Rob Thomas
@robthomasbirds.bsky.social
Bird-watcher & conservationist in and from Wales. Associate researcher at Cardiff Uni, co-director of Eco-explore Community Interest Company, trustee of Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru & Craig y Rhondda. Received Marsh Award for Ornithology 2025.
Reposted by Rob Thomas
ooof this feels like most every university rn
November 12, 2025 at 3:28 AM
ooof this feels like most every university rn
Reposted by Rob Thomas
The same rhetoric is used to dismiss extinctions ("extinction is natural; it's nothing new") & biological invasions ("species have always spread into new areas").
Yes, climate change, extinction, & invasion are natural processes - which now occur at extraordinary rates because of human activities.
Yes, climate change, extinction, & invasion are natural processes - which now occur at extraordinary rates because of human activities.
You’ve probably heard this claim: Climate’s always changing!
It's true, Earth’s climate has changed before. But not this fast, and not for this reason.
Introducing Cold Facts, Hot Takes: my new series of evidence-based replies to common troll takes 🔥
Want the whole episode? Links below ⬇️
It's true, Earth’s climate has changed before. But not this fast, and not for this reason.
Introducing Cold Facts, Hot Takes: my new series of evidence-based replies to common troll takes 🔥
Want the whole episode? Links below ⬇️
November 12, 2025 at 12:46 AM
The same rhetoric is used to dismiss extinctions ("extinction is natural; it's nothing new") & biological invasions ("species have always spread into new areas").
Yes, climate change, extinction, & invasion are natural processes - which now occur at extraordinary rates because of human activities.
Yes, climate change, extinction, & invasion are natural processes - which now occur at extraordinary rates because of human activities.
Reposted by Rob Thomas
Three German universities offering post-docs for researchers "who cannot conduct or continue their work in the USA appropriately because of actual political pressure. "
www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskoll...
www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskoll...
Early Career Rescue Fellowship
www.uni-konstanz.de
November 11, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Three German universities offering post-docs for researchers "who cannot conduct or continue their work in the USA appropriately because of actual political pressure. "
www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskoll...
www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskoll...
Reposted by Rob Thomas
One of my favourite episodes of Radio 4's #Ramblings, ever!
Anjana's knowledge and passion for all things 'rock' are hugely inspiring, and this episode is an absolute delight. Listen again via link below, and follow Anjana here: @anjanakhatwa.bsky.social
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Anjana's knowledge and passion for all things 'rock' are hugely inspiring, and this episode is an absolute delight. Listen again via link below, and follow Anjana here: @anjanakhatwa.bsky.social
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - Ramblings, Whispering Rocks with Anjana Khatwa
Clare joins earth scientist Anjana Khatwa in Dorset to explore the landscape she loves.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 10:19 AM
One of my favourite episodes of Radio 4's #Ramblings, ever!
Anjana's knowledge and passion for all things 'rock' are hugely inspiring, and this episode is an absolute delight. Listen again via link below, and follow Anjana here: @anjanakhatwa.bsky.social
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Anjana's knowledge and passion for all things 'rock' are hugely inspiring, and this episode is an absolute delight. Listen again via link below, and follow Anjana here: @anjanakhatwa.bsky.social
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
This sign-generator thing is fun… homes.luddy.indiana.edu/ccshan/for/f...
November 9, 2025 at 7:10 PM
This sign-generator thing is fun… homes.luddy.indiana.edu/ccshan/for/f...
Quick and easy to use this website to email your MP about this important issue.
URGENT - please email your MP today and help them to take an evidence based approach to policy creation. Ask them to vote for amendment 130 act.bats.org.uk/urge-your-mp...
November 9, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Quick and easy to use this website to email your MP about this important issue.
The CEO of the Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru, Rob Parry, will be live on Radio Wales in the morning (from 8am), to discuss our open letter as trustees of INCC, to the new Chair of Natural resources Wales. We're asking what assurances he can give us regarding nature recovery in Wales.
Head to our website for more info on our letter, or hear Rob tomorrow morning on @bbccymruwales.bsky.social
November 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM
The CEO of the Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru, Rob Parry, will be live on Radio Wales in the morning (from 8am), to discuss our open letter as trustees of INCC, to the new Chair of Natural resources Wales. We're asking what assurances he can give us regarding nature recovery in Wales.
Reposted by Rob Thomas
Head to our website for more info on our letter, or hear Rob tomorrow morning on @bbccymruwales.bsky.social
November 8, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Head to our website for more info on our letter, or hear Rob tomorrow morning on @bbccymruwales.bsky.social
The least of all weasels.
If you’re wondering what a “least weasel” is, they absolutely live up to the name. This is the least amount of animal you can have that can still meet the bar for “is weasel”
November 8, 2025 at 10:17 PM
The least of all weasels.
Reposted by Rob Thomas
NEW JOB in #ornithology and #conservation to track #seabirds from Rathlin Island and analyse data to identify foraging areas (deadline 10 Nov): buff.ly/K0zcdH8
November 4, 2025 at 7:19 AM
NEW JOB in #ornithology and #conservation to track #seabirds from Rathlin Island and analyse data to identify foraging areas (deadline 10 Nov): buff.ly/K0zcdH8
Reposted by Rob Thomas
We're now starting to get reports of dead Whooper Swans with rings. If you find a dead bird & feel comfortable doing so - check for rings using the below @btobirds.bsky.social advice 👇🏻 Collecting information on ringed birds helps better understand the impact on different age groups.
November 7, 2025 at 9:46 PM
We're now starting to get reports of dead Whooper Swans with rings. If you find a dead bird & feel comfortable doing so - check for rings using the below @btobirds.bsky.social advice 👇🏻 Collecting information on ringed birds helps better understand the impact on different age groups.
BBC Sport with the scoop of the century.
November 7, 2025 at 11:27 AM
BBC Sport with the scoop of the century.
Reposted by Rob Thomas
In Defence of Bird Conservation in a Broken World theornithologist.org/in-defence-o...
"Bird conservation is...the structural underpinning of planetary health....[but] We do not protect birds merely because they are useful, but because they belong – because they are co-inhabitants of this Earth."
"Bird conservation is...the structural underpinning of planetary health....[but] We do not protect birds merely because they are useful, but because they belong – because they are co-inhabitants of this Earth."
In Defence of Bird Conservation in a Broken World
In a world torn by wars and crises, bird conservation can seem irrelevant. Yet to protect life itself is not indulgence – it’s resistance.
theornithologist.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:38 AM
In Defence of Bird Conservation in a Broken World theornithologist.org/in-defence-o...
"Bird conservation is...the structural underpinning of planetary health....[but] We do not protect birds merely because they are useful, but because they belong – because they are co-inhabitants of this Earth."
"Bird conservation is...the structural underpinning of planetary health....[but] We do not protect birds merely because they are useful, but because they belong – because they are co-inhabitants of this Earth."
Reposted by Rob Thomas
Never thought I’d get to sing “if we’re banned, we’ll be banned together” and “trans rights are human rights!” as part of a church hymn 😭🥹
The composer/author is Pax Ressler:
The composer/author is Pax Ressler:
November 7, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Never thought I’d get to sing “if we’re banned, we’ll be banned together” and “trans rights are human rights!” as part of a church hymn 😭🥹
The composer/author is Pax Ressler:
The composer/author is Pax Ressler:
Reposted by Rob Thomas
do not trust anyone
who gets too excited
about war.
no,
do not trust anyone
who gets excited
at all.
who gets too excited
about war.
no,
do not trust anyone
who gets excited
at all.
November 6, 2025 at 5:49 PM
do not trust anyone
who gets too excited
about war.
no,
do not trust anyone
who gets excited
at all.
who gets too excited
about war.
no,
do not trust anyone
who gets excited
at all.
Reposted by Rob Thomas
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 8:08 PM
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
Sunset in the Wye Valley today
November 6, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Sunset in the Wye Valley today
Reposted by Rob Thomas
The #FindThatLizard Scholarship is accepting applications until 12/10.
We fund girls, women, and gender non conforming persons pursuing herpetology🦎🐍🐸🐢
I can’t wait to read your application! earynmcgee.com/findthatliza...
We fund girls, women, and gender non conforming persons pursuing herpetology🦎🐍🐸🐢
I can’t wait to read your application! earynmcgee.com/findthatliza...
November 5, 2025 at 2:37 PM
The #FindThatLizard Scholarship is accepting applications until 12/10.
We fund girls, women, and gender non conforming persons pursuing herpetology🦎🐍🐸🐢
I can’t wait to read your application! earynmcgee.com/findthatliza...
We fund girls, women, and gender non conforming persons pursuing herpetology🦎🐍🐸🐢
I can’t wait to read your application! earynmcgee.com/findthatliza...
Reposted by Rob Thomas
Looking for a PhD? 🦜
Interested in ornithology, animal behaviour, bioacoustics?
I am advertising a PhD on vocal communication in ring-necked parakeets tinyurl.com/44a3hcnz
Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply for University of Salford Widening Participation Scholarships tinyurl.com/4wtzzh3z
Interested in ornithology, animal behaviour, bioacoustics?
I am advertising a PhD on vocal communication in ring-necked parakeets tinyurl.com/44a3hcnz
Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply for University of Salford Widening Participation Scholarships tinyurl.com/4wtzzh3z
Genetic and Acoustic Diversity in an Invasive Parrot at University of Salford on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - Genetic and Acoustic Diversity in an Invasive Parrot at University of Salford, listed on FindAPhD.com
tinyurl.com
October 23, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Looking for a PhD? 🦜
Interested in ornithology, animal behaviour, bioacoustics?
I am advertising a PhD on vocal communication in ring-necked parakeets tinyurl.com/44a3hcnz
Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply for University of Salford Widening Participation Scholarships tinyurl.com/4wtzzh3z
Interested in ornithology, animal behaviour, bioacoustics?
I am advertising a PhD on vocal communication in ring-necked parakeets tinyurl.com/44a3hcnz
Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply for University of Salford Widening Participation Scholarships tinyurl.com/4wtzzh3z
Anyone interested in taking on this interesting woodland fragment near Chew Valley Lake? www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/1...
Check out this Farm land for sale on Rightmove
Farm land for sale in Coombe Lane , East Harptree, BS40 for £60,000. Marketed by Cooper and Tanner, Glastonbury
www.rightmove.co.uk
November 1, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Anyone interested in taking on this interesting woodland fragment near Chew Valley Lake? www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/1...
Reposted by Rob Thomas
Please join us this weekend on Zoom for the First International Symposium of Nonbinary Scientists! I'm excited to host a session for Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences ⚒️🧪Zoom link in alt text!
November 1, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Please join us this weekend on Zoom for the First International Symposium of Nonbinary Scientists! I'm excited to host a session for Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences ⚒️🧪Zoom link in alt text!
This is lovely -I just wish that the article included a quote from Mary’s partner, saying “she’s a keeper”…
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Former England keeper Mary Earps in 'happy' same-sex relationship
Earps has been supported and encouraged by her former Lionesses teammates to open up about her sexuality.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 31, 2025 at 9:01 PM
This is lovely -I just wish that the article included a quote from Mary’s partner, saying “she’s a keeper”…
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Rob Thomas
Guto Knife Brân is a notorious trick or treater operating out of Gilwern. He's tagged so shouldn't be out after 8 tonight. Do not approach him and under no circumstances offer him any celebrations 🤬🎃🙌🏼🏴🐦🔪👍🏻
October 31, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Guto Knife Brân is a notorious trick or treater operating out of Gilwern. He's tagged so shouldn't be out after 8 tonight. Do not approach him and under no circumstances offer him any celebrations 🤬🎃🙌🏼🏴🐦🔪👍🏻
Reposted by Rob Thomas
Krill fishing has just got even more political and horrifying
Ukrainian scientist, Leonid Pshenichnov, has been arrested by Russia for his work in Antarctica towards protecting krill from overexploitation
He faces life in prison for "high treason"
🦑🌊🧪
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Ukrainian scientist, Leonid Pshenichnov, has been arrested by Russia for his work in Antarctica towards protecting krill from overexploitation
He faces life in prison for "high treason"
🦑🌊🧪
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Russia arrests Ukrainian biologist for backing curbs on Antarctic krill fishing
‘Trumped-up’ charges spark diplomatic row as scientists express fears for health of 70-year-old Leonid Pshenichnov
www.theguardian.com
October 27, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Krill fishing has just got even more political and horrifying
Ukrainian scientist, Leonid Pshenichnov, has been arrested by Russia for his work in Antarctica towards protecting krill from overexploitation
He faces life in prison for "high treason"
🦑🌊🧪
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Ukrainian scientist, Leonid Pshenichnov, has been arrested by Russia for his work in Antarctica towards protecting krill from overexploitation
He faces life in prison for "high treason"
🦑🌊🧪
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Rob Thomas
Just when Bill Gates is saying we shouldn't be aggressively dealing with climate change, scientists release a new assessment saying we're heading for ‘climate chaos.' Bad timing, Bill.
www.latimes.com/environment/...
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Humanity is on path toward 'climate chaos,' scientists warn
Global use of fossil fuels rose to a new record last year, releasing even more greenhouse gases. Humanity is 'hurtling toward climate chaos,' scientists warn.
www.latimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:47 AM
Just when Bill Gates is saying we shouldn't be aggressively dealing with climate change, scientists release a new assessment saying we're heading for ‘climate chaos.' Bad timing, Bill.
www.latimes.com/environment/...
www.latimes.com/environment/...