Robin S Mehlhausen-Franks
@rsmehlhausenfranks.bsky.social
PhD Researcher of bird flocks at the Royal Holloway University of London 🐦
Trustee of @caehafan.bsky.social
Fan of ethology, conservation, and ornithology.
Aspiring sci-fi author. Cymro 🏴. Nerd.
(He/Him)
Trustee of @caehafan.bsky.social
Fan of ethology, conservation, and ornithology.
Aspiring sci-fi author. Cymro 🏴. Nerd.
(He/Him)
Pinned
Very excited to announce my first paper!
With @sjportugal.bsky.social, published in @ecol-evol.bsky.social 🧪🌍
We studied how flocks of homing pigeons change their flight in response to different ground cover, with some surprising results...
doi.org/10.1002/ece3...
#movementecology #ornithology
With @sjportugal.bsky.social, published in @ecol-evol.bsky.social 🧪🌍
We studied how flocks of homing pigeons change their flight in response to different ground cover, with some surprising results...
doi.org/10.1002/ece3...
#movementecology #ornithology
Reposted by Robin S Mehlhausen-Franks
"Commuting in crosswinds and foraging in fast winds: the foraging ecology of a flying fish specialist" 💨🐦🐟
New @iomarinescience.bsky.social research out now in @royalsocietypublishing.org: doi.org/10.1098/rspb...
📸 @robinfreeman.bsky.social
🧪🌍🪶
New @iomarinescience.bsky.social research out now in @royalsocietypublishing.org: doi.org/10.1098/rspb...
📸 @robinfreeman.bsky.social
🧪🌍🪶
August 6, 2025 at 9:15 AM
"Commuting in crosswinds and foraging in fast winds: the foraging ecology of a flying fish specialist" 💨🐦🐟
New @iomarinescience.bsky.social research out now in @royalsocietypublishing.org: doi.org/10.1098/rspb...
📸 @robinfreeman.bsky.social
🧪🌍🪶
New @iomarinescience.bsky.social research out now in @royalsocietypublishing.org: doi.org/10.1098/rspb...
📸 @robinfreeman.bsky.social
🧪🌍🪶
Very excited to announce my first paper!
With @sjportugal.bsky.social, published in @ecol-evol.bsky.social 🧪🌍
We studied how flocks of homing pigeons change their flight in response to different ground cover, with some surprising results...
doi.org/10.1002/ece3...
#movementecology #ornithology
With @sjportugal.bsky.social, published in @ecol-evol.bsky.social 🧪🌍
We studied how flocks of homing pigeons change their flight in response to different ground cover, with some surprising results...
doi.org/10.1002/ece3...
#movementecology #ornithology
August 6, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Very excited to announce my first paper!
With @sjportugal.bsky.social, published in @ecol-evol.bsky.social 🧪🌍
We studied how flocks of homing pigeons change their flight in response to different ground cover, with some surprising results...
doi.org/10.1002/ece3...
#movementecology #ornithology
With @sjportugal.bsky.social, published in @ecol-evol.bsky.social 🧪🌍
We studied how flocks of homing pigeons change their flight in response to different ground cover, with some surprising results...
doi.org/10.1002/ece3...
#movementecology #ornithology
Attending the @royalholloway.bsky.social open day today to give a talk - Couldn't have asked for better weather for it
June 14, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Attending the @royalholloway.bsky.social open day today to give a talk - Couldn't have asked for better weather for it
Reposted by Robin S Mehlhausen-Franks
Among the planned developments for one of Cae Hafan's two fields has always been the establishment of a small but species-rich pond.
Last month, the digging, lining, and filling was completed!
Here's to the amphibs 🐸, inverts 🪲, and even hedgehogs 🦔this is designed to encourage to visit!
Last month, the digging, lining, and filling was completed!
Here's to the amphibs 🐸, inverts 🪲, and even hedgehogs 🦔this is designed to encourage to visit!
June 4, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Among the planned developments for one of Cae Hafan's two fields has always been the establishment of a small but species-rich pond.
Last month, the digging, lining, and filling was completed!
Here's to the amphibs 🐸, inverts 🪲, and even hedgehogs 🦔this is designed to encourage to visit!
Last month, the digging, lining, and filling was completed!
Here's to the amphibs 🐸, inverts 🪲, and even hedgehogs 🦔this is designed to encourage to visit!
So I've managed to go from BSc all the way up to the last year of my #PhD 🧪 without ever having submitted an article for review...
The time has finally come and it's one of the scariest things I've ever done!
The time has finally come and it's one of the scariest things I've ever done!
May 28, 2025 at 2:50 PM
So I've managed to go from BSc all the way up to the last year of my #PhD 🧪 without ever having submitted an article for review...
The time has finally come and it's one of the scariest things I've ever done!
The time has finally come and it's one of the scariest things I've ever done!
Reposted by Robin S Mehlhausen-Franks
Butterflies are happening at Cae Hafan! 🦋 A top priority for the reserve is establishing healthy and varied bee 🐝 & butterfly populations. This week:
Small tortoiseshells moulting (pic 1),
Ringlets pupating (2),
& Cinnabars emerging (3)!
Small tortoiseshells moulting (pic 1),
Ringlets pupating (2),
& Cinnabars emerging (3)!
May 19, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Butterflies are happening at Cae Hafan! 🦋 A top priority for the reserve is establishing healthy and varied bee 🐝 & butterfly populations. This week:
Small tortoiseshells moulting (pic 1),
Ringlets pupating (2),
& Cinnabars emerging (3)!
Small tortoiseshells moulting (pic 1),
Ringlets pupating (2),
& Cinnabars emerging (3)!
Since 2023 I've been involved in a budding #conservation site in Wales.
This year @caehafan.bsky.social was granted charity status! It's now stepping into social media.
Early days, but been a lot of development - Taking two fields from farmland to educational and ecologically valuable sites. 🌱🌍🏴🦋🦤
This year @caehafan.bsky.social was granted charity status! It's now stepping into social media.
Early days, but been a lot of development - Taking two fields from farmland to educational and ecologically valuable sites. 🌱🌍🏴🦋🦤
Welcome to Cae Hafan Wildlife Trust!
We are a stunning 15-acre #wildlife sanctuary & nature reserve in the iconic Teifi Valley in West Wales 🏴
Follow and join us on this exciting journey for step by step updates & videos from our wildlife cameras along the famous river bank! 🦦 #conservation 🌍
We are a stunning 15-acre #wildlife sanctuary & nature reserve in the iconic Teifi Valley in West Wales 🏴
Follow and join us on this exciting journey for step by step updates & videos from our wildlife cameras along the famous river bank! 🦦 #conservation 🌍
May 16, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Since 2023 I've been involved in a budding #conservation site in Wales.
This year @caehafan.bsky.social was granted charity status! It's now stepping into social media.
Early days, but been a lot of development - Taking two fields from farmland to educational and ecologically valuable sites. 🌱🌍🏴🦋🦤
This year @caehafan.bsky.social was granted charity status! It's now stepping into social media.
Early days, but been a lot of development - Taking two fields from farmland to educational and ecologically valuable sites. 🌱🌍🏴🦋🦤
Crazy that this is the last year James McEvoy is opening the @rhulbiology.bsky.social postgraduate symposium.
Glad I was here to see it!
Glad I was here to see it!
April 30, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Crazy that this is the last year James McEvoy is opening the @rhulbiology.bsky.social postgraduate symposium.
Glad I was here to see it!
Glad I was here to see it!
Reposted by Robin S Mehlhausen-Franks
I know you’re all sad #ASABSpring2025 is over, but you can put the #ASABWinter2025 dates in your diary: Dec 15-16 in Edinburgh 🏴
Theme is “How sensory information affects behaviour”
Theme is “How sensory information affects behaviour”
April 26, 2025 at 2:42 PM
I know you’re all sad #ASABSpring2025 is over, but you can put the #ASABWinter2025 dates in your diary: Dec 15-16 in Edinburgh 🏴
Theme is “How sensory information affects behaviour”
Theme is “How sensory information affects behaviour”
Reposted by Robin S Mehlhausen-Franks
We had SUCH a great time and the food was extraordinary, great choice for the social! #ASABSpring2025
April 25, 2025 at 6:11 PM
We had SUCH a great time and the food was extraordinary, great choice for the social! #ASABSpring2025
Reposted by Robin S Mehlhausen-Franks
Such a honour to be awarded #ASABSpring2025 student plenary talk, esp after seeing the amazing work everyone presented. I really enjoyed the opportunity to share my research in detail & the interesting questions I got! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to chat more about baboon communication✨🐒
What an incredible talk on baboon gesturing and intentionality from our student plenary speaker Elisa Fernandez Fueyo 🐒
#ASABSpring2025
#ASABSpring2025
April 25, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Such a honour to be awarded #ASABSpring2025 student plenary talk, esp after seeing the amazing work everyone presented. I really enjoyed the opportunity to share my research in detail & the interesting questions I got! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to chat more about baboon communication✨🐒
Reposted by Robin S Mehlhausen-Franks
April 24, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Had to head off a bit early to catch a train from Liverpool, but had a great time at #ASABSpring2025!
As always thanks to all the organisers, and to ASAB for funding my attendance.
Shout-out to all who dropped by my poster to hear my inane ramblings about pigeons 🐦🕊🐦
As always thanks to all the organisers, and to ASAB for funding my attendance.
Shout-out to all who dropped by my poster to hear my inane ramblings about pigeons 🐦🕊🐦
April 25, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Had to head off a bit early to catch a train from Liverpool, but had a great time at #ASABSpring2025!
As always thanks to all the organisers, and to ASAB for funding my attendance.
Shout-out to all who dropped by my poster to hear my inane ramblings about pigeons 🐦🕊🐦
As always thanks to all the organisers, and to ASAB for funding my attendance.
Shout-out to all who dropped by my poster to hear my inane ramblings about pigeons 🐦🕊🐦
Reposted by Robin S Mehlhausen-Franks
Our first ever student plenary, and it was excellent! Great work by @elisaffueyo.bsky.social #ASABSpring2025
April 25, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Our first ever student plenary, and it was excellent! Great work by @elisaffueyo.bsky.social #ASABSpring2025
Nothing quite like watching a presentation by the guy that did half of the science your entire PhD is founded on. Appreciate it, @ceabcsic.bsky.social
#ASABSpring2025
#ASABSpring2025
April 25, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Nothing quite like watching a presentation by the guy that did half of the science your entire PhD is founded on. Appreciate it, @ceabcsic.bsky.social
#ASABSpring2025
#ASABSpring2025
NEVER MIND.
Highlight of #ASABSpring2025
was clearly coming back to the hotel to drop my stuff off and receiving a very curious visitor. 🐦
Highlight of #ASABSpring2025
was clearly coming back to the hotel to drop my stuff off and receiving a very curious visitor. 🐦
April 24, 2025 at 5:39 PM
NEVER MIND.
Highlight of #ASABSpring2025
was clearly coming back to the hotel to drop my stuff off and receiving a very curious visitor. 🐦
Highlight of #ASABSpring2025
was clearly coming back to the hotel to drop my stuff off and receiving a very curious visitor. 🐦
Reposted by Robin S Mehlhausen-Franks
Great talk by Babette Fourie! Non-kin will associate given the opportunity to do so - interesting to see if this is still the case outside a foraging context @sociableweaver.bsky.social #ASABSpring2025
April 24, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Great talk by Babette Fourie! Non-kin will associate given the opportunity to do so - interesting to see if this is still the case outside a foraging context @sociableweaver.bsky.social #ASABSpring2025
Reposted by Robin S Mehlhausen-Franks
Did you know that ASAB has it own conference feed for the #ASABSpring2025 hashtag?
Check it out and pin! bsky.app/profile/did:...
Check it out and pin! bsky.app/profile/did:...
April 24, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Did you know that ASAB has it own conference feed for the #ASABSpring2025 hashtag?
Check it out and pin! bsky.app/profile/did:...
Check it out and pin! bsky.app/profile/did:...
Animating your data can be really insightful!
After a few minutes flying with the rogue pigeon 39 (called him Dandy, he loved chilling in Windsor), no.46 returned to the flightpath of the flock, despite lagging behind the others.
#ornithology #animalbehavior #animalmovement #biologging #datavis
After a few minutes flying with the rogue pigeon 39 (called him Dandy, he loved chilling in Windsor), no.46 returned to the flightpath of the flock, despite lagging behind the others.
#ornithology #animalbehavior #animalmovement #biologging #datavis
April 6, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Animating your data can be really insightful!
After a few minutes flying with the rogue pigeon 39 (called him Dandy, he loved chilling in Windsor), no.46 returned to the flightpath of the flock, despite lagging behind the others.
#ornithology #animalbehavior #animalmovement #biologging #datavis
After a few minutes flying with the rogue pigeon 39 (called him Dandy, he loved chilling in Windsor), no.46 returned to the flightpath of the flock, despite lagging behind the others.
#ornithology #animalbehavior #animalmovement #biologging #datavis
Reposted by Robin S Mehlhausen-Franks
1/🧵 #BOU2025 #CitizenScience #WildlifeHealth #OneHealth #Ornithology 🌏🧪
Hi, I’m Becki Lawson, a wildlife vet at @zslofficial.bsky.social, and today I will be exploring disease surveillance in wild birds in light of the overall health of people, animals, and the ecosystem – in short: One Health.
Hi, I’m Becki Lawson, a wildlife vet at @zslofficial.bsky.social, and today I will be exploring disease surveillance in wild birds in light of the overall health of people, animals, and the ecosystem – in short: One Health.
April 3, 2025 at 8:00 AM
1/🧵 #BOU2025 #CitizenScience #WildlifeHealth #OneHealth #Ornithology 🌏🧪
Hi, I’m Becki Lawson, a wildlife vet at @zslofficial.bsky.social, and today I will be exploring disease surveillance in wild birds in light of the overall health of people, animals, and the ecosystem – in short: One Health.
Hi, I’m Becki Lawson, a wildlife vet at @zslofficial.bsky.social, and today I will be exploring disease surveillance in wild birds in light of the overall health of people, animals, and the ecosystem – in short: One Health.
Reposted by Robin S Mehlhausen-Franks
1/7 Variation between individuals is important as it determines how adaptable to change a population might be. Even generalist spp are often comprised of specialist individuals, but specialisation is often only studied across single traits which is limiting.
#BOU2025 #ornithology #seabirds #ecology
#BOU2025 #ornithology #seabirds #ecology
April 3, 2025 at 10:45 AM
1/7 Variation between individuals is important as it determines how adaptable to change a population might be. Even generalist spp are often comprised of specialist individuals, but specialisation is often only studied across single traits which is limiting.
#BOU2025 #ornithology #seabirds #ecology
#BOU2025 #ornithology #seabirds #ecology
Had an amazing time at #BOU2025! One of the best conferences I've been to, and not just because I got to see goslings every time I walked to the building...
April 3, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Had an amazing time at #BOU2025! One of the best conferences I've been to, and not just because I got to see goslings every time I walked to the building...
1/6 #BOU2025
Despite the prevalence of bird flock research, many questions remain as to what drives changes in the flight behaviour of cluster flocks.
@sjportugal.bsky.social and I addressed some of these using flights of homing pigeons.
#ornithology #animalbehavior #animalmovement #biologging
Despite the prevalence of bird flock research, many questions remain as to what drives changes in the flight behaviour of cluster flocks.
@sjportugal.bsky.social and I addressed some of these using flights of homing pigeons.
#ornithology #animalbehavior #animalmovement #biologging
April 2, 2025 at 1:00 PM
1/6 #BOU2025
Despite the prevalence of bird flock research, many questions remain as to what drives changes in the flight behaviour of cluster flocks.
@sjportugal.bsky.social and I addressed some of these using flights of homing pigeons.
#ornithology #animalbehavior #animalmovement #biologging
Despite the prevalence of bird flock research, many questions remain as to what drives changes in the flight behaviour of cluster flocks.
@sjportugal.bsky.social and I addressed some of these using flights of homing pigeons.
#ornithology #animalbehavior #animalmovement #biologging
Been finding out that sometimes it helps to visualise your model outputs the old-fashioned way 🤣
March 26, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Been finding out that sometimes it helps to visualise your model outputs the old-fashioned way 🤣
Reposted by Robin S Mehlhausen-Franks
Tool scratching.
Looking at the phylogenetic relationships of pet parrot species that scratch with tools, this study predicts that 11 to 17 percent of parrot species could potentially use tools.
(paper) www.cell.com/iscience/ful...
Looking at the phylogenetic relationships of pet parrot species that scratch with tools, this study predicts that 11 to 17 percent of parrot species could potentially use tools.
(paper) www.cell.com/iscience/ful...
March 22, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Tool scratching.
Looking at the phylogenetic relationships of pet parrot species that scratch with tools, this study predicts that 11 to 17 percent of parrot species could potentially use tools.
(paper) www.cell.com/iscience/ful...
Looking at the phylogenetic relationships of pet parrot species that scratch with tools, this study predicts that 11 to 17 percent of parrot species could potentially use tools.
(paper) www.cell.com/iscience/ful...