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Gavin Haig

@notquitescilly.bsky.social

860 followers 490 following 750 posts

Mainly birds, moths, other nat. hist. Mainly W Dorset & E Devon, UK https://notquitescilly2.blogspot.com

notquitescilly2.blogspot.com

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Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · 13h

No, I'm not on DBC email circ, so hadn't seen that. But it's a good Q.
Was interesting just recently how many were picked up on Portland by mainly just one observer, a birder who is particularly tuned in to them.

Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · 14h

Ha ha! 😄 Right now is definitely the time to look for them. Unprecedented numbers on the Axe lately, so they must be turning up elsewhere in Dorset/Devon. 👍

Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · 14h

Only had time for 15-minute check of Axe gulls this morning, but roughly fourth bird I looked at was a Dutch-ringed 1w Caspian Gull. Astonishing run of these locally at the moment.
Think an afternoon visit essential! 😄
With thanks to @axebirder.bsky.social for the regular gen.

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Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · 2d

Ha ha! In that case we both owe @paulupwey.bsky.social a drink! Social media has its uses! 😄👍

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Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · 2d

Potted off the sheet? I'll bet it was very scary getting the lid on. And shaky hands wouldn't have made it any easier! 😄

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Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · 3d

Thanks. Completely forgot the hashtag! 👍

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Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · 3d

😂

Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · 4d

With no plans to do any trapping until next year, nevertheless thought I'd try and get new home moth list underway by installing porch light plus 20W actinic bulb today. Quick check just now, and we're away: 2 spp. 😄
Axminster, Devon

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Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · 9d

I have Firecrest photos with a lot more bird on show, but rather like this shot. One of two birds in the Black Hole Marsh car park, Seaton Wetlands early evening; this one ringed.
#DevonBirds

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Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · 9d

Maybe next year! 😄

Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · 9d

Thanks Stew. We're about 6 miles inland here. Got some local exploring to do...

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Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · 10d

What it says on the tin...
#DevonBirds

A Flavour of Things to Come

Too many stressful weeks finally came to an end on Monday, 22nd September when we moved into our new home in Axminster. Birding time ha...

notquitescilly2.blogspot.com

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Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · 10d

A surprise Siberian Chiffchaff among 20+ Chiffs at Beer Head this morning. Attached ropey photo compares Sibe on the right with regular collybita job on the left.
#DevonBirds

Composite photo of Chiffchaff (P. collybita) on left, with Siberian Chiffchaff on right.

Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · Sep 13

Thanks Tim. Agree, it's a cracker!

Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · Sep 13

Seabirds, 'Scillies running', scuppered...
#DorsetBirds

The Big C

18:11 Tuesday evening, a message from Tom: Sab's settled West Bay...end pier 18:12: Thanks. On my way 18:19: Still showing. 2 Great Shears t...

notquitescilly2.blogspot.com

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Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · Sep 10

You're welcome! 😄👍

Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · Sep 9

😳

Steve Rogers 🟰🟰 @runnelstone.bsky.social · Sep 9

A massive count of 53,000 Great Shearwaters off the The Lizard today. Well done to the Lizard faithful. Can’t beat a big SSW storm!🤛

Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · Sep 9

Ha ha! Thanks Richard. 😄👍

Good to see you're getting out and about in W Sussex. 😊

Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · Sep 9

Very much a 'birder's photo' but at least it features one of West Bay's iconic 'red baskets' as @tombrereton.bsky.social would call it. Juv Sabine's Gull was well worth getting wet for in this evening's rain. Off the end of the West Pier. 😎 With thanks to Tom for the shout.
#DorsetBirds

Juv Sabine's Gull against backdrop of grey sea. Bird is miniscule in the photo. On the right is metal 'red basket' on red pole, just creeping into shot.

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Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · Sep 9

Thanks Martin. 😊👍

Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · Sep 9

Cogden bushes dead quiet this morning but plenty of birds offshore - mostly milling around it seemed - including double figures of Balearic Shearwater (25+ in one scan) and Med Gull; also 7 Ringed Plovers on the beach.
#DorsetBirds

2 Balearic Shearwaters in flight over a rough, blue-grey sea; a Black-headed Gull against the sky. All birds very small in the image.

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Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · Sep 9

Spurn must be as likely as anywhere to get a Wryneck this weekend! 😄
Hope you see one. 👍

Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · Sep 8

A week of ups and downs. Mostly ups...
#DorsetBirds

A Week in the Life...

As a fully retired old-age pensioner there is now no logistical reason why I cannot go birdwatching almost every day. I guess there mus...

notquitescilly2.blogspot.com

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Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · Sep 8

Lovely! Funnily enough, increasing regularity doesn't make them any less appealing. Beauties all! 😍

Gavin Haig @notquitescilly.bsky.social · Sep 7

Thought I'd try your image in Google Lens too
All I can say is: DO NOT eat anything based on what an ID app tells you! 😂