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Pete Fontana

@tighthead22.bsky.social
131 followers 176 following 58 posts

Birder, ex Rugby Player and Chelsea supporter based in Stoke on Trent

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Reposted by Pete Fontana
Jonny @suffolkseawatcher.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Can people help share this far and wide? Great blog detailing a proper injustice - that seems to go unchecked year on year! Meanwhile over the border - Norfolk are smashing it! ♠️ tringa24.wordpress.com/2026/10/03/a...
tringa24.wordpress.com
A Tale of Two Coastlines – Norfolk Delivers, Suffolk Dithers
Norfolk has just committed £384,000 of developer mitigation money to protect beach-nesting birds on its coast. Suffolk is sitting on £1.74 million collected for exactly the same purpose. On 2 Octob…
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Graham Appleton @wadertales.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Woodcock shooting season starts today in most of the UK (Scotland was 1 Sep). Continental birds have not arrived yet so any shot birds will be red-listed British breeders. GWCT suggests waiting until 1 December before targeting Woodcock. More here: wadertales.wordpress.com/2015/10/26/c... #birds
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Raptor Persecution UK @raptorpersuk.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Red Kite dies after being found with gunshot injuries in Peak District National Park. Police appeal for information + commentary from me ⬇️ #RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/09/28/r...
raptorpersecutionuk.org
Red Kite dies after being found with gunshot injuries in Peak District National Park – Police appeal for information
Derbyshire Constabulary has issued an appeal for information (27 September 2026) following the discovery of a shot Red Kite in the Peak District National Park on or before 7th July 2026. RURAL CRIM…
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Dave Emley @demley.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Don't know much about pondweeds. The pond behind us was stripped bare and re-graded last year. It has since filled and this plant has appeared in quantity. Anyone know what it is? @naturelark.bsky.social
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Raptor Persecution UK @raptorpersuk.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Defra's Call for Evidence on all aspects of gamebird rearing, releasing & shooting is now open - this is your opportunity to be heard! Closes 1 Nov 2026. Details ⬇️ raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/09/05/d...
raptorpersecutionuk.org
Defra’s Call for Evidence on all aspects of gamebird rearing, releasing and shooting is now open – this is your opportunity to be heard
Further to yesterday’s blog, Defra’s Call for Evidence on all aspects of gamebird rearing, releasing and shooting is now open, and will close at 23.59hrs on 1st November 2026. The Call …
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Raptor Persecution UK @raptorpersuk.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Game dealers say more Red-legged Partridges have been released this year than they can cope with. Standby for sacks full of shot and rotten RLPs dumped & fly-tipped across the countryside. New blog ⬇️ raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/09/01/g...
raptorpersecutionuk.org
Game dealers say more Red-legged Partridges have been released this year than they can cope with
Today is the official opening day of the Red-legged Partridge (RLP) shooting season in England, Scotland and Wales. An estimated 10 million RLPs are released into the countryside every year, for sh…
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Graham Etherington @britishbirder.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Question: I'm thinking of splashing out and getting a Swarovski ST balance, and was wondering if anyone has been using one and can offer some advice, pros/cons. Any situations where it can't replace a high-end scope and tripod (I have a Kowa TSN 99a) - seawatching? Also, straight or angled? Thanks.
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REVIVE @revivecoalition.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Huge swathes of Scotland’s land are used for grouse shooting — a ‘sport’ that relies on the killing of hundreds of thousands of animals and the burning of our land Imagine a future where nature is given space to return Help us unlock our land's potential > secure.onekind.org/page/33064/p...?
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Jack Levene @snapsjackel.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Recently trapped this Thorn sp. I think this is either a faded Dusky Thorn (Ennomos fuscantaria) or a September Thorn (Ennomos erosaria). Anybody out there got any views on the id? #suffolkmoths #teammoth
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Matt @thehairycrisp.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Google plans to bulldoze a wildlife haven in Essex – home to rare species – for a data centre. Sign the petition now to help save it before it’s gone forever 🐝🦋 you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/sa...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Save Arena Essex- Tell Google to search elsewhere!
  Wedged between the Mar Dyke Valley and Lakeside Retail Park, the former Arena Essex Raceway is not your usual wildlife haven. Where once stock cars and speedway bikes lined up to cross the fini...
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CM @manchesterbirder.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
I'm going to be in Suffolk tomorrow with a friend who's desperate to see Turtle Doves - is there anyone who could share a likely location privately? Thank you! #ukbirding
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Clive Davies @clive1.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/77...
petition.parliament.uk
Petition: Ban on sale of disposable BBQs
We want the Government to introduce a nationwide ban on the sale of single-use disposable barbecues. Disposable BBQs are increasingly linked to preventable wildfires, which poses a serious risk to pu...
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Tea Junkie @teajunkie.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
If the shooting estates won't stop putting an end to our precious raptors, then it's time to put an end to the shooting estates.
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Alrewas Birder @alrewasbirder.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
I was done tonight, just updating a spreadsheet and if this is a Common Wave, which i think it may be, it's new to me of it is 🤞 @mothiduk.bsky.social
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Pete Fontana @tighthead22.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
A massive plastic pellet spill is threatening North Sea wildlife 🌊 Coastal communities are stepping up, but we need action. Join us and ask @andyburnham.bsky.social to launch an emergency response & hold polluters accountable! #NurdleSpill #StopPollution action.friendsoftheearth.uk/petition/tyn...
action.friendsoftheearth.uk
Tell Andy Burnham: Save the North Sea from plastic pellet disaster
One of the UK's biggest spills of plastic pellets (or “nurdles”) is flooding the North East’s coastline. It could harm wildlife in the North Sea for decades. Thousands of volunteers – including Friend...
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Stewart @stewchat.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
This isn't heritage. These are fucking morons.
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Scottish Seabird Centre @seabirdcentre.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
A reminder that this is the prime time for finding young gulls in unexpected places! This video explains what to do if you find a gull and you're worried about it. If in doubt, please consult the SSPCA's website: www.scottishspca.org/advice/gull-ch…
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Martin George @jannerbirder.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
"Disposable BBQ causes devastating wild fire at beauty spot". At a traditional site for breeding Cirl Buntings 🤦‍♂️ To refer back to a post by @penrhynbirder.bsky.social asking if disposable barbeques.should be banned... Yes they should 😡 www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/local-n...
plymouthherald.co.uk
Disposable BBQ causes devastating wild fire at beauty spot
Seven fire crews battled the huge fire for a number of hours
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Ralph Todd @bexleybirder.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Birders notebook found at Oare. Regular notes from Dungeness. Anyone know the owner? @dungenessbirdobs.bsky.social
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Peter Smith @redpeter99.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
The White House spokesman is relaxed about the banner held by the Argentina team. It's a freedom of speech issue, apparently. Wonder if the US administration would be as relaxed if Lamine Yamal borrowed Janet's on Sunday?
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alandaviesbirds.bsky.social @alandaviesbirds.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Come & join Iolo Williams @iolowilliams2 Spring Watch presentor for a wonderful trip exploring North Wales enjoying amazing wildlife & cake! Monday 9th November – Friday 13th November 2026 just one place available book now! Email info@birdwatchingtrips.co.uk to book/details
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Stuart Green @stuart17.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
The National Trust at Saltram continue their environmental vandalism of Blaxton Meadow, once a muddy home for feeding Waders and now presumably being reverted back to a cricket pitch #Saltram#NationalTrust
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Mark Avery @markavery.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Can you help in tracing the ornithologist Henry Mayer-Gross or his heirs, plz? The Looted Art Commission would like to return some property to the family. markavery.info/2026/07/14/h... @btobirds.bsky.social @bou.org.uk @nhm.org @birdsinwales.bsky.social @scottishbirding.bsky.social
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Dave Emley @demley.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Any marine types out there can help with this fish from a rock pool at Porthdinllaen and this seaweed off the headland there.
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Raptor Persecution UK @raptorpersuk.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
New report on use of spring traps in England - written by Prof Stephen Harris to help inform Defra policy on Animal Welfare Strategy & its review on trap use. raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/07/10/n...
raptorpersecutionuk.org
New report on use of spring traps in England
A new report reviewing the current use of spring traps in England has been published by the National Anti Snaring Campaign (NASC) group. Spring trap on a North Yorkshire grouse moor (Photo: Ruth Ti…
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Gareth Clements @birdergaz.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
If anyone with a strong camera can photo the yellow tag
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Bee Friendly Brum @beefriendlybrum.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Hi everyone 💚🐝 Birmingham City Council are currently reviewing their maintenance contracts so please email your Councillors to make sure our new Council prioritises a ban on public pesticides like glyphosate Check who represents you, get in touch, template attached www.birmingham.gov.uk/councillors
[suggested template for Bee Friendly Brum councillor contact]

Hello, Cllr. [YOUR COUNCILLOR'S NAME] congratulations on being elected to represent [YOUR CONSTITUENCY NAME].

In 2021, concerned local mums Bee Friendly Brum petitioned Birmingham City Council to try and ban the use of sprayed pesticides (including glyphosate) in our public spaces and residential streets.

This very successful campaign produced a petition with over 97,500 signatures nationally (10,000+ from Brum), and triggered a scrutiny meeting.
But very little has changed from that action.
In fact, despite promises to reduce pesticide use and eventually end the practice, spraying has increased! 

There is so much evidence of the harm that glyphosate causes to pollinators, soil, animal and human health. I will share some more information about the campaign and the issues with pesticide spraying below in case you are unfamiliar with it, and look forward to hearing back from you on this matter. 

Kind regards,

[YOUR NAME]
About the Bee Friendly Brum campaign:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-62122219

https://centralbylines.co.uk/news/environment/bee-friendly-brum-pollinator-protectors/

https://www.pan-uk.org/two-campaigners-take-on-the-largest-council-in-the-country/

About pesticides:

https://www.pan-uk.org/health-effects-of-pesticides/
https://www.pan-uk.org/key-issues/

Latest article on pesticide and Government inaction:
https://wickedleeks.riverford.co.uk/features/the-government-is-negligent-over-glyphosate-says-leading-professor/
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Dave Emley @demley.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Any ruby-tailed wasp folks here? I Had this on Highgate Common. It looks like a Hedychrum species but there are two similar ones and neither occur in Staffs. Can't currently post to FB groups hence asking here.
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Phil Woollen @philwoollen.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Any moth -people confirm this is Dingy Shears please? Caught in my west Cheshire garden night of 21st June #teammoth
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MarcM381 @aquilabirding2.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
PACIFIC SWIFT, Bardsey Island. 📷 photos by Ezra Sherwell.
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inchgarthbirding.bsky.social @inchgarthbirding.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Anyone care to help with this fritillary from north/central Croatia last week? Heath or False Heath? Or something else? #butterflies
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Dave Emley @demley.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Anyone recognise this pyralid? An Ephestia possibly? #TeamMoth
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Jelltex @jelltex.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Over 50m either side of the cycle path/footpath near the bypass at Monk's Wall have been strimmed, destroying approx 20 Lizard orchid spikes. I have reported this to DDC and will see what happens. Lizard orchids are Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.
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RSPB Scotland @rspbscotland.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
BIG NEWS for some of Scotland's most iconic seabird islands 📣 Bass Rock and Craigleith are now part of our nature reserve network! Together with @seabirdcentre.bsky.social we’re taking an exciting step forward to deliver a more secure future for seabirds. youtube.com/watch?v=WHxVpCh5E-Q
youtube.com
Amazing news as RSPB adds iconic seabird islands to its reserves
YouTube video by RSPB
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Stuart @edinburghnature.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
@bsbibotany.bsky.social @britishnatureguide.bsky.social Long thin thread like plant/algae with nodes growing on rocks in stream next to moss Fontinalis antipyretica any ideas?
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Raptor Persecution UK @raptorpersuk.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Raven shot in Essex: Police appeal for information. raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/06/06/r...
raptorpersecutionuk.org
Raven shot in Essex: Police appeal for information
Press release from Essex Police (4 June 2026): COLCHESTER: APPEAL AFTER RAVEN SHOT IN SUSPECTED WILDLIFE CRIME We are appealing for information after a raven was shot dead in West Bergholt. It was …
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Paul Dolman @pauldolman.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Illegal persecution of White-tailed Eagles at this intensity in grouse moors will at least greatly slow, and could jeopardise establishing a wild population in England. Which seems the keepers’ aim. Licensing with landowner culpability is overdue. #ornithology #WTE
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Martin George @jannerbirder.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Just disgraceful. Will the consequence be custodial sentences for the company directors, or a token fine that makes the outrageous act a profitable business activity? 😡 www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Noted Surrey colony of at-risk swifts destroyed during nesting season
Campaigners say builders’ demolition of nest site highlights weak protection of wildlife from development
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Birds of Poole Harbour @harbourbirds.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
This afternoon North Yorkshire Police announced the suspicious disappearance of young male White-tailed Eagle G834, the first to fledge from Dorset in centuries. This eagle was special for multiple reasons, not only his historic status but also wowing visitors & school children around Poole Harbour
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Jeremy Bartlett @jeremybartlett.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
It’s time for the UK Government to license gamebird shooting in England and give Hen Harriers and other birds of prey the protection they deserve. Contact your MP today and help stop the illegal killing of these incredible birds. action.rspb.org.uk/page/185536/...
action.rspb.org.uk
Save Our Birds of Prey!
It’s time for the UK Government to license gamebird shooting in England and give Hen Harriers and other birds of prey the protection they deserve. Contact your MP today and help stop the illegal kill...
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Raptor Persecution UK @raptorpersuk.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
New research from University of Leeds & the RSPB shows that burning on grouse moors is exposing millions of people to unsafe air pollution levels. Yet another reason to ban this 'sport'. Press release & link to the paper ⬇️ raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/05/20/n...
raptorpersecutionuk.org
New research shows burning on grouse moors is exposing millions to unsafe air pollution levels
Press release from University of Leeds and the RSPB (19 May 2026) MOORLAND BURNING FOR UPLAND MANAGEMENT IS EXPOSING MILLIONS TO UNSAFE AIR POLLUTION LEVELS In the UK, moorland burning, which is wi…
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Raptor Persecution UK @raptorpersuk.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Shot Buzzard found in Bransdale area of North York Moors National Park, a well known hotspot for gamebird shooting and raptor persecution. Police appeal for information. Details ⬇️ #RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/05/19/s...
raptorpersecutionuk.org
Shot Buzzard found in Bransdale area of North York Moors National Park – Police appeal for information
Press statement from North Yorkshire Police (19 May 2026): APPEAL FOR INFORMATION AFTER SHOT BUZZARD FOUND IN NORTH YORK MOORS We’re appealing for information after a buzzard was found with shotgun…
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Wild Justice @wildjustice.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
ACT NOW for wildlife and Woodcock! Deadline: 17 May. Wild Justice has been lobbying for a reduction in the shooting season of Woodcock. The government have now opened a consultation. Follow the link for more info about how you can make a difference for Woodcock and other species. buff.ly/1FQThDt
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Paul Bowerman @severnsidebirds.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
IMPORTANT request. Will visiting birders please refrain from entering the gravelled turning circle area by the building at Pilning Wetland. There are ground nesting birds in the area that are likely to be disturbed or nest trampled. The Stints do show well from the footpath if patient. Thanks.
Please do not enter the area marked red
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Alice Risely @alice-risely.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Please don’t put out hair for bird nests. Chicks get entangled in hair balls. Just had to cut hair strands that were tying 3 blue tit chicks together, and wrapped round the throat of one skinny chick that couldn’t swallow food. Hopefully saved in time 🤞
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Justin Taylor @jtbirder323.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Surely shouldn’t be hedge cutting in bird breeding season? Next to Ardley ERF @rspb.bsky.social @cherwellcouncil.bsky.social
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Justin Taylor @jtbirder323.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Now cutting the verge isn’t it No Mow May? @rspb.bsky.social @cherwellcouncil.bsky.social
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Keith Broomfield @keithbroomfield.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
Wow, this is so amazing, gannets now in the process of a forming a new breeding colony on a rock stack off St Abbs in Berwickshire this afternoon. An overspill from the major colony on the Bass Rock further north, it is brilliant to see these special birds spreading their wings
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Clive Davies @clive1.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Cannock Chase Countryside Officer has asked for assistance with a 2 hour survey in Sherbrook Valley on Tuesday 28th April 0800hrs. Please message me if you can help and I will send details @westmidbirdclub.bsky.social
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