Pete Fontana
@tighthead22.bsky.social
Birder, ex Rugby Player and Chelsea supporter based in Stoke on Trent
Reposted by Pete Fontana
A new captive-breeding programme for Twite in England has produced its first young in captivity and could begin releasing birds into the wild in 2026, in a bid to halt the species' severe decline:
Twite conservation project aims for releases of captive-bred birds
A Twite captive-breeding project in Staffordshire has raised young birds in captivity and is evaluating potential release sites in England for 2026 to bolster the rapidly declining breeding population.
bit.ly
December 26, 2025 at 9:56 AM
A new captive-breeding programme for Twite in England has produced its first young in captivity and could begin releasing birds into the wild in 2026, in a bid to halt the species' severe decline:
Reposted by Pete Fontana
❄️ Please avoid foraging on our reserves this winter! Berries, seeds & fungi left in nature are vital food for wildlife during the hardest time of year. Foraging also damages habitats and takes away the magic for other visitors. 💚
📸 Margaret Holland
📸 Margaret Holland
December 23, 2025 at 10:01 AM
❄️ Please avoid foraging on our reserves this winter! Berries, seeds & fungi left in nature are vital food for wildlife during the hardest time of year. Foraging also damages habitats and takes away the magic for other visitors. 💚
📸 Margaret Holland
📸 Margaret Holland
Reposted by Pete Fontana
If looking for geese in east Norfolk over the holiday period, please avoid flushing them.
Watch from vehicles if possible. If not, avoid slamming car doors, clanking tripods & making noise.
You get prolonged views, the geese aren’t disturbed & other birders aren’t cheesed off. 👍
#norfolkbirding
Watch from vehicles if possible. If not, avoid slamming car doors, clanking tripods & making noise.
You get prolonged views, the geese aren’t disturbed & other birders aren’t cheesed off. 👍
#norfolkbirding
December 22, 2025 at 9:47 PM
If looking for geese in east Norfolk over the holiday period, please avoid flushing them.
Watch from vehicles if possible. If not, avoid slamming car doors, clanking tripods & making noise.
You get prolonged views, the geese aren’t disturbed & other birders aren’t cheesed off. 👍
#norfolkbirding
Watch from vehicles if possible. If not, avoid slamming car doors, clanking tripods & making noise.
You get prolonged views, the geese aren’t disturbed & other birders aren’t cheesed off. 👍
#norfolkbirding
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Yeah it’s nice to see someone from The Bush Institute speaking up for Ukraine.. might’ve been even better if it was almost 4 years ago.. but I guess we take this
December 19, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Yeah it’s nice to see someone from The Bush Institute speaking up for Ukraine.. might’ve been even better if it was almost 4 years ago.. but I guess we take this
Reposted by Pete Fontana
THREE satellite-tagged White-tailed Eagles disappear in suspicious circumstances in England, Wales & Scotland - two tags had been cut off.
Press release from Isle of Wight WTE Project Team & additional commentary from me ⬇️⬇️
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/17/t...
Press release from Isle of Wight WTE Project Team & additional commentary from me ⬇️⬇️
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/17/t...
Three satellite-tagged White-tailed Eagles disappear in suspicious circumstances in England, Wales & Scotland – two tags had been cut off
Press release from Forestry England (17 December 2025) THREE WHITE-TAILED EAGLES DISAPPEAR IN SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES The public are being asked to help the police investigate the suspicious disap…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
December 17, 2025 at 9:23 AM
THREE satellite-tagged White-tailed Eagles disappear in suspicious circumstances in England, Wales & Scotland - two tags had been cut off.
Press release from Isle of Wight WTE Project Team & additional commentary from me ⬇️⬇️
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/17/t...
Press release from Isle of Wight WTE Project Team & additional commentary from me ⬇️⬇️
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/17/t...
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Slavonian Grebe still present at Whitemoor Haye from quarry entrance.
Please do not park in quarry entrance and stick to roadside and paths only, birders have been seen walking up haul road, we're not allowed
@staffsbirdnews.bsky.social @westmidbirdclub.bsky.social
Please do not park in quarry entrance and stick to roadside and paths only, birders have been seen walking up haul road, we're not allowed
@staffsbirdnews.bsky.social @westmidbirdclub.bsky.social
December 17, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Slavonian Grebe still present at Whitemoor Haye from quarry entrance.
Please do not park in quarry entrance and stick to roadside and paths only, birders have been seen walking up haul road, we're not allowed
@staffsbirdnews.bsky.social @westmidbirdclub.bsky.social
Please do not park in quarry entrance and stick to roadside and paths only, birders have been seen walking up haul road, we're not allowed
@staffsbirdnews.bsky.social @westmidbirdclub.bsky.social
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Three Suffolk Shrikes - I have a signed, limited edition giclee print of a painting of the 3 rare shrikes in Suffolk this autumn (Isabelline, Turkestan and Brown). Just 50 available and only £50 window mounted (add £12 for P&P): PM me if interested and please repost, thanks
December 17, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Three Suffolk Shrikes - I have a signed, limited edition giclee print of a painting of the 3 rare shrikes in Suffolk this autumn (Isabelline, Turkestan and Brown). Just 50 available and only £50 window mounted (add £12 for P&P): PM me if interested and please repost, thanks
Reposted by Pete Fontana
I’ve just been offered a bunch of historic publications about the Lepidoptera of Staffs, I’m not sure I have room to give a home to all of them but I wondered if any VC39 #teammoth were interested in taking some? @sj84turner.bsky.social @lesevanshill.bsky.social @dominiccollins.bsky.social
December 14, 2025 at 12:14 PM
I’ve just been offered a bunch of historic publications about the Lepidoptera of Staffs, I’m not sure I have room to give a home to all of them but I wondered if any VC39 #teammoth were interested in taking some? @sj84turner.bsky.social @lesevanshill.bsky.social @dominiccollins.bsky.social
Reposted by Pete Fontana
An important read for anyone who cares about nature in the UK!
Labour seem determined to wreck what’s left of our natural world. So many broken promises.
www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/nightma....
www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/nightma....
Nightmare before Christmas: worst environmental regression in decades looms | The Wildlife Trusts
Labour’s list of broken promises mounts
www.wildlifetrusts.org
December 11, 2025 at 7:49 PM
An important read for anyone who cares about nature in the UK!
Reposted by Pete Fontana
The International Swan Census is nearly here! UK coverage looks strong, but key Whooper/Bewick's sites still need volunteers for 17–18 Jan 26. If you can help, please reach out to @btobirds.bsky.social. Check map for vacant sites lnkd.in/eWqWm7GW Thanks to all who are taking part! Photo: Ben Andrew
December 10, 2025 at 3:58 PM
The International Swan Census is nearly here! UK coverage looks strong, but key Whooper/Bewick's sites still need volunteers for 17–18 Jan 26. If you can help, please reach out to @btobirds.bsky.social. Check map for vacant sites lnkd.in/eWqWm7GW Thanks to all who are taking part! Photo: Ben Andrew
Assholes 🤬
Walking up to Turf from Powderham this boat came past heading for the LC Tern, we quickly set up scope on tern as sure it would be spooked. And yes they did just that😡 in front of many birders. LCT flew off and boat headed back down past us. Here they are, well ****** done😡😡!
December 10, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Assholes 🤬
Reposted by Pete Fontana
If there are any nature writers that follow me, I'd really appreciate some writing and publication advice, if anyone can spare time for an email or two. #ukbirding #birds
December 9, 2025 at 7:23 AM
If there are any nature writers that follow me, I'd really appreciate some writing and publication advice, if anyone can spare time for an email or two. #ukbirding #birds
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Derbyshire Constabulary appeals for information 3 months later.
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/07/p...
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/07/p...
Peregrine found with shotgun injuries in Peak District National Park
Derbyshire Police Rural Crime Team posted the following on Facebook on 3 December 2025: WILDLIFE CRIME AWARENESS – INJURED PEREGRINE Between 01/09/25 – 08/09/25, we received a report from the…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
December 7, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Derbyshire Constabulary appeals for information 3 months later.
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/07/p...
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/07/p...
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Found this picture on my phone photo roll. Think Steve Webb and Franco but who else do you recognise and any idea where they are?
December 4, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Found this picture on my phone photo roll. Think Steve Webb and Franco but who else do you recognise and any idea where they are?
Reposted by Pete Fontana
One thing that stood out on our wander to Salthouse y'day was this distinctive seaweed that was really abundant along a half-mile stretch of beach. Looks just like Irish Moss (carragheen) but on the east coast? Puzzling...
@linnetincley.bsky.social
@norfolknats.bsky.social
@peediepuss.bsky.social
@linnetincley.bsky.social
@norfolknats.bsky.social
@peediepuss.bsky.social
December 3, 2025 at 10:48 AM
One thing that stood out on our wander to Salthouse y'day was this distinctive seaweed that was really abundant along a half-mile stretch of beach. Looks just like Irish Moss (carragheen) but on the east coast? Puzzling...
@linnetincley.bsky.social
@norfolknats.bsky.social
@peediepuss.bsky.social
@linnetincley.bsky.social
@norfolknats.bsky.social
@peediepuss.bsky.social
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Least OR Small Adder’s Tongue Fern apparently on Wingletang Down,Scilly. 11/10/25. Can anyone confirm which species please ?
November 25, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Least OR Small Adder’s Tongue Fern apparently on Wingletang Down,Scilly. 11/10/25. Can anyone confirm which species please ?
Reposted by Pete Fontana
This, from the Guardian, is Ryanair at its very worst.
It's not good enough for them to insist that they're a low-cost airline and everyone knows the rules, in circumstances like this...
I wonder if legislation is needed?
It's not good enough for them to insist that they're a low-cost airline and everyone knows the rules, in circumstances like this...
I wonder if legislation is needed?
November 22, 2025 at 5:53 PM
This, from the Guardian, is Ryanair at its very worst.
It's not good enough for them to insist that they're a low-cost airline and everyone knows the rules, in circumstances like this...
I wonder if legislation is needed?
It's not good enough for them to insist that they're a low-cost airline and everyone knows the rules, in circumstances like this...
I wonder if legislation is needed?
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Another 'missing' Hen Harrier, this time in the Moorfoot Hills, south of Edinburgh - a well known hotbed of illegal raptor persecution over several decades.
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/20/s...
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/20/s...
Satellite-tagged Hen Harrier ‘Circe’ disappears in suspicious circumstances in Moorfoot Hills, south Scotland
Press release from Hen Harrier Action (20th November 2025) HEN HARRIER ACTION APPEALS FOR INFORMATION AS ANOTHER RARE HEN HARRIER SUSPECTED TO HAVE BEEN ILLEGALLY KILLED IN SCOTLAND A satellite tag…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
November 20, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Another 'missing' Hen Harrier, this time in the Moorfoot Hills, south of Edinburgh - a well known hotbed of illegal raptor persecution over several decades.
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/20/s...
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/20/s...
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Such a tranquil place and a haven for wildlife. This should not be happening. Please repost :-)
www.ywt.org.uk/news/derwent...
www.ywt.org.uk/news/derwent...
Derwent Hunt trespasses again at Chafer Wood nature reserve | Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
On the 15th November, the Derwent Hunt once again trespassed into our Chafer Wood nature reserve near Ebberston.
www.ywt.org.uk
November 19, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Such a tranquil place and a haven for wildlife. This should not be happening. Please repost :-)
www.ywt.org.uk/news/derwent...
www.ywt.org.uk/news/derwent...
Reposted by Pete Fontana
#BirdingGear has anyone bought a Baerskin fleece/waterproof shell combo and is it any good please?
November 17, 2025 at 6:52 PM
#BirdingGear has anyone bought a Baerskin fleece/waterproof shell combo and is it any good please?
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Bird flu has arrived very early this year and Shropshire is already under DEFRA restrictions. We are receiving regular reports of dead and sick waterfowl. Please do not approach or “rescue” wild birds that are obviously ill - ring your local wildlife rescue for advice and report your find to DEFRA.
Your occasional reminder, if you’re in the UK, that it is shaping up to be a hideous bird flu season, with many wildlife casualties (including resident birds, not just winter migrants), and, however soft your heart, it is a Really Bad Idea to handle sick or ‘injured’ birds or bring them inside.
November 14, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Bird flu has arrived very early this year and Shropshire is already under DEFRA restrictions. We are receiving regular reports of dead and sick waterfowl. Please do not approach or “rescue” wild birds that are obviously ill - ring your local wildlife rescue for advice and report your find to DEFRA.
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Requesting opinion/thoughts on a possible AGP with 30 GP at Hayle pm today. Retained summer plum, slighter in size, strong head pattern, grey-er background colour, thinner bill. Didn’t get underwing nor primary proj - face-on the whole time until it flew W #idhelp #cornwallbirding #please #begentle
November 14, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Requesting opinion/thoughts on a possible AGP with 30 GP at Hayle pm today. Retained summer plum, slighter in size, strong head pattern, grey-er background colour, thinner bill. Didn’t get underwing nor primary proj - face-on the whole time until it flew W #idhelp #cornwallbirding #please #begentle
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Merrick was shot & killed as she slept, over two years ago. NatureScot has had all the evidence on its desk for over 18 months. Now we're being asked to wait "a few weeks" more. It's pathetic.
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/05/n...
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/05/n...
NatureScot says “decision in next few weeks” on whether to impose General Licence restriction in relation to shooting & killing of golden eagle Merrick
The Scottish Government’s nature advisory agency, NatureScot, has been now been procrastinating for over 18 months on whether to impose a sanction on an estate in relation to the ‘shooting and kill…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
November 5, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Merrick was shot & killed as she slept, over two years ago. NatureScot has had all the evidence on its desk for over 18 months. Now we're being asked to wait "a few weeks" more. It's pathetic.
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/05/n...
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/05/n...