Kyle Smith 🏴
@jkylesmith.bsky.social
A Scot, living in Banbury - crossroads of Oxon, Bucks, Northants, Warks. Birder & amateur photographer. If at first you don't succeed, we have a lot in common.
A couple of year ticks at Eyebrook Reservoir and Whitemoor Haye today - smew and Slavonian grebes, both distant @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #UKbirding.
January 26, 2026 at 9:06 PM
A couple of year ticks at Eyebrook Reservoir and Whitemoor Haye today - smew and Slavonian grebes, both distant @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #UKbirding.
Eventually caught up with the drake American Wigeon at Ferry Meadows CP, Peterborough in the marsh opposite Overton Lake this morning @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @cambsbirdclub.bsky.social.
January 26, 2026 at 8:57 PM
Eventually caught up with the drake American Wigeon at Ferry Meadows CP, Peterborough in the marsh opposite Overton Lake this morning @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @cambsbirdclub.bsky.social.
Dropped into Whitemoor Haye to see the long-staying Slavonian grebes and got more than I'd bargained for - a bonus merlin @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #UKbirding.
January 26, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Dropped into Whitemoor Haye to see the long-staying Slavonian grebes and got more than I'd bargained for - a bonus merlin @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #UKbirding.
Dropped into Whitemoor Haye to see the long-staying Slavonian grebes and got more than I'd bargained for - a bonus merlin @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #UKbirding.
January 26, 2026 at 7:14 PM
Dropped into Whitemoor Haye to see the long-staying Slavonian grebes and got more than I'd bargained for - a bonus merlin @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #UKbirding.
Early visit to a finch flock in the Cotswolds this morning with Kev Heath to see if there might be bramblings amongst them @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social.
January 24, 2026 at 10:04 PM
Early visit to a finch flock in the Cotswolds this morning with Kev Heath to see if there might be bramblings amongst them @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social.
Went to Ripley y'day to see the killdeer having been unable to on Thursday. Got there early - it showed distantly - light improved but then sun directly behind so just record shots. Little gull and white-tailed eagle too @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @hosbirding.bsky.social.
January 24, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Went to Ripley y'day to see the killdeer having been unable to on Thursday. Got there early - it showed distantly - light improved but then sun directly behind so just record shots. Little gull and white-tailed eagle too @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @hosbirding.bsky.social.
My latest blog is now live.
A visit to Hampshire with Kev Heath, starting at Normandy Lagoon, Lymington, and finishing with hawfinches in the forest. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @hantsbirdchat.bsky.social #UKbirding.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/hamp....
A visit to Hampshire with Kev Heath, starting at Normandy Lagoon, Lymington, and finishing with hawfinches in the forest. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @hantsbirdchat.bsky.social #UKbirding.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/hamp....
Hampshire day-out :: 20 January 2026
When unsure where to go, Kev and I usually find ourselves choosing between RSPB Frampton Marsh and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Tr...
jkhsmith.blogspot.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:17 PM
My latest blog is now live.
A visit to Hampshire with Kev Heath, starting at Normandy Lagoon, Lymington, and finishing with hawfinches in the forest. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @hantsbirdchat.bsky.social #UKbirding.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/hamp....
A visit to Hampshire with Kev Heath, starting at Normandy Lagoon, Lymington, and finishing with hawfinches in the forest. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @hantsbirdchat.bsky.social #UKbirding.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/hamp....
A surprise encounter for Kev Heath and I of a Dartford warbler on the edge of the Normandy Lagoon, Lymington, yesterday @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @hantsbirdchat.bsky.social.
January 21, 2026 at 10:21 AM
A surprise encounter for Kev Heath and I of a Dartford warbler on the edge of the Normandy Lagoon, Lymington, yesterday @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @hantsbirdchat.bsky.social.
A fortuitous chat with a local Hampshire birder yesterday put Kev Heath and I on a location for hawfinches, definitely 3 but I think 4 seen @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @hantsbirdchat.bsky.social #UKbirding.
January 21, 2026 at 10:13 AM
A fortuitous chat with a local Hampshire birder yesterday put Kev Heath and I on a location for hawfinches, definitely 3 but I think 4 seen @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @hantsbirdchat.bsky.social #UKbirding.
Went to check out a rather special visitor that’s been turning heads on a Banbury estate 🦜
An Alexandrine parakeet has taken up residence and seems quite content charming the locals. What a brilliant and unexpected splash of colour on a damp grey day!
An Alexandrine parakeet has taken up residence and seems quite content charming the locals. What a brilliant and unexpected splash of colour on a damp grey day!
January 19, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Went to check out a rather special visitor that’s been turning heads on a Banbury estate 🦜
An Alexandrine parakeet has taken up residence and seems quite content charming the locals. What a brilliant and unexpected splash of colour on a damp grey day!
An Alexandrine parakeet has taken up residence and seems quite content charming the locals. What a brilliant and unexpected splash of colour on a damp grey day!
Went to check out a rather special visitor that’s been turning heads on a Banbury estate 🦜
An Alexandrine parakeet has taken up residence and seems quite content charming the locals. What a brilliant and unexpected splash of colour on a damp grey day!
An Alexandrine parakeet has taken up residence and seems quite content charming the locals. What a brilliant and unexpected splash of colour on a damp grey day!
January 19, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Went to check out a rather special visitor that’s been turning heads on a Banbury estate 🦜
An Alexandrine parakeet has taken up residence and seems quite content charming the locals. What a brilliant and unexpected splash of colour on a damp grey day!
An Alexandrine parakeet has taken up residence and seems quite content charming the locals. What a brilliant and unexpected splash of colour on a damp grey day!
My latest blog is now live.
A visit to Crockham Hill, Kent with Kev Heath, hoping to see a red-flanked bluetail and which would be a first for us both. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #UKbirding.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/croc....
A visit to Crockham Hill, Kent with Kev Heath, hoping to see a red-flanked bluetail and which would be a first for us both. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #UKbirding.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/croc....
Crockham Hill & Staines Moor :: 14 January 2026
The weather had been wet in recent days, but with a red-flanked bluetail within reach having been found on 11 January, Kev and I were determ...
jkhsmith.blogspot.com
January 16, 2026 at 1:08 PM
My latest blog is now live.
A visit to Crockham Hill, Kent with Kev Heath, hoping to see a red-flanked bluetail and which would be a first for us both. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #UKbirding.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/croc....
A visit to Crockham Hill, Kent with Kev Heath, hoping to see a red-flanked bluetail and which would be a first for us both. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #UKbirding.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/croc....
A bit elusive but eventually the red-flanked bluetail gave itself up and we had great views at Crockham Hill, Kent this morning. A lovely bird and a first for Kev Heath & I @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #UKbirding.
January 15, 2026 at 8:28 AM
A bit elusive but eventually the red-flanked bluetail gave itself up and we had great views at Crockham Hill, Kent this morning. A lovely bird and a first for Kev Heath & I @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #UKbirding.
My latest blog is now live.
A visit to Hertfordshire with Kev Heath, predominantly to see what we could find at Staines Reservoir & Lemsford Springs. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @hertsbirds.bsky.social.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/stai....
A visit to Hertfordshire with Kev Heath, predominantly to see what we could find at Staines Reservoir & Lemsford Springs. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @hertsbirds.bsky.social.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/stai....
Staines Reservoirs & Lemsford Springs :: 10 January 2026
After a brief discussion, Kev and I decided to head over to Staines Reservoir to look for the lesser and greater scaup that are still being ...
jkhsmith.blogspot.com
January 12, 2026 at 1:35 PM
My latest blog is now live.
A visit to Hertfordshire with Kev Heath, predominantly to see what we could find at Staines Reservoir & Lemsford Springs. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @hertsbirds.bsky.social.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/stai....
A visit to Hertfordshire with Kev Heath, predominantly to see what we could find at Staines Reservoir & Lemsford Springs. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @hertsbirds.bsky.social.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/stai....
Called in at Lemsford Springs y'day with Kev Heath, meeting our friends Nick @oldcaley.bsky.social & Anne. After only distant glimpses of one jack snipe, patience paid off when a second bird finally emerged closer to the hide @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @hertsbirds.bsky.social.
January 11, 2026 at 9:47 AM
Called in at Lemsford Springs y'day with Kev Heath, meeting our friends Nick @oldcaley.bsky.social & Anne. After only distant glimpses of one jack snipe, patience paid off when a second bird finally emerged closer to the hide @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @hertsbirds.bsky.social.
My latest blog is now live.
A visit to Lincolnshire and North Cambridgeshire, with Kev Heath predominantly trying to see a long-eared owl with bonus snow goose. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/deep....
A visit to Lincolnshire and North Cambridgeshire, with Kev Heath predominantly trying to see a long-eared owl with bonus snow goose. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/deep....
Deeping Lakes & RSPB Nene Washes :: 06 January 2026
Kev @kev07713 and I had a chat about whether we could fit in a birding trip during the week. Kev was tied up on Monday, while I already had...
jkhsmith.blogspot.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:33 AM
My latest blog is now live.
A visit to Lincolnshire and North Cambridgeshire, with Kev Heath predominantly trying to see a long-eared owl with bonus snow goose. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/deep....
A visit to Lincolnshire and North Cambridgeshire, with Kev Heath predominantly trying to see a long-eared owl with bonus snow goose. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/deep....
An F-35 doesn’t just sound loud, it dominates the soundscape, combining raw power, depth, and weight in a way that is intimidating and unforgettable. Seen in the skies above Cambridgeshire.
January 8, 2026 at 10:47 AM
An F-35 doesn’t just sound loud, it dominates the soundscape, combining raw power, depth, and weight in a way that is intimidating and unforgettable. Seen in the skies above Cambridgeshire.
A trip to Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire with Kev Heath and managed to catch up with the snow goose, five long-eared owls, two little owls, and one short-eared owl @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social.
January 8, 2026 at 10:42 AM
A trip to Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire with Kev Heath and managed to catch up with the snow goose, five long-eared owls, two little owls, and one short-eared owl @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social.
My latest blog is now live.
A visit to Hurley, Warwickshire in search of a showy yellow-browed warbler. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @westmidbirdclub.bsky.social.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/hurl....
A visit to Hurley, Warwickshire in search of a showy yellow-browed warbler. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @westmidbirdclub.bsky.social.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/hurl....
Hurley, Warwickshire :: 05 January 2026
This feels like the first real day of my new life. Normally I would have returned to work, but as the business relocated to Sheffield a year...
jkhsmith.blogspot.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:38 PM
My latest blog is now live.
A visit to Hurley, Warwickshire in search of a showy yellow-browed warbler. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @westmidbirdclub.bsky.social.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/hurl....
A visit to Hurley, Warwickshire in search of a showy yellow-browed warbler. Thanks for looking!
@birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @westmidbirdclub.bsky.social.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/hurl....
Visited Hurley in Warwickshire today to see the showy yellow-browed warbler. Showed beautifully - in fact, I think the best views you could ever have. A bit chilly but very enjoyable @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @westmidbirdclub.bsky.social.
January 5, 2026 at 7:17 PM
Visited Hurley in Warwickshire today to see the showy yellow-browed warbler. Showed beautifully - in fact, I think the best views you could ever have. A bit chilly but very enjoyable @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @westmidbirdclub.bsky.social.
My latest blog is now live.
A visit to @wwtworldwide.bsky.social Slimbridge, then on to Aust in search of a penduline tit with Kev and Karen Heath.
Thanks for looking! @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @slimbridge-wild.bsky.social.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/wwt-....
A visit to @wwtworldwide.bsky.social Slimbridge, then on to Aust in search of a penduline tit with Kev and Karen Heath.
Thanks for looking! @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @slimbridge-wild.bsky.social.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/wwt-....
WWT Slimbridge & Aust :: 02 January 2026
To properly kick off our birding year, Kev @kev07713 and I decided on a trip to WWT Slimbridge, and we were delighted when his wife, Karen ...
jkhsmith.blogspot.com
January 4, 2026 at 10:42 AM
My latest blog is now live.
A visit to @wwtworldwide.bsky.social Slimbridge, then on to Aust in search of a penduline tit with Kev and Karen Heath.
Thanks for looking! @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @slimbridge-wild.bsky.social.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/wwt-....
A visit to @wwtworldwide.bsky.social Slimbridge, then on to Aust in search of a penduline tit with Kev and Karen Heath.
Thanks for looking! @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @slimbridge-wild.bsky.social.
jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/wwt-....
My first blog of the year with a report of a short visit to @rspb.bsky.social RSPB Otmoor on New Year's Day to try and catch up with any remaining tundra bean geese jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/rspb... - @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social.
RSPB Otmoor :: 01 January 2026
Happy New Year! - the great reset is upon us. It’s an exciting time for geese both locally and across the country and while I kicked off...
jkhsmith.blogspot.com
January 3, 2026 at 4:17 PM
My first blog of the year with a report of a short visit to @rspb.bsky.social RSPB Otmoor on New Year's Day to try and catch up with any remaining tundra bean geese jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/01/rspb... - @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social.
Managed to catch up with the firecrest at @wwtworldwide.bsky.social Slimbridge this morning, with Kev and Karen Heath - what a little stunner @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @slimbridge-wild.bsky.social.
January 2, 2026 at 9:41 PM
Managed to catch up with the firecrest at @wwtworldwide.bsky.social Slimbridge this morning, with Kev and Karen Heath - what a little stunner @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @slimbridge-wild.bsky.social.
After lunch Kev and Karen Heath and I visited Aust for penduline tit - a bit of a wait but eventually rewarded with views of a single individual @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social.
January 2, 2026 at 8:47 PM
After lunch Kev and Karen Heath and I visited Aust for penduline tit - a bit of a wait but eventually rewarded with views of a single individual @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social.
Popped out for an hour to catch up with the geese at @rspb.bsky.social RSPB Otmoor today - connecting with the tundra bean and white-fronted geese @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social.
January 1, 2026 at 10:16 PM
Popped out for an hour to catch up with the geese at @rspb.bsky.social RSPB Otmoor today - connecting with the tundra bean and white-fronted geese @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social.