Stephen Welch
@lothianrecorder.bsky.social
Lothian SOC bird recorder from 2011: bird atlas, gull/tern ring reading, vismig/nocmig, Seton/Gosford patch, surveys, roosts & garden birding
Pinned
Thanks to @birdtrack.bsky.social for 2024 stats - nearly all birding on home Seton/Gosford patch, records and species a bit down with some enforced breaks, but totals up with over 500k birds counted, incl sea duck influx, and usual gull sp though also first 3cy YLG; again 300+ gull darvic rings read
Reposted by Stephen Welch
This 1cy Caspian Gull at Tyninghame yday was a much enjoyed Scottish first for myself and @tomgale98.bsky.social. Dutch green darvic V|+ was ringed 5 May at IJsselmmer, then seen Lowestoft (Suffolk) in July and De Haan (Belgium) 17 Oct before arriving here #birdinglothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social
November 9, 2025 at 8:57 PM
This 1cy Caspian Gull at Tyninghame yday was a much enjoyed Scottish first for myself and @tomgale98.bsky.social. Dutch green darvic V|+ was ringed 5 May at IJsselmmer, then seen Lowestoft (Suffolk) in July and De Haan (Belgium) 17 Oct before arriving here #birdinglothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social
Reposted by Stephen Welch
The latest report from the RBBP, Rare Breeding Birds in the UK in 2023, is out now in British Birds. It reports on the 104 species and races of rare breeding birds recording breeding, or showing signs of breeding, in 2023. Read the summary at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... #ornithology #ukbirds 🧵[1/15]
November 4, 2025 at 10:51 AM
The latest report from the RBBP, Rare Breeding Birds in the UK in 2023, is out now in British Birds. It reports on the 104 species and races of rare breeding birds recording breeding, or showing signs of breeding, in 2023. Read the summary at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... #ornithology #ukbirds 🧵[1/15]
Reposted by Stephen Welch
Our most recent report, Rare Breeding Birds in the UK in 2022, is now available open access on our website at tinyurl.com/2xf23keu
All reports dating back to 1973 can be found at rbbp.org.uk/annual-repor....
Our next report, for 2023, will be published in @britishbirds.bsky.social in November
All reports dating back to 1973 can be found at rbbp.org.uk/annual-repor....
Our next report, for 2023, will be published in @britishbirds.bsky.social in November
September 20, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Our most recent report, Rare Breeding Birds in the UK in 2022, is now available open access on our website at tinyurl.com/2xf23keu
All reports dating back to 1973 can be found at rbbp.org.uk/annual-repor....
Our next report, for 2023, will be published in @britishbirds.bsky.social in November
All reports dating back to 1973 can be found at rbbp.org.uk/annual-repor....
Our next report, for 2023, will be published in @britishbirds.bsky.social in November
Mega hirundine roost continues at Blindwells Minewater Treatment Scheme, in tall phragmites reeds on middle tank (55.962,-2.938), 10k+ Swallows on 12/9/25, sample 8% ad m, 2 Sparrowhawk in attendance; 10x 720p videos follow, full: app.box.com/s/k3xq53bsbg... #birdingscotland @btoscotland.bsky.social
September 13, 2025 at 2:44 AM
Mega hirundine roost continues at Blindwells Minewater Treatment Scheme, in tall phragmites reeds on middle tank (55.962,-2.938), 10k+ Swallows on 12/9/25, sample 8% ad m, 2 Sparrowhawk in attendance; 10x 720p videos follow, full: app.box.com/s/k3xq53bsbg... #birdingscotland @btoscotland.bsky.social
The mega Blindwells hirundine roost has now completely transformed from >99% Sand Martin to >99% Swallow, approx numbers in the 6-7k range on last three evenings, with attention from local Sparrowhawk and an all white Swallow seen, poss from further south*...
* bsky.app/.../lothianr...
* bsky.app/.../lothianr...
September 11, 2025 at 1:54 AM
The mega Blindwells hirundine roost has now completely transformed from >99% Sand Martin to >99% Swallow, approx numbers in the 6-7k range on last three evenings, with attention from local Sparrowhawk and an all white Swallow seen, poss from further south*...
* bsky.app/.../lothianr...
* bsky.app/.../lothianr...
Reposted by Stephen Welch
Garganey & Spotted Redshank @ Angle Park, Garganey @ Morton Lochs, 112 Mediterranean Gull @ Easy Wemyss, 3 Curlew Sandpiper @ Guardbridge
08/09/25
08/09/25
September 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Garganey & Spotted Redshank @ Angle Park, Garganey @ Morton Lochs, 112 Mediterranean Gull @ Easy Wemyss, 3 Curlew Sandpiper @ Guardbridge
08/09/25
08/09/25
Another lanky young LWHG, watched for barely a minute on rocks behind Seton harbour late pm; no open wing, underwing or tail, but strong Casp features: grey saddle, muted contrast replaced scaps, uniform pale brown median coverts, solid brown base greaters and tertials, pale-headed with hint of mask
September 8, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Another lanky young LWHG, watched for barely a minute on rocks behind Seton harbour late pm; no open wing, underwing or tail, but strong Casp features: grey saddle, muted contrast replaced scaps, uniform pale brown median coverts, solid brown base greaters and tertials, pale-headed with hint of mask
A red letter day: at Wrecked Craigs earlier ad LBB black-J674U nearly alone on rocks, an intermedius type from literally last rocks on southern tip of Norway; there are 5 previous ringing recoveries from Norway in online ringing report for Scotland: app.bto.org/ring/countyr... #birdingscotland [1/2]
September 3, 2025 at 11:08 PM
A red letter day: at Wrecked Craigs earlier ad LBB black-J674U nearly alone on rocks, an intermedius type from literally last rocks on southern tip of Norway; there are 5 previous ringing recoveries from Norway in online ringing report for Scotland: app.bto.org/ring/countyr... #birdingscotland [1/2]
This beauty on the Seton Burn at 10 mins to sunset, on shore barely a minute before large gulls flushed and it flew out to Long Craigs rocks where settled to roost... #birdingscotland [1/6]
September 3, 2025 at 10:29 PM
This beauty on the Seton Burn at 10 mins to sunset, on shore barely a minute before large gulls flushed and it flew out to Long Craigs rocks where settled to roost... #birdingscotland [1/6]
Reposted by Stephen Welch
Mediterranean gull white 32A4 back at Seton Burn yesterday for it's 15th year first seen by @lothianrecorder.bsky.social on 06/08 @birdinglothian.bsky.social
August 9, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Mediterranean gull white 32A4 back at Seton Burn yesterday for it's 15th year first seen by @lothianrecorder.bsky.social on 06/08 @birdinglothian.bsky.social
Reposted by Stephen Welch
Wardens and police have issued an urgent plea to dog owners after uncontrolled pets attacked a colony of Little Terns on the Norfolk coast, killing at least four chicks and endangering dozens more:
Off-lead dogs damage Little Tern colony
A colony of rare Little Terns on Norfolk's east coast has suffered after off-lead dogs attacked the birds, killing at least four chicks. The RSPB and Norfolk Police have issued urgent pleas to dog owners, warning of potential prosecution as the breeding season reaches its most critical stage.
bit.ly
July 31, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Wardens and police have issued an urgent plea to dog owners after uncontrolled pets attacked a colony of Little Terns on the Norfolk coast, killing at least four chicks and endangering dozens more:
Huge Sand Martin roost at Blindwells continues, none on mud banks after first day and I feel slightly reduced but fairly steady ~8k; entry to roost has been later, tonight when brighter mainly 30-40 mins after sunset. Numbers for 22nd (mismatch) and 25-26th (I arrived late) adjusted #BirdingScotland
July 29, 2025 at 3:23 AM
Huge Sand Martin roost at Blindwells continues, none on mud banks after first day and I feel slightly reduced but fairly steady ~8k; entry to roost has been later, tonight when brighter mainly 30-40 mins after sunset. Numbers for 22nd (mismatch) and 25-26th (I arrived late) adjusted #BirdingScotland
Update on *mega* Sand Martin roost at Blindwells MTS 22 July - numbers grew rapidly 10 mins to sunset, but many rising from banks/bare earth on main Blindwells site, first entry to roost 7 mins after sunset; seems by far highest Lothian count, one of highest ever in Scotland #birdingscotland [1/2]
July 23, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Update on *mega* Sand Martin roost at Blindwells MTS 22 July - numbers grew rapidly 10 mins to sunset, but many rising from banks/bare earth on main Blindwells site, first entry to roost 7 mins after sunset; seems by far highest Lothian count, one of highest ever in Scotland #birdingscotland [1/2]
July 23, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Update on *mega* Sand Martin roost at Blindwells MTS 22 July - numbers grew rapidly 10 mins to sunset, but many rising from banks/bare earth on main Blindwells site, first entry to roost 7 mins after sunset; seems by far highest Lothian count, one of highest ever in Scotland #birdingscotland [1/2]
10k+ hirundines mainly Sand Martin over Blindwells minewater treatment scheme reedbeds, Sprawk patrolling...
July 22, 2025 at 8:43 PM
10k+ hirundines mainly Sand Martin over Blindwells minewater treatment scheme reedbeds, Sprawk patrolling...
ad Little Gull with Sandwich at mouth of Seton Burn 17:00hrs Sat, then same bird with three of its mates on Longniddry shore just after sunset - soon departed! 3 RNG again roosted off the Bents...
July 20, 2025 at 3:09 AM
ad Little Gull with Sandwich at mouth of Seton Burn 17:00hrs Sat, then same bird with three of its mates on Longniddry shore just after sunset - soon departed! 3 RNG again roosted off the Bents...
Survivor: Sandwich blue-TZR at Seton 8/7/25 per Billy (BOC pic), ringed as chick Texel 7/7/23, year after great HPAI outbreak there in 2022, ads immune but many chicks died 2023 and of 50 ringed this was only one testing +ve for HPAI; in the Med during 1st and 2nd winters; seen since at Minsmere...
July 20, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Survivor: Sandwich blue-TZR at Seton 8/7/25 per Billy (BOC pic), ringed as chick Texel 7/7/23, year after great HPAI outbreak there in 2022, ads immune but many chicks died 2023 and of 50 ringed this was only one testing +ve for HPAI; in the Med during 1st and 2nd winters; seen since at Minsmere...
Reposted by Stephen Welch
Great Black-backed Gulls preferred coastal areas & harbours, similar to Herring Gulls, which were also more likely to visit urban areas. Lesser Black-backed Gulls largely visited farmland, which is common around the colony. Across species, several individuals strongly selected landfills #ornithology
July 8, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Great Black-backed Gulls preferred coastal areas & harbours, similar to Herring Gulls, which were also more likely to visit urban areas. Lesser Black-backed Gulls largely visited farmland, which is common around the colony. Across species, several individuals strongly selected landfills #ornithology
Reposted by Stephen Welch
Partial Niche Partitioning in Three Sympatric Gull Species Through Foraging Areas and Habitat Selection | Ecology and Evolution | doi.org/10.1002/ece3... | #ornithology 🌍🧪#seabirds
July 9, 2025 at 6:05 AM
Partial Niche Partitioning in Three Sympatric Gull Species Through Foraging Areas and Habitat Selection | Ecology and Evolution | doi.org/10.1002/ece3... | #ornithology 🌍🧪#seabirds
Wood Sand calling over Seton Burn heading W at dusk (but didn't stop and failed to capture recording); RNG down to 1 today after 2 prs on 24 & 26 June, none in sight on 27 June when wind surfer on their patch; first juv BHGs back on Longniddry shore...
June 30, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Wood Sand calling over Seton Burn heading W at dusk (but didn't stop and failed to capture recording); RNG down to 1 today after 2 prs on 24 & 26 June, none in sight on 27 June when wind surfer on their patch; first juv BHGs back on Longniddry shore...
Red-necked Grebes - head-shaking display at dusk, pr close off Seton Sands, plus a single off Longniddry Bents; typical pattern as per last 5 yrs of intermittent Apr/May records then regular from early June, roosting off Bents - this yr pr display 30/4, pr 23/5, pr 7/6, where do they go in between?
June 9, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Red-necked Grebes - head-shaking display at dusk, pr close off Seton Sands, plus a single off Longniddry Bents; typical pattern as per last 5 yrs of intermittent Apr/May records then regular from early June, roosting off Bents - this yr pr display 30/4, pr 23/5, pr 7/6, where do they go in between?
Now back to hybrid gulls, a regular Seton ad Lesser Black-backed x Herring Gull, one with quite yellow legs...
May 29, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Now back to hybrid gulls, a regular Seton ad Lesser Black-backed x Herring Gull, one with quite yellow legs...
On WeBS pond, drake Green-winged Teal paired with f Teal, and 2nd pr Teal; first May records of Teal in >5k logged at site over last 20 yrs; present Mon 26 May, all but the drake (Eurasian) Teal absent Wed 28 May; presumably the Musselburgh drake (14,16,21,22 May) relocating... #birdinglothian [1/3]
May 29, 2025 at 2:04 AM
On WeBS pond, drake Green-winged Teal paired with f Teal, and 2nd pr Teal; first May records of Teal in >5k logged at site over last 20 yrs; present Mon 26 May, all but the drake (Eurasian) Teal absent Wed 28 May; presumably the Musselburgh drake (14,16,21,22 May) relocating... #birdinglothian [1/3]
Reposted by Stephen Welch
The 2024 Bass Rock Gannet Count is complete✅
A high-resolution drone survey - carried out in partnership with @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social School of Geosciences, @ukceh.bsky.social & @edinburghnapier.bsky.social in July 2024 - provided a detailed new look at the Bass Rock gannet colony.
📷©️G Macvean
A high-resolution drone survey - carried out in partnership with @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social School of Geosciences, @ukceh.bsky.social & @edinburghnapier.bsky.social in July 2024 - provided a detailed new look at the Bass Rock gannet colony.
📷©️G Macvean
May 24, 2025 at 9:26 AM
The 2024 Bass Rock Gannet Count is complete✅
A high-resolution drone survey - carried out in partnership with @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social School of Geosciences, @ukceh.bsky.social & @edinburghnapier.bsky.social in July 2024 - provided a detailed new look at the Bass Rock gannet colony.
📷©️G Macvean
A high-resolution drone survey - carried out in partnership with @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social School of Geosciences, @ukceh.bsky.social & @edinburghnapier.bsky.social in July 2024 - provided a detailed new look at the Bass Rock gannet colony.
📷©️G Macvean
Basking shark lingering off Longniddry Bents, distant record shot from Seton prom, in line with Ferny Ness...
April 30, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Basking shark lingering off Longniddry Bents, distant record shot from Seton prom, in line with Ferny Ness...