Helen Baker
@helenbaker.bsky.social
Ornithology, Mycology, nature.
Seabird team leader JNCC.
Member BMS Field Mycology & Conservation Committee.
Own views.
Seabird team leader JNCC.
Member BMS Field Mycology & Conservation Committee.
Own views.
Reposted by Helen Baker
Job opportunity with the BMS: Events Officer. Part-time, flexible hours, home based. Covering conferences, training workshops, field meetings & outreach events. Working closely with staff & volunteers. Deadline: Friday 12 December 2025
Details: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/vacancies.html
Details: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/vacancies.html
November 27, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Job opportunity with the BMS: Events Officer. Part-time, flexible hours, home based. Covering conferences, training workshops, field meetings & outreach events. Working closely with staff & volunteers. Deadline: Friday 12 December 2025
Details: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/vacancies.html
Details: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/vacancies.html
Reposted by Helen Baker
As I'm planning next years field season, I wonder if anyone on here would like to run a small island project on Skúvoy with me. I will be catching and samling great skuas, but there will be good opportunities to investigate other aspects of seabird island ecology 🌍🧪 #seabirds
November 26, 2025 at 10:55 PM
As I'm planning next years field season, I wonder if anyone on here would like to run a small island project on Skúvoy with me. I will be catching and samling great skuas, but there will be good opportunities to investigate other aspects of seabird island ecology 🌍🧪 #seabirds
Reposted by Helen Baker
🪸UK Overseas Territories launch strategy to benefit wildlife
We have been working with the UK Overseas Territories for a quarter of a century - building understanding, partnership, evidence, capacity and friendship.
#TogetherForNature 💚
We have been working with the UK Overseas Territories for a quarter of a century - building understanding, partnership, evidence, capacity and friendship.
#TogetherForNature 💚
November 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
🪸UK Overseas Territories launch strategy to benefit wildlife
We have been working with the UK Overseas Territories for a quarter of a century - building understanding, partnership, evidence, capacity and friendship.
#TogetherForNature 💚
We have been working with the UK Overseas Territories for a quarter of a century - building understanding, partnership, evidence, capacity and friendship.
#TogetherForNature 💚
Reposted by Helen Baker
Doing research on #Arctic #seabirds? Consider submitting an abstract to the session 'Safeguarding seabird populations in a rapidly changing Arctic' at www.uarcticcongress.fo/programme/ca... in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands 26-29 May 2026
Uarctic Congress 2026
www.uarcticcongress.fo
November 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Doing research on #Arctic #seabirds? Consider submitting an abstract to the session 'Safeguarding seabird populations in a rapidly changing Arctic' at www.uarcticcongress.fo/programme/ca... in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands 26-29 May 2026
Reposted by Helen Baker
Another piece of research from team #Shag on Sklinna. Strongly recommended for all researchers working with #biologging data
#biologging #research is booming - but do #loggers actually impact the birds? Yes, they do - depending on the mass and attachment location. If you work with biologging, you should read our latest publication seapop.no/en/2025/11/l...
@ninanatureresearch.bsky.social #seabirds
@ninanatureresearch.bsky.social #seabirds
Loggers attached to birds can affect foraging behaviour
Loggers have become a central part of research on seabirds and other groups of animals over the past 20 years. In seabird research, loggers provide very useful documentation of diving behaviour…
seapop.no
November 20, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Another piece of research from team #Shag on Sklinna. Strongly recommended for all researchers working with #biologging data
Reposted by Helen Baker
Needing to model impacts on seabird populations in Northwest Europe?
Not sure where to find useful values for demographic variables?
Look no further! In this new paper, we provide model-derived values for age-specific survival of 25 species.
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Not sure where to find useful values for demographic variables?
Look no further! In this new paper, we provide model-derived values for age-specific survival of 25 species.
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Demography of marine birds in the Northeast Atlantic: Informed parameter values for population modelling
We developed matrix population models for 54 regional populations of 25 marine bird species in the north-east Atlantic, based on 30 years of monitoring data. In Step 1, we parameterised the models wi...
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Needing to model impacts on seabird populations in Northwest Europe?
Not sure where to find useful values for demographic variables?
Look no further! In this new paper, we provide model-derived values for age-specific survival of 25 species.
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Not sure where to find useful values for demographic variables?
Look no further! In this new paper, we provide model-derived values for age-specific survival of 25 species.
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Reposted by Helen Baker
Meeting adjourned! 🤝
#AEWAMOP9 concluded in Bonn with the adoption of 11 new resolutions aimed at reducing pressures on migratory waterbirds and strengthening conservation action across the African-Eurasian flyways. 🌏
Learn more about key outcomes & decisions: www.unep-aewa.org/en/news/un-w...
#AEWAMOP9 concluded in Bonn with the adoption of 11 new resolutions aimed at reducing pressures on migratory waterbirds and strengthening conservation action across the African-Eurasian flyways. 🌏
Learn more about key outcomes & decisions: www.unep-aewa.org/en/news/un-w...
November 14, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Meeting adjourned! 🤝
#AEWAMOP9 concluded in Bonn with the adoption of 11 new resolutions aimed at reducing pressures on migratory waterbirds and strengthening conservation action across the African-Eurasian flyways. 🌏
Learn more about key outcomes & decisions: www.unep-aewa.org/en/news/un-w...
#AEWAMOP9 concluded in Bonn with the adoption of 11 new resolutions aimed at reducing pressures on migratory waterbirds and strengthening conservation action across the African-Eurasian flyways. 🌏
Learn more about key outcomes & decisions: www.unep-aewa.org/en/news/un-w...
Reposted by Helen Baker
AEWA's new report is the most comprehensive assessment on threats African-Eurasian migratory waterbirds face: unsustainable hunting, infrastructure development & agricultural expansion. View in EN or FR>
Full report: www.unep-aewa.org/en/publicati...
Summary: www.unep-aewa.org/en/publicati...
Full report: www.unep-aewa.org/en/publicati...
Summary: www.unep-aewa.org/en/publicati...
November 11, 2025 at 1:55 PM
AEWA's new report is the most comprehensive assessment on threats African-Eurasian migratory waterbirds face: unsustainable hunting, infrastructure development & agricultural expansion. View in EN or FR>
Full report: www.unep-aewa.org/en/publicati...
Summary: www.unep-aewa.org/en/publicati...
Full report: www.unep-aewa.org/en/publicati...
Summary: www.unep-aewa.org/en/publicati...
Reposted by Helen Baker
Worrying reports of bird flu (avian influenza) are coming in, including an outbreak in Whooper Swans in the Fens. Other waterbirds are also being affected, and cases are rising.
📷 Sick Whooper Swan by Kane Brides
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
📷 Sick Whooper Swan by Kane Brides
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
November 6, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Worrying reports of bird flu (avian influenza) are coming in, including an outbreak in Whooper Swans in the Fens. Other waterbirds are also being affected, and cases are rising.
📷 Sick Whooper Swan by Kane Brides
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
📷 Sick Whooper Swan by Kane Brides
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
Reposted by Helen Baker
The latest report from the RBBP, Rare Breeding Birds in the UK in 2023, is out now in British Birds. It reports on the 104 species and races of rare breeding birds recording breeding, or showing signs of breeding, in 2023. Read the summary at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... #ornithology #ukbirds 🧵[1/15]
November 4, 2025 at 10:51 AM
The latest report from the RBBP, Rare Breeding Birds in the UK in 2023, is out now in British Birds. It reports on the 104 species and races of rare breeding birds recording breeding, or showing signs of breeding, in 2023. Read the summary at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... #ornithology #ukbirds 🧵[1/15]
Reposted by Helen Baker
Our report for 2023 is out now in @britishbirds.bsky.social. There's a summary at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... but if you prefer to watch rather than read then here's RBBP secretary @markaeaton.bsky.social with a few key points and some lovely photos! #ornithology #ukbirds youtu.be/arj1m7NfKmY
Rare Breeding Birds in the UK in 2023
YouTube video by Rare Breeding Birds Panel
youtu.be
November 4, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Our report for 2023 is out now in @britishbirds.bsky.social. There's a summary at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... but if you prefer to watch rather than read then here's RBBP secretary @markaeaton.bsky.social with a few key points and some lovely photos! #ornithology #ukbirds youtu.be/arj1m7NfKmY
Reposted by Helen Baker
My first book RHS Fungi for Gardeners is out now!
Such an amazing opportunity to write for RHS and with such fantastic publishers as DK.
Better yet is that doing it enabled me to get my own compound microscope 🤩🍄
Check how the hyphae bend out at 90° on Mycena leptocephala stems
#fungifriends
Such an amazing opportunity to write for RHS and with such fantastic publishers as DK.
Better yet is that doing it enabled me to get my own compound microscope 🤩🍄
Check how the hyphae bend out at 90° on Mycena leptocephala stems
#fungifriends
October 13, 2025 at 3:02 PM
My first book RHS Fungi for Gardeners is out now!
Such an amazing opportunity to write for RHS and with such fantastic publishers as DK.
Better yet is that doing it enabled me to get my own compound microscope 🤩🍄
Check how the hyphae bend out at 90° on Mycena leptocephala stems
#fungifriends
Such an amazing opportunity to write for RHS and with such fantastic publishers as DK.
Better yet is that doing it enabled me to get my own compound microscope 🤩🍄
Check how the hyphae bend out at 90° on Mycena leptocephala stems
#fungifriends
Reposted by Helen Baker
🔮 How can monitoring data help predict the future of our environment?
Watch our #UKTEPoP Autumn Festival session with experts from JNCC, @ukceh.bsky.social and @btobirds.bsky.social on the power of prediction.
📺 youtu.be/KXY2-hdZ49M?...
#Conservation #Data #Prediction #TogetherForNature
Watch our #UKTEPoP Autumn Festival session with experts from JNCC, @ukceh.bsky.social and @btobirds.bsky.social on the power of prediction.
📺 youtu.be/KXY2-hdZ49M?...
#Conservation #Data #Prediction #TogetherForNature
TEPoP Autumn 2025: The importance of Prediction
YouTube video by JNCC
youtu.be
October 27, 2025 at 2:42 PM
🔮 How can monitoring data help predict the future of our environment?
Watch our #UKTEPoP Autumn Festival session with experts from JNCC, @ukceh.bsky.social and @btobirds.bsky.social on the power of prediction.
📺 youtu.be/KXY2-hdZ49M?...
#Conservation #Data #Prediction #TogetherForNature
Watch our #UKTEPoP Autumn Festival session with experts from JNCC, @ukceh.bsky.social and @btobirds.bsky.social on the power of prediction.
📺 youtu.be/KXY2-hdZ49M?...
#Conservation #Data #Prediction #TogetherForNature
Reposted by Helen Baker
Out now: Field Mycology Vol 26(3) - October 2025. Fungi on the front cover: Mycena olivaceomarginata - Brownedge Bonnet - in a lawn in Norfolk, UK. (Photo credit: Geoffrey Kibby) 👉 Find all articles online here: fieldmycology.org/index.php/jo... 📣 Register as a Reader to hear about new issues
October 28, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Out now: Field Mycology Vol 26(3) - October 2025. Fungi on the front cover: Mycena olivaceomarginata - Brownedge Bonnet - in a lawn in Norfolk, UK. (Photo credit: Geoffrey Kibby) 👉 Find all articles online here: fieldmycology.org/index.php/jo... 📣 Register as a Reader to hear about new issues
Reposted by Helen Baker
Supercharged seafloor spotting! 🐚
Our AI and science teams have been using machine learning to label surveys of the Antarctic seafloor. It's dramatically sped them up from <8 hours per photo, to a few seconds.
This one looks like a quick job. But stay with us as we up the difficulty...
🧵 1/4
Our AI and science teams have been using machine learning to label surveys of the Antarctic seafloor. It's dramatically sped them up from <8 hours per photo, to a few seconds.
This one looks like a quick job. But stay with us as we up the difficulty...
🧵 1/4
October 20, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Supercharged seafloor spotting! 🐚
Our AI and science teams have been using machine learning to label surveys of the Antarctic seafloor. It's dramatically sped them up from <8 hours per photo, to a few seconds.
This one looks like a quick job. But stay with us as we up the difficulty...
🧵 1/4
Our AI and science teams have been using machine learning to label surveys of the Antarctic seafloor. It's dramatically sped them up from <8 hours per photo, to a few seconds.
This one looks like a quick job. But stay with us as we up the difficulty...
🧵 1/4
Reposted by Helen Baker
A few opportunities to learn about rare breeding birds and the work of the RBBP. If your bird club/wildlife group/RSPB group would like an online talk from our Secretary @markaeaton.bsky.social, get in touch.
October 20, 2025 at 5:57 PM
A few opportunities to learn about rare breeding birds and the work of the RBBP. If your bird club/wildlife group/RSPB group would like an online talk from our Secretary @markaeaton.bsky.social, get in touch.
This is a parasitic fungus, Gomphidius roseus, the Rosy Spike, a gilled boletale, which targets the Bovine Bolete, Suillus bovinus, an ectomycorhizal species with pines. #FungiFriday
October 17, 2025 at 7:22 PM
This is a parasitic fungus, Gomphidius roseus, the Rosy Spike, a gilled boletale, which targets the Bovine Bolete, Suillus bovinus, an ectomycorhizal species with pines. #FungiFriday
A rotter, this is Bulgaria inquinans, the Black Bulgar or Black Jelly, which is common in broadleaf woodland but most often on fallen oak. It can produce a turquoise dye if processed carefully, but more often a lovely green. #FungiFriday
October 17, 2025 at 6:50 PM
A rotter, this is Bulgaria inquinans, the Black Bulgar or Black Jelly, which is common in broadleaf woodland but most often on fallen oak. It can produce a turquoise dye if processed carefully, but more often a lovely green. #FungiFriday
It's waxcap season - fungi of nutrient poor grasslands that tend to peak in late autumn. This is the Date Waxcap, Hygrocybe spadicea, from grassland within the Balmoral estate. It is a rare species and an indicator of high quality fungi (CHEGD) grassland. #FungiFriday
October 17, 2025 at 6:45 PM
It's waxcap season - fungi of nutrient poor grasslands that tend to peak in late autumn. This is the Date Waxcap, Hygrocybe spadicea, from grassland within the Balmoral estate. It is a rare species and an indicator of high quality fungi (CHEGD) grassland. #FungiFriday
It's #FungiFriday and yesterday was world fungus day so here are a few recent finds. These are dinner-plate sized Scaly Tooth, Sarcodon squamosus, from the ancient Caledonian pinewoods of Ballochbuie in the Balmoral estate.
October 17, 2025 at 6:38 PM
It's #FungiFriday and yesterday was world fungus day so here are a few recent finds. These are dinner-plate sized Scaly Tooth, Sarcodon squamosus, from the ancient Caledonian pinewoods of Ballochbuie in the Balmoral estate.
Reposted by Helen Baker
Join us on 29th November at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, for the BMS Autumn Open Meeting. Hosted by Prof Martin Bidartondo and Dr Carrie Andrew, the meeting features expert speakers covering a variety of mycological topics. Find out more here: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/aom_2025.html
October 15, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Join us on 29th November at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, for the BMS Autumn Open Meeting. Hosted by Prof Martin Bidartondo and Dr Carrie Andrew, the meeting features expert speakers covering a variety of mycological topics. Find out more here: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/aom_2025.html
Reposted by Helen Baker
NEW JOB in #ornithology with @RSPBScience to oversee research in #Wales with #seabirds and #waders: buff.ly/qkTVU6m
October 10, 2025 at 6:39 AM
NEW JOB in #ornithology with @RSPBScience to oversee research in #Wales with #seabirds and #waders: buff.ly/qkTVU6m
Reposted by Helen Baker
EARLY VIEW in IBIS
Breeding and foraging habitat are important in determining foraging ranges of sympatric generalist species | onlinelibrary.wiley....
Chris B. Thaxter et al | #ornithology 🪶
Breeding and foraging habitat are important in determining foraging ranges of sympatric generalist species | onlinelibrary.wiley....
Chris B. Thaxter et al | #ornithology 🪶
October 8, 2025 at 5:36 AM
EARLY VIEW in IBIS
Breeding and foraging habitat are important in determining foraging ranges of sympatric generalist species | onlinelibrary.wiley....
Chris B. Thaxter et al | #ornithology 🪶
Breeding and foraging habitat are important in determining foraging ranges of sympatric generalist species | onlinelibrary.wiley....
Chris B. Thaxter et al | #ornithology 🪶
Reposted by Helen Baker
Another massive movement of migratory birds underway tonight — nearly 1 Billion Birds! With the full moon, you might be able to see some silhouettes zipping by. You can make your own flow maps here (just hit record): aeroecolab.com/uslights
October 8, 2025 at 2:21 AM
Another massive movement of migratory birds underway tonight — nearly 1 Billion Birds! With the full moon, you might be able to see some silhouettes zipping by. You can make your own flow maps here (just hit record): aeroecolab.com/uslights
Reposted by Helen Baker
New paper alert: Behavioral response of Atlantic Puffins Fratercula arctica to marine heatwaves in the Gulf of Maine, USA: A webcam study. By Julie Wallace et al.
#seabirds #OpenAccess #HeatWaves
www.marineornithology.org/PDF/53_2/53_...
#seabirds #OpenAccess #HeatWaves
www.marineornithology.org/PDF/53_2/53_...
October 8, 2025 at 7:46 AM
New paper alert: Behavioral response of Atlantic Puffins Fratercula arctica to marine heatwaves in the Gulf of Maine, USA: A webcam study. By Julie Wallace et al.
#seabirds #OpenAccess #HeatWaves
www.marineornithology.org/PDF/53_2/53_...
#seabirds #OpenAccess #HeatWaves
www.marineornithology.org/PDF/53_2/53_...