Roly Pitts

Four more satellite-tagged hen harriers have ‘gone missing’ since January 2025 Last Friday afternoon, Natural England quietly published its latest sporadic update on the status of its satellite-tagged hen harriers. This is essentially an excel spreadsheet that provides the pu…

One on a grouse moor in North York Moors National Park, one near a grouse moor in Lammermuirs, two at 'confidential sites' in Scotland. All since January.

#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime #Ornithology #BanDGS

raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/04/28/f...

Morning all, 79,000 signatures down, 21,000 to go!

We've got six weeks left to get this petition to ban driven grouse shooting - a sport that has pushed hen harriers and golden eagles to the brink of extinction in these islands - over the line.

petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...

A smart bird and it was behaving nicely yesterday. It's been seen again today apparently. And no, we didn't have each other's phone numbers so no criticism was intended. In any case, my phone is usually on silent so I'd probably have missed your call 🙄😳

Almost 3 years to the day Mike @bexbirder.bsky.social since you found that one at West Bex about 15 mins after we parted company, so I was already on my way home and missed it 😥. But I'd just see one of your Cirl Buntings so I guess I wasn't due another nice bird 😇

Last chance to join us for our free Young Birders Winter Birds and Conservation Cruise for 13-18s this Saturday!
www.birdsofpooleharbourbookings.co.uk/young-birders

Stunned by Silence’ – dir Malka Holmes 2024 - Greengage Films

Standing room only last night for the Welsh premiere of Malka Holmes' short film Stunned By Silence, narrated by @iolowilliams.bsky.social. Take yourself to the moors of #NorthWales for a few minutes and immerse yourself in the world of the threatened Curlew.

www.greengagefilms.com/portfolio-it...

Lesser Scaup at Longham Lakes, found earlier today by George Green. The 2nd he has found there! Probably same bird that was recently near Blashford, Hants. #DorsetBirds

I was just going to post these from Longham Lakes on Monday, then I saw Simon's Post, then Martin's reply. It had the old ticker thumping for a few moments but as you both say, seems to be just a very pale BHG. For a minute I was thought I'd repeated your Ross's find Simon 🙏

Very interesting as always Peter. I feel exhausted just reading about your biking adventures 😫. Given the effort you put in you earn every ✅️ that you hoover up 👏.

For Little Owl lovers everywhere....
Please repost - Bluesky doesn't pick videos up in feeds yet...
#owls
@naturemichelle.bsky.social
@emilyjoachim.bsky.social

Jeremy Clarkson, James Dyson, the Earl of Derby – they’re up in arms about paying tax on the vast areas of land they own.

Small farmers are worried that changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) will affect them. But who are the big landowners complaining the loudest? Thread: 1/

It’s not good news on Marion Island, I’m afraid. Suspected HPAI cases have been identified in wandering albatross & giant petrels, as well as a skua.
www.sanap.ac.za/forestry-fis...

Thanks for confirming this Olly. That's also what Jeremy (Jez?) thought. Quite a lot of white in the tail so I knew it wasn't a recent release. Given how wide the juveniles wander I wonder how long it will be before a randy continental or Scottish bird spots an opportunity locally 🤔🤞.

A White-tailed Eagle over Ibsley Water, Blashford Lakes this afternoon caused a bit of a kerfuffle with the wildfowl & waders. Earlier a Marsh Harrier caused some disturbance as it hunted low over the water, often hovering over clear water, maybe interested in fish rather than birds 🤔 #Hantsbirds🪶

Satellite-tagged golden eagle ‘disappears’ in suspicious circumstances on grouse moor in the notorious Angus Glens Press release from RSPB: EAGLE VANISHES IN BIRD OF PREY CRIME HOTSPOT The young Golden Eagle, fitted with a satellite-tag, was being monitored by researchers in Scotland until it suddenly disappear…

raptorpersecutionuk.org/2024/11/13/s...

A nuthatch feeding young at a splendidly plastered nest hole and Great Spotted Woodpecker likewise at a finely chiselled nest hole. White Sheet Plantation today. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social

I saw Ben's reply regarding the 'Black Wanger' & assumed it referred to the Minke. Then I saw the photo & have read Paul's DBC email. I now know it refers to the dark, spoon-adorned Pom. I don't think I've enough years left (or functioning faculties) to get to grips with this sea-watching malarkey 😊

In meadows alongside the Castleman Trailway at Ringwood this pigeon seemed to be thinking 🤔:

My stomping ground has been flooded since October. It never stops raining 🌧🌧. I'm surrounded by ducks and geese. I'd better learn to swim 🏊‍♂️.

I like these appeals to dog owners/walkers at Middlebere 😊. Colourful, large, prominent & clear message. Hopefully the target audience will see them, understand & comply 🤞. The clue is in the name, National 'Nature' Reserve. It should be the rule on all nature reserves.

Glad it appeared and performed for you Gavin! When I left you it was still skulking out of sight behind a bush and I wondered if it had appeared for you. Gorgeous bird.

St Aldhelm's Head. Sheltered. Secluded. Sea view. Occasional sea breeze. Hanging gardens. Luxuriant, well-established, low-maintenance, integrated house plants. Stonework would benefit from a little repointing. Roof requires some attention. Maybe a lick of paint inside to freshen it up. 🌊🌬🏡

I did. The proper photographers have better ones but I'm still a 😊🐰.

Thank you very much Mike for another excellent find 😊👀🔭! The little blighter gave me the run-around but then when I'd given up hope it took sympathy and showed/performed beautifully.

Paid homage to the returning Forster's Tern today at RSPB Arne while it is still wearing its winter garb (ie, before it needs forensic skills to distinguish it from the Common jobbies 😉). Many thanks @courtauxbird.bsky.social for repeatedly pointing it out until even my dim eyes latched onto it 😊🪶

Hi Daryll, thanks for that kind offer 🙂, yes please. I'll try to keep shabby photos like the Black-necked Grebe one to a minimum 😇.

A late morning visit to Longham Lakes, that initially was spent dodging showers and seeing not a lot, eventually came up trumps with an adult and 1st winter Little Gull, followed swiftly by a summer plumage Black-necked Grebe.

I lived 10 mins walk from Port Meadow until I moved to Dorset just over 6 years ago. Am hoping to get there again for a poke around to see what's about. It was always an interesting place to visit and I've seen a number of good birds there over the years 😊

So first post here & no birds involved. Yesterday my brother & I walked the Stour Valley Way, Longham to Holdenhurst. Wet, muddy & we had to detour over barbed wire fences, gates and through fields. Traditional stop for lardie cake (🚀⛽️ - Dr 🤫) & sausage rolls. Also traditional, a pub for a pint 🍺😊.