Laurence Drummond

Very happy to be talking Hertfordshire Swifts at the Herts Bird Club conference

Swift bricks: universal nest bricks that conform with BS42021:2022, providing for a variety of cavity nesting birds.

Might be a bit optimistic to get this species using them....

#swifts

Out once again, checking if Swift bricks are installed as required by planning conditions in Hertfordshire.

Disappointing as usual, this time in Cheshunt:

Site 1: 1 out of 20 bricks installed
Site 2: none out of 15 bricks installed.

Have emailed both developers to try and resolve #hertsbirds

Politicians that switch off replies get an instant block.

a cartoon of homer simpson holding a doughnut and saying " mmmm doughnuts " ALT: a cartoon of homer simpson holding a doughnut and saying " mmmm doughnuts "

You really go there to visit Days...don't you...🤔

My garden too,although my Coal Tits failed to turn up.

My favourite Google Street View image so far. Two Swift bricks in Hastings with a (probable) House Sparrow having a good look inside

Swift bricks are brilliant universal nest bricks and the best biodiversity enhancements for new developments

Sparrow flocks (if you have them...) well worth checking for the odd Tree Sparrow...I've seen 2 such in Essex but both at the Naze and in late spring.

I can't think of a "palatable " alternative within "Labour", it will still be LFI infested.

Swift bricks are fantastic biodiversity enhancements: as universal nest bricks, they provide cavities for a number of species of birds, and in Herts we campaign extensively for them.

Here are my thoughts on why the announcement that they will be required on all new homes is not as good as it seems:

Middlewick extended preview YouTube video by The Wildlife Channel

The importance of Middlewick Ranges in Essex

youtu.be/Ku-eD0J42as?...

I’m trying to educate the ecologically illiterate users on this app with this ‘nature facts for nature haters’ series. This episode tackles those that think they can live without nature and fly off to a new planet after this one dies. Hopefully this will save you time responding

Legacy of a Labour Baroness who voted against Swift Bricks
@hannahbournetaylor.bsky.social

Essex Naze this morning, Long eared Owl in what might be the most easterly Hawthorn bush in Essex, Woodcock and Brambling, usual fuzzy pic.

Much talk about Swift bricks right now. Here is a reminder of the evidence that they are universal nest bricks used by a variety of red-listed species of birds

I think I saw one at the Naze a couple of weeks ago, thanks for clearing up that mystery Alan.

I am very upset to report that a colony of House Martins have had their nests blocked by scaffolding in Standon,Hertfordshire today.

The building containing the Post Office has 8 to 10 nests under the eaves, some of which contain chicks that will die if the birds cannot reach them.
#hertsbirds
1/2

Particularly good to see the Juveniles...

First garden Hummingbird Hawkmoth of the year this evening.

Mega! 2 Death's-Head Hawk-moth caterpillars found in the In-laws garden today in Sleights, North Yorkshire. @savebutterflies.bsky.social @bcyorkshire.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social @msj99.bsky.social

Wow! An epic sight of 100+ Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing today by our group on tour in Malaysia.

A lot bigger & a lot easier to identify than a Southern Small White in England!

460 Jersey Tigers

460 Jersey Tigers

460 Jersey Tigers

460 Jersey Tigers

I spoke too soon about Jersey Tiger numbers being lower this year. A record 460 +/- this morning in my VC 20 garden plus 2 wasps causing mayhem. Never wish for a Jersey Tiger! #teammoth @bc-hertsmiddx.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social @wjrpb.bsky.social

They must be hanging around somewhere near you, you're the only person getting them regularly that I'm aware of.

PLEASE HELP by keeping an eye out, sharing & letting me & the #police know if you see this car…My black #AlfaRomeo #Giulia, reg (if not changed) OE67 DCF, was #stolen from Aylesbury, #Bucks last night - the car I don’t care about but I’d really like back my #birdwatching #optics hidden in the boot.

Wood Warbler in a Tit flock at Weald country park this morning, in Silver Birches at the Sandpit lane entrance

Going by Hertfordshire they will spread quickly to any suitable site nearby.

7 Clouded Yellow on the Lucerne fields north of Hadham road, west of Bishops Stortford lunchtime.

European Turtle Dove

European Turtle Dove

There's still up to 5 purring male TURTLE DOVES at Fingringhoe Wick EWT nature reserve at the moment so well worth a visit if you fancy seeing these great birds! #essexbirding #turtledoves #birds #essexwildlife #nature

Wall on the march, hoping to get them back here soon...