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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 12h

Another good moth trap last night with White-point & Green-brindled Crescent both NFM + Blair's Shoulder-knot & Treble Brown Spot both NFG. Also Black Rustic, Brindled Green & Red-line Quaker of note. South Somerset VC5 #Teammoth

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 2d

Thanks, John. Hopefully, you'll get one soon! 🤞

Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 2d

Very pleased to see my first Merveille du Jour this morning, a mint specimen too! South Somerset VC5

Merveille du Jour, a beautiful green, black & white moth.

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 14d

Little Ringed Plover taken at my inland Dorset patch back in the Spring, where they successfully fledged 3 young. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social

Adult Little Ringed Plover standing on sandy ground.

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 15d

Please sign letter of objection, thanks

Protect the Wild @protectthewild.bsky.social · 15d

The squirrels of the Bryn Arau Duon forest one of just three surviving colonies in Wales.

protectthewild.substack.com/p/red-squirr...

Red Squirrels threatened by renewable energy project

The squirrels of the Bryn Arau Duon forest one of just three surviving colonies in Wales.

protectthewild.substack.com

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 16d

Large Ranunculus NFG, Orange Sallow & Chestnut both NFM from a brief trap last night before rain. South Somerset VC5 #Teammoth

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 19d

This confiding Chiffchaff has been feeding on aphids infesting Tansy in my Chard garden for the last 4 days. Today it caught a Box-tree Moth too. These photos were taken less than 2 metres away. @somersetbirds.bsky.social

Chiffchaff eating aphids on Tansy seed heads

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 19d

Almost didn't set the moth trap last night, with another cold clear night forecast, but glad I did with Brindled Green NFM & Black Rustic NFG South Somerset VC5 #Teammoth

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 19d

Stubble fields near Chard today held c.50 Skylark, c.30 Meadow Pipit, c.20 Goldfinch, 2 Stonechat, 1 Grey Wagtail & Peregrine. @somersetbirds.bsky.social

Stubble field with fair weather clouds in a blue sky.

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 19d

Thanks, Sean

Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 20d

First returning Wigeon of the autumn on the Dorset patch today. Also my first (!) Redpoll of the year, 6 Siskin over, 3 Stonechat, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, Kingfisher & 2 Marsh Tit. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social #PWC2025

Kingfisher perched on snag with Greater Reed mace behind

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Reposted by Dave Helliar

Ian Carter @iancarter67.bsky.social · 24d

This has received no publicity but is damning. A clear explanation of why this type of reintroduction is not just a distraction and a waste of resources but is ACTIVELY HARMFUL to conservation. Environmental journalists please note and please publicise.

operationturtledove.org/captive-rele...

Operation Turtle Dove’s view on the release of captive-bred Turtle Doves as a conservation measure - Operation Turtle Dove

Operation Turtle Dove is a science-led conservation partnership working to reverse the decline of Turtle Doves in the UK by restoring habitat and addressing key threats. Learn why captive-bred release...

operationturtledove.org

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 24d

Common Tern at a very windy #ChardRes today! @somersetbirds.bsky.social

Common Tern (right) about to settle on wooden post. LBB Gull in centre.

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 24d

Reasonable moth trap last night with Portland Ribbon Wave NFM, Rush Veneer, Turnip Moth, Pale Mottled Willow, 12 Lunar Underwing & at least 18 Box-tree Moth! 18 species/80 moths recorded. South Somerset VC5 #teammoth

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 25d

Please SIGN: The Amazon is near a tipping point – our climate and future hang in the balance. At COP30, leaders must act. Support rainforest protection – add your voice! #Amazon #ClimateAction ✍️
rainforest-rescue.org/petitions/13...

#petition A call to the governments of the world: Protect our climate – save the Amazon rainforest!

The Amazon rainforest sustains people, biodiversity, and our climate, yet it is under constant threat. At COP30 in Brazil this November, governments must act. Protecting rainforests means protecting o...

rainforest-rescue.org

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 25d

Glad Nick was able to return & see it! Good luck with the filming next week.

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 25d

The Seaton Marsh Wryneck did the decent thing & showed eventually today! My first for 4 years. Good to meet Viv @vivkeene.bsky.social Nick Howe & Alan Smith. #DevonBirds

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 26d

An evening visit to my inland Dorset patch in late sunshine & migrants still passing through, with Redstart & Spotted Flycatcher feeding from fence line, amazing count of 7 Green Sandpiper & 2 Common Sandpiper #PWC2025 @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social

Common Redstart, 1st winter female? on fence post

Spotted Flycatcher & Common Redstart together on barbed wire fence

Four of the seven Green Sandpiper feeding on one of the lakes

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 26d

It's always a good day when you find a Whinchat! This one, with 2 Stonechat in set-a-side fields on Chard outskirts. #PWC2025 @somersetbirds.bsky.social

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 27d

Right now, just a few powerful polluters are holding the whole world hostage - stopping a Plastics Treaty that could protect our health, wildlife, and planet. Join me today and speak up for a strong global policy to protect us from plastic pollution! action.wemove.eu/sign/2025-08...

End the Plastic Era!

Right now, just a few powerful polluters are holding the whole world hostage - stopping a Plastics Treaty that could protect our health, wildlife, and planet. Join me today and speak up for a strong g...

action.wemove.eu

Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · 27d

An off patch visit to Cheddar Res this am, gave very distant views of Red-necked Phalarope, plus 3 Grey Phalarope, 6 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, 5 Glossy Ibis, singles of Red-crested Pochard, Black & Common Terns, plus Dunlin & Ringed Plover (dull light, wind & distance= crap photos!) #SomersetBirding

Red-necked Phalarope (honest!) between duck & LBB Gull

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · Sep 14

#AvonBirds

Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · Sep 14

Saturday 13th Sept, 4 Wheatear on the outskirts of Chard, along with 2 Stonechat. Single Clouded Yellow too. @somersetbirds.bsky.social

One of four Wheatear feeding in stubble field.

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Reposted by Dave Helliar

Bumblebee Conservation Trust @bumblebeetrust.bsky.social · Sep 12

Yesterday, the UK’s leading insect conservation charities launched the Declaration on the UK Insect Declines Crisis at the @WildSummitUK🚨

This united front calls for change across governments, land managers, businesses, and the public. @savebutterflies.bsky.social

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A close-up of a bumblebee feeding on a sunflower. Text reads: Insect crisis declared. The UK’s leading insect conservation charities launch the Declaration on the UK Insect Declines Crisis.

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Dave Helliar @dhelliar.bsky.social · Sep 11

Short, hand held video of the 1st winter Grey Phalarope at my inland Dorset patch 31st Aug to 3rd Sept 2025. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
youtu.be/gRiL8A80o_o

1st Winter Grey Phalarope (Red Phalarope)

YouTube video by Dave Helliar

youtu.be

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