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Simon Mitchell

@perilsofbirding.bsky.social

120 followers 170 following 27 posts

Birder, Ecological surveyor, Bird tour leader, Academic Researcher and Conservationist

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Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · Sep 30

After 25+ miles walked in better conditions along the Norfolk coast this month it felt sort of ironic that the first bird I lifted my bins for on a family outing at Happisburgh this afternoon was this lovely 1w Isabelline (Daurian) Shrike.

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Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · 20d

In bit saying gym bros are stupid but…

paris martineau @paris.nyc · 21d

my latest investigation for @consumerreports.org is based on months of reporting and 60+ lab tests of leading protein supplements

we found that most protein powders and shakes have more lead in one serving than our experts say is safe to have in a day (🧵)

www.consumerreports.org/lead/protein...

Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead - Consumer Reports

CR tests of 23 popular protein powders and shakes found that most contain high levels of lead.

www.consumerreports.org

Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · 21d

The FIFA that can’t stop taking bribes from the gulf states is basically an openly corrupt cesspit of corporate grifters seeking only to enrich themselves at ever possible opportunity? That FIFA?!

Reposted by Simon Mitchell

Prof Bill McGuire @profbillmcguire.bsky.social · 23d

"The Treasury....plans to gut green rules with amendments to its planning and infrastructure bill – ditching the precautionary principle, slashing species protections and curbing legal challenges"

Indefensible

This must be fought tooth and nail

www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

The Guardian view on Labour targeting nature: the problem isn’t snails, but a broken housing model | Editorial

Editorial: Rachel Reeves’s drive to speed up development is beginning to treat wildlife and the environment as expendable. Voters want homes built, but not at any cost

www.theguardian.com

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Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · 22d

How far from Eastington gas terminal was this taken?

Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · 23d

Congratulations, looks like your dog deserves an award for its ability to disturb wildlife.

Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · 25d

They certainly seem to have more considerable local movements than the British race. Had 50+ birds in the gardens on Loop Head (Co. Clare) on 5th October 2012, where they don’t breed. Very plausible odd ones would make it to the Hebs.

Reposted by Simon Mitchell

Annie Leymarie @annieleymarie.bsky.social · 28d

Craig Bennett, CEO of the Wildlife Trusts: “It is... shocking to hear the chancellor boast allowing people with privileged access to try & circumvent some of the processes that have been put in place by parliament, & to hear how she just dismisses ecological science as if it somehow doesn’t matter.”

The Guardian @theguardian.com · 28d

Rachel Reeves clears planning blockage amid ‘good relationship’ with developer

Chancellor says 20,000 homes were being held up due to ‘some snails that are a protected species or something’ Rachel Reeves unblocked a development of 20,000 homes that were being held up by a rare snail, after being approached by a developer with whom she said, “we have a good relationship”. The government has been working on planning reforms that nature experts say put wildlife at risk. The reforms could include discarding the EU-derived habitats regulations that protect rare animals, and adding more pro-building amendments to the planning and infrastructure bill, which is going through parliament. Continue reading...

www.theguardian.com

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Reposted by Simon Mitchell

EcoFriendly West @ecofriendlywest.bsky.social · Oct 5

Global pet food emissions rival those of a small country. Switching dogs to plant-based foods could slash emissions tenfold—without sacrificing nutrition.

Researchers compare the footprint of meat vs. plant-based dog foods. The differences were staggering.

Global pet food emissions rival those of a small country. A new UK study reveals that switching dogs to plant-based foods could slash emissions tenfold—without sacrificing nutrition.

www.anthropocenemagazine.org

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Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · Oct 5

It’s certainly what the radar showed over continental US (see previous pics). Also one of the mechanisms Elkins (2004) cited for transatlantic vagrancy…

Reposted by Simon Mitchell

Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · Oct 4

A great thread dismantling the latest 'conservation populism' to be floated in Britain. With funding available for species recovery, this is business for some. We'll see more of this pitching for commercial projects that scientists & species experts think is useless. #ornithology #ukbirding

Alexander Lees @alexanderlees.bsky.social · Oct 3

More ill thought out 'conservation' translocations 🌍
www.theguardian.com/environment/... - so much to unpack here #Ornithology #UKBirding 🧵

‘It proves this can be done’: Berlin the blueprint to bring goshawks to UK cities

Conservationist plans release of 15 each of the apex predators sourced as chicks into Chester and London

www.theguardian.com

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Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · Oct 5

So not ‘ideal’ conditions for pushing birds across the Atlantic, but very good conditions to put things in the mix. Northern species and stronger fliers like Catharus likely to be particularly favoured in context like this I suspect.

Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · Oct 5

By tonight (Sunday) these two systems close together forcing anything trapped between them to move East as fast as possible. Whilst the calm weather itself will eventually pass just SE of Iceland on Monday.

Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · Oct 5

At the same time as the cold front continued to push SE, the large depression moved NW. Lucky or adept birds (black arrow) may have been able to reoriéntate between the two fronts, but unlucky ones (red arrows) were likely forced further offshore

Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · Oct 5

By Friday night the cold front was moving down through New England and forcing birds ahead of it (see birdcast shot), whilst most birds will have gone into the wind successfully (black arrows) the was still a significant offshore breeze moving any potentially unlucky individuals NE (red arrow)

Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · Oct 5

Radar shows this was associated with a decent movement of birds ahead of the front

Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · Oct 5

As of Thursday night a cold front was pushing SE through the across Hudson Bay & Ontario. This represents one of the biggest temperature drops of the autumn so far with a decent SW wind ahead of the front. Potential for both departure and drifting of migrants out over Drake Passage.

Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · Oct 5

If it’s the conditions that initially misorientate birds which are important then we can expect a decent smattering of American landbirds between Mayo, Northern Isles and Iceland between Monday - Thursday next week.

Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · Oct 5

So conditions across the Atlantic itself haven’t been ‘classic’ with the big former hurricanes that just arrived apparently a bit too wet for more than waders and the odd catharus to survive the crossing. But if maybe we underestimate the importance of initial displacement events of migrants?

Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · Oct 5

Interesting set of conditions for displacing migrants across NE North America over the last few days serve as a potential insight into the extend that ‘initial conditions’ vs ‘conveyance conditions’ impact vagrancy of American land birds - thread.

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Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · Oct 3

@rarebirder.bsky.social

Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · Oct 3

They aren’t critics. They’re deniers. BBC increasingly soft-balling its language for every far right whack job going.

Reposted by Simon Mitchell

Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · Oct 2

'Following the science' is fundamental to uphold, whether combatting climate change denial by populist political parties, or ecological denial by populist 'conservation' groups, both of which have coincidentally right wing backers. Rejecting science & expertise seems integral to the world view.

BirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · Oct 2

Operation Turtle Dove has issued an official statement expressing their disapproval over the captive breeding and releasing of European Turtle Dove in the UK:

Operation Turtle Dove issues statement over captive releases

Operation Turtle Dove has issued an official statement over the captive breeding and releasing of European Turtle Dove in the UK. The statement confirms that the partnership does not currently support captive releases and cites habitat creation and restoration as the most important conservation measure at present.

bit.ly

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Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · Oct 1

Let me know if anyone finds the audiomoth I left out there!

Reposted by Simon Mitchell

John Cantelo @johncantelo.bsky.social · Oct 1

I've just finished revising my free Birding Cadiz Guide (but donations via my Just Giving page to Alzheimer's Society are very welcome). No major changes, just minor updates (corrections are also posted on my blog - birdingcadizprovince.weebly.com/cadiz-birdin...)

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Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · Sep 30

Bit of gratuitious footage for good measure. Playground sounds in the background for added atmosphere!

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