Martin George
@jannerbirder.bsky.social
Bird nerd, patch worker and BTO surveyor. MSc Ornithology (mostly a seabirds thing). Proud Devonian currently exiled to North Shropshire. I also run the #Shropshirebirds feed.
Pinned
Martin George
@jannerbirder.bsky.social
· Oct 17
I've just created a Shropshire Birding feed for bird sightings and updates in the county.
Please use #Shropshirebirding or #Shropshirebirds in your post.
A big thank you to @jamiedunning.bsky.social for his guidance.
Don't forget to pin the feed once you've followed it!
bsky.app/profile/did:...
Please use #Shropshirebirding or #Shropshirebirds in your post.
A big thank you to @jamiedunning.bsky.social for his guidance.
Don't forget to pin the feed once you've followed it!
bsky.app/profile/did:...
Reposted by Martin George
I've taken on a couple of new WeBS @webs-gsmp.bsky.social sites this autumn, one hasn't been counted in my lifetime and the other was my childhood patch. Both had Great Egrets this weekend, unthinkable back in their/my day! #shropshirebirding @btobirds.bsky.social
November 10, 2025 at 7:50 PM
I've taken on a couple of new WeBS @webs-gsmp.bsky.social sites this autumn, one hasn't been counted in my lifetime and the other was my childhood patch. Both had Great Egrets this weekend, unthinkable back in their/my day! #shropshirebirding @btobirds.bsky.social
Good to see this development by WWT.
"The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in Gloucestershire is among the first UK nature reserves to use glass protection technology to tackle a major cause of bird deaths - window collisions."
Link to supplier in the thread.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in Gloucestershire is among the first UK nature reserves to use glass protection technology to tackle a major cause of bird deaths - window collisions."
Link to supplier in the thread.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Nature reserve installs bird protection film on windows
The Gloucestershire reserve is one of the first to use glass film technology to protect birds.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Good to see this development by WWT.
"The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in Gloucestershire is among the first UK nature reserves to use glass protection technology to tackle a major cause of bird deaths - window collisions."
Link to supplier in the thread.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in Gloucestershire is among the first UK nature reserves to use glass protection technology to tackle a major cause of bird deaths - window collisions."
Link to supplier in the thread.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Martin George
Venus Pool WeBS early morning 660 Canadas, Canlag, 21 Greylag, 12 Egyptian, 61 Teal, 21 Shoveler, 15 Wigeon (influx), 3 GWE, L Egret, 2 W Rail, 210 Lapwing, 5 Snipe. 2 L Grebe & GCG on CF. Influx of 22 Corn Bunting with 4 Y'hammer, 35 Linnet, 35 Greenfinch, 15 Reed B, 2 Chiffs. #shropshirebirding 🪶
November 9, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Venus Pool WeBS early morning 660 Canadas, Canlag, 21 Greylag, 12 Egyptian, 61 Teal, 21 Shoveler, 15 Wigeon (influx), 3 GWE, L Egret, 2 W Rail, 210 Lapwing, 5 Snipe. 2 L Grebe & GCG on CF. Influx of 22 Corn Bunting with 4 Y'hammer, 35 Linnet, 35 Greenfinch, 15 Reed B, 2 Chiffs. #shropshirebirding 🪶
Reposted by Martin George
Flock of 21 Whoopers went WNW past us in Lincs this morning on a direct line from Welney to the Ribble... #migration #climatechange #ukbirding
November 7, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Flock of 21 Whoopers went WNW past us in Lincs this morning on a direct line from Welney to the Ribble... #migration #climatechange #ukbirding
Reposted by Martin George
Did you know that Tom McKinney’s morning programme on BBC Radio 3 starts with a short dawn chorus piece just after the 6:30 news? Tom is a birder!
Love the feature, @tommckinney.bsky.social, birdsong and classical music are a great start to the day!
Too early? ⬇️
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/sched...
Love the feature, @tommckinney.bsky.social, birdsong and classical music are a great start to the day!
Too early? ⬇️
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/sched...
BBC Sounds - Radio 3 - Schedules
View the daily broadcast schedule for Radio 3. Find out what's on now and what's up next, or see schedules up to 7 days ahead.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Did you know that Tom McKinney’s morning programme on BBC Radio 3 starts with a short dawn chorus piece just after the 6:30 news? Tom is a birder!
Love the feature, @tommckinney.bsky.social, birdsong and classical music are a great start to the day!
Too early? ⬇️
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/sched...
Love the feature, @tommckinney.bsky.social, birdsong and classical music are a great start to the day!
Too early? ⬇️
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/sched...
Reposted by Martin George
We've had two separate reports of sick Mute Swans in North Shropshire today, and referred both callers to Defra.
Please be vigilant, and report any sightings of sick birds to Defra (link in thread) and also log them in BirdTrack. #ShropshireBirds
Please be vigilant, and report any sightings of sick birds to Defra (link in thread) and also log them in BirdTrack. #ShropshireBirds
Worrying reports of bird flu (avian influenza) are coming in, including an outbreak in Whooper Swans in the Fens. Other waterbirds are also being affected, and cases are rising.
📷 Sick Whooper Swan by Kane Brides
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
📷 Sick Whooper Swan by Kane Brides
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
November 6, 2025 at 8:32 PM
We've had two separate reports of sick Mute Swans in North Shropshire today, and referred both callers to Defra.
Please be vigilant, and report any sightings of sick birds to Defra (link in thread) and also log them in BirdTrack. #ShropshireBirds
Please be vigilant, and report any sightings of sick birds to Defra (link in thread) and also log them in BirdTrack. #ShropshireBirds
Reposted by Martin George
Merrick was shot & killed as she slept, over two years ago. NatureScot has had all the evidence on its desk for over 18 months. Now we're being asked to wait "a few weeks" more. It's pathetic.
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/05/n...
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/05/n...
NatureScot says “decision in next few weeks” on whether to impose General Licence restriction in relation to shooting & killing of golden eagle Merrick
The Scottish Government’s nature advisory agency, NatureScot, has been now been procrastinating for over 18 months on whether to impose a sanction on an estate in relation to the ‘shooting and kill…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
November 5, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Merrick was shot & killed as she slept, over two years ago. NatureScot has had all the evidence on its desk for over 18 months. Now we're being asked to wait "a few weeks" more. It's pathetic.
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/05/n...
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/05/n...
Reposted by Martin George
A pretty depressing day counting sick & dead Whooper Swans. Avian influenza is within the population. Please report all dead birds for possible collection & testing. In 🏴, 🏴 & 🏴 this is Defra
gov.uk/guidance/repor…
Reporting to @birdtrack.bsky.social also helps with monitoring.
gov.uk/guidance/repor…
Reporting to @birdtrack.bsky.social also helps with monitoring.
November 4, 2025 at 6:05 PM
A pretty depressing day counting sick & dead Whooper Swans. Avian influenza is within the population. Please report all dead birds for possible collection & testing. In 🏴, 🏴 & 🏴 this is Defra
gov.uk/guidance/repor…
Reporting to @birdtrack.bsky.social also helps with monitoring.
gov.uk/guidance/repor…
Reporting to @birdtrack.bsky.social also helps with monitoring.
Reposted by Martin George
UPDATE.A prompt response from Finland confirms that this is only the Fourth recovery of a Finnish ringed Rock Pipit in England.Ringed as a Nestling in Saltvic Archipelago SW Finland 27,06,2025. and recorded Lowestoft 03,11,2025 #suffolkbirdgroup #bto #ukbirding #birdingfinland #rockpipit
November 4, 2025 at 5:00 PM
UPDATE.A prompt response from Finland confirms that this is only the Fourth recovery of a Finnish ringed Rock Pipit in England.Ringed as a Nestling in Saltvic Archipelago SW Finland 27,06,2025. and recorded Lowestoft 03,11,2025 #suffolkbirdgroup #bto #ukbirding #birdingfinland #rockpipit
Reposted by Martin George
Woodpigeons are travelling, but where from - and where to?
Plus a roundup of recent sightings in #NorthWales, including several summer visitors that really need to get a move on. #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/pigeons...
Plus a roundup of recent sightings in #NorthWales, including several summer visitors that really need to get a move on. #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/pigeons...
Pigeons move in mysterious ways
As I stepped into Sunday morning’s sunshine, a flock of several hundred Woodpigeons flew overhead, following the coast. It’s not something I see frequently, unlike on the South Wales coast where...
www.birdnotes.wales
November 3, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Woodpigeons are travelling, but where from - and where to?
Plus a roundup of recent sightings in #NorthWales, including several summer visitors that really need to get a move on. #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/pigeons...
Plus a roundup of recent sightings in #NorthWales, including several summer visitors that really need to get a move on. #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/pigeons...
Reposted by Martin George
St Ives Island. An ‘all-dayer’. 13 Leach’s Petrel, 2 Cory’s, 3 ESP, 2 Pomarine Skua, 1 Little Auk, 2 Puffin, 3 Little Gull, 8 Sootys & a Snow Bunting with 000’s Kitts, Auks etc. But the highlight was the Loggerhead Turtle off the NCI gully for a few mins. #cornwallbirding
Pic thanks to Adam H
Pic thanks to Adam H
November 2, 2025 at 5:55 PM
St Ives Island. An ‘all-dayer’. 13 Leach’s Petrel, 2 Cory’s, 3 ESP, 2 Pomarine Skua, 1 Little Auk, 2 Puffin, 3 Little Gull, 8 Sootys & a Snow Bunting with 000’s Kitts, Auks etc. But the highlight was the Loggerhead Turtle off the NCI gully for a few mins. #cornwallbirding
Pic thanks to Adam H
Pic thanks to Adam H
Fourth record of Common Cuckoo for the eastern USA and Canada causes big twitch in New York State after being photographed by golfer.
www.local10.com/news/weird-n...
www.local10.com/news/weird-n...
Birders going ‘cuckoo’ after unexpected sighting in New York City area
Birders going ‘cuckoo’ after unexpected sighting in New York City area
www.local10.com
November 1, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Fourth record of Common Cuckoo for the eastern USA and Canada causes big twitch in New York State after being photographed by golfer.
www.local10.com/news/weird-n...
www.local10.com/news/weird-n...
Reposted by Martin George
Over 1,000 Redpoll ringed on Cannock Chase, Staffs and one had quite the story! 💫
Originally ringed on 01/10/25 in South Landing, Yorkshire 196 km away, it was recaptured by us just 13 days later. 🐦✨
Incredible journey for such a tiny traveller! #Redpoll #Migration
Originally ringed on 01/10/25 in South Landing, Yorkshire 196 km away, it was recaptured by us just 13 days later. 🐦✨
Incredible journey for such a tiny traveller! #Redpoll #Migration
October 30, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Over 1,000 Redpoll ringed on Cannock Chase, Staffs and one had quite the story! 💫
Originally ringed on 01/10/25 in South Landing, Yorkshire 196 km away, it was recaptured by us just 13 days later. 🐦✨
Incredible journey for such a tiny traveller! #Redpoll #Migration
Originally ringed on 01/10/25 in South Landing, Yorkshire 196 km away, it was recaptured by us just 13 days later. 🐦✨
Incredible journey for such a tiny traveller! #Redpoll #Migration
Reposted by Martin George
The not so black & white Magpie #photography #birds #Nature #wildlife #ukwildlife #shropshirebirds #birdphotography
October 29, 2025 at 7:06 PM
The not so black & white Magpie #photography #birds #Nature #wildlife #ukwildlife #shropshirebirds #birdphotography
Reposted by Martin George
My morning tomorrow - Radio 4 is repeating this at 09:00, a good listen from a couple of years back.
Or there's a the link here:
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
Or there's a the link here:
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
BBC Radio 4 - In Our Time, Bird Migration
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss how birds navigate and the risks and benefits of migration
www.bbc.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 7:31 PM
My morning tomorrow - Radio 4 is repeating this at 09:00, a good listen from a couple of years back.
Or there's a the link here:
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
Or there's a the link here:
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
This is why I can’t get excited about Ruddy Shelduck, Ferruginous Duck, Red-crested Pochard etc.
Interesting(!) that these captive-bred ducks for sale in East Yorkshire seem to be unringed in very many cases. Baikal, Blue-winged, Green-winged Teals, plus Garganeys. Dread to think how many end up in the wild and in local bird reports... #ukbirding
October 29, 2025 at 6:36 PM
This is why I can’t get excited about Ruddy Shelduck, Ferruginous Duck, Red-crested Pochard etc.
Reposted by Martin George
Another great #salopobs morning with 61 species recorded including 💥19,120💥 Woodpigeons SW, 2 Great Egrets, Brambling +225 Chaffinches, 79 Fieldfares, 2,310 LBBGs... ebird.org/checklist/S2... #vismig #ukbirding
October 26, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Another great #salopobs morning with 61 species recorded including 💥19,120💥 Woodpigeons SW, 2 Great Egrets, Brambling +225 Chaffinches, 79 Fieldfares, 2,310 LBBGs... ebird.org/checklist/S2... #vismig #ukbirding
Reposted by Martin George
This clip of today's #Brambling at Devon's, Hope's Nose, has the bird give the distinctive nasal 'wheeze' call. A sound often associated with coastal flyovers. It was this that alerted me to its presence on the headland's extremity this morning. #DevonBirds #UKBirding #BirdMigration
October 23, 2025 at 6:47 PM
This clip of today's #Brambling at Devon's, Hope's Nose, has the bird give the distinctive nasal 'wheeze' call. A sound often associated with coastal flyovers. It was this that alerted me to its presence on the headland's extremity this morning. #DevonBirds #UKBirding #BirdMigration
Reposted by Martin George
These videos of a rat hunting and eating bats will haunt my dreams.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
October 24, 2025 at 11:52 PM
These videos of a rat hunting and eating bats will haunt my dreams.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Martin George
Suck it robots!
The latest on Wing Beat: "Humans outperform Merlin Sound ID in field-based point-count surveys" by Brooke Goodman
americanornithology.org/humans-outpe...
Related paper: doi.org/10.1093/orni...
#ornithology #pointcountsurvey #soundID #birdsong
americanornithology.org/humans-outpe...
Related paper: doi.org/10.1093/orni...
#ornithology #pointcountsurvey #soundID #birdsong
Humans outperform Merlin Sound ID in field-based point-count surveys - American Ornithological Society
Merlin’s sound classifier feature has revolutionized interaction with the avian world since its release in 2021. It works by learning the unique features of a species’ vocalization, and then recognizi...
americanornithology.org
October 24, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Suck it robots!
Reposted by Martin George
Pleased to announce that two of these three sites have now been allocated to new WeBS surveyors, but we still have room for new team members who can identify and count wildfowl and waders on the monthly count date!
You can view the vacant sites map here: www.bto.org/get-involved...
#ShropshireBirds
You can view the vacant sites map here: www.bto.org/get-involved...
#ShropshireBirds
We have several vacant Wetland Bird Survey sites across Shropshire (three examples shown) and you only need basic wildfowl ID skills to join the team and start #YourWeBSJourney 🙂
For more info and to see all of the vacant sites go to www.bto.org/get-involved...
#ShropshireBirds
#WeBSSiteInsight
For more info and to see all of the vacant sites go to www.bto.org/get-involved...
#ShropshireBirds
#WeBSSiteInsight
October 22, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Pleased to announce that two of these three sites have now been allocated to new WeBS surveyors, but we still have room for new team members who can identify and count wildfowl and waders on the monthly count date!
You can view the vacant sites map here: www.bto.org/get-involved...
#ShropshireBirds
You can view the vacant sites map here: www.bto.org/get-involved...
#ShropshireBirds
Reposted by Martin George
We're here as volunteers to support the work of
@btobirds.bsky.social in #Shropshire. See our profile for contact info.
Our updated header pic shows what may be the largest Lesser Black-backed Gull roost in the country, at #Ellesmere. So impressive, people stop their cars to enjoy the spectacle!
@btobirds.bsky.social in #Shropshire. See our profile for contact info.
Our updated header pic shows what may be the largest Lesser Black-backed Gull roost in the country, at #Ellesmere. So impressive, people stop their cars to enjoy the spectacle!
October 22, 2025 at 8:12 PM
We're here as volunteers to support the work of
@btobirds.bsky.social in #Shropshire. See our profile for contact info.
Our updated header pic shows what may be the largest Lesser Black-backed Gull roost in the country, at #Ellesmere. So impressive, people stop their cars to enjoy the spectacle!
@btobirds.bsky.social in #Shropshire. See our profile for contact info.
Our updated header pic shows what may be the largest Lesser Black-backed Gull roost in the country, at #Ellesmere. So impressive, people stop their cars to enjoy the spectacle!
Reposted by Martin George
Red-eyed Vireo joins White's Thrush, Red-flanked Bluetail and others on the list of remotely-sensed UK vagrants #UKBirding.
Finally got a decent bird on my trail camera. Red-eyed Vireo 12th October nr Port of Ness, Isle of Lewis
#BirdingScotland
#UKBirding
#RareBirdsUK
#birds
🪶
🦉
#BirdingScotland
#UKBirding
#RareBirdsUK
#birds
🪶
🦉
October 22, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Red-eyed Vireo joins White's Thrush, Red-flanked Bluetail and others on the list of remotely-sensed UK vagrants #UKBirding.