Sam O'Donnell
@samodonnell25.bsky.social
17/Patch Birder and Wildlife Photographer/Martin Garner Spurn Young birder of the year winner 2024/UK Life list 269 (Grey Phalarope)
Reposted by Sam O'Donnell
How incredible is this shot from the talented Sam O'Donnell 🤩
This peregrine falcon was photographed at our very own Walthamstow Wetlands, and if you’re lucky, you might spot one perched high up on the pylon near the bird hide. 👀🪶
Feeling inspired after Wild London? You know where to head! 🦅✨
This peregrine falcon was photographed at our very own Walthamstow Wetlands, and if you’re lucky, you might spot one perched high up on the pylon near the bird hide. 👀🪶
Feeling inspired after Wild London? You know where to head! 🦅✨
January 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM
How incredible is this shot from the talented Sam O'Donnell 🤩
This peregrine falcon was photographed at our very own Walthamstow Wetlands, and if you’re lucky, you might spot one perched high up on the pylon near the bird hide. 👀🪶
Feeling inspired after Wild London? You know where to head! 🦅✨
This peregrine falcon was photographed at our very own Walthamstow Wetlands, and if you’re lucky, you might spot one perched high up on the pylon near the bird hide. 👀🪶
Feeling inspired after Wild London? You know where to head! 🦅✨
Bittern, 80+ Snow Buntings and the Temminck's Stint were among the highlights on a recent trip to the Suffolk Coast with @david-walsh.bsky.social @noahbai-123.bsky.social @tsbirding.bsky.social @lucasnature.bsky.social and others!
January 7, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Bittern, 80+ Snow Buntings and the Temminck's Stint were among the highlights on a recent trip to the Suffolk Coast with @david-walsh.bsky.social @noahbai-123.bsky.social @tsbirding.bsky.social @lucasnature.bsky.social and others!
Reposted by Sam O'Donnell
Bewick’s Swans, the first since 2013, White-fronts & Woodcock took Walthamstow Wetlands 2025 bird list to 148. December round-up now on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @chris-farthing.bsky.social & @Ivorh.bsky.social for photos #londonbirding #ukbirding
January 5, 2026 at 6:41 AM
Bewick’s Swans, the first since 2013, White-fronts & Woodcock took Walthamstow Wetlands 2025 bird list to 148. December round-up now on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @chris-farthing.bsky.social & @Ivorh.bsky.social for photos #londonbirding #ukbirding
Reposted by Sam O'Donnell
Thoroughly enjoyable day on the snowy Suffolk coast! Highlights were Temminck's Stint, Spotted Redshank, Bittern, Goosander, Zitting Cisticola, and Snow Buntings. Many snowball fights with @noahbai-123.bsky.social throughout the day, too!
@david-walsh.bsky.social @samodonnell25.bsky.social
@david-walsh.bsky.social @samodonnell25.bsky.social
January 3, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Thoroughly enjoyable day on the snowy Suffolk coast! Highlights were Temminck's Stint, Spotted Redshank, Bittern, Goosander, Zitting Cisticola, and Snow Buntings. Many snowball fights with @noahbai-123.bsky.social throughout the day, too!
@david-walsh.bsky.social @samodonnell25.bsky.social
@david-walsh.bsky.social @samodonnell25.bsky.social
2025 has been an absolutely incredible year on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands and Marshes. My personal total for the year was 138, beating last year's total by 6 and seeing 12 Patch ticks including RN Grebe, Bewick's Swans, WG Geese, Bittern, Gropper, Osprey, and Water Pipit!
December 31, 2025 at 6:12 PM
2025 has been an absolutely incredible year on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands and Marshes. My personal total for the year was 138, beating last year's total by 6 and seeing 12 Patch ticks including RN Grebe, Bewick's Swans, WG Geese, Bittern, Gropper, Osprey, and Water Pipit!
Pleased to finally get in on the Geese action yesterday with these 2 White-fronted Geese! A much anticipated Patch tick. Also Great White Egret, Common Sandpiper, Wigeons, Goldeneye, Stonechats and ridiculous views of Peregrines the best of the rest from recently.
December 31, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Pleased to finally get in on the Geese action yesterday with these 2 White-fronted Geese! A much anticipated Patch tick. Also Great White Egret, Common Sandpiper, Wigeons, Goldeneye, Stonechats and ridiculous views of Peregrines the best of the rest from recently.
Reposted by Sam O'Donnell
We can confirm these two Bewick's are now at WWT Slimbridge. Known as Clutton & Cameley, they arrived at Slimbridge on Christmas Day / Boxing Day. Clutton is a regular & Cameley is here for the first time @samodonnell25.bsky.social
Mega happy to find these 2 Bewick's Swans on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands this morning! A very rare bird here and a Patch tick. Also found a Little Gull, 2 Ravens, good numbers of Lapwings. Saw a roosting Woodcock earlier in the week plus Wigeon, Buzzard, and more! A nice early Xmas present!
December 27, 2025 at 2:34 PM
We can confirm these two Bewick's are now at WWT Slimbridge. Known as Clutton & Cameley, they arrived at Slimbridge on Christmas Day / Boxing Day. Clutton is a regular & Cameley is here for the first time @samodonnell25.bsky.social
Mega happy to find these 2 Bewick's Swans on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands this morning! A very rare bird here and a Patch tick. Also found a Little Gull, 2 Ravens, good numbers of Lapwings. Saw a roosting Woodcock earlier in the week plus Wigeon, Buzzard, and more! A nice early Xmas present!
December 24, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Mega happy to find these 2 Bewick's Swans on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands this morning! A very rare bird here and a Patch tick. Also found a Little Gull, 2 Ravens, good numbers of Lapwings. Saw a roosting Woodcock earlier in the week plus Wigeon, Buzzard, and more! A nice early Xmas present!
Absolutely over the moon to win the urban animals category at the @rspcaoffficial.bsky.social Young Photographer awards yesterday with this image of a Sand Martin taken at Walthamstow Wetlands! I also got my photo featured in The Times, which is pretty cool!
December 19, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Absolutely over the moon to win the urban animals category at the @rspcaoffficial.bsky.social Young Photographer awards yesterday with this image of a Sand Martin taken at Walthamstow Wetlands! I also got my photo featured in The Times, which is pretty cool!
Great to be out on Patch again at Walthamstow Wetlands today in glorious weather. I was certainly caught by surprise when I was looking through a Chiffchaff flock, and then this Common Whitethroat popped up! #ukbirding #patchbirding
December 13, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Great to be out on Patch again at Walthamstow Wetlands today in glorious weather. I was certainly caught by surprise when I was looking through a Chiffchaff flock, and then this Common Whitethroat popped up! #ukbirding #patchbirding
Reposted by Sam O'Donnell
We’re delighted to announce ‘Rewilding East London’ - a new species recovery project to reintroduce white storks and beavers to East London!
Delivered in partnership with London Borough of Barking & Dagenham supported by the Mayor’s of London's Green Roots Fund.
@london.gov.uk #GreenRoots
Delivered in partnership with London Borough of Barking & Dagenham supported by the Mayor’s of London's Green Roots Fund.
@london.gov.uk #GreenRoots
December 8, 2025 at 12:46 PM
We’re delighted to announce ‘Rewilding East London’ - a new species recovery project to reintroduce white storks and beavers to East London!
Delivered in partnership with London Borough of Barking & Dagenham supported by the Mayor’s of London's Green Roots Fund.
@london.gov.uk #GreenRoots
Delivered in partnership with London Borough of Barking & Dagenham supported by the Mayor’s of London's Green Roots Fund.
@london.gov.uk #GreenRoots
Reposted by Sam O'Donnell
The first Bittern since 2012, our fourth ever Yellow-browed Warbler and a remarkable passage of Brent Geese were November highlights at London’s Walthamstow Wetlands. Round-up on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @chris-farthing.bsky.social and DD for photos.
December 2, 2025 at 7:02 AM
The first Bittern since 2012, our fourth ever Yellow-browed Warbler and a remarkable passage of Brent Geese were November highlights at London’s Walthamstow Wetlands. Round-up on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @chris-farthing.bsky.social and DD for photos.
At the 2nd attempt, I was very pleased to see the long staying Grey Phalarope at KGV yesterday, a lifer for me! Showed amazingly the whole time I was there. Also, Black-necked Grebe, 6 Goosander, Goldeneyes, 10 Wigeon, Red Kite and a Buzzard. #ukbirding
December 1, 2025 at 7:44 PM
At the 2nd attempt, I was very pleased to see the long staying Grey Phalarope at KGV yesterday, a lifer for me! Showed amazingly the whole time I was there. Also, Black-necked Grebe, 6 Goosander, Goldeneyes, 10 Wigeon, Red Kite and a Buzzard. #ukbirding
Had some great views of this Yellow-browed Warbler on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands yesterday for a few mins. Only my 3rd ever and all of them have been here! So nice to see that lovely bright supercilium and hear the call again! #ukbirding #patchbirding
November 24, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Had some great views of this Yellow-browed Warbler on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands yesterday for a few mins. Only my 3rd ever and all of them have been here! So nice to see that lovely bright supercilium and hear the call again! #ukbirding #patchbirding
A long and anxious wait to finish my lessons at college today paid off as I managed to see this Bittern on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands. A Patch tick and the first here since 2012! Also a Yellow-browed Warbler seen this morning, though no sign later on. Hopefully tomorrow 🤞
November 21, 2025 at 6:20 PM
A long and anxious wait to finish my lessons at college today paid off as I managed to see this Bittern on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands. A Patch tick and the first here since 2012! Also a Yellow-browed Warbler seen this morning, though no sign later on. Hopefully tomorrow 🤞
Yesterday's Brent Goose passage on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands was a bit insane! I had 114 out of a combined total of c200 all going high South! Also, 34 Lapwing and my first Goosander of the year here. #ukbirding
November 17, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Yesterday's Brent Goose passage on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands was a bit insane! I had 114 out of a combined total of c200 all going high South! Also, 34 Lapwing and my first Goosander of the year here. #ukbirding
Reposted by Sam O'Donnell
The first Water Pipit since 2021 was October's bird highlight at London's Walthamstow Wetlands. Round-up of the 97 species seen now on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @chris-farthing.bsky.social @wheresrhys.bsky.social & MLP for pics. #londonbirding
November 7, 2025 at 3:46 PM
The first Water Pipit since 2021 was October's bird highlight at London's Walthamstow Wetlands. Round-up of the 97 species seen now on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @chris-farthing.bsky.social @wheresrhys.bsky.social & MLP for pics. #londonbirding
Since my last post 10 days ago, Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands has been relatively quiet. Firecrest trapped and ringed on the 22nd was nice to see. A Marsh Harrier today was my 2nd ever here! Also 2 Ravens, YLG, Rock Pipit, Brambling, Redpolls, Siskins, Skylarks and more!
October 30, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Since my last post 10 days ago, Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands has been relatively quiet. Firecrest trapped and ringed on the 22nd was nice to see. A Marsh Harrier today was my 2nd ever here! Also 2 Ravens, YLG, Rock Pipit, Brambling, Redpolls, Siskins, Skylarks and more!
Reposted by Sam O'Donnell
A 1st winter male SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT caught on North Ronaldsay!!!
#RareBirdsUK
#BirdingScotland
#OrkneyBirding
#RareBirdsUK
#BirdingScotland
#OrkneyBirding
October 28, 2025 at 8:35 AM
A 1st winter male SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT caught on North Ronaldsay!!!
#RareBirdsUK
#BirdingScotland
#OrkneyBirding
#RareBirdsUK
#BirdingScotland
#OrkneyBirding
Bit of a crazy few days on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands. Found this Water Pipit, a Patch tick! My first Great Egret, 2 Brambling and 6 Pintails of the year here! Also Rock Pipits, Yellow-legged Gull, 7 Wigeon, Siskin, Redpoll, Jack Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Fieldfares, and more! #ukbirding
October 20, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Bit of a crazy few days on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands. Found this Water Pipit, a Patch tick! My first Great Egret, 2 Brambling and 6 Pintails of the year here! Also Rock Pipits, Yellow-legged Gull, 7 Wigeon, Siskin, Redpoll, Jack Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Fieldfares, and more! #ukbirding
Reposted by Sam O'Donnell
After the initial couple of flyby’s the juvenile Sabine’s Gull showed incredibly well. Not many birds that are as stunning in juvenile plum as adults but Sab’s are definitely one of those. Just a shame for it be on site with no access #UKbirding @birdguides.bsky.social @berksbirdclub.bsky.social
October 16, 2025 at 4:48 PM
After the initial couple of flyby’s the juvenile Sabine’s Gull showed incredibly well. Not many birds that are as stunning in juvenile plum as adults but Sab’s are definitely one of those. Just a shame for it be on site with no access #UKbirding @birdguides.bsky.social @berksbirdclub.bsky.social
Great day on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands and Waterworks NR. Med Gull, Rock Pipit, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, 5 Jack Snipes, Common Snipe, 10 Redpolls, Siskins, Raven, Skylark, YLG, 4 Wigeon, 80 Redwings and more! #ukbirding #patchbirding
October 15, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Great day on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands and Waterworks NR. Med Gull, Rock Pipit, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, 5 Jack Snipes, Common Snipe, 10 Redpolls, Siskins, Raven, Skylark, YLG, 4 Wigeon, 80 Redwings and more! #ukbirding #patchbirding
Reposted by Sam O'Donnell
I’ve really enjoyed birding at Landguard regularly this autumn. Y’day was great, with Jack Snipe & Long-eared Owl amongst 50+ species. Today was epic! A self-found Yellow-browed Warbler then the magic moment of relocating a Pallas’s Warbler with Will Brame which he & Bill Mackie had found earlier.
October 14, 2025 at 6:10 PM
I’ve really enjoyed birding at Landguard regularly this autumn. Y’day was great, with Jack Snipe & Long-eared Owl amongst 50+ species. Today was epic! A self-found Yellow-browed Warbler then the magic moment of relocating a Pallas’s Warbler with Will Brame which he & Bill Mackie had found earlier.
Another decent weekend on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands. Raven, Garganey, YLG, Caspian Gull, 2 Rock Pipits, Meadow Pipits, 3 Wigeons, Snipes, my first Redwings of the autumn, Stonechats and more. Nice to help out doing WeBS as well! #patchbirding #ukbirding
October 12, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Another decent weekend on Patch at Walthamstow Wetlands. Raven, Garganey, YLG, Caspian Gull, 2 Rock Pipits, Meadow Pipits, 3 Wigeons, Snipes, my first Redwings of the autumn, Stonechats and more. Nice to help out doing WeBS as well! #patchbirding #ukbirding
Reposted by Sam O'Donnell
Honey Buzzard, Grasshopper W, Grey Plover & Raven - all new for 2025 - highlights of September @ Walthamstow Wetlands. Round-up on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @chris-farthing.bsky.social @ivorh.bsky.social @eugenedh.bsky.social & YLD for pics #londonbirding
October 1, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Honey Buzzard, Grasshopper W, Grey Plover & Raven - all new for 2025 - highlights of September @ Walthamstow Wetlands. Round-up on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to @samodonnell25.bsky.social @chris-farthing.bsky.social @ivorh.bsky.social @eugenedh.bsky.social & YLD for pics #londonbirding