Andy Goodey

Spotted a few bits and pieces in between jobs: rise in numbers of Swallow and Sand Martin at Stansted Airport Lagoons and Hummingbird Hawkmoth on ground and still lots of Chalkhill Blues at Therfield Heath
@essexbirdnews.bsky.social
@bc-hertsmiddx.bsky.social

What would you say is best time of day to try? Might try at weekend. Thanks

Thigh-rubber

Hadn’t considered that. I didn’t actually see one take any but I was limited time wise. There were good numbers of Common Blue and other insects in general so maybe they were the main attraction.

Lucerne crop, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts: not an exciting video but hopefully gives an idea of the numerous white butterflies currently being attracted. Also Brimstone and c.8 Clouded Yellows which attracted a loose flock of 50+ Swallows
@bc-hertsmiddx.bsky.social
#butterflies

Sparrowhawk?

Doesn’t look like he’s up for being saddled judging by the expression

Distant Ruff this afternoon at Bradwell Gravel Pits, nr Braintree. Also Marsh Harrier, Hobby, Raven and 3 Common Sandpipers.
@essexbirdnews.bsky.social
#essexbirding

Lucerne crop fields west of Bishop’s Stortford, Herts: several Clouded Yellow amongst good numbers of whites. Also Brown Argus and many Common Blue.
Thanks @birdinghertsessex.bsky.social for heads up
@bc-hertsmiddx.bsky.social
#butterflies

Hope your recovery goes well, Chris. I second your comments re NHS and staff
#lovetheNHS

Common Tern

Whitethroat

Local gravel pits near Braintree: Common Terns feeding young, 2 Common and 1 Green Sandpiper, 8 LRPs. Highlight this juvenile Stonechat which, given date, possibly locally bred
@essexbirdnews.bsky.social

Congratulations Mark. What a great outcome!

After 5 weeks I finally tried releasing my young Pallid Swift today. Amazingly it took flight and headed off. I feel totally elated - cannot believe this little bird survived falling over 40 feet from my roof and has now headed off to Africa. Good luck.#swift #Swifts #birds

Pincey Brook, Hatfield Broad Oak pre work amble, corvids calling around hill top church, bells ringing for 8am - lovely atmosphere. No waterside waders but 2 @ of Marsh Tit and Bullfinch plus Nuthatch, 4 Sand Martin. Abundant Red Bartsia and a single Painted Lady noted
@essexbirdnews.bsky.social

Rainham RSPB: shockingly bad photos of my first ever Brown Hairstreak, a few showed intermittently in brief sunny periods and a Wall Brown nearby. Also Jersey Tiger seen and Kingfisher heard. Great few hours though with @birdinghertsessex.bsky.social and Andrew Middleton
@bc-cambs-essex.bsky.social

1 of 2 Hummingbird Hawkmoths in garden this evening

👍

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Wall Brown seen in Waterbeach, just north of Cambridge. They do seem to be regaining ground a bit.
@hutchisonjtw.bsky.social

Another Wall in mid Essex. Surely a sign of further spread from the coast
@bc-cambs-essex.bsky.social

Globally, adaptable and able to defy attempts by humans to eradicate it, less so in Britain maybe?
I’m at least happy to have given some thought to a species, I too, had little considered before and learn a bit more about it. Thanks for sharing

👍🙏

I can never find these. Still never seen one! Probably just need to get me eye in 😀

Great job, Mark

The hunt for the Black Rat (Rattus rattus), the UK's rarest rodent species What happened to the UK's Black Rat? Over the years the Black Rat (Rattus rattus) has become an increasingly rare species within the United Kingdom. It has found itself displaced by the Brown Rat (Rat...

Black Rat. Seemingly an almost forgotten species. Maybe, or maybe not, confined to littoral areas? Obviously not a ‘sexy’ species, being lumped in with Brown and all its associated negativity.

uk.inaturalist.org/posts/103633....

Quite a few young heads peering out of our Swift boxes now in Rayne.
This one had 3 yesterday, 2 today.
@sosswifts.bsky.social
@essexbirdnews.bsky.social

Blackley Lane GP, Braintree: distant video of some of the 128 Sand Martin nests in south of pit, most of which seem to be in use. Thanks to owners of site, Frank Lyons, for keeping area clear of workings following the loss of the original holes in north of pit.
@essexbirdnews.bsky.social

Lula: A veto for the Amazon! I just signed a petition to stop Brazil's 'devastation bill' – a reckless law that opens the Amazon to destruction. Lula has the power to veto it – let's show him the world is watching. Join me and sh...

secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/...

A beautifully captured array of wildlife here to be celebrated and an all too apt reality check: