Mel S-W
@corvidcrazychap.bsky.social
Birder - Plants - Insects - MOTHS & more
Essex - Rye meads volunteer - did I say birds
I am definitely a Biophiliac 🤭
Essex - Rye meads volunteer - did I say birds
I am definitely a Biophiliac 🤭
So after many years my #CountryInnovations coat is no longer waterproof 🥴 it has been a great coat & still useable in dry/cold conditions but I’m wanting to upgrade to a fully waterproof coat #BirdingGear @stevedudley.bsky.social looking at #Paramo unless anyone thinks differently 🤷🏼♂️
November 27, 2025 at 8:36 AM
So after many years my #CountryInnovations coat is no longer waterproof 🥴 it has been a great coat & still useable in dry/cold conditions but I’m wanting to upgrade to a fully waterproof coat #BirdingGear @stevedudley.bsky.social looking at #Paramo unless anyone thinks differently 🤷🏼♂️
Had an enjoyable couple of hours at #AmwellNatureReserve #HMWT @hertsbirds.bsky.social saw the Eurasian Bittern in flight from near large hide towards viewpoint reed bed disturbed by the reed cutting machine
Good numbers of Tufted duck Common pochard Common snipe
Good numbers of Tufted duck Common pochard Common snipe
November 26, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Had an enjoyable couple of hours at #AmwellNatureReserve #HMWT @hertsbirds.bsky.social saw the Eurasian Bittern in flight from near large hide towards viewpoint reed bed disturbed by the reed cutting machine
Good numbers of Tufted duck Common pochard Common snipe
Good numbers of Tufted duck Common pochard Common snipe
Hey @andygoodey.bsky.social thanks for directions I was doing the C392 bus route into/out of #HatfieldBroadOak today so parked up & had a quick wander 👍 I’ll take my binoculars next time
November 25, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Hey @andygoodey.bsky.social thanks for directions I was doing the C392 bus route into/out of #HatfieldBroadOak today so parked up & had a quick wander 👍 I’ll take my binoculars next time
Reposted by Mel S-W
New Essex Wildlife Trust appeal to secure more space for wildlife at wonderful #Wrabness.
Securing more space for wildlife at Wrabness | Essex Wildlife Trust
Wrabness nature reserve, on the banks of the River Stour, is one of Essex Wildlife Trust’s most treasured sites. This winter, we’re raising £30,000 so we can make this site a protected safe haven for ...
www.essexwt.org.uk
November 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM
New Essex Wildlife Trust appeal to secure more space for wildlife at wonderful #Wrabness.
Great days birding today with pals #WWTWelney & #NTWickenFen 52 species lots of Whooper swan Pintail Wigeon Pink footed geese Marsh harriers Hen harrier then Common crane Barn owl plus a nice festive panini
November 24, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Great days birding today with pals #WWTWelney & #NTWickenFen 52 species lots of Whooper swan Pintail Wigeon Pink footed geese Marsh harriers Hen harrier then Common crane Barn owl plus a nice festive panini
Reposted by Mel S-W
The exhibition all finished. There’s a bit of sadness when selling paintings, as well as the pleasure, having lived with these moffs for a while. They looked good in their vintage frames though. All in all a successful exhibition and lots of people learned more about moths!
#teammoth #sciArt
#teammoth #sciArt
November 23, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Reposted by Mel S-W
For sale - £20 inc P&P
Rohan Icelander fleece-lined trousers. Dark blue. In very good condition. Medium = W32 and L32.
Not worn since I moved to Westray as I only wear waterproof trousers here. So these are surplus to requirements so someone else may as well get some use out of them.
#BirdingGear
Rohan Icelander fleece-lined trousers. Dark blue. In very good condition. Medium = W32 and L32.
Not worn since I moved to Westray as I only wear waterproof trousers here. So these are surplus to requirements so someone else may as well get some use out of them.
#BirdingGear
November 21, 2025 at 2:38 PM
For sale - £20 inc P&P
Rohan Icelander fleece-lined trousers. Dark blue. In very good condition. Medium = W32 and L32.
Not worn since I moved to Westray as I only wear waterproof trousers here. So these are surplus to requirements so someone else may as well get some use out of them.
#BirdingGear
Rohan Icelander fleece-lined trousers. Dark blue. In very good condition. Medium = W32 and L32.
Not worn since I moved to Westray as I only wear waterproof trousers here. So these are surplus to requirements so someone else may as well get some use out of them.
#BirdingGear
Reposted by Mel S-W
Fill your ears with birdsong from a quiet place. ☀️
Episode 223 - Birdsong in deep forest ambience (50mins)
On a steep rough path by a stream, we found pristine quiet all around. Just the wind in the firs and birdsong.
> bit.ly/LenKldrB
Episode 223 - Birdsong in deep forest ambience (50mins)
On a steep rough path by a stream, we found pristine quiet all around. Just the wind in the firs and birdsong.
> bit.ly/LenKldrB
November 21, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Fill your ears with birdsong from a quiet place. ☀️
Episode 223 - Birdsong in deep forest ambience (50mins)
On a steep rough path by a stream, we found pristine quiet all around. Just the wind in the firs and birdsong.
> bit.ly/LenKldrB
Episode 223 - Birdsong in deep forest ambience (50mins)
On a steep rough path by a stream, we found pristine quiet all around. Just the wind in the firs and birdsong.
> bit.ly/LenKldrB
Reposted by Mel S-W
What were your #Top5Birds or bird moments from the past week?
Mine, in Cambridgeshire:
1. First of year Cattle Egrets
2. Common Cranes flying in towards dusk
3. Big flock of Fieldfare chattering overhead
4. Surprise sighting of a Bittern in flight
5. Huge numbers of Lapwing taking flight
🪶
Mine, in Cambridgeshire:
1. First of year Cattle Egrets
2. Common Cranes flying in towards dusk
3. Big flock of Fieldfare chattering overhead
4. Surprise sighting of a Bittern in flight
5. Huge numbers of Lapwing taking flight
🪶
November 16, 2025 at 10:12 AM
What were your #Top5Birds or bird moments from the past week?
Mine, in Cambridgeshire:
1. First of year Cattle Egrets
2. Common Cranes flying in towards dusk
3. Big flock of Fieldfare chattering overhead
4. Surprise sighting of a Bittern in flight
5. Huge numbers of Lapwing taking flight
🪶
Mine, in Cambridgeshire:
1. First of year Cattle Egrets
2. Common Cranes flying in towards dusk
3. Big flock of Fieldfare chattering overhead
4. Surprise sighting of a Bittern in flight
5. Huge numbers of Lapwing taking flight
🪶
Reposted by Mel S-W
New Episode!
Dale Forbes shares how his curiosity and desire for discovery have shaped his approach to birding.
He also reveals his perspective on enjoying nature, emphasizing the importance of finding your own path to connect with the natural world.
casualbirder.com/episode145
Dale Forbes shares how his curiosity and desire for discovery have shaped his approach to birding.
He also reveals his perspective on enjoying nature, emphasizing the importance of finding your own path to connect with the natural world.
casualbirder.com/episode145
November 16, 2025 at 12:49 AM
New Episode!
Dale Forbes shares how his curiosity and desire for discovery have shaped his approach to birding.
He also reveals his perspective on enjoying nature, emphasizing the importance of finding your own path to connect with the natural world.
casualbirder.com/episode145
Dale Forbes shares how his curiosity and desire for discovery have shaped his approach to birding.
He also reveals his perspective on enjoying nature, emphasizing the importance of finding your own path to connect with the natural world.
casualbirder.com/episode145
Reposted by Mel S-W
Thank you to South Essex RG for helping us with another successful joint @essexbirdnews.bsky.social & @btobirds.bsky.social Youth event! It was great to see some many enthusiastic young people get the chance to help out and learn about conservation. The Firecrest was an awesome bonus! #EssexBirding
November 15, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Thank you to South Essex RG for helping us with another successful joint @essexbirdnews.bsky.social & @btobirds.bsky.social Youth event! It was great to see some many enthusiastic young people get the chance to help out and learn about conservation. The Firecrest was an awesome bonus! #EssexBirding
Reposted by Mel S-W
I switched to a 32mm model 10 years ago when the new top-end optical systems began to deliver much brighter 32mm models which has meant that I've never missed the extra light that 40+ or 50+ models provide. And I certainly don't miss the extra weight of larger models. #BirdingGear
For many birders, 8x32 has become the default binocular size. Here are two of the very best - the Swarovski Optik NL Pure and the Zeiss Victory SF.
Choose your favourite by comparing them at our Glandford shop, 7 days-a-week, no appointment necessary. #UKBirding #BirdingGear
Choose your favourite by comparing them at our Glandford shop, 7 days-a-week, no appointment necessary. #UKBirding #BirdingGear
Contact Us - Cley Spy
Specialist binocular & monocular retailer in the heart of North Norfolk. Friendly, expert advice from our in-house birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts.
www.cleyspy.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 11:27 AM
I switched to a 32mm model 10 years ago when the new top-end optical systems began to deliver much brighter 32mm models which has meant that I've never missed the extra light that 40+ or 50+ models provide. And I certainly don't miss the extra weight of larger models. #BirdingGear
Reposted by Mel S-W
Winter at Spurn is never quiet.
Join us as a Residential Winter Volunteer and help protect one of Britain’s most remarkable birding sites.
Fresh air, new skills, and unforgettable wildlife moments await 🪶
🔗 spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk/news/winter-...
Join us as a Residential Winter Volunteer and help protect one of Britain’s most remarkable birding sites.
Fresh air, new skills, and unforgettable wildlife moments await 🪶
🔗 spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk/news/winter-...
November 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Winter at Spurn is never quiet.
Join us as a Residential Winter Volunteer and help protect one of Britain’s most remarkable birding sites.
Fresh air, new skills, and unforgettable wildlife moments await 🪶
🔗 spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk/news/winter-...
Join us as a Residential Winter Volunteer and help protect one of Britain’s most remarkable birding sites.
Fresh air, new skills, and unforgettable wildlife moments await 🪶
🔗 spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk/news/winter-...
Did my #RyeMeads @rspb.bsky.social #WednesdayWander a walk I guide managed to use a favourite word of mine
Heterophylly
is often witnessed in holly trees, where some leaves are prickly, a defense against herbivores, while others are non-prickly, with smooth margins and no defense at browse height
Heterophylly
is often witnessed in holly trees, where some leaves are prickly, a defense against herbivores, while others are non-prickly, with smooth margins and no defense at browse height
November 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Did my #RyeMeads @rspb.bsky.social #WednesdayWander a walk I guide managed to use a favourite word of mine
Heterophylly
is often witnessed in holly trees, where some leaves are prickly, a defense against herbivores, while others are non-prickly, with smooth margins and no defense at browse height
Heterophylly
is often witnessed in holly trees, where some leaves are prickly, a defense against herbivores, while others are non-prickly, with smooth margins and no defense at browse height
Reposted by Mel S-W
🌿 Love wildlife and winter landscapes?
We’re looking for two Winter Volunteers to help care for Spurn Bird Observatory and its beautiful surroundings this season.
Be part of something wild. 🕊️
👉 Learn more & apply: spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk/news/winter-...
We’re looking for two Winter Volunteers to help care for Spurn Bird Observatory and its beautiful surroundings this season.
Be part of something wild. 🕊️
👉 Learn more & apply: spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk/news/winter-...
November 12, 2025 at 5:01 PM
🌿 Love wildlife and winter landscapes?
We’re looking for two Winter Volunteers to help care for Spurn Bird Observatory and its beautiful surroundings this season.
Be part of something wild. 🕊️
👉 Learn more & apply: spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk/news/winter-...
We’re looking for two Winter Volunteers to help care for Spurn Bird Observatory and its beautiful surroundings this season.
Be part of something wild. 🕊️
👉 Learn more & apply: spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk/news/winter-...
Reposted by Mel S-W
Another great EBWS field trip yesterday, co-guiding with @swallowbirding.bsky.social & @esbr-essex.bsky.social! Lots of good birds at Freiston & Frampton, including Hen Harrier, Merlins, Whooper Swans, Spoonbill, Peregrines, and huge numbers of Wigeon & Pintail. #Birding #UKBirding
November 10, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Another great EBWS field trip yesterday, co-guiding with @swallowbirding.bsky.social & @esbr-essex.bsky.social! Lots of good birds at Freiston & Frampton, including Hen Harrier, Merlins, Whooper Swans, Spoonbill, Peregrines, and huge numbers of Wigeon & Pintail. #Birding #UKBirding
Reposted by Mel S-W
09/11/25
A good day with @essexbirdnews.bsky.social visiting
#RSPBFrampton & #RSPBFreistonShore
77 Species recorded. Highlights, Whooper Swans (10), Merlin (2) successfully chasing a pipit,
Male Hen Harrier, Eurasian Spoonbill, Peregrine, Great Egret, Pink-footed Goose, & Common Kingfisher.
A good day with @essexbirdnews.bsky.social visiting
#RSPBFrampton & #RSPBFreistonShore
77 Species recorded. Highlights, Whooper Swans (10), Merlin (2) successfully chasing a pipit,
Male Hen Harrier, Eurasian Spoonbill, Peregrine, Great Egret, Pink-footed Goose, & Common Kingfisher.
November 9, 2025 at 5:03 PM
09/11/25
A good day with @essexbirdnews.bsky.social visiting
#RSPBFrampton & #RSPBFreistonShore
77 Species recorded. Highlights, Whooper Swans (10), Merlin (2) successfully chasing a pipit,
Male Hen Harrier, Eurasian Spoonbill, Peregrine, Great Egret, Pink-footed Goose, & Common Kingfisher.
A good day with @essexbirdnews.bsky.social visiting
#RSPBFrampton & #RSPBFreistonShore
77 Species recorded. Highlights, Whooper Swans (10), Merlin (2) successfully chasing a pipit,
Male Hen Harrier, Eurasian Spoonbill, Peregrine, Great Egret, Pink-footed Goose, & Common Kingfisher.
Reposted by Mel S-W
Wonderful afternoon spent at Wallasea Island RSPB reserve. The big high tide pushed waders everywhere but the real highlights were seeing HEN HARRIER on several occasions plus BARN OWL, SPOONBILL, GREAT EGRET, 6+ MARSH HARRIER and lots more. #essexbirding #birds #birding #BirdsSeenIn2025
November 8, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Wonderful afternoon spent at Wallasea Island RSPB reserve. The big high tide pushed waders everywhere but the real highlights were seeing HEN HARRIER on several occasions plus BARN OWL, SPOONBILL, GREAT EGRET, 6+ MARSH HARRIER and lots more. #essexbirding #birds #birding #BirdsSeenIn2025
Reposted by Mel S-W
Very fun afternoon guiding for @swallowbirding.bsky.social & Topsail Charters on the Blackwater. The highlights included Harbour Seal, Avocets, Marsh Harrier, Turnstones, Golden Plover, very close views of Rock Pipit, and some lovely soup! #EssexBirding #Birding #UKBirding
November 8, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Very fun afternoon guiding for @swallowbirding.bsky.social & Topsail Charters on the Blackwater. The highlights included Harbour Seal, Avocets, Marsh Harrier, Turnstones, Golden Plover, very close views of Rock Pipit, and some lovely soup! #EssexBirding #Birding #UKBirding
Reposted by Mel S-W
What were your #Top5Birds or bird moments from the past week?
Mine, from my garden:
1. Jay burying an acorn in a flowerbed
2. Hearing migrating Redwings call at night
3. Bullfinch eating rowan berries
4. Robin visiting window feeder
5. Magpie on my windowsill trying to get to the window feeder
🪶
Mine, from my garden:
1. Jay burying an acorn in a flowerbed
2. Hearing migrating Redwings call at night
3. Bullfinch eating rowan berries
4. Robin visiting window feeder
5. Magpie on my windowsill trying to get to the window feeder
🪶
November 9, 2025 at 10:40 AM
What were your #Top5Birds or bird moments from the past week?
Mine, from my garden:
1. Jay burying an acorn in a flowerbed
2. Hearing migrating Redwings call at night
3. Bullfinch eating rowan berries
4. Robin visiting window feeder
5. Magpie on my windowsill trying to get to the window feeder
🪶
Mine, from my garden:
1. Jay burying an acorn in a flowerbed
2. Hearing migrating Redwings call at night
3. Bullfinch eating rowan berries
4. Robin visiting window feeder
5. Magpie on my windowsill trying to get to the window feeder
🪶
Reposted by Mel S-W
Brilliant day guiding at Blue House Farm EWT Reserve. Highlights inc GLOSSY IBIS, RAVEN, MARSH HARRIERS, BARNACLE GEESE, ARCTIC TERN and lots more. #essexbirding #birds #birding #BirdsSeenIn2025
November 7, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Brilliant day guiding at Blue House Farm EWT Reserve. Highlights inc GLOSSY IBIS, RAVEN, MARSH HARRIERS, BARNACLE GEESE, ARCTIC TERN and lots more. #essexbirding #birds #birding #BirdsSeenIn2025
Reposted by Mel S-W
In case you missed it I recently posted my video on how to film wildlife
youtu.be/Zr7HqTM5saE
#wildlife #wildlifefilmmaking #nature #ukwildlife #filmmaking #video
youtu.be/Zr7HqTM5saE
#wildlife #wildlifefilmmaking #nature #ukwildlife #filmmaking #video
Introduction to Wildlife Filmmaking
YouTube video by UK Wildlife
youtu.be
November 7, 2025 at 6:45 PM
In case you missed it I recently posted my video on how to film wildlife
youtu.be/Zr7HqTM5saE
#wildlife #wildlifefilmmaking #nature #ukwildlife #filmmaking #video
youtu.be/Zr7HqTM5saE
#wildlife #wildlifefilmmaking #nature #ukwildlife #filmmaking #video
Reposted by Mel S-W
A recent outbreak of bird flu in Britain is causing concern among scientists:
Whooper Swans hit hard as bird-flu outbreak worsens
The number of sick, dying or dead birds being reported has been increasing in recent weeks, according to the British Trust for Ornithology, with Whooper Swans particularly affected.
bit.ly
November 7, 2025 at 12:46 PM
A recent outbreak of bird flu in Britain is causing concern among scientists:
Reposted by Mel S-W
Where are they now? More than 10 years on from the initial revelation, it still blows my mind that Shetland’s phalaropes winter in the Pacific (map from Brooke’s ‘Far From Land’). Yet they are short-distance migrants compared with Arctic Terns… #BirdingScotland
November 7, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Where are they now? More than 10 years on from the initial revelation, it still blows my mind that Shetland’s phalaropes winter in the Pacific (map from Brooke’s ‘Far From Land’). Yet they are short-distance migrants compared with Arctic Terns… #BirdingScotland