CM
@manchesterbirder.bsky.social
š¤ 728
š„ 912
š 1116
Birder from Manchester. Irregular blog at:
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com
Another shout for a blog about beautiful Bewick's Swans and the next year on my blog.
#ukbirding
#birds
loading . . .
Bewick's Swans, balance and a new quest for 2026
One of the best things about birding is being aware of the changing seasons and seeing what that does to wildlife locally and nationally, an...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/11/bewicks-swans-balance-and-new-quest-for.html
about 5 hours ago
0
12
1
reposted by
CM
Couldn't resist writing about the Bewick's, and a bit about my plans for the blog for next year. Very much appreciate everyone who reads and feeds back - that engagement has been one of the highlights of my year.
#ukbirding
#birds
loading . . .
Bewick's Swans, balance and a new quest for 2026
One of the best things about birding is being aware of the changing seasons and seeing what that does to wildlife locally and nationally, an...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/11/bewicks-swans-balance-and-new-quest-for.html
1 day ago
4
32
1
Couldn't resist writing about the Bewick's, and a bit about my plans for the blog for next year. Very much appreciate everyone who reads and feeds back - that engagement has been one of the highlights of my year.
#ukbirding
#birds
loading . . .
Bewick's Swans, balance and a new quest for 2026
One of the best things about birding is being aware of the changing seasons and seeing what that does to wildlife locally and nationally, an...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/11/bewicks-swans-balance-and-new-quest-for.html
1 day ago
4
32
1
Just had enough time to dash to Lancashire to see the returning Bewick's Swans at Thurnham. When I saw them in February they were a mile out amongst 400+ Whoopers, but today they were close in and happily grazing. Reduced to tiny numbers, these are now the only two present.
#ukbirding
#birds
2 days ago
1
47
2
A poor photo that I wouldn't normally post, except for that glorious iridescent green patch that caught my eye from a long way out. Good to see a big Siskin flock, locally high numbers of Goldcrest and Redwing feeding on large berry crop on patch at Cutacre yesterday.
#ukbirding
#birds
3 days ago
1
30
1
I've just emailed my MP to tell them what nature means to me and that I want it to stay protected. Will you take action too?
action.rspb.org.uk/page/180990/...
loading . . .
Tell the UK Government they must do better for nature!
I've just emailed my MP to tell them what nature means to me and that I want it to stay protected. Will you take action too?
https://action.rspb.org.uk/page/180990/action/1?locale=en-GB&en_chan=bs&ea.tracking.id=rspb_bluesky_share&en_ref=302236585
3 days ago
1
10
1
This is a brilliant read, well worth your time.
add a skeleton here at some point
4 days ago
0
3
0
reposted by
CM
Another shout for my blog about the good and bad bits of doing a Big Year.
#ukbirding
#birds
loading . . .
The Big Year: was it worth it?
A few people have asked me recently about doing a Big Year.Ā In some ways it's easier than it's ever been to achieve 300 species of birds in...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-big-year-was-it-worth-it.html
8 days ago
3
19
1
Another shout for my blog about the good and bad bits of doing a Big Year.
#ukbirding
#birds
loading . . .
The Big Year: was it worth it?
A few people have asked me recently about doing a Big Year.Ā In some ways it's easier than it's ever been to achieve 300 species of birds in...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-big-year-was-it-worth-it.html
8 days ago
3
19
1
reposted by
CM
In response to the most common question I've been asked in the last month, here's a blog about my initial thoughts about doing a Big Year. There will be more when I've had time to reflect more.
#ukbirding
#birds
Bee-eater from my patch in April was one of the highlights of a packed year.
loading . . .
The Big Year: was it worth it?
A few people have asked me recently about doing a Big Year.Ā In some ways it's easier than it's ever been to achieve 300 species of birds in...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-big-year-was-it-worth-it.html
9 days ago
7
30
3
In response to the most common question I've been asked in the last month, here's a blog about my initial thoughts about doing a Big Year. There will be more when I've had time to reflect more.
#ukbirding
#birds
Bee-eater from my patch in April was one of the highlights of a packed year.
loading . . .
The Big Year: was it worth it?
A few people have asked me recently about doing a Big Year.Ā In some ways it's easier than it's ever been to achieve 300 species of birds in...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-big-year-was-it-worth-it.html
9 days ago
7
30
3
reposted by
CM
Went back for seconds of Dusky Warbler at Flamborough today and it actually showed long enough for very dark photos! Snow Bunting, Merlin and dozens of Red-throated Divers an excellent bonus.
#ukbirding
#birds
12 days ago
0
66
5
Went back for seconds of Dusky Warbler at Flamborough today and it actually showed long enough for very dark photos! Snow Bunting, Merlin and dozens of Red-throated Divers an excellent bonus.
#ukbirding
#birds
12 days ago
0
66
5
reposted by
CM
The Ornithologist
5 months ago
Iām thrilled to officially launch The Ornithologist Magazine ā an independent digital publication dedicated to bird science, conservation and storytelling from around the world. Explore our content:
theornithologist.org
#ornithology
#birdscience
#theornithologist
#conservation
#birding
#birds
loading . . .
The Ornithologist
The Ornithologist is an independent online magazine exploring bird science, conservation, migration, and the fascinating world of birdsĀ āĀ delivered through thoughtful articles and expert insights.
https://theornithologist.org
1
55
28
reposted by
CM
Pleased to reach 700 followers - more than I ever had on Twitter and without all the bots. Here's the American Pipit I saw on St Agnes last month, maybe looking for the next 700. Thanks everyone, it's been a good birding year.
#ukbirding
#birds
15 days ago
1
66
2
Pleased to reach 700 followers - more than I ever had on Twitter and without all the bots. Here's the American Pipit I saw on St Agnes last month, maybe looking for the next 700. Thanks everyone, it's been a good birding year.
#ukbirding
#birds
15 days ago
1
66
2
reposted by
CM
Olive-backed Pipit, Pallid Swift and Dusky Warbler today in the blog, alongside some disappointing photos... my first twitch in a month. Two lifers in November isn't bad! Great to see
@andy-1963.bsky.social
at South Gare.
#UKbirding
#birds
loading . . .
Olive-backed Pipit, Pallid Swift, Dusky Warbler: late migration on the east coast
Late October and early November has fallen between two stools for me.Ā I could have pushed the year list into the 310s by undertaking five o...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/11/olive-backed-pipit-pallid-swift-dusky.html
16 days ago
3
36
2
Olive-backed Pipit, Pallid Swift and Dusky Warbler today in the blog, alongside some disappointing photos... my first twitch in a month. Two lifers in November isn't bad! Great to see
@andy-1963.bsky.social
at South Gare.
#UKbirding
#birds
loading . . .
Olive-backed Pipit, Pallid Swift, Dusky Warbler: late migration on the east coast
Late October and early November has fallen between two stools for me.Ā I could have pushed the year list into the 310s by undertaking five o...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/11/olive-backed-pipit-pallid-swift-dusky.html
16 days ago
3
36
2
reposted by
CM
Another shout for a blog post about loving the Bolton Bird Race in the 1990s, the excitement of a Big Day in the 10k, and just how far I'll walk to see Grey Partridge.
#ukbirding
#birds
loading . . .
Big Day in the 10k - November in Manchester
In my youth, those dim and misty days of yore before the internet, mobile phones and the wide availability of GPS, I was lucky enough to be ...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/11/big-day-in-10k-november-in-manchester.html
18 days ago
3
23
2
reposted by
CM
Julian Hughes
18 days ago
One Shore Lark does not make a winter... a story of Reindeer and climate change in
@northwaleslive.bsky.social
BirdNotes. Plus recent sightings around
#NorthWales
,
@cofnod.org.uk
's 20th anniversary conference and a lot of Woodpigeons.
#BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/single-...
loading . . .
Single Shore Lark tells a global story
The black-and-yellow stripes of a Shore Lark were a welcome surprise on the Great Orme at the weekend. It is the only lark to have colonised Arctic tundra and alpine habitats ā I have seen them in...
https://www.birdnotes.wales/blog/single-shore-lark-tells-a-global-story
1
26
2
Another shout for a blog post about loving the Bolton Bird Race in the 1990s, the excitement of a Big Day in the 10k, and just how far I'll walk to see Grey Partridge.
#ukbirding
#birds
loading . . .
Big Day in the 10k - November in Manchester
In my youth, those dim and misty days of yore before the internet, mobile phones and the wide availability of GPS, I was lucky enough to be ...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/11/big-day-in-10k-november-in-manchester.html
18 days ago
3
23
2
reposted by
CM
A blog about the Big Day in the 10k, my 90s nostalgia, knowing the place where you live, and pretending my legs are absolutely fine the day after a 16 mile hike.
#ukbirding
#birds
#patchbirding
loading . . .
Big Day in the 10k - November in Manchester
In my youth, those dim and misty days of yore before the internet, mobile phones and the wide availability of GPS, I was lucky enough to be ...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/11/big-day-in-10k-november-in-manchester.html
19 days ago
4
32
1
A blog about the Big Day in the 10k, my 90s nostalgia, knowing the place where you live, and pretending my legs are absolutely fine the day after a 16 mile hike.
#ukbirding
#birds
#patchbirding
loading . . .
Big Day in the 10k - November in Manchester
In my youth, those dim and misty days of yore before the internet, mobile phones and the wide availability of GPS, I was lucky enough to be ...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/11/big-day-in-10k-november-in-manchester.html
19 days ago
4
32
1
16 miles walked, 81 species seen in the Big Day in the 10k today. Highlights of Jack Snipe, Short-eared Owl, Merlin, Siskin, Redpoll, Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer and huge numbers of thrushes made for an excellent day of birding.
#ukbirding
#birds
20 days ago
2
64
0
reposted by
CM
A blog about loving birding in the North of England. Cheers for continuing to read my little blog, it means more than I thought it would when I started that people do come back and read it.
#ukbirding
#birds
loading . . .
North of England: into the wild hills and exposed coasts for Hen Harrier, Black Grouse and Purple Sandpiper
I've been very fortunate to meet some excellent people this year, and some of those friendships have led to the best wildlife experiences of...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/11/north-of-england-into-wild-hills-and.html
21 days ago
8
44
2
reposted by
CM
Good to get out birding in Northumberland and Cumbria for a couple of days. Various amazing experiences, but a gorgeous Purple Sandpiper, a ringtail and a roof-perching Black Grouse were highlights.
#ukbirding
#birds
22 days ago
3
48
2
Take two on this a week later! 6am tomorrow for the Big Day in the 10k!
add a skeleton here at some point
21 days ago
5
15
0
A blog about loving birding in the North of England. Cheers for continuing to read my little blog, it means more than I thought it would when I started that people do come back and read it.
#ukbirding
#birds
loading . . .
North of England: into the wild hills and exposed coasts for Hen Harrier, Black Grouse and Purple Sandpiper
I've been very fortunate to meet some excellent people this year, and some of those friendships have led to the best wildlife experiences of...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/11/north-of-england-into-wild-hills-and.html
21 days ago
8
44
2
Good to get out birding in Northumberland and Cumbria for a couple of days. Various amazing experiences, but a gorgeous Purple Sandpiper, a ringtail and a roof-perching Black Grouse were highlights.
#ukbirding
#birds
22 days ago
3
48
2
reposted by
CM
My October blog review of the month. Some amazing birds, and naturally thoughts of what to do now the 300 has been achieved.
#ukbirding
#birds
loading . . .
Manchester Birder's October 2025 Summary
October was a month where birding was, though the obvious focus of a week on Scilly, a secondary concern due to some serious life situations...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/10/manchester-birders-october-2025-summary.html
28 days ago
5
22
2
Tomorrow I'm attempting a Big Day in the 10K, a chance to see over 100 species within a 10km circle of home, with as much on foot as possible. Thermals out at 6am!
#ukbirding
. More on my 10k on my blog here in a post from June this year:
themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-...
28 days ago
9
47
1
My October blog review of the month. Some amazing birds, and naturally thoughts of what to do now the 300 has been achieved.
#ukbirding
#birds
loading . . .
Manchester Birder's October 2025 Summary
October was a month where birding was, though the obvious focus of a week on Scilly, a secondary concern due to some serious life situations...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/10/manchester-birders-october-2025-summary.html
28 days ago
5
22
2
Can anybody recommend a place in Northumberland where I might have a chance at seeing Hen Harrier in the next week? I understand it can be sensitive info, but would love to show my son. Thank you.
#ukbirding
29 days ago
1
1
0
reposted by
CM
The Short-eared Owls came out later yesterday and in poor light. Sad for the 20+ university students that had come to observe them and missed them by half an hour.
#ukbirding
#birds
about 1 month ago
0
46
2
The Short-eared Owls came out later yesterday and in poor light. Sad for the 20+ university students that had come to observe them and missed them by half an hour.
#ukbirding
#birds
about 1 month ago
0
46
2
reposted by
CM
A blog about the return of the flame-coloured Owls. Thank you for reading.
#UKbirding
#birds
loading . . .
Flame-coloured: quiet autumn joy
For a bird obsessive, a nature lover, I have recently struggled with motivation to be outside.Ā I've looked wistfully at my binoculars and c...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/10/flame-coloured-quiet-autumn-joy.html
about 1 month ago
3
37
5
reposted by
CM
A much delayed blog about beautiful Scilly, Big List Energy, missing loads of birds and why I'll never see 500 species in the UK (and that's just fine by me).
#ukbirding
#birds
loading . . .
Wryneck and Yellow-browed Warbler: Scilly Days 5-7 Big List Energy
The Isles of Scilly are beautiful, a place with history, and quirks of community and culture that you won't find anywhere else in the UK.Ā T...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/10/wryneck-and-yellow-browed-warbler.html
about 1 month ago
1
41
1
reposted by
CM
They're back! Short-eared Owls not far from home this evening. Such incredible birds, it always makes me happy to see them return.
#ukbirding
#birds
about 1 month ago
1
49
1
reposted by
CM
I've got a couple of days in Northumberland next week and would love to see a range of bird life. I wonder if anyone could give me some advice about places to try for a full dawn to dusk day? Thanks in advance!
#ukbirding
about 1 month ago
1
4
2
A blog about the return of the flame-coloured Owls. Thank you for reading.
#UKbirding
#birds
loading . . .
Flame-coloured: quiet autumn joy
For a bird obsessive, a nature lover, I have recently struggled with motivation to be outside.Ā I've looked wistfully at my binoculars and c...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/10/flame-coloured-quiet-autumn-joy.html
about 1 month ago
3
37
5
I've got a couple of days in Northumberland next week and would love to see a range of bird life. I wonder if anyone could give me some advice about places to try for a full dawn to dusk day? Thanks in advance!
#ukbirding
about 1 month ago
1
4
2
They're back! Short-eared Owls not far from home this evening. Such incredible birds, it always makes me happy to see them return.
#ukbirding
#birds
about 1 month ago
1
49
1
A much delayed blog about beautiful Scilly, Big List Energy, missing loads of birds and why I'll never see 500 species in the UK (and that's just fine by me).
#ukbirding
#birds
loading . . .
Wryneck and Yellow-browed Warbler: Scilly Days 5-7 Big List Energy
The Isles of Scilly are beautiful, a place with history, and quirks of community and culture that you won't find anywhere else in the UK.Ā T...
https://themanchesterbirder.blogspot.com/2025/10/wryneck-and-yellow-browed-warbler.html
about 1 month ago
1
41
1
Settings all wrong for a bird in flight, but I spent a happy hour most days on St Mary's taking photos of Black Redstarts sitting on rocks across the beaches. At least 7 individuals present at Porthcressa on this particular day.
#ukbirding
#birds
about 1 month ago
0
50
3
reposted by
CM
David Henig
about 1 month ago
Yay. Priceless. The right column at the right time. And a gleefully English two fingers to the haters.
91
2073
786
My 10 year old daughter took this photo with my (very heavy) camera this morning. Willow Tit isn't a bad species for a first picture of a bird!
#ukbirding
#birds
about 1 month ago
10
81
4
It's been a tough week, but there's always hope things can get better. Sorry there's been no blog for a while, but there's some writing almost ready.
#ukbirding
#birds
about 1 month ago
0
29
0
It took a long while (6 days!) to connect with St Mary's elusive Wrynecks last week, but this one chose the sunniest day and the steepest cliff edge to finally sit in the open long enough for a photo.
#ukbirding
#birds
about 1 month ago
0
32
0
A couple more of the Mourning Dove on St Agnes from Wednesday last week.
#ukbirding
#birds
about 1 month ago
0
37
2
A day of varied and excellent wildlife on St Mary's today. The much-searched after Wryneck finally posed briefly but well, a Firecrest was where a Red-breasted Flycatcher wasn't, and a stick insect battled it out with a Clouded Yellow butterfly for invert of the day.
#ukbirding
#birds
about 1 month ago
0
44
0
Load more
feeds!
log in