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Rob Thomas

@robthomasbirds.bsky.social

Bird-watcher and conservationist in and from Wales, until July 2025 (20+ years) teaching and researching at Cardiff University. Co-director of Eco-explore Community Interest Company, trustee of Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru and Craig y Rhondda

2,778 Followers  |  2,210 Following  |  815 Posts  |  Joined: 24.09.2023  |  2.2653

Latest posts by robthomasbirds.bsky.social on Bluesky

Well spotted!

04.08.2025 21:21 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Things have taken a turn for the worse with as many as 49 golden plovers. Follow me for more blurry bird photography.

04.08.2025 17:56 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Looking like a poor season for #Puffins in the #Faroes from local accounts and observations so far - lots of adults still feeding young chicks which should have fledged by this time of year, many dead chicks in the colony and very low numbers in general :( any others finding similar? #seabirds

04.08.2025 15:34 β€” πŸ‘ 25    πŸ” 14    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 0

Hopefully both!

04.08.2025 17:46 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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62 knots is child’s-play, but 62 bar-tailed godwits is absolutely off the scale. But although we have lost our roof, at least we still have walls…

04.08.2025 17:32 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
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I was just about to do a post about 62 knots at our cottage in the Outer Hebrides, but they turned out to be bar-tailed godwits. Please park sensibly.

04.08.2025 17:26 β€” πŸ‘ 14    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

You may be referring to a storm petrel, whereas this is clearly a storm petrol.

01.08.2025 19:47 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
agrowingculture

3 hours ago

2/5

This morning, Israeli forces raided and demolished the Seed Multiplication Unit of the Union of Agricultural Work Committees' (UAWC) national seed bank in Hebron.

Using bulldozers and heavy machinery, the Israeli army destroyed the storage warehouses and infrastructure where essential equipment, seed materials, and tools for indigenous seed reproduction were kept.

This is not just an attack on a building-its an attack on Palestinian food sovereignty, biodiversity and cultural memory.

agrowingculture 3 hours ago 2/5 This morning, Israeli forces raided and demolished the Seed Multiplication Unit of the Union of Agricultural Work Committees' (UAWC) national seed bank in Hebron. Using bulldozers and heavy machinery, the Israeli army destroyed the storage warehouses and infrastructure where essential equipment, seed materials, and tools for indigenous seed reproduction were kept. This is not just an attack on a building-its an attack on Palestinian food sovereignty, biodiversity and cultural memory.

Israel destroyed a Palestinian seed bank today. This is such a specific kind of evil, targeting literal hope for the future. Attempting to further alienate Palestinians from their home and land. So much destroyed just for the sake of destroying. It's awful.

01.08.2025 00:38 β€” πŸ‘ 6157    πŸ” 3571    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Rob Thomas: Cardiff University farewell talk, July 2025
YouTube video by Rob Thomas Rob Thomas: Cardiff University farewell talk, July 2025

Here is my farewell talk at Cardiff University -all about the Behaviour Research Group across the years, and some very bad dad-jokes... youtu.be/Nl9EkBLQ3ss

31.07.2025 20:45 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Mae’r celf clawr hardd o’r Gwibiwr Brith ar ein rhifyn cyfredol ni gan yr artist ifanc talentog, Lily Anderson – gallwch ddod i wybod mwy am ei gwaith hi yma:
@landersart.bsky.social
lilyanderson.uk

31.07.2025 16:09 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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5pm: school’s out for ever!

31.07.2025 16:01 β€” πŸ‘ 28    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 0

Thank you Ben!

31.07.2025 15:21 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Thank you so much to friends, family and colleagues at Cardiff University for the wonderfully happy send-off yesterday (and today), and for the beautiful artwork by Tara Okon @rivers-disguise.bsky.social of my favourite birds. Thank you for the friendship and support -see you along the road :)

31.07.2025 15:15 β€” πŸ‘ 36    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 5    πŸ“Œ 0
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Saying farewell today to our long-standing supporter of students and staff, and behavioural researcher of birds and β€˜non-birds’, @robthomasbirds.bsky.social as he moves to new worlds. I once heard him sing β€˜Calon LΓ’n’ on the banks of the Volga, and even the sturgeon stopped to listen…

30.07.2025 19:33 β€” πŸ‘ 14    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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British Ornithologists' Club seeks chairperson The 132-year-old British Ornithologists' Club is currently inviting applications for the role of Chair. If you are passionate about birds, communicationΒ and community-building within ornithology, the BOC would be delighted to hear from you.

The British Ornithologists' Club chairperson, Chris Storey, is retiring – and the club would like to hear from anyone interested in applying for the role:

30.07.2025 08:57 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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BIG NEWS: For the first time in six years, Britain's rarest breeding bird has successfully nested in the UK!

A pair of Montagu's Harriers have raised four healthy chicks, all of which have taken their first flights.

30.07.2025 09:04 β€” πŸ‘ 7948    πŸ” 982    πŸ’¬ 96    πŸ“Œ 50

Trumps mother, grandparents and two of his wives were illegal immigrants.
The hypocrisy is absolutely horrifying and seriously deranged.
Fight back against this fascist dictator, now.

29.07.2025 23:30 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Street lamps aren’t the only form of artificial light pollution – here’s how to create darker nights Light Pollution is a significant environmental issue and is spreading rapidly. The good news is that it is easy to fix - find out how here…

Interesting research, suggesting poorly designed or excessive private lighting is contributing as much to ALAN pollution as street lights.
🌏πŸ§ͺ
This seems to be one of the few areas where our own actions can make a significant positive contribution!

Turn it off!
πŸ’‘
theconversation.com/street-lamps...

29.07.2025 23:34 β€” πŸ‘ 29    πŸ” 7    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 1
Job Search

Two (!) ongoing Academic (Research and Teaching) positions in Ecology, here at Monash University in Melbourne. Closing in a little over a week! Please share widely! Both at Lecturer/Senior Lecturer level (similar to Assistant Professor) careers.pageuppeople.com/513/cw/en/jo...

28.07.2025 23:32 β€” πŸ‘ 24    πŸ” 39    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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πŸ”Š VACANCY

Enjoy #theBOUblog? Join us as Blog Editor!

You'll be responsible for sourcing, editing and publishing content on #theBOUblog & will receive an annual honorarium

Check out the details & apply: bou.org.uk/about-the...

⏰ Deadline: 29 August

#ornithology πŸͺΆ

28.07.2025 12:00 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 10    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Let me know if you need any help with this important research.

27.07.2025 11:05 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Career Clarity for PhDs with Career Coach Dr. Jen Polk Are you on the job market or seeking a new career? Professors and researchers, this interview with career coach, Dr. Jen Polk, is especially for academics considering leaving academia (or if you're forced to leave unexpectedly).

Many mid-career academics are leaving academiaβ€”voluntarily or not. I joined @jenvanalstyne.bsky.social on her blog to talk about what helps.
#PhDSky #AcademicSky

26.07.2025 22:45 β€” πŸ‘ 23    πŸ” 7    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Israeli Military Attacks Handala in International Waters, Abducts 21
Unarmed Civilians
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition confirms that its civilian
vessel Handala, en route to break Israel's illegal, genocidal blockade on Palestinians in Gaza, has been violently intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters about forty nautical miles from Gaza. At 11:43 Palestine time the Occupation cut the
cameras on board Handala and we have lost all
communication with our ship. The unarmed boat was carrying life-saving supplies when it was boarded by Israeli forces, its passengers abducted, and its cargo seized. The interception occurred in international waters outside Palestinian territorial waters off Gaza, in violation of international maritime law.
Handala carried a shipment of critical humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza, including baby formula, diapers, food, and medicine. All cargo was non-military, civilian, and intended for direct distribution to a population facing deliberate starvation and medical collapse under Israel's illegal blockade.

Israeli Military Attacks Handala in International Waters, Abducts 21 Unarmed Civilians The Freedom Flotilla Coalition confirms that its civilian vessel Handala, en route to break Israel's illegal, genocidal blockade on Palestinians in Gaza, has been violently intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters about forty nautical miles from Gaza. At 11:43 Palestine time the Occupation cut the cameras on board Handala and we have lost all communication with our ship. The unarmed boat was carrying life-saving supplies when it was boarded by Israeli forces, its passengers abducted, and its cargo seized. The interception occurred in international waters outside Palestinian territorial waters off Gaza, in violation of international maritime law. Handala carried a shipment of critical humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza, including baby formula, diapers, food, and medicine. All cargo was non-military, civilian, and intended for direct distribution to a population facing deliberate starvation and medical collapse under Israel's illegal blockade.

Human Rights Defenders Aboard Handala, by country:
United States: Christian Smalls - Amazon Labor Union
founder; Huwaida Arraf - Human rights attorney (Palestine/US); Jacob Berger - Jewish-American activist; Bob Suberi - Jewish U.S. war veteran; Braedon Peluso - Sailor and direct action activist; Dr. Frank
Romano - International lawyer and actor (France/US).
France: Emma Fourreau - MEP and activist
(France/Sweden); Gabrielle Cathala - Parliamentarian and former humanitarian worker; Justine Kempf - Nurse, MΓ©decins du Monde; Ange Sahuquet -
Engineer and human rights activist.
Italy: Antonio Mazzeo - Teacher, peace researcher, journalist; Antonio "Tony" La Picirella - Climate and social justice organizer.
Spain: Santiago GonzΓ‘lez Vallejo - Economist and activist; Sergio Toribio - Engineer and environmentalist.

Human Rights Defenders Aboard Handala, by country: United States: Christian Smalls - Amazon Labor Union founder; Huwaida Arraf - Human rights attorney (Palestine/US); Jacob Berger - Jewish-American activist; Bob Suberi - Jewish U.S. war veteran; Braedon Peluso - Sailor and direct action activist; Dr. Frank Romano - International lawyer and actor (France/US). France: Emma Fourreau - MEP and activist (France/Sweden); Gabrielle Cathala - Parliamentarian and former humanitarian worker; Justine Kempf - Nurse, MΓ©decins du Monde; Ange Sahuquet - Engineer and human rights activist. Italy: Antonio Mazzeo - Teacher, peace researcher, journalist; Antonio "Tony" La Picirella - Climate and social justice organizer. Spain: Santiago GonzΓ‘lez Vallejo - Economist and activist; Sergio Toribio - Engineer and environmentalist.

Australia: Robert Martin - Human rights activist; Tania
"Tan" Safi - Journalist and organizer of Lebanese descent.
Norway: Vigdis Bjorvand - 70-year-old lifelong justice activist.
United Kingdom / France: ChloΓ© Fiona Ludden -
Former UN staff and scientist.
Tunisia: Hatem Aouini - Trade unionist and internationalist activist.
Journalists Aboard Handala
Morocco: Mohamed El Bakkali - Senior journalist with
Al Jazeera (based in Paris).
Iraq / United States: Waad Al Musa - Cameraman and field reporter with Al Jazeera.
The attack on Handala is the third violent act by Israeli forces against Freedom Flotilla missions this year alone. It follows the drone bombing of the civilian aid ship Conscience in European waters in May, which injured four people and disabled the vessel, and the illegal seizure of the Madleen in June, where Israeli forces abducted twelve civilians, including a Member

Australia: Robert Martin - Human rights activist; Tania "Tan" Safi - Journalist and organizer of Lebanese descent. Norway: Vigdis Bjorvand - 70-year-old lifelong justice activist. United Kingdom / France: ChloΓ© Fiona Ludden - Former UN staff and scientist. Tunisia: Hatem Aouini - Trade unionist and internationalist activist. Journalists Aboard Handala Morocco: Mohamed El Bakkali - Senior journalist with Al Jazeera (based in Paris). Iraq / United States: Waad Al Musa - Cameraman and field reporter with Al Jazeera. The attack on Handala is the third violent act by Israeli forces against Freedom Flotilla missions this year alone. It follows the drone bombing of the civilian aid ship Conscience in European waters in May, which injured four people and disabled the vessel, and the illegal seizure of the Madleen in June, where Israeli forces abducted twelve civilians, including a Member

of the European Parliament. Shortly before their abduction, the Handala's crew affirmed that they would be hunger-striking if detained by Israeli forces and not accepting any food from the Israeli Occupation Forces.
Israeli officials have ignored the International Court of Justice's binding orders that require the facilitation of humanitarian access to Gaza. The continued attacks on
peaceful civilian missions represent a grave violation of
international law.
"Israel has no legal authority to detain international civilians aboard the Handala", said Ann Wright a
member of the Freedom Flotilla's steering committee.
"This is not a matter of internal Israeli jurisdiction.
These are foreign nationals operating under international law in international waters. Their detention is arbitrary, unlawful, and must end."

of the European Parliament. Shortly before their abduction, the Handala's crew affirmed that they would be hunger-striking if detained by Israeli forces and not accepting any food from the Israeli Occupation Forces. Israeli officials have ignored the International Court of Justice's binding orders that require the facilitation of humanitarian access to Gaza. The continued attacks on peaceful civilian missions represent a grave violation of international law. "Israel has no legal authority to detain international civilians aboard the Handala", said Ann Wright a member of the Freedom Flotilla's steering committee. "This is not a matter of internal Israeli jurisdiction. These are foreign nationals operating under international law in international waters. Their detention is arbitrary, unlawful, and must end."

BREAKING: Israeli military attacks humanitarian aid vessel Handala in international waters 30 miles from Gaza β€” in violation of maritime law β€” and has abducted 21 people on board, including U.S. citizens.

The ship was carrying life-saving aid, which Israel has seized.

26.07.2025 22:19 β€” πŸ‘ 1313    πŸ” 849    πŸ’¬ 38    πŸ“Œ 56

Ah, Rosy-fingered Dawn; I was actually in school with her brother, Rosy-fingered Dave.

26.07.2025 21:58 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

And if any croissant manufacturers are on here, I’m available for sponsorship.

26.07.2025 21:37 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

I endorse this message.

26.07.2025 20:55 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
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Animal Behaviour - Bielefeld University With a team of over 50 people, the different research groups study animal behaviour within the framework of the four questions of Tinbergen, both in the lab and in the field. Current model systems include laboratory studies on zebra finches (

Bielefeld University seeks a postdoc for a 6-year scientific assistant position in Animal Behaviour, starting March 2026. Apply by Sept 10, 2025. More info: www.uni-bielefeld.de/fakultaeten/biologie/forschung/arbeitsgruppen/behaviour #job

26.07.2025 07:12 β€” πŸ‘ 74    πŸ” 89    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 4

Ireland trialled a scheme where they provided 2000 artists with a guaranteed income of €1300 a month. It's been such a success that it's already been extended and there's a campaign to push it further. Here's the government report: assets.gov.ie/static/docum...

25.07.2025 09:05 β€” πŸ‘ 236    πŸ” 80    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 8

Very well played :)

24.07.2025 22:51 β€” πŸ‘ 12    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Assistant Curator of Invertebrate Zoology, Careers At Field Museum Position Assistant Curator of Invertebrate Zoology FLSA Status Exempt Department Negaunee Integrative Research Center Our Mission Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition our organization has aimed...

A rare job opportunity for Invertebrate Zoology: fieldmuseum.hrmdirect.com/employment/j...

22.07.2025 20:33 β€” πŸ‘ 32    πŸ” 49    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 3

@robthomasbirds is following 20 prominent accounts