Nina O'Hanlon
@ninaohanlon.bsky.social
Birder | Research Ecologist | #ornithology | #CaithnessBirds | she/her
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
Not only have storms been hampering our plans to get to #islands recently, they've also been causing difficulties for #seabirds foraging on their wintering grounds at sea. We can help seabirds when they come to land, ensuring nest sites are free of invasive predators www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Puffins struggle to survive as Storm Chandra sweeps country
The Scottish SPCA has urged people not to touch any puffins found on beaches and instead call the charity for advice.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Not only have storms been hampering our plans to get to #islands recently, they've also been causing difficulties for #seabirds foraging on their wintering grounds at sea. We can help seabirds when they come to land, ensuring nest sites are free of invasive predators www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
#Seabird Journal issue #37 is complete and has been sent out to those who requested a physical copy 😊
Remember to check your mailboxes!
It is also available to read online here ➡️ www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/seabird-37
#science #seabirds
Remember to check your mailboxes!
It is also available to read online here ➡️ www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/seabird-37
#science #seabirds
February 2, 2026 at 3:29 PM
#Seabird Journal issue #37 is complete and has been sent out to those who requested a physical copy 😊
Remember to check your mailboxes!
It is also available to read online here ➡️ www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/seabird-37
#science #seabirds
Remember to check your mailboxes!
It is also available to read online here ➡️ www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/seabird-37
#science #seabirds
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
We are receiving increased reports of dead auks, including Puffins, particularly in North East Scotland. It's quick and easy to report any dead or sick birds you find through the 'Deceased bird' function on the home page of the BirdTrack app
Photo: Puffin by Richard Selman / BTO
#ukbirding
Photo: Puffin by Richard Selman / BTO
#ukbirding
February 3, 2026 at 4:57 PM
We are receiving increased reports of dead auks, including Puffins, particularly in North East Scotland. It's quick and easy to report any dead or sick birds you find through the 'Deceased bird' function on the home page of the BirdTrack app
Photo: Puffin by Richard Selman / BTO
#ukbirding
Photo: Puffin by Richard Selman / BTO
#ukbirding
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
Fair Isle Bird Observatory is pleased to announce that 'The Birds of Fair Isle' is now available to pre-order. This richly illustrated two-volume avifauna celebrates 75 years of FIBO survey work.
The set is offered for a limited time at £70 plus postage. For details: www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/bofi
The set is offered for a limited time at £70 plus postage. For details: www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/bofi
February 1, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Fair Isle Bird Observatory is pleased to announce that 'The Birds of Fair Isle' is now available to pre-order. This richly illustrated two-volume avifauna celebrates 75 years of FIBO survey work.
The set is offered for a limited time at £70 plus postage. For details: www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/bofi
The set is offered for a limited time at £70 plus postage. For details: www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/bofi
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
GPS tracked Icelandic Greylag Goose movements tracker link below. Greylags ‘Alastair’ and ‘Willem’ are currently in Caithness arcgis.stofa.is/portal/apps/... #CaithnessBirds
Experience
arcgis.stofa.is
January 26, 2026 at 10:35 AM
GPS tracked Icelandic Greylag Goose movements tracker link below. Greylags ‘Alastair’ and ‘Willem’ are currently in Caithness arcgis.stofa.is/portal/apps/... #CaithnessBirds
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
1/ Arctic Skuas are on the UK Birds of Conservation Concern Red List. But new BTO-led research reveals just how much we don’t know about their numbers globally. Discover more. ⬇️ #Ornithology #Seabirds
📖 www.bto.org/Arctic-Skua-...
📖 www.bto.org/Arctic-Skua-...
January 27, 2026 at 11:59 AM
1/ Arctic Skuas are on the UK Birds of Conservation Concern Red List. But new BTO-led research reveals just how much we don’t know about their numbers globally. Discover more. ⬇️ #Ornithology #Seabirds
📖 www.bto.org/Arctic-Skua-...
📖 www.bto.org/Arctic-Skua-...
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
📢 DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER....
....for #BOU2026 Birds and people
31 March - 2 April 2026 | University of Nottingham & Zoom & Bluesky
Places are selling out fast, so check out the programme and book your place today!
Early-bird deadline: 16 Feb
bou.org.uk/event/bir...
#ornithology 🪶
....for #BOU2026 Birds and people
31 March - 2 April 2026 | University of Nottingham & Zoom & Bluesky
Places are selling out fast, so check out the programme and book your place today!
Early-bird deadline: 16 Feb
bou.org.uk/event/bir...
#ornithology 🪶
January 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM
📢 DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER....
....for #BOU2026 Birds and people
31 March - 2 April 2026 | University of Nottingham & Zoom & Bluesky
Places are selling out fast, so check out the programme and book your place today!
Early-bird deadline: 16 Feb
bou.org.uk/event/bir...
#ornithology 🪶
....for #BOU2026 Birds and people
31 March - 2 April 2026 | University of Nottingham & Zoom & Bluesky
Places are selling out fast, so check out the programme and book your place today!
Early-bird deadline: 16 Feb
bou.org.uk/event/bir...
#ornithology 🪶
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
Our new paper led by Madson Freitas shows that global demand for Açaí, a dietary staple for Amazonian people, now marketed as a superfood, is driving widespread estuarine forest degradation leading to impoverishment of their bird communities
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... #ornithology 🌎🍴🪶🌴
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... #ornithology 🌎🍴🪶🌴
January 21, 2026 at 10:57 AM
Our new paper led by Madson Freitas shows that global demand for Açaí, a dietary staple for Amazonian people, now marketed as a superfood, is driving widespread estuarine forest degradation leading to impoverishment of their bird communities
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... #ornithology 🌎🍴🪶🌴
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... #ornithology 🌎🍴🪶🌴
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
SOC Highland Branch are giving 15 Highland-based young birdwatchers the opportunity to attend the SOC/ @btoscotland.bsky.social Spring Conference on Sat 14 March '26 for just £10! Places are limited & will be allocated through an application process. Application criteria applies tinyurl.com/4cwscusk
January 20, 2026 at 4:38 PM
SOC Highland Branch are giving 15 Highland-based young birdwatchers the opportunity to attend the SOC/ @btoscotland.bsky.social Spring Conference on Sat 14 March '26 for just £10! Places are limited & will be allocated through an application process. Application criteria applies tinyurl.com/4cwscusk
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
1/🧵 New BTO-led research sheds light on the number and range of Little Egrets with population estimates higher than previously thought – likely exceeding 2,000 pairs in the UK! 🙌 #Ornithology @britishbirds.bsky.social
📖 www.bto.org/little-egret...
📖 www.bto.org/little-egret...
January 22, 2026 at 11:54 AM
1/🧵 New BTO-led research sheds light on the number and range of Little Egrets with population estimates higher than previously thought – likely exceeding 2,000 pairs in the UK! 🙌 #Ornithology @britishbirds.bsky.social
📖 www.bto.org/little-egret...
📖 www.bto.org/little-egret...
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
Was watching two Humpback Whales cruise up the coast from our house, when a pod of Orca went through between the Whales and land this morning @ninaohanlon.bsky.social
January 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Was watching two Humpback Whales cruise up the coast from our house, when a pod of Orca went through between the Whales and land this morning @ninaohanlon.bsky.social
64 species on our 25 km cycle around NE Cairthness yesterday, with Great-spotted Woodpecker and Tree Sparrow good additions to the 10 km #PWC2026 list.
The only photo I took was @rob-hughes-birder.bsky.social admiring his cake!
#CaithnessBirds
The only photo I took was @rob-hughes-birder.bsky.social admiring his cake!
#CaithnessBirds
January 19, 2026 at 7:18 AM
64 species on our 25 km cycle around NE Cairthness yesterday, with Great-spotted Woodpecker and Tree Sparrow good additions to the 10 km #PWC2026 list.
The only photo I took was @rob-hughes-birder.bsky.social admiring his cake!
#CaithnessBirds
The only photo I took was @rob-hughes-birder.bsky.social admiring his cake!
#CaithnessBirds
A very enjoyable @webs-gsmp.bsky.social count at Dunnet Bay this morning with my first Glaucous Gulls of the year - plus a smart Water Pipit was a great bonus! #CaithnessBirds
January 17, 2026 at 4:21 PM
A very enjoyable @webs-gsmp.bsky.social count at Dunnet Bay this morning with my first Glaucous Gulls of the year - plus a smart Water Pipit was a great bonus! #CaithnessBirds
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
📢 NOMINATE FOR BOU COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
➡️ Awards Nominations Committee
➡️ Engagement Committee
➡️ IBIS Management Committee
➡️ Meetings Committee
➡️ Records Committee
Plus NEW Committee Shadowing Scheme
Full details: bou.org.uk/about-the...
#ornithology 🪶
➡️ Awards Nominations Committee
➡️ Engagement Committee
➡️ IBIS Management Committee
➡️ Meetings Committee
➡️ Records Committee
Plus NEW Committee Shadowing Scheme
Full details: bou.org.uk/about-the...
#ornithology 🪶
January 13, 2026 at 12:00 PM
📢 NOMINATE FOR BOU COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
➡️ Awards Nominations Committee
➡️ Engagement Committee
➡️ IBIS Management Committee
➡️ Meetings Committee
➡️ Records Committee
Plus NEW Committee Shadowing Scheme
Full details: bou.org.uk/about-the...
#ornithology 🪶
➡️ Awards Nominations Committee
➡️ Engagement Committee
➡️ IBIS Management Committee
➡️ Meetings Committee
➡️ Records Committee
Plus NEW Committee Shadowing Scheme
Full details: bou.org.uk/about-the...
#ornithology 🪶
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
As well as Training Grants, we've also opened up our latest round of Research Grants 📷👛
❓: To fund #seabird research (eg. camera monitoring, ringing/tracking studies, counts/productivity assessments)
👥: All welcome to apply
💲: Up to £500
📅: Deadline 28 Feb
Details ▶️ www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/grants
❓: To fund #seabird research (eg. camera monitoring, ringing/tracking studies, counts/productivity assessments)
👥: All welcome to apply
💲: Up to £500
📅: Deadline 28 Feb
Details ▶️ www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/grants
![A trail camera in a tree branch, in front of a bright blue sky.
[Image: Furkanvari/ Unsplash].](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:wvb4iczed4vztwh6wsn5fsb2/bafkreigmkouqvtt4alfkmpsraqecpowedgyqcxq6ziaxm7bfrvskfk5r44@jpeg)
January 13, 2026 at 8:03 PM
As well as Training Grants, we've also opened up our latest round of Research Grants 📷👛
❓: To fund #seabird research (eg. camera monitoring, ringing/tracking studies, counts/productivity assessments)
👥: All welcome to apply
💲: Up to £500
📅: Deadline 28 Feb
Details ▶️ www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/grants
❓: To fund #seabird research (eg. camera monitoring, ringing/tracking studies, counts/productivity assessments)
👥: All welcome to apply
💲: Up to £500
📅: Deadline 28 Feb
Details ▶️ www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/grants
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
2026 Training Grants are now open! 📢🕊️
Are you:
📏 Hoping to gain experience with #seabirds via unpaid work?
🧑 From a BAME background? (though others may apply too)
💸 A grant of up to £250 could help! (to cover travel, accommodation or food)
Info: www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/grant
Apply by 28 Feb 💌
Are you:
📏 Hoping to gain experience with #seabirds via unpaid work?
🧑 From a BAME background? (though others may apply too)
💸 A grant of up to £250 could help! (to cover travel, accommodation or food)
Info: www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/grant
Apply by 28 Feb 💌
January 9, 2026 at 3:42 PM
2026 Training Grants are now open! 📢🕊️
Are you:
📏 Hoping to gain experience with #seabirds via unpaid work?
🧑 From a BAME background? (though others may apply too)
💸 A grant of up to £250 could help! (to cover travel, accommodation or food)
Info: www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/grant
Apply by 28 Feb 💌
Are you:
📏 Hoping to gain experience with #seabirds via unpaid work?
🧑 From a BAME background? (though others may apply too)
💸 A grant of up to £250 could help! (to cover travel, accommodation or food)
Info: www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/grant
Apply by 28 Feb 💌
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
THE PATCHWORK CHALLENGE 2025 ROUND-UP IS NOW LIVE ON THE BLOG!
Go head over and see where you finished #PWC2025 and sign up for #PWC2026!
The link for the blog is: patchworkchallenge.blogspot.com
Go head over and see where you finished #PWC2025 and sign up for #PWC2026!
The link for the blog is: patchworkchallenge.blogspot.com
Patchwork Challenge
patchworkchallenge.blogspot.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:03 PM
THE PATCHWORK CHALLENGE 2025 ROUND-UP IS NOW LIVE ON THE BLOG!
Go head over and see where you finished #PWC2025 and sign up for #PWC2026!
The link for the blog is: patchworkchallenge.blogspot.com
Go head over and see where you finished #PWC2025 and sign up for #PWC2026!
The link for the blog is: patchworkchallenge.blogspot.com
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
After an absence last year, White-tailed Eagle flying past our house was a welcome #PWC2026 tick #CaithnessBirds with @ninaohanlon.bsky.social
January 8, 2026 at 6:56 PM
After an absence last year, White-tailed Eagle flying past our house was a welcome #PWC2026 tick #CaithnessBirds with @ninaohanlon.bsky.social
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
Looking for a new birding challenge for 2026? Why not take up patch birding and participate in Patchwork Challenge?
Find out more about this fun birding competition in our guest blog from @patchbirding.bsky.social: www.the-soc.org.uk/blogs/blog/p...
#PatchBirding #PWC2026 #LowCarbonBirding
Find out more about this fun birding competition in our guest blog from @patchbirding.bsky.social: www.the-soc.org.uk/blogs/blog/p...
#PatchBirding #PWC2026 #LowCarbonBirding
Patchwork Challenge
Ever wondered about taking up patch birding or even Patchwork Challenge? Patchwork Challenge is a fun birding competition, focused on engaging and understanding your local birding patch, to see how ma...
www.the-soc.org.uk
January 5, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Looking for a new birding challenge for 2026? Why not take up patch birding and participate in Patchwork Challenge?
Find out more about this fun birding competition in our guest blog from @patchbirding.bsky.social: www.the-soc.org.uk/blogs/blog/p...
#PatchBirding #PWC2026 #LowCarbonBirding
Find out more about this fun birding competition in our guest blog from @patchbirding.bsky.social: www.the-soc.org.uk/blogs/blog/p...
#PatchBirding #PWC2026 #LowCarbonBirding
Can we communicate our reaserch in more fun and accessible ways? I loved working with Anna @btobirds.bsky.social on her fantastic comic illustrating our recent work using seabird poo to look at their diet!
Find out more at www.bto.org/our-work/new...
#ornithology #seabirds #SciArt
Find out more at www.bto.org/our-work/new...
#ornithology #seabirds #SciArt
Grab a cuppa and read our Seabird Poo comic! ➡️ http://www.bto.org/S... ☕📖
Discover how seabird scientists collected bird poo and analysed its DNA contents to determine the types of prey consumed by Shags and Kittiwakes! 😮 #Ornithology
✏️ Illustrations by Anna Dupont-Crabtree
Discover how seabird scientists collected bird poo and analysed its DNA contents to determine the types of prey consumed by Shags and Kittiwakes! 😮 #Ornithology
✏️ Illustrations by Anna Dupont-Crabtree
January 5, 2026 at 1:11 PM
Can we communicate our reaserch in more fun and accessible ways? I loved working with Anna @btobirds.bsky.social on her fantastic comic illustrating our recent work using seabird poo to look at their diet!
Find out more at www.bto.org/our-work/new...
#ornithology #seabirds #SciArt
Find out more at www.bto.org/our-work/new...
#ornithology #seabirds #SciArt
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
Grab a cuppa and read our Seabird Poo comic! ➡️ http://www.bto.org/S... ☕📖
Discover how seabird scientists collected bird poo and analysed its DNA contents to determine the types of prey consumed by Shags and Kittiwakes! 😮 #Ornithology
✏️ Illustrations by Anna Dupont-Crabtree
Discover how seabird scientists collected bird poo and analysed its DNA contents to determine the types of prey consumed by Shags and Kittiwakes! 😮 #Ornithology
✏️ Illustrations by Anna Dupont-Crabtree
December 30, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Grab a cuppa and read our Seabird Poo comic! ➡️ http://www.bto.org/S... ☕📖
Discover how seabird scientists collected bird poo and analysed its DNA contents to determine the types of prey consumed by Shags and Kittiwakes! 😮 #Ornithology
✏️ Illustrations by Anna Dupont-Crabtree
Discover how seabird scientists collected bird poo and analysed its DNA contents to determine the types of prey consumed by Shags and Kittiwakes! 😮 #Ornithology
✏️ Illustrations by Anna Dupont-Crabtree
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
📢 NOMINATE FOR BOU COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
➡️ Awards Nominations Committee
➡️ Engagement Committee
➡️ IBIS Management Committee
➡️ Meetings Committee
➡️ Records Committee
Plus NEW Committee Shadowing Scheme
Full details: bou.org.uk/about-the...
#ornithology 🪶
➡️ Awards Nominations Committee
➡️ Engagement Committee
➡️ IBIS Management Committee
➡️ Meetings Committee
➡️ Records Committee
Plus NEW Committee Shadowing Scheme
Full details: bou.org.uk/about-the...
#ornithology 🪶
December 18, 2025 at 12:00 PM
📢 NOMINATE FOR BOU COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
➡️ Awards Nominations Committee
➡️ Engagement Committee
➡️ IBIS Management Committee
➡️ Meetings Committee
➡️ Records Committee
Plus NEW Committee Shadowing Scheme
Full details: bou.org.uk/about-the...
#ornithology 🪶
➡️ Awards Nominations Committee
➡️ Engagement Committee
➡️ IBIS Management Committee
➡️ Meetings Committee
➡️ Records Committee
Plus NEW Committee Shadowing Scheme
Full details: bou.org.uk/about-the...
#ornithology 🪶
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
The first drone census of the St Kilda gannet colony is now published in Scottish Birds!
We counted 59,205 AOS in 2023 - similar to previous years. The overall impact of #HPAI appears less than at some other colonies, with notable declines in flatter areas 🧮
#ornithology #seabirds #NTSseabirds
We counted 59,205 AOS in 2023 - similar to previous years. The overall impact of #HPAI appears less than at some other colonies, with notable declines in flatter areas 🧮
#ornithology #seabirds #NTSseabirds
(PDF) The first drone census of the Gannet colony on St Kilda, 2023
PDF | An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (hereafter drone) survey of Gannets at St Kilda was carried out in June 2023. The survey was the first census at St... | Find, read and cite all the research you need ...
www.researchgate.net
December 10, 2025 at 11:54 AM
The first drone census of the St Kilda gannet colony is now published in Scottish Birds!
We counted 59,205 AOS in 2023 - similar to previous years. The overall impact of #HPAI appears less than at some other colonies, with notable declines in flatter areas 🧮
#ornithology #seabirds #NTSseabirds
We counted 59,205 AOS in 2023 - similar to previous years. The overall impact of #HPAI appears less than at some other colonies, with notable declines in flatter areas 🧮
#ornithology #seabirds #NTSseabirds
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
The Taiga Bean Goose at Loch Heilen was ringed in E. Finland in July 2020. Usually wintering in S. Sweden, it was sighted in Norway (26th Sept) before Caithness. Full details can be found here submit.cr-birding.org/animals/1417... #CaithnessBirds
December 11, 2025 at 8:39 AM
The Taiga Bean Goose at Loch Heilen was ringed in E. Finland in July 2020. Usually wintering in S. Sweden, it was sighted in Norway (26th Sept) before Caithness. Full details can be found here submit.cr-birding.org/animals/1417... #CaithnessBirds
Reposted by Nina O'Hanlon
🎉The good news just keeps coming!
Late last night, MSPs voted in favour of using the Natural Environment Bill to close an unintended loophole in legislation to licence grouse moor shooting.
This is a major step forward in protecting Scotland’s wildlife.
Full quote in image 👇
📷: Andy Hay
Late last night, MSPs voted in favour of using the Natural Environment Bill to close an unintended loophole in legislation to licence grouse moor shooting.
This is a major step forward in protecting Scotland’s wildlife.
Full quote in image 👇
📷: Andy Hay
December 11, 2025 at 3:00 PM
🎉The good news just keeps coming!
Late last night, MSPs voted in favour of using the Natural Environment Bill to close an unintended loophole in legislation to licence grouse moor shooting.
This is a major step forward in protecting Scotland’s wildlife.
Full quote in image 👇
📷: Andy Hay
Late last night, MSPs voted in favour of using the Natural Environment Bill to close an unintended loophole in legislation to licence grouse moor shooting.
This is a major step forward in protecting Scotland’s wildlife.
Full quote in image 👇
📷: Andy Hay