Birdingprof
@birdingprof.bsky.social
Actual Birder, sometime Twitcher, nascent Moth-er.
2025 Garden Bird yearlist 1️⃣1️⃣0️⃣
VC 26 - West Suffolk.
TL77C - Where Breckland meets Fenland.
2025 Garden Bird yearlist 1️⃣1️⃣0️⃣
VC 26 - West Suffolk.
TL77C - Where Breckland meets Fenland.
Seems like my ‘Wolf’s Milk Slime Mould’ is nothing of the sort.
Something has had a go at it during the night and it’s now more obviously a Fungi, perhaps one of the Psathyrella app. Or similar.
Thanks to @regularslimeguy.bsky.social & @norwichbirder.bsky.social for their pointers.
Something has had a go at it during the night and it’s now more obviously a Fungi, perhaps one of the Psathyrella app. Or similar.
Thanks to @regularslimeguy.bsky.social & @norwichbirder.bsky.social for their pointers.
December 8, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Seems like my ‘Wolf’s Milk Slime Mould’ is nothing of the sort.
Something has had a go at it during the night and it’s now more obviously a Fungi, perhaps one of the Psathyrella app. Or similar.
Thanks to @regularslimeguy.bsky.social & @norwichbirder.bsky.social for their pointers.
Something has had a go at it during the night and it’s now more obviously a Fungi, perhaps one of the Psathyrella app. Or similar.
Thanks to @regularslimeguy.bsky.social & @norwichbirder.bsky.social for their pointers.
Reposted by Birdingprof
Ah yes, we have reached the end-stage of our society at which I can learn about birds without the wretched inconvenience of having to go outdoors and look at birds.
Is it really only me?
Is it really only me?
December 7, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Ah yes, we have reached the end-stage of our society at which I can learn about birds without the wretched inconvenience of having to go outdoors and look at birds.
Is it really only me?
Is it really only me?
On this day 40 years ago: Black and White Warbler at How Hill, an inland Norfolk nature reserve, of all places! 1985 truly was the Autumn that just kept giving.
I seem to remember Ticker stepping into a puddle, without realising it was 4’ deep. 💦
The rest of the day had its merits too. See ALT
I seem to remember Ticker stepping into a puddle, without realising it was 4’ deep. 💦
The rest of the day had its merits too. See ALT
December 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM
On this day 40 years ago: Black and White Warbler at How Hill, an inland Norfolk nature reserve, of all places! 1985 truly was the Autumn that just kept giving.
I seem to remember Ticker stepping into a puddle, without realising it was 4’ deep. 💦
The rest of the day had its merits too. See ALT
I seem to remember Ticker stepping into a puddle, without realising it was 4’ deep. 💦
The rest of the day had its merits too. See ALT
This appears to be Wolf’s Milk Slime Mould (Lycogala epidendrum) from the garden this morning. Never noticed it before.
Just one Moth, appropriately enough a Winter Moth.
#teammoth
Just one Moth, appropriately enough a Winter Moth.
#teammoth
December 7, 2025 at 10:51 AM
This appears to be Wolf’s Milk Slime Mould (Lycogala epidendrum) from the garden this morning. Never noticed it before.
Just one Moth, appropriately enough a Winter Moth.
#teammoth
Just one Moth, appropriately enough a Winter Moth.
#teammoth
The Water Rail showed for a few brief seconds this morning. Better news, and better late than never was a flyover #110 Yellowhammer. Tho annual, I’ve never had one in December before, but they’ve been getting later each year.
YBW & Chiffchaff still.
YBW & Chiffchaff still.
December 7, 2025 at 10:33 AM
The Water Rail showed for a few brief seconds this morning. Better news, and better late than never was a flyover #110 Yellowhammer. Tho annual, I’ve never had one in December before, but they’ve been getting later each year.
YBW & Chiffchaff still.
YBW & Chiffchaff still.
This is quite fun. Candlesnuff Fungus, (Xylaria hypoxylon) apparently bioluminescent. Might have to check it later tonight.
The Yellow-browed Warbler was calling by the front door, and a, probable female, Peregrine was traumatising the Pigeons around the church at lunchtime, mine as well as hers.
The Yellow-browed Warbler was calling by the front door, and a, probable female, Peregrine was traumatising the Pigeons around the church at lunchtime, mine as well as hers.
December 5, 2025 at 2:13 PM
This is quite fun. Candlesnuff Fungus, (Xylaria hypoxylon) apparently bioluminescent. Might have to check it later tonight.
The Yellow-browed Warbler was calling by the front door, and a, probable female, Peregrine was traumatising the Pigeons around the church at lunchtime, mine as well as hers.
The Yellow-browed Warbler was calling by the front door, and a, probable female, Peregrine was traumatising the Pigeons around the church at lunchtime, mine as well as hers.
Got to see the @rspb.bsky.social Lakenheath Moth trap being emptied this morning. Didn’t take long as it started off empty. 😳
I still got a NFM/NFG Case-bearing Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella) tho, it’s not only new for the tetrad 🔲 it’s also new for the hetrad. New for the bedroom too!
#teammoth
I still got a NFM/NFG Case-bearing Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella) tho, it’s not only new for the tetrad 🔲 it’s also new for the hetrad. New for the bedroom too!
#teammoth
December 5, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Got to see the @rspb.bsky.social Lakenheath Moth trap being emptied this morning. Didn’t take long as it started off empty. 😳
I still got a NFM/NFG Case-bearing Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella) tho, it’s not only new for the tetrad 🔲 it’s also new for the hetrad. New for the bedroom too!
#teammoth
I still got a NFM/NFG Case-bearing Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella) tho, it’s not only new for the tetrad 🔲 it’s also new for the hetrad. New for the bedroom too!
#teammoth
I don’t often see Buzzards in the garden, and if I do, it’s usually as they are flying out of dense foliage. So this may be the first I’ve photographed.
Another Blackcap was nice to see, my third in about 5 weeks. This one a ringed female.
#suffolkbirding
Another Blackcap was nice to see, my third in about 5 weeks. This one a ringed female.
#suffolkbirding
December 5, 2025 at 10:10 AM
I don’t often see Buzzards in the garden, and if I do, it’s usually as they are flying out of dense foliage. So this may be the first I’ve photographed.
Another Blackcap was nice to see, my third in about 5 weeks. This one a ringed female.
#suffolkbirding
Another Blackcap was nice to see, my third in about 5 weeks. This one a ringed female.
#suffolkbirding
Thursday is the new Friday. 🍸
And a new Cocktail is in the mix - Aperol Gin Sour.
It’s not without its merits
And a new Cocktail is in the mix - Aperol Gin Sour.
It’s not without its merits
December 4, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Thursday is the new Friday. 🍸
And a new Cocktail is in the mix - Aperol Gin Sour.
It’s not without its merits
And a new Cocktail is in the mix - Aperol Gin Sour.
It’s not without its merits
Reposted by Birdingprof
The first Bittern since 2012, our fourth ever Yellow-browed Warbler and a remarkable passage of Brent Geese were November highlights at London’s Walthamstow Wetlands. Round-up on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @chris-farthing.bsky.social and DD for photos.
December 2, 2025 at 7:02 AM
The first Bittern since 2012, our fourth ever Yellow-browed Warbler and a remarkable passage of Brent Geese were November highlights at London’s Walthamstow Wetlands. Round-up on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @chris-farthing.bsky.social and DD for photos.
Singing Cetti’s Warbler, heard yesterday, was a new bird for the month of December.
This morning; the Yellow-browed Warbler showed very well, Water Rail and Chiffchaff heard, Redpoll over (it’s been a good autumn/winter for them).
Little Egret having a good foot paddle in the shallow stream.
This morning; the Yellow-browed Warbler showed very well, Water Rail and Chiffchaff heard, Redpoll over (it’s been a good autumn/winter for them).
Little Egret having a good foot paddle in the shallow stream.
December 4, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Singing Cetti’s Warbler, heard yesterday, was a new bird for the month of December.
This morning; the Yellow-browed Warbler showed very well, Water Rail and Chiffchaff heard, Redpoll over (it’s been a good autumn/winter for them).
Little Egret having a good foot paddle in the shallow stream.
This morning; the Yellow-browed Warbler showed very well, Water Rail and Chiffchaff heard, Redpoll over (it’s been a good autumn/winter for them).
Little Egret having a good foot paddle in the shallow stream.
The Otter found a handy feeding ledge in the wall of the old lock gate, now part of the fish ladder.
December 3, 2025 at 10:39 PM
The Otter found a handy feeding ledge in the wall of the old lock gate, now part of the fish ladder.
After a while searching the riverside vegetation, it changed to a more energetic task - swimming & fishing at the bottom of the new fish ladder. 🐟 🪜
Really showed itself to be a master of its realm.
Really showed itself to be a master of its realm.
December 3, 2025 at 10:37 PM
After a while searching the riverside vegetation, it changed to a more energetic task - swimming & fishing at the bottom of the new fish ladder. 🐟 🪜
Really showed itself to be a master of its realm.
Really showed itself to be a master of its realm.
This afternoon’s Otter could be quite confiding if approached stealthily, which of course I did. Came to within 2-3m. I could even hear it breathing
December 3, 2025 at 10:31 PM
This afternoon’s Otter could be quite confiding if approached stealthily, which of course I did. Came to within 2-3m. I could even hear it breathing
Today’s #Otter. I’m thinking could be a male, as it looked to have a broader muzzle to the one earlier in the week, also it appeared to have a less pink nose, but I’m not 100% confident.
Spent a lot of time ‘wummaging in the undagwoth’ as David Bellamy might have said.
Spent a lot of time ‘wummaging in the undagwoth’ as David Bellamy might have said.
December 3, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Today’s #Otter. I’m thinking could be a male, as it looked to have a broader muzzle to the one earlier in the week, also it appeared to have a less pink nose, but I’m not 100% confident.
Spent a lot of time ‘wummaging in the undagwoth’ as David Bellamy might have said.
Spent a lot of time ‘wummaging in the undagwoth’ as David Bellamy might have said.
Spent a fair while, before a late lunch, watching this #Otter, at times visible from, and occasionally in, the garden.
I always struggle to see what small prey they are catching, though it often sounds crunchy.
I think this shows one eating a Crayfish British or American? I don’t know. 🦞 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 🤷🏻♂️
I always struggle to see what small prey they are catching, though it often sounds crunchy.
I think this shows one eating a Crayfish British or American? I don’t know. 🦞 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 🤷🏻♂️
December 3, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Spent a fair while, before a late lunch, watching this #Otter, at times visible from, and occasionally in, the garden.
I always struggle to see what small prey they are catching, though it often sounds crunchy.
I think this shows one eating a Crayfish British or American? I don’t know. 🦞 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 🤷🏻♂️
I always struggle to see what small prey they are catching, though it often sounds crunchy.
I think this shows one eating a Crayfish British or American? I don’t know. 🦞 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 🤷🏻♂️
Fairly quiet this morning, certainly in terms of any movement over the garden.
Unusually the Water Rail(s?) were not quiet. Normally don’t hear a peep, or ‘pik’ from them during the winter here, but I always suspect that if and when I do hear one, that there’s actually another nearby.
Unusually the Water Rail(s?) were not quiet. Normally don’t hear a peep, or ‘pik’ from them during the winter here, but I always suspect that if and when I do hear one, that there’s actually another nearby.
December 3, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Fairly quiet this morning, certainly in terms of any movement over the garden.
Unusually the Water Rail(s?) were not quiet. Normally don’t hear a peep, or ‘pik’ from them during the winter here, but I always suspect that if and when I do hear one, that there’s actually another nearby.
Unusually the Water Rail(s?) were not quiet. Normally don’t hear a peep, or ‘pik’ from them during the winter here, but I always suspect that if and when I do hear one, that there’s actually another nearby.
Reposted by Birdingprof
01/12/25. 3/2. Winter Moth & 2 Mottled Umber. Highlight of today was the unbelievable sight of a Camberwell Beauty sunning itself on a footpath along the E Norfolk coast! Inadvertantly flushed & flew off NW. A long search failed to relocate it... #teammoth #norfolkmoths @norfolknats.bsky.social
December 2, 2025 at 6:35 PM
01/12/25. 3/2. Winter Moth & 2 Mottled Umber. Highlight of today was the unbelievable sight of a Camberwell Beauty sunning itself on a footpath along the E Norfolk coast! Inadvertantly flushed & flew off NW. A long search failed to relocate it... #teammoth #norfolkmoths @norfolknats.bsky.social
Not long in the garden this morning, but long enough to note the Water Rail and Yellow-browed Warbler still present. December is a new month, needless to say, for the latter species. A total of 74 species lifts December from worst performing month.
#suffolkbirds
#suffolkbirds
December 2, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Not long in the garden this morning, but long enough to note the Water Rail and Yellow-browed Warbler still present. December is a new month, needless to say, for the latter species. A total of 74 species lifts December from worst performing month.
#suffolkbirds
#suffolkbirds
Reposted by Birdingprof
Huge News from the Western Amazon: it's the year 2025 and we are still describing entirely new, strikingly-distinctive large-bodied bird species! Behold Tinamus resonans sp. nov. the Slaty-masked Tinamou mapress.com/zt/article/v... #Ornithology @tetzoo.bsky.social 🪶
December 2, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Huge News from the Western Amazon: it's the year 2025 and we are still describing entirely new, strikingly-distinctive large-bodied bird species! Behold Tinamus resonans sp. nov. the Slaty-masked Tinamou mapress.com/zt/article/v... #Ornithology @tetzoo.bsky.social 🪶
A decent morning in the garden. A Mistle Thrush flew in and landed, and a Water Rail appeared just about on cue, in the millstream.
Those 2 additions for the month makes this November, surprisingly, my 5th best month, out of 89, since we’ve lived here, with 69 species!
YBW @ 09:10
#suffolkbirds
Those 2 additions for the month makes this November, surprisingly, my 5th best month, out of 89, since we’ve lived here, with 69 species!
YBW @ 09:10
#suffolkbirds
November 30, 2025 at 11:30 AM
A decent morning in the garden. A Mistle Thrush flew in and landed, and a Water Rail appeared just about on cue, in the millstream.
Those 2 additions for the month makes this November, surprisingly, my 5th best month, out of 89, since we’ve lived here, with 69 species!
YBW @ 09:10
#suffolkbirds
Those 2 additions for the month makes this November, surprisingly, my 5th best month, out of 89, since we’ve lived here, with 69 species!
YBW @ 09:10
#suffolkbirds
Reposted by Birdingprof
Extraordinary record of Willow Tit from Moray!! - 250km-ish from nearest breeders or 550km from Scandinavia! @richardkbroughton.bsky.social birdsinmorayandnairn.org/bird-recordi...
Recent records — Birds in Moray and Nairn
birdsinmorayandnairn.org
November 28, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Extraordinary record of Willow Tit from Moray!! - 250km-ish from nearest breeders or 550km from Scandinavia! @richardkbroughton.bsky.social birdsinmorayandnairn.org/bird-recordi...
It’s 3 months since I’ve seen any Otters. I’ve heard others have seen them recently, and a guy passing by told me he’d seen a Beaver just up river. Quickly corrected to Otter.
Anyhoo, what should come swimming up our millstream this afternoon? Amazing the difference having a bit of water makes
Anyhoo, what should come swimming up our millstream this afternoon? Amazing the difference having a bit of water makes
November 28, 2025 at 8:13 PM
It’s 3 months since I’ve seen any Otters. I’ve heard others have seen them recently, and a guy passing by told me he’d seen a Beaver just up river. Quickly corrected to Otter.
Anyhoo, what should come swimming up our millstream this afternoon? Amazing the difference having a bit of water makes
Anyhoo, what should come swimming up our millstream this afternoon? Amazing the difference having a bit of water makes
Large-grooved Diving Beetle (Colymbetes fuscus) was the highlight from the @rspb.bsky.social Lakenheath Moth trap. Also 9 December Moth and a Winter Moth.
A Chiffchaff this morning in the garden was a relief, and just squeezes into November. An impressive unbroken run of 24 months for the species.
A Chiffchaff this morning in the garden was a relief, and just squeezes into November. An impressive unbroken run of 24 months for the species.
November 28, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Large-grooved Diving Beetle (Colymbetes fuscus) was the highlight from the @rspb.bsky.social Lakenheath Moth trap. Also 9 December Moth and a Winter Moth.
A Chiffchaff this morning in the garden was a relief, and just squeezes into November. An impressive unbroken run of 24 months for the species.
A Chiffchaff this morning in the garden was a relief, and just squeezes into November. An impressive unbroken run of 24 months for the species.