Mark Andrews

Or are there two?

Hand held iPhone Bempton Swift.

Wow! Tracking a butterfly with motus!

Just published: Conservation genomics of two
endangered buntings reveal genetic diversity
before and after severe population declines. doi.org/10.1186/s129... Despite severe population declines, both species retained high genetic diversity but experienced increased inbreeding. #ornithology #birds

Nothing obvious here at present.

Quality gear but overpriced, Revolution Race equivalent at a third and probably more environmentally friendly.
A crass stunt but the damage done miniscule compared with the upcoming firework season here in the Uk for example.

Yellow-browed Bunting trapped, ringed and released at the Swannery. It's flown to the hedge which runs alongside the Swannery grounds and the bird may be viewable from the permissive path heading west from Grove Lane.

Pechora Pipit wasn’t on my radar this morning, so a quick trip south under the Tyne for this mainland mega was somewhat of a a surprise!

#NEBirding #RarebirdsUK

It is remarkable that, in a region as heavily studied as the Mediterranean, it is still possible to discover places were a "raptor river" takes place
tinyurl.com/mu77m7hc
Mellone et al. 2025. Akritas Cape: a new raptor migration hot spot in the Balkans. Bird Conservation International

eBird Checklist - 26 Dec 2014 - Searles Private impoundment and Irrigation ponds - 1 species Submitted by John Webster.

New raptor species for the Americas!
More than ten years ago John Webster photographed a harrier at Christ Church, Barbados. It was filed as a Northern in eBird all these years, until spotted by Paul Buckley and confirmed by Dick Forsman.
Via DF.

ebird.org/checklist/S2...

A patch Fox taking advantage of a water bucket early this morning.
Spare a thought for our urban wildlife in these temperatures and leave some liquid refreshment out. #FoxOfTheDay

All of my records on the meadows have been early to mid morning.

Two elegant herons with long bills and vivid plumage—deep blue wings, chestnut sides, and fine white plumes—stand close together among leafy branches in a dense green forest setting.

1960s acid jazz album cover.

These birds are way too hip.

Agami Herons, Agami Island #CostaRica

#birds #nature #herons

That’s a very fresh one, must try mine at the weekend.

Mine too!

From a distance?
Whilst wearing a welders mask…

I was just loading the scope when your departed message came through. Nice drop in!

A female Western Gull was recorded riding 150km in a garbage truck from San Francisco to a compost facility in Central CA, probably to forage. TWICE. An innovator, an icon, a genius.

This is one of my favorite @waterbirdsociety.bsky.social papers I've ever handled as managing editor #ornithology

‘Half the tree of life’: ecologists’ horror as nature reserves are emptied of insects A new point in history has been reached, entomologists say, as climate-led species’ collapse moves up the food chain even in supposedly protected regions free of pesticides

A new point in history has been reached, entomologists say, as climate-led species’ collapse moves up the food chain even in supposedly protected regions free of pesticides.

www.theguardian.com/environment/...

💥🔥😍 Male Eyebrowed Thrush at Gutcher, Yell today. Could be extremely elusive, but does occasionally hop out of cover onto the lawn. Amazing find by Christian! 😎👍 #YellBirding #Shetland ##RareBirdAlertUk #Birdguides #RareBirdsUK

The recent wet weather has given the patch some respite in the last few days. Hopefully a bit more to come🤞but has produced some nice surprises.
A rather magnificent Chicken of the Woods/Sulphur Polypore on this mornings walk.

I must admit I was suspicious. Red-foot and then this with no wandering Caspian T reported anywhere else.
It’s a bad fuck up but at least you got CG for the year list.

Birding Together: Uplifting Results from Global Big Day 2025 - eBird Global Big Day 2025 demonstrated the power of collective action. With millions of bird enthusiasts joining forces, global Big Day is officially more than a day—it’s a movement.

ebird.org/news/global-...

Our new paper led by Rachel Carmenta explodes the myth that poverty drives biodiversity loss - we show that it is wealth that has a disproportionate role 🌍
authors.elsevier.com/c/1l3Im6gsyP...

My patch waterways are already at levels I would usually attribute to late summer after a prolonged heatwave.
The floodplain steadily cracked and arid… in May!

This evening, I have screamers.

Of all the things I was hoping to find today in Georgia today, a Bateleur was not one of them! This juv drifted in from Azerbaijan and over David Gareja before returning that way. First for Azerbaijan and 3rd for Georgia!

This is insane - a cautionary tale for bird photographers intent on changing bird behaviour for a better photograph! 🪶

Competition on Spain’s railways is driving down prices Spain’s high-speed railways have had a major shake-up in recent years. The result? Lower prices, greater availability and more passengers.

Competition on Madrid-Barcelona: Average fares down 40%; rail’s share of the air/rail market increases from 59% to 82%.
300+ mile journey where cheapest ticket is the same price as a 12 mile journey by train locally.
inspain.news/competition-...

Stanford Res none, Draycote 182.
One of them funny days.