Much like Australia's Masked Lapwing, the Red-wattled Lapwing is an excitable bird that makes a lot of noise by day and by night. I photographed this one recently at Laem Phak Bia, Thailand. #birds
It's noisy, sedentary, has a wide range, and likes urban environments, so the Black-collared Starling is not much of a "birder's bird". Still, this one in Bangkok last week looked pretty smart.
Male Brown-throated Sunbird
Another recent photo from Thailand: Brown-throated Sunbird at Laem Phak Bia. One of seven sunbird species I recorded on my trip.
It sure was
Another flycatcher from Thailand: Yellow-rumped. Present for 2 days last week at Baan Maka Nature Lodge near Kaeng Krachan NP: a brilliant place to stay for anyone interested in birds and/or other wildlife.
Just back from a 6wk trip to Thailand. Going to post a few photos, starting with this wee cracker: Ferruginous Flycatcher at Kaeng Krachan NP last week.
This is the nearest I'll ever get to seeing a Gurney's Pitta. Thailand's KNC, once a global mecca for the species, is littered with images and other references - even sculptures - though the bird itself is gone. Plenty of other exciting birds in the forest here, but seeing them is hard work.
Made up for the one you missed on Lewis, perhaps?
Rather tempted to contribute, but what purpose would it serve? The eyepiece rubber had gone on mine too, but at least they were back in 6 weeks rather than the promised 8. Still holding on to my old Zeiss Victory, which had to go back for repair twice, once when almost new, due to internal fogging.
My Swarovskis went on holiday to Austria and came back 6 weeks later with new rubber armour. I hope it lasts more than 2 yrs this time.
Enjoy intimate vid of Spoon-billed Sandpiper, 1 of 10+ wintering Fangchenggang, Guangxi, South China, near Vietnam, feeding on polychaete worms in its typical habitat, pools on upper tidal flats (much of which, across range, destroyed in recent decades) by local Huasheng. #BirdsSeenIn2025 #Birds 1/2
Nowadays Siskins can be found year-round in Stornoway (Outer Hebrides), with numbers predictably peaking in autumn. Eight individuals at this feeder were more than usual for the month of February.
Four years ago I couldn't find a better method than to re-enter everything manually. I don't know if things have changed since then.
A thriving natural world is the foundation of economic growth and vital for health and wellbeing. Language that pits these against each other is unhelpful and deeply concerning.
Nature is not a blocker to growth.
The UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has claimed that 'The balance has gone too far in the direction of always protecting every bat and every newt.' But how can this statement be true when the UK is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world?🌍
Some excellent views of two Spoon-billed Sandpipers at Khok Kham (just 45 minutes from home!) early on Sunday morning.
#birding
Here's the long-staying Ring-necked Duck at Tiumpan Loch, Isle of Lewis, this morning, showing off his striking bill pattern. Other birds in the area included an adult Iceland Gull and a Hen Harrier.
Interesting. Two days ago, there was a flock of 25 Fieldfares on the Bràigh near Stornoway (following none seen in Nov/Dec).
Great Northern Diver in Stornoway Harbour
Cold north wind and snow showers for my Jan 1st walk around Stornoway. A measly 32 species, enlivened by an adult Iceland Gull and a couple of Great Northern Divers. #birdingScotland #UKbirding
Thanks, Steve.
Thank you, Santa! #birdingScotland #ukbirding
The world's smallest transmitter has helped discover a previously unknown breeding ground of the Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper:
Over much of Britain, the lichen Lobaria pulmonaria (lungwort) is an ancient woodland indicator. Not so in the humid climate of NW Scotland, where it even occurs on treeless St Kilda. It's very common in Stornoway Castle Grounds, Lewis (where this photo was taken yesterday).
Nice photos, Andy!
Fascinating article, Andrew. Many of my assumptions about playback (and pishing) have just been binned.
An amazing encounter with a Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo in Panama today, as army ants swarmed around us. Taken on iPhone. #ornithology
Looking forward to the 25th - I know there's a thermal scope under the Xmas tree!
Newly published research has provided insight into the status of two Siberian Phylloscopus warblers in Europe:
The Butt of Lewis lighthouse at sunrise today. A lovely calm morning after two solid days of northerlies - surely promising conditions for finding an interesting bird, but no such luck.
Three species that I didn't see when I was there in January - not that I expected Silver Oriole anyway. But I did catch up with Ratchet-tailed Treepie, among lots of other great birds.
