Brian Stretch
@brianstretch.bsky.social
Birder and founder of The Birder's Store - linktr.ee/birdersstore
Great to see that Snow Bunting season has finally arrived on the #MalvernHills!
Pleased to find this stunning male at the summit of Worcestershire Beacon early this morning.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
Pleased to find this stunning male at the summit of Worcestershire Beacon early this morning.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
November 13, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Great to see that Snow Bunting season has finally arrived on the #MalvernHills!
Pleased to find this stunning male at the summit of Worcestershire Beacon early this morning.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
Pleased to find this stunning male at the summit of Worcestershire Beacon early this morning.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
The Brown Booby again offshore at Salinas de Janubio, Lanzarote early this morning.
Frequently hassled by the local Yellow-legged Gulls.
#CanaryIslands #BirdsSeenIn2025 #Spain
Frequently hassled by the local Yellow-legged Gulls.
#CanaryIslands #BirdsSeenIn2025 #Spain
November 9, 2025 at 10:49 AM
The Brown Booby again offshore at Salinas de Janubio, Lanzarote early this morning.
Frequently hassled by the local Yellow-legged Gulls.
#CanaryIslands #BirdsSeenIn2025 #Spain
Frequently hassled by the local Yellow-legged Gulls.
#CanaryIslands #BirdsSeenIn2025 #Spain
The Citrine Wagtail still present at Depuradora Tahiche, Lanzarote earlier today.
A fairly mobile and elusive individual, it's the first one I've seen outside India.
#CanaryIslands #BirdsSeenIn2025 #Spain
A fairly mobile and elusive individual, it's the first one I've seen outside India.
#CanaryIslands #BirdsSeenIn2025 #Spain
November 8, 2025 at 10:03 PM
The Citrine Wagtail still present at Depuradora Tahiche, Lanzarote earlier today.
A fairly mobile and elusive individual, it's the first one I've seen outside India.
#CanaryIslands #BirdsSeenIn2025 #Spain
A fairly mobile and elusive individual, it's the first one I've seen outside India.
#CanaryIslands #BirdsSeenIn2025 #Spain
A leisurely stroll around Marina Rubicón, Playa Blanca on Lanzarote this evening resulted in finding this Spotted Sandpiper feeding along the stream by the Oasis restaurant.
Also a Common Sandpiper and Greenshank present.
#CanaryIslands #BirdsSeenIn2025 #Spain
Also a Common Sandpiper and Greenshank present.
#CanaryIslands #BirdsSeenIn2025 #Spain
November 5, 2025 at 6:04 PM
A leisurely stroll around Marina Rubicón, Playa Blanca on Lanzarote this evening resulted in finding this Spotted Sandpiper feeding along the stream by the Oasis restaurant.
Also a Common Sandpiper and Greenshank present.
#CanaryIslands #BirdsSeenIn2025 #Spain
Also a Common Sandpiper and Greenshank present.
#CanaryIslands #BirdsSeenIn2025 #Spain
The views from the #MalvernHills were spectacular early this morning, unlike the birding.
In fact, the whole of October has been extremely quiet.
Despite multiple visits each week, the best bird was a Wheatear. Yes, just one.
#WorcsBirds
In fact, the whole of October has been extremely quiet.
Despite multiple visits each week, the best bird was a Wheatear. Yes, just one.
#WorcsBirds
October 30, 2025 at 5:41 PM
The views from the #MalvernHills were spectacular early this morning, unlike the birding.
In fact, the whole of October has been extremely quiet.
Despite multiple visits each week, the best bird was a Wheatear. Yes, just one.
#WorcsBirds
In fact, the whole of October has been extremely quiet.
Despite multiple visits each week, the best bird was a Wheatear. Yes, just one.
#WorcsBirds
A short work visit to southern Germany and western Austria a couple of weeks ago allowed some time for birding.
Highlights included Nutcracker, Alpine Choughs & 3 Black Grouse in the Alps along with Caspian Gull, Water Pipits, plenty of Hawfinches and Black Redstarts in Lake Chiemsee/Übersee area.
Highlights included Nutcracker, Alpine Choughs & 3 Black Grouse in the Alps along with Caspian Gull, Water Pipits, plenty of Hawfinches and Black Redstarts in Lake Chiemsee/Übersee area.
October 26, 2025 at 10:35 AM
A short work visit to southern Germany and western Austria a couple of weeks ago allowed some time for birding.
Highlights included Nutcracker, Alpine Choughs & 3 Black Grouse in the Alps along with Caspian Gull, Water Pipits, plenty of Hawfinches and Black Redstarts in Lake Chiemsee/Übersee area.
Highlights included Nutcracker, Alpine Choughs & 3 Black Grouse in the Alps along with Caspian Gull, Water Pipits, plenty of Hawfinches and Black Redstarts in Lake Chiemsee/Übersee area.
Given the weather conditions, this morning had Rock Pipit written all over it.
A light north-easterly with persistent drizzle produced at least two birds at Grimley Camp Lane Pits.
Other birds of note included Golden Plover south-west, Common Gull briefly & Green Sandpiper.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
A light north-easterly with persistent drizzle produced at least two birds at Grimley Camp Lane Pits.
Other birds of note included Golden Plover south-west, Common Gull briefly & Green Sandpiper.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
October 13, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Given the weather conditions, this morning had Rock Pipit written all over it.
A light north-easterly with persistent drizzle produced at least two birds at Grimley Camp Lane Pits.
Other birds of note included Golden Plover south-west, Common Gull briefly & Green Sandpiper.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
A light north-easterly with persistent drizzle produced at least two birds at Grimley Camp Lane Pits.
Other birds of note included Golden Plover south-west, Common Gull briefly & Green Sandpiper.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
This Wheatear was clinging to the summit of Worcestershire Beacon #MalvernHills in the strong winds early this morning.
#WorcsBirds
#WorcsBirds
October 6, 2025 at 4:37 PM
This Wheatear was clinging to the summit of Worcestershire Beacon #MalvernHills in the strong winds early this morning.
#WorcsBirds
#WorcsBirds
Challenging conditions on North Hill #MalvernsHills early morning.
With poor visibility, a couple of Crossbills calling in flight was the best of it.
On the plus side, perfect conditions for witnessing the optical phenomenon known as 'Brocken Spectre'.
#WorcsBirds
With poor visibility, a couple of Crossbills calling in flight was the best of it.
On the plus side, perfect conditions for witnessing the optical phenomenon known as 'Brocken Spectre'.
#WorcsBirds
September 28, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Challenging conditions on North Hill #MalvernsHills early morning.
With poor visibility, a couple of Crossbills calling in flight was the best of it.
On the plus side, perfect conditions for witnessing the optical phenomenon known as 'Brocken Spectre'.
#WorcsBirds
With poor visibility, a couple of Crossbills calling in flight was the best of it.
On the plus side, perfect conditions for witnessing the optical phenomenon known as 'Brocken Spectre'.
#WorcsBirds
Trip report now fully updated with pictures of the incredibly successful spring #birding tour of north-east India with @andywarr.bsky.social and @paulrhodes.bsky.social.
Many amazing memories and thanks for your great company, Andy and Paul.
ebird.org/tripreport/3...
#Assam #ArunachalPradesh
Many amazing memories and thanks for your great company, Andy and Paul.
ebird.org/tripreport/3...
#Assam #ArunachalPradesh
September 27, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Trip report now fully updated with pictures of the incredibly successful spring #birding tour of north-east India with @andywarr.bsky.social and @paulrhodes.bsky.social.
Many amazing memories and thanks for your great company, Andy and Paul.
ebird.org/tripreport/3...
#Assam #ArunachalPradesh
Many amazing memories and thanks for your great company, Andy and Paul.
ebird.org/tripreport/3...
#Assam #ArunachalPradesh
I wasn't the only one decidedly underwhelmed by the lack of birds on North Hill #MalvernHills this evening.
#WorcsFoxes
#WorcsFoxes
September 24, 2025 at 6:19 PM
I wasn't the only one decidedly underwhelmed by the lack of birds on North Hill #MalvernHills this evening.
#WorcsFoxes
#WorcsFoxes
Drake Long-tailed Duck still at Clifton GP on the north pit this morning for his third day.
Beginning to transition from summer to winter plumage, both of which are impressive in equal measure.
Possibly the same drake seen at this site last year.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
Beginning to transition from summer to winter plumage, both of which are impressive in equal measure.
Possibly the same drake seen at this site last year.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
September 24, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Drake Long-tailed Duck still at Clifton GP on the north pit this morning for his third day.
Beginning to transition from summer to winter plumage, both of which are impressive in equal measure.
Possibly the same drake seen at this site last year.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
Beginning to transition from summer to winter plumage, both of which are impressive in equal measure.
Possibly the same drake seen at this site last year.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
A glorious day for my annual End Hill - Chase End Hill & return walk #MalvernHills.
4 Wheatear (North Hill, Summer Hill, Broad Down, Worcs Beacon), 6+ Crossbills (North Hill & Black Hill), 5+ migrant Song Thrushes top of Happy Valley, lots of Siskins & this Painted Lady the highlights.
#WorcsBirds
4 Wheatear (North Hill, Summer Hill, Broad Down, Worcs Beacon), 6+ Crossbills (North Hill & Black Hill), 5+ migrant Song Thrushes top of Happy Valley, lots of Siskins & this Painted Lady the highlights.
#WorcsBirds
September 22, 2025 at 7:16 PM
A glorious day for my annual End Hill - Chase End Hill & return walk #MalvernHills.
4 Wheatear (North Hill, Summer Hill, Broad Down, Worcs Beacon), 6+ Crossbills (North Hill & Black Hill), 5+ migrant Song Thrushes top of Happy Valley, lots of Siskins & this Painted Lady the highlights.
#WorcsBirds
4 Wheatear (North Hill, Summer Hill, Broad Down, Worcs Beacon), 6+ Crossbills (North Hill & Black Hill), 5+ migrant Song Thrushes top of Happy Valley, lots of Siskins & this Painted Lady the highlights.
#WorcsBirds
A Spotted Flycatcher at Powick Wetland, seen very briely this evening, was a site first for me.
Otherwise, quiet with Little Egret and 4 Shoveler the best of the rest.
#WorcsBirds
Otherwise, quiet with Little Egret and 4 Shoveler the best of the rest.
#WorcsBirds
September 20, 2025 at 5:16 PM
A Spotted Flycatcher at Powick Wetland, seen very briely this evening, was a site first for me.
Otherwise, quiet with Little Egret and 4 Shoveler the best of the rest.
#WorcsBirds
Otherwise, quiet with Little Egret and 4 Shoveler the best of the rest.
#WorcsBirds
The Glossy Ibis was again at Northwick, Worcester earlier this morning.
Due to the peculiarities of the boundary line this bird is just outside the city even though the built-up area continues further north.
#WorcsBirds
Due to the peculiarities of the boundary line this bird is just outside the city even though the built-up area continues further north.
#WorcsBirds
September 20, 2025 at 12:11 PM
The Glossy Ibis was again at Northwick, Worcester earlier this morning.
Due to the peculiarities of the boundary line this bird is just outside the city even though the built-up area continues further north.
#WorcsBirds
Due to the peculiarities of the boundary line this bird is just outside the city even though the built-up area continues further north.
#WorcsBirds
Popped into Powick Wetland on the way back from seeing the Grey Phalarope and Curlew Sandpiper at Ripple.
Typically uneventful visit although this female Pintail was good to see. Probably the best bird I've seen here all year!
#WorcsBirds
Typically uneventful visit although this female Pintail was good to see. Probably the best bird I've seen here all year!
#WorcsBirds
September 15, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Popped into Powick Wetland on the way back from seeing the Grey Phalarope and Curlew Sandpiper at Ripple.
Typically uneventful visit although this female Pintail was good to see. Probably the best bird I've seen here all year!
#WorcsBirds
Typically uneventful visit although this female Pintail was good to see. Probably the best bird I've seen here all year!
#WorcsBirds
A pair of Stonechats and 2 Great Egrets were about the best of it at Grimley this morning.
#WorcsBirds
#WorcsBirds
September 15, 2025 at 11:33 AM
A pair of Stonechats and 2 Great Egrets were about the best of it at Grimley this morning.
#WorcsBirds
#WorcsBirds
Single Tree Pipit, Swift, Crossbill, Redpoll, Siskin over the north #MalvernsHills earlier this morning.
Also large numbers of House Martins spread along the sheltered slopes. Difficult to count but easily 500+ along with a few Swallows.
#WorcsBirds
Also large numbers of House Martins spread along the sheltered slopes. Difficult to count but easily 500+ along with a few Swallows.
#WorcsBirds
September 14, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Single Tree Pipit, Swift, Crossbill, Redpoll, Siskin over the north #MalvernsHills earlier this morning.
Also large numbers of House Martins spread along the sheltered slopes. Difficult to count but easily 500+ along with a few Swallows.
#WorcsBirds
Also large numbers of House Martins spread along the sheltered slopes. Difficult to count but easily 500+ along with a few Swallows.
#WorcsBirds
The wonderful juvenile Temminck's Stint at Throckmorton on the western lagoons this evening.
Very rare to see this plumage in Worcestershire.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding @waderquest.bsky.social
Very rare to see this plumage in Worcestershire.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding @waderquest.bsky.social
September 11, 2025 at 5:59 PM
The wonderful juvenile Temminck's Stint at Throckmorton on the western lagoons this evening.
Very rare to see this plumage in Worcestershire.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding @waderquest.bsky.social
Very rare to see this plumage in Worcestershire.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding @waderquest.bsky.social
Three Wheatear on the north #MalvernHills early this morning including this one on the most northerly ridge of the most northerly hill, End Hill.
Also Tree Pipit over, Willow Warbler, plenty of Chiffchaffs (40+) and a steady southbound stream of Swallows and House Martins.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
Also Tree Pipit over, Willow Warbler, plenty of Chiffchaffs (40+) and a steady southbound stream of Swallows and House Martins.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
September 8, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Three Wheatear on the north #MalvernHills early this morning including this one on the most northerly ridge of the most northerly hill, End Hill.
Also Tree Pipit over, Willow Warbler, plenty of Chiffchaffs (40+) and a steady southbound stream of Swallows and House Martins.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
Also Tree Pipit over, Willow Warbler, plenty of Chiffchaffs (40+) and a steady southbound stream of Swallows and House Martins.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
A Wheatear on North Hill #MalvernHills during a welcome break in the weather this afternoon.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
September 7, 2025 at 4:51 PM
A Wheatear on North Hill #MalvernHills during a welcome break in the weather this afternoon.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
No change around the north #MalvernHills yesterday evening.
The Wheatear and Redstart remain on North Hill.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
The Wheatear and Redstart remain on North Hill.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
September 5, 2025 at 7:14 AM
No change around the north #MalvernHills yesterday evening.
The Wheatear and Redstart remain on North Hill.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
The Wheatear and Redstart remain on North Hill.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
Very quiet for migrants early morning around the north #MalvernHills. This single Wheatear was on North Hill.
Other than a Redstart in Chat Valley, that was it.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
Other than a Redstart in Chat Valley, that was it.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
September 1, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Very quiet for migrants early morning around the north #MalvernHills. This single Wheatear was on North Hill.
Other than a Redstart in Chat Valley, that was it.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
Other than a Redstart in Chat Valley, that was it.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
Little sign of any passage on the north #MalvernHills early this morning.
The same two Wheatear still lingering in Chat Valley, North Hill plus the usual Redstarts and Tree Pipit.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
The same two Wheatear still lingering in Chat Valley, North Hill plus the usual Redstarts and Tree Pipit.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
August 28, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Little sign of any passage on the north #MalvernHills early this morning.
The same two Wheatear still lingering in Chat Valley, North Hill plus the usual Redstarts and Tree Pipit.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
The same two Wheatear still lingering in Chat Valley, North Hill plus the usual Redstarts and Tree Pipit.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
A couple of Wheatear still lingering in Chat Valley, North Hill #MalvernHills early this morning, plus 5 Redstarts and 2 Tree Pipits around the hill.
Two juvenile Skylarks on nearby Table Hill was a welcome sight.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
Two juvenile Skylarks on nearby Table Hill was a welcome sight.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
August 25, 2025 at 6:41 PM
A couple of Wheatear still lingering in Chat Valley, North Hill #MalvernHills early this morning, plus 5 Redstarts and 2 Tree Pipits around the hill.
Two juvenile Skylarks on nearby Table Hill was a welcome sight.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding
Two juvenile Skylarks on nearby Table Hill was a welcome sight.
#WorcsBirds #UKBirding