White Stork flew over my workplace at Dover Western Docks earlier and headed southerly along the coast towards Folkestone. #kentbirding

observerdiplomatmag on Instagram: "Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is facing criticism from opposition figures, including members of the Italian Greens, who are…" Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is facing criticism from opposition figures, including members of the Italian Greens, who are calling for accountability over her position on the ongoing conflict.Activists and politicians such as Angelo Bonelli have urged stronger action, with some demanding her resignation and questioning Italy’s alignment with leaders like Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu.#Meloni #Italy #Politics #Geopolitics #EuropeView all 4,486 comments

www.instagram.com/reel/DXCHeJj...

A page from an invertebrate survey carried out at Betteshanger Country Park in 2025. It lists a minimum of 336 invertebrate species recored with two species officially recorded as extinct and two species previously never been recorded in Britain. It also states the site is of regional level of importance and possibly national importance, on par with Swanscombe Perninsula SSSI.

Further proof Betteshanger Country Park is a significant place for wildlife. An invertebrate survey carried out last year in accordance to a S106 linked to planning on the adjacent business park, found it to be of similar significance to Swanscombe Perninsula SSSI.

That's a shame. There seems to be no shortage of frogs milling around in mine at the mo.

Newly laid frog spawn

Two days later than last year but its here nonetheless #kentnature

Nice hearing the Redwings on the move, making my night shift more bearable #nocmig

Nature security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security This strategic assessment explores how global biodiversity loss and the collapse of critical ecosystems could affect the UK’s resilience, security and prosperity.

An across-government technical assessment published today recognises that "nature is the foundation of national security" and that "every critical ecosystem is on a pathway to collapse". A rational response to this would be to get very serious about nature recovery.
www.gov.uk/government/p...

Entrance to the former Dover Marine Station.

Former station, now part of the Port of Dover Cruise terminal.

The Cavell Van was used to transport the three British bodies repatriated at the end of World War I to London including Edith Cavell and Charles Fryatt in 1919, and the Unknown Warrior in 1920 for his funeral.

Had an overtime shift yesterday. Although it never felt like work, but more a step back in time and a history lesson.

Plus a Grey Seal put in an appearance #kentnature

Red-throated Diver

Guillimot

One of two Kingfisher seen

Shag

Had a quick wander around Dover marina this morning, plenty there to keep me happy #kentbirding

Bit of slow mo footage of a Humming-bird Hawk-moth seen in my garden yesterday. #Kentwildlife

At work and currently watching a Black Redstart feeding nearby, nice way to break up my 12hr shift 😅

Was nice to see you both, Adrian. Thanks, considering it was just a phone scope job, it turned out ok 🙂

#Kentbirding

I went to see the Spotted Crake this morning at Sandwich Bay, and as much as it was a pleasure to see it was the hirundines that gave me the most enjoyment. Thousands in the area with some feeding in large numbers just overhead.

Fingers crossed 😁

A change in job and career began this week, and with it, a change of workplace birds to look out for 👀 #DoverDocks

I was treated to the spectacle of thousands of hirundines while walking the dogs yesterday, video doesn't do them justice, as they stretched as far as the eye could see. Also Med Gulls, Ravens and Buzzards made for an interesting walk across what are normally barren fields.

Grey Partridge hunkering down.

Glossy Ibis passing over a Great White Egret

Cattle Egret

Nice morning spent birding Sandwich bay. Caught up with the Glossy Ibis that are in the area, plus Great White and Cattle Egret, and always a pleasure to see the Grey Partridge. #kentbirding

Had a brief sea watch from the end of Deal pier this morning. Not much on the bird front, but called the coastguard, after spotting a life raft drifting south down the channel.

Ed Davey is leading narrative on Elon Musk’s incitement to violence msg. But is it getting ANY broadcast media attention? @bbcnewsnight.bsky.social @itvnews.bsky.social @skynewsrss.bsky.social @itvnewspolitics.bsky.social We demand ALL our parties get proper coverage not just overplatforming of one

Thanks, Kev. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the specticle of Terns, Skua's and other sea birds on display, but ironically, it was the Swifts that still stole the show.

A Lesser Spotted Driftwood hunter.

Two of three Swifts, seen heading south off Dungeness.

My wife was after some driftwood, so where better than the beaches of Dungeness. While she searched for wood, I looked for birds, a win-win situation. An enjoyable sea watch was had, fittingly topped off by 3 Swift, battling the headwinds, on their journey south.

Amid international outrage, Israel is now claiming the double-tap strike on Nasser hospital was an accident—after celebrating it in Hebrew media.

Drunk on their own impunity they take us all for fools. They mock humanity itself. Hell is not hot enough for these monsters.

“Mishaps”

#Propaganda

Two weeks ago, I had to remove two chicks from a box after both adults had failed to return for a number of days. Both were underweight and needed urgent care, so I drove them to my nearest rehabber in Reigate. The second was released today, at 46 days old, and flew of strong 🥰

My last two Swift chicks have had no adult contact since their last feed on the 14th. Hoping the adults have timed their departure right, and their weight isn't far off for fledging.
I've also been informed, the 1st of my rehabbed chicks was released successfully today😁

Sorry for the late reply, my phone broke🙈 I still have 3 pairs attending their young.
Best year so far, currently 21 have fledged with another 4 to go, plus another 2 are with a rehabber, after the parents failed to return at 30 days old, compared to last years 17 fledged.

Pissed off to see the remains of a House Martins nest, that was situated on my Doctors surgery. It's been used the last two or three years, and this year was no exception, when I watched adults feeding young, on my last visit.

That sounds about right 🤣