Tim Worfolk
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timworfolk.bsky.social
Tim Worfolk
@timworfolk.bsky.social
880 followers 550 following 540 posts
Bird illustration, insect photography, getting more local (Topsham, Devon) every year.
My photos are here https://www.flickr.com/photos/141833872@N05/albums
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timworfolk.bsky.social
Really enjoying this by @graemelyons.bsky.social
I don't think I'll ever become a super-naturalist but I'll have fun trying!
#PanSpeciesListing
Cover of book Pan-species Listing by Graeme Lyons.
February 18, 2026 at 9:48 AM
timworfolk.bsky.social
Another hour in Topsham Cemetery today and a few goodies: Beetles and Barkflies: looks like two new species for me.
Names in Alt Texts
Mecinus circulatus (Curculionidae) a scarce coastal species in Devon. I've found a couple of times previously in our garden just across the road. Psococerastis gibbosa (Psocidae) the largets UK Barkfly. Quite widespread but appears to be uncommon: probably under recorded. Very poor photo but it was dark and the beetle was moving but I'm fairly sure this is Rhyzobius lophanthae (Coccinellidae) a new ladybird sp. for me. Trichopsocus brincki (Psocidae) A new Barkfly sp. for me. Probably quite widespread abut also probably under recorded. Thanks to @persmiseth.bsky.social for confirming.
February 12, 2026 at 8:39 PM
timworfolk.bsky.social
A quick look at the garden compost heap turned up few things: a couple of voles quickly scarpered and left a few inverts that looked less than happy to be briefly exposed to the light. Names in Alt texts.
Agonopterix cf. heracliana I think; if so a look at the hind wing required to confirm. Metellina cf. merianae female. Fairly confident of ID but not 100% Polydesmus sp. a flat-backed milipede. Nemobius sylvestris, a male Wood Cricket. Overwinter as nymphs which mature and breed the following summer.
February 10, 2026 at 4:30 PM
timworfolk.bsky.social
Anyone recognise this spider please? Checked my books and can't get anywhere. On a grave stone, Topsham, Devon, 9/2/2026.
@britishspiders.bsky.social
Unknown spider Topsham, Devon, 9/2/2026. Unknown spider Topsham, Devon, 9/2/2026. Unknown spider Topsham, Devon, 9/2/2026. Unknown spider Topsham, Devon, 9/2/2026.
February 9, 2026 at 3:35 PM
timworfolk.bsky.social
A short walk around the cemetery produced a few bugs and beetles. Also a few puzzled looks from dog walkers etc. Sometimes people ask what I'm doing, mostly they keep their distance and don't make eye contact. . .
Names in Alt Texts
Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale) adult on grave stone, Topsham Cemetery 9/2/2026. Juniper Shieldbug (Cyphostethus tristriatus) adult on grave stone, Topsham Cemetery 9/2/2026. Heather Ladybirds (Chilocorus bipustulatus) gathering on grave stone, Topsham Cemetery 9/2/2026. Common Damsel Bug (Nabis rugosus) on grave stone, Topsham Cemetery 9/2/2026.
February 9, 2026 at 12:22 PM
timworfolk.bsky.social
Impressively large gatherings of 16-spot Ladybirds on fence posts in the floods at RSPB Exminster Marshes to day. A few other beetle species wandering among them looking for a dry spot.
#ladybird
#coleoptera
16-spot Ladybirds (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata) gathering on fence post. 6 Feb 2026 RSPB Exminster Marshes, Devon 16-spot Ladybirds (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata) gathering on fence post. 6 Feb 2026 RSPB Exminster Marshes, Devon
February 6, 2026 at 2:59 PM
Reposted by Tim Worfolk
cargobikeben.bsky.social
Labour keeps talking about saving the high street without naming the real problem. Car dependency. You cannot fix town centres while planning everything around driving. The internet is permanent. Retail only survives where footfall is dense, local, frequent, and cheap to access.
Labour risks election wipeout unless it improves Britain’s high streets, study finds
Decay of town centres a top issue among voters especially Reform UK supporters and is fuelling resentment against Westminster
www.theguardian.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:46 AM
Reposted by Tim Worfolk
davebriceflies.bsky.social
Call out to anyone with UK records of Sphaeroceridae not on NBN/iRecord. Looking at getting the best distribution possible for a new key, I realise this will be a 'best possible', but more the merrier. Please share @dipteristsforum.bsky.social @flygirlnhm.bsky.social @respublications.bsky.social
January 24, 2026 at 5:35 PM
timworfolk.bsky.social
A few from Topsham this morning. Strong winds up the river and a few flybys. Marsh Harrier, RB Mergansers, Common Gull.
#UKBirding
#LowCarbonBirding
Marsh Harrier 1st winter/2nd cal yr. Fairly lightly-built so I think a male. 23/1/26 Topsham, Devon. Marsh Harrier 1st winter/2nd cal yr. Fairly lightly-built so I think a male. 23/1/26 Topsham, Devon. Red-breasted Merganser, female and male, flying down the Exe into a strong head wind. 23/1/26 Topsham, Devon. Common Gull, looking elegant as always. 23/1/26 Topsham, Devon.
January 23, 2026 at 1:34 PM
timworfolk.bsky.social
My 2025 challenge was to iRecord from more nearby 1km squares: I covered a good number and found some fascinating places I'd never have visited otherwise. Pleased to see I've still got a lot to explore.
Map of Topsham, Exmouth, Sidmouth area showing 1km squares where I've entered something (mostly insects) on iRecord. This map dated 21 March 2025. Map of Topsham, Exmouth, Sidmouth area showing 1km squares where I've entered something (mostly insects) on iRecord. This map dated 16 Jan 2026.
January 16, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Reposted by Tim Worfolk
dianafmoore.bsky.social
Here in #Exeter we have local elections every year… at least we thought we did.

Local Government reorganisation isn’t an exceptional reason for local #Labour to cancel democracy.

The Labour Government should value local democracy and local services and pay for them.
January 14, 2026 at 8:29 PM
timworfolk.bsky.social
Looking forward to this: not just because I did the cover!
chiffchat.bsky.social Bloomsbury Wildlife @chiffchat.bsky.social · Jan 13
From the Himalayas to Sri Lanka, discover every bird species in the Indian Subcontinent with this comprehensive field guide. Packed with expert descriptions and vibrant artwork! 🦜

Out next month and available to pre-order now!
January 13, 2026 at 7:53 PM
Reposted by Tim Worfolk
vannabartlett.bsky.social
2025 was the year of the pseudoscorpion as far as I'm concerned. I managed to see 14 species in Norfolk, mostly by cycling round to various churchyards but I also got a lift out to a few places by car. Over 100 churchyards visited by bicycle though. Photo montage of species, map of 2025's records.
A montage of the 14 species of pseudoscorpion that I recorded in Norfolk in 2025. All except one I found myself although one other was from a site that it had been previously recorded from so I new where to look. A map of Norfolk with orange circles showing where I recorded a pseudoscorpion during 2025.
January 13, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Reposted by Tim Worfolk
exetergreens.bsky.social
We're at Guildhall in Exeter to pile pressure on councillors to let people in Exeter have their say in May.
Picture of demonstrators outside the Guildhall in Exeter holding placards calling for elections to be safeguarded in May.
January 13, 2026 at 5:57 PM
timworfolk.bsky.social
Really looking forward to this, I believe I may have contributed at least one photo?
naturebureau.bsky.social NatureBureau @naturebureau.bsky.social · Jan 13
Our new 416pp #FliesofBritainandIreland covering over 1300 species & with over 1500 photos is now being printed - due mid Feb 2026. You can still pre-order until 31 Jan bit.ly/4dqQI8Z
@flygirlnhm.bsky.social @gailashton.bsky.social
@dipteristsforum.bsky.social @georgemcgavin.bsky.social
January 13, 2026 at 6:45 PM
timworfolk.bsky.social
The unexpected joys of patch-birding: after nearly 27 years my first Shag in Topsham (yes, I know). Common enough 5 miles down river but only now on my Topsham list!
#LowCarbonBirding
#DevonBirds
European Shag (Gulosus aristotelis) immature, 13/1/2026 Topsham, Devon.
January 13, 2026 at 12:26 PM
timworfolk.bsky.social
A real peach of a 2w male Marsh Harrier over Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham this morning. For once I found myself in the right place at the right time.
#DevonBirds
#UKBirding
Marsh Harrier 2nd winter male, 27 Dec 2025 Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon. Marsh Harrier 2nd winter male, 27 Dec 2025 Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon. Marsh Harrier 2nd winter male, 27 Dec 2025 Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon. Marsh Harrier 2nd winter male, 27 Dec 2025 Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon.
December 27, 2025 at 2:09 PM
timworfolk.bsky.social
That's lovely, especially the Brown Shrike.
cach22.bsky.social Brian Small @cach22.bsky.social · Dec 17
Three Suffolk Shrikes - I have a signed, limited edition giclee print of a painting of the 3 rare shrikes in Suffolk this autumn (Isabelline, Turkestan and Brown). Just 50 available and only £50 window mounted (add £12 for P&P): PM me if interested and please repost, thanks
December 17, 2025 at 1:20 PM
timworfolk.bsky.social
That'll do for a Topsham ✔️
Lesser Crested Tern at about 1.5 km across the Exe from The Goatwalk this am.
#DevonBirds
#UKBirding
#LowCarbonBirding
Lesser Crest Tern at Turf viewed from Topsham Goatwalk Lesser Crest Tern at Turf viewed from Topsham Goatwalk. TBH if there were any Sandwich Terns I'd have to claim this as a probable only - just can't quite make out the yellow bill.
December 12, 2025 at 12:47 PM
timworfolk.bsky.social
Finally went to look at the Lesser Crested Tern across the river. It's been there a week so I thought I'd better go see, hoping the crowds might have thinned a bit. Also an excuse for a cycle ride in fine weather.
#LowCarbonBirding
#DevonBirds
#UKBirding
Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis) Exe Estuary, Devon 10 Dec 2025 Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis) Exe Estuary, Devon 10 Dec 2025 Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis) Exe Estuary, Devon 10 Dec 2025 Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis) Exe Estuary, Devon 10 Dec 2025
December 10, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Reposted by Tim Worfolk
dunnock67.bsky.social
Or for £16.99 you could try this
You might enjoy it more pelagicpublishing.com/products/low...
December 8, 2025 at 8:34 PM
timworfolk.bsky.social
Superb photo!
Just a comment on your caption re ageing it: vermiculations and pale bill base can be shown by winter adults; it's a 1w because of retained juv GC - duller and brownish with ragged pale tips, see the new black inner GC.
Great to be able to see such detail!
birdguides.bsky.social BirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · Nov 19
It's tricky enough to see a Great Grey Shrike these days, let alone take an image as superb as Lee Fuller's, which makes him a worthy winner of a very strong Photo of the Week selection on Monday:
Photo of the Week: 10-16 November 2025
It's tricky enough to see a Great Grey Shrike these days, let alone take an image as superb as Lee Fuller's, which makes him a worthy Photo of the Week winner.
bit.ly
November 19, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Reposted by Tim Worfolk
kitenet.bsky.social
Just visited the Lacewing Recording Scheme website and there are lots of great identification guides available, e.g. www.laars.jamesjepson.com/neuroptera-l... - thanks to @jamesjepson.bsky.social and colleagues for putting this together
Neuroptera (Lacewings) Identification | Lacewing and Allies Recording Scheme
www.laars.jamesjepson.com
November 16, 2025 at 11:26 PM
timworfolk.bsky.social
One of two male (presumed 2cy) Marsh Harriers over the reeds at Topsham today. RN Grebe still on Bowling Green Marsh. Ruff, Kingfisher, Little Grebe all making for a fine morning stroll.
#lowcarbonbirding
#DevonBirds
Marsh Harrier male 16/11/2025 Topsham, Devon Marsh Harrier male 16/11/2025 Topsham, Devon Marsh Harrier male 16/11/2025 Topsham, Devon Marsh Harrier male 16/11/2025 Topsham, Devon
November 16, 2025 at 2:50 PM
timworfolk.bsky.social
Beautiful bird and beautiful field sketches!
stephbirdart.bsky.social Steph' Thorpe @stephbirdart.bsky.social · Sep 24
I didn't post these before but I think I will after all. The Hickling Black-winged Kite.
Set of pencil and watercolour sketches of a Black-winged Kite in a sketchbook. This page shows the bird perched and flying. The bird is a small raptor somewhere between a falcon and a kite in shape with broad but rather pointed silver grey wings with a black patch on the wing coverts (forming the shoulder that was in its old name and now refers to the very similar Australian species). The underbody is white and the upperparts are the same silvery gray as the wings. It has a shortish white tail with a shallow fork when closed. The central tail feathers are grey and contrast with the white outer feathers. The bird looks very white from underneath with black primaries contrasting. It has a typical raptor head shape with a neat hooked bill and a narrow black "bandit mask" through the eye. Set of pencil and watercolour sketches of a Black-winged Kite in a sketchbook. This page shows the bird perched and flying. It is sitting right at the top of the tree scanning the ground for prey. The bird is a small raptor somewhere between a falcon and a kite in shape with broad but rather pointed silver grey wings with a black patch on the wing coverts (forming the shoulder that was in its old name and now refers to the very similar Australian species). The underbody is white and the upperparts are the same silvery gray as the wings. It has a shortish white tail with a shallow fork when closed. The central tail feathers are grey and contrast with the white outer feathers. The bird looks very white from underneath with black primaries contrasting. It has a typical raptor head shape with a neat hooked bill and a narrow black "bandit mask" through the eye. Set of pencil and watercolour sketches of a Black-winged Kite in a sketchbook. This page shows the bird perched in a tree. The bird is a small raptor somewhere between a falcon and a kite in shape with broad but rather pointed silver grey wings with a black patch on the wing coverts (forming the shoulder that was in its old name and now refers to the very similar Australian species). The underbody is white and the upperparts are the same silvery gray as the wings. It has a shortish white tail with a shallow fork when closed. The central tail feathers are grey and contrast with the white outer feathers. The bird looks very white from underneath with black primaries contrasting. It has a typical raptor head shape with a neat hooked bill and a narrow black "bandit mask" through the eye. Set of pencil and watercolour sketches of a Black-winged Kite in a sketchbook. This page shows the bird perched in a tree and they were my first goes as I learned the birds shape. It was difficult through heat haze! The bird is a small raptor somewhere between a falcon and a kite in shape with broad but rather pointed silver grey wings with a black patch on the wing coverts (forming the shoulder that was in its old name and now refers to the very similar Australian species). The underbody is white and the upperparts are the same silvery gray as the wings. It has a shortish white tail with a shallow fork when closed. The central tail feathers are grey and contrast with the white outer feathers. The bird looks very white from underneath with black primaries contrasting. It has a typical raptor head shape with a neat hooked bill and a narrow black "bandit mask" through the eye.
September 25, 2025 at 4:55 PM