Ian Denton
@iand777.bsky.social
I have Grandkids - so no longer use Airport Departure Lounges.
Natural History has been the unbroken story of my life.
Watching wildlife, mostly under Dorset skies.
Wrens; Greenfinches; Little Owls; Raptors & Adders are a preoccupation.
Natural History has been the unbroken story of my life.
Watching wildlife, mostly under Dorset skies.
Wrens; Greenfinches; Little Owls; Raptors & Adders are a preoccupation.
Pinned
Goldfinches feeding on Teasel heads at sunset.
You had admired the teasels with their heads of purple haze flowers in June & there they still are at the start of winter.
A larder of seeds for the charms.
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
#goldfinches #nature 🦉
You had admired the teasels with their heads of purple haze flowers in June & there they still are at the start of winter.
A larder of seeds for the charms.
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
#goldfinches #nature 🦉
Reposted by Ian Denton
This blog, written by a lecturer in criminality at London South Bank University, is a good primer for those struggling to understand why 400+ fox-hunting incidents are reported each year, despite the 2004 hunting ban. #TimeForChange
www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/09/16/h...
www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/09/16/h...
How fox hunting demonstrates the ‘farcical’ nature of criminal justice today - Transforming Society
Tracey Davanna, co-editor of 'Policing in Crisis?', discusses how The Hunt Saboteurs Association exposes the violence, privilege, and state complicity surrounding illegal fox hunting, highlighting how...
www.transformingsociety.co.uk
November 28, 2025 at 4:54 PM
This blog, written by a lecturer in criminality at London South Bank University, is a good primer for those struggling to understand why 400+ fox-hunting incidents are reported each year, despite the 2004 hunting ban. #TimeForChange
www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/09/16/h...
www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/09/16/h...
Reposted by Ian Denton
New collaborative wildlife crime initiative launched:
Operation Major endeavours to build a strong, collaborative response that reduces harm to dogs, protects wildlife & strengthens the detection and prevention of wildlife crime & animal abuse across the UK 👏👏🦡⚖️
naturewatch.org/the-story-be...
Operation Major endeavours to build a strong, collaborative response that reduces harm to dogs, protects wildlife & strengthens the detection and prevention of wildlife crime & animal abuse across the UK 👏👏🦡⚖️
naturewatch.org/the-story-be...
Raising Awareness Of Dogs Injured In The Commission Of Wildlife Crime | Naturewatch Foundation
Operation Major was born out of an incident of barbaric animal abuse, however a story that ended in hope.
naturewatch.org
November 28, 2025 at 4:44 PM
New collaborative wildlife crime initiative launched:
Operation Major endeavours to build a strong, collaborative response that reduces harm to dogs, protects wildlife & strengthens the detection and prevention of wildlife crime & animal abuse across the UK 👏👏🦡⚖️
naturewatch.org/the-story-be...
Operation Major endeavours to build a strong, collaborative response that reduces harm to dogs, protects wildlife & strengthens the detection and prevention of wildlife crime & animal abuse across the UK 👏👏🦡⚖️
naturewatch.org/the-story-be...
Less than 2.5 secs of the Wren's morning, slowed down.
Always investigating, peering & calculating the odds.
As the temperature falls, the wren looks for aquatic invertebrates more & more.
Freshwater shrimps (amphipods), must be rich in proteins & other nutrients you would imagine.
#wrens 🦉 #ponds
Always investigating, peering & calculating the odds.
As the temperature falls, the wren looks for aquatic invertebrates more & more.
Freshwater shrimps (amphipods), must be rich in proteins & other nutrients you would imagine.
#wrens 🦉 #ponds
November 28, 2025 at 12:41 PM
The Robin & the Song Thrush put out a public information message:
"Always provide wildlife with water, as the temperature drops."
(NB areas of the #weedypond remained unfrozen)
Note how the resident Blackbird drives-off the thrush, who is a winter visitor here.
#ukbirds
"Always provide wildlife with water, as the temperature drops."
(NB areas of the #weedypond remained unfrozen)
Note how the resident Blackbird drives-off the thrush, who is a winter visitor here.
#ukbirds
November 28, 2025 at 11:03 AM
The Robin & the Song Thrush put out a public information message:
"Always provide wildlife with water, as the temperature drops."
(NB areas of the #weedypond remained unfrozen)
Note how the resident Blackbird drives-off the thrush, who is a winter visitor here.
#ukbirds
"Always provide wildlife with water, as the temperature drops."
(NB areas of the #weedypond remained unfrozen)
Note how the resident Blackbird drives-off the thrush, who is a winter visitor here.
#ukbirds
There will be an increasing number of fully red-breasted #FestiveRobin posts in the coming weeks I'm sure.
Here's a memory from the spring, when both the year & the Robin were young & there was only a hint of red on the fledgling bird.
#robins 🦉
Here's a memory from the spring, when both the year & the Robin were young & there was only a hint of red on the fledgling bird.
#robins 🦉
November 28, 2025 at 9:39 AM
There will be an increasing number of fully red-breasted #FestiveRobin posts in the coming weeks I'm sure.
Here's a memory from the spring, when both the year & the Robin were young & there was only a hint of red on the fledgling bird.
#robins 🦉
Here's a memory from the spring, when both the year & the Robin were young & there was only a hint of red on the fledgling bird.
#robins 🦉
Today's #BirdoftheDay theme is #MorningLight
Here, Long-tailed Tits begin gathering feathers to line their nests at dawn, on April 5th.
A thousand plus feathers need to be collected over the following days, so early starts are in order.
🦉
Here, Long-tailed Tits begin gathering feathers to line their nests at dawn, on April 5th.
A thousand plus feathers need to be collected over the following days, so early starts are in order.
🦉
November 28, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Today's #BirdoftheDay theme is #MorningLight
Here, Long-tailed Tits begin gathering feathers to line their nests at dawn, on April 5th.
A thousand plus feathers need to be collected over the following days, so early starts are in order.
🦉
Here, Long-tailed Tits begin gathering feathers to line their nests at dawn, on April 5th.
A thousand plus feathers need to be collected over the following days, so early starts are in order.
🦉
When you're alone, don't let your troubles surround you,
you can always go, Downtown...
you can always go, Downtown...
Piccadilly Circus
The Ladybird book of London,
1961
Artist: John Berry
The Ladybird book of London,
1961
Artist: John Berry
November 27, 2025 at 8:25 PM
When you're alone, don't let your troubles surround you,
you can always go, Downtown...
you can always go, Downtown...
1/2 Roost Update - 27th Nov.
Roosting kicked-off with the arrival of a huge, winding flock of Wood Pigeons at 3.30pm. This is completely new at this roost site & there was a 2nd slightly smaller flock of pigeons at 4pm.
Meanwhile the corvids were having acorn frenzies under many of the local Oaks.
🦉
Roosting kicked-off with the arrival of a huge, winding flock of Wood Pigeons at 3.30pm. This is completely new at this roost site & there was a 2nd slightly smaller flock of pigeons at 4pm.
Meanwhile the corvids were having acorn frenzies under many of the local Oaks.
🦉
November 27, 2025 at 6:18 PM
1/2 Roost Update - 27th Nov.
Roosting kicked-off with the arrival of a huge, winding flock of Wood Pigeons at 3.30pm. This is completely new at this roost site & there was a 2nd slightly smaller flock of pigeons at 4pm.
Meanwhile the corvids were having acorn frenzies under many of the local Oaks.
🦉
Roosting kicked-off with the arrival of a huge, winding flock of Wood Pigeons at 3.30pm. This is completely new at this roost site & there was a 2nd slightly smaller flock of pigeons at 4pm.
Meanwhile the corvids were having acorn frenzies under many of the local Oaks.
🦉
Reposted by Ian Denton
BSBI @bsbibotany.bsky.social announces winning photographs markavery.info/2025/11/27/w...
Second category: finding plants in wild places.
Into the depths – Aquatic plants at Loch Ullachie, Aberdeenshire by Ian Francis
Second category: finding plants in wild places.
Into the depths – Aquatic plants at Loch Ullachie, Aberdeenshire by Ian Francis
November 27, 2025 at 5:52 PM
BSBI @bsbibotany.bsky.social announces winning photographs markavery.info/2025/11/27/w...
Second category: finding plants in wild places.
Into the depths – Aquatic plants at Loch Ullachie, Aberdeenshire by Ian Francis
Second category: finding plants in wild places.
Into the depths – Aquatic plants at Loch Ullachie, Aberdeenshire by Ian Francis
The Rooks always appreciate finding some corn on the track on a frosty morning.
It's all grist to the mill....
Post below refers.
#corvids #WhenIciclesHangbytheWall 🦉
It's all grist to the mill....
Post below refers.
#corvids #WhenIciclesHangbytheWall 🦉
November 27, 2025 at 3:39 PM
The Rooks always appreciate finding some corn on the track on a frosty morning.
It's all grist to the mill....
Post below refers.
#corvids #WhenIciclesHangbytheWall 🦉
It's all grist to the mill....
Post below refers.
#corvids #WhenIciclesHangbytheWall 🦉
Abscission.
Yesterday's hard frost triggered this Oak in the garden to shed its leaves at a faster rate.
While other oaks are almost bare, this tree is lazy - slow to leaf-burst in June & late to lose leaves in November.
It reminded me of autumnal walks to primary school, back in the day.
#trees
Yesterday's hard frost triggered this Oak in the garden to shed its leaves at a faster rate.
While other oaks are almost bare, this tree is lazy - slow to leaf-burst in June & late to lose leaves in November.
It reminded me of autumnal walks to primary school, back in the day.
#trees
November 27, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Abscission.
Yesterday's hard frost triggered this Oak in the garden to shed its leaves at a faster rate.
While other oaks are almost bare, this tree is lazy - slow to leaf-burst in June & late to lose leaves in November.
It reminded me of autumnal walks to primary school, back in the day.
#trees
Yesterday's hard frost triggered this Oak in the garden to shed its leaves at a faster rate.
While other oaks are almost bare, this tree is lazy - slow to leaf-burst in June & late to lose leaves in November.
It reminded me of autumnal walks to primary school, back in the day.
#trees
The theme for #BirdoftheDay is #HeadShots
And what a beautiful head the Fieldfare possesses - often seen from afar, the colour tone of the blue is exquisite when seen close up.
#wintermigrants 🦉
And what a beautiful head the Fieldfare possesses - often seen from afar, the colour tone of the blue is exquisite when seen close up.
#wintermigrants 🦉
November 27, 2025 at 10:35 AM
The theme for #BirdoftheDay is #HeadShots
And what a beautiful head the Fieldfare possesses - often seen from afar, the colour tone of the blue is exquisite when seen close up.
#wintermigrants 🦉
And what a beautiful head the Fieldfare possesses - often seen from afar, the colour tone of the blue is exquisite when seen close up.
#wintermigrants 🦉
Reposted by Ian Denton
Many people still imagine beekeeping and honey making are somehow 'good for nature'.
But it's the *total* opposite.
share.google/1csfRNfR3lnL...
But it's the *total* opposite.
share.google/1csfRNfR3lnL...
“A beehive is as natural as a pasture of grazing sheep.” Why beekeeping is causing a huge problem for wild bees – according to scientists | Discover Wildlife
A dramatic rise in the number of managed beehives is negatively impacting wild pollinating insects
share.google
November 26, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Many people still imagine beekeeping and honey making are somehow 'good for nature'.
But it's the *total* opposite.
share.google/1csfRNfR3lnL...
But it's the *total* opposite.
share.google/1csfRNfR3lnL...
Reposted by Ian Denton
Today's #birdoftheday theme is #ontheedge of water.
Here's the Wren this morning.
Many people still manage their ponds in a rather sterile way - akin to how people used to keep their lawn & flowerbeds in the 1960's.
Let it #rewild ! Wildlife will be drawn to the margins - just like this #Wren.
🦉
Here's the Wren this morning.
Many people still manage their ponds in a rather sterile way - akin to how people used to keep their lawn & flowerbeds in the 1960's.
Let it #rewild ! Wildlife will be drawn to the margins - just like this #Wren.
🦉
November 26, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Today's #birdoftheday theme is #ontheedge of water.
Here's the Wren this morning.
Many people still manage their ponds in a rather sterile way - akin to how people used to keep their lawn & flowerbeds in the 1960's.
Let it #rewild ! Wildlife will be drawn to the margins - just like this #Wren.
🦉
Here's the Wren this morning.
Many people still manage their ponds in a rather sterile way - akin to how people used to keep their lawn & flowerbeds in the 1960's.
Let it #rewild ! Wildlife will be drawn to the margins - just like this #Wren.
🦉
1/2 Mayhem around the cottage just now as the corvids were gathering to roost.
Just before dark, a Peregrine was launching attacks on the flocks. Here's the bird slowed down - the only time that I managed to isolate it as it circled the garden.
@dorsetraptors.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Just before dark, a Peregrine was launching attacks on the flocks. Here's the bird slowed down - the only time that I managed to isolate it as it circled the garden.
@dorsetraptors.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 5:05 PM
1/2 Mayhem around the cottage just now as the corvids were gathering to roost.
Just before dark, a Peregrine was launching attacks on the flocks. Here's the bird slowed down - the only time that I managed to isolate it as it circled the garden.
@dorsetraptors.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Just before dark, a Peregrine was launching attacks on the flocks. Here's the bird slowed down - the only time that I managed to isolate it as it circled the garden.
@dorsetraptors.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Rooks & Jackdaws are labouring on the track like figures in a winter scene by Bruegel.
It seems incongruous that corvids should be spending time gathering grit in the freezing cold, but without small stones in their gizzards, they can't grind down the acorns, grains & insects that form their diet.
🦉
It seems incongruous that corvids should be spending time gathering grit in the freezing cold, but without small stones in their gizzards, they can't grind down the acorns, grains & insects that form their diet.
🦉
November 26, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Rooks & Jackdaws are labouring on the track like figures in a winter scene by Bruegel.
It seems incongruous that corvids should be spending time gathering grit in the freezing cold, but without small stones in their gizzards, they can't grind down the acorns, grains & insects that form their diet.
🦉
It seems incongruous that corvids should be spending time gathering grit in the freezing cold, but without small stones in their gizzards, they can't grind down the acorns, grains & insects that form their diet.
🦉
Reposted by Ian Denton
Today's #birdoftheday theme is #birds on the edge of water. My first offering is a Black-winged Stilt & young. Those legs are amazing! 🪶
@alan678.bsky.social @robcrank68.bsky.social @iand777.bsky.social
@alan678.bsky.social @robcrank68.bsky.social @iand777.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Today's #birdoftheday theme is #birds on the edge of water. My first offering is a Black-winged Stilt & young. Those legs are amazing! 🪶
@alan678.bsky.social @robcrank68.bsky.social @iand777.bsky.social
@alan678.bsky.social @robcrank68.bsky.social @iand777.bsky.social
Some very cold, early baths have been taken this week.
The resilience of small birds always surprises.
For the rabbit kit, discretion was the better part of valour.
🦉
The resilience of small birds always surprises.
For the rabbit kit, discretion was the better part of valour.
🦉
November 25, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Some very cold, early baths have been taken this week.
The resilience of small birds always surprises.
For the rabbit kit, discretion was the better part of valour.
🦉
The resilience of small birds always surprises.
For the rabbit kit, discretion was the better part of valour.
🦉
The corvid roost in the copse over the field always has large no's of Jackdaws & Rooks, as the nights get colder.
This yr flocks of Wood Pigeons have also joined the throng.
Their presence seems to have upset the evening routine.
Often a Peregrine will be present.
We're gonna need a bigger copse.
🦉
This yr flocks of Wood Pigeons have also joined the throng.
Their presence seems to have upset the evening routine.
Often a Peregrine will be present.
We're gonna need a bigger copse.
🦉
November 25, 2025 at 6:32 PM
The corvid roost in the copse over the field always has large no's of Jackdaws & Rooks, as the nights get colder.
This yr flocks of Wood Pigeons have also joined the throng.
Their presence seems to have upset the evening routine.
Often a Peregrine will be present.
We're gonna need a bigger copse.
🦉
This yr flocks of Wood Pigeons have also joined the throng.
Their presence seems to have upset the evening routine.
Often a Peregrine will be present.
We're gonna need a bigger copse.
🦉
Reposted by Ian Denton
Other work by the Ladybird artists.
Mallards over the Marshes
Artist: Roland Green
Mallards over the Marshes
Artist: Roland Green
November 24, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Other work by the Ladybird artists.
Mallards over the Marshes
Artist: Roland Green
Mallards over the Marshes
Artist: Roland Green
A Robin outside the kitchen window just now, in the gathering gloom.
He peers in and wonders at the way of humans, with their bright lights and warmth, as night falls.
He peers in and wonders at the way of humans, with their bright lights and warmth, as night falls.
November 24, 2025 at 5:07 PM
A Robin outside the kitchen window just now, in the gathering gloom.
He peers in and wonders at the way of humans, with their bright lights and warmth, as night falls.
He peers in and wonders at the way of humans, with their bright lights and warmth, as night falls.
Hen Harrier found dead in Northumberland National Park with shotgun damage to satellite tag raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/24/h...
Hen Harrier found dead in Northumberland National Park with shotgun damage to satellite tag
This is a blog about one of those dead Hen Harriers for whom we’ve been waiting over a year for Natural England to confirm the cause of death. A Hen Harrier (photo by Pete Walkden) The young …
raptorpersecutionuk.org
November 24, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Hen Harrier found dead in Northumberland National Park with shotgun damage to satellite tag raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/24/h...
Reposted by Ian Denton
I assume this was created & published in an attempt to humiliate me. The Nazi inference is clear & offensive, but I’m afraid the Thornton-Cleveleys bit is beyond my sphere of cultural references.
November 24, 2025 at 10:29 AM
I assume this was created & published in an attempt to humiliate me. The Nazi inference is clear & offensive, but I’m afraid the Thornton-Cleveleys bit is beyond my sphere of cultural references.