Simon
@simonwood42.bsky.social
EBwS President. ID Panel member and author Birds of Essex. Essex Lepidoptera ID Panel - fascinated by anything that flies, crawls, hops, runs, wiggles, swims….
Reposted by Simon
This 'white-headed' GOLDFINCH brightened up a very dreary morning here in Colchester. Noticed it had been ringed, can't be many Goldfinches like this around? @btobirds.bsky.social #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social #ringing
February 5, 2026 at 11:42 AM
This 'white-headed' GOLDFINCH brightened up a very dreary morning here in Colchester. Noticed it had been ringed, can't be many Goldfinches like this around? @btobirds.bsky.social #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social #ringing
Reposted by Simon
2 Lesser Redpolls enjoying the rain in our Colchester garden again this morning. Plus Blackcap still singing away #essexbirding
February 5, 2026 at 12:47 PM
2 Lesser Redpolls enjoying the rain in our Colchester garden again this morning. Plus Blackcap still singing away #essexbirding
Reposted by Simon
I’m enjoying sticking my head out of the bathroom window for the Lesser Redpolls. They are feeding on the new buds on our Elder tree #essexbirding
February 5, 2026 at 1:42 PM
I’m enjoying sticking my head out of the bathroom window for the Lesser Redpolls. They are feeding on the new buds on our Elder tree #essexbirding
Reposted by Simon
Well that was unexpected.
A first-winter Little Gull seen from my house this afternoon in the murk, feeding on the River Crouch.
#EssexBirding
A first-winter Little Gull seen from my house this afternoon in the murk, feeding on the River Crouch.
#EssexBirding
February 5, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Well that was unexpected.
A first-winter Little Gull seen from my house this afternoon in the murk, feeding on the River Crouch.
#EssexBirding
A first-winter Little Gull seen from my house this afternoon in the murk, feeding on the River Crouch.
#EssexBirding
Reposted by Simon
Stunning weather yday for our guided day trip to Tollesbury Wick EWT reserve. Highlights inc 2 GN DIVER, 2 SLAV GREBE, 3 BARN OWL, GT EGRET, RB MERG, MARSH HARRIERS and large no's of wildfowl & waders. #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
February 5, 2026 at 10:08 AM
Stunning weather yday for our guided day trip to Tollesbury Wick EWT reserve. Highlights inc 2 GN DIVER, 2 SLAV GREBE, 3 BARN OWL, GT EGRET, RB MERG, MARSH HARRIERS and large no's of wildfowl & waders. #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
Reposted by Simon
A Purple Sandpiper among the high tide roost at Mersea Island Boating Lake this morning was a good bird here. Also in the area, 32 Med Gulls, Stonechat and 200+ Great Crested Grebes offshore. #EssexBirding
February 2, 2026 at 6:11 PM
A Purple Sandpiper among the high tide roost at Mersea Island Boating Lake this morning was a good bird here. Also in the area, 32 Med Gulls, Stonechat and 200+ Great Crested Grebes offshore. #EssexBirding
Reposted by Simon
BARNACLE GOOSE, GOLDENEYE, GOOSANDER & WHITE-FRONTED GEESE from Abberton Reservoir on Saturday 31st January 2026. #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social #WorldWetlandsDay2026
February 2, 2026 at 11:28 AM
BARNACLE GOOSE, GOLDENEYE, GOOSANDER & WHITE-FRONTED GEESE from Abberton Reservoir on Saturday 31st January 2026. #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social #WorldWetlandsDay2026
Reposted by Simon
Thanks to everyone who attended the joint Winter Birding Day at Fingringhoe Wick with @essexbirdnews.bsky.social Grotty weather but we saw 2 BARN OWLS, HEN HARRIER, waders galore, RB MERGANSERS + lots more! Group pic by @stuttonsparrows.bsky.social #essexbirding #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature
February 2, 2026 at 11:37 AM
Thanks to everyone who attended the joint Winter Birding Day at Fingringhoe Wick with @essexbirdnews.bsky.social Grotty weather but we saw 2 BARN OWLS, HEN HARRIER, waders galore, RB MERGANSERS + lots more! Group pic by @stuttonsparrows.bsky.social #essexbirding #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature
Reposted by Simon
A gloomy start to the day here in our Colchester garden. 1 Lesser Redpoll still around and a sign that spring is not too far away, here’s our male Blackcap singing which it’s been doing since Jan 26th. ( my earliest singing bird ) #essexbirding
February 2, 2026 at 9:10 AM
A gloomy start to the day here in our Colchester garden. 1 Lesser Redpoll still around and a sign that spring is not too far away, here’s our male Blackcap singing which it’s been doing since Jan 26th. ( my earliest singing bird ) #essexbirding
Relatively quiet around Heybridge Pit , Maldon this weekend although a Common Sandpiper and a 2cy Mediterranean were the first of the year on the patch. Otherwise, some good numbers of waders about including an Oystercatcher with an unreadable metal ring…
February 1, 2026 at 8:40 PM
Relatively quiet around Heybridge Pit , Maldon this weekend although a Common Sandpiper and a 2cy Mediterranean were the first of the year on the patch. Otherwise, some good numbers of waders about including an Oystercatcher with an unreadable metal ring…
Reposted by Simon
This Lesser Redpoll dropped down into our Colchester garden early this morning. Only my 3rd that has landed here. Also the Firecrest is still visiting our Holly tree. #essexbirding
January 31, 2026 at 10:17 AM
This Lesser Redpoll dropped down into our Colchester garden early this morning. Only my 3rd that has landed here. Also the Firecrest is still visiting our Holly tree. #essexbirding
Reposted by Simon
Great training session in North Essex led by @stuttonsparrows.bsky.social in preparation for the @gwct.org.uk BIG FARMLAND BIRD COUNT which takes place from 6th - 22nd February. Can't wait to get involved! #essexbirding #birding #farmlandbirds #ukbirds #bfbc26
January 31, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Great training session in North Essex led by @stuttonsparrows.bsky.social in preparation for the @gwct.org.uk BIG FARMLAND BIRD COUNT which takes place from 6th - 22nd February. Can't wait to get involved! #essexbirding #birding #farmlandbirds #ukbirds #bfbc26
Reposted by Simon
Pleased to catch up with this cracking GLOSSY IBIS at Copt Hall @nationaltrust.org.uk this afternoon as it fed in the damp fields close to the carpark. #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature
@britishnatureguide.bsky.social
@britishnatureguide.bsky.social
January 31, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Pleased to catch up with this cracking GLOSSY IBIS at Copt Hall @nationaltrust.org.uk this afternoon as it fed in the damp fields close to the carpark. #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature
@britishnatureguide.bsky.social
@britishnatureguide.bsky.social
Reposted by Simon
Our group enjoyed seeing some great birds at Abberton Res this week including SMEW, 3 TUNDRA BEAN & 26 WF GEESE, BN GREBE, MED GULLS, LESSER & GREATER SCAUP, 3 PEREGRINE, CHIFFCHAFF, GREAT EGRET + more! #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
January 30, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Our group enjoyed seeing some great birds at Abberton Res this week including SMEW, 3 TUNDRA BEAN & 26 WF GEESE, BN GREBE, MED GULLS, LESSER & GREATER SCAUP, 3 PEREGRINE, CHIFFCHAFF, GREAT EGRET + more! #essexbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
Reposted by Simon
'Just' a Barn Owl from the house this evening although two male Yellowhammers also flew in at dusk, and are arguably now scarcer than owls here.
#EssexBirding
#EssexBirding
January 30, 2026 at 5:02 PM
'Just' a Barn Owl from the house this evening although two male Yellowhammers also flew in at dusk, and are arguably now scarcer than owls here.
#EssexBirding
#EssexBirding
Reposted by Simon
Hi all. Here at last is my summary of wildlife around Maldon & Heybridge for last Spring & Summer. Many thanks to all who have contributed records & photos!
gannetrockbooks.com/spring-and-s...
gannetrockbooks.com/spring-and-s...
January 29, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Hi all. Here at last is my summary of wildlife around Maldon & Heybridge for last Spring & Summer. Many thanks to all who have contributed records & photos!
gannetrockbooks.com/spring-and-s...
gannetrockbooks.com/spring-and-s...
Reposted by Simon
A few of the local guys seem to have perfected the technique.
Scan suitably located sedge/reedbeds at night with thermal imager, locate mouse scurrying up and down reedstems.
Shine torch (doesn't seem to disturb the mice) and hopefully get it in the binoculars or 'scope.
Scan suitably located sedge/reedbeds at night with thermal imager, locate mouse scurrying up and down reedstems.
Shine torch (doesn't seem to disturb the mice) and hopefully get it in the binoculars or 'scope.
January 28, 2026 at 9:35 PM
A few of the local guys seem to have perfected the technique.
Scan suitably located sedge/reedbeds at night with thermal imager, locate mouse scurrying up and down reedstems.
Shine torch (doesn't seem to disturb the mice) and hopefully get it in the binoculars or 'scope.
Scan suitably located sedge/reedbeds at night with thermal imager, locate mouse scurrying up and down reedstems.
Shine torch (doesn't seem to disturb the mice) and hopefully get it in the binoculars or 'scope.
Wednesday 28th Jan, dawn walk in a misty & icy Little Baddow woods - no Lesser Spot activity - too cold and damp? Highlight - a calling Hawfinch as I was leaving Fir Tree Wood, west end. A quick walk at Heybridge Pit in the afternoon was quiet although two Foxes were making the most of the weather.
January 29, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Wednesday 28th Jan, dawn walk in a misty & icy Little Baddow woods - no Lesser Spot activity - too cold and damp? Highlight - a calling Hawfinch as I was leaving Fir Tree Wood, west end. A quick walk at Heybridge Pit in the afternoon was quiet although two Foxes were making the most of the weather.
Reposted by Simon
Cracking end to the day with a wonderful STARLING mumuration in Stanway, Colchester this evening! #essexbirding #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature
January 28, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Cracking end to the day with a wonderful STARLING mumuration in Stanway, Colchester this evening! #essexbirding #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature
Reposted by Simon
1pm at Paglesham Eastend, Red breasted goose seems to settled there with 2500 Brent's most the time or if not at wallasea RSPB last few days, had very showy barn owl at wallasea car park & nearby approach road today
#EssexBirding
#EssexBirdnews
#EssexBirding
#EssexBirdnews
January 26, 2026 at 10:07 PM
1pm at Paglesham Eastend, Red breasted goose seems to settled there with 2500 Brent's most the time or if not at wallasea RSPB last few days, had very showy barn owl at wallasea car park & nearby approach road today
#EssexBirding
#EssexBirdnews
#EssexBirding
#EssexBirdnews
3/ 25th & 26th Jan. Neither day really got light and the SE breeze was bitter. Titchwell on 25th produced Firecrest, Scaup, Barney Geese and Scarlet Elfcap whilst a wander around Holme Dunes on 26th produced a lone Little Gull and a Red-necked Grebe, although the camera struggled in the half light.
January 27, 2026 at 7:35 PM
3/ 25th & 26th Jan. Neither day really got light and the SE breeze was bitter. Titchwell on 25th produced Firecrest, Scaup, Barney Geese and Scarlet Elfcap whilst a wander around Holme Dunes on 26th produced a lone Little Gull and a Red-necked Grebe, although the camera struggled in the half light.
2/ 24th Jan. Seawatching at Holme Dunes was hard with just c10 each of Eider & a RB Merganser & 1 Razorbill, although the highlight was a flock of 22 Snow Bunting.
PM saw us beneath Hunstanton’s wonderful white & red chalk cliffs - Fulmar were occupying nesting ledges and 27 Red Kite were overhead.
PM saw us beneath Hunstanton’s wonderful white & red chalk cliffs - Fulmar were occupying nesting ledges and 27 Red Kite were overhead.
January 27, 2026 at 7:27 PM
2/ 24th Jan. Seawatching at Holme Dunes was hard with just c10 each of Eider & a RB Merganser & 1 Razorbill, although the highlight was a flock of 22 Snow Bunting.
PM saw us beneath Hunstanton’s wonderful white & red chalk cliffs - Fulmar were occupying nesting ledges and 27 Red Kite were overhead.
PM saw us beneath Hunstanton’s wonderful white & red chalk cliffs - Fulmar were occupying nesting ledges and 27 Red Kite were overhead.
1/ 23rd Jan - A long weekend in N. Norfolk celebrating Carla’s birthday saw us drop in Lynford Arboretum en route - Hawfinch, 8+ Crossbill (some displaying) & 6+ Marsh Tit the highlights. On thru the back lanes saw us find a big flock of 250+ Chaffinch, 100+ Linnet and 2 Brambling near Cockley Cley…
January 27, 2026 at 7:15 PM
1/ 23rd Jan - A long weekend in N. Norfolk celebrating Carla’s birthday saw us drop in Lynford Arboretum en route - Hawfinch, 8+ Crossbill (some displaying) & 6+ Marsh Tit the highlights. On thru the back lanes saw us find a big flock of 250+ Chaffinch, 100+ Linnet and 2 Brambling near Cockley Cley…
Reposted by Simon
After a bone-chilling 2 hours at Sea Palling, the ICELAND GULL gave itself up and showed rather nicely. A new bird for @esbr-essex.bsky.social #norfolkbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
January 26, 2026 at 1:06 PM
After a bone-chilling 2 hours at Sea Palling, the ICELAND GULL gave itself up and showed rather nicely. A new bird for @esbr-essex.bsky.social #norfolkbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
Reposted by Simon
The melee of gulls at Sea Palling contained quite a few CASPIAN GULLS adeptly picked out by @debalmer.bsky.social & Pete! #norfolkbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social
January 26, 2026 at 1:17 PM
The melee of gulls at Sea Palling contained quite a few CASPIAN GULLS adeptly picked out by @debalmer.bsky.social & Pete! #norfolkbirding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #ukbirds #birds #birding #nature @britishnatureguide.bsky.social