Phil Saunders
@beardybirder.bsky.social
Professional bird botherer & bug chaser (not like that), based in Dorset. Freelance ecologist / leader for Wildlife Travel #LGBTQinSTEM. Mainly birds, inverts, & plants, with the occasional arty photo. All views my own.
Pinned
After 25 years employment in the environment & education sector, today is my 1st day working as a freelance ecologist, facilitator, & educator! I'm really excited at the start of this new journey - please do drop me a line if you have any bird survey, facilitation, or environmental education needs.
Reposted by Phil Saunders
After 9 days spent mostly in bed with flu, I was well enough to get back out on the bike today to see a long-staying Pallas's Warbler found by James Leaver at Peveril Down near Swanage
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 9, 2025 at 7:55 PM
After 9 days spent mostly in bed with flu, I was well enough to get back out on the bike today to see a long-staying Pallas's Warbler found by James Leaver at Peveril Down near Swanage
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
A fantastic morning at St Aldhelm's Head, with an immense 26,400 Woodpigeon through in the first 2hrs of daylight, alongside 260+ Stock Dove, a Hawfinch (site 1st), a "raspy" flava Wag' (sadly not refound), a juv Marsh Harrier, 3 Brambling, 450 Starling, & 300 Skylark @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 8, 2025 at 2:35 PM
A fantastic morning at St Aldhelm's Head, with an immense 26,400 Woodpigeon through in the first 2hrs of daylight, alongside 260+ Stock Dove, a Hawfinch (site 1st), a "raspy" flava Wag' (sadly not refound), a juv Marsh Harrier, 3 Brambling, 450 Starling, & 300 Skylark @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Crimson Speckled flushed from field adjacent to St Aldhelm's Head Coastguards at 1215hrs. Ace! #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 8, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Crimson Speckled flushed from field adjacent to St Aldhelm's Head Coastguards at 1215hrs. Ace! #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
Reposted by Phil Saunders
A new Red List for Vascular Plants in Great Britain has just been published - the first update for twenty years 🌿
So what is a Red List, and why does it matter? What does this new report tells us about the state of Britain’s flora?
So what is a Red List, and why does it matter? What does this new report tells us about the state of Britain’s flora?
November 7, 2025 at 12:43 PM
A new Red List for Vascular Plants in Great Britain has just been published - the first update for twenty years 🌿
So what is a Red List, and why does it matter? What does this new report tells us about the state of Britain’s flora?
So what is a Red List, and why does it matter? What does this new report tells us about the state of Britain’s flora?
I've really missed Big Pigeon Days since my move away from the main autumn flightpath, so it was fab to count 4,390 Woodpigeon over the Upton garden in 2hrs this morning before the cloud set in (plus 2 Brambling, 7 Snipe, 5 Redpoll & flocks of Wigeon, Pintail, & Shoveler) @harbourbirds.bsky.social
November 7, 2025 at 10:11 AM
I've really missed Big Pigeon Days since my move away from the main autumn flightpath, so it was fab to count 4,390 Woodpigeon over the Upton garden in 2hrs this morning before the cloud set in (plus 2 Brambling, 7 Snipe, 5 Redpoll & flocks of Wigeon, Pintail, & Shoveler) @harbourbirds.bsky.social
Reposted by Phil Saunders
Outstanding views of the Pallid Swift at times over the middle of Top Fields - thanks @alanlewiswildlife.bsky.social for letting us know it was showing so well up there
November 6, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Outstanding views of the Pallid Swift at times over the middle of Top Fields - thanks @alanlewiswildlife.bsky.social for letting us know it was showing so well up there
After another fairly fruitless trudge around St Aldhelm's Head (with nary a sniff of a stripy Phyllosc or ticking bunting) I made an afternoon detour to Portland, where the Pallid Swift found earlier in the day performed superbly over the Top Fields - my first in Dorset @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 6:07 PM
After another fairly fruitless trudge around St Aldhelm's Head (with nary a sniff of a stripy Phyllosc or ticking bunting) I made an afternoon detour to Portland, where the Pallid Swift found earlier in the day performed superbly over the Top Fields - my first in Dorset @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Experience once again won over expectation last night, with my 1st remote trapping session at St Aldhelm's Head prod'g 1 RDP (& 11 Fe.Ranunculus), with a measly count of 2 RDP in the Upton garden trap saved by my 6th (prob locally bred) Golden Twin-spot of 2025 #TeamMoth @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Experience once again won over expectation last night, with my 1st remote trapping session at St Aldhelm's Head prod'g 1 RDP (& 11 Fe.Ranunculus), with a measly count of 2 RDP in the Upton garden trap saved by my 6th (prob locally bred) Golden Twin-spot of 2025 #TeamMoth @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
Reposted by Phil Saunders
What a remarkable discovery! In SW Turkey a new species of Lycaenid was discovered, Rapala suleymani sp.n., of a genus that was only known from the eastern palearctic & indomalayan realms, it's closest relative flies 7000km away! doi.org/10.31184/M00...
Rapala suleymani sp. n., (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) a new thecline...: Ingenta Connect
doi.org
November 5, 2025 at 2:07 PM
What a remarkable discovery! In SW Turkey a new species of Lycaenid was discovered, Rapala suleymani sp.n., of a genus that was only known from the eastern palearctic & indomalayan realms, it's closest relative flies 7000km away! doi.org/10.31184/M00...
Whilst not exactly the hoped for migrant-fest, single Silver Y, Palpita vitrealis & 2 RDP (amongst a refreshing 21/11) were welcome in the Upton garden trap this morning, alongside a late Vine's Rustic & a brace of Monopis crocicapitella #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Whilst not exactly the hoped for migrant-fest, single Silver Y, Palpita vitrealis & 2 RDP (amongst a refreshing 21/11) were welcome in the Upton garden trap this morning, alongside a late Vine's Rustic & a brace of Monopis crocicapitella #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
Nice to hear that the long-staying Subalpine Warbler species at Levenwick on Shetland back in October has been formally identified as an Eastern. We were surprised by the firm ID as Western throughout its stay, given the difficulties associated with autumn ID - a long overdue new UK species for me!
November 4, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Nice to hear that the long-staying Subalpine Warbler species at Levenwick on Shetland back in October has been formally identified as an Eastern. We were surprised by the firm ID as Western throughout its stay, given the difficulties associated with autumn ID - a long overdue new UK species for me!
I've wanted to see Purseweb Spider since I was a kid, but've never managed to find one despite much searching, so I was overjoyed when one of the other volunteers found this amazing arachnid during this morning's survey work - just look at the size of those chelicerae! @britishspiders.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 2:20 PM
I've wanted to see Purseweb Spider since I was a kid, but've never managed to find one despite much searching, so I was overjoyed when one of the other volunteers found this amazing arachnid during this morning's survey work - just look at the size of those chelicerae! @britishspiders.bsky.social
A morning well spent helping survey the critically endangered Speckled Footman caterpillar population on the Dorset heaths, with a great group of volunteers brought together by Durwyn at @footprintecology.bsky.social #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 2:14 PM
A morning well spent helping survey the critically endangered Speckled Footman caterpillar population on the Dorset heaths, with a great group of volunteers brought together by Durwyn at @footprintecology.bsky.social #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
Lovely to see my first double figure UK flock of 12 Glossy Ibis just now at Sunnyside, with the video below showing some of the group as viewed through a frustratingly ungappy hedge. The birds were feeding well by the looks of things, despite regular flushing by canines @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Lovely to see my first double figure UK flock of 12 Glossy Ibis just now at Sunnyside, with the video below showing some of the group as viewed through a frustratingly ungappy hedge. The birds were feeding well by the looks of things, despite regular flushing by canines @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Reposted by Phil Saunders
If anyone takes Watsonalla binaria/uncinula (Oak/Spiny Hook-tip) from now, please check with your County Recorder if they wish specimens to be retained for microscopic examination (at the discretion of the recorder) and confirmation.
Image: Oak Hook-tip (above), Spiny Hook-tip (below). #MothsMatter
Image: Oak Hook-tip (above), Spiny Hook-tip (below). #MothsMatter
November 3, 2025 at 9:59 AM
If anyone takes Watsonalla binaria/uncinula (Oak/Spiny Hook-tip) from now, please check with your County Recorder if they wish specimens to be retained for microscopic examination (at the discretion of the recorder) and confirmation.
Image: Oak Hook-tip (above), Spiny Hook-tip (below). #MothsMatter
Image: Oak Hook-tip (above), Spiny Hook-tip (below). #MothsMatter
A few hours spent wandering at a blown out St Aldhelm's this morning failed to produce much in the way of passage, with locally notable species comprising a lone Mistle Thrush, a grounded Grey Wagtail amongst a flock of Pied wag's, & a furtive female-type Cirl Bunting @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM
A few hours spent wandering at a blown out St Aldhelm's this morning failed to produce much in the way of passage, with locally notable species comprising a lone Mistle Thrush, a grounded Grey Wagtail amongst a flock of Pied wag's, & a furtive female-type Cirl Bunting @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
After 25 years employment in the environment & education sector, today is my 1st day working as a freelance ecologist, facilitator, & educator! I'm really excited at the start of this new journey - please do drop me a line if you have any bird survey, facilitation, or environmental education needs.
November 3, 2025 at 8:12 AM
After 25 years employment in the environment & education sector, today is my 1st day working as a freelance ecologist, facilitator, & educator! I'm really excited at the start of this new journey - please do drop me a line if you have any bird survey, facilitation, or environmental education needs.
Pallas's Warbler still present at Avalanche Rd hump & showing well with the tit flock at 1220hrs @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 1, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Pallas's Warbler still present at Avalanche Rd hump & showing well with the tit flock at 1220hrs @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
A trio of beautiful migrant moths, courtesy of the @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social trap this morning: Ni Moth, Small Marbled, & Blair's Mocha #TeamMoth
November 1, 2025 at 12:08 PM
A trio of beautiful migrant moths, courtesy of the @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social trap this morning: Ni Moth, Small Marbled, & Blair's Mocha #TeamMoth
Absolutely gorgeous 1st year Caspian Gull in the Culverwell gull flock currently @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 1, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Absolutely gorgeous 1st year Caspian Gull in the Culverwell gull flock currently @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Single RT Diver, 4,850 auks (based on timed counts), & 220 Med Gulls the only birds of note south out of Chesil Cove during a 3hr seawatch this morning @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
November 1, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Single RT Diver, 4,850 auks (based on timed counts), & 220 Med Gulls the only birds of note south out of Chesil Cove during a 3hr seawatch this morning @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
The 1st record of Bittersweet Moth at Cold Harbour this morning was quite apt, as it may be some time before I next trap @ the site. My 2nd Oak Rustic, a brace of Streak, & a single Diamondback Moth were the other highlights amongst a welcome 66/20 after a wet & windy night @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
October 31, 2025 at 9:06 AM
The 1st record of Bittersweet Moth at Cold Harbour this morning was quite apt, as it may be some time before I next trap @ the site. My 2nd Oak Rustic, a brace of Streak, & a single Diamondback Moth were the other highlights amongst a welcome 66/20 after a wet & windy night @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
Reposted by Phil Saunders
Our colour ringing season at Lytchett Bay is off to a great start with 5 Water Pipit & 5 Rock Pipit marked (under license) already. Please look out for yellow (Water) and white (Rock) marked birds and report all sightings 🙏 #Dorsetbirds
October 30, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Our colour ringing season at Lytchett Bay is off to a great start with 5 Water Pipit & 5 Rock Pipit marked (under license) already. Please look out for yellow (Water) and white (Rock) marked birds and report all sightings 🙏 #Dorsetbirds
A late-ish Wheatear, a female Merlin, & a smattering of Chiffchaff & Goldcrests were the meagre migrant pickings at St Aldhelm's Head today in a moderate westerly wind, plus the reappearance of a female type Cirl Bunting: the 1st seen for several months @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
October 29, 2025 at 3:35 PM
A late-ish Wheatear, a female Merlin, & a smattering of Chiffchaff & Goldcrests were the meagre migrant pickings at St Aldhelm's Head today in a moderate westerly wind, plus the reappearance of a female type Cirl Bunting: the 1st seen for several months @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
A single Palpita vitrealis amongst a paltry 15/3 in the Upton garden trap this morning was the sole migrant, alongside a handful of LBAMs & Black Rustic. Fingers crossed for the Canary airflow later this week! #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
October 29, 2025 at 7:33 AM
A single Palpita vitrealis amongst a paltry 15/3 in the Upton garden trap this morning was the sole migrant, alongside a handful of LBAMs & Black Rustic. Fingers crossed for the Canary airflow later this week! #TeamMoth @dorsetmoths.bsky.social