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 🤭
Reposted by Mel S-W
Stunning weather yday for our guided day trip to Tollesbury Wick EWT reserve. Highlights inc 2 GN DIVER, 2 SLAV GREBE, 3 BARN OWL, GT EGRET, RB MERG, MARSH HARRIERS and large no's of wildfowl & waders. #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
February 5, 2026 at 10:08 AM
Stunning weather yday for our guided day trip to Tollesbury Wick EWT reserve. Highlights inc 2 GN DIVER, 2 SLAV GREBE, 3 BARN OWL, GT EGRET, RB MERG, MARSH HARRIERS and large no's of wildfowl & waders. #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
Reposted by Mel S-W
This 'white-headed' GOLDFINCH brightened up a very dreary morning here in Colchester. Noticed it had been ringed, can't be many Goldfinches like this around? @btobirds.bsky.social #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social #ringing
February 5, 2026 at 11:42 AM
This 'white-headed' GOLDFINCH brightened up a very dreary morning here in Colchester. Noticed it had been ringed, can't be many Goldfinches like this around? @btobirds.bsky.social #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social #ringing
Reposted by Mel S-W
WWII Pillboxes Transformed into Havens for Endangered Seabirds - @naturescot.bsky.social
Derelict Second World War pillboxes at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg are being given a new lease of life as nesting sites for the in-decline Common Tern, thanks to an innovative conservation project.
c-js.co.uk/4bGAdZn
Derelict Second World War pillboxes at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg are being given a new lease of life as nesting sites for the in-decline Common Tern, thanks to an innovative conservation project.
c-js.co.uk/4bGAdZn
WWII Pillboxes Transformed into Havens for Endangered Seabirds
Derelict Second World War pillboxes at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg are being given a new lease of life as nesting sites for the in-decline Common Tern, thanks to an innovative conservation project.
c-js.co.uk
February 4, 2026 at 2:08 PM
WWII Pillboxes Transformed into Havens for Endangered Seabirds - @naturescot.bsky.social
Derelict Second World War pillboxes at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg are being given a new lease of life as nesting sites for the in-decline Common Tern, thanks to an innovative conservation project.
c-js.co.uk/4bGAdZn
Derelict Second World War pillboxes at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg are being given a new lease of life as nesting sites for the in-decline Common Tern, thanks to an innovative conservation project.
c-js.co.uk/4bGAdZn
Reposted by Mel S-W
Hello if you are new here.
We share the sounds from real places, all recorded by us using a technique we have developed over many years.
We share quiet from 26 counties across the country.
Listening is better with headphones to get the full effect.
Here's one of our favourite rain episodes.
We share the sounds from real places, all recorded by us using a technique we have developed over many years.
We share quiet from 26 counties across the country.
Listening is better with headphones to get the full effect.
Here's one of our favourite rain episodes.
February 3, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Hello if you are new here.
We share the sounds from real places, all recorded by us using a technique we have developed over many years.
We share quiet from 26 counties across the country.
Listening is better with headphones to get the full effect.
Here's one of our favourite rain episodes.
We share the sounds from real places, all recorded by us using a technique we have developed over many years.
We share quiet from 26 counties across the country.
Listening is better with headphones to get the full effect.
Here's one of our favourite rain episodes.
Reposted by Mel S-W
Pigeons are back in stock and are joined by little Thistle the Highland Cow with a heart.
mademe.co.uk/product/this...
mademe.co.uk/product/wild...
My 2026 calendars are now half price as well
mademe.co.uk/product/wild...
#UKMakers #wildlifeartist #highlandcow #pigeon
mademe.co.uk/product/this...
mademe.co.uk/product/wild...
My 2026 calendars are now half price as well
mademe.co.uk/product/wild...
#UKMakers #wildlifeartist #highlandcow #pigeon
February 3, 2026 at 7:51 AM
Pigeons are back in stock and are joined by little Thistle the Highland Cow with a heart.
mademe.co.uk/product/this...
mademe.co.uk/product/wild...
My 2026 calendars are now half price as well
mademe.co.uk/product/wild...
#UKMakers #wildlifeartist #highlandcow #pigeon
mademe.co.uk/product/this...
mademe.co.uk/product/wild...
My 2026 calendars are now half price as well
mademe.co.uk/product/wild...
#UKMakers #wildlifeartist #highlandcow #pigeon
Reposted by Mel S-W
Old Thames barges have been deliberately sunk in the Blackwater Estuary, to create a new island habitat for birds:
Historic Thames barges sunk to create new bird island
Decommissioned Thames barges have been sunk in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex to create a new island habitat for breeding and roosting birds, in what the National Trust says is a UK first.
bit.ly
February 2, 2026 at 9:57 AM
Old Thames barges have been deliberately sunk in the Blackwater Estuary, to create a new island habitat for birds:
Reposted by Mel S-W
What were your #Top5Birds or bird moments from the past week?
Mine:
1. Buzzard flying alongside the road
2. Cheeky Magpie eating from a feeder
3. 1st of year Tawny Owl calling in the early hours
4. Noticing the dawn chorus featuring Blackbird, Robin and Wren
5. Nighttime call from Canada Goose
🪶
Mine:
1. Buzzard flying alongside the road
2. Cheeky Magpie eating from a feeder
3. 1st of year Tawny Owl calling in the early hours
4. Noticing the dawn chorus featuring Blackbird, Robin and Wren
5. Nighttime call from Canada Goose
🪶
February 2, 2026 at 9:14 AM
What were your #Top5Birds or bird moments from the past week?
Mine:
1. Buzzard flying alongside the road
2. Cheeky Magpie eating from a feeder
3. 1st of year Tawny Owl calling in the early hours
4. Noticing the dawn chorus featuring Blackbird, Robin and Wren
5. Nighttime call from Canada Goose
🪶
Mine:
1. Buzzard flying alongside the road
2. Cheeky Magpie eating from a feeder
3. 1st of year Tawny Owl calling in the early hours
4. Noticing the dawn chorus featuring Blackbird, Robin and Wren
5. Nighttime call from Canada Goose
🪶
Reposted by Mel S-W
BARNACLE GOOSE, GOLDENEYE, GOOSANDER & WHITE-FRONTED GEESE from Abberton Reservoir on Saturday 31st January 2026. #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social #WorldWetlandsDay2026
February 2, 2026 at 11:28 AM
BARNACLE GOOSE, GOLDENEYE, GOOSANDER & WHITE-FRONTED GEESE from Abberton Reservoir on Saturday 31st January 2026. #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social #WorldWetlandsDay2026
Reposted by Mel S-W
Thanks to everyone who attended the joint Winter Birding Day at Fingringhoe Wick with @essexbirdnews.bsky.social Grotty weather but we saw 2 BARN OWLS, HEN HARRIER, waders galore, RB MERGANSERS + lots more! Group pic by @stuttonsparrows.bsky.social #essexbirding #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature
February 2, 2026 at 11:37 AM
Thanks to everyone who attended the joint Winter Birding Day at Fingringhoe Wick with @essexbirdnews.bsky.social Grotty weather but we saw 2 BARN OWLS, HEN HARRIER, waders galore, RB MERGANSERS + lots more! Group pic by @stuttonsparrows.bsky.social #essexbirding #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature
Reposted by Mel S-W
If you’re interested in our species’ inherent connection with the natural world, then please join me at Essex Wildlife Trust Belfairs on Sat 14 March at 2pm 🌿🪲🐝
#NatureWithin #BookEvent #AuthorTalk
#NatureWithin #BookEvent #AuthorTalk
February 1, 2026 at 11:19 AM
If you’re interested in our species’ inherent connection with the natural world, then please join me at Essex Wildlife Trust Belfairs on Sat 14 March at 2pm 🌿🪲🐝
#NatureWithin #BookEvent #AuthorTalk
#NatureWithin #BookEvent #AuthorTalk
Reposted by Mel S-W
It’s the 1st of February and here in Essex it is a cold and calm day!
The first bird I heard was a Blackbird singing in the darkness. The first bird I saw was a Woodpigeon
What was your 1st bird of the month?
🪶
The first bird I heard was a Blackbird singing in the darkness. The first bird I saw was a Woodpigeon
What was your 1st bird of the month?
🪶
![Image description: Square graphic, with pale peach background and orange wavy-edged bands at top and bottom.
In the upper half of the graphic grey/blue text which reads: #1stBirdOfTheMonth
FEBRUARY [This word is in orange text and capitals for emphasis]
What was the first bird you heard or saw today?
In the lower half of the graphic, a line drawing of a generic small bird with question marks to the right of its head.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:6twpk6cj76p3y37elts6y2gr/bafkreictkubv3ryjpmlbmuk7m6z553i4lmmojfqzusaywpkj7palyhstuu@jpeg)
February 1, 2026 at 9:09 AM
It’s the 1st of February and here in Essex it is a cold and calm day!
The first bird I heard was a Blackbird singing in the darkness. The first bird I saw was a Woodpigeon
What was your 1st bird of the month?
🪶
The first bird I heard was a Blackbird singing in the darkness. The first bird I saw was a Woodpigeon
What was your 1st bird of the month?
🪶
Reposted by Mel S-W
Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris from last summer, on the only site for them in Essex. Just one of many wonderful species found on our brownfield sites, many of which are under threat #wildflowers #orchid
January 31, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris from last summer, on the only site for them in Essex. Just one of many wonderful species found on our brownfield sites, many of which are under threat #wildflowers #orchid
Reposted by Mel S-W
Pleased to catch up with this cracking GLOSSY IBIS at Copt Hall @nationaltrust.org.uk this afternoon as it fed in the damp fields close to the carpark. #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature
@britishnatureguide.bsky.social
@britishnatureguide.bsky.social
January 31, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Pleased to catch up with this cracking GLOSSY IBIS at Copt Hall @nationaltrust.org.uk this afternoon as it fed in the damp fields close to the carpark. #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature
@britishnatureguide.bsky.social
@britishnatureguide.bsky.social
Reposted by Mel S-W
Great training session in North Essex led by @stuttonsparrows.bsky.social in preparation for the @gwct.org.uk BIG FARMLAND BIRD COUNT which takes place from 6th - 22nd February. Can't wait to get involved! #essexbirding #birding #farmlandbirds #ukbirds #bfbc26
January 31, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Great training session in North Essex led by @stuttonsparrows.bsky.social in preparation for the @gwct.org.uk BIG FARMLAND BIRD COUNT which takes place from 6th - 22nd February. Can't wait to get involved! #essexbirding #birding #farmlandbirds #ukbirds #bfbc26
Reposted by Mel S-W
A crowdfunding appeal has been launched to secure the future of the Beacon Ponds Little Tern Project – one of the UK's most successful seabird conservation programmes:
Appeal launched to save East Yorkshire Little Tern project
A crowdfunder has been launched to help secure the award-winning Beacon Ponds [[Little Tern]] Project ahead of the 2026 breeding season.
bit.ly
January 31, 2026 at 7:16 AM
A crowdfunding appeal has been launched to secure the future of the Beacon Ponds Little Tern Project – one of the UK's most successful seabird conservation programmes:
Reposted by Mel S-W
Hello and welcome new followers!
We're an ad-free podcast of sounds from real places.
We share quiet for anyone to enjoy when they need an escape.
Try this as a first listen
Episode 25 - Evening calm at Felixstowe Ferry (32 mins)
bit.ly/LenFxFer
We're an ad-free podcast of sounds from real places.
We share quiet for anyone to enjoy when they need an escape.
Try this as a first listen
Episode 25 - Evening calm at Felixstowe Ferry (32 mins)
bit.ly/LenFxFer
January 30, 2026 at 8:54 AM
Hello and welcome new followers!
We're an ad-free podcast of sounds from real places.
We share quiet for anyone to enjoy when they need an escape.
Try this as a first listen
Episode 25 - Evening calm at Felixstowe Ferry (32 mins)
bit.ly/LenFxFer
We're an ad-free podcast of sounds from real places.
We share quiet for anyone to enjoy when they need an escape.
Try this as a first listen
Episode 25 - Evening calm at Felixstowe Ferry (32 mins)
bit.ly/LenFxFer
Reposted by Mel S-W
Our group enjoyed seeing some great birds at Abberton Res this week including SMEW, 3 TUNDRA BEAN & 26 WF GEESE, BN GREBE, MED GULLS, LESSER & GREATER SCAUP, 3 PEREGRINE, CHIFFCHAFF, GREAT EGRET + more! #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
January 30, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Our group enjoyed seeing some great birds at Abberton Res this week including SMEW, 3 TUNDRA BEAN & 26 WF GEESE, BN GREBE, MED GULLS, LESSER & GREATER SCAUP, 3 PEREGRINE, CHIFFCHAFF, GREAT EGRET + more! #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
Reposted by Mel S-W
Please help to end the senseless harvesting of Gannets. It’s a ‘tradition’ that needs stopping.
Please sign the petition which is already over 80,000 and I’m told the highest signed petition ever for a Scottish Parliament petition.
#birdingScotland
Please sign the petition which is already over 80,000 and I’m told the highest signed petition ever for a Scottish Parliament petition.
#birdingScotland
Petition: Stop the Guga Hunt
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to amend Section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to remove the power to grant licences for taking Gannets on Sula Sgeir.
petitions.parliament.scot
January 29, 2026 at 9:36 PM
Please help to end the senseless harvesting of Gannets. It’s a ‘tradition’ that needs stopping.
Please sign the petition which is already over 80,000 and I’m told the highest signed petition ever for a Scottish Parliament petition.
#birdingScotland
Please sign the petition which is already over 80,000 and I’m told the highest signed petition ever for a Scottish Parliament petition.
#birdingScotland
Reposted by Mel S-W
BREAKING: A Gamekeeper has pleaded guilty in England’s first-ever Hen Harrier persecution case.
Covert video and audio gathered lawfully by the RSPB Investigations team has helped expose the deliberate targeting of a Hen Harrier, leading to a landmark guilty plea:
www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen... 👈
Covert video and audio gathered lawfully by the RSPB Investigations team has helped expose the deliberate targeting of a Hen Harrier, leading to a landmark guilty plea:
www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen... 👈
January 29, 2026 at 5:11 PM
BREAKING: A Gamekeeper has pleaded guilty in England’s first-ever Hen Harrier persecution case.
Covert video and audio gathered lawfully by the RSPB Investigations team has helped expose the deliberate targeting of a Hen Harrier, leading to a landmark guilty plea:
www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen... 👈
Covert video and audio gathered lawfully by the RSPB Investigations team has helped expose the deliberate targeting of a Hen Harrier, leading to a landmark guilty plea:
www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen... 👈
Reposted by Mel S-W
Cracking end to the day with a wonderful STARLING mumuration in Stanway, Colchester this evening! #essexbirding #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature
January 28, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Cracking end to the day with a wonderful STARLING mumuration in Stanway, Colchester this evening! #essexbirding #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature
Reposted by Mel S-W
🦇 Gift your Valentine an Adopt a Bat subscription - you will be making a real difference to bats in the wild.
Your Adopt a Bat pack comes with your very own cuddly bat.
Subscribe by 9am, Monday 2 February so that the welcome pack arrives in time: www.bats.org.uk/support-bats...
Your Adopt a Bat pack comes with your very own cuddly bat.
Subscribe by 9am, Monday 2 February so that the welcome pack arrives in time: www.bats.org.uk/support-bats...
Adopt a Bat - Support Bats - Bat Conservation Trust
Bats need a helping hand! Whether you adopt a bat for yourself, or as a unique gift for a friend or family member, you will be making a real difference ...
www.bats.org.uk
January 29, 2026 at 9:44 AM
🦇 Gift your Valentine an Adopt a Bat subscription - you will be making a real difference to bats in the wild.
Your Adopt a Bat pack comes with your very own cuddly bat.
Subscribe by 9am, Monday 2 February so that the welcome pack arrives in time: www.bats.org.uk/support-bats...
Your Adopt a Bat pack comes with your very own cuddly bat.
Subscribe by 9am, Monday 2 February so that the welcome pack arrives in time: www.bats.org.uk/support-bats...
It was a lovely walk yesterday #RyeMeads @rspb.bsky.social so warm I enjoyed my lunch in short sleeves on my favourite bench also had Raven overhead then 2 of my favourite flowers Snowdrops & Hazel flowers then I saw an Orange ladybird hibernating on the garage door … A great day with vitamin D
January 29, 2026 at 7:57 AM
It was a lovely walk yesterday #RyeMeads @rspb.bsky.social so warm I enjoyed my lunch in short sleeves on my favourite bench also had Raven overhead then 2 of my favourite flowers Snowdrops & Hazel flowers then I saw an Orange ladybird hibernating on the garage door … A great day with vitamin D
Reposted by Mel S-W
For all you lichen fans out there. 👇
Our #Bookofthemonth for January: Lichens of Britain and Ireland: An Introductory Guide by Frances Stoakley and Dr Rebecca Yahr. Filling a desired niche, it's a really useable and accessible guide for beginners and a faithful field guide for all! www.summerfieldbooks.com/product/lich...
January 28, 2026 at 7:40 PM
For all you lichen fans out there. 👇
Reposted by Mel S-W
We're incredibly PROUD to be offering 80+ online and in-person courses (most completely FREE to attend!).
Led by passionate specialists who want to share their knowledge, book as many as you want!
This is a huge opportunity for nature enthusiasts🌿
Join us NOW!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-biolog...
Led by passionate specialists who want to share their knowledge, book as many as you want!
This is a huge opportunity for nature enthusiasts🌿
Join us NOW!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-biolog...
January 28, 2026 at 12:10 PM
We're incredibly PROUD to be offering 80+ online and in-person courses (most completely FREE to attend!).
Led by passionate specialists who want to share their knowledge, book as many as you want!
This is a huge opportunity for nature enthusiasts🌿
Join us NOW!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-biolog...
Led by passionate specialists who want to share their knowledge, book as many as you want!
This is a huge opportunity for nature enthusiasts🌿
Join us NOW!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-biolog...
Reposted by Mel S-W
Tears of joy! SCOTLAND HAS JUST PASSED SWIFT BRICKS INTO LAW unanimously!
4 years of asking England & Scotland sorts it in a month led by ACE MARK RUSKELL MSP ♥️The RELIEF is unreal! Tell England to follow 🏴by emailing [email protected] now!WOOP!
4 years of asking England & Scotland sorts it in a month led by ACE MARK RUSKELL MSP ♥️The RELIEF is unreal! Tell England to follow 🏴by emailing [email protected] now!WOOP!
January 27, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Tears of joy! SCOTLAND HAS JUST PASSED SWIFT BRICKS INTO LAW unanimously!
4 years of asking England & Scotland sorts it in a month led by ACE MARK RUSKELL MSP ♥️The RELIEF is unreal! Tell England to follow 🏴by emailing [email protected] now!WOOP!
4 years of asking England & Scotland sorts it in a month led by ACE MARK RUSKELL MSP ♥️The RELIEF is unreal! Tell England to follow 🏴by emailing [email protected] now!WOOP!