Toby Holmes

@tegholmes.bsky.social

23 year old birder and MSc Biology student at the University of Sheffield. Love bird behaviour and migration. Birding in the UK (294 spp.) and abroad when possible, also insects, mammals, etc. eBird: https://ebird.org/profile/MTAzMTI5OA

The Richard’s Pipit near Newport Pagnell showed really well this morning, glad it stuck around until I popped back down south to see family. Great views in bright sunshine and it even called once when it was flushed. First time I’ve got a good look at one and it didn’t disappoint! #rarebirdsuk

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My first Eastern Yellow Wagtail gave great scope views this morning, much more distinctive sulphur-y colouration than I expected, great to hear it call a bunch as well. Stopped in on the Blacker Hill Cattle Egret on my way back this afternoon, my first in South Yorkshire #rarebirdsuk

Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Winteringham, LincolnshireCattle Egret, Blacker Hill, South Yorkshire

A lovely (if very cold) 2 lifer day in Northumberland today with the Grey-headed Lapwing and the White-billed Diver, both of which were brilliant and showed a lot better than my record shots suggest! Then spent the afternoon failing to see the Ross's Gull #ukbirding

White-billed Diver - Druridge Bay CPGrey-headed Lapwing - East ChevingtonGrey-headed Lapwing - East ChevingtonMediterranean Gull - South Shields

Down south to see relatives and managed to get over to the Yellow Warbler, my first Parulidae species in the UK! Amazingly bright and energetic little bird, calling constantly. Very pleasant twitch, brilliant bird to see on a murky day in the UK! Firecrest was a lovely surprise as well! #ukbirding

American Yellow WarblerFirecrestAmerican Yellow WarblerThe crowd of over 100 twitchers

What a day around East Yorkshire yesterday! Pale-legged Leaf Warbler (no picture but decent views and heard calling), RB Flycatcher, Siberian Stonechat, YB Warbler and incredible Hoopoe views near Hull! And all by public transport from Sheffield! #ukbirding

Hoopoe - Bransholme, HullRed-breasted Flycatcher - North Landing, FlamboroughSiberian Stonechat - North Dyke, FlamboroughHoopoe - Bransholme, Hull