Loved watching this unusually confiding Ring Ouzel on St Mary’s, Scilly, today. I so rarely see them, let alone like this. Third shot shows it having been chased by its Blackbird cousin - what a size difference! #scillybirding

After yesterday’s Jack Snipe, here are some Common Snipe on St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly. Wonderful to see these birds so close up. #scillybirding

It wouldn’t be October on Scilly without a Jack Snipe… and this year there are lots of them, some showing incredibly well. These three were later joined by another that flew in while I was watching them. #scillybirding

What a day on St Agnes, Scilly. Starting with an 8am boat and brief flight views, all came good with the Mourning Dove. Then Hoopoe, Spotted Sandpiper and American Buff-bellied Pipit to savour on a beautiful island. Thanks to the landowner and St Agnes birders for making the Dove show possible.

Wonderful to be back on the Isles of Scilly. A smooth crossing on the Scillonian this morning was enlivened by delightful Common Dolphins. No joy with the Mourning Dove once here, but there’s always tomorrow and hopefully a lot more to be found!

A Chiffchaff with autumn leaves and berries - a wonderful autumn sight. This was at Canons Farm in Surrey earlier today.

Great views of Silver-spotted Skippers at Colley Hill in Surrey this afternoon - though hard work on hands and knees to photograph! Thanks to @stevewg.bsky.social who showed me the exact spot for them last October. Less expected and very welcome was this Clouded Yellow.

Never grown potatoes before and I have this harvest from the first two plants I dug up! Beginner’s luck or it’s a good year generally. Only growing them as I’ve heard it’s a good way to control weeds in a new plot!

While I was working today, this juvenile Song Thrush landed in the tree opposite my study window. It checked things out long enough for me to get the camera. So pleased to know that Song Thrushes have bred in or near the garden. Photo through window. #surreybirding

A rather stern looking Jay near Banstead in Surrey a couple of days ago. It had just been eating a slug… #surreybirding

Finally went to the Birds Brilliant and Bizarre exhibition at @nhm-london.Baku.social today. This stuck in my mind - comparison of modern bred chicken and wild ancestor leg bones. Oh and you get to see Archaeopteryx too. Open till 6 Jan.

Couldn’t resist a short trip to Kent for the Yellow Warbler. Very active and calling frequently, and what a Christmas Eve surprise twitch. A medium sized and very friendly crowd there too #ukbirding

So often in birding lately I note a dearth of finches. But today, I’ve looked up from my laptop in NE Surrey to see 11 Greenfinches, 29 Goldfinches and 2 Chaffinches. Must be something they like in the trees I can see - and it’s been a pleasure to watch. Important to note the positives! #ukbirding

Pleasing views of the Water Pipit in the Holmethorpe Sandpits area in Surrey at lunchtime today.

A glowing tree in Southwark… One of the fascinating Strawberry Trees (Arbutus unedo) at lunchtime today near London Bridge.