After years of dithering, it’s time to replace my trusty Swarovski CLCs. I’d love to hear any thoughts/experiences on choosing between Swaro NL Pure 8x32 and Zeiss Victory SF 8x32. I’ve heard Zeiss colour reproduction is supposed to be better...? Any views would be greatly appreciated! #BirdingGear

The Sand Martins have returned to their colonies along the River Usk (Afon Wysg - ‘river abounding with fish'), busily excavating fresh nest burrows and restoring those from last season. 2 pairs of Common Sandpipers back on territory, Kingfishers dashing past and a pair of Dippers mating. #UKBirding

Very telling from the birdfood industry. Despite new RSPB/BTO advice on birdfeeding based on a solid scientific review, and RSPB taking a ££ hit themselves, EVERY major birdfood company is attacking/rejecting the guidance, claiming to know better, putting their incomes over conservation. Shameful.

A superb example of truly mixed woodland in Herefordshire, with a diverse range of tree species and complex woodland structure. Hawfinch pair in breeding habitat, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming and calling, singing Crossbills flew and a Siskin pair were nest building. Fabulous! #UKBirding

Conservation grazing in action! A few of the small herd of White Park cattle at a Herefordshire 'wilding' landholding, who are helping to shape a developing mosaic of wood pasture, scrub and grassland. Equipped with the ubiquitous NoFence collar system.

A beautiful example of NVC W17b woodland in a valley below Mynydd Pen-y-fâl, not far from the source of the Afon Cibi. Abundant standing deadwood, Bilberry dominated field layer, with bryophytes forming thick mats below, and epiphytic ferns and bryophytes clinging to the Sessile Oaks - stunning!

Has anyone recorded variation in Goldcrest morphology? This autumn, I have noticed a few birds which have been noticeably bulkier and longer-winged. I wonder if this might be geographical variation (ie Scandis) but I haven't manged to find in any literature. Thoughts? #Ornithology #UKBirding

Ok so the argument that farmers are against nature has been blown out of the water this week. In Jan’ there were already 295,000 hectares of land taken out of production for nature recovery, over 3million hectares where the farmers are actively looking at improving their soil and 32,000 agreements

Great to see a 2ha plot of wild bird cover crop locally, seeded with millet, linseed, mustard, sunflower and kale. Packed with birds: 230 Linnet, 170 Chaffinch, 30 Greenfinch & 2 Reed Bunt, all feeding on the array of seeds, showing how valuable these cover crops can be to farmland birds. #UKBirding

Does anyone know of any Tree Sparrow nest box/pulli ringing projects? I'm already in contact with Matt Prior from the Wiltshire project. I'm currently doing research into Tree Sparrows using nest boxes and would really like to to hear other people's experiences. Thanks! #UKBirding #Ornithology

Good numbers of warblers on patch Marcle Ridge in Herefs yesterday with @danwebb.bsky.social, presumably Scandinavian birds brought down by the heavy mist and north-easterlies with 21 Chiff, 6 Willow (inc 4 ads) and a cracking 1cy Grasshopper Warbler skulking in the long vegetation. Magic! #PWC2024

Another brilliant week for migration on my patch, Marcle Ridge in Herefordshire with @danwebb.bsky.social. Highlights 29 Stonechat, 9 Tree Pipit, 6 Wheatear, 6 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 3 Yellow Wag, 3 Willow Warb and 2 Spot Fly, as well as the first #vismig Grey Wag and mipits of the Autumn. #UKBirding

Excellent birding on my local patch in Herefordshire this week with @danwebb.bsky.social, with great early autumn #vismig as well as grounded migrants. Highlights 134(!) Tree Pipit, 9 Spot Fly, 9 Stonechat, 7 Willow Warb, 4 Yellow Wag, 2 Whinchat and 1 LRP as well as good hirundine passage. #PWC2024