Lara 🏴
@swiftlyginger.bsky.social
23 • professional worrier • birder • wannabe tardis traveller • F1 fiend • 🎨 • UoE -> UoG • 🏴 tha beagan Gàidhlig agam!
https://midnightmurmurations.substack.com/
https://midnightmurmurations.substack.com/
Reposted by Lara 🏴
A few more of the Common Crane near St Andrews earlier today. #birdingFife #BirdingScotland
February 18, 2026 at 7:31 PM
A few more of the Common Crane near St Andrews earlier today. #birdingFife #BirdingScotland
Reposted by Lara 🏴
A stop-the-car-now moment: fabulous views of this Eurasian Bittern feeding in a roadside burn at the northern end of Loch of Spiggie today. A rare bird here in Shetland with less than 30 records of this cryptic heron!
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #UKWildlife #Birds
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #UKWildlife #Birds
February 11, 2026 at 7:05 PM
A stop-the-car-now moment: fabulous views of this Eurasian Bittern feeding in a roadside burn at the northern end of Loch of Spiggie today. A rare bird here in Shetland with less than 30 records of this cryptic heron!
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #UKWildlife #Birds
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #UKWildlife #Birds
Reposted by Lara 🏴
We’re relieved to hear that Hamlet, a 4-year-old Golden Eagle, has recovered from his injuries and been released back into the wild after being shot in the Borders.
It comes after the suspicious disappearance of two other Golden Eagles, Tarras and Wren, in the south of Scotland in August.
🧵
It comes after the suspicious disappearance of two other Golden Eagles, Tarras and Wren, in the south of Scotland in August.
🧵
February 10, 2026 at 12:54 PM
We’re relieved to hear that Hamlet, a 4-year-old Golden Eagle, has recovered from his injuries and been released back into the wild after being shot in the Borders.
It comes after the suspicious disappearance of two other Golden Eagles, Tarras and Wren, in the south of Scotland in August.
🧵
It comes after the suspicious disappearance of two other Golden Eagles, Tarras and Wren, in the south of Scotland in August.
🧵
Reposted by Lara 🏴
Golden Eagle found shot in the Scottish Borders - Police Scotland appeals for information.
'Hamlet' is the sixth victim of eagle persecution in south Scotland in recent years.
Details in blog ⬇️
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime #BirdingScotland 🌍
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/02/09/g...
'Hamlet' is the sixth victim of eagle persecution in south Scotland in recent years.
Details in blog ⬇️
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime #BirdingScotland 🌍
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/02/09/g...
Golden Eagle found shot in Scottish Borders – Police Scotland appeals for information
Press release from Police Scotland (9 February 2026) APPEAL AFTER GOLDEN EAGLE SHOT IN THE SCOTTISH BORDERS Wildlife officers are appealing to the public for information after a four-year-old golde…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
February 9, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Golden Eagle found shot in the Scottish Borders - Police Scotland appeals for information.
'Hamlet' is the sixth victim of eagle persecution in south Scotland in recent years.
Details in blog ⬇️
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime #BirdingScotland 🌍
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/02/09/g...
'Hamlet' is the sixth victim of eagle persecution in south Scotland in recent years.
Details in blog ⬇️
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime #BirdingScotland 🌍
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/02/09/g...
Reposted by Lara 🏴
generative AI has become widely available in the summer of 2022 and entered mainstream in 2023
people are working themselves up in a frenzy, convinced they're utterly helpless without software younger than still-fresh canned tuna. we have been making art for at least 50,000 years, get a grip
people are working themselves up in a frenzy, convinced they're utterly helpless without software younger than still-fresh canned tuna. we have been making art for at least 50,000 years, get a grip
February 6, 2026 at 11:13 PM
generative AI has become widely available in the summer of 2022 and entered mainstream in 2023
people are working themselves up in a frenzy, convinced they're utterly helpless without software younger than still-fresh canned tuna. we have been making art for at least 50,000 years, get a grip
people are working themselves up in a frenzy, convinced they're utterly helpless without software younger than still-fresh canned tuna. we have been making art for at least 50,000 years, get a grip
I forgot to mention on here that I wrote a little thing on substack about birds that are likely extinct, but have people hoping they are still out there.
Uni is going to be ramping up but wanted to post something else in case I can’t for a while!
🪶
open.substack.com/pub/midnight...
Uni is going to be ramping up but wanted to post something else in case I can’t for a while!
🪶
open.substack.com/pub/midnight...
I Want To Believe
the species taking on a supernatural presence in birding culture
open.substack.com
February 7, 2026 at 12:59 AM
I forgot to mention on here that I wrote a little thing on substack about birds that are likely extinct, but have people hoping they are still out there.
Uni is going to be ramping up but wanted to post something else in case I can’t for a while!
🪶
open.substack.com/pub/midnight...
Uni is going to be ramping up but wanted to post something else in case I can’t for a while!
🪶
open.substack.com/pub/midnight...
Reposted by Lara 🏴
Context is everything in birding- I barely broke my stride observing 4 White-tailed Eagles today- then frantically grabbed my camera for this Magpie- still a very scarce bird in the NW Highlands and a real treat to see one! #Highlandbirds
February 5, 2026 at 5:43 PM
Context is everything in birding- I barely broke my stride observing 4 White-tailed Eagles today- then frantically grabbed my camera for this Magpie- still a very scarce bird in the NW Highlands and a real treat to see one! #Highlandbirds
Reposted by Lara 🏴
Ring-necked Duck at Queens Park Glasgow this morning
January 31, 2026 at 8:23 PM
Ring-necked Duck at Queens Park Glasgow this morning
Reposted by Lara 🏴
Tears of joy! SCOTLAND HAS JUST PASSED SWIFT BRICKS INTO LAW unanimously!
4 years of asking England & Scotland sorts it in a month led by ACE MARK RUSKELL MSP ♥️The RELIEF is unreal! Tell England to follow 🏴by emailing PlanningPolicyConsultation@communities.gov.uk now!WOOP!
4 years of asking England & Scotland sorts it in a month led by ACE MARK RUSKELL MSP ♥️The RELIEF is unreal! Tell England to follow 🏴by emailing PlanningPolicyConsultation@communities.gov.uk now!WOOP!
January 27, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Tears of joy! SCOTLAND HAS JUST PASSED SWIFT BRICKS INTO LAW unanimously!
4 years of asking England & Scotland sorts it in a month led by ACE MARK RUSKELL MSP ♥️The RELIEF is unreal! Tell England to follow 🏴by emailing PlanningPolicyConsultation@communities.gov.uk now!WOOP!
4 years of asking England & Scotland sorts it in a month led by ACE MARK RUSKELL MSP ♥️The RELIEF is unreal! Tell England to follow 🏴by emailing PlanningPolicyConsultation@communities.gov.uk now!WOOP!
Reposted by Lara 🏴
Gulls are in serious trouble in Scotland.
These remarkable birds are facing significant pressures. A recent report revealed licensed control could have contributed to declines ➡️ rspb.org.uk/scotland/news/licensed-gull-control-in-scotland
We must balance the needs of protected species and people.
These remarkable birds are facing significant pressures. A recent report revealed licensed control could have contributed to declines ➡️ rspb.org.uk/scotland/news/licensed-gull-control-in-scotland
We must balance the needs of protected species and people.
January 15, 2026 at 8:27 AM
Gulls are in serious trouble in Scotland.
These remarkable birds are facing significant pressures. A recent report revealed licensed control could have contributed to declines ➡️ rspb.org.uk/scotland/news/licensed-gull-control-in-scotland
We must balance the needs of protected species and people.
These remarkable birds are facing significant pressures. A recent report revealed licensed control could have contributed to declines ➡️ rspb.org.uk/scotland/news/licensed-gull-control-in-scotland
We must balance the needs of protected species and people.
Reposted by Lara 🏴
The wintering flock of Twite at Cocklemill was up to 88 today, and the Nuthatch range expansion seems to have reached the East Neuk #birdingFife
January 16, 2026 at 7:40 PM
The wintering flock of Twite at Cocklemill was up to 88 today, and the Nuthatch range expansion seems to have reached the East Neuk #birdingFife
Reposted by Lara 🏴
This kingfisher took absolutely everything out of me — 23.5 hours of work! As one of my favorite birds, I just had to capture its stunning turquoise plumage in wool.
#kingfisher #needlefelting #woolart #handmade #birds #bird #art #sculpture #felting #felt
#kingfisher #needlefelting #woolart #handmade #birds #bird #art #sculpture #felting #felt
January 12, 2026 at 9:21 AM
This kingfisher took absolutely everything out of me — 23.5 hours of work! As one of my favorite birds, I just had to capture its stunning turquoise plumage in wool.
#kingfisher #needlefelting #woolart #handmade #birds #bird #art #sculpture #felting #felt
#kingfisher #needlefelting #woolart #handmade #birds #bird #art #sculpture #felting #felt
excellent day spotting some stunning Waxwings at Monifieth, a very obliging flock made my first time seeing them fairly easy! #BirdingScotland 🪶
January 10, 2026 at 4:05 PM
excellent day spotting some stunning Waxwings at Monifieth, a very obliging flock made my first time seeing them fairly easy! #BirdingScotland 🪶
A good selection of wildlife in the river Eden in Cupar on a cold January afternoon #BirdingFife 🪶❄️
January 8, 2026 at 7:55 PM
A good selection of wildlife in the river Eden in Cupar on a cold January afternoon #BirdingFife 🪶❄️
Reposted by Lara 🏴
A few of the six Little Egret's seen at Loch Leven today. Third & fourth pics taken in snow storm. #BirdingScotland
January 4, 2026 at 5:07 PM
A few of the six Little Egret's seen at Loch Leven today. Third & fourth pics taken in snow storm. #BirdingScotland
I’m still new enough to the hobby that lifers have come fairly easily this year, 38 new species! Highlights include the Glossy Ibis, Pied Avocet, a very loud Water Rail, and an Arctic Skua on my birthday :) let’s see what 2026 brings! #BirdingScotland
December 31, 2025 at 2:17 PM
I’m still new enough to the hobby that lifers have come fairly easily this year, 38 new species! Highlights include the Glossy Ibis, Pied Avocet, a very loud Water Rail, and an Arctic Skua on my birthday :) let’s see what 2026 brings! #BirdingScotland
Reposted by Lara 🏴
A win for Swifts!
Thanks to your support, Scotland might become the first UK country to require Swift nesting bricks in all new buildings.
Today MSPs voted to include this in the Natural Environment Bill – now we must make sure it stays in the Bill through the final stage.
Thanks to your support, Scotland might become the first UK country to require Swift nesting bricks in all new buildings.
Today MSPs voted to include this in the Natural Environment Bill – now we must make sure it stays in the Bill through the final stage.
December 10, 2025 at 4:59 PM
A win for Swifts!
Thanks to your support, Scotland might become the first UK country to require Swift nesting bricks in all new buildings.
Today MSPs voted to include this in the Natural Environment Bill – now we must make sure it stays in the Bill through the final stage.
Thanks to your support, Scotland might become the first UK country to require Swift nesting bricks in all new buildings.
Today MSPs voted to include this in the Natural Environment Bill – now we must make sure it stays in the Bill through the final stage.
Reposted by Lara 🏴
Scotland’s Swifts are in trouble! Numbers are plummeting.
Tomorrow, MSPs will debate a simple, effective measure that could change their fortunes.
We're calling on them to require Swift bricks in all new housing as part of the Natural Environment Bill. Join us
action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
Tomorrow, MSPs will debate a simple, effective measure that could change their fortunes.
We're calling on them to require Swift bricks in all new housing as part of the Natural Environment Bill. Join us
action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
December 9, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Scotland’s Swifts are in trouble! Numbers are plummeting.
Tomorrow, MSPs will debate a simple, effective measure that could change their fortunes.
We're calling on them to require Swift bricks in all new housing as part of the Natural Environment Bill. Join us
action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
Tomorrow, MSPs will debate a simple, effective measure that could change their fortunes.
We're calling on them to require Swift bricks in all new housing as part of the Natural Environment Bill. Join us
action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
Reposted by Lara 🏴
Scotland's swifts are in freefall. They need action now.
Yesterday, @scotgov said Swift Bricks don't belong in the Natural Environment Bill. We disagree.
There's still time to back Swift Bricks - email your MSPs now: action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
Yesterday, @scotgov said Swift Bricks don't belong in the Natural Environment Bill. We disagree.
There's still time to back Swift Bricks - email your MSPs now: action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
November 20, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Scotland's swifts are in freefall. They need action now.
Yesterday, @scotgov said Swift Bricks don't belong in the Natural Environment Bill. We disagree.
There's still time to back Swift Bricks - email your MSPs now: action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
Yesterday, @scotgov said Swift Bricks don't belong in the Natural Environment Bill. We disagree.
There's still time to back Swift Bricks - email your MSPs now: action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
Reposted by Lara 🏴
My 150th species from within Dundee this year - a surprise find in Eastern Cemetery this morning on my way out to Broughty Ferry and Balmossie - a Ring-necked Parakeet. It turns out there are 'some' of these birds present in grounds of Gardyne College (0.5miles from EC).
#BirdingScotland
#BirdingScotland
November 22, 2025 at 8:13 PM
My 150th species from within Dundee this year - a surprise find in Eastern Cemetery this morning on my way out to Broughty Ferry and Balmossie - a Ring-necked Parakeet. It turns out there are 'some' of these birds present in grounds of Gardyne College (0.5miles from EC).
#BirdingScotland
#BirdingScotland
Reposted by Lara 🏴
The Black-necked Grebes showed brilliantly at Burntisland this afternoon. Sometimes getting as close as 10m from the shore.
#BirdingScotland
#BirdingScotland
November 23, 2025 at 3:09 PM
The Black-necked Grebes showed brilliantly at Burntisland this afternoon. Sometimes getting as close as 10m from the shore.
#BirdingScotland
#BirdingScotland
Reposted by Lara 🏴
Glossy Ibis - Falkland (Fife) 11/11/25 #fifebirds #scottishbirding #ukbirds #ukbirding @fifebirdnews.bsky.social
@fifekinrossswt.bsky.social @scottishbirding.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @britishbirds.bsky.social @btoscotland.bsky.social
@fifekinrossswt.bsky.social @scottishbirding.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social @britishbirds.bsky.social @btoscotland.bsky.social
November 14, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Reposted by Lara 🏴
Sooties aren’t usually this close at Fife Ness
November 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Sooties aren’t usually this close at Fife Ness
Reposted by Lara 🏴
Just a sheep and its feathered friend, enjoying the view across the Moray Firth!
#BirdingScotland #FarmingLife #Birds
#BirdingScotland #FarmingLife #Birds
November 4, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Just a sheep and its feathered friend, enjoying the view across the Moray Firth!
#BirdingScotland #FarmingLife #Birds
#BirdingScotland #FarmingLife #Birds
Reposted by Lara 🏴
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