Andy Paton
@andypaton.bsky.social
There is no Maverick without Goose. A team worker looking out for wildlife.
Pinned
Reposted by Andy Paton
Attempt to downlist conservation status of Peregrine Falcons (to allow international trade) is thwarted at CITES conference raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/04/a...
Attempt to downlist conservation status of Peregrine Falcons (to allow international trade) is thwarted at CITES conference
To the relief of many raptor conservationists, a proposal to downlist the Peregrine Falcon from Appendix 1 to Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which w…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
December 4, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Attempt to downlist conservation status of Peregrine Falcons (to allow international trade) is thwarted at CITES conference raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/04/a...
Reposted by Andy Paton
#Aquaculture - so many issues of #HumanRights, #AMR, environmental damage
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
‘Those who eat Chilean salmon cannot imagine how much human blood it carries with it’
The country is the world’s second-largest producer of the popular fish, and the biggest supplier to the US, but its farms are beset by accusations of dangerous labour conditions, antibiotic overuse an...
www.theguardian.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:04 PM
#Aquaculture - so many issues of #HumanRights, #AMR, environmental damage
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Reposted by Andy Paton
When the Hills Wear Stripes | Walkhighlands: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/news/when-th... @walkhighlands.co.uk
When the Hills Wear Stripes
Have you noticed stripey patterns on high hillsides? I’ve noticed a lot recently. That’s undoubtedly because I’m spending so much time in the Cairngorms these days, where such patterns are common, but...
www.walkhighlands.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 9:49 PM
When the Hills Wear Stripes | Walkhighlands: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/news/when-th... @walkhighlands.co.uk
Reposted by Andy Paton
OMG !! Should I be as excited as I am ??
Just glanced out of my urban window & noticed a female and a male Blackcap! Passing through the Ash & Holly.
Pics are from my garden, of previous over-wintering birds.
The benefits of having unruly privet, holly, and ivy.
100% natural bird feeders 💚 🪶
Just glanced out of my urban window & noticed a female and a male Blackcap! Passing through the Ash & Holly.
Pics are from my garden, of previous over-wintering birds.
The benefits of having unruly privet, holly, and ivy.
100% natural bird feeders 💚 🪶
December 3, 2025 at 11:09 AM
OMG !! Should I be as excited as I am ??
Just glanced out of my urban window & noticed a female and a male Blackcap! Passing through the Ash & Holly.
Pics are from my garden, of previous over-wintering birds.
The benefits of having unruly privet, holly, and ivy.
100% natural bird feeders 💚 🪶
Just glanced out of my urban window & noticed a female and a male Blackcap! Passing through the Ash & Holly.
Pics are from my garden, of previous over-wintering birds.
The benefits of having unruly privet, holly, and ivy.
100% natural bird feeders 💚 🪶
Reposted by Andy Paton
male White-winged Scoter off St Andrews Aquarium (associating with Eider flock), Water Pipit @ St Margaret’s Marsh but no sign of Water Pipit @ Cocklemill Burn
03/12/25
03/12/25
December 3, 2025 at 7:27 PM
male White-winged Scoter off St Andrews Aquarium (associating with Eider flock), Water Pipit @ St Margaret’s Marsh but no sign of Water Pipit @ Cocklemill Burn
03/12/25
03/12/25
Reposted by Andy Paton
Last day in London. Brent Res for Jacksnipe or Woods in SE? The latter as the hides at Brent need a key.
A quick scan at the site, I spotted this female Crossbill. Further on, a Firecrest in a tit flock.
Visited St Dunstan, a wild place with a Wren spire & no roof.
Grey Heron grabbed my attention 🪶
A quick scan at the site, I spotted this female Crossbill. Further on, a Firecrest in a tit flock.
Visited St Dunstan, a wild place with a Wren spire & no roof.
Grey Heron grabbed my attention 🪶
December 2, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Last day in London. Brent Res for Jacksnipe or Woods in SE? The latter as the hides at Brent need a key.
A quick scan at the site, I spotted this female Crossbill. Further on, a Firecrest in a tit flock.
Visited St Dunstan, a wild place with a Wren spire & no roof.
Grey Heron grabbed my attention 🪶
A quick scan at the site, I spotted this female Crossbill. Further on, a Firecrest in a tit flock.
Visited St Dunstan, a wild place with a Wren spire & no roof.
Grey Heron grabbed my attention 🪶
Reposted by Andy Paton
Good discussion on the @green-alliance.org.uk podcast about the attack on peaceful protest from successive governments , and how we must fight back . Listen now at chrispackh.am/1d0271
December 2, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Good discussion on the @green-alliance.org.uk podcast about the attack on peaceful protest from successive governments , and how we must fight back . Listen now at chrispackh.am/1d0271
Reposted by Andy Paton
Goshawk dies from gunshot injuries in Aberdeenshire - Police Scotland appeals for information raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/01/g...
Goshawk dies from gunshot injuries in Aberdeenshire – Police Scotland appeals for information
Press release from Police Scotland (1 December 2025): APPEAL FOR INFORMATION AFTER BIRD OF PREY SHOT IN ABERDEENSHIRE Officers are appealing for information after a bird of prey was shot in Aberdee…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
December 2, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Goshawk dies from gunshot injuries in Aberdeenshire - Police Scotland appeals for information raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/01/g...
Reposted by Andy Paton
More detail on Natural England's decision to close Hen Harrier Southern Reintroduction Project raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/02/m...
More detail on Natural England’s decision to close Hen Harrier Southern Reintroduction Project
Back in September, Natural England announced its decision to end its controversial plan to ‘reintroduce’ Hen Harriers to southern England (see here). The decision was widely welcomed by…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
December 2, 2025 at 5:30 PM
More detail on Natural England's decision to close Hen Harrier Southern Reintroduction Project raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/02/m...
Reposted by Andy Paton
Better messaging from RSPB here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
Three ways you can help local wildlife this winter
RSPB's Roshni Parmar-Hill gives her tips on looking after wildlife this winter.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Better messaging from RSPB here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
Reposted by Andy Paton
Suzie MacKenzie, printmaker working primarily in collagraph, her work describes the landscape of the north-eastern Highlands of Scotland #ReframingWomenPrintmakers #Winter
November 30, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Suzie MacKenzie, printmaker working primarily in collagraph, her work describes the landscape of the north-eastern Highlands of Scotland #ReframingWomenPrintmakers #Winter
Reposted by Andy Paton
In London tomorrow for a gig. Birding before & after naturally.
Visited KG V Reservoir for the first time.
All 4 uncommon/scarce birds seen. Grey Phalarope, BN Grebe & Scaup. Black Redstart made it 50 species for the day.
Well worth the palaver of getting a permit.
#LowCarbonBirding
#LondonBirds 🪶
Visited KG V Reservoir for the first time.
All 4 uncommon/scarce birds seen. Grey Phalarope, BN Grebe & Scaup. Black Redstart made it 50 species for the day.
Well worth the palaver of getting a permit.
#LowCarbonBirding
#LondonBirds 🪶
November 30, 2025 at 7:05 PM
In London tomorrow for a gig. Birding before & after naturally.
Visited KG V Reservoir for the first time.
All 4 uncommon/scarce birds seen. Grey Phalarope, BN Grebe & Scaup. Black Redstart made it 50 species for the day.
Well worth the palaver of getting a permit.
#LowCarbonBirding
#LondonBirds 🪶
Visited KG V Reservoir for the first time.
All 4 uncommon/scarce birds seen. Grey Phalarope, BN Grebe & Scaup. Black Redstart made it 50 species for the day.
Well worth the palaver of getting a permit.
#LowCarbonBirding
#LondonBirds 🪶
Reposted by Andy Paton
Massive decline in Cairngorms National Park Peregrine population linked to intensive grouse moor management – Raptor Persecution UK raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/30/m...
Massive decline in Cairngorms National Park Peregrine population linked to intensive grouse moor management
Press release from Cairngorms National Park Authority (24 November 2025) PEREGRINE NUMBERS IN DECLINE IN CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK The last UK-wide survey of peregrines took place in 2014 and covere…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
November 30, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Massive decline in Cairngorms National Park Peregrine population linked to intensive grouse moor management – Raptor Persecution UK raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/30/m...
Reposted by Andy Paton
December 1, 2025 at 6:17 AM
Reposted by Andy Paton
On the ferry, crossing the Firth of Clyde after a fantastic short break on Arran. We stayed in a brilliant vegan B&B - Stonewater House in Lamlash. Saw otters, red squirrels, eider, mergansers, many shore birds and woodland birds. A stunning place. share.google/AWcMAxYmL56h...
December 1, 2025 at 7:39 AM
On the ferry, crossing the Firth of Clyde after a fantastic short break on Arran. We stayed in a brilliant vegan B&B - Stonewater House in Lamlash. Saw otters, red squirrels, eider, mergansers, many shore birds and woodland birds. A stunning place. share.google/AWcMAxYmL56h...
Reposted by Andy Paton
15 Little Auk @ Fife Ness, 2 Little Auk @ St Andrews, 2 Great Egret @ Angle Park
29/11/25
29/11/25
November 29, 2025 at 9:35 PM
15 Little Auk @ Fife Ness, 2 Little Auk @ St Andrews, 2 Great Egret @ Angle Park
29/11/25
29/11/25
Reposted by Andy Paton
Water Pipit @ Cocklemill Burn, 3 Black-necked Grebe @ Burntisland, juv Long-tailed Skua @ Pettycur
29/11/25
29/11/25
November 29, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Water Pipit @ Cocklemill Burn, 3 Black-necked Grebe @ Burntisland, juv Long-tailed Skua @ Pettycur
29/11/25
29/11/25
Reposted by Andy Paton
Redwing, Siskin, Meadow Pipit and Goldcrest at Riverside Nature Park, Dundee today. No sign of yesterday's Greenland White-fronted Goose, but an unexpected Snow Bunting was a pleasant surprise and new for my 2025Dundee150 list (no pics unfortunately).
November 29, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Redwing, Siskin, Meadow Pipit and Goldcrest at Riverside Nature Park, Dundee today. No sign of yesterday's Greenland White-fronted Goose, but an unexpected Snow Bunting was a pleasant surprise and new for my 2025Dundee150 list (no pics unfortunately).
Reposted by Andy Paton
Police are now investigating the deliberate poisoning of trees on a Dartmoor common owned by Prince William’s Duchy estate, according to the Western Morning News
The Duchy has condemned the culprit
All Dartmoor farming, heritage & conservation groups must condemn this act of ecological sabotage
The Duchy has condemned the culprit
All Dartmoor farming, heritage & conservation groups must condemn this act of ecological sabotage
November 29, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Police are now investigating the deliberate poisoning of trees on a Dartmoor common owned by Prince William’s Duchy estate, according to the Western Morning News
The Duchy has condemned the culprit
All Dartmoor farming, heritage & conservation groups must condemn this act of ecological sabotage
The Duchy has condemned the culprit
All Dartmoor farming, heritage & conservation groups must condemn this act of ecological sabotage
Reposted by Andy Paton
stonefactionbirding2014.blogspot.com/2025/11/1468...
That's what Wednesday was...
#naturewriting #BirdingScotland
That's what Wednesday was...
#naturewriting #BirdingScotland
1468 : Gey Driech (26/11/25)
stonefactionbirding2014.blogspot.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:53 PM
stonefactionbirding2014.blogspot.com/2025/11/1468...
That's what Wednesday was...
#naturewriting #BirdingScotland
That's what Wednesday was...
#naturewriting #BirdingScotland
Reposted by Andy Paton
Nov 28. Bird walk Musselburgh Mouth of Esk, Seawall & Lagoons (49 species) v windy but some good views: Kingfisher, Twite (26), Red-throated Diver (2), GC Grebe (2) @btoscotland.bsky.social @birdinglothian.bsky.social #BirdingLothian
November 28, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Nov 28. Bird walk Musselburgh Mouth of Esk, Seawall & Lagoons (49 species) v windy but some good views: Kingfisher, Twite (26), Red-throated Diver (2), GC Grebe (2) @btoscotland.bsky.social @birdinglothian.bsky.social #BirdingLothian
Reposted by Andy Paton
Cold sweat time, my first thought on seeing these images is that they are the product of Generative AI on account of missing/deformed feet. Could this however just be manipulation of a real image of an extralimital Willow Tit? Never had to even consider these issues before.... #UKBirding
November 28, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Cold sweat time, my first thought on seeing these images is that they are the product of Generative AI on account of missing/deformed feet. Could this however just be manipulation of a real image of an extralimital Willow Tit? Never had to even consider these issues before.... #UKBirding
Reposted by Andy Paton
Guest blog: Nick MacKinnon continues to demolish the case, already in tatters, for huge Walshaw Moor windfarm.
Blog: markavery.info/2025/11/28/g...
Who knows, but I'd be shocked if it got 👍👍
Part of me wants a parallel universe where we see what wd've happened without this strong local campaign.
Blog: markavery.info/2025/11/28/g...
Who knows, but I'd be shocked if it got 👍👍
Part of me wants a parallel universe where we see what wd've happened without this strong local campaign.
November 28, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Guest blog: Nick MacKinnon continues to demolish the case, already in tatters, for huge Walshaw Moor windfarm.
Blog: markavery.info/2025/11/28/g...
Who knows, but I'd be shocked if it got 👍👍
Part of me wants a parallel universe where we see what wd've happened without this strong local campaign.
Blog: markavery.info/2025/11/28/g...
Who knows, but I'd be shocked if it got 👍👍
Part of me wants a parallel universe where we see what wd've happened without this strong local campaign.
Reposted by Andy Paton
BLOG - You were never meant to know about the £25 million estate sale. How prices being paid for large-scale landholdings are being concealed from public view and what needs to change. andywightman.scot/2025/11/you-...
You were never meant to know about the £25 million estate sale - Land Matters
In my previous blog highlighting the £25.2 million sale of Scatwell Estate to Strathconon Estates Ltd, I mentioned a third interesting feature of the sale. You were never meant to know about it. I hav...
andywightman.scot
November 21, 2025 at 5:47 PM
BLOG - You were never meant to know about the £25 million estate sale. How prices being paid for large-scale landholdings are being concealed from public view and what needs to change. andywightman.scot/2025/11/you-...
Reposted by Andy Paton
Scotland's framework for native woodland creation is unfit for purpose. Instead of planting trees we should control grazing, ban burning and leave the rest to nature parkswatchscotland.co.uk/2025/11/20/s...
Sheep grazing on Abrdn's Far Ralia estate - the Forestry Grants farce and woodland carbon bubble - parkswatchscotland
One wonders how much further the price of the Abrdn Property Income Trust (APIT) will drop from the current asking price of offers over £6.9m once prospective buyers become aware sheep are grazing amo...
parkswatchscotland.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Scotland's framework for native woodland creation is unfit for purpose. Instead of planting trees we should control grazing, ban burning and leave the rest to nature parkswatchscotland.co.uk/2025/11/20/s...