Andrew Lucas

31 moths of 10 species for my first @gardenmothscheme.bsky.social survey of 2026. Just Early Grey new for the year, plus the cranefly Tipula rufina. #teammoth

A quick run out to the dam at Rutland Water allowed me to connect with a rather distant Red-necked Grebe. #UKbirding

It's down to Gethin's hard work and commitment.

We had some very successful training courses for newcomers to the BTO Breeding Bird Survey last weekend in South Wales. As result, uptake of squares in West Glamorgan has exceeded 70%!

Newyddion ardderchog!!! Da iawn pawb.
@bbs-birds.bsky.social
#birdingWales

Is Cymru wild?
Wild? It's absolutely livid.

This just arrived, by @graemelyons.bsky.social. 400 pages packed with guidance on how to identify almost any taxonomic group you can think of. An absolute 'must have' for any naturalist.

A map of a vacant BBS square in West Glamorgan, plus a cut out image of a Grey Heron.

(1/) This week’s featured BBS square is in West Glamorgan in Wales. It is very close to Kenfig Nature Reserve, so surveying the square could be coincided with a visit to the reserve! @btobirds.bsky.social JNCC RSPB Science BTO Cymru #BirdingWales #Ornithology

Trichocera major. Image from www.naturespot.org

Sylvicola cinctus. Image from www.naturespot.org

A look through my Diptera 'moth trap intruders' this morning produced Trichocera major (3rd Glamorgan record and first for West Glamorgan) and Sylvicola cinctus (new for SN60).
Images from www.naturespot.org

#teammoth

'Birdbrain' benefits: How being an expert birdwatcher may boost cognition New research shows that seasoned birders — including older adults — had denser tissue in parts of the brain tied to attention and perception.

Birding may improve brain health and reduce cognitive decline in older adults.

How birding really can change the brain and boost cognition, surprising new study finds share.google/82bD1Jv5s6Cl...

#UKbirding #birdingWales

Twin-spotted Quaker

Brindled Pug

39 moths of 8 species from woodland near Clydach, Swansea this morning. NFY - Twin-spotted Quaker and Brindled Pug. #teammoth

"Begin the day with a friendly voice,a companion unobtrusive..."

I have a London ticket! Just 386 days to go!

Starlings 'anting' in my garden. The birds pick up ants, and the angry insects secrete formic acid. The birds rub the ants on their plumage as a disinfectant to get rid of parasites. #birdingWales

Diurnea fagella

Oak Beauty

32 moths of 11 species from woodland near Clydach, Swansea. Diurnea fagella new for 1km square, plus Small Quaker, Hebrew Character, Oak Nycteoline and Clouded Drab NFY. Also window gnat Sylvicola fenestralis. #teammoth

Look what has finally arrived!

Pan-species Listing (PSL) by BUBO Welcome to Pan-species Listing, online system for all species listing for any location in the UK.

This could be my new pan-listing obsession. A great site to keep track of your species lists, and compare with others.

panspecieslisting.com

And with an absolutely mental sex life!

I'd always fancied a 'big year', ever since I read 'A Twitcher's Diary' as a teenager. But with restricted time and other life priorities, it really doesn't seem so important.

Hoping to push my moth trapping into new habitats in 2026.

Mind you, my British list remains a priority. 😉

Despite fewer submissions than 2024, managed 8 lifers in 2025, so I guess my birding was more 'efficient'.

Resolutions for 2026:
1. Less pointless year list stamp collecting.
2. More useful birding for BTO surveys.
3. Much more moth trapping and general entomology!

#UKbirding #birdingWales

Pale Brindled Beauty

Oak Beauty

28/7 in woodland near Clydach, Swansea.
Pale Brindled Beauty
Dotted Border
Chestnut
March Moth
Acleris literana
Oak Beauty
Common Quaker

Also winter gnat Trichocera annulata.

#Teammoth

Frog spawn. We have frog spawn!

Appeared overnight in our Clydach, Swansea garden pond.

Now THAT is dedication, considering its about a 15-20 minute walk from the car each way. Glad it hung on for you.

A successful day's birthday birding in southern England despitetheweather. Got the Killdeer (367th for Britain), plus Dartford Warbler in the New Forest, finishing with 4 Black-necked Grebe, 3 Slavonian Grebe and 5 GN Diver at Poole Harbour. #UKbirding

Oops yes, 367. My list has gone backwards of late, because of various lumping of crows, teal and redpoll!

First successful twitch of 2026. The Ripley Farm Killdeer safely on the list before 9am. British lifer no. 267. #UKbirding

A great bird for your 400th! I'm still agonising about tomorrow morning...

Glamorgan Birders...could you give up a few hours each year to help with the UK's most valuable bird survey.

Training event on February 28th morning at Kenfig NNR. There are lots of vacant BBS squares, even in the Kenfig area!

Book at www.bto.org/cymru-events

#birdingWales

Wow...amazing, and well deserved. Good luck in the new role.

Good idea!!!

It's for access to the site, as the owner is a PLC.

I have a great new moth trapping location for 2026, but the owners insist on a risk assessment and method statement. Can anyone point to a template online?

Please don't DM. I don't access them due to having to hand over personal data to get Bluesky DMs.
#teammoth