CM
@manchesterbirder.bsky.social
Some nature writing at my blog, if you like that sort of thing. https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
In case you missed it in Bluesky's little meltdown, this week the blog is about vicarious Big Year thrills, Caspian Gulls, and forgotten football team nicknames. #ukbirding #birds #nature
Zitting Cisticola, Turtle Dove and Caspian Gull - shotgun on someone else's Big Year
300 species in the UK in a calendar year in 2025 was a fun, stressful, exciting challenge. I loved it and I never want to do it again. But...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
Today's blog is about riding shotgun on someone else's Big Year and a reminder that I loved doing my own, but don't want to do it again... plus added Caspian Gulls... thanks for reading! #ukbirding #birds
Zitting Cisticola, Turtle Dove and Caspian Gull - shotgun on someone else's Big Year
300 species in the UK in a calendar year in 2025 was a fun, stressful, exciting challenge. I loved it and I never want to do it again. But...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
Today's blog is about riding shotgun on someone else's Big Year and a reminder that I loved doing my own, but don't want to do it again... plus added Caspian Gulls... thanks for reading! #ukbirding #birds
Zitting Cisticola, Turtle Dove and Caspian Gull - shotgun on someone else's Big Year
300 species in the UK in a calendar year in 2025 was a fun, stressful, exciting challenge. I loved it and I never want to do it again. But...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
This Common Darter in Suffolk this morning was a fun challenge to photograph. Love the red wing spots! #dragonflies
I'm going to be in Suffolk tomorrow with a friend who's desperate to see Turtle Doves - is there anyone who could share a likely location privately? Thank you! #ukbirding
In case you missed it, butterflies are keeping me sane this summer... a blog
The Benefits of Butterflies
If I lived on the coast I think it would be different, but this years summer lull is a serious one. Too hot to walk far, all the local wate...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
I watched the eclipse last night at Wicken Fen and as the heat of the sun reduced during the height of the eclipse, butterflies and damselflies gathered on branches of the tree behind me. #Damselflies
In case you missed it, a blog about the use of generative AI in bird photography. I explore my instinctive dislike to find out what makes me feel negative about it. #ukbirding #birds
Technology and birding, photography and generative AI
There is a need, in any debate about changing culture or emerging technology, to watch ourselves carefully for signs that we are entrenched ...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
Good to see Chalkhill Blues in Cambridgeshire this week, though there the heat was so intense that there are so few wildflowers or even greenery and most butterflies seem to be gone. #butterflies
A lovely day walking in Cambridgeshire watching Chalkhill Blues ended up with an overnight wait in A&E after complications with two tick bites and a 111 call. Just a reminder to check yourself after walking in habitats prone to ticks, especially in the current climate. #lymedisease
In case you missed it, a blog about the use of generative AI in bird photography. I explore my instinctive dislike to find out what makes me feel negative about it. #ukbirding #birds
Technology and birding, photography and generative AI
There is a need, in any debate about changing culture or emerging technology, to watch ourselves carefully for signs that we are entrenched ...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
In case you missed it, butterflies are keeping me sane this summer... a blog
The Benefits of Butterflies
If I lived on the coast I think it would be different, but this years summer lull is a serious one. Too hot to walk far, all the local wate...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
The female Brown Hairstreak is this vivid butterfly of bold gorgeous colours, while the male is a more subtle beauty. #butterflies #nature
Another blog on technology and birding, this time looking at the use of generative AI and photography. None of my photos have (ever) been enhanced by AI - they're all literally my own fault... #ukbirding #birds
Technology and birding, photography and generative AI
There is a need, in any debate about changing culture or emerging technology, to watch ourselves carefully for signs that we are entrenched ...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
Another blog on technology and birding, this time looking at the use of generative AI and photography. None of my photos have (ever) been enhanced by AI - they're all literally my own fault... #ukbirding #birds
Technology and birding, photography and generative AI
There is a need, in any debate about changing culture or emerging technology, to watch ourselves carefully for signs that we are entrenched ...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
Despite some incredible rarities, it's felt like a summer struggling to see birds has been rescued by butterflies. Thanks for reading! #ukbirding #nature #butterflies #dragonflies
The Benefits of Butterflies
If I lived on the coast I think it would be different, but this years summer lull is a serious one. Too hot to walk far, all the local wate...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
This female Brown Hairstreak was busy laying eggs on blackthorn this morning at Arnside Knott. Astonishingly colourful, a real joy to see! #butterflies #nature @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Today is the final day to get out for the #BigButterflyCount! Take 15 minutes out of your day to enjoy nature and help protect vulnerable butterflies and moths. 💚 Use the ID guide on the free Big Butterfly Count app or go to 👉 https://butrfli.es/3SVFepj 📷: Painted Lady - Bob Eade
Despite some incredible rarities, it's felt like a summer struggling to see birds has been rescued by butterflies. Thanks for reading! #ukbirding #nature #butterflies #dragonflies
The Benefits of Butterflies
If I lived on the coast I think it would be different, but this years summer lull is a serious one. Too hot to walk far, all the local wate...
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
The female Brown Hairstreak is this vivid butterfly of bold gorgeous colours, while the male is a more subtle beauty. #butterflies #nature
This female Brown Hairstreak was busy laying eggs on blackthorn this morning at Arnside Knott. Astonishingly colourful, a real joy to see! #butterflies #nature @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Whoever decided to call this dazzling orange beauty a Wall Brown needs to give their head a wobble... Finally found them within my 10k circle and in the drizzle at least 18 of them sat in a bit of scruffy "waste" land next to a working quarry. #butterflies #nature
Absolutely amazed at how many Scotch Argus are on the wing at Smardale in relatively cold and grey conditions! An absolutely stunning butterfly has made my day, with bonus of Red Squirrel and Tawny Owls. #butterflies #nature
I'm glad I got to spend some time looking at butterflies this summer. Some of my favourites (so far). #butterflies #nature
I'm glad I got to spend some time looking at butterflies this summer. Some of my favourites (so far). #butterflies #nature
Absolutely amazed at how many Scotch Argus are on the wing at Smardale in relatively cold and grey conditions! An absolutely stunning butterfly has made my day, with bonus of Red Squirrel and Tawny Owls. #butterflies #nature
Juvenile Swallows were my reward for a long walk on the moor at Burnt Edge. No owls, and still no photos of Wall Brown earlier on, but a fresh walk after a full three hours of rain was very welcome. #birds #ukbirding
Six Clouded Yellow at Cutacre this evening, swirling about each other in a little tornado of lemon and amber. #butterflies #nature
Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #MultiColour, birds with 3 or more colours in their plumage. The Alt theme is #DucksOutOfWater, Ducks that are out of water but not flying.” A Bee-eater perched in drizzle in April 2025 is my multi-coloured submission, with this male Mandarin for the alt.
