Phil Saunders
@beardybirder.bsky.social
Professional bird botherer & bug chaser (not like that), based in Dorset. Freelance ecologist / leader for Wildlife Travel #LGBTQinSTEM. Mainly birds, inverts, & plants, with the occasional arty photo. All views my own.
Pinned
After 25 years employment in the environment & education sector, today is my 1st day working as a freelance ecologist, facilitator, & educator! I'm really excited at the start of this new journey - please do drop me a line if you have any bird survey, facilitation, or environmental education needs.
Reposted by Phil Saunders
major oof-age up in the clouds of Los Nevados, with a friendly Buffy Helmetcrest
smiles all round
#WildlifeTravelling in #Colombia
smiles all round
#WildlifeTravelling in #Colombia
November 23, 2025 at 8:21 PM
major oof-age up in the clouds of Los Nevados, with a friendly Buffy Helmetcrest
smiles all round
#WildlifeTravelling in #Colombia
smiles all round
#WildlifeTravelling in #Colombia
This typically boisterous Caspian Gull was causing havoc on Sandwich Bay beach this afternoon; one of three present, alongside a single Yellow-legged Gull, amongst a large congregation of pre-roosting gulls @kentishplover.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 5:57 PM
This typically boisterous Caspian Gull was causing havoc on Sandwich Bay beach this afternoon; one of three present, alongside a single Yellow-legged Gull, amongst a large congregation of pre-roosting gulls @kentishplover.bsky.social
I was fortunate to make it over to the Fleet Bridging Camp this afternoon, just as the sun was setting, to take in the Desert Wheatear found an hr earlier by Brett. My 1st of this lovely spp in Dorset, & in the UK overall for a long time, braving the gale like a trooper @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 23, 2025 at 5:48 PM
I was fortunate to make it over to the Fleet Bridging Camp this afternoon, just as the sun was setting, to take in the Desert Wheatear found an hr earlier by Brett. My 1st of this lovely spp in Dorset, & in the UK overall for a long time, braving the gale like a trooper @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Reposted by Phil Saunders
Are you an MSc student based at a UK university? Or do you know one?
RSPB @rspbscience.bsky.social have just released their list of research projects for 2026:
www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...
#ornithology #conservationscience 🌍
RSPB @rspbscience.bsky.social have just released their list of research projects for 2026:
www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...
#ornithology #conservationscience 🌍
Postgraduate opportunities
The RSPB is offering a variety of exciting research projects for postgraduate students in 2026.
www.rspb.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Are you an MSc student based at a UK university? Or do you know one?
RSPB @rspbscience.bsky.social have just released their list of research projects for 2026:
www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...
#ornithology #conservationscience 🌍
RSPB @rspbscience.bsky.social have just released their list of research projects for 2026:
www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...
#ornithology #conservationscience 🌍
A few chilly hrs first thing at St Aldhelm's Head prod'd 7 Go.Plover & a single Lapwing, plus a ludicrous 77 (recently released) RL Partridge. Several roving Yellowhammer flocks were still about too, but there was sadly no sign of their coniferous cousin from last week @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 21, 2025 at 2:34 PM
A few chilly hrs first thing at St Aldhelm's Head prod'd 7 Go.Plover & a single Lapwing, plus a ludicrous 77 (recently released) RL Partridge. Several roving Yellowhammer flocks were still about too, but there was sadly no sign of their coniferous cousin from last week @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Reposted by Phil Saunders
Sadly, we have seen a big increase in avian flu cases in the UK - particularly in waterfowl
Whilst the risk to the public remains assessed as very low, Government advice is not to touch any visibly sick or dead birds, and to keep pets away
Read on for ways to help:
📷Ben Andrew
Whilst the risk to the public remains assessed as very low, Government advice is not to touch any visibly sick or dead birds, and to keep pets away
Read on for ways to help:
📷Ben Andrew
November 19, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Sadly, we have seen a big increase in avian flu cases in the UK - particularly in waterfowl
Whilst the risk to the public remains assessed as very low, Government advice is not to touch any visibly sick or dead birds, and to keep pets away
Read on for ways to help:
📷Ben Andrew
Whilst the risk to the public remains assessed as very low, Government advice is not to touch any visibly sick or dead birds, and to keep pets away
Read on for ways to help:
📷Ben Andrew
Just had a Hooded Crow (or hybrid) fly north over the A35 at Winterbourne Steepleton with two Carrion Crows @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 17, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Just had a Hooded Crow (or hybrid) fly north over the A35 at Winterbourne Steepleton with two Carrion Crows @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
A welcome 26/11 in the Upton garden trap after a wet night incl'd 5 Palpita vitrealis, 2 RDP & my 7th Golden Twin-spot of the yr, plus another well-marked Plusiid that shot out as soon as I opened it, which I really hope was a Silver Y... #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 14, 2025 at 8:47 AM
A welcome 26/11 in the Upton garden trap after a wet night incl'd 5 Palpita vitrealis, 2 RDP & my 7th Golden Twin-spot of the yr, plus another well-marked Plusiid that shot out as soon as I opened it, which I really hope was a Silver Y... #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
A brace of Rusty-dot Pearl were the only migrants in the Upton garden trap this morning, with Crocidosema plebejana and Caloptilia azaleella also nice to see #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 6:14 PM
A brace of Rusty-dot Pearl were the only migrants in the Upton garden trap this morning, with Crocidosema plebejana and Caloptilia azaleella also nice to see #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
St Aldhelm's Head hasn't had a great autumn compared to other local headlands, so today's Pine Bunting felt well deserved. I never saw it again after the initial find, but know it was seen again briefly by others late afternoon. I'm still struggling to sex the bird (1/n) @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 5:12 PM
St Aldhelm's Head hasn't had a great autumn compared to other local headlands, so today's Pine Bunting felt well deserved. I never saw it again after the initial find, but know it was seen again briefly by others late afternoon. I'm still struggling to sex the bird (1/n) @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Ludicrously just had my 2nd daytime Crimson Speckled of the week flying along the sunny fenceline north of the quarry at St Aldhelm's Head! #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Ludicrously just had my 2nd daytime Crimson Speckled of the week flying along the sunny fenceline north of the quarry at St Aldhelm's Head! #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
Pine Bunting seen briefly with mobile Yellowhammer flock at St Aldhelm's Head Quarry at 1030hrs & not relocated as of 1250hrs. Ltd parking available in Renscombe car park, otherwise park in Worth Mattravers village car park and walk down, staying out of private fields @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Pine Bunting seen briefly with mobile Yellowhammer flock at St Aldhelm's Head Quarry at 1030hrs & not relocated as of 1250hrs. Ltd parking available in Renscombe car park, otherwise park in Worth Mattravers village car park and walk down, staying out of private fields @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Reposted by Phil Saunders
After 9 days spent mostly in bed with flu, I was well enough to get back out on the bike today to see a long-staying Pallas's Warbler found by James Leaver at Peveril Down near Swanage
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 9, 2025 at 7:55 PM
After 9 days spent mostly in bed with flu, I was well enough to get back out on the bike today to see a long-staying Pallas's Warbler found by James Leaver at Peveril Down near Swanage
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
A fantastic morning at St Aldhelm's Head, with an immense 26,400 Woodpigeon through in the first 2hrs of daylight, alongside 260+ Stock Dove, a Hawfinch (site 1st), a "raspy" flava Wag' (sadly not refound), a juv Marsh Harrier, 3 Brambling, 450 Starling, & 300 Skylark @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 8, 2025 at 2:35 PM
A fantastic morning at St Aldhelm's Head, with an immense 26,400 Woodpigeon through in the first 2hrs of daylight, alongside 260+ Stock Dove, a Hawfinch (site 1st), a "raspy" flava Wag' (sadly not refound), a juv Marsh Harrier, 3 Brambling, 450 Starling, & 300 Skylark @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Crimson Speckled flushed from field adjacent to St Aldhelm's Head Coastguards at 1215hrs. Ace! #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 8, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Crimson Speckled flushed from field adjacent to St Aldhelm's Head Coastguards at 1215hrs. Ace! #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
Reposted by Phil Saunders
A new Red List for Vascular Plants in Great Britain has just been published - the first update for twenty years 🌿
So what is a Red List, and why does it matter? What does this new report tells us about the state of Britain’s flora?
So what is a Red List, and why does it matter? What does this new report tells us about the state of Britain’s flora?
November 7, 2025 at 12:43 PM
A new Red List for Vascular Plants in Great Britain has just been published - the first update for twenty years 🌿
So what is a Red List, and why does it matter? What does this new report tells us about the state of Britain’s flora?
So what is a Red List, and why does it matter? What does this new report tells us about the state of Britain’s flora?
I've really missed Big Pigeon Days since my move away from the main autumn flightpath, so it was fab to count 4,390 Woodpigeon over the Upton garden in 2hrs this morning before the cloud set in (plus 2 Brambling, 7 Snipe, 5 Redpoll & flocks of Wigeon, Pintail, & Shoveler) @harbourbirds.bsky.social
November 7, 2025 at 10:11 AM
I've really missed Big Pigeon Days since my move away from the main autumn flightpath, so it was fab to count 4,390 Woodpigeon over the Upton garden in 2hrs this morning before the cloud set in (plus 2 Brambling, 7 Snipe, 5 Redpoll & flocks of Wigeon, Pintail, & Shoveler) @harbourbirds.bsky.social
Reposted by Phil Saunders
Outstanding views of the Pallid Swift at times over the middle of Top Fields - thanks @alanlewiswildlife.bsky.social for letting us know it was showing so well up there
November 6, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Outstanding views of the Pallid Swift at times over the middle of Top Fields - thanks @alanlewiswildlife.bsky.social for letting us know it was showing so well up there
After another fairly fruitless trudge around St Aldhelm's Head (with nary a sniff of a stripy Phyllosc or ticking bunting) I made an afternoon detour to Portland, where the Pallid Swift found earlier in the day performed superbly over the Top Fields - my first in Dorset @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 6:07 PM
After another fairly fruitless trudge around St Aldhelm's Head (with nary a sniff of a stripy Phyllosc or ticking bunting) I made an afternoon detour to Portland, where the Pallid Swift found earlier in the day performed superbly over the Top Fields - my first in Dorset @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Experience once again won over expectation last night, with my 1st remote trapping session at St Aldhelm's Head prod'g 1 RDP (& 11 Fe.Ranunculus), with a measly count of 2 RDP in the Upton garden trap saved by my 6th (prob locally bred) Golden Twin-spot of 2025 #TeamMoth @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Experience once again won over expectation last night, with my 1st remote trapping session at St Aldhelm's Head prod'g 1 RDP (& 11 Fe.Ranunculus), with a measly count of 2 RDP in the Upton garden trap saved by my 6th (prob locally bred) Golden Twin-spot of 2025 #TeamMoth @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
Reposted by Phil Saunders
What a remarkable discovery! In SW Turkey a new species of Lycaenid was discovered, Rapala suleymani sp.n., of a genus that was only known from the eastern palearctic & indomalayan realms, it's closest relative flies 7000km away! doi.org/10.31184/M00...
Rapala suleymani sp. n., (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) a new thecline...: Ingenta Connect
doi.org
November 5, 2025 at 2:07 PM
What a remarkable discovery! In SW Turkey a new species of Lycaenid was discovered, Rapala suleymani sp.n., of a genus that was only known from the eastern palearctic & indomalayan realms, it's closest relative flies 7000km away! doi.org/10.31184/M00...
Whilst not exactly the hoped for migrant-fest, single Silver Y, Palpita vitrealis & 2 RDP (amongst a refreshing 21/11) were welcome in the Upton garden trap this morning, alongside a late Vine's Rustic & a brace of Monopis crocicapitella #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Whilst not exactly the hoped for migrant-fest, single Silver Y, Palpita vitrealis & 2 RDP (amongst a refreshing 21/11) were welcome in the Upton garden trap this morning, alongside a late Vine's Rustic & a brace of Monopis crocicapitella #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
Nice to hear that the long-staying Subalpine Warbler species at Levenwick on Shetland back in October has been formally identified as an Eastern. We were surprised by the firm ID as Western throughout its stay, given the difficulties associated with autumn ID - a long overdue new UK species for me!
November 4, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Nice to hear that the long-staying Subalpine Warbler species at Levenwick on Shetland back in October has been formally identified as an Eastern. We were surprised by the firm ID as Western throughout its stay, given the difficulties associated with autumn ID - a long overdue new UK species for me!
I've wanted to see Purseweb Spider since I was a kid, but've never managed to find one despite much searching, so I was overjoyed when one of the other volunteers found this amazing arachnid during this morning's survey work - just look at the size of those chelicerae! @britishspiders.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 2:20 PM
I've wanted to see Purseweb Spider since I was a kid, but've never managed to find one despite much searching, so I was overjoyed when one of the other volunteers found this amazing arachnid during this morning's survey work - just look at the size of those chelicerae! @britishspiders.bsky.social
A morning well spent helping survey the critically endangered Speckled Footman caterpillar population on the Dorset heaths, with a great group of volunteers brought together by Durwyn at @footprintecology.bsky.social #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 2:14 PM
A morning well spent helping survey the critically endangered Speckled Footman caterpillar population on the Dorset heaths, with a great group of volunteers brought together by Durwyn at @footprintecology.bsky.social #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social