Ben
@benjyhere.bsky.social
First and foremost, biodiversity: Frogs; Snakes; Bees but the wild kinds; Birds but not a birder. Occasional politics, of the woke, pro-Rejoin kind. Si j'avais le choix, je serais à Toulouse. SW London. Crepuscular.
Out looking for firecrests on Wimbledon Common again, heard not seen. Lovely views of goldcrests and long tailed tits though. Merlin also picked up a ring ouzel which would have been nice to confirm...Firecrest quest continues. @lesevanshill.bsky.social
November 9, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Out looking for firecrests on Wimbledon Common again, heard not seen. Lovely views of goldcrests and long tailed tits though. Merlin also picked up a ring ouzel which would have been nice to confirm...Firecrest quest continues. @lesevanshill.bsky.social
Oh fabulous. I found these eggs in my allotment pond last year which could have been GCN but I've only ever seen smooth newts. But I'm rarely there after dark...
November 2, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Oh fabulous. I found these eggs in my allotment pond last year which could have been GCN but I've only ever seen smooth newts. But I'm rarely there after dark...
There's always room for one more bee-friendly plant - here, Rosa. xanthina var. spontanea ‘Canary Bird’ bare root courtesy of David Austin... but it's all the fault of @jeremybartlett.bsky.social and @vannabartlett.bsky.social for planting the seed so to speak. 📸 in flower: David Austin website
November 1, 2025 at 2:07 PM
There's always room for one more bee-friendly plant - here, Rosa. xanthina var. spontanea ‘Canary Bird’ bare root courtesy of David Austin... but it's all the fault of @jeremybartlett.bsky.social and @vannabartlett.bsky.social for planting the seed so to speak. 📸 in flower: David Austin website
It's this time of year that they slowly shift position, ever alert to the possibilities of out- manoeuvring you...
October 25, 2025 at 8:17 AM
It's this time of year that they slowly shift position, ever alert to the possibilities of out- manoeuvring you...
Yes, we had one in the garden here in SW London a week, 10 days ago. It's still so warm. More excitingly the moths started laying this year on the bedstraw I planted for them.
October 23, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Yes, we had one in the garden here in SW London a week, 10 days ago. It's still so warm. More excitingly the moths started laying this year on the bedstraw I planted for them.
Survivor. This frog with a deformed leg has lived in my garden for at least 2 years and is still going strong - here discovered behind a flower pot this week. @froglife.bsky.social @stevoallain.bsky.social
October 16, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Survivor. This frog with a deformed leg has lived in my garden for at least 2 years and is still going strong - here discovered behind a flower pot this week. @froglife.bsky.social @stevoallain.bsky.social
You too! This is a narrow- leaved ash from my local park, one of several that put on a fabulous show at this time of year.
October 13, 2025 at 6:37 AM
You too! This is a narrow- leaved ash from my local park, one of several that put on a fabulous show at this time of year.
Just when you think the season's over.... #HummingbirdHawkMoth #TeamMoth
October 11, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Just when you think the season's over.... #HummingbirdHawkMoth #TeamMoth
Pair of buzzards over my house in SW London. @rspb.bsky.social
October 11, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Pair of buzzards over my house in SW London. @rspb.bsky.social
Who doesn't love a robin having a bath? Although between the bath and where I'm sitting is a pond but the bird has chosen the plastic tray...🫤 @rspb.bsky.social
October 11, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Who doesn't love a robin having a bath? Although between the bath and where I'm sitting is a pond but the bird has chosen the plastic tray...🫤 @rspb.bsky.social
We had this recipe from Ottolenghi's Comfort book. My wife and I enjoyed it so recommended, although one child said, ok, but shame about the mushrooms and the other one said, you *know* i don't like oily, garlicky type pasta...
October 10, 2025 at 9:59 AM
We had this recipe from Ottolenghi's Comfort book. My wife and I enjoyed it so recommended, although one child said, ok, but shame about the mushrooms and the other one said, you *know* i don't like oily, garlicky type pasta...
First time visit to the garden pond from a Grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea). @rspb.bsky.social
October 10, 2025 at 8:26 AM
First time visit to the garden pond from a Grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea). @rspb.bsky.social
My #allotment edible hedge (for wildlife not me) has pushed the boat out this year with two sparkling spindle berries. Always unexpectedly bright.
October 9, 2025 at 6:18 PM
My #allotment edible hedge (for wildlife not me) has pushed the boat out this year with two sparkling spindle berries. Always unexpectedly bright.
Regular trip to N/E Dulwich to see friends. Layover at Streatham Common longer than direct trip wld be on tracks *that already exist* from CJ/Balham through Tulse Hill along S Circ... #TrainsNotCars - but pls make choice easier. #NotJustMe @willnorman.co.uk @london.gov.uk @politicanimal.bsky.social
October 9, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Regular trip to N/E Dulwich to see friends. Layover at Streatham Common longer than direct trip wld be on tracks *that already exist* from CJ/Balham through Tulse Hill along S Circ... #TrainsNotCars - but pls make choice easier. #NotJustMe @willnorman.co.uk @london.gov.uk @politicanimal.bsky.social
A joyous extender of the insect watching season.
October 9, 2025 at 2:56 PM
A joyous extender of the insect watching season.
A minute or so in the life of a kestrel on Wimbledon Common, SW London. @rspb.bsky.social
October 8, 2025 at 6:54 AM
A minute or so in the life of a kestrel on Wimbledon Common, SW London. @rspb.bsky.social
Morning #frog. @froglife.bsky.social
October 8, 2025 at 6:51 AM
Morning #frog. @froglife.bsky.social
This one says, death will be unremarkable.
October 7, 2025 at 5:33 PM
This one says, death will be unremarkable.
October 6, 2025 at 2:39 PM
October 4, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Distracted by the gusty wind, the buzzard didn't notice us until it had landed about 10m away. @rspb.bsky.social
October 4, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Distracted by the gusty wind, the buzzard didn't notice us until it had landed about 10m away. @rspb.bsky.social
You can keep your rarities. #Robin @rspb.bsky.social
October 2, 2025 at 3:56 PM
You can keep your rarities. #Robin @rspb.bsky.social
London x Wildlife. Innit.
#MitchamCommon
#MitchamCommon
October 2, 2025 at 1:46 PM
London x Wildlife. Innit.
#MitchamCommon
#MitchamCommon
Paid a first visit in a while to SW London's Beddington Farmlands. This 120+ hectare, nationally-important site for wildlife should be fully open to the public by now, if it weren't for foot-dragging by Valencia Waste Management. Maybe time for some national exposure? @patrickbarkham.bsky.social
October 2, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Paid a first visit in a while to SW London's Beddington Farmlands. This 120+ hectare, nationally-important site for wildlife should be fully open to the public by now, if it weren't for foot-dragging by Valencia Waste Management. Maybe time for some national exposure? @patrickbarkham.bsky.social