Glen Maddison
@orioleglen66.bsky.social
Londoner, birder, all things natural history, ex-assistant warden Portland Bird Observatory, Dorset lover, reside in Bath and big Chelsea Blue.
Decided on a short walk, as wind abated (slightly)….and gave an opportunity for quick pic of the Obs as a shower moved through….
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
November 1, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Decided on a short walk, as wind abated (slightly)….and gave an opportunity for quick pic of the Obs as a shower moved through….
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
@portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Well, what a way to brighten up a dreary, wet and cool Sunday morning!
Finally after a poor Autumn for moths in my garden…this beauty turned up…
Merveille du Jour!
Finally after a poor Autumn for moths in my garden…this beauty turned up…
Merveille du Jour!
October 19, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Well, what a way to brighten up a dreary, wet and cool Sunday morning!
Finally after a poor Autumn for moths in my garden…this beauty turned up…
Merveille du Jour!
Finally after a poor Autumn for moths in my garden…this beauty turned up…
Merveille du Jour!
A really nice sunny autumn day visit to @slimbridge-wild.bsky.social yesterday. Expected three species of Egret, Spoonbill and two Glossy Ibis were good to see, though lots of noisy maintenance kept waders and wildfowl numbers low..however, even I managed a few record shots of this Bittern!
October 1, 2025 at 11:13 AM
A really nice sunny autumn day visit to @slimbridge-wild.bsky.social yesterday. Expected three species of Egret, Spoonbill and two Glossy Ibis were good to see, though lots of noisy maintenance kept waders and wildfowl numbers low..however, even I managed a few record shots of this Bittern!
Nice to see a few good moths here on Portland, including this stunning Passenger!
September 20, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Nice to see a few good moths here on Portland, including this stunning Passenger!
….and with amazing influx of Glossy Ibis too, it was a pretty amazing day to be out in the late summer sunshine.
Butterflies still out in numbers, with 8 species seen, including pristine Painted Lady….
Butterflies still out in numbers, with 8 species seen, including pristine Painted Lady….
September 6, 2025 at 9:44 AM
….and with amazing influx of Glossy Ibis too, it was a pretty amazing day to be out in the late summer sunshine.
Butterflies still out in numbers, with 8 species seen, including pristine Painted Lady….
Butterflies still out in numbers, with 8 species seen, including pristine Painted Lady….
Nice day out around the l levels, and Cheddar Reservoir yesterday. Nearly 100 Gt White Egrets, good numbers of Little and Cattle Egret too. Wood & Green Sandpiper, Greenshank & Hobby among the sightings.
But, the hot summer certainly taken its toll on Cheddar Reservoir!
But, the hot summer certainly taken its toll on Cheddar Reservoir!
September 6, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Nice day out around the l levels, and Cheddar Reservoir yesterday. Nearly 100 Gt White Egrets, good numbers of Little and Cattle Egret too. Wood & Green Sandpiper, Greenshank & Hobby among the sightings.
But, the hot summer certainly taken its toll on Cheddar Reservoir!
But, the hot summer certainly taken its toll on Cheddar Reservoir!
Enjoyable day at Slimbridge yesterday, with plenty waders to view from the comfort of hides, out of the breeze!
17 Cranes and 3 Spoonbills, plus lots of Ruff, Black-tailed Godwits and a couple Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Green-Sandpiper and flyover Yellow Wagtails…all distant unfortunately!
17 Cranes and 3 Spoonbills, plus lots of Ruff, Black-tailed Godwits and a couple Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Green-Sandpiper and flyover Yellow Wagtails…all distant unfortunately!
August 29, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Enjoyable day at Slimbridge yesterday, with plenty waders to view from the comfort of hides, out of the breeze!
17 Cranes and 3 Spoonbills, plus lots of Ruff, Black-tailed Godwits and a couple Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Green-Sandpiper and flyover Yellow Wagtails…all distant unfortunately!
17 Cranes and 3 Spoonbills, plus lots of Ruff, Black-tailed Godwits and a couple Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Green-Sandpiper and flyover Yellow Wagtails…all distant unfortunately!
….and I found this Hornet Robberfly tucking into a small Dung beetle at Batheaston …which seems to be a very unusual sighting around here?
@bathnature.bsky.social
@bathnature.bsky.social
August 15, 2025 at 5:26 PM
….and I found this Hornet Robberfly tucking into a small Dung beetle at Batheaston …which seems to be a very unusual sighting around here?
@bathnature.bsky.social
@bathnature.bsky.social
Some very cool invertebrates seen around Tidworth and Shipton Bellinger yesterday…and though we couldn’t find any Silver-spotted Skippers, the Brown Hairstreaks showed well….
3-4 females seen…
Pics from me and members of @bathnature.bsky.social
3-4 females seen…
Pics from me and members of @bathnature.bsky.social
August 15, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Some very cool invertebrates seen around Tidworth and Shipton Bellinger yesterday…and though we couldn’t find any Silver-spotted Skippers, the Brown Hairstreaks showed well….
3-4 females seen…
Pics from me and members of @bathnature.bsky.social
3-4 females seen…
Pics from me and members of @bathnature.bsky.social
Pretty quiet in the trap this morning….but a garden first for me!
Small Mottled Willow….
Small Mottled Willow….
August 15, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Pretty quiet in the trap this morning….but a garden first for me!
Small Mottled Willow….
Small Mottled Willow….
Not forgetting two species of Robber-fly. Both always tricky to find, let alone get a pic…but today, was lucky on both counts…
Hornet and Kite-tailed….
Birds well represented too. Wheatear, male Redstart and 13 + Spotted Flycatchers were notable!
Hornet and Kite-tailed….
Birds well represented too. Wheatear, male Redstart and 13 + Spotted Flycatchers were notable!
August 7, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Not forgetting two species of Robber-fly. Both always tricky to find, let alone get a pic…but today, was lucky on both counts…
Hornet and Kite-tailed….
Birds well represented too. Wheatear, male Redstart and 13 + Spotted Flycatchers were notable!
Hornet and Kite-tailed….
Birds well represented too. Wheatear, male Redstart and 13 + Spotted Flycatchers were notable!
Another wonderful, full day visit around Martin Down. Highlights were many, and included, Hunmingbird Hawkmoth, Silver-washed Fritillary, Adonis & Chalkhill blues..
August 7, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Another wonderful, full day visit around Martin Down. Highlights were many, and included, Hunmingbird Hawkmoth, Silver-washed Fritillary, Adonis & Chalkhill blues..
…but seeing three Bedstraw Hawkmoths takes some beating. Here’s the best of the three…
July 29, 2025 at 11:36 AM
…but seeing three Bedstraw Hawkmoths takes some beating. Here’s the best of the three…
Belter of a long weekend at the @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social with friends.
Butterflies, moths, birds and great company!
Adonis Blue, Painted Lady, Golden-twin spot and Beautiful Marbled for starters…..
Butterflies, moths, birds and great company!
Adonis Blue, Painted Lady, Golden-twin spot and Beautiful Marbled for starters…..
July 29, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Belter of a long weekend at the @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social with friends.
Butterflies, moths, birds and great company!
Adonis Blue, Painted Lady, Golden-twin spot and Beautiful Marbled for starters…..
Butterflies, moths, birds and great company!
Adonis Blue, Painted Lady, Golden-twin spot and Beautiful Marbled for starters…..
Great and unexpected find by Jodie at @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social this morning.
The Angular Orbweaver spider (Araneus angulatus).
Not one for the Arachnophobists!
The Angular Orbweaver spider (Araneus angulatus).
Not one for the Arachnophobists!
July 19, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Great and unexpected find by Jodie at @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social this morning.
The Angular Orbweaver spider (Araneus angulatus).
Not one for the Arachnophobists!
The Angular Orbweaver spider (Araneus angulatus).
Not one for the Arachnophobists!
Arrived at @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social this afternoon, for the weekend AGM.
Thought I’d post two of the moths I’d trapped at home first….
My second ever Gypsy moth, and the smart little micro,Ethmia quadrillella (Comfrey Ermine)….a first for me!
Thought I’d post two of the moths I’d trapped at home first….
My second ever Gypsy moth, and the smart little micro,Ethmia quadrillella (Comfrey Ermine)….a first for me!
July 18, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Arrived at @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social this afternoon, for the weekend AGM.
Thought I’d post two of the moths I’d trapped at home first….
My second ever Gypsy moth, and the smart little micro,Ethmia quadrillella (Comfrey Ermine)….a first for me!
Thought I’d post two of the moths I’d trapped at home first….
My second ever Gypsy moth, and the smart little micro,Ethmia quadrillella (Comfrey Ermine)….a first for me!
After a superb 8 hours in the heat of Martin Down yesterday, I came across this.
We all know that Purple Emperors like feeding on all sorts of unpalatable things, but this is the first time I’ve seen Chalkhill Blues doing the same!
Was up to 9 feeding on this fresh dog-poo on the path.
We all know that Purple Emperors like feeding on all sorts of unpalatable things, but this is the first time I’ve seen Chalkhill Blues doing the same!
Was up to 9 feeding on this fresh dog-poo on the path.
July 10, 2025 at 8:04 PM
After a superb 8 hours in the heat of Martin Down yesterday, I came across this.
We all know that Purple Emperors like feeding on all sorts of unpalatable things, but this is the first time I’ve seen Chalkhill Blues doing the same!
Was up to 9 feeding on this fresh dog-poo on the path.
We all know that Purple Emperors like feeding on all sorts of unpalatable things, but this is the first time I’ve seen Chalkhill Blues doing the same!
Was up to 9 feeding on this fresh dog-poo on the path.
….and this lovely Poplar Hawkmoth too….
July 7, 2025 at 7:13 PM
….and this lovely Poplar Hawkmoth too….
Been an excellent few days for garden moths.
Numbers way up on last year, and good photo opportunities.
Like these Elephant Hawkmoths……
Numbers way up on last year, and good photo opportunities.
Like these Elephant Hawkmoths……
July 7, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Been an excellent few days for garden moths.
Numbers way up on last year, and good photo opportunities.
Like these Elephant Hawkmoths……
Numbers way up on last year, and good photo opportunities.
Like these Elephant Hawkmoths……
What an excellent morning at Ravensroost Wood. Just one White-Admiral, amongst the flora and fauna, but it showed rather well!
June 30, 2025 at 3:54 PM
What an excellent morning at Ravensroost Wood. Just one White-Admiral, amongst the flora and fauna, but it showed rather well!
What a magical place, the Dorset Heaths are. Loved the Nightjars last night, and the supporting daytime cast was just as impressive.
Loads of Silver-studded Blues, Rose Chafers, Wood Tigers and interesting to find these Oblong-leaved Sundew plants too..
Loads of Silver-studded Blues, Rose Chafers, Wood Tigers and interesting to find these Oblong-leaved Sundew plants too..
June 28, 2025 at 8:12 PM
What a magical place, the Dorset Heaths are. Loved the Nightjars last night, and the supporting daytime cast was just as impressive.
Loads of Silver-studded Blues, Rose Chafers, Wood Tigers and interesting to find these Oblong-leaved Sundew plants too..
Loads of Silver-studded Blues, Rose Chafers, Wood Tigers and interesting to find these Oblong-leaved Sundew plants too..
And of course, the butterfly species were well represented.
Ones I could get pics of were, unexpectedly Silver-studded Blue, Dark-Green Fritillary, Small Copper and a hiding Blackneck moth!
Ones I could get pics of were, unexpectedly Silver-studded Blue, Dark-Green Fritillary, Small Copper and a hiding Blackneck moth!
June 26, 2025 at 11:15 AM
And of course, the butterfly species were well represented.
Ones I could get pics of were, unexpectedly Silver-studded Blue, Dark-Green Fritillary, Small Copper and a hiding Blackneck moth!
Ones I could get pics of were, unexpectedly Silver-studded Blue, Dark-Green Fritillary, Small Copper and a hiding Blackneck moth!
A few excellent species to add to a wonderful butterfly list from Martin Down yesterday.
This Tachinid fly is a parasite of the Hairy or Sloe Shieldbug. Think I’m correct, but not a lot of info out there?
This Tachinid fly is a parasite of the Hairy or Sloe Shieldbug. Think I’m correct, but not a lot of info out there?
June 26, 2025 at 11:06 AM
A few excellent species to add to a wonderful butterfly list from Martin Down yesterday.
This Tachinid fly is a parasite of the Hairy or Sloe Shieldbug. Think I’m correct, but not a lot of info out there?
This Tachinid fly is a parasite of the Hairy or Sloe Shieldbug. Think I’m correct, but not a lot of info out there?
Just throwing this out there too…. I catch plenty Caddis and Stoneflies,but this Caddis seems to be Notidibia ciliaris, and I can’t find much info on it?
Any ideas out there, guys?
Any ideas out there, guys?
June 21, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Just throwing this out there too…. I catch plenty Caddis and Stoneflies,but this Caddis seems to be Notidibia ciliaris, and I can’t find much info on it?
Any ideas out there, guys?
Any ideas out there, guys?
Much busier few days on the moth-front, down by the river.
Best were first ever Varied Coronet, and the rather lovely Small Ranunculus…
Best were first ever Varied Coronet, and the rather lovely Small Ranunculus…
June 21, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Much busier few days on the moth-front, down by the river.
Best were first ever Varied Coronet, and the rather lovely Small Ranunculus…
Best were first ever Varied Coronet, and the rather lovely Small Ranunculus…