Paul Rhodes
@paulrhodes.bsky.social
Birder and naturalist. St Agnes Isles of Scilly always on my mind. Lover of Real Ale. Lifelong supporter of Stafford Rangers FC UTB. Mainly patch birding in Netherlands based in Leiden.
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
BREAKING: The UK’s response to Covid was “too little, too late”, a damning official report on the handling of the pandemic has concluded, saying the introduction of a lockdown even a week earlier than happened could have saved more than 20,000 lives.
November 20, 2025 at 4:11 PM
BREAKING: The UK’s response to Covid was “too little, too late”, a damning official report on the handling of the pandemic has concluded, saying the introduction of a lockdown even a week earlier than happened could have saved more than 20,000 lives.
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
The 750-page document also has stinging criticism of “toxic and chaotic” culture inside Boris Johnson’s Downing Street – which it said the then PM. actively embraced – in which loudest voices held sway and women were sidelined.
November 20, 2025 at 4:11 PM
The 750-page document also has stinging criticism of “toxic and chaotic” culture inside Boris Johnson’s Downing Street – which it said the then PM. actively embraced – in which loudest voices held sway and women were sidelined.
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
Findings partic brutal about early 2020, describing the Feb as “lost month”. If lockdown was imposed a week earlier than March 16, it could've cut deaths in England by almost half. Many of same mistakes then "inexcusably" repeated - @peterwalker99.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
‘Too little, too late’: damning report condemns UK’s Covid response
Report on handling of pandemic contains stinging criticism of ‘toxic and chaotic’ culture inside Boris Johnson’s No 10
www.theguardian.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Findings partic brutal about early 2020, describing the Feb as “lost month”. If lockdown was imposed a week earlier than March 16, it could've cut deaths in England by almost half. Many of same mistakes then "inexcusably" repeated - @peterwalker99.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
Adult Whooper Swan just dropped on to Clifton main pit #WorcsBirds
November 18, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Adult Whooper Swan just dropped on to Clifton main pit #WorcsBirds
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
This Swallow at Balranald, N Uist this afternoon appears to be the American subspecies: erythrogaster due to the lack of a dark band across the lower throat.
November 17, 2025 at 7:10 PM
This Swallow at Balranald, N Uist this afternoon appears to be the American subspecies: erythrogaster due to the lack of a dark band across the lower throat.
Polders Poelgeest Leiden dry NE wind. Good to get out on the patch after consecutive wet days.2 woodcock over 2 firecrest calling pair pintail 2shelduck 2 goldcrest 3 chiffchaff still holding on siskin great egret 3 common snipe 3 water rail a late spoonbill reported circling #birds #dutchbirding
November 16, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Polders Poelgeest Leiden dry NE wind. Good to get out on the patch after consecutive wet days.2 woodcock over 2 firecrest calling pair pintail 2shelduck 2 goldcrest 3 chiffchaff still holding on siskin great egret 3 common snipe 3 water rail a late spoonbill reported circling #birds #dutchbirding
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
Requesting opinion/thoughts on a possible AGP with 30 GP at Hayle pm today. Retained summer plum, slighter in size, strong head pattern, grey-er background colour, thinner bill. Didn’t get underwing nor primary proj - face-on the whole time until it flew W #idhelp #cornwallbirding #please #begentle
November 14, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Requesting opinion/thoughts on a possible AGP with 30 GP at Hayle pm today. Retained summer plum, slighter in size, strong head pattern, grey-er background colour, thinner bill. Didn’t get underwing nor primary proj - face-on the whole time until it flew W #idhelp #cornwallbirding #please #begentle
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
And let’s not forget….
November 13, 2025 at 7:11 PM
And let’s not forget….
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
PSA: tips to protect yourself from scams on Signal.
Every major comms platform has to contend w phishing, impersonation, & scams. Sadly.
Signal is major, and as we've grown we've heard about more of these attacks--scammy people pretending to be something or someone to trick and abuse others. 1/
Every major comms platform has to contend w phishing, impersonation, & scams. Sadly.
Signal is major, and as we've grown we've heard about more of these attacks--scammy people pretending to be something or someone to trick and abuse others. 1/
November 11, 2025 at 6:13 PM
PSA: tips to protect yourself from scams on Signal.
Every major comms platform has to contend w phishing, impersonation, & scams. Sadly.
Signal is major, and as we've grown we've heard about more of these attacks--scammy people pretending to be something or someone to trick and abuse others. 1/
Every major comms platform has to contend w phishing, impersonation, & scams. Sadly.
Signal is major, and as we've grown we've heard about more of these attacks--scammy people pretending to be something or someone to trick and abuse others. 1/
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
If anyone lost a bag of books from LRB Bookshop on the Metropolitan Line between Baker St- Watford, I handed it to a cleaner when the train terminated at Watford tube station. And if you have far more followers than me, please share this status. LRB bookshop is not cheap!
November 1, 2025 at 5:05 PM
If anyone lost a bag of books from LRB Bookshop on the Metropolitan Line between Baker St- Watford, I handed it to a cleaner when the train terminated at Watford tube station. And if you have far more followers than me, please share this status. LRB bookshop is not cheap!
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
Just 7 1/2 hours to go to Vote in the National Trust Council elections. Your vote will help keep out the Restore Trust entryists.
If you're a member of the National Trust remember to vote for council members by midnight tonight.
Use the Quick Vote option.
Entryist pressure group Reform Trust is trying to seize control. Stop them
Voting is quick and easy if your membership card is at hand
secure.cesvotes.com/V3-3-0/nt25/...
Use the Quick Vote option.
Entryist pressure group Reform Trust is trying to seize control. Stop them
Voting is quick and easy if your membership card is at hand
secure.cesvotes.com/V3-3-0/nt25/...
Log In
Welcome to the National Trust 2025 voting website, hosted by independent voting service provider Civica Election Services.
secure.cesvotes.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Just 7 1/2 hours to go to Vote in the National Trust Council elections. Your vote will help keep out the Restore Trust entryists.
Polders Poelgeest SE wind. Excellent morning 4 whooper swans dropped in then flew south. Hawfinch brambling 48 + siskin 60+ fieldfare skylark female pintail 22 greater white fronts good no's starling redwing chaffinch & wood pigeon goldcrest stonechat. Yellow browed finally gone #birds #dutchbirding
October 31, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Polders Poelgeest SE wind. Excellent morning 4 whooper swans dropped in then flew south. Hawfinch brambling 48 + siskin 60+ fieldfare skylark female pintail 22 greater white fronts good no's starling redwing chaffinch & wood pigeon goldcrest stonechat. Yellow browed finally gone #birds #dutchbirding
Heard news tdy that there were 50,000 blue tits on Vlieland & similar numbers on Texel during the recent irruption!!! At Polders Poelgeest today the yellow browed warble again it's 12th day & further possible heard. 2 stonechats f brambling 350 starling 100 wood pigeon #birds #dutchbirding
October 30, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Heard news tdy that there were 50,000 blue tits on Vlieland & similar numbers on Texel during the recent irruption!!! At Polders Poelgeest today the yellow browed warble again it's 12th day & further possible heard. 2 stonechats f brambling 350 starling 100 wood pigeon #birds #dutchbirding
October 30, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Heard news tdy that there were 50,000 blue tits on Vlieland & similar numbers on Texel during the recent irruption!!! At Polders Poelgeest today the yellow browed warble again it's 12th day & further possible heard. 2 stonechats f brambling 350 starling 100 wood pigeon #birds #dutchbirding
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
The UK is among the most nature depleted counties in the world. A horrendous fact. Can you help reverse this by donating some cash to help the Wildlife Trusts buy the enormous Rothbury Estate so they can bring back wildlife? www.wildlifetrusts.org/appeals/roth...
Donate to Secure the Rothbury Estate | The Wildlife Trusts
Stretching over 3,800 hectares, the Rothbury Estate in Northumberland is abundant with opportunity. It’s the largest continuous area of land to appear on the market in 50 years. Its sale creates a uni...
www.wildlifetrusts.org
October 29, 2025 at 7:59 AM
The UK is among the most nature depleted counties in the world. A horrendous fact. Can you help reverse this by donating some cash to help the Wildlife Trusts buy the enormous Rothbury Estate so they can bring back wildlife? www.wildlifetrusts.org/appeals/roth...
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
Other firsts include a first West Indies occurrence of Sharp‑tailed Sandpiper and first records on Montserrat of both White‑collared Swift and Alpine Swift.
October 29, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Other firsts include a first West Indies occurrence of Sharp‑tailed Sandpiper and first records on Montserrat of both White‑collared Swift and Alpine Swift.
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
There are 2 days left for National Trust members to vote in their AGM, for NT Council members. Once again the entryists from astroturf outfit Restore Trust are trying to get elected.
Keep Restore Trust Out by voting for the recommended slate of candidates. nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/con...
Keep Restore Trust Out by voting for the recommended slate of candidates. nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/con...
nt.global.ssl.fastly.net
October 29, 2025 at 12:42 PM
There are 2 days left for National Trust members to vote in their AGM, for NT Council members. Once again the entryists from astroturf outfit Restore Trust are trying to get elected.
Keep Restore Trust Out by voting for the recommended slate of candidates. nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/con...
Keep Restore Trust Out by voting for the recommended slate of candidates. nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/con...
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
Interesting(!) that these captive-bred ducks for sale in East Yorkshire seem to be unringed in very many cases. Baikal, Blue-winged, Green-winged Teals, plus Garganeys. Dread to think how many end up in the wild and in local bird reports... #ukbirding
October 29, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Interesting(!) that these captive-bred ducks for sale in East Yorkshire seem to be unringed in very many cases. Baikal, Blue-winged, Green-winged Teals, plus Garganeys. Dread to think how many end up in the wild and in local bird reports... #ukbirding
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
Next general election is relatively simple:
If you oppose racism and the deepening of divisions in our society because they make Britain weaker not stronger, vote tactically for whichever candidate can block Reform.
All other considerations come behind this need. 🗳️
If you oppose racism and the deepening of divisions in our society because they make Britain weaker not stronger, vote tactically for whichever candidate can block Reform.
All other considerations come behind this need. 🗳️
October 27, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Next general election is relatively simple:
If you oppose racism and the deepening of divisions in our society because they make Britain weaker not stronger, vote tactically for whichever candidate can block Reform.
All other considerations come behind this need. 🗳️
If you oppose racism and the deepening of divisions in our society because they make Britain weaker not stronger, vote tactically for whichever candidate can block Reform.
All other considerations come behind this need. 🗳️
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
Has there been any sightings of the Baikal Teal today? Anyone looked?
#DorsetBirding #RareBirds
Thanks
#DorsetBirding #RareBirds
Thanks
Baikal Teal Abbotsbury Swannery this am in western embayment from Helen Hide. Doubtfully viewable from rights of way other than grounds. There is no right of way SE of tank traps on beach. If you walk beyond fence there everything will flush! @joestockwell.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
October 24, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Has there been any sightings of the Baikal Teal today? Anyone looked?
#DorsetBirding #RareBirds
Thanks
#DorsetBirding #RareBirds
Thanks
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
ReFuk Election vote catching: “We’ll make efficiency savings and cut your taxes”
ReFuk reality “No we aren’t. We lied”.
ReFuk reality “No we aren’t. We lied”.
Reform UK Councils
Council Tax increases
Durham: 4.9%
Worcestershire: 5-10%
Warwickshire: ~5%
Leicestershire: 3%
Kent: 5%
Lincolnshire: 2%+
Staffordshire: ~5%
West Northamptonshire: 5%
Derbyshire: 4.9%
North Northamptonshire: amount TBD
Nottinghamshire: amount TBD
Lancashire: amount TBD
Council Tax increases
Durham: 4.9%
Worcestershire: 5-10%
Warwickshire: ~5%
Leicestershire: 3%
Kent: 5%
Lincolnshire: 2%+
Staffordshire: ~5%
West Northamptonshire: 5%
Derbyshire: 4.9%
North Northamptonshire: amount TBD
Nottinghamshire: amount TBD
Lancashire: amount TBD
October 25, 2025 at 7:38 AM
ReFuk Election vote catching: “We’ll make efficiency savings and cut your taxes”
ReFuk reality “No we aren’t. We lied”.
ReFuk reality “No we aren’t. We lied”.
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
Rangers have signed another youngster from Vale on work experience.
Apparently he's highly rated.
Be interesting to see if he comes straight into the team against Runcorn Linnets today
#uptheboro
www.staffordrangersfc.co.uk/logan-cousin...
Apparently he's highly rated.
Be interesting to see if he comes straight into the team against Runcorn Linnets today
#uptheboro
www.staffordrangersfc.co.uk/logan-cousin...
Logan Cousins joins the Boro
Stafford Rangers FC are delighted to announce the loan signing of Logan Cousins, a talented young forward, on loan from Port Vale FC.
www.staffordrangersfc.co.uk
October 25, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Rangers have signed another youngster from Vale on work experience.
Apparently he's highly rated.
Be interesting to see if he comes straight into the team against Runcorn Linnets today
#uptheboro
www.staffordrangersfc.co.uk/logan-cousin...
Apparently he's highly rated.
Be interesting to see if he comes straight into the team against Runcorn Linnets today
#uptheboro
www.staffordrangersfc.co.uk/logan-cousin...
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
Reposted by Paul Rhodes
October 19th:
Did you see this one?
NUTCRACKER - Nucifraga caryocatactes
Cocknage Wood, Stoke-on-Trent from October 14th to November 9th 1991.
#UKbirding
Did you see this one?
NUTCRACKER - Nucifraga caryocatactes
Cocknage Wood, Stoke-on-Trent from October 14th to November 9th 1991.
#UKbirding
October 19, 2025 at 11:20 AM
October 19th:
Did you see this one?
NUTCRACKER - Nucifraga caryocatactes
Cocknage Wood, Stoke-on-Trent from October 14th to November 9th 1991.
#UKbirding
Did you see this one?
NUTCRACKER - Nucifraga caryocatactes
Cocknage Wood, Stoke-on-Trent from October 14th to November 9th 1991.
#UKbirding
Polders Poelgeest NL found a yellow browed warbler ! Vismig 17 gwhite fronts 500 wood pigeon 550 redwing 12 fieldfare mistle &10 song thrush 8 brambling 350 chaffinch 2 marsh harrier 4 GWE 12 skylark pintail on the deck 8 redpoll 6 goldcrest 2 stonechat 15 song thrush mpintail #birds #dutchbirding
October 19, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Polders Poelgeest NL found a yellow browed warbler ! Vismig 17 gwhite fronts 500 wood pigeon 550 redwing 12 fieldfare mistle &10 song thrush 8 brambling 350 chaffinch 2 marsh harrier 4 GWE 12 skylark pintail on the deck 8 redpoll 6 goldcrest 2 stonechat 15 song thrush mpintail #birds #dutchbirding