Ken and Linda Smith
@kenandlindasmith.bsky.social
Ornithologists based in Chichester, Sussex, interests woodpeckers - volunteer organisers of @LesserSpotNet.bsky.social , www.woodpecker-network.org.uk
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
An @sussexornitholo.bsky.social event on the downs above Shoreham with a talk on changing farm practices, stewardship and sustainable farming initiatives, farm bird recoveries and a walk (with overflying Peregrine, Buzzard, Skylark and Finch flocks). Encouraging.
@btobirds.bsky.social
#ukbirding
@btobirds.bsky.social
#ukbirding
January 24, 2026 at 10:53 PM
An @sussexornitholo.bsky.social event on the downs above Shoreham with a talk on changing farm practices, stewardship and sustainable farming initiatives, farm bird recoveries and a walk (with overflying Peregrine, Buzzard, Skylark and Finch flocks). Encouraging.
@btobirds.bsky.social
#ukbirding
@btobirds.bsky.social
#ukbirding
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
1/2 Curlew – wonderfully charismatic, desperately threatened and in need of urgent action if they are to remain part of our landscape. That’s why the launch of the UK Curlew Species Action Plan yesterday in the House of Lords is so important. #Ornithology #Curlew
January 20, 2026 at 12:20 PM
1/2 Curlew – wonderfully charismatic, desperately threatened and in need of urgent action if they are to remain part of our landscape. That’s why the launch of the UK Curlew Species Action Plan yesterday in the House of Lords is so important. #Ornithology #Curlew
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
Lovely to see so many @hnhsoc.bsky.social members and guests at a private view for the 'Wildlife for the Record' exhibition at North Hertfordshire Museum this week. I gave a talk marking the end (almost) of the HNHS 150th anniversary year. www.hnhs.org/news/north-h...
January 14, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Lovely to see so many @hnhsoc.bsky.social members and guests at a private view for the 'Wildlife for the Record' exhibition at North Hertfordshire Museum this week. I gave a talk marking the end (almost) of the HNHS 150th anniversary year. www.hnhs.org/news/north-h...
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
Thanks to everyone who came along at #BES2025 to chat about my work on phenological synchrony with @kenandlindasmith.bsky.social and @piedflynet.bsky.social
Even for specialist species, mismatch may only matter in years where resources are scarce 🐦🐛
If I missed you at the conference, get in touch!
Even for specialist species, mismatch may only matter in years where resources are scarce 🐦🐛
If I missed you at the conference, get in touch!
If you're at the @britishecologicalsociety.org #BES2025 in Edinburgh and interested in #phenology, come and find me for a chat about how resource abundance modulates the impacts of the trophic #mismatch.
My poster is A17.21 in the Cromdale Hall, and I'll be there from 6pm this evening!
🌳 -> 🐛 -> 🐦
My poster is A17.21 in the Cromdale Hall, and I'll be there from 6pm this evening!
🌳 -> 🐛 -> 🐦
December 18, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Thanks to everyone who came along at #BES2025 to chat about my work on phenological synchrony with @kenandlindasmith.bsky.social and @piedflynet.bsky.social
Even for specialist species, mismatch may only matter in years where resources are scarce 🐦🐛
If I missed you at the conference, get in touch!
Even for specialist species, mismatch may only matter in years where resources are scarce 🐦🐛
If I missed you at the conference, get in touch!
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
If you're at the @britishecologicalsociety.org #BES2025 in Edinburgh and interested in #phenology, come and find me for a chat about how resource abundance modulates the impacts of the trophic #mismatch.
My poster is A17.21 in the Cromdale Hall, and I'll be there from 6pm this evening!
🌳 -> 🐛 -> 🐦
My poster is A17.21 in the Cromdale Hall, and I'll be there from 6pm this evening!
🌳 -> 🐛 -> 🐦
December 16, 2025 at 10:38 AM
If you're at the @britishecologicalsociety.org #BES2025 in Edinburgh and interested in #phenology, come and find me for a chat about how resource abundance modulates the impacts of the trophic #mismatch.
My poster is A17.21 in the Cromdale Hall, and I'll be there from 6pm this evening!
🌳 -> 🐛 -> 🐦
My poster is A17.21 in the Cromdale Hall, and I'll be there from 6pm this evening!
🌳 -> 🐛 -> 🐦
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
Very pleased to announce that my recent paper in Oecologia "Trophic generalism in the winter moth: a model species for phenological mismatch" won the journal's 2024 Ehleringer Prize for student research! 🏆
You can read more about the paper and the award below 👇
link.springer.com/journal/442/...
You can read more about the paper and the award below 👇
link.springer.com/journal/442/...
December 15, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Very pleased to announce that my recent paper in Oecologia "Trophic generalism in the winter moth: a model species for phenological mismatch" won the journal's 2024 Ehleringer Prize for student research! 🏆
You can read more about the paper and the award below 👇
link.springer.com/journal/442/...
You can read more about the paper and the award below 👇
link.springer.com/journal/442/...
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
Great to see three of our Sussex birders involved in co-authoring the LSW paper in the Dec copy of British Birds. PAM will be an important tool in the next National Bird Atlas.
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social @britishbirds.bsky.social @mallalieum.bsky.social @kenandlindasmith.bsky.social
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social @britishbirds.bsky.social @mallalieum.bsky.social @kenandlindasmith.bsky.social
December 7, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Great to see three of our Sussex birders involved in co-authoring the LSW paper in the Dec copy of British Birds. PAM will be an important tool in the next National Bird Atlas.
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social @britishbirds.bsky.social @mallalieum.bsky.social @kenandlindasmith.bsky.social
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social @britishbirds.bsky.social @mallalieum.bsky.social @kenandlindasmith.bsky.social
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
Our paper in December's @britishbirds.bsky.social describes success in using sound recording for detecting Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers. We found Lesser Spots still present in woodlands where they have not been seen/heard for years. This is very exciting www.woodpecker-network.org.uk/index.php/ne...
Woodpecker Network - Acoustic Monitoring for detection of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers
A forum to encourage and facilitate the study of woodpeckers in Britain and Ireland
www.woodpecker-network.org.uk
December 6, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Our paper in December's @britishbirds.bsky.social describes success in using sound recording for detecting Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers. We found Lesser Spots still present in woodlands where they have not been seen/heard for years. This is very exciting www.woodpecker-network.org.uk/index.php/ne...
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
1/ A new study from @lesserspotnet.bsky.social & BTO in @britishbirds.bsky.social looks at how passive acoustic monitoring is an effective way of surveying Lesser Spotted Woodpecker ➡️ www.bto.org/LSWBioacoust...
#bioacoustics #ornithology @simongillings.bsky.social @hosbirding.bsky.social
#bioacoustics #ornithology @simongillings.bsky.social @hosbirding.bsky.social
December 4, 2025 at 9:36 AM
1/ A new study from @lesserspotnet.bsky.social & BTO in @britishbirds.bsky.social looks at how passive acoustic monitoring is an effective way of surveying Lesser Spotted Woodpecker ➡️ www.bto.org/LSWBioacoust...
#bioacoustics #ornithology @simongillings.bsky.social @hosbirding.bsky.social
#bioacoustics #ornithology @simongillings.bsky.social @hosbirding.bsky.social
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
Wonderful morning at the Wyre forest rewarded with 20 min of a pair of lesser spotted woodpecker crisp morning perfect @lesserspotnet.bsky.social
November 30, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Wonderful morning at the Wyre forest rewarded with 20 min of a pair of lesser spotted woodpecker crisp morning perfect @lesserspotnet.bsky.social
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
See this encouraging update about Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers in the UK.
We will have the pleasure of hearing more from Ken and Linda Smith of the LesserSpot Network when they give a talk for BOC about their work, on 18th February 2026 (get it in your diary).
#ukbirding
We will have the pleasure of hearing more from Ken and Linda Smith of the LesserSpot Network when they give a talk for BOC about their work, on 18th February 2026 (get it in your diary).
#ukbirding
Something to celebrate - our 2025 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker report - successful breeding season, the most nests monitored & highest number of chicks fledged per nest since we started in 2015. Acoustic monitoring giving amazing results too, download here www.woodpecker-network.org.uk/images/L_S_W...
November 28, 2025 at 11:04 AM
See this encouraging update about Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers in the UK.
We will have the pleasure of hearing more from Ken and Linda Smith of the LesserSpot Network when they give a talk for BOC about their work, on 18th February 2026 (get it in your diary).
#ukbirding
We will have the pleasure of hearing more from Ken and Linda Smith of the LesserSpot Network when they give a talk for BOC about their work, on 18th February 2026 (get it in your diary).
#ukbirding
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
It’s out in time for Christmas. Again! #hertsbirds #ukbirding
November 20, 2025 at 2:08 PM
It’s out in time for Christmas. Again! #hertsbirds #ukbirding
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
Something to celebrate - our 2025 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker report - successful breeding season, the most nests monitored & highest number of chicks fledged per nest since we started in 2015. Acoustic monitoring giving amazing results too, download here www.woodpecker-network.org.uk/images/L_S_W...
November 22, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Something to celebrate - our 2025 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker report - successful breeding season, the most nests monitored & highest number of chicks fledged per nest since we started in 2015. Acoustic monitoring giving amazing results too, download here www.woodpecker-network.org.uk/images/L_S_W...
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
This is a brilliant initiative. Woodpecker Network is working with BTO to develop a passive acoustic monitoring module for Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers. Trials have proved successful in reliably detecting their drums and calls, revealing many new locations. We are taking this forward in spring 2026
November 17, 2025 at 10:14 AM
This is a brilliant initiative. Woodpecker Network is working with BTO to develop a passive acoustic monitoring module for Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers. Trials have proved successful in reliably detecting their drums and calls, revealing many new locations. We are taking this forward in spring 2026
Our WeBS count (below) was assisted by a low flying Marsh Harrier putting up a flock of Redshank, also saw 4 Jack Snipe & a Kingfisher, @sussexornitholo.bsky.social
Our BTO @webs-gsmp.bsky.social high tide count yesterday at Fishbourne Creek was unseasonably warm at 17 degrees. Good numbers though - Snipe 53 (our highest ever count), Brent Geese 400, Redshank 260, Wigeon 300, Curlew 130, Turnstone 42, Lapwing 60 Gt Crested Grebe 15, but no Godwits seen.
November 10, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Our WeBS count (below) was assisted by a low flying Marsh Harrier putting up a flock of Redshank, also saw 4 Jack Snipe & a Kingfisher, @sussexornitholo.bsky.social
Our BTO @webs-gsmp.bsky.social high tide count yesterday at Fishbourne Creek was unseasonably warm at 17 degrees. Good numbers though - Snipe 53 (our highest ever count), Brent Geese 400, Redshank 260, Wigeon 300, Curlew 130, Turnstone 42, Lapwing 60 Gt Crested Grebe 15, but no Godwits seen.
November 9, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Our BTO @webs-gsmp.bsky.social high tide count yesterday at Fishbourne Creek was unseasonably warm at 17 degrees. Good numbers though - Snipe 53 (our highest ever count), Brent Geese 400, Redshank 260, Wigeon 300, Curlew 130, Turnstone 42, Lapwing 60 Gt Crested Grebe 15, but no Godwits seen.
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
My book has got a great endorsement from Chris Packham: "This clever and immensely resourceful book is an overdue gem". There's also a few pages up on the website too! It's up for pre-order here with publication set for January pelagicpublishing.com/products/pan...
October 23, 2025 at 10:31 AM
My book has got a great endorsement from Chris Packham: "This clever and immensely resourceful book is an overdue gem". There's also a few pages up on the website too! It's up for pre-order here with publication set for January pelagicpublishing.com/products/pan...
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
In the week the @eounion.bsky.social met @bangoruniversity.bsky.social, latest findings from @lesserspotnet.bsky.social provide hope for this hard-to-find bird.
@northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes also rounds up the week's scarcer sightings. #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/experts...
@northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes also rounds up the week's scarcer sightings. #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/experts...
Experts help unlock the secrets of our smallest woodpecker
Leading ornithologists from across the world met in Bangor last week as the University hosted the European Ornithologists Union conference. It is only the second time the UK has been the venue for...
www.birdnotes.wales
August 25, 2025 at 4:01 PM
In the week the @eounion.bsky.social met @bangoruniversity.bsky.social, latest findings from @lesserspotnet.bsky.social provide hope for this hard-to-find bird.
@northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes also rounds up the week's scarcer sightings. #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/experts...
@northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes also rounds up the week's scarcer sightings. #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/experts...
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
Some of the numerous juveniles among 44+ Hawfinches at West Dean, Sussex, this morning, feeding on beech, presumably mast. @sussexornitholo.bsky.social @sussexwildlife.bsky.social @ukrbbp.bsky.social
August 24, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Some of the numerous juveniles among 44+ Hawfinches at West Dean, Sussex, this morning, feeding on beech, presumably mast. @sussexornitholo.bsky.social @sussexwildlife.bsky.social @ukrbbp.bsky.social
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
Ken & Linda Smith will be at the BOU Woodland Birds Conference on 18 August 2025 at Bangor. Ken is giving a talk ‘Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers: how citizen science is contributing to our understanding of this enigmatic species’ Looking forward to seeing some of you there bou.org.uk/conferences-...
#BOUatEOU - Resources - British Ornithologists' Union
Woodland birds18 August 2025 - MALT Lecture Theatre, Bangor University, Wales, UK & BlueskyMain conference pagePresenter and attendee resourcesPROGRAMMEABSTRACT BOOKLETBOU GUIDE TO BLUESKY CONFERENCES...
bou.org.uk
August 13, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Ken & Linda Smith will be at the BOU Woodland Birds Conference on 18 August 2025 at Bangor. Ken is giving a talk ‘Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers: how citizen science is contributing to our understanding of this enigmatic species’ Looking forward to seeing some of you there bou.org.uk/conferences-...
We will be representing Woodpecker Network the BOU Woodland Birds Conference on 18 August 2025 at Bangor. Ken is giving a talk ‘Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers: how citizen science is contributing to our understanding of this enigmatic species’ We are both looking forward to it bou.org.uk/wp-content/u...
bou.org.uk
August 13, 2025 at 3:43 PM
We will be representing Woodpecker Network the BOU Woodland Birds Conference on 18 August 2025 at Bangor. Ken is giving a talk ‘Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers: how citizen science is contributing to our understanding of this enigmatic species’ We are both looking forward to it bou.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
Effect of habitat quality and quantity on the occurrence and persistence of the lesser spotted woodpecker (Dryobates minor) across two time periods | doi.org/10.1016/j.bi... | Biological Conservation | #ornithology #conservation 🪶🌎
August 11, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Effect of habitat quality and quantity on the occurrence and persistence of the lesser spotted woodpecker (Dryobates minor) across two time periods | doi.org/10.1016/j.bi... | Biological Conservation | #ornithology #conservation 🪶🌎
Good to have our citizen science Bat recording project noted in The Times today. Since 2018 using our automatic bat detector at 100+ sites we have found bats everywhere in Chichester area, including rare Kuhl's Pipistrelle. See Chichester Natural History Society website www.chinats.org.uk/medmerry-3
July 26, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Good to have our citizen science Bat recording project noted in The Times today. Since 2018 using our automatic bat detector at 100+ sites we have found bats everywhere in Chichester area, including rare Kuhl's Pipistrelle. See Chichester Natural History Society website www.chinats.org.uk/medmerry-3
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
333,769 records! Entered 950+ records today from a single 7-hour survey on a farm on the 8th June.
June 21, 2025 at 4:58 PM
333,769 records! Entered 950+ records today from a single 7-hour survey on a farm on the 8th June.
Reposted by Ken and Linda Smith
Can you help find Sussex's breeding Hawfinches by locating cherry trees and looking for split cherry stones? See www.sos.org.uk/archives/6421 Thank you! @sussexornitholo.bsky.social @sussexwildlife.bsky.social @ukrbbp.bsky.social
June 18, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Can you help find Sussex's breeding Hawfinches by locating cherry trees and looking for split cherry stones? See www.sos.org.uk/archives/6421 Thank you! @sussexornitholo.bsky.social @sussexwildlife.bsky.social @ukrbbp.bsky.social