CM
@manchesterbirder.bsky.social
Birder from Manchester.
Irregular blog at: https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
Irregular blog at: https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
Couldn't resist writing about the Bewick's, and a bit about my plans for the blog for next year. Very much appreciate everyone who reads and feeds back - that engagement has been one of the highlights of my year. #ukbirding #birds
Bewick's Swans, balance and a new quest for 2026
One of the best things about birding is being aware of the changing seasons and seeing what that does to wildlife locally and nationally, an...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
November 27, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Couldn't resist writing about the Bewick's, and a bit about my plans for the blog for next year. Very much appreciate everyone who reads and feeds back - that engagement has been one of the highlights of my year. #ukbirding #birds
Just had enough time to dash to Lancashire to see the returning Bewick's Swans at Thurnham. When I saw them in February they were a mile out amongst 400+ Whoopers, but today they were close in and happily grazing. Reduced to tiny numbers, these are now the only two present. #ukbirding #birds
November 26, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Just had enough time to dash to Lancashire to see the returning Bewick's Swans at Thurnham. When I saw them in February they were a mile out amongst 400+ Whoopers, but today they were close in and happily grazing. Reduced to tiny numbers, these are now the only two present. #ukbirding #birds
A poor photo that I wouldn't normally post, except for that glorious iridescent green patch that caught my eye from a long way out. Good to see a big Siskin flock, locally high numbers of Goldcrest and Redwing feeding on large berry crop on patch at Cutacre yesterday. #ukbirding #birds
November 26, 2025 at 7:37 AM
A poor photo that I wouldn't normally post, except for that glorious iridescent green patch that caught my eye from a long way out. Good to see a big Siskin flock, locally high numbers of Goldcrest and Redwing feeding on large berry crop on patch at Cutacre yesterday. #ukbirding #birds
I've just emailed my MP to tell them what nature means to me and that I want it to stay protected. Will you take action too?
action.rspb.org.uk/page/180990/...
action.rspb.org.uk/page/180990/...
Tell the UK Government they must do better for nature!
I've just emailed my MP to tell them what nature means to me and that I want it to stay protected. Will you take action too?
action.rspb.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 6:28 AM
I've just emailed my MP to tell them what nature means to me and that I want it to stay protected. Will you take action too?
action.rspb.org.uk/page/180990/...
action.rspb.org.uk/page/180990/...
This is a brilliant read, well worth your time.
Ten Years in West Dorset is less a blog post, more a chapter in my life. Hopefully an inspiration for those who prefer the paths less trodden. Bit of an epic, so well done if you get through it all.
#DorsetBirds
#DorsetBirds
Ten Years in West Dorset
This mega-post has been in prep for a while. Essentially it is a potted summary of ten years birdwatching in West Dorset, between 2015 ...
notquitescilly2.blogspot.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:02 PM
This is a brilliant read, well worth your time.
Reposted by CM
Another shout for my blog about the good and bad bits of doing a Big Year. #ukbirding #birds
The Big Year: was it worth it?
A few people have asked me recently about doing a Big Year. In some ways it's easier than it's ever been to achieve 300 species of birds in...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Another shout for my blog about the good and bad bits of doing a Big Year. #ukbirding #birds
Another shout for my blog about the good and bad bits of doing a Big Year. #ukbirding #birds
The Big Year: was it worth it?
A few people have asked me recently about doing a Big Year. In some ways it's easier than it's ever been to achieve 300 species of birds in...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Another shout for my blog about the good and bad bits of doing a Big Year. #ukbirding #birds
Reposted by CM
In response to the most common question I've been asked in the last month, here's a blog about my initial thoughts about doing a Big Year. There will be more when I've had time to reflect more. #ukbirding #birds
Bee-eater from my patch in April was one of the highlights of a packed year.
Bee-eater from my patch in April was one of the highlights of a packed year.
The Big Year: was it worth it?
A few people have asked me recently about doing a Big Year. In some ways it's easier than it's ever been to achieve 300 species of birds in...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:24 PM
In response to the most common question I've been asked in the last month, here's a blog about my initial thoughts about doing a Big Year. There will be more when I've had time to reflect more. #ukbirding #birds
Bee-eater from my patch in April was one of the highlights of a packed year.
Bee-eater from my patch in April was one of the highlights of a packed year.
In response to the most common question I've been asked in the last month, here's a blog about my initial thoughts about doing a Big Year. There will be more when I've had time to reflect more. #ukbirding #birds
Bee-eater from my patch in April was one of the highlights of a packed year.
Bee-eater from my patch in April was one of the highlights of a packed year.
The Big Year: was it worth it?
A few people have asked me recently about doing a Big Year. In some ways it's easier than it's ever been to achieve 300 species of birds in...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:24 PM
In response to the most common question I've been asked in the last month, here's a blog about my initial thoughts about doing a Big Year. There will be more when I've had time to reflect more. #ukbirding #birds
Bee-eater from my patch in April was one of the highlights of a packed year.
Bee-eater from my patch in April was one of the highlights of a packed year.
Reposted by CM
Went back for seconds of Dusky Warbler at Flamborough today and it actually showed long enough for very dark photos! Snow Bunting, Merlin and dozens of Red-throated Divers an excellent bonus. #ukbirding #birds
November 16, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Went back for seconds of Dusky Warbler at Flamborough today and it actually showed long enough for very dark photos! Snow Bunting, Merlin and dozens of Red-throated Divers an excellent bonus. #ukbirding #birds
Went back for seconds of Dusky Warbler at Flamborough today and it actually showed long enough for very dark photos! Snow Bunting, Merlin and dozens of Red-throated Divers an excellent bonus. #ukbirding #birds
November 16, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Went back for seconds of Dusky Warbler at Flamborough today and it actually showed long enough for very dark photos! Snow Bunting, Merlin and dozens of Red-throated Divers an excellent bonus. #ukbirding #birds
Reposted by CM
I’m thrilled to officially launch The Ornithologist Magazine – an independent digital publication dedicated to bird science, conservation and storytelling from around the world.
Explore our content: theornithologist.org
#ornithology #birdscience #theornithologist #conservation #birding #birds
Explore our content: theornithologist.org
#ornithology #birdscience #theornithologist #conservation #birding #birds
The Ornithologist
The Ornithologist is an independent online magazine exploring bird science, conservation, migration, and the fascinating world of birds – delivered through thoughtful articles and expert insights.
theornithologist.org
July 6, 2025 at 4:20 PM
I’m thrilled to officially launch The Ornithologist Magazine – an independent digital publication dedicated to bird science, conservation and storytelling from around the world.
Explore our content: theornithologist.org
#ornithology #birdscience #theornithologist #conservation #birding #birds
Explore our content: theornithologist.org
#ornithology #birdscience #theornithologist #conservation #birding #birds
Reposted by CM
Pleased to reach 700 followers - more than I ever had on Twitter and without all the bots. Here's the American Pipit I saw on St Agnes last month, maybe looking for the next 700. Thanks everyone, it's been a good birding year. #ukbirding #birds
November 13, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Pleased to reach 700 followers - more than I ever had on Twitter and without all the bots. Here's the American Pipit I saw on St Agnes last month, maybe looking for the next 700. Thanks everyone, it's been a good birding year. #ukbirding #birds
Pleased to reach 700 followers - more than I ever had on Twitter and without all the bots. Here's the American Pipit I saw on St Agnes last month, maybe looking for the next 700. Thanks everyone, it's been a good birding year. #ukbirding #birds
November 13, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Pleased to reach 700 followers - more than I ever had on Twitter and without all the bots. Here's the American Pipit I saw on St Agnes last month, maybe looking for the next 700. Thanks everyone, it's been a good birding year. #ukbirding #birds
Reposted by CM
Olive-backed Pipit, Pallid Swift and Dusky Warbler today in the blog, alongside some disappointing photos... my first twitch in a month. Two lifers in November isn't bad! Great to see @andy-1963.bsky.social at South Gare. #UKbirding #birds
Olive-backed Pipit, Pallid Swift, Dusky Warbler: late migration on the east coast
Late October and early November has fallen between two stools for me. I could have pushed the year list into the 310s by undertaking five o...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Olive-backed Pipit, Pallid Swift and Dusky Warbler today in the blog, alongside some disappointing photos... my first twitch in a month. Two lifers in November isn't bad! Great to see @andy-1963.bsky.social at South Gare. #UKbirding #birds
Olive-backed Pipit, Pallid Swift and Dusky Warbler today in the blog, alongside some disappointing photos... my first twitch in a month. Two lifers in November isn't bad! Great to see @andy-1963.bsky.social at South Gare. #UKbirding #birds
Olive-backed Pipit, Pallid Swift, Dusky Warbler: late migration on the east coast
Late October and early November has fallen between two stools for me. I could have pushed the year list into the 310s by undertaking five o...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Olive-backed Pipit, Pallid Swift and Dusky Warbler today in the blog, alongside some disappointing photos... my first twitch in a month. Two lifers in November isn't bad! Great to see @andy-1963.bsky.social at South Gare. #UKbirding #birds
Reposted by CM
Another shout for a blog post about loving the Bolton Bird Race in the 1990s, the excitement of a Big Day in the 10k, and just how far I'll walk to see Grey Partridge. #ukbirding #birds
Big Day in the 10k - November in Manchester
In my youth, those dim and misty days of yore before the internet, mobile phones and the wide availability of GPS, I was lucky enough to be ...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Another shout for a blog post about loving the Bolton Bird Race in the 1990s, the excitement of a Big Day in the 10k, and just how far I'll walk to see Grey Partridge. #ukbirding #birds
Reposted by CM
One Shore Lark does not make a winter... a story of Reindeer and climate change in @northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes.
Plus recent sightings around #NorthWales, @cofnod.org.uk's 20th anniversary conference and a lot of Woodpigeons.
#BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/single-...
Plus recent sightings around #NorthWales, @cofnod.org.uk's 20th anniversary conference and a lot of Woodpigeons.
#BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/single-...
Single Shore Lark tells a global story
The black-and-yellow stripes of a Shore Lark were a welcome surprise on the Great Orme at the weekend. It is the only lark to have colonised Arctic tundra and alpine habitats – I have seen them in...
www.birdnotes.wales
November 10, 2025 at 5:40 PM
One Shore Lark does not make a winter... a story of Reindeer and climate change in @northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes.
Plus recent sightings around #NorthWales, @cofnod.org.uk's 20th anniversary conference and a lot of Woodpigeons.
#BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/single-...
Plus recent sightings around #NorthWales, @cofnod.org.uk's 20th anniversary conference and a lot of Woodpigeons.
#BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/single-...
Another shout for a blog post about loving the Bolton Bird Race in the 1990s, the excitement of a Big Day in the 10k, and just how far I'll walk to see Grey Partridge. #ukbirding #birds
Big Day in the 10k - November in Manchester
In my youth, those dim and misty days of yore before the internet, mobile phones and the wide availability of GPS, I was lucky enough to be ...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Another shout for a blog post about loving the Bolton Bird Race in the 1990s, the excitement of a Big Day in the 10k, and just how far I'll walk to see Grey Partridge. #ukbirding #birds
Reposted by CM
A blog about the Big Day in the 10k, my 90s nostalgia, knowing the place where you live, and pretending my legs are absolutely fine the day after a 16 mile hike. #ukbirding #birds #patchbirding
Big Day in the 10k - November in Manchester
In my youth, those dim and misty days of yore before the internet, mobile phones and the wide availability of GPS, I was lucky enough to be ...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:08 PM
A blog about the Big Day in the 10k, my 90s nostalgia, knowing the place where you live, and pretending my legs are absolutely fine the day after a 16 mile hike. #ukbirding #birds #patchbirding
A blog about the Big Day in the 10k, my 90s nostalgia, knowing the place where you live, and pretending my legs are absolutely fine the day after a 16 mile hike. #ukbirding #birds #patchbirding
Big Day in the 10k - November in Manchester
In my youth, those dim and misty days of yore before the internet, mobile phones and the wide availability of GPS, I was lucky enough to be ...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:08 PM
A blog about the Big Day in the 10k, my 90s nostalgia, knowing the place where you live, and pretending my legs are absolutely fine the day after a 16 mile hike. #ukbirding #birds #patchbirding
16 miles walked, 81 species seen in the Big Day in the 10k today. Highlights of Jack Snipe, Short-eared Owl, Merlin, Siskin, Redpoll, Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer and huge numbers of thrushes made for an excellent day of birding. #ukbirding #birds
November 8, 2025 at 8:51 PM
16 miles walked, 81 species seen in the Big Day in the 10k today. Highlights of Jack Snipe, Short-eared Owl, Merlin, Siskin, Redpoll, Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer and huge numbers of thrushes made for an excellent day of birding. #ukbirding #birds
Reposted by CM
A blog about loving birding in the North of England. Cheers for continuing to read my little blog, it means more than I thought it would when I started that people do come back and read it. #ukbirding #birds
North of England: into the wild hills and exposed coasts for Hen Harrier, Black Grouse and Purple Sandpiper
I've been very fortunate to meet some excellent people this year, and some of those friendships have led to the best wildlife experiences of...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:08 AM
A blog about loving birding in the North of England. Cheers for continuing to read my little blog, it means more than I thought it would when I started that people do come back and read it. #ukbirding #birds
Reposted by CM
Good to get out birding in Northumberland and Cumbria for a couple of days. Various amazing experiences, but a gorgeous Purple Sandpiper, a ringtail and a roof-perching Black Grouse were highlights. #ukbirding #birds
November 6, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Good to get out birding in Northumberland and Cumbria for a couple of days. Various amazing experiences, but a gorgeous Purple Sandpiper, a ringtail and a roof-perching Black Grouse were highlights. #ukbirding #birds
Take two on this a week later! 6am tomorrow for the Big Day in the 10k!
Tomorrow I'm attempting a Big Day in the 10K, a chance to see over 100 species within a 10km circle of home, with as much on foot as possible. Thermals out at 6am! #ukbirding. More on my 10k on my blog here in a post from June this year: themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-...
November 7, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Take two on this a week later! 6am tomorrow for the Big Day in the 10k!