Mel S-W
@corvidcrazychap.bsky.social
Birder - Plants - Insects - MOTHS & more
Essex - Rye meads volunteer - did I say birds
I am definitely a Biophiliac 🤭
Essex - Rye meads volunteer - did I say birds
I am definitely a Biophiliac 🤭
Reposted by Mel S-W
Enjoyed a few hours at Abberton Reservoir last week and still lots to see incl 20+ WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 2 SMEW, 7 MEDITERRANEAN GULLS, SCAUP, GT EGRETS & a MARSH HARRIER that specialises in hunting TEAL! #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
February 16, 2026 at 8:55 AM
Enjoyed a few hours at Abberton Reservoir last week and still lots to see incl 20+ WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 2 SMEW, 7 MEDITERRANEAN GULLS, SCAUP, GT EGRETS & a MARSH HARRIER that specialises in hunting TEAL! #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
Reposted by Mel S-W
Surveyed two farms last week as part of the @gwct.org.uk BIG FARMLAND BIRD COUNT. Great numbers and variety to be seen incl YELLOWHAMMERS, REED BUNTINGS, FIELDFARES LINNETS etc plus MARSH HARRIER, STONECHAT & GREAT EGRET! #essexbirding #birding #farmlandbirds #ukbirds #bfbc26
February 16, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Surveyed two farms last week as part of the @gwct.org.uk BIG FARMLAND BIRD COUNT. Great numbers and variety to be seen incl YELLOWHAMMERS, REED BUNTINGS, FIELDFARES LINNETS etc plus MARSH HARRIER, STONECHAT & GREAT EGRET! #essexbirding #birding #farmlandbirds #ukbirds #bfbc26
Reposted by Mel S-W
What were your #Top5Birds or bird moments from the past week?
Mine, on Cambs / Lincs border & all First of Year birds:
1. An amazing 3-owl day with Little Owl, Short-eared Owl and Long-eared Owl
2. Surprise Glossy Ibis
3. Greater Scaup
4. Common Cranes
5. Great White Egret
🪶
Mine, on Cambs / Lincs border & all First of Year birds:
1. An amazing 3-owl day with Little Owl, Short-eared Owl and Long-eared Owl
2. Surprise Glossy Ibis
3. Greater Scaup
4. Common Cranes
5. Great White Egret
🪶
February 15, 2026 at 4:07 PM
What were your #Top5Birds or bird moments from the past week?
Mine, on Cambs / Lincs border & all First of Year birds:
1. An amazing 3-owl day with Little Owl, Short-eared Owl and Long-eared Owl
2. Surprise Glossy Ibis
3. Greater Scaup
4. Common Cranes
5. Great White Egret
🪶
Mine, on Cambs / Lincs border & all First of Year birds:
1. An amazing 3-owl day with Little Owl, Short-eared Owl and Long-eared Owl
2. Surprise Glossy Ibis
3. Greater Scaup
4. Common Cranes
5. Great White Egret
🪶
Reposted by Mel S-W
A few hours into my biggest challenge yet.
Needle felted wool painting of a golden eagle, this will be around 3ft x 2ft when finished. Working with just a single needle!
This will be a big statement piece for Global Birdfair in July.
#birds #sciart #wildlifeartist
Needle felted wool painting of a golden eagle, this will be around 3ft x 2ft when finished. Working with just a single needle!
This will be a big statement piece for Global Birdfair in July.
#birds #sciart #wildlifeartist
February 15, 2026 at 7:21 AM
A few hours into my biggest challenge yet.
Needle felted wool painting of a golden eagle, this will be around 3ft x 2ft when finished. Working with just a single needle!
This will be a big statement piece for Global Birdfair in July.
#birds #sciart #wildlifeartist
Needle felted wool painting of a golden eagle, this will be around 3ft x 2ft when finished. Working with just a single needle!
This will be a big statement piece for Global Birdfair in July.
#birds #sciart #wildlifeartist
Reposted by Mel S-W
Love Lento? Could you give us a boost? Here's 5 acts of Lento love to choose from:
Buy us a coffee ko-fi.com/radiolento
Give us a rating / review where you get your podcasts
Mention us in a newsletter
Like + subscribe on YouTube www.youtube.com/@RadioLento
Send your fave episode to a friend. ❤️
Buy us a coffee ko-fi.com/radiolento
Give us a rating / review where you get your podcasts
Mention us in a newsletter
Like + subscribe on YouTube www.youtube.com/@RadioLento
Send your fave episode to a friend. ❤️
February 14, 2026 at 10:51 AM
Love Lento? Could you give us a boost? Here's 5 acts of Lento love to choose from:
Buy us a coffee ko-fi.com/radiolento
Give us a rating / review where you get your podcasts
Mention us in a newsletter
Like + subscribe on YouTube www.youtube.com/@RadioLento
Send your fave episode to a friend. ❤️
Buy us a coffee ko-fi.com/radiolento
Give us a rating / review where you get your podcasts
Mention us in a newsletter
Like + subscribe on YouTube www.youtube.com/@RadioLento
Send your fave episode to a friend. ❤️
Reposted by Mel S-W
A little foray into The Brecks a few days ago. Lots to see including a pair of singing WOODLARK, one of which showed rather well! #suffolkbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
February 13, 2026 at 10:25 AM
A little foray into The Brecks a few days ago. Lots to see including a pair of singing WOODLARK, one of which showed rather well! #suffolkbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
Had a lovely walk around #RyeMeads @rspbengland.bsky.social yesterday it’s been a good year for fungi especially Jelly ear but also found others new to me & as yet unidentified thinking the wet & mild conditions have helped
February 12, 2026 at 4:33 PM
Had a lovely walk around #RyeMeads @rspbengland.bsky.social yesterday it’s been a good year for fungi especially Jelly ear but also found others new to me & as yet unidentified thinking the wet & mild conditions have helped
Reposted by Mel S-W
SUCH positive news! 🦫 🦫 🦫
Great news amidst all the gloom. There have been a lot of beaver releases but these wild releases are really significant in England – finally we are giving this life-giving animal the right to roam. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘A beaver blind date’: animals given freedom to repopulate Cornish rivers
Release into Helman Tor reserve marks historical first for keystone species hunted to extinction in UK 400 years ago
www.theguardian.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:46 AM
SUCH positive news! 🦫 🦫 🦫
Reposted by Mel S-W
@NationalTrust.org.uk has legally released a family and pair of Eurasian beavers at two sites as part of a wider release across the Holnicote Estate on Exmoor in Somerset, to contribute to one of the most ambitious and innovative river and wetland restoration efforts undertaken by the charity.
National Trust to release wild beavers in Somerset in landmark move for UK nature recovery
The National Trust has legally released into the wild a family and pair of Eurasian beavers at two sites as part of a wider release across the Holnicote Estate on Exmoor in Somerset, to contribute to…
c-js.co.uk
February 11, 2026 at 12:16 PM
@NationalTrust.org.uk has legally released a family and pair of Eurasian beavers at two sites as part of a wider release across the Holnicote Estate on Exmoor in Somerset, to contribute to one of the most ambitious and innovative river and wetland restoration efforts undertaken by the charity.
Also had some of these Tremella fungus or Common names: yellow brain, golden jelly fungus, yellow trembler, witches’ butter yesterday at #FishersGreen it was a lovely find for my birdwatching group a bit of brightness in the grey
February 10, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Also had some of these Tremella fungus or Common names: yellow brain, golden jelly fungus, yellow trembler, witches’ butter yesterday at #FishersGreen it was a lovely find for my birdwatching group a bit of brightness in the grey
Reposted by Mel S-W
Taking place on Anglia Ruskin Uni’s Chelmsford campus, our 2026 conference is just a few minutes’ walk from the train & bus station, & also has convenient free parking. Finding out about Essex’s key birds couldn’t be easier! More info & book your place at ebws.org.uk/2026conference
#essexbirding
#essexbirding
February 9, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Taking place on Anglia Ruskin Uni’s Chelmsford campus, our 2026 conference is just a few minutes’ walk from the train & bus station, & also has convenient free parking. Finding out about Essex’s key birds couldn’t be easier! More info & book your place at ebws.org.uk/2026conference
#essexbirding
#essexbirding
Great birding day out with 6 pals yesterday #KGVReservoir Smew Goldeneye (15+) Goosander Common scoter Wigeon Common pochard Common gull brilliant views or Raven then onto #FishersGreen Egyptian geese hoardes Stonechat Song thrush everywhere @chrisgibson3940.bsky.social @essexbirdnews.bsky.social
February 10, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Great birding day out with 6 pals yesterday #KGVReservoir Smew Goldeneye (15+) Goosander Common scoter Wigeon Common pochard Common gull brilliant views or Raven then onto #FishersGreen Egyptian geese hoardes Stonechat Song thrush everywhere @chrisgibson3940.bsky.social @essexbirdnews.bsky.social
Reposted by Mel S-W
WIN GREAT RAFFLE PRIZES in the 2026 EBwS Conference in March - see the full prize list at ebws.org.uk/2026conference
All proceeds go to Colchester Owl Rescue - buy your tickets by email at info.ebws@gmail.com, at our Holkham field trip on 15/2, or at our Chelmsford meeting on 6/3
#essexbirding
All proceeds go to Colchester Owl Rescue - buy your tickets by email at info.ebws@gmail.com, at our Holkham field trip on 15/2, or at our Chelmsford meeting on 6/3
#essexbirding
February 9, 2026 at 8:06 PM
WIN GREAT RAFFLE PRIZES in the 2026 EBwS Conference in March - see the full prize list at ebws.org.uk/2026conference
All proceeds go to Colchester Owl Rescue - buy your tickets by email at info.ebws@gmail.com, at our Holkham field trip on 15/2, or at our Chelmsford meeting on 6/3
#essexbirding
All proceeds go to Colchester Owl Rescue - buy your tickets by email at info.ebws@gmail.com, at our Holkham field trip on 15/2, or at our Chelmsford meeting on 6/3
#essexbirding
Reposted by Mel S-W
What were your #Top5Birds or bird moments from the past week?
Mine, at Abberton Reservoir, Essex:
1. Lifer Smew, duck & drake
2. Big flock of Greater White-fronted Geese landing on the water
3. Several Ruff with beautiful plumage
4. First of year Cetti’s Warbler
5. Close views of Goldeneye
🪶
Mine, at Abberton Reservoir, Essex:
1. Lifer Smew, duck & drake
2. Big flock of Greater White-fronted Geese landing on the water
3. Several Ruff with beautiful plumage
4. First of year Cetti’s Warbler
5. Close views of Goldeneye
🪶
February 8, 2026 at 10:46 AM
What were your #Top5Birds or bird moments from the past week?
Mine, at Abberton Reservoir, Essex:
1. Lifer Smew, duck & drake
2. Big flock of Greater White-fronted Geese landing on the water
3. Several Ruff with beautiful plumage
4. First of year Cetti’s Warbler
5. Close views of Goldeneye
🪶
Mine, at Abberton Reservoir, Essex:
1. Lifer Smew, duck & drake
2. Big flock of Greater White-fronted Geese landing on the water
3. Several Ruff with beautiful plumage
4. First of year Cetti’s Warbler
5. Close views of Goldeneye
🪶
Reposted by Mel S-W
There is a food vending machine for cats in Turkey 🇹🇷 , the seagulls meow pretending to be cats 😸#Caturday #SaturdayMorning
February 7, 2026 at 1:51 PM
There is a food vending machine for cats in Turkey 🇹🇷 , the seagulls meow pretending to be cats 😸#Caturday #SaturdayMorning
Reposted by Mel S-W
Stunning weather yday for our guided day trip to Tollesbury Wick EWT reserve. Highlights inc 2 GN DIVER, 2 SLAV GREBE, 3 BARN OWL, GT EGRET, RB MERG, MARSH HARRIERS and large no's of wildfowl & waders. #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
February 5, 2026 at 10:08 AM
Stunning weather yday for our guided day trip to Tollesbury Wick EWT reserve. Highlights inc 2 GN DIVER, 2 SLAV GREBE, 3 BARN OWL, GT EGRET, RB MERG, MARSH HARRIERS and large no's of wildfowl & waders. #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
Reposted by Mel S-W
This 'white-headed' GOLDFINCH brightened up a very dreary morning here in Colchester. Noticed it had been ringed, can't be many Goldfinches like this around? @btobirds.bsky.social #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social #ringing
February 5, 2026 at 11:42 AM
This 'white-headed' GOLDFINCH brightened up a very dreary morning here in Colchester. Noticed it had been ringed, can't be many Goldfinches like this around? @btobirds.bsky.social #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social #ringing
Reposted by Mel S-W
WWII Pillboxes Transformed into Havens for Endangered Seabirds - @naturescot.bsky.social
Derelict Second World War pillboxes at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg are being given a new lease of life as nesting sites for the in-decline Common Tern, thanks to an innovative conservation project.
c-js.co.uk/4bGAdZn
Derelict Second World War pillboxes at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg are being given a new lease of life as nesting sites for the in-decline Common Tern, thanks to an innovative conservation project.
c-js.co.uk/4bGAdZn
WWII Pillboxes Transformed into Havens for Endangered Seabirds
Derelict Second World War pillboxes at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg are being given a new lease of life as nesting sites for the in-decline Common Tern, thanks to an innovative conservation project.
c-js.co.uk
February 4, 2026 at 2:08 PM
WWII Pillboxes Transformed into Havens for Endangered Seabirds - @naturescot.bsky.social
Derelict Second World War pillboxes at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg are being given a new lease of life as nesting sites for the in-decline Common Tern, thanks to an innovative conservation project.
c-js.co.uk/4bGAdZn
Derelict Second World War pillboxes at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg are being given a new lease of life as nesting sites for the in-decline Common Tern, thanks to an innovative conservation project.
c-js.co.uk/4bGAdZn
Reposted by Mel S-W
Hello if you are new here.
We share the sounds from real places, all recorded by us using a technique we have developed over many years.
We share quiet from 26 counties across the country.
Listening is better with headphones to get the full effect.
Here's one of our favourite rain episodes.
We share the sounds from real places, all recorded by us using a technique we have developed over many years.
We share quiet from 26 counties across the country.
Listening is better with headphones to get the full effect.
Here's one of our favourite rain episodes.
February 3, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Hello if you are new here.
We share the sounds from real places, all recorded by us using a technique we have developed over many years.
We share quiet from 26 counties across the country.
Listening is better with headphones to get the full effect.
Here's one of our favourite rain episodes.
We share the sounds from real places, all recorded by us using a technique we have developed over many years.
We share quiet from 26 counties across the country.
Listening is better with headphones to get the full effect.
Here's one of our favourite rain episodes.
Reposted by Mel S-W
Pigeons are back in stock and are joined by little Thistle the Highland Cow with a heart.
mademe.co.uk/product/this...
mademe.co.uk/product/wild...
My 2026 calendars are now half price as well
mademe.co.uk/product/wild...
#UKMakers #wildlifeartist #highlandcow #pigeon
mademe.co.uk/product/this...
mademe.co.uk/product/wild...
My 2026 calendars are now half price as well
mademe.co.uk/product/wild...
#UKMakers #wildlifeartist #highlandcow #pigeon
February 3, 2026 at 7:51 AM
Pigeons are back in stock and are joined by little Thistle the Highland Cow with a heart.
mademe.co.uk/product/this...
mademe.co.uk/product/wild...
My 2026 calendars are now half price as well
mademe.co.uk/product/wild...
#UKMakers #wildlifeartist #highlandcow #pigeon
mademe.co.uk/product/this...
mademe.co.uk/product/wild...
My 2026 calendars are now half price as well
mademe.co.uk/product/wild...
#UKMakers #wildlifeartist #highlandcow #pigeon
Reposted by Mel S-W
Old Thames barges have been deliberately sunk in the Blackwater Estuary, to create a new island habitat for birds:
Historic Thames barges sunk to create new bird island
Decommissioned Thames barges have been sunk in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex to create a new island habitat for breeding and roosting birds, in what the National Trust says is a UK first.
bit.ly
February 2, 2026 at 9:57 AM
Old Thames barges have been deliberately sunk in the Blackwater Estuary, to create a new island habitat for birds:
Reposted by Mel S-W
What were your #Top5Birds or bird moments from the past week?
Mine:
1. Buzzard flying alongside the road
2. Cheeky Magpie eating from a feeder
3. 1st of year Tawny Owl calling in the early hours
4. Noticing the dawn chorus featuring Blackbird, Robin and Wren
5. Nighttime call from Canada Goose
🪶
Mine:
1. Buzzard flying alongside the road
2. Cheeky Magpie eating from a feeder
3. 1st of year Tawny Owl calling in the early hours
4. Noticing the dawn chorus featuring Blackbird, Robin and Wren
5. Nighttime call from Canada Goose
🪶
February 2, 2026 at 9:14 AM
What were your #Top5Birds or bird moments from the past week?
Mine:
1. Buzzard flying alongside the road
2. Cheeky Magpie eating from a feeder
3. 1st of year Tawny Owl calling in the early hours
4. Noticing the dawn chorus featuring Blackbird, Robin and Wren
5. Nighttime call from Canada Goose
🪶
Mine:
1. Buzzard flying alongside the road
2. Cheeky Magpie eating from a feeder
3. 1st of year Tawny Owl calling in the early hours
4. Noticing the dawn chorus featuring Blackbird, Robin and Wren
5. Nighttime call from Canada Goose
🪶
Reposted by Mel S-W
BARNACLE GOOSE, GOLDENEYE, GOOSANDER & WHITE-FRONTED GEESE from Abberton Reservoir on Saturday 31st January 2026. #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social #WorldWetlandsDay2026
February 2, 2026 at 11:28 AM
BARNACLE GOOSE, GOLDENEYE, GOOSANDER & WHITE-FRONTED GEESE from Abberton Reservoir on Saturday 31st January 2026. #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social #WorldWetlandsDay2026
Reposted by Mel S-W
Thanks to everyone who attended the joint Winter Birding Day at Fingringhoe Wick with @essexbirdnews.bsky.social Grotty weather but we saw 2 BARN OWLS, HEN HARRIER, waders galore, RB MERGANSERS + lots more! Group pic by @stuttonsparrows.bsky.social #essexbirding #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature
February 2, 2026 at 11:37 AM
Thanks to everyone who attended the joint Winter Birding Day at Fingringhoe Wick with @essexbirdnews.bsky.social Grotty weather but we saw 2 BARN OWLS, HEN HARRIER, waders galore, RB MERGANSERS + lots more! Group pic by @stuttonsparrows.bsky.social #essexbirding #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature
Reposted by Mel S-W
If you’re interested in our species’ inherent connection with the natural world, then please join me at Essex Wildlife Trust Belfairs on Sat 14 March at 2pm 🌿🪲🐝
#NatureWithin #BookEvent #AuthorTalk
#NatureWithin #BookEvent #AuthorTalk
February 1, 2026 at 11:19 AM
If you’re interested in our species’ inherent connection with the natural world, then please join me at Essex Wildlife Trust Belfairs on Sat 14 March at 2pm 🌿🪲🐝
#NatureWithin #BookEvent #AuthorTalk
#NatureWithin #BookEvent #AuthorTalk