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Mike Holley

@mikeholley.bsky.social

Worcestershire based birder and odonata-er.

775 Followers  |  475 Following  |  1,048 Posts  |  Joined: 11.02.2024  |  1.7615

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26.10.2025 21:20 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

No, these dropped into Grimley at 10.30 and were still there at 14:00. According to a post on the Worcs Rare Bird WhatsApp group, the Belvide birds were reported around 12.30.

25.10.2025 17:30 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
9 of the 10 Whooper Swans at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire, on 25th October 2025. Four adults and five of the juveniles are shown in the photo, viewed from the south causeway.

9 of the 10 Whooper Swans at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire, on 25th October 2025. Four adults and five of the juveniles are shown in the photo, viewed from the south causeway.

6 juv and 4 adult Whooper Swans at #Grimley rounded off a decent week’s birding. Other notables from this morning: 4 Stonechat on north causeway, 11+ Common Snipe, 2 GWE, 4 Little Egret, Goosander over north, plus the usuals. #WorcsBirds

25.10.2025 15:58 β€” πŸ‘ 48    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Two of the five Curlew today at the Moors, Upton Warren Nature Reserve, Worcestershire. The Curlew are shown with three male Teal.

Two of the five Curlew today at the Moors, Upton Warren Nature Reserve, Worcestershire. The Curlew are shown with three male Teal.

A Dunlin, 5 Curlew, 6 Snipe and 3 Otters were among the highlights at #uptonwarren Moors today 7.30 to 11.00. Other notables: 48 Lapwing, Water Rail, Stonechat, Buzzard thru low, Green Woodpecker. 5 Little Egret was the best at the Sailing Pool. Dipped on the Rock Pipit at the Flashes. #WorcsBirds

17.10.2025 13:40 β€” πŸ‘ 25    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A female Stonechat on the north causeway at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire, on 15th October 2025. An adult male and immature male were also present.

A female Stonechat on the north causeway at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire, on 15th October 2025. An adult male and immature male were also present.

Best of Grimley 08:30-11:30. CLP: 3 Stonechat, 11 House Martin thru, 3 Snipe, 71 Lapwing, Sparrowhawk on west shore. CF: 2 Green Sand, 100+ mixed Finch flock including Redpoll. Wildgoose: Marsh Tit, GWE, Treecreeper, Green & Great Spot Woodpeckers. GWE was the only Egret seen anywhere. #WorcsBirds

15.10.2025 14:03 β€” πŸ‘ 30    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
View looking north across a pool adjacent to the main Upper Bittell reservoir, Worcestershire, on 13th October 2025. Two Kingfishers are a regular sight on this pool.

View looking north across a pool adjacent to the main Upper Bittell reservoir, Worcestershire, on 13th October 2025. Two Kingfishers are a regular sight on this pool.

2nd WeBS count at Bittell this morning. Good variety of waterfowl across the reservoirs and pools, albeit most of which were on the south section of the Lower reservoir. The main Upper reservoir was quiet, with no waders present during the count, and two GWE as the only notable. #WorcsBirds

13.10.2025 12:42 β€” πŸ‘ 31    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
A Great White Egret and two of the four Little Egret on the pool at Wildgoose Nature Reserve, Worcestershire, on 10th October, 2025. Note: A permit or WMBC membership is required to access part of the reserve.

A Great White Egret and two of the four Little Egret on the pool at Wildgoose Nature Reserve, Worcestershire, on 10th October, 2025. Note: A permit or WMBC membership is required to access part of the reserve.

Finished the morning at #Grimley, where the highlights 10:00 to 12:00 were CLP: Green Sand, 2 Kingfisher, 2 Little Egret, 78 Lapwing. CF: 20+ Mipits. Wildgoose: GWE, 4 Little Egret. Wigeon count across CLP and CF up to 89. Species seen on CLP and CF was affected by separate disturbances. #WorcsBirds

10.10.2025 17:21 β€” πŸ‘ 106    πŸ” 10    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Three Egyptian Geese on the main pit at Clifton on 10th October 2025.

Three Egyptian Geese on the main pit at Clifton on 10th October 2025.

Started a morning’s birding at Clifton. Notables from 6:30 to 09:30: GWE, 8 Little Egret, and a large, mobile finch flock in the southern sunflower fields, including Redpoll. An 800+ flock of (mostly) Greylag and Canada Geese dominated the pits. Photo: 3 of 23+ Egyptian Geese present. #WorcsBirds

10.10.2025 16:42 β€” πŸ‘ 15    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Sunrise over the main pool at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire, on 6th October 2025.

Sunrise over the main pool at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire, on 6th October 2025.

A dawn start at #Grimley CLP paid off with 2 Cattle Egret on the west shore, and the Glossy Ibis and 2 GWE over north as they left the roost. A BlackWit dropped onto the west shore. Marsh Tit and a late Spotfly were the star birds at Wildgoose to round off a decent 6 hours birding. #WorcsBirds

06.10.2025 14:14 β€” πŸ‘ 49    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A Green Woodpecker foraging in the grass in front of the Avocet Hide at The Flashes, Upton Warren Nature Reserve, Worcestershire, on 4th October 2025.

A Green Woodpecker foraging in the grass in front of the Avocet Hide at The Flashes, Upton Warren Nature Reserve, Worcestershire, on 4th October 2025.

A Pink-footed Goose and a GWE were the highlights at #uptonwarren Moors from this morning’s wind and early rain. c75 Lapwing was the best from the usual others. At the Flashes, 4 Curlew still and cracking views this Green Woodpecker foraging in front of the Avocet hide. #WorcsBirds

04.10.2025 11:24 β€” πŸ‘ 29    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
5 of the 28 Wigeon on the north pit at Church Farm, Grimley, Worcestershire on 3rd October 2025.

5 of the 28 Wigeon on the north pit at Church Farm, Grimley, Worcestershire on 3rd October 2025.

2 Ringed Plover on the east shore of CLP were the highlight at #Grimley from 06:30 to 09:15. Best of the rest at CLP / CF - Common Sand, 3 Little Egret over, 78 Lapwing, 2 Stonechat, Sparrowhawk thru, 2 Egyptian. CF: Wigeon numbers building with 28 on north pit. Also later, GWE at WG #WorcsBirds

03.10.2025 12:56 β€” πŸ‘ 18    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A female Stonechat perched on a bush on the north causeway at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire on 29th September 2025.

A female Stonechat perched on a bush on the north causeway at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire on 29th September 2025.

A Great White Egret feeding on the main pool at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire on 29th September 2025.

A Great White Egret feeding on the main pool at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire on 29th September 2025.

A Common Snipe on the west shore of the Hippo Pool at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire on 29th September 2025.

A Common Snipe on the west shore of the Hippo Pool at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire on 29th September 2025.

View looking north-east across the north end of the main pool at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire on 29th September 2025.

View looking north-east across the north end of the main pool at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire on 29th September 2025.

Decent morning at #Grimley. Best of 8.30 to 12.30. CLP: Ringed Plover, Common Sand, 5 Snipe, 2 GWE, 6 Little Egret, Water Rail, 75+ Lapwing, Stonechat, Kingfisher, 2 Goldcrest. Church Farm: Common Sand, 15+ Swallow, Mipits. Wildgoose: Green Sand. Island Pool: Stonechat, 3 Little Egret. #WorcsBirds

29.09.2025 13:58 β€” πŸ‘ 21    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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One of two Roe Deer on the North Moors at #uptonwarren this morning.

27.09.2025 11:52 β€” πŸ‘ 12    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

In Worcestershire there’s been one at Grimley for four weeks now, it joins the Egret roost. These juvs at Croome seem settled, despite it being a popular NT site. The low water is providing access to plenty of food, with little or no competition. It will be interesting to see how long they stay.

27.09.2025 10:37 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Thanks Suzanne, they made surprisingly willing subjects. Hope all is well with you.

27.09.2025 10:28 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Post image 26.09.2025 20:00 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

πŸ‘

26.09.2025 06:02 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A juvenile Glossy Ibis feeding in the shallow water of the lake at Croome Park, Worcestershire, on 25th September 2025.

A juvenile Glossy Ibis feeding in the shallow water of the lake at Croome Park, Worcestershire, on 25th September 2025.

No apologies for another photo of one of the Glossy Ibis at Croome. The low water level in the lake is providing plenty of feeding opportunities for them. #WorcsBirds

26.09.2025 06:00 β€” πŸ‘ 37    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 1
A juvenile Glossy Ibis on the edge of the lake at Croome Park, Worcestershire, on 25th September 2025.

A juvenile Glossy Ibis on the edge of the lake at Croome Park, Worcestershire, on 25th September 2025.

Cracking views of the four juvenile Glossy Ibis as they foraged at Croome today, this one just a few feet away on the edge of the lake. #WorcsBirds

25.09.2025 19:33 β€” πŸ‘ 32    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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If you’re not familiar with Croome, they are on the lake circled in red in the attached map. When you get through the visitor centre and enter the park by the historic church (no 5 in the map), take the path that goes off to the right, this will take you straight to the lake. Good luck if you go.

25.09.2025 18:15 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Thanks. Luckily the Glossy Ibis were on the closest pool to Zeiss, hunkered up against the reeds though so still a fair distance away for pictures. The BlackWits were on Rushy and reasonably close to the hide, which made getting photos a lot easier.

25.09.2025 17:17 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Went back to Croome this afternoon where the four juvenile Glossy Ibis showed really well, foraging in the channel off the lake. #WorcsBirds

25.09.2025 17:02 β€” πŸ‘ 48    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Steve Ferguson reported them as still present this afternoon, on the lake island (north end of the river). I spent an hour there earlier in the day but didn't see them.

24.09.2025 22:01 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
A Ringed Plover on the west shore of the main pool at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire, on 24th September 2025.

A Ringed Plover on the west shore of the main pool at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire, on 24th September 2025.

Dropped into Grimley late morning where I was amazed to see a group of NINE GWEs on CLP, a personal record in the UK. Other notables at CLP: Ringed Plover (photo), Common Sand, 4 Little Egret, 70+ flighty Lapwing, Kestrel, close encounter with a Green Woodpecker on the causeway. #WorcsBirds

24.09.2025 16:07 β€” πŸ‘ 32    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A drake Long-tailed Duck on the north pit at Clifton, Worcestershire, on 24th September 2025.

A drake Long-tailed Duck on the north pit at Clifton, Worcestershire, on 24th September 2025.

Started the day at Clifton Pits where the Long-tailed Duck eventually showed well. 2 Green Sand were the only wader, 28+ adult and juv Greenfinch in the sunflower field was an encouraging sight for this Red list bird. Dropped into Coombe, where I somehow dipped on the 4 Glossy Ibis 😟. #WorcsBirds

24.09.2025 15:57 β€” πŸ‘ 28    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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1/ The Wintering Waterbird Indicator, published in the Wild Bird Indicators publication today by Defra, is based on the trends of wintering populations of 46 waterbird species or races since 1975/76.

πŸ“–: www.gov.uk/government/s...

#Ornithology #UKBirding

23.09.2025 12:58 β€” πŸ‘ 10    πŸ” 6    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Two Black-tailed Godwits preening on the Rushy lake at WWT Slimbridge on 22nd September 2025.

Two Black-tailed Godwits preening on the Rushy lake at WWT Slimbridge on 22nd September 2025.

Decent day at WWT Slimbridge: 2 Glossy Ibis, Curlew Sand with 11 Ruff, 3+ Spotshank, 3+ BarWit, Greenshank through on South Lake, 8 Curlew, 20+ BlackWit, 10+ Redshank, 3 Snipe, 30+ Ringed Plover, Dunlin through on estuary and 10 over Rushy, 2 Crane through, 4 Spoonbill over on M5. #GlosBirds

22.09.2025 16:16 β€” πŸ‘ 20    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
A Stonechat perched on a reed at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire, on 20th September 2025.

A Stonechat perched on a reed at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire, on 20th September 2025.

2 Whinchat on Church Farm were the highlight at Grimley this morning. Other notables 6.00 to 11.30 - CLP: 2 Stonechat (photo), GWE, 15 Little Egret first thing, usual Common Sand, Kingfisher, Kestrel. Also at CF: Redshank heard but couldn’t locate on any pool, GWE over. #WorcsBirds

20.09.2025 12:37 β€” πŸ‘ 34    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
View looking south across western part of the main pit at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire.

View looking south across western part of the main pit at Camp Lane Pits, Grimley, Worcestershire.

Today’s forecasted morning of rain sadly failed to materialise. Started the day at #uptonwarren where the best was 2 Snipe, Common Sand, 71 Lapwing, Kingfisher, 2 eclipse Wigeon. Moved to Grimley CLP / CF for Dunlin through, GWE, Common Sand, 2 Little Egret, 2 Common Tern, Yellow Wag. #WorcsBirds

17.09.2025 17:41 β€” πŸ‘ 43    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
View looking west across the southern end of the Moors Pool at Upton Warren Nature Reserve, Worcestershire, on 15th September 2025.

View looking west across the southern end of the Moors Pool at Upton Warren Nature Reserve, Worcestershire, on 15th September 2025.

2 eclipse Wigeon were new in at #uptonwarren Moors this morning. Water levels up across the reserve, quiet despite the promising conditions. Best of the rest 6.45 to 10.15 - Moors: Snipe, Little Egret briefly, Kingfisher, hirundines through including 40+ House Martin. Flashes: 2 Curlew. #WorcsBirds

15.09.2025 10:26 β€” πŸ‘ 49    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

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