St Aldhelms Birder
@staldhelmsbirder.bsky.social
Lifelong birder in the historic Isle of Purbeck esp. St Aldhelms & Studland, unless I can get abroad. Also into 🐬& 🐳. All photos mine, except retweets
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
Leaving a gift to ORCA is simple - but its impact can be truly profound.
Below, we’ve highlighted the key details you may need!
Simply include:
• Our charity number: 1141728
• Our name: ORCA in your Will.
Below, we’ve highlighted the key details you may need!
Simply include:
• Our charity number: 1141728
• Our name: ORCA in your Will.
November 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Leaving a gift to ORCA is simple - but its impact can be truly profound.
Below, we’ve highlighted the key details you may need!
Simply include:
• Our charity number: 1141728
• Our name: ORCA in your Will.
Below, we’ve highlighted the key details you may need!
Simply include:
• Our charity number: 1141728
• Our name: ORCA in your Will.
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
2 Velvet Scoter and 1 Slavonian Grebe off Jerry’s Point, Studland this AM @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @birdguides.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 11:51 AM
2 Velvet Scoter and 1 Slavonian Grebe off Jerry’s Point, Studland this AM @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @birdguides.bsky.social
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
Work has begun on the new tern islands in the lagoon... birds totally unbothered...redshank feeding on the freshly turned mud while the digger was working! 🤷♀️ #WildBrownsea @dorsetwildlife.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Work has begun on the new tern islands in the lagoon... birds totally unbothered...redshank feeding on the freshly turned mud while the digger was working! 🤷♀️ #WildBrownsea @dorsetwildlife.bsky.social
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
South Haven, Studland snippets per Graham Armstrong:
GN Diver 3 - 2 in & 1 Shell Bay
BT Diver 1 in
RT Diver 1 in
GC Grebe 3
Shag 99
RB Merg 8
Sanderling 16 Shell Bay
Green Sandpiper 1 boardwalk unusual here
Firecrest 1
@harbourbirds.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social #DorsetBirds
GN Diver 3 - 2 in & 1 Shell Bay
BT Diver 1 in
RT Diver 1 in
GC Grebe 3
Shag 99
RB Merg 8
Sanderling 16 Shell Bay
Green Sandpiper 1 boardwalk unusual here
Firecrest 1
@harbourbirds.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social #DorsetBirds
November 25, 2025 at 12:28 PM
South Haven, Studland snippets per Graham Armstrong:
GN Diver 3 - 2 in & 1 Shell Bay
BT Diver 1 in
RT Diver 1 in
GC Grebe 3
Shag 99
RB Merg 8
Sanderling 16 Shell Bay
Green Sandpiper 1 boardwalk unusual here
Firecrest 1
@harbourbirds.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social #DorsetBirds
GN Diver 3 - 2 in & 1 Shell Bay
BT Diver 1 in
RT Diver 1 in
GC Grebe 3
Shag 99
RB Merg 8
Sanderling 16 Shell Bay
Green Sandpiper 1 boardwalk unusual here
Firecrest 1
@harbourbirds.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social #DorsetBirds
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
Desert Wheatear still within Bridging camp compound West end
November 25, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Desert Wheatear still within Bridging camp compound West end
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
These dolphins are large, powerful and known for their energetic swimming and distinctive markings.
They have a short beak (not always fully white), a pale grey 'saddle patch' that sweeps from behind the tall, curved dorsal fin towards the tail, and a pale blaze that stretches from the tail!
They have a short beak (not always fully white), a pale grey 'saddle patch' that sweeps from behind the tall, curved dorsal fin towards the tail, and a pale blaze that stretches from the tail!
November 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
These dolphins are large, powerful and known for their energetic swimming and distinctive markings.
They have a short beak (not always fully white), a pale grey 'saddle patch' that sweeps from behind the tall, curved dorsal fin towards the tail, and a pale blaze that stretches from the tail!
They have a short beak (not always fully white), a pale grey 'saddle patch' that sweeps from behind the tall, curved dorsal fin towards the tail, and a pale blaze that stretches from the tail!
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
Desert Wheatear still showing at Bridging Camp, Wyke Regis....but we've just been told to move on by the camp security! @birdguides.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Desert Wheatear still showing at Bridging Camp, Wyke Regis....but we've just been told to move on by the camp security! @birdguides.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
Desert wheatear still present nw corner bridging camp
November 24, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Desert wheatear still present nw corner bridging camp
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
Winter Safari this AM: 1 WT Eagle, 1 Glossy Ibis, 4 GN Diver, c400 Avocet, 4 Marsh Harrier, c50 RB Merg’s, 1 Ruff, 3 Kingfisher, 14 Spoonbill, c60 db Brent Geese, c50 Barwit, 2 Bearded Tit plus ‘the usual’ @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @birdguides.bsky.social
November 23, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Winter Safari this AM: 1 WT Eagle, 1 Glossy Ibis, 4 GN Diver, c400 Avocet, 4 Marsh Harrier, c50 RB Merg’s, 1 Ruff, 3 Kingfisher, 14 Spoonbill, c60 db Brent Geese, c50 Barwit, 2 Bearded Tit plus ‘the usual’ @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @birdguides.bsky.social
Desert Wheatears are tough & lovely Wheatears and probably used to harsh conditions on their breeding grounds
I was fortunate to make it over to the Fleet Bridging Camp this afternoon, just as the sun was setting, to take in the Desert Wheatear found an hr earlier by Brett. My 1st of this lovely spp in Dorset, & in the UK overall for a long time, braving the gale like a trooper @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 23, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Desert Wheatears are tough & lovely Wheatears and probably used to harsh conditions on their breeding grounds
Excellent find Brett. Still feeding at dusk at the Bridging Camp @luvaducksbutt.bsky.social
#DorsetBirds
#DorsetBirds
Cracking day on patch at Littlesea, The Fleet. Highlight was finding a ♀️ Desert Wheatear in Bridging Camp. ♀️ Long-tailed Duck, 2 Slavonian Grebes & singles of Atlantic Brent Goose, Whimbrel & Water Rail, plus a Harbour Seal made up the rest of the highlights.
November 23, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Excellent find Brett. Still feeding at dusk at the Bridging Camp @luvaducksbutt.bsky.social
#DorsetBirds
#DorsetBirds
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
GND in 08.12. First of the season for me. @harbourbirds.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @studlandbirds.bsky.social
November 23, 2025 at 8:14 AM
GND in 08.12. First of the season for me. @harbourbirds.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @studlandbirds.bsky.social
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
N.Haven this morning 2 RTD, 1 GND and a Diver sp. We're the highlights. 105 Shag, 7 RBM. Small fast low flying duck in early as well, around 07.15 ish, the light was not great, so no ID but worth noting. @harbourbirds.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @studlandbirds.bsky.social
November 23, 2025 at 9:05 AM
N.Haven this morning 2 RTD, 1 GND and a Diver sp. We're the highlights. 105 Shag, 7 RBM. Small fast low flying duck in early as well, around 07.15 ish, the light was not great, so no ID but worth noting. @harbourbirds.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @studlandbirds.bsky.social
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
2 RTD into harbour and a 3rd followed just behind. Couldn't ID the 3rd one as more distant. Small Diver though not GND. Circa 07.40. @harbourbirds.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @studlandbirds.bsky.social
November 23, 2025 at 7:47 AM
2 RTD into harbour and a 3rd followed just behind. Couldn't ID the 3rd one as more distant. Small Diver though not GND. Circa 07.40. @harbourbirds.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @studlandbirds.bsky.social
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
N.Haven this morning first Goldeneye of the season in with 9 RBM. 83 Shag and 3 GCG into the harbour, before the weather and visibility turned. @harbourbirds.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @studlandbirds.bsky.social
November 22, 2025 at 8:48 AM
N.Haven this morning first Goldeneye of the season in with 9 RBM. 83 Shag and 3 GCG into the harbour, before the weather and visibility turned. @harbourbirds.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @studlandbirds.bsky.social
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
First Slavonian Grebe and 5 Goldeneye of the winter were out in Brands Bay this afternoon @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @birdguides.bsky.social
November 21, 2025 at 3:16 PM
First Slavonian Grebe and 5 Goldeneye of the winter were out in Brands Bay this afternoon @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @birdguides.bsky.social
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
Baikal Teal again this afternoon, I've only seen it twice this week. These photos were from the 17th, on calm afternoons the teal seem to be gathering in the eastern side of the bay. @swannerysteve.bsky.social
November 21, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Baikal Teal again this afternoon, I've only seen it twice this week. These photos were from the 17th, on calm afternoons the teal seem to be gathering in the eastern side of the bay. @swannerysteve.bsky.social
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
A few chilly hrs first thing at St Aldhelm's Head prod'd 7 Go.Plover & a single Lapwing, plus a ludicrous 77 (recently released) RL Partridge. Several roving Yellowhammer flocks were still about too, but there was sadly no sign of their coniferous cousin from last week @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 21, 2025 at 2:34 PM
A few chilly hrs first thing at St Aldhelm's Head prod'd 7 Go.Plover & a single Lapwing, plus a ludicrous 77 (recently released) RL Partridge. Several roving Yellowhammer flocks were still about too, but there was sadly no sign of their coniferous cousin from last week @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
This morning's breakfast discussions on the C19 inquiry, the gov should have listened more to the scientists
Mod-morning update, the gov is not going to listen to fish scientists
Pls sign Oceana's petition
Mod-morning update, the gov is not going to listen to fish scientists
Pls sign Oceana's petition
🚨 The UK has REFUSED to back a plan to save collapsing mackerel stocks 🐟
By ignoring scientific advice, the UK is fuelling overfishing.
This isn’t complicated. It’s a political choice.
📩 This #WorldFisheriesDay, tell the PM to stop overfishing: act.oceana.org/page/178303/...
By ignoring scientific advice, the UK is fuelling overfishing.
This isn’t complicated. It’s a political choice.
📩 This #WorldFisheriesDay, tell the PM to stop overfishing: act.oceana.org/page/178303/...
November 21, 2025 at 10:45 AM
This morning's breakfast discussions on the C19 inquiry, the gov should have listened more to the scientists
Mod-morning update, the gov is not going to listen to fish scientists
Pls sign Oceana's petition
Mod-morning update, the gov is not going to listen to fish scientists
Pls sign Oceana's petition
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
Today’s the last survey of the 2025 ORCA ferry season! @dfdsukire
Our amazing team of Marine Mammal Surveyors are sailing from Newhaven to Dieppe with DFDS, gathering important data on whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the English Channel.
Then let's get ready for 2026!
#MarineMammalSurveyor
Our amazing team of Marine Mammal Surveyors are sailing from Newhaven to Dieppe with DFDS, gathering important data on whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the English Channel.
Then let's get ready for 2026!
#MarineMammalSurveyor
November 21, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Today’s the last survey of the 2025 ORCA ferry season! @dfdsukire
Our amazing team of Marine Mammal Surveyors are sailing from Newhaven to Dieppe with DFDS, gathering important data on whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the English Channel.
Then let's get ready for 2026!
#MarineMammalSurveyor
Our amazing team of Marine Mammal Surveyors are sailing from Newhaven to Dieppe with DFDS, gathering important data on whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the English Channel.
Then let's get ready for 2026!
#MarineMammalSurveyor
Interesting. Wonder if there are any DNA studies as well as studies of their vocalisations to confirm if there is a second species here?
Dark and Light Black-capped Petrels Breed in Different Places and Months www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/D...
Dark and Light Black-capped Petrels Breed in Different Places and Months
Satellite tracking reveals that dark and light forms breed in different mountains and on different schedules
www.rarebirdalert.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Interesting. Wonder if there are any DNA studies as well as studies of their vocalisations to confirm if there is a second species here?
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
The data we collect isn’t just numbers; it’s evidence.
For over 30 years, ORCA’s survey work has helped secure better protection for whales and dolphins in ocean hotspots and our experts use that knowledge on the global stage to influence policy and protect marine life for the future!
For over 30 years, ORCA’s survey work has helped secure better protection for whales and dolphins in ocean hotspots and our experts use that knowledge on the global stage to influence policy and protect marine life for the future!
November 20, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The data we collect isn’t just numbers; it’s evidence.
For over 30 years, ORCA’s survey work has helped secure better protection for whales and dolphins in ocean hotspots and our experts use that knowledge on the global stage to influence policy and protect marine life for the future!
For over 30 years, ORCA’s survey work has helped secure better protection for whales and dolphins in ocean hotspots and our experts use that knowledge on the global stage to influence policy and protect marine life for the future!
Reposted by St Aldhelms Birder
Just say no to Peat. Bloody ridiculous that we are using it for our mostly imported ornamental plants (amongst other things)
Sign the petition asking the Government to finally end peat compost sales with legislation in 2026 - no more delays. It’s been a long and tiring road to get peat compost banned and we need your signatures and shares now more than ever to get it done. actnow.peatfreepartnership.org.uk/end-peat-sal...
Sign the petition to end peat sales!
No more delays: Let's get peat out of gardens once and for all. The time for uncertainty has ended.
actnow.peatfreepartnership.org.uk
November 20, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Just say no to Peat. Bloody ridiculous that we are using it for our mostly imported ornamental plants (amongst other things)
That's good to know. Thanks Peter @macstronach.bsky.social
The scheme works well in Strathspey for the re-introduction we have here. The vets we have are very supportive, there was an extensive trap-neuter-vaccinate-release scheme for feral cats caught in the Strathspey. It was incredible to see just how many feral cats there were during camera trapping..
November 20, 2025 at 11:43 AM
That's good to know. Thanks Peter @macstronach.bsky.social
It would be great to see this happen, but somehow I don't believe there would be widespread support from cat owners to stop their cats roaming
St Helena traps cats near their endemic Wirebirds. Chipped cats are returned to owners, unchipped cats are treated as feral. A scheme like this might help
St Helena traps cats near their endemic Wirebirds. Chipped cats are returned to owners, unchipped cats are treated as feral. A scheme like this might help
This would need real support from cat owners in proposed reintroduction areas to minimise the roaming their cats do in these areas. Plus, control of feral cats in these areas
Cat owners have been supportive of wild birds reintroductions on mainland NZ, but would they be supportive in the UK?
Cat owners have been supportive of wild birds reintroductions on mainland NZ, but would they be supportive in the UK?
A major new feasibility study has concluded that European Wildcats could roam south-west England, more than a century after the species vanished from the region:
November 20, 2025 at 11:06 AM
It would be great to see this happen, but somehow I don't believe there would be widespread support from cat owners to stop their cats roaming
St Helena traps cats near their endemic Wirebirds. Chipped cats are returned to owners, unchipped cats are treated as feral. A scheme like this might help
St Helena traps cats near their endemic Wirebirds. Chipped cats are returned to owners, unchipped cats are treated as feral. A scheme like this might help