Last full day in Cornwall. A walk at Polgigga allowed us to see the Red-backed Shrike after a local shared info on its location. Birdguides had sent us to a cricket pavilion! Onto Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Trevorian. There were a few people around, and kindly updated Birdguides to be more helpful.
Cheryl Deeks
@cheryldeeks.bsky.social
Mid Suffolk. Enjoy social birding. Woke. Hate injustice. Love the EU. Admin for Clubbers. Member of Waveney Bird Club
Stithians visit today.Met the legend who is John St Ledger of @cbwps.org.uk. Wonderful chap with great Kernow knowledge.Also,met a nice chap called Nick.Missed the Buff-breasted Sand and G Ibis, but Greenshank,Ruff,Turnstone were pleasing. Be back next year. Thank you, folks, for making us welcome.
Today in Cornwall. Pendeen seawatch 7-9:30. Amazing Bonxie chasing a Phalarope. Great crowd of 14+ folk. Fab breakfast at Dog and Rabbit in St. Just. Walk through St. Loy near St Buryan to Merthen Point and back up via the campsite. Remarkable views of Bluefin Tuna feeding and bottle-nosed dolphin.
It rained all the way to Eastleach, so we weren't hopeful for the Long Tailed Shrike. The skies cleared when we arrived, allowing great views of LTS. Thanks to John Richardson for directions. Corn Bunting, Whinchat, and Raven, too. What a lovely spot. Walking back to the car, the rain began again.
After plenty of fictional works written about the #Dunwich fire in certain other publications, it's great to read this excellent piece of #NonFiction by @patrickbarkham.bsky.social and @pippaneill.bsky.social at @theguardian.com www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
‘These are human fires, not wildfires’: Dunwich reflects on the devastation
As residents, nature wardens and experts consider the damage to the heathland and how to restore it, the climate crisis is foremost in their minds
theguardian.com
Call to ban disposable barbecues in England and Wales over wildfire risk
Call to ban disposable barbecues in England and Wales over wildfire risk
Lib Dems and many Labour MPs join farmers, landowners and firefighters in urging temporary prohibition
theguardian.com
The National Trust has launched a fundraiser to restore Dunwich Heath. This fire is a warning we should not have needed. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/support-us/a...
Devastating fire sweeps Dunwich Heath
Support the Dunwich Heath Fire Appeal. Your donation will help restore damaged habitats, protect vulnerable wildlife, and aid long-term recovery efforts.
nationaltrust.org.uk
I've always loved Dunwich Heath. I didn't take pictures as I wanted to soak up the beauty of its flora and fauna. I thought it was always going to be available. Now it's gone.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... Hare coursing. The scourge of the countryside and the extent to which these violent criminals go.
Gangs, violence and dumped dead animals: The hidden world of illegal hare hunts
Farmers describe attacks and police receive nearly 9,000 reports of banned hare coursing.
bbc.co.uk
Fab walk today with @waveneybirdclub.bsky.social from the Eels Foot along the river. More Willow Emeralds than anything else.Variable Damselfly a highlight. At Theberton P Emperor, S W Frits and W Admirals. Thank you to Mark Piotrowski for leading. So great to spend time with the son of the father.
Despite all the noise today I'd really like you to read this, as I think it's crucial. The government's in the process of p*ssing up to £264 billion into the ground, at the behest of the fossil fuel industry. Yes, £264 *billion*. It's utterly mad, and has to stop. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The great carbon capture con: behold the wasted billions Burnham could claw back | George Monbiot
There are far better ways to tackle climate breakdown, but successive governments have chosen to listen to the fossil fuel companies instead, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
theguardian.com
A great day out on Sunday with @waveneybirdclub.bsky.social for the annual Bioblitz at Heveningham Hall. 36 of us watched the moth traps being opened, then split into 3 groups for recording across various parts of the estate. Organised by #HarryRead Great Crested Newt at a new sight was a highlight
Hen Harrier vanishes on grouse moor after satellite tag is deliberately cut off Hen Harrier disappeared on Ruabon Moor, an area described by the RSPB as one of the UK’s most notorious raptor persecution hotspots. www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/H...
Hen Harrier vanishes on grouse moor after satellite tag is deliberately cut off
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rarebirdalert.co.uk
Ten years on from the UK voting to leave the European Union, The Wildlife Trusts have released a report highlighting the damning impact of Brexit on wildlife:
New report highlights disastrous impacts of Brexit on UK wildlife
Nature continues to suffer a decade after the UK voted to leave the European Union, according to a report from The Willdife Trusts.
bit.ly
Government grants "emergency authorisation" for use of the neonic insecticide acetamiprid on sugar beet. Deja vu. Product label below.
149 Hen Harriers confirmed 'missing' or illegally killed in UK since 2018 - most of them on or close to grouse moors. New blog ⬇️ #RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime 🌍 raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/06/24/1...
149 Hen Harriers confirmed ‘missing’ or illegally killed in UK since 2018, most of them on or close to grouse moors
For anyone who still wants to pretend that the grouse shooting industry isn’t responsible for the systematic extermination of Hen Harriers on grouse moors across the UK, here’s the latest catalogue…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
Back from two nights in Yorks. Firstly, a Bempton fix with great views of the regulars, inc close views of Fulmar, my fave. Next day, Flamborough Head and a walk to F'boro Cliffs with the 'wet my lips' of Quail. Then, onto Wykeham Viewpoint and Honey Buzzard, just as the heat was getting too much.
Due to upcoming poor weather, our Westleton Common ringing demonstration scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed and will now take place on Saturday 27th June. We hope to see you there and appreciate your understanding!
Waveney Bird Club@waveneybirdclub.bsky.social · 3mo agoJoin us for a bird ringing demonstration at Westleton Common on 17th June from 7:30am-9:30am. A chance to see resident and migratory species close up, learn about identification, ringing and the Nightingales and other heathland species that call the site home. Thanks to Viking Optical.
The hospitality industry wants their VAT cut to 10%. It will cost £12bn Who benefits? ❌ The smallest most vulnerable businesses? Nope. 45% get nothing. ❌ Consumers? Nope - prices won't fall. ✅ Nearly half the cash goes straight to large chains. McDonald's gets £400m. 🧵:
Just back from a week with Denis Bohm of #WildHerzegovina. The birds, plants, and scenery was spectacular. Highlights include Nutcracker, Turtle Dove, and pesticide free meadows with Carthusian Pinks, Astrantia, Gentian, and a kaleidoscope of butterflies. Beware of mines signs at several sites
Join us on Sunday 7th June at Westleton Heath around one of Suffolk’s richest heathland sites. Highlights include Dartford Warblers, Stonechats, Woodlarks & more. Members only. For details and to register attendance (latest 2nd June) please email: wendy@planetry.net
Be careful out there peeps. I imagine same will go for other nations too. #birdingWales #birdingScotland www.theguardian.com/world/2026/m...
Lyme disease cases in England rise by more than 20% in a year
Scientists developing vaccines and anti-tick treatments amid growing concern over spread of disease
theguardian.com
A great variety of migrant birds were recorded at one of our sites in Raveningham, including this stunning cuckoo. Many thanks to Viking Optical for their continued support.
At 07:00, 25 of us met at Minsmere for our Dawn Chorus.Highlights: N'gale,Gard Warb,C & L Whitethroat, Whimbrel,Marsh Harrier,Bittern, Beardies,Dartfords. @peterminsmere.bsky.social found Woodchat Shrike! Blackwit & Barwit,Little Stint,Common Sand,S Redshank,Little Tern @waveneybirdclub.bsky.social
Today,19 of us from @waveneybirdclub.bsky.social met at East Wretham at 8:30. We had House Martin,Yellow Wag,Willow Warbler,Common Redstart,and Tree Pipit,plus more The 8 of us left visited Cavenham Heath,where we had Grasshopper Warbler,Wheatear, and Cuckoo, to name a few. Thanks to Stevie Howell.
24th April N Wales. Going home day. A visit to Gt Orme for our final fix of this beautiful lump of rock! Peregrine, Chough,Fulmar,Razorbill, B Guillemot, Shag,Rock Pipit in just 90 mins. On to Middleton Lakes, Staffs. Lovely reserve. Bittern,Bl Tern, Whimbrel, Greenshank, Hobby.Wish we'd had longer.
23rd 5th day N Wales.Llyn Brenig today.Great views of Siskin and Redpoll.Very close views of Osprey with Common Redstart nearby.After some perseverance,Peter found Willow Tit.Back to Llandudno and our goodbyes to Mervyn Wynne Jones, our Welsh guide and friend, thanking him for his sterling efforts.