Brian Stretch
@brianstretch.bsky.social
220 followers 48 following 100 posts
Birder and founder of The Birder's Store - linktr.ee/birdersstore
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brianstretch.bsky.social
This Wheatear was clinging to the summit of Worcestershire Beacon #MalvernHills in the strong winds early this morning.

#WorcsBirds
brianstretch.bsky.social
Well done on getting pics. Saw it very briefly early doors but then disappeared. Also heard a few Crossbills but little else of note.

My last September visit. Been a poor month. Huge effort but very little to show for it!
brianstretch.bsky.social
Yes, Lee. That's a juvenile Little Bittern.
brianstretch.bsky.social
Juvenile Squacco Heron, Lee 👍
brianstretch.bsky.social
Challenging conditions on North Hill #MalvernsHills early morning.

With poor visibility, a couple of Crossbills calling in flight was the best of it.

On the plus side, perfect conditions for witnessing the optical phenomenon known as 'Brocken Spectre'.

#WorcsBirds
An image of the optical phenomenon known as 'Brocken Spectre' where a person's shadow is cast onto a mist or cloud layer, appearing as a giant figure with a rainbow halo.
brianstretch.bsky.social
Thanks Paul.
One of the most amazing things on that trip was how @andywarr.bsky.social managed to find a Sainsbury's 4000m up a mountain between Tibet and Bhutan 🤣
brianstretch.bsky.social
Thanks Ed. Makes it a whole lot easier, especially if you have multiple contributors.
brianstretch.bsky.social
Trip report now fully updated with pictures of the incredibly successful spring #birding tour of north-east India with @andywarr.bsky.social and @paulrhodes.bsky.social.

Many amazing memories and thanks for your great company, Andy and Paul.

ebird.org/tripreport/3...

#Assam #ArunachalPradesh
Bugun Liocichla at Eaglenest WS, Arunachal Pradesh. Male Temminck's Tragopan at Mandala, Arunachal Pradesh.
brianstretch.bsky.social
I wasn't the only one decidedly underwhelmed by the lack of birds on North Hill #MalvernHills this evening.

#WorcsFoxes
brianstretch.bsky.social
Drake Long-tailed Duck still at Clifton GP on the north pit this morning for his third day.

Beginning to transition from summer to winter plumage, both of which are impressive in equal measure.

Possibly the same drake seen at this site last year.

#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
brianstretch.bsky.social
Nice one, Dan. I was only saying to @siborder.bsky.social yesterday that Ring Ouzels will be in this week 👍
brianstretch.bsky.social
A glorious day for my annual End Hill - Chase End Hill & return walk #MalvernHills.

4 Wheatear (North Hill, Summer Hill, Broad Down, Worcs Beacon), 6+ Crossbills (North Hill & Black Hill), 5+ migrant Song Thrushes top of Happy Valley, lots of Siskins & this Painted Lady the highlights.

#WorcsBirds
brianstretch.bsky.social
Getting a little late now!
brianstretch.bsky.social
A Spotted Flycatcher at Powick Wetland, seen very briely this evening, was a site first for me.

Otherwise, quiet with Little Egret and 4 Shoveler the best of the rest.

#WorcsBirds
brianstretch.bsky.social
The Glossy Ibis was again at Northwick, Worcester earlier this morning.

Due to the peculiarities of the boundary line this bird is just outside the city even though the built-up area continues further north.

#WorcsBirds
brianstretch.bsky.social
Thanks Dan. Really appreciated.
brianstretch.bsky.social
Great find Dan.
Where exactly at Northwick was it feeding? May pop over later as that would be a new bird for my Worcester city list!
brianstretch.bsky.social
Popped into Powick Wetland on the way back from seeing the Grey Phalarope and Curlew Sandpiper at Ripple.

Typically uneventful visit although this female Pintail was good to see. Probably the best bird I've seen here all year!

#WorcsBirds
brianstretch.bsky.social
A pair of Stonechats and 2 Great Egrets were about the best of it at Grimley this morning.

#WorcsBirds
brianstretch.bsky.social
Single Tree Pipit, Swift, Crossbill, Redpoll, Siskin over the north #MalvernsHills earlier this morning.

Also large numbers of House Martins spread along the sheltered slopes. Difficult to count but easily 500+ along with a few Swallows.

#WorcsBirds
brianstretch.bsky.social
Just looked it up - 5-9th September 2005!
brianstretch.bsky.social
The wonderful juvenile Temminck's Stint at Throckmorton on the western lagoons this evening.

Very rare to see this plumage in Worcestershire.

#WorcsBirds #UKBirding @waderquest.bsky.social
brianstretch.bsky.social
Three Wheatear on the north #MalvernHills early this morning including this one on the most northerly ridge of the most northerly hill, End Hill.

Also Tree Pipit over, Willow Warbler, plenty of Chiffchaffs (40+) and a steady southbound stream of Swallows and House Martins.

#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
brianstretch.bsky.social
A Wheatear on North Hill #MalvernHills during a welcome break in the weather this afternoon.

#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
brianstretch.bsky.social
No change around the north #MalvernHills yesterday evening.

The Wheatear and Redstart remain on North Hill.

#WorcsBirds #UKBirding