bit scabious!
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Marsh Fritillary for me! Get voting!
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Fantastic walk up Y Garn in Snowdonia. Up via Lyn Idwal and Devils Kitchen and down via steep ridge back. Amazing panoramic views. Tryfan a welcome constant brooding presence. Bilberry Bumblebee the wildlife highlight, a new species for me.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
More thrilling urban wildlife seen today in Peterborough. A Peregrine perching on the block of flats opposite my office block. Lovely to watch it preening its feathers. Below by the road, the gory remains of its breakfast. I think it's a pigeons wing!
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
We're so lucky to have such good quality urban green space in Peterborough. Amazing that it hosts a Cuckoo really in a city. There is hope yet.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
This morning on my daily walk to work in Peterborough I heard my first Cuckoo of the year. It brought genuine joy to my heart.
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