Rob Thomas
@robthomasbirds.bsky.social
Bird-watcher & conservationist in and from Wales. Associate researcher at Cardiff Uni, co-director of Eco-explore Community Interest Company, trustee of Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru & Craig y Rhondda. Received Marsh Award for Ornithology 2025.
Please consider signing the UK parliamentary petition for a public enquiry into Russian influence on UK politics and democracy. Following the jailing of Reform's recent Wales leader (Nathan Gill) for accepting Russian bribes, this has never been more important.
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy
We are concerned about reported efforts from Russia to influence democracy in the US, UK, Europe and elsewhere. We believe we must establish the depth and breadth of possible Russian influence campaig...
petition.parliament.uk
November 25, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Please consider signing the UK parliamentary petition for a public enquiry into Russian influence on UK politics and democracy. Following the jailing of Reform's recent Wales leader (Nathan Gill) for accepting Russian bribes, this has never been more important.
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
The legendary Steve Roberts will be talking about funny buzzards on Saturday 6th December at Goytre Village hall. £2 entry, iodine tablets available on the door.
November 25, 2025 at 10:41 PM
The legendary Steve Roberts will be talking about funny buzzards on Saturday 6th December at Goytre Village hall. £2 entry, iodine tablets available on the door.
Another spectacular autumn day counting poo in the Wye Valley woodlands.
November 25, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Another spectacular autumn day counting poo in the Wye Valley woodlands.
Please attend the National Emergency Briefing @annamcmorrin.bsky.social
- We need all MPs to turn up and show solidarity.
- We need all MPs to turn up and show solidarity.
#COP30 has failed to deliver. Over 1,000 scientists now urge all MPs to attend the UK National Emergency Briefing on the #climate & #nature crisis.
"Without much more urgent and decisive action, we risk seeing these impacts overwhelm our capacity to respond."
www.nebriefing.org/open-letter
"Without much more urgent and decisive action, we risk seeing these impacts overwhelm our capacity to respond."
www.nebriefing.org/open-letter
National Emergency Briefing
An unfiltered assessment of the latest threats to UK food supply, health and national security from eight leading experts to an invitation-only audience - also covering positive solutions. Westminster...
www.nebriefing.org
November 25, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Please attend the National Emergency Briefing @annamcmorrin.bsky.social
- We need all MPs to turn up and show solidarity.
- We need all MPs to turn up and show solidarity.
Reposted by Rob Thomas
GREAT NEWS in #conservation: the government of New Zealand has announced that they will include feral cats in their PredatorFree 2050 strategy, aiming to benefit #seabirds and landbirds across NZ by removing feral cats:
Feral cats to be added to Predator Free 2050
The Government is delivering on its campaign promise to add feral cats to the Predator Free 2050 target species list to protect our precious native wildlife, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 7:24 AM
GREAT NEWS in #conservation: the government of New Zealand has announced that they will include feral cats in their PredatorFree 2050 strategy, aiming to benefit #seabirds and landbirds across NZ by removing feral cats:
Reposted by Rob Thomas
An incredible opportunity to work with the @rspb.bsky.social and Storm petrels as part of your Master's degree! 🕊️
#research #seabirds
#research #seabirds
Studying for an MSc this year & looking for a #seabird research project?
We're looking for a student to help investigate the factors that influence #StormPetrel response rates during playback surveys. 🔊🐣
🔗Do get in touch if you have any Qs: www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu... #seabirds #ornithology
We're looking for a student to help investigate the factors that influence #StormPetrel response rates during playback surveys. 🔊🐣
🔗Do get in touch if you have any Qs: www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu... #seabirds #ornithology
November 24, 2025 at 1:24 PM
An incredible opportunity to work with the @rspb.bsky.social and Storm petrels as part of your Master's degree! 🕊️
#research #seabirds
#research #seabirds
Reposted by Rob Thomas
We have a talk coming up this week on Friday 28th November about bird ringing at Oxwich Marsh. The talk will be at St Paul's Parish Centre in Sketty and will start at 19:30. Full details at the link below:
www.gowerbirds.org.uk/event/ringin...
www.gowerbirds.org.uk/event/ringin...
November 24, 2025 at 9:35 PM
We have a talk coming up this week on Friday 28th November about bird ringing at Oxwich Marsh. The talk will be at St Paul's Parish Centre in Sketty and will start at 19:30. Full details at the link below:
www.gowerbirds.org.uk/event/ringin...
www.gowerbirds.org.uk/event/ringin...
Reposted by Rob Thomas
Hen Harrier found dead in Northumberland National Park with shotgun damage to satellite tag raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/24/h...
Hen Harrier found dead in Northumberland National Park with shotgun damage to satellite tag
This is a blog about one of those dead Hen Harriers for whom we’ve been waiting over a year for Natural England to confirm the cause of death. A Hen Harrier (photo by Pete Walkden) The young …
raptorpersecutionuk.org
November 24, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Hen Harrier found dead in Northumberland National Park with shotgun damage to satellite tag raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/24/h...
Reposted by Rob Thomas
The only reason Gill stopped being the Reform UK leader in Wales was because he failed to win a seat in the 2021 Senedd election.
Zia Yusuf keeps trying to make this sound like this is ancient history, and Reform washed their hands of him, but nothing is further from the truth.
Zia Yusuf keeps trying to make this sound like this is ancient history, and Reform washed their hands of him, but nothing is further from the truth.
November 24, 2025 at 9:55 AM
The only reason Gill stopped being the Reform UK leader in Wales was because he failed to win a seat in the 2021 Senedd election.
Zia Yusuf keeps trying to make this sound like this is ancient history, and Reform washed their hands of him, but nothing is further from the truth.
Zia Yusuf keeps trying to make this sound like this is ancient history, and Reform washed their hands of him, but nothing is further from the truth.
Reposted by Rob Thomas
Studying for an MSc this year & looking for a #seabird research project?
We're looking for a student to help investigate the factors that influence #StormPetrel response rates during playback surveys. 🔊🐣
🔗Do get in touch if you have any Qs: www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu... #seabirds #ornithology
We're looking for a student to help investigate the factors that influence #StormPetrel response rates during playback surveys. 🔊🐣
🔗Do get in touch if you have any Qs: www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu... #seabirds #ornithology
November 24, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Studying for an MSc this year & looking for a #seabird research project?
We're looking for a student to help investigate the factors that influence #StormPetrel response rates during playback surveys. 🔊🐣
🔗Do get in touch if you have any Qs: www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu... #seabirds #ornithology
We're looking for a student to help investigate the factors that influence #StormPetrel response rates during playback surveys. 🔊🐣
🔗Do get in touch if you have any Qs: www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu... #seabirds #ornithology
Reposted by Rob Thomas
It was nice having a mass higher education system for half a century
i: Reeves to unveil £600m raid on foreign student
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
November 23, 2025 at 11:45 PM
It was nice having a mass higher education system for half a century
Please consider signing this important petition for a public inquiry into Russian influence in UK politics & democracy. This follows the conviction of Welsh "Reform Party" leader, Nathan Gill, who this week was jailed for 10 years for accepting Russian bribes.
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy
We are concerned about reported efforts from Russia to influence democracy in the US, UK, Europe and elsewhere. We believe we must establish the depth and breadth of possible Russian influence campaig...
petition.parliament.uk
November 23, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Please consider signing this important petition for a public inquiry into Russian influence in UK politics & democracy. This follows the conviction of Welsh "Reform Party" leader, Nathan Gill, who this week was jailed for 10 years for accepting Russian bribes.
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Terrifying. What do people see in these Reform criminals?
That feeling when your country looks likely to tip from having a government that is at best hugely disappointing and actively complicit in mass war crimes to something much worse
Nowcast Update - Green's vote share surpasses Lib Dems, as Labour hits new low.
RFM: 350 (+345), 30.2% (50 Maj.)
LAB: 87 (-324), 18.8%
LDM: 75 (+3), 13.0%
SNP: 44 (+35), 2.7%
CON: 38 (-83), 17.6%
GRN: 23 (+19), 13.5%
PLC: 7 (+3), 1.1%
Oth: 7 (+2), 3.1%
electionmaps.uk/nowcast
RFM: 350 (+345), 30.2% (50 Maj.)
LAB: 87 (-324), 18.8%
LDM: 75 (+3), 13.0%
SNP: 44 (+35), 2.7%
CON: 38 (-83), 17.6%
GRN: 23 (+19), 13.5%
PLC: 7 (+3), 1.1%
Oth: 7 (+2), 3.1%
electionmaps.uk/nowcast
November 23, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Terrifying. What do people see in these Reform criminals?
Reposted by Rob Thomas
Open letter from over 1,000 UK scientists urging all MPs to attend the National Emergency Briefing. A huge list full of highly respected names.
"Without much more urgent and decisive action, we risk seeing these impacts overwhelm our capacity to respond."
Please share with your MP. #NEB2025
"Without much more urgent and decisive action, we risk seeing these impacts overwhelm our capacity to respond."
Please share with your MP. #NEB2025
National Emergency Briefing
An unfiltered assessment of the latest threats to UK food supply, health and national security from eight leading experts to an invitation-only audience - also covering positive solutions. Westminster...
www.nebriefing.org
November 23, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Open letter from over 1,000 UK scientists urging all MPs to attend the National Emergency Briefing. A huge list full of highly respected names.
"Without much more urgent and decisive action, we risk seeing these impacts overwhelm our capacity to respond."
Please share with your MP. #NEB2025
"Without much more urgent and decisive action, we risk seeing these impacts overwhelm our capacity to respond."
Please share with your MP. #NEB2025
Reposted by Rob Thomas
🌊Investigating where Swinhoe's Storm-petrels go across the north-western Pacific and Indian Oceans
🛰️Insights from geolocators recovered from four birds: doi.org/10.1017/S095...
#BirdConservation #Ornithology #Conservation #Research
#Swinhoe's #stormpetrel #seabird #tracking #migration
🛰️Insights from geolocators recovered from four birds: doi.org/10.1017/S095...
#BirdConservation #Ornithology #Conservation #Research
#Swinhoe's #stormpetrel #seabird #tracking #migration
November 21, 2025 at 4:37 PM
🌊Investigating where Swinhoe's Storm-petrels go across the north-western Pacific and Indian Oceans
🛰️Insights from geolocators recovered from four birds: doi.org/10.1017/S095...
#BirdConservation #Ornithology #Conservation #Research
#Swinhoe's #stormpetrel #seabird #tracking #migration
🛰️Insights from geolocators recovered from four birds: doi.org/10.1017/S095...
#BirdConservation #Ornithology #Conservation #Research
#Swinhoe's #stormpetrel #seabird #tracking #migration
Reposted by Rob Thomas
Are you an MSc student based at a UK university? Or do you know one?
RSPB @rspbscience.bsky.social have just released their list of research projects for 2026:
www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...
#ornithology #conservationscience 🌍
RSPB @rspbscience.bsky.social have just released their list of research projects for 2026:
www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...
#ornithology #conservationscience 🌍
Postgraduate opportunities
The RSPB is offering a variety of exciting research projects for postgraduate students in 2026.
www.rspb.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Are you an MSc student based at a UK university? Or do you know one?
RSPB @rspbscience.bsky.social have just released their list of research projects for 2026:
www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...
#ornithology #conservationscience 🌍
RSPB @rspbscience.bsky.social have just released their list of research projects for 2026:
www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...
#ornithology #conservationscience 🌍
Reposted by Rob Thomas
I have improved the birding 'starter pack'.
For new people here looking for birding/ornithology content, this link includes ~100 active accounts and the three biggest ukbirding and ornithology feeds. 🪶🧪
go.bsky.app/QcrV7vb
For new people here looking for birding/ornithology content, this link includes ~100 active accounts and the three biggest ukbirding and ornithology feeds. 🪶🧪
go.bsky.app/QcrV7vb
November 9, 2024 at 7:25 PM
I have improved the birding 'starter pack'.
For new people here looking for birding/ornithology content, this link includes ~100 active accounts and the three biggest ukbirding and ornithology feeds. 🪶🧪
go.bsky.app/QcrV7vb
For new people here looking for birding/ornithology content, this link includes ~100 active accounts and the three biggest ukbirding and ornithology feeds. 🪶🧪
go.bsky.app/QcrV7vb
Reposted by Rob Thomas
every company in 2025
November 12, 2025 at 5:59 PM
every company in 2025
A very exciting opportunity for an environmental investigative journalist to join our team at the Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru.
If you're a journalist who wants to help us save Wildlife in Wales, then this is the role for you. More info can be found on our website www.natureconservation.wales/job-opportun...
November 20, 2025 at 2:17 PM
A very exciting opportunity for an environmental investigative journalist to join our team at the Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru.
Prof Colin Beale of the university of York giving an incredibly hope-filled and inspiring talk about conservation in the UK and globally, at today’s A Rocha partners in action gathering.
November 20, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Prof Colin Beale of the university of York giving an incredibly hope-filled and inspiring talk about conservation in the UK and globally, at today’s A Rocha partners in action gathering.
Reposted by Rob Thomas
"While the world is being distracted, genocide continues regardless"
"Tonight there is panic in Gaza. Warplanes are bombing people in tents, so far 28 people, of whom several are children, have been sent to their maker, 77 seriously wounded, a very many of them also children.
[...]
"Tonight there is panic in Gaza. Warplanes are bombing people in tents, so far 28 people, of whom several are children, have been sent to their maker, 77 seriously wounded, a very many of them also children.
[...]
November 19, 2025 at 11:47 PM
"While the world is being distracted, genocide continues regardless"
"Tonight there is panic in Gaza. Warplanes are bombing people in tents, so far 28 people, of whom several are children, have been sent to their maker, 77 seriously wounded, a very many of them also children.
[...]
"Tonight there is panic in Gaza. Warplanes are bombing people in tents, so far 28 people, of whom several are children, have been sent to their maker, 77 seriously wounded, a very many of them also children.
[...]
Very much enjoying representing the Craig y Rhondda project at the annual A Rocha UK partners in action gathering. This is me and Eileen setting off from Treherbert this morning, like two excited teenagers!
November 19, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Very much enjoying representing the Craig y Rhondda project at the annual A Rocha UK partners in action gathering. This is me and Eileen setting off from Treherbert this morning, like two excited teenagers!
Reposted by Rob Thomas
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 Rob Thomas
More work linking irregular iris pigmentation in gannets to prior HPAI infections: likelihood of NP antibody increased with iris pigment irregularity. Moderate correlations for H5 antibodies.
👉 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
👉 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
November 18, 2025 at 10:52 PM
More work linking irregular iris pigmentation in gannets to prior HPAI infections: likelihood of NP antibody increased with iris pigment irregularity. Moderate correlations for H5 antibodies.
👉 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
👉 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Well worth a read for an insight into the realities of working for a fairly typical university in 2025.
Blogged: On the threat of mass redundancy
lornamcampbell.org/higher-educa...
My contribution to @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social's Lobby Your MSP campaign yesterday, and my own personal experience of redundancy in the past. #ucu #ucustrikes
lornamcampbell.org/higher-educa...
My contribution to @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social's Lobby Your MSP campaign yesterday, and my own personal experience of redundancy in the past. #ucu #ucustrikes
On the threat of mass redundancy
For three days this week, colleagues at the University of Edinburgh are striking as part of UCU Edinburgh’s ongoing industrial dispute with university management. Colleagues are protesting ag…
lornamcampbell.org
November 18, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Well worth a read for an insight into the realities of working for a fairly typical university in 2025.