Josh Sollitt
@joshsollitt.bsky.social
Bradgate Park NNR Warden | Birder & Naturalist - Patch Year List 132/139 | C-Permit Bird Ringer (Views and opinions my own)
Arun Valley, West Sussex - 85 Species
Highlights: WT Eagle (adult pair with kill), Peregrine 2, Hen Harrier 3 (1m, 2rt), Marsh Harrier 6, Firecrest, L Redpoll 40, Crossbill, Bullfinch 6, Goosander, Mandarin 2, Ruff 2, Dunlin, BT Godwit 106, GW Egret & Cattle Egret 50+
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
Highlights: WT Eagle (adult pair with kill), Peregrine 2, Hen Harrier 3 (1m, 2rt), Marsh Harrier 6, Firecrest, L Redpoll 40, Crossbill, Bullfinch 6, Goosander, Mandarin 2, Ruff 2, Dunlin, BT Godwit 106, GW Egret & Cattle Egret 50+
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
November 17, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Arun Valley, West Sussex - 85 Species
Highlights: WT Eagle (adult pair with kill), Peregrine 2, Hen Harrier 3 (1m, 2rt), Marsh Harrier 6, Firecrest, L Redpoll 40, Crossbill, Bullfinch 6, Goosander, Mandarin 2, Ruff 2, Dunlin, BT Godwit 106, GW Egret & Cattle Egret 50+
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
Highlights: WT Eagle (adult pair with kill), Peregrine 2, Hen Harrier 3 (1m, 2rt), Marsh Harrier 6, Firecrest, L Redpoll 40, Crossbill, Bullfinch 6, Goosander, Mandarin 2, Ruff 2, Dunlin, BT Godwit 106, GW Egret & Cattle Egret 50+
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
Didn't think I'd get one of these after not having any in the peak season, but very nice to get finally get a patch Common Scoter. Also, 2 Caspian Gulls (1st-winter & 2nd-winter), Yellow-Legged Gull (1st-winter) 12 Mandarin, 12 Lapwing, a few Siskin and a Great White Egret
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
November 16, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Didn't think I'd get one of these after not having any in the peak season, but very nice to get finally get a patch Common Scoter. Also, 2 Caspian Gulls (1st-winter & 2nd-winter), Yellow-Legged Gull (1st-winter) 12 Mandarin, 12 Lapwing, a few Siskin and a Great White Egret
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
Arun Valley today - 74 Species
Highlights: Dusky Warbler, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret, DB Brent Goose, Woodlark, Crossbill, Marsh Harrier 5+, Merlin, Peregrine 2, Ruff 2, Black-Tailed Godwit 19, Crossbill 2, Swallow 2
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
Highlights: Dusky Warbler, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret, DB Brent Goose, Woodlark, Crossbill, Marsh Harrier 5+, Merlin, Peregrine 2, Ruff 2, Black-Tailed Godwit 19, Crossbill 2, Swallow 2
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
October 24, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Arun Valley today - 74 Species
Highlights: Dusky Warbler, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret, DB Brent Goose, Woodlark, Crossbill, Marsh Harrier 5+, Merlin, Peregrine 2, Ruff 2, Black-Tailed Godwit 19, Crossbill 2, Swallow 2
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
Highlights: Dusky Warbler, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret, DB Brent Goose, Woodlark, Crossbill, Marsh Harrier 5+, Merlin, Peregrine 2, Ruff 2, Black-Tailed Godwit 19, Crossbill 2, Swallow 2
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
American Golden Plover - Eyebrook Reservoir - 18/10/25
On my way to Willow Tree Fen when the message came through of an American Golden Plover at Eyebrook Res, so a quick detour was in order.
A terrific find by @leicesterllama.bsky.social
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
On my way to Willow Tree Fen when the message came through of an American Golden Plover at Eyebrook Res, so a quick detour was in order.
A terrific find by @leicesterllama.bsky.social
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
October 18, 2025 at 8:07 PM
American Golden Plover - Eyebrook Reservoir - 18/10/25
On my way to Willow Tree Fen when the message came through of an American Golden Plover at Eyebrook Res, so a quick detour was in order.
A terrific find by @leicesterllama.bsky.social
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
On my way to Willow Tree Fen when the message came through of an American Golden Plover at Eyebrook Res, so a quick detour was in order.
A terrific find by @leicesterllama.bsky.social
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
Snow Bunting - Beacon Hill Country Park - 17/10/25
As is often the case, a very obliging bird. Showing down to just a couple of feet. Actually, I almost stood on it when I first arrived.
Also, 4 Crossbills over
A great find by Barry Ingram.
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
As is often the case, a very obliging bird. Showing down to just a couple of feet. Actually, I almost stood on it when I first arrived.
Also, 4 Crossbills over
A great find by Barry Ingram.
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
October 18, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Snow Bunting - Beacon Hill Country Park - 17/10/25
As is often the case, a very obliging bird. Showing down to just a couple of feet. Actually, I almost stood on it when I first arrived.
Also, 4 Crossbills over
A great find by Barry Ingram.
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
As is often the case, a very obliging bird. Showing down to just a couple of feet. Actually, I almost stood on it when I first arrived.
Also, 4 Crossbills over
A great find by Barry Ingram.
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
Patch Yearlist up to 110. 107 Personally after missing Arctic Tern. Some unusual spring additions, including Dunlin on the Dam yesterday afternoon, found by @greeny55.bsky.social and a distant female Marsh Harrier south this morning at 6.50am #vc55birds #leicsbirds @lrosbirds.bsky.social
April 24, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Patch Yearlist up to 110. 107 Personally after missing Arctic Tern. Some unusual spring additions, including Dunlin on the Dam yesterday afternoon, found by @greeny55.bsky.social and a distant female Marsh Harrier south this morning at 6.50am #vc55birds #leicsbirds @lrosbirds.bsky.social
Female Wheatear showing splendidly on patch this afternoon. Male around as well. Also 6+ Raven, 2 Willow Warbler, 4 Stonechat, R Kite, 4 Green Woodpecker, 2 Egyptian Geese and a few other nice bits dotted about
#ukbirding #leicsbirds #patchbirding @lrosbirds.bsky.social
#ukbirding #leicsbirds #patchbirding @lrosbirds.bsky.social
April 17, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Female Wheatear showing splendidly on patch this afternoon. Male around as well. Also 6+ Raven, 2 Willow Warbler, 4 Stonechat, R Kite, 4 Green Woodpecker, 2 Egyptian Geese and a few other nice bits dotted about
#ukbirding #leicsbirds #patchbirding @lrosbirds.bsky.social
#ukbirding #leicsbirds #patchbirding @lrosbirds.bsky.social
First Wheatear of the year for me. About 2 weeks later than usual, but always great to see. Also around patch today, 2 2cy Goshawks, Peregrine, Kestrel, Buzzard, 3 R Kite and 4+ Sparrowhawks from the raptor viewpoint. Yellow Wagtail south there also.
#vc55birds #LeicsBirds
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
#vc55birds #LeicsBirds
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
April 14, 2025 at 1:35 PM
First Wheatear of the year for me. About 2 weeks later than usual, but always great to see. Also around patch today, 2 2cy Goshawks, Peregrine, Kestrel, Buzzard, 3 R Kite and 4+ Sparrowhawks from the raptor viewpoint. Yellow Wagtail south there also.
#vc55birds #LeicsBirds
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
#vc55birds #LeicsBirds
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
On patch today: Possible Baltic Gull briefly, a Curlew/Whimbrel seen without bins and 2 Common Sandpipers new for year. Site yearlist up to 103, 100 personally. Considering the slow start to migration, not a bad total for this time in the year
#vc55birds #LeicsBirds
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
#vc55birds #LeicsBirds
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
April 13, 2025 at 5:33 PM
On patch today: Possible Baltic Gull briefly, a Curlew/Whimbrel seen without bins and 2 Common Sandpipers new for year. Site yearlist up to 103, 100 personally. Considering the slow start to migration, not a bad total for this time in the year
#vc55birds #LeicsBirds
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
#vc55birds #LeicsBirds
@lrosbirds.bsky.social
Managed to get in on the Little Gull action today with 2 adults briefly at Cropston Reservoir. They only stayed about 5 minutes and never really came down but did come close at times. Always a treat to see!
April 4, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Managed to get in on the Little Gull action today with 2 adults briefly at Cropston Reservoir. They only stayed about 5 minutes and never really came down but did come close at times. Always a treat to see!
Always a privilege to see an Adder. An even bigger privilege to watch this female going about her business for over 20 minutes, occasionally stopping to bask, and completely undisturbed by my presence. Such enigmatic, captivating animals!
(Undisclosed location)
(Undisclosed location)
March 18, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Always a privilege to see an Adder. An even bigger privilege to watch this female going about her business for over 20 minutes, occasionally stopping to bask, and completely undisturbed by my presence. Such enigmatic, captivating animals!
(Undisclosed location)
(Undisclosed location)
Dark-Breasted Barn Owl - Tyto Alba "Guttata" this morning showed very well with prolonged views. A properly striking bird! The grey markings on the upperparts appearing a silver spangled deep purple in close views. Well done to all those involved in confirming the ID!
@lincsbirding.bsky.social
@lincsbirding.bsky.social
March 16, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Dark-Breasted Barn Owl - Tyto Alba "Guttata" this morning showed very well with prolonged views. A properly striking bird! The grey markings on the upperparts appearing a silver spangled deep purple in close views. Well done to all those involved in confirming the ID!
@lincsbirding.bsky.social
@lincsbirding.bsky.social
Willow Tree Fen
Cranes 16+, Hen Harrier (m), Marsh Harrier 19 (incl leucistic), White-Fronted Goose, Peregrine (2cy f), Pintail 2, Shoveler 103, Water Rail 2, Cetti's 2, L Grebe, J Snipe 2, C Snipe 30+, Redshank 1, Dunlin 2, G Egret 4+
@lincsbirding.bsky.social
@matthewfitzgerald.bsky.social
Cranes 16+, Hen Harrier (m), Marsh Harrier 19 (incl leucistic), White-Fronted Goose, Peregrine (2cy f), Pintail 2, Shoveler 103, Water Rail 2, Cetti's 2, L Grebe, J Snipe 2, C Snipe 30+, Redshank 1, Dunlin 2, G Egret 4+
@lincsbirding.bsky.social
@matthewfitzgerald.bsky.social
March 16, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Willow Tree Fen
Cranes 16+, Hen Harrier (m), Marsh Harrier 19 (incl leucistic), White-Fronted Goose, Peregrine (2cy f), Pintail 2, Shoveler 103, Water Rail 2, Cetti's 2, L Grebe, J Snipe 2, C Snipe 30+, Redshank 1, Dunlin 2, G Egret 4+
@lincsbirding.bsky.social
@matthewfitzgerald.bsky.social
Cranes 16+, Hen Harrier (m), Marsh Harrier 19 (incl leucistic), White-Fronted Goose, Peregrine (2cy f), Pintail 2, Shoveler 103, Water Rail 2, Cetti's 2, L Grebe, J Snipe 2, C Snipe 30+, Redshank 1, Dunlin 2, G Egret 4+
@lincsbirding.bsky.social
@matthewfitzgerald.bsky.social
Norfolk 8/3/25 w/ @matthewfitzgerald.bsky.social
Highlights - 94 species
Med Gull, Avocet, C Scoter, RB Merganser, Fulmar, Cattle Egret, GW Egret, Spoonbill, RT Diver, Goldeneye, Shore Lark, Russian WF Goose, Lesser WF Goose, Glossy Ibis, Barn Owl, Merlin, Peregrine, Marsh, Hen & Pallid Harrier!
Highlights - 94 species
Med Gull, Avocet, C Scoter, RB Merganser, Fulmar, Cattle Egret, GW Egret, Spoonbill, RT Diver, Goldeneye, Shore Lark, Russian WF Goose, Lesser WF Goose, Glossy Ibis, Barn Owl, Merlin, Peregrine, Marsh, Hen & Pallid Harrier!
March 9, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Norfolk 8/3/25 w/ @matthewfitzgerald.bsky.social
Highlights - 94 species
Med Gull, Avocet, C Scoter, RB Merganser, Fulmar, Cattle Egret, GW Egret, Spoonbill, RT Diver, Goldeneye, Shore Lark, Russian WF Goose, Lesser WF Goose, Glossy Ibis, Barn Owl, Merlin, Peregrine, Marsh, Hen & Pallid Harrier!
Highlights - 94 species
Med Gull, Avocet, C Scoter, RB Merganser, Fulmar, Cattle Egret, GW Egret, Spoonbill, RT Diver, Goldeneye, Shore Lark, Russian WF Goose, Lesser WF Goose, Glossy Ibis, Barn Owl, Merlin, Peregrine, Marsh, Hen & Pallid Harrier!
Effingham Forest - Dick Fock's Common Viewpoint 09:00 - 13:20
5 Goshawks!! Adult pair in full display and 3 juvs (2f + 1m) sparring and displaying together!
Also;
37+ Hawfinches by the time I left
Buzzard 6+
Raven 2+
R Kite 1
Siskin 5
Red Admiral 1
5 Goshawks!! Adult pair in full display and 3 juvs (2f + 1m) sparring and displaying together!
Also;
37+ Hawfinches by the time I left
Buzzard 6+
Raven 2+
R Kite 1
Siskin 5
Red Admiral 1
February 5, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Effingham Forest - Dick Fock's Common Viewpoint 09:00 - 13:20
5 Goshawks!! Adult pair in full display and 3 juvs (2f + 1m) sparring and displaying together!
Also;
37+ Hawfinches by the time I left
Buzzard 6+
Raven 2+
R Kite 1
Siskin 5
Red Admiral 1
5 Goshawks!! Adult pair in full display and 3 juvs (2f + 1m) sparring and displaying together!
Also;
37+ Hawfinches by the time I left
Buzzard 6+
Raven 2+
R Kite 1
Siskin 5
Red Admiral 1
Willow Tree Fen roost 15/12/24
Marsh Harrier 37+ (6 males & leucistic harrier)
Cranes 15
Whooper Swan 161+ (All after dark)
Goosander 46
Cattle Egret 12
Great Egret 5
Common Snipe 11+
Jack Snipe 1 (In flight)
Peregrine 1
Sparrowhawk 1
Barn Owl 1
Stonechat 1
Cetti's Warbler 1
Marsh Harrier 37+ (6 males & leucistic harrier)
Cranes 15
Whooper Swan 161+ (All after dark)
Goosander 46
Cattle Egret 12
Great Egret 5
Common Snipe 11+
Jack Snipe 1 (In flight)
Peregrine 1
Sparrowhawk 1
Barn Owl 1
Stonechat 1
Cetti's Warbler 1
December 15, 2024 at 8:45 PM
Willow Tree Fen roost 15/12/24
Marsh Harrier 37+ (6 males & leucistic harrier)
Cranes 15
Whooper Swan 161+ (All after dark)
Goosander 46
Cattle Egret 12
Great Egret 5
Common Snipe 11+
Jack Snipe 1 (In flight)
Peregrine 1
Sparrowhawk 1
Barn Owl 1
Stonechat 1
Cetti's Warbler 1
Marsh Harrier 37+ (6 males & leucistic harrier)
Cranes 15
Whooper Swan 161+ (All after dark)
Goosander 46
Cattle Egret 12
Great Egret 5
Common Snipe 11+
Jack Snipe 1 (In flight)
Peregrine 1
Sparrowhawk 1
Barn Owl 1
Stonechat 1
Cetti's Warbler 1
Cropston Reservoir:
My 8th Caspian Gull since the start of November on 10/12/24 and this time an adult or maybe a 5cy due to the very dark red/blackish bill spot. A dainty bird dwarfed by the nearby Great Black-Backs and most of the nearby Herring Gulls so probably a female. #vc55birds #ukbirding
My 8th Caspian Gull since the start of November on 10/12/24 and this time an adult or maybe a 5cy due to the very dark red/blackish bill spot. A dainty bird dwarfed by the nearby Great Black-Backs and most of the nearby Herring Gulls so probably a female. #vc55birds #ukbirding
December 12, 2024 at 5:11 PM
Cropston Reservoir:
My 8th Caspian Gull since the start of November on 10/12/24 and this time an adult or maybe a 5cy due to the very dark red/blackish bill spot. A dainty bird dwarfed by the nearby Great Black-Backs and most of the nearby Herring Gulls so probably a female. #vc55birds #ukbirding
My 8th Caspian Gull since the start of November on 10/12/24 and this time an adult or maybe a 5cy due to the very dark red/blackish bill spot. A dainty bird dwarfed by the nearby Great Black-Backs and most of the nearby Herring Gulls so probably a female. #vc55birds #ukbirding
Cropston Reservoir: This somewhat tatty Caspian Gull I had yesterday with an apparent eye injury was my 7th Casp on patch since the 8th November. Since the first one of the Autumn was noted in September there has probably been several dozen through site. Cracking birds! #vc55birds #ukbirding
December 6, 2024 at 10:16 PM
Cropston Reservoir: This somewhat tatty Caspian Gull I had yesterday with an apparent eye injury was my 7th Casp on patch since the 8th November. Since the first one of the Autumn was noted in September there has probably been several dozen through site. Cracking birds! #vc55birds #ukbirding
Very nice Dave! That's a cracking looking Casp. It's great to be seeing so many locally. This tatty bird yesterday was my 7th since the start of November. Are you getting any Yellow-Legged Gulls at Watermead? I've not seen any at Cropston for over a month now when it's normally good for them.
December 6, 2024 at 10:02 PM
Very nice Dave! That's a cracking looking Casp. It's great to be seeing so many locally. This tatty bird yesterday was my 7th since the start of November. Are you getting any Yellow-Legged Gulls at Watermead? I've not seen any at Cropston for over a month now when it's normally good for them.
This one I had on my patch was Dutch. Same rings just opposite legs so definitely Dutch. Were you able to get the code?
December 6, 2024 at 6:51 PM
This one I had on my patch was Dutch. Same rings just opposite legs so definitely Dutch. Were you able to get the code?
Druridge Bay - Surf Scoters
It was great to connect with 2 Surf Scoters (drk & fem) out on the sea today. Also 10+ Velvet Scoter, 700+ C Scoter, LT Duck Duck, RB Merganser, 15+ RT Diver & Rock Pipit
Also today rt Hen Harrier at Widdrington Moor Lake & Little Stint at Cresswell Pond NWT
It was great to connect with 2 Surf Scoters (drk & fem) out on the sea today. Also 10+ Velvet Scoter, 700+ C Scoter, LT Duck Duck, RB Merganser, 15+ RT Diver & Rock Pipit
Also today rt Hen Harrier at Widdrington Moor Lake & Little Stint at Cresswell Pond NWT
November 25, 2024 at 11:03 PM
Druridge Bay - Surf Scoters
It was great to connect with 2 Surf Scoters (drk & fem) out on the sea today. Also 10+ Velvet Scoter, 700+ C Scoter, LT Duck Duck, RB Merganser, 15+ RT Diver & Rock Pipit
Also today rt Hen Harrier at Widdrington Moor Lake & Little Stint at Cresswell Pond NWT
It was great to connect with 2 Surf Scoters (drk & fem) out on the sea today. Also 10+ Velvet Scoter, 700+ C Scoter, LT Duck Duck, RB Merganser, 15+ RT Diver & Rock Pipit
Also today rt Hen Harrier at Widdrington Moor Lake & Little Stint at Cresswell Pond NWT
Thornton Reservoir - Long-Tailed Duck - 13/11/24
A rare visit away from patch for the brilliant Long-Tailed Duck found by Andy Smith
The third individual at Thornton Reservoir. This one the first male and a proper corker too
A rare visit away from patch for the brilliant Long-Tailed Duck found by Andy Smith
The third individual at Thornton Reservoir. This one the first male and a proper corker too
November 23, 2024 at 6:24 PM
Thornton Reservoir - Long-Tailed Duck - 13/11/24
A rare visit away from patch for the brilliant Long-Tailed Duck found by Andy Smith
The third individual at Thornton Reservoir. This one the first male and a proper corker too
A rare visit away from patch for the brilliant Long-Tailed Duck found by Andy Smith
The third individual at Thornton Reservoir. This one the first male and a proper corker too
Cropston Reservoir - Caspian Gulls
A good run of Caspian Gulls over recent weeks with at least 5 1st winters (including a colour ringed bird) and 1 sub-adult
The bird below was first seen on the 8th November and again on the 15th. A really nice smoky headed, large individual
A good run of Caspian Gulls over recent weeks with at least 5 1st winters (including a colour ringed bird) and 1 sub-adult
The bird below was first seen on the 8th November and again on the 15th. A really nice smoky headed, large individual
November 23, 2024 at 3:48 PM
Cropston Reservoir - Caspian Gulls
A good run of Caspian Gulls over recent weeks with at least 5 1st winters (including a colour ringed bird) and 1 sub-adult
The bird below was first seen on the 8th November and again on the 15th. A really nice smoky headed, large individual
A good run of Caspian Gulls over recent weeks with at least 5 1st winters (including a colour ringed bird) and 1 sub-adult
The bird below was first seen on the 8th November and again on the 15th. A really nice smoky headed, large individual