Luke Phillips
@lukephillips.bsky.social
Nature stuff!! Mainly birds, bird ringing and moths but probably other stuff as well. Based in west Dorset.
It's great when farmers do something for birds and then it works! Saw at least 12 Woodcock tonight and mostly in a stubble field which was left specifically for birds. Probably my favourite bird and a privilege to see up close. All ringed and released under @btobirds.bsky.social license.
December 11, 2025 at 11:46 PM
It's great when farmers do something for birds and then it works! Saw at least 12 Woodcock tonight and mostly in a stubble field which was left specifically for birds. Probably my favourite bird and a privilege to see up close. All ringed and released under @btobirds.bsky.social license.
Reposted by Luke Phillips
A win for Swifts!
Thanks to your support, Scotland might become the first UK country to require Swift nesting bricks in all new buildings.
Today MSPs voted to include this in the Natural Environment Bill – now we must make sure it stays in the Bill through the final stage.
Thanks to your support, Scotland might become the first UK country to require Swift nesting bricks in all new buildings.
Today MSPs voted to include this in the Natural Environment Bill – now we must make sure it stays in the Bill through the final stage.
December 10, 2025 at 4:59 PM
A win for Swifts!
Thanks to your support, Scotland might become the first UK country to require Swift nesting bricks in all new buildings.
Today MSPs voted to include this in the Natural Environment Bill – now we must make sure it stays in the Bill through the final stage.
Thanks to your support, Scotland might become the first UK country to require Swift nesting bricks in all new buildings.
Today MSPs voted to include this in the Natural Environment Bill – now we must make sure it stays in the Bill through the final stage.
Reposted by Luke Phillips
£54 million! 😮 That’s the estimated financial value of our incredible volunteers’ efforts in 2024. They contributed an estimated over 2.6 million hours to BTO work. 📝 A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers! #InternationalVolunteerDay
📷 Ben Igglesden / BTO
📷 Ben Igglesden / BTO
December 5, 2025 at 10:02 AM
£54 million! 😮 That’s the estimated financial value of our incredible volunteers’ efforts in 2024. They contributed an estimated over 2.6 million hours to BTO work. 📝 A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers! #InternationalVolunteerDay
📷 Ben Igglesden / BTO
📷 Ben Igglesden / BTO
Reposted by Luke Phillips
Good news!
Earlier this year I shared reports that the land around the Cerne Abbas Giant was up for sale
I’m delighted that, after lots of conversations, the land has now been bought by the National Trust (who already own the Giant): www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
bsky.app/profile/guys...
Earlier this year I shared reports that the land around the Cerne Abbas Giant was up for sale
I’m delighted that, after lots of conversations, the land has now been bought by the National Trust (who already own the Giant): www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
bsky.app/profile/guys...
December 3, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Good news!
Earlier this year I shared reports that the land around the Cerne Abbas Giant was up for sale
I’m delighted that, after lots of conversations, the land has now been bought by the National Trust (who already own the Giant): www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
bsky.app/profile/guys...
Earlier this year I shared reports that the land around the Cerne Abbas Giant was up for sale
I’m delighted that, after lots of conversations, the land has now been bought by the National Trust (who already own the Giant): www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
bsky.app/profile/guys...
Reposted by Luke Phillips
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 🌍
Huge thanks to Ian and the other ringers involved with colour ringing Cirl Buntings! So much to learn and please keep an eye out. Details on how to report here - cr-birding.org/node/7187
November 15, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Huge thanks to Ian and the other ringers involved with colour ringing Cirl Buntings! So much to learn and please keep an eye out. Details on how to report here - cr-birding.org/node/7187
Reposted by Luke Phillips
Pine Bunting seen briefly with mobile Yellowhammer flock at St Aldhelm's Head Quarry at 1030hrs & not relocated as of 1250hrs. Ltd parking available in Renscombe car park, otherwise park in Worth Mattravers village car park and walk down, staying out of private fields @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Pine Bunting seen briefly with mobile Yellowhammer flock at St Aldhelm's Head Quarry at 1030hrs & not relocated as of 1250hrs. Ltd parking available in Renscombe car park, otherwise park in Worth Mattravers village car park and walk down, staying out of private fields @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Reposted by Luke Phillips
For months, ministers have been pushing a false choice between nature and growth.
Now, new research shows just how out of touch they are.
With data from More In Common, it's time to set the record straight. 👇
Now, new research shows just how out of touch they are.
With data from More In Common, it's time to set the record straight. 👇
November 12, 2025 at 9:33 AM
For months, ministers have been pushing a false choice between nature and growth.
Now, new research shows just how out of touch they are.
With data from More In Common, it's time to set the record straight. 👇
Now, new research shows just how out of touch they are.
With data from More In Common, it's time to set the record straight. 👇
Reposted by Luke Phillips
I bought these old RSPB magazines for their CF Tunnicliffe cover pictures. They look so good together (with that delicious typeface!)
November 7, 2025 at 7:50 PM
I bought these old RSPB magazines for their CF Tunnicliffe cover pictures. They look so good together (with that delicious typeface!)
Reposted by Luke Phillips
Worrying reports of bird flu (avian influenza) are coming in, including an outbreak in Whooper Swans in the Fens. Other waterbirds are also being affected, and cases are rising.
📷 Sick Whooper Swan by Kane Brides
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
📷 Sick Whooper Swan by Kane Brides
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
November 6, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Worrying reports of bird flu (avian influenza) are coming in, including an outbreak in Whooper Swans in the Fens. Other waterbirds are also being affected, and cases are rising.
📷 Sick Whooper Swan by Kane Brides
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
📷 Sick Whooper Swan by Kane Brides
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
Reposted by Luke Phillips
Last night, Peers voted against Swift bricks: rejecting a simple, proven way to help one of our fastest declining birds recover. ❌
We share @hannahbournetaylor.bsky.social's disappointment & frustration.
The vote came late, but with government refusing to back it, its fate was already sealed.
We share @hannahbournetaylor.bsky.social's disappointment & frustration.
The vote came late, but with government refusing to back it, its fate was already sealed.
November 4, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Last night, Peers voted against Swift bricks: rejecting a simple, proven way to help one of our fastest declining birds recover. ❌
We share @hannahbournetaylor.bsky.social's disappointment & frustration.
The vote came late, but with government refusing to back it, its fate was already sealed.
We share @hannahbournetaylor.bsky.social's disappointment & frustration.
The vote came late, but with government refusing to back it, its fate was already sealed.
Reposted by Luke Phillips
This is VERY good news - the massive loophole that allows grouse moor owners & their gamekeepers to avoid sanction for killing birds of prey is about to be closed.
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
Discussion at @revivecoalition.bsky.social conf this w/e
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/03/b...
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
Discussion at @revivecoalition.bsky.social conf this w/e
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/03/b...
BREAKING NEWS: Scottish Government commits to closing loophole on sabotaged grouse moor licences
BREAKING NEWS: The Scottish Government has committed to closing the loophole on the grouse moor licences that were sabotaged last year by the powerful grouse shooting lobby. If you recall, grouse m…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
November 3, 2025 at 3:12 PM
This is VERY good news - the massive loophole that allows grouse moor owners & their gamekeepers to avoid sanction for killing birds of prey is about to be closed.
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
Discussion at @revivecoalition.bsky.social conf this w/e
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/03/b...
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
Discussion at @revivecoalition.bsky.social conf this w/e
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/03/b...
Reposted by Luke Phillips
Our November e-Bulletin should be arriving in Member's inboxes this evening. Lots to enjoy and discover. Nature's Recovery, news of 3 firsts for Dorset and more. Not a member yet? Join here dorsetbirds.co.uk/membership/ Tx @joestockwell.bsky.social for the pic
November 1, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Our November e-Bulletin should be arriving in Member's inboxes this evening. Lots to enjoy and discover. Nature's Recovery, news of 3 firsts for Dorset and more. Not a member yet? Join here dorsetbirds.co.uk/membership/ Tx @joestockwell.bsky.social for the pic
Reposted by Luke Phillips
Our colour ringing season at Lytchett Bay is off to a great start with 5 Water Pipit & 5 Rock Pipit marked (under license) already. Please look out for yellow (Water) and white (Rock) marked birds and report all sightings 🙏 #Dorsetbirds
October 30, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Our colour ringing season at Lytchett Bay is off to a great start with 5 Water Pipit & 5 Rock Pipit marked (under license) already. Please look out for yellow (Water) and white (Rock) marked birds and report all sightings 🙏 #Dorsetbirds
Reposted by Luke Phillips
Yesterday we trapped a Norwegian ringed Goldfinch, which was originally ringed on 6th August this year at Jomfruland Fuglestajion by a young girl, pictured with the bird. The map shows Fair Isle in blue & Jomfruland in red, a movement of over 600km!
📸 Alex Penn & Ola Nordsteien
📸 Alex Penn & Ola Nordsteien
October 28, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Yesterday we trapped a Norwegian ringed Goldfinch, which was originally ringed on 6th August this year at Jomfruland Fuglestajion by a young girl, pictured with the bird. The map shows Fair Isle in blue & Jomfruland in red, a movement of over 600km!
📸 Alex Penn & Ola Nordsteien
📸 Alex Penn & Ola Nordsteien
Reposted by Luke Phillips
Brilliant piece debunking the nonsense claim in the Daily Telegraph. But it’s dangerous nonsense, polarising attitudes & whipping up prejudice.
The DTelegraph is such a shit newspaper. Oh, and the photo? Staged - captive eagle, already-dead lamb.
The DTelegraph is such a shit newspaper. Oh, and the photo? Staged - captive eagle, already-dead lamb.
Victorian attitudes towards birds of prey in the UK are fueled by sensationalist fear-mongering like this, published routinely by mainstream media.
#RaptorResearch
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/10/28/a...
#RaptorResearch
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/10/28/a...
Absurd claim that White-tailed Eagles ‘snatched’ five Shetland ponies leads to inevitable call to ‘shoot eagles’
The absurd claim that White-tailed Eagles had ‘snatched’ five Shetland pony foals on South Uist hit the headlines at the end of August. A crofter / farmer named Donald Cameron said that…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:04 AM
Brilliant piece debunking the nonsense claim in the Daily Telegraph. But it’s dangerous nonsense, polarising attitudes & whipping up prejudice.
The DTelegraph is such a shit newspaper. Oh, and the photo? Staged - captive eagle, already-dead lamb.
The DTelegraph is such a shit newspaper. Oh, and the photo? Staged - captive eagle, already-dead lamb.
Reposted by Luke Phillips
Take Swifts. Their numbers have plummeted by 68% in just 28 years.
We're proud to stand with @hannahbournetaylor.bsky.social in calling for Swift bricks. Nesting spaces built into new homes would give these remarkable birds a future.
Amendment 245: simple fix, huge impact. Surely a no-brainer?
We're proud to stand with @hannahbournetaylor.bsky.social in calling for Swift bricks. Nesting spaces built into new homes would give these remarkable birds a future.
Amendment 245: simple fix, huge impact. Surely a no-brainer?
October 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Take Swifts. Their numbers have plummeted by 68% in just 28 years.
We're proud to stand with @hannahbournetaylor.bsky.social in calling for Swift bricks. Nesting spaces built into new homes would give these remarkable birds a future.
Amendment 245: simple fix, huge impact. Surely a no-brainer?
We're proud to stand with @hannahbournetaylor.bsky.social in calling for Swift bricks. Nesting spaces built into new homes would give these remarkable birds a future.
Amendment 245: simple fix, huge impact. Surely a no-brainer?
Reposted by Luke Phillips
Good news on Dorset Cirl Buntings continues to arrive. Early data from the breeding season confirms they are continuing to re-establish a population in the county. Please submit any outstanding records now. 🙏 In winter our focus switches to feeding flocks - please send us all sightings. 🙏
October 24, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Good news on Dorset Cirl Buntings continues to arrive. Early data from the breeding season confirms they are continuing to re-establish a population in the county. Please submit any outstanding records now. 🙏 In winter our focus switches to feeding flocks - please send us all sightings. 🙏
Thrilled to have the first Cirl Bunting colour ringed on Portland as part of a Dorset wide project to understand more about the species spread across the county. Please keep a look out and report any sightings. And huge thanks to all the ringers involved 💚.
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
October 24, 2025 at 7:32 AM
Thrilled to have the first Cirl Bunting colour ringed on Portland as part of a Dorset wide project to understand more about the species spread across the county. Please keep a look out and report any sightings. And huge thanks to all the ringers involved 💚.
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Reposted by Luke Phillips
We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the Heathland Birds Survey! 🙌
All remaining survey returns are urgently required, before 30th November, to inform future conservation action. If you need any help submitting your records please email [email protected]. Thank you!
All remaining survey returns are urgently required, before 30th November, to inform future conservation action. If you need any help submitting your records please email [email protected]. Thank you!
October 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM
We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the Heathland Birds Survey! 🙌
All remaining survey returns are urgently required, before 30th November, to inform future conservation action. If you need any help submitting your records please email [email protected]. Thank you!
All remaining survey returns are urgently required, before 30th November, to inform future conservation action. If you need any help submitting your records please email [email protected]. Thank you!
Reposted by Luke Phillips
Exasperated. Gutted. Furious. Terrified. Sometimes swear words are the only ones that fit.
Our delightful government - who we put our trust in - is u-turning on THE easiest Nature action *ever*.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Our delightful government - who we put our trust in - is u-turning on THE easiest Nature action *ever*.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Government U-turns on support for bird-friendly swift bricks in new homes
Housing minister Steve Reed refuses to back mandating measure, despite giving support while in environment job
www.theguardian.com
October 18, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Exasperated. Gutted. Furious. Terrified. Sometimes swear words are the only ones that fit.
Our delightful government - who we put our trust in - is u-turning on THE easiest Nature action *ever*.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Our delightful government - who we put our trust in - is u-turning on THE easiest Nature action *ever*.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
A quiet morning for ringing on the farm (nr Bridport) with grounded migrants starting to dwindle as the autumn goes on. But a few Goldcrest always brighten up a morning though. All 5 grammes of them!
October 18, 2025 at 2:41 PM
A quiet morning for ringing on the farm (nr Bridport) with grounded migrants starting to dwindle as the autumn goes on. But a few Goldcrest always brighten up a morning though. All 5 grammes of them!
Reposted by Luke Phillips
Baikal Teal at Abbotsbury Swannery this afternoon with 500+ Teal. Flock very mobile. Swannery open 10am tomorrow. No entry before 10am. Doubtfully viewable from rights of way other than grounds. There is no right of way SE of tank traps on beach. If you walk beyond fence there everything will flush!
October 14, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Baikal Teal at Abbotsbury Swannery this afternoon with 500+ Teal. Flock very mobile. Swannery open 10am tomorrow. No entry before 10am. Doubtfully viewable from rights of way other than grounds. There is no right of way SE of tank traps on beach. If you walk beyond fence there everything will flush!
Reposted by Luke Phillips
Announcing an exciting new event 🤩
🌿 Be the Future of Nature’s Recovery in Dorset & Beyond
📍 Bournemouth Uni
🗓️ Sat 22 Nov 1–6pm
A free @btobirds.bsky.social x @bournemouthuni.bsky.social conference with Megan McCubbin, Paul Morton, Katiana Saleiko & more! 🙌🏻
More info👉🏻 www.bto.org/our-work/eve...
🌿 Be the Future of Nature’s Recovery in Dorset & Beyond
📍 Bournemouth Uni
🗓️ Sat 22 Nov 1–6pm
A free @btobirds.bsky.social x @bournemouthuni.bsky.social conference with Megan McCubbin, Paul Morton, Katiana Saleiko & more! 🙌🏻
More info👉🏻 www.bto.org/our-work/eve...
October 12, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Announcing an exciting new event 🤩
🌿 Be the Future of Nature’s Recovery in Dorset & Beyond
📍 Bournemouth Uni
🗓️ Sat 22 Nov 1–6pm
A free @btobirds.bsky.social x @bournemouthuni.bsky.social conference with Megan McCubbin, Paul Morton, Katiana Saleiko & more! 🙌🏻
More info👉🏻 www.bto.org/our-work/eve...
🌿 Be the Future of Nature’s Recovery in Dorset & Beyond
📍 Bournemouth Uni
🗓️ Sat 22 Nov 1–6pm
A free @btobirds.bsky.social x @bournemouthuni.bsky.social conference with Megan McCubbin, Paul Morton, Katiana Saleiko & more! 🙌🏻
More info👉🏻 www.bto.org/our-work/eve...
Reposted by Luke Phillips
Confused by gulls? 🤔 Join our online Gull ID training sessions in November ➡️ www.bto.org/training
Our two-part, online Gull ID course run by our expert team helps you build knowledge and confidence to make gull ID easier! #UKBirding #Ornithology
Our two-part, online Gull ID course run by our expert team helps you build knowledge and confidence to make gull ID easier! #UKBirding #Ornithology
October 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Confused by gulls? 🤔 Join our online Gull ID training sessions in November ➡️ www.bto.org/training
Our two-part, online Gull ID course run by our expert team helps you build knowledge and confidence to make gull ID easier! #UKBirding #Ornithology
Our two-part, online Gull ID course run by our expert team helps you build knowledge and confidence to make gull ID easier! #UKBirding #Ornithology