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Ian Moore

@themoorehen.bsky.social
174 followers 167 following 126 posts

Usually birding random spots in and around Wolverhampton

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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Lesser Whitethroat (16th) & Whinchat (28th) at Furnace Grange were both 10k year list additions, either side of a family holiday in Dorset. 121 by the end of Aug is 5 up on my PB year in 2023. Both Redstart & Gropper have eluded me so far, although both were ringed while I was away! 🫣 #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
A Juv Sedge in a hedge at Furnace Grange, Seisdon early am on 31/8/26 after overnight showers, Part of an inland ‘fall’ in just one hedge that also held a Whinchat, Tree Pipit, 2 Yellow Wag, 3 Lesser & c10 Whitethroat, 2 Juv Willow W, 5+ Blackcap & c10 Chiffs. Epic by my 10k standards #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
White-tailed Eagle perched on Patchins Point 09:00-c09:40 & at least 5 Osprey up between there & Wareham channel from the Ham Common Viewpoint this am @harbourbirds.bsky.social
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
A family holiday to Menorca 2-9/8/26. Rarest find was a Juv Black Stork circling over Cala en Bosc on 7/8/26. Apparently a decent bird for there & could be same bird as one on Majorca at end of July. Plenty of Audouin’s Gull plus Scopoli’s Shears passing with 2 on the sea one morn #menorcabirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
As well as gulls (too far for my old Coolpix) Furnace Grange, Trescott was alive with birds this am: A Juv Spotted Fly was a 10k year ✅ as were 3 Green Sand (& the Common Gull). A superb ‘flock’ of 20+ Whitethroat & c10 Yellow Wag in the paddock hedges, ad Hobby over. 10k year up to 119 #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
2+ Caspian Gull (1cy,2cy+prob near ad) on a plough at the junction of Ebstree Road & Furnace Grange Road, near Seisdon @rarebirder.bsky.social @birdguides.bsky.social also a 2cy Yellow-legged & 1cy Common Gull present amongst 200+ LBB & Herring Gulls #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
As well as keeping the 10k year list going I also resorted to ‘bad habits’ in June & July with a couple of twitches for megas within 2.5hrs of home. The Long-tailed Shrike in Gloucs on 25/7 was a success but not the Western Reef Heron on 13/6 as it did a bunk on the Sat for a few days! #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Sitting in Menorca airport realising I haven’t updated on end June & July for the 10k year. Another 3 added inc two new warblers in the nets at a private ringing site inc 3 Juv Sedge on the 19/7 & a Juv Yellow-legged Gull that dropped in for 10mins on the same morn. 116 by end July #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
A quick lunchtime 10k ‘twitch’ thanks to a message on the local group resulted in 1-2 Quail singing from a wildflower field opposite Trescott Grange Farm 13:00-13:15 at least. 113 now for the 10k year #ukbirding @rarebirder.bsky.social
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Despite 20k running & walking yday I failed to add Lesser Whitethroat to my 10k year list, so ended May on 112, 4 up on my pb in 2023 when I didn’t hit that total until 15th Aug! May half-term working from home while my son spotted stuff for me, inc this Broad-bodied Chaser #ukbirding #ukdragonflies
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Couldn’t resist a trip outside the 10k to Belvide on 23/5 for the male Black-winged Stilt. My first at the reserve since 2 juvs in Sept 1987 when I was just 12! They’d been raised at Holme, Norfolk & I watched them depart on the last day of their 7 day stay, as I’d been away on holiday #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
A tip off that a Woodlark had been reported inside my 10k on 23/5 had me out yday before work in hope more than expectation but as I arrived at 06:45 it was singing away! It promptly disappeared but returned to the same spot an hour later & showed well. A full fat 10k ✅ and 112 for year #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
May has been v busy with work & needs of parents since the 3 x 10k circle year ticks on 2/5 but Common Sand on 3/5 (110) was a bonus as a tricky bird locally & my first in 10k since 12/4/23! A singing Tree Pipit on 24/5 (111) was unexpected as no sign at the site twice earlier in spring #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
My back survived the #westmidsalldayer on 2/5/26 & I recorded 64sp of team Smestow Valley’s record 80sp while also adding 3 to my 10k year list; this singing Yellow Wag, Little Owl & Hobby to take me to 109. A fem Wheatear & 4 singing Corn Bunting the best of rest over the 12km walked #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
April ended with me putting my back out on Monday but all was not lost with 2 Swift from home flying NE on 28/4 the final addition to the 10k year for the month. 106 is 5 up on my PB by end Apr! Trying to get back to ‘walking fit’ by Sat for the #westmidsalldayer for team Smestow Valley #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
For the 10k yday was ‘epic’! A stop at a flood pool on Pendeford Hall Lane after work revealed a pair of Shelduck - a full fat 10k ✅! Inspired by this a walk later to Pool Hall after was fruitless but a stop at Bhylls Floods near home revealed 3 Gadwall (2m,1f) a site ✅ 105 for 10k year #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
Having added Reed & Willow Warbler, Whitethroat & House Martin to the 10k over the last week I’d hit the 100 mark for the year. A trip to Highgate Common this am added 3 more; 2 duelling male Cuckoo, Garden Warbler & Bullfinch at last! 103 for the 10k year is already a record for April #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Took a trip out of the 10k yday evening for the fem Hooded Merganser at Alvecote Pools NR found by @archieraven.bsky.social on Sunday. Having not been for any other potentially acceptable birds, I’m hoping this one makes the cut. A drake Garganey on the same pool was an added bonus #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
Early am trip out to the SW edge of the 10k to Highgate Common & nearby area produced 3 additions (96sp now): 4+ Brambling (2+m), Oystercatcher & 2 Curlew thankfully back in situ at their last remaining local haunt. Also fem Wheatear, male Stonechat, 3+ Redpoll, 5 Lapwing, ad Peregrine #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
First quarter of 2026 done & 93sp in the 10k circle, 7 ahead of my previous best at this date. Some real bonuses inc the goose-fest of White-fronts, Barnacles & Pink-footed but some worrying omissions not at their usual haunts inc Curlew, Little Owl & Marsh Tit. 90 of the 93 self-found #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Failed with the now near mythical Lesser Spott Wood in the 10k early am (1 seen on 22/3) but 2 drake Mandarin & 3 drumming Gt Spott Wood kept me entertained while I waited in vain to hear their smaller cousin. A singing Cetti’s Warbler on my run yday evening did take the 10k year to 93sp #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
Caught up with my first hirundines of the year this afternoon at Pool Hall Fishery in the light rain, surprisingly for March here the balance was in favour of Swallow with 4 v a single Sand Martin. Always a pleasure to see the first of the Spring skimming the water. 92sp for 10k year #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
A morning walk on Highgate Common yday produced little bird wise except a Red Kite but 2 Slow Worm & 3 Common Lizard impressed the family. Nearby no sign of any Curlew at the only previously reliable local spot. So sad for a species I took for granted on the local farmland as a youngster #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
The 10k year hit the 90 mark this evening with my first Wheatear, a cracking male, on the north side of Wombourne, found earlier by @jamesthorpe1.bsky.social . The 21/3 produced two additions; a chance fem Merlin by road between Orton & Lower Penn and finally a Reed Bunting at Pool Hall #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
Slow start to March in 10k but still 2 additions (87 now). Woodcock flying in front of car at Wergs Hall Road in daylight on 4/3, over main A41 and off over houses! Tried to get in on the Scoter action yday at Himley Pool but no joy just Goosander, 4 Gt C Grebe & 1st Chiffchaff of year #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
A productive weekend for the 10k year reaching 85 with 4 additions. A Water Rail at Compton Wetlands on 21/2 plus 2 Green Wood yaffling. A walk around the Trescott area farmland yday am produced a pair of Grey Partridge & 3+ Corn Bunting. 3 Yellowhammer, 13+ Skylark & 1 RL Partridge too #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Another venture to the 10k border at Mere Farm near Highgate today, this time for a flock of 12 Barnacle Geese inc two yellow (R) & red (L) colour-ringed birds that joined the 3 Russian Whitefronts & c200 Greylags yday. 81 now for 10k year, as they did a fly around into circle airspace #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
A walk along the canal yday morning from Dimmingsdale to Bratch Locks revealed the drake Mandarin from Dec’25 was still present & became no.79 for the 10k year. Quiet otherwise but a good total of 9 singing Song Thrush added their uplifting vocals along the way #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Ended Jan on 75 for the 10k, my best start since started keeping a total in 2022. 1st Feb added another 3 to the total inc 5 Pochard (2m,3f) on Himley Great Pool, a scarce bird in my 10k now (didn’t see any in 2025!). 3 Gt C Grebe & c60 Siskin other 2 additions, roosting Tawny Owl too #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
A venture to the very edge of my 10k this anoon for the 3 Russian White-fronted Geese (2ad+1w) at Mere Farm, near Highgate was successful plus picked out an ad Pink-footed & 1 Egyptian amongst 300+ Greylags. 3 Stonechat (2m,1f) around too. 75 for the 10k year @staffsbirdnews.bsky.social #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Last few photos processed for end of Dec’25. Although much more regular in Staffs now, any encounter with a Goshawk (the avian terminator) is still a pleasure…although I’m not sure the Sparrowhawk keeping a watchful eye would agree! Male Stonechat & drake Mandarin the supporting cast #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
2w Caspian Gull in West Park, Wolverhampton on 27/12/25 (also present 1/1/26). A fairly small bird & likely the same bird that has been regularly seen at Belvide this winter & was also present at both sites last winter, compare 1w photos from 4/1/25 #caspiangull #gulls #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
4/1/26 a quiet last day off b4 work until last hr walk to Pool Hall fishery: Jack & 2 Common Snipe in tiny patch of unfrozen ditch, Great Egret, 3 Teal, Shoveler & 7 Goosander on ice / small area of unfrozen pool. 2 Tawny Owl dueting at dusk & in flight. 68 for 10k in 2026 in 4 days #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
A quiet day yday but still added Red Kite to the 10k year with one SW over Finchfield. Back out walking today and added a lovely ad male Goshawk cruising above a woodland in the cold winter sun. Fem Stonechat, male Kestrel, Treecreeper & a few other common bits took the 2026 10k up to 61 #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 01/01/2026
A respectable 50 species in & around Wolverhampton for day 1 of 2026: 2w Caspian Gull again in West Park at 14:15 @rarebirder.bsky.social also 7 Shoveler & 2 RN Parakeet plus male Peregrine nearby. Pool Hall fishery in am held: Great & 6 L Egret, 26+ Goosander, Lapwing & male Kingfisher #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Ended 2025 with 118 for the 10k circle, down on 122 (2024) & record 126 (2023) but plenty of quality: Marsh Warbler & Whimbrel were 10k ✅’s. Firecrest, Dipper, Caspian Gull, Black Redstart, Hawfinch, Goshawk, Grey Partridge & Corn Bunting all noteworthy for in & around Wolverhampton #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Last attempt of 2025 this am to add to the 10k year list failed but did find two 2nd records - 2 adult Goshawk inc this perched bird with was joined by a brave Sprawk! A distant Great Egret was the other. Peregrine, Kestrel, male Stonechat & remains of an unfortunate Barn Owl also found #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
2nd winter Caspian Gull showing very well in West Park, Wolverhampton this afternoon coming to bread. With the recent regular 2w bird at Belvide, I had an inclining that bird might be the returning 1w bird I found in West Park in late Dec24, so I dropped in today & there it was 😊 #ukbirding #gulls
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
A full day of 10k birding failed to produce an addition for the year but was just great to be out of the office! A drake Mandarin on the canal at Awbridge brightened up a dull grey day. 4 Golden Plover NE over Trescott mid anoon (only my 2nd 10k record of 2025) were the other highlight #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
Another addition to the 10k year today with the Firecrest in Whites Wood, Baggeridge CP showing well, although mobile, early pm (118). There aren’t many better birds in Britain in my opinion. Finish work on Thurs for this year, so might just push the 10k year up to 120 or above again #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
The last day of Nov produced an addition to the 10k with an imm male Goshawk causing chaos as it raided a local wood at 15:30 (117). 3 Corn Bunting, 8 Goosander over & 11 Red-legged Partridge the best of the rest #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
A very pleasant morn in the Trescott area produced my first Golden Plover of the year in 10k (116 now) but a covey of 12 Grey Partridge stole the show. Single Snipe & Lapwing were my first in area of ‘winter’ also 2 Stonechat, 2 fem Goosander, 2 L Egret, 3 L Grebe, Reed Bunt, Kestrel #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
With Sept+Oct unfortunately dominated by work, I only added two species to my 10k year - Jack Snipe & Red-legged Partridge to put me on 115, 2 short of this time last year & 5 short of my best in 2023. Hopefully Nov+Dec will be more productive…although work isn’t going to be any quieter! 😣
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
A walk around theTrescott area finally produced an additional in October to my 10k year with a single Jack Snipe (115 for year now). Without a thermal ydays bird flew out before I could see it, unlike this one at the same spot in 2022, found the old fashioned way with my eyes! #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
After the thrill of the Belvide White-rumped Sand flock on Sat it was a rather more routine (previous stomping ground) ✅ Whooper Swan at Gailey Reservoirs. Found by @thesnapper1978.bsky.social late on Sat it was still present in the fog with 11 Mutes on the sailing reservoir yday
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
Sept+Oct so far had been poor for me locally & not being able to get up to the Needletail due to work I was quite demotivated yday…then @belvidebirding.bsky.social pulls out an unbelievable flock of 8 White-rumped Sandpiper at Belvide. A jog to the west end for my 233rd sp for the reserve #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
A family holiday in Cala d’Or, Majorca in mid-Aug was ‘non-birding’ but a short walk down to the sea & I could enjoy one of my favourite birds of the Med with sev Audouin’s Gull present most days. Much more relaxing than my first in Britain after a mad dash to Dunge on a bank holiday Monday! #gulls
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
After a good start to Aug with 3 x 10k additions in the first week, a family holiday in Majorca ended that run & I missed a few but a session watching @birdergaz.bsky.social ringing on 25/8 added 2 more: Grasshopper Warbler & Spotted Fly to hit 113 by the end of the month #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
The good start to Aug in the 10k was followed by two ‘dips’ (after work walks for birds seen earlier) in two days, so was pleased not to make it a hatrick early am with another attempt at Dipper proving successful with this 1cy bird showing well before work. 111 now for the 10k year #ukbirding
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Ian Moore @themoorehen.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
August has started well in the 10k with overdue addition of Green Sand (2/8) & first Tree Pipit (3/8) taking total to 110. First garden Hobby of year over yday too. Love or loath them Wolverhampton’s Parakeets have had a good season with flocks of up to 11 noted at sev sites in late July #ukbirding
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