Justin Taylor
@jtbirder323.bsky.social
Dad, Husband, Business Owner. Twitcher
when I can, local patch and Oxfordshire listing. BOU 5️⃣5️⃣0️⃣, BOU/IRBC 5️⃣6️⃣2️⃣, Oxon 2️⃣7️⃣6️⃣
when I can, local patch and Oxfordshire listing. BOU 5️⃣5️⃣0️⃣, BOU/IRBC 5️⃣6️⃣2️⃣, Oxon 2️⃣7️⃣6️⃣
Reposted by Justin Taylor
Beautiful female King Eider in Scalloway giving outrageous views this morning. 😍 #YellBirding #Shetland #RareBirdsUK
November 29, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Beautiful female King Eider in Scalloway giving outrageous views this morning. 😍 #YellBirding #Shetland #RareBirdsUK
Reposted by Justin Taylor
Eyebrook Reservoir's run of good birds continues with this smart male American Wigeon I found at the island this afternoon. The 5th site record, and the first since 2002. Loads of wildfowl there at the moment including c1300 Tufted Ducks & 400 Pochard. #VC55Birds #UKBirding
November 23, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Eyebrook Reservoir's run of good birds continues with this smart male American Wigeon I found at the island this afternoon. The 5th site record, and the first since 2002. Loads of wildfowl there at the moment including c1300 Tufted Ducks & 400 Pochard. #VC55Birds #UKBirding
Reposted by Justin Taylor
We've had 2 species of Grackles alighting near ports in the last 2 years. Discussions need to happen re: Brown Thrasher, Spotted Towhee, Northern Mockingbird, various Sparrows (Lark, Song & White-throated for starters), House Finch & Evening Grosbeak maybe & that's just for starters.
#ukbirding
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#ukbirding
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November 22, 2025 at 4:40 PM
We've had 2 species of Grackles alighting near ports in the last 2 years. Discussions need to happen re: Brown Thrasher, Spotted Towhee, Northern Mockingbird, various Sparrows (Lark, Song & White-throated for starters), House Finch & Evening Grosbeak maybe & that's just for starters.
#ukbirding
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#ukbirding
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Reposted by Justin Taylor
Really enjoyed a couple of days down south w/the Edgellers, where L & I took in the fun'n'funky Boat-tailed Grackle. It's arrival prompted renewed debate regarding the British List & categorisation of what are undoubteldy wild birds (but w/low to minimal *actual* vagrancy potential).
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#ukbirding
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#ukbirding
November 22, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Really enjoyed a couple of days down south w/the Edgellers, where L & I took in the fun'n'funky Boat-tailed Grackle. It's arrival prompted renewed debate regarding the British List & categorisation of what are undoubteldy wild birds (but w/low to minimal *actual* vagrancy potential).
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#ukbirding
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#ukbirding
Reposted by Justin Taylor
The Day of the Grackle.
Time for some midweek entertainment on the south coast where the Boat-tailed Grackle was doing its thing in Holbury. Part corvid, part wagtail, part peacock too with his swagger & strut. A bird made for Category S 😎
@linnetincley.bsky.social
@edge25.bsky.social
#ukbirding
Time for some midweek entertainment on the south coast where the Boat-tailed Grackle was doing its thing in Holbury. Part corvid, part wagtail, part peacock too with his swagger & strut. A bird made for Category S 😎
@linnetincley.bsky.social
@edge25.bsky.social
#ukbirding
November 22, 2025 at 3:07 PM
The Day of the Grackle.
Time for some midweek entertainment on the south coast where the Boat-tailed Grackle was doing its thing in Holbury. Part corvid, part wagtail, part peacock too with his swagger & strut. A bird made for Category S 😎
@linnetincley.bsky.social
@edge25.bsky.social
#ukbirding
Time for some midweek entertainment on the south coast where the Boat-tailed Grackle was doing its thing in Holbury. Part corvid, part wagtail, part peacock too with his swagger & strut. A bird made for Category S 😎
@linnetincley.bsky.social
@edge25.bsky.social
#ukbirding
Reposted by Justin Taylor
Nothing raises hackles like a shackle-free Grackle, to make maniacal listers cackle as committees tackle exactly what to do...
Rhyming mullarkey on a very wet afternoon in Norfolk.
Boat-tailed Grackle
Holbury, Hampshire
November 19 2025
@linnetincley.bsky.social
#ukbirding
@edge25.bsky.social
Rhyming mullarkey on a very wet afternoon in Norfolk.
Boat-tailed Grackle
Holbury, Hampshire
November 19 2025
@linnetincley.bsky.social
#ukbirding
@edge25.bsky.social
November 22, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Nothing raises hackles like a shackle-free Grackle, to make maniacal listers cackle as committees tackle exactly what to do...
Rhyming mullarkey on a very wet afternoon in Norfolk.
Boat-tailed Grackle
Holbury, Hampshire
November 19 2025
@linnetincley.bsky.social
#ukbirding
@edge25.bsky.social
Rhyming mullarkey on a very wet afternoon in Norfolk.
Boat-tailed Grackle
Holbury, Hampshire
November 19 2025
@linnetincley.bsky.social
#ukbirding
@edge25.bsky.social
Reposted by Justin Taylor
Boaty McBoatface...
*I liked Grackatak as well, 'specially for the 80s pop-jazz-funk fans out there...
Boat-tailed Grackle
Holbury, Hampshire
November 19 2025
@linnetincley.bsky.social
#ukbirding
*I liked Grackatak as well, 'specially for the 80s pop-jazz-funk fans out there...
Boat-tailed Grackle
Holbury, Hampshire
November 19 2025
@linnetincley.bsky.social
#ukbirding
November 22, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Boaty McBoatface...
*I liked Grackatak as well, 'specially for the 80s pop-jazz-funk fans out there...
Boat-tailed Grackle
Holbury, Hampshire
November 19 2025
@linnetincley.bsky.social
#ukbirding
*I liked Grackatak as well, 'specially for the 80s pop-jazz-funk fans out there...
Boat-tailed Grackle
Holbury, Hampshire
November 19 2025
@linnetincley.bsky.social
#ukbirding
Reposted by Justin Taylor
So many stunning skyscapes at Cley today as showers rolled in & around us as the north wind blew. Offshore, well, it wasn't stellar this morning ~ a nice movement of Eider, 15 Little Gulls, a Bonxie, a couple of RB Mergansers, a few C Scoters.
@linnetincley.bsky.social
#NorfolkBirding
#cleybirds
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@linnetincley.bsky.social
#NorfolkBirding
#cleybirds
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November 17, 2025 at 8:26 PM
So many stunning skyscapes at Cley today as showers rolled in & around us as the north wind blew. Offshore, well, it wasn't stellar this morning ~ a nice movement of Eider, 15 Little Gulls, a Bonxie, a couple of RB Mergansers, a few C Scoters.
@linnetincley.bsky.social
#NorfolkBirding
#cleybirds
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@linnetincley.bsky.social
#NorfolkBirding
#cleybirds
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Reposted by Justin Taylor
This Swallow at Balranald, N Uist this afternoon appears to be the American subspecies: erythrogaster due to the lack of a dark band across the lower throat.
November 17, 2025 at 7:10 PM
This Swallow at Balranald, N Uist this afternoon appears to be the American subspecies: erythrogaster due to the lack of a dark band across the lower throat.
Reposted by Justin Taylor
Pine Bunting seen briefly with mobile Yellowhammer flock at St Aldhelm's Head Quarry at 1030hrs & not relocated as of 1250hrs. Ltd parking available in Renscombe car park, otherwise park in Worth Mattravers village car park and walk down, staying out of private fields @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Pine Bunting seen briefly with mobile Yellowhammer flock at St Aldhelm's Head Quarry at 1030hrs & not relocated as of 1250hrs. Ltd parking available in Renscombe car park, otherwise park in Worth Mattravers village car park and walk down, staying out of private fields @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Reposted by Justin Taylor
Eye-to-eye contact with an exotic subject wins Jeremy McClements today's Photo of the Week.
November 10, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Eye-to-eye contact with an exotic subject wins Jeremy McClements today's Photo of the Week.
Reposted by Justin Taylor
The lovely first-winter Isabelline Shrike at North Warren, Suffolk, this afternoon. A lovely sandy-coloured shrike which performed well in the brambles at the edge of the marsh.
November 9, 2025 at 4:56 PM
The lovely first-winter Isabelline Shrike at North Warren, Suffolk, this afternoon. A lovely sandy-coloured shrike which performed well in the brambles at the edge of the marsh.
Reposted by Justin Taylor
An eventful afternoon when a Penduline Tit was reported as being seen in the reedbed at Aust Warth. After a bit of detective work I realized the bird was actually seen on the pool next to Cake Pill at nearby Northwick Warth. Crappy pic but a full blown patch tick/1st record.
November 9, 2025 at 5:16 PM
An eventful afternoon when a Penduline Tit was reported as being seen in the reedbed at Aust Warth. After a bit of detective work I realized the bird was actually seen on the pool next to Cake Pill at nearby Northwick Warth. Crappy pic but a full blown patch tick/1st record.
Reposted by Justin Taylor
A male Boat-tailed Grackle appeared in Hampshire a week ago, marking the first record of the species in Britain:
Britain's first Boat-tailed Grackle draws crowds to Hampshire
A male Boat-tailed Grackle has been identified at Calshot Spit, Hampshire, marking the first record for Britain. Initially thought to be a Great-tailed Grackle, the bird's finer features confirmed its true identity. Its proximity to the Port of Southampton suggests a ship-assisted arrival, making this confiding visitor a fascinating but likely non-natural addition to the British list.
bit.ly
November 9, 2025 at 3:56 PM
A male Boat-tailed Grackle appeared in Hampshire a week ago, marking the first record of the species in Britain:
Reposted by Justin Taylor
On Shetland for the weekend to do some jobs in & around the house but kept getting distracted by birds in the garden! Started with a Coues's Arctic Redpoll then Rory Tallack had brief views of a pipit which eventually gave itself up as a Pechora. Lastly, a Bullfinch was a most welcome addition.
November 8, 2025 at 6:51 PM
On Shetland for the weekend to do some jobs in & around the house but kept getting distracted by birds in the garden! Started with a Coues's Arctic Redpoll then Rory Tallack had brief views of a pipit which eventually gave itself up as a Pechora. Lastly, a Bullfinch was a most welcome addition.
Reposted by Justin Taylor
As the year moves on, the birds get smaller.
Pallas's leaf warbler at Quoys today, looking for leaves on a day of haar and drizzle. Found by @papaybirder.bsky.social who has finally seen one in Papay!
#orkneybirding #papay
Pallas's leaf warbler at Quoys today, looking for leaves on a day of haar and drizzle. Found by @papaybirder.bsky.social who has finally seen one in Papay!
#orkneybirding #papay
November 6, 2025 at 3:39 PM
As the year moves on, the birds get smaller.
Pallas's leaf warbler at Quoys today, looking for leaves on a day of haar and drizzle. Found by @papaybirder.bsky.social who has finally seen one in Papay!
#orkneybirding #papay
Pallas's leaf warbler at Quoys today, looking for leaves on a day of haar and drizzle. Found by @papaybirder.bsky.social who has finally seen one in Papay!
#orkneybirding #papay
Reposted by Justin Taylor
Sorry for the late news, ridiculously busy first couple of hours so not had time to post a photo of the Black-faced Bunting trapped in the Crown Estate Field on the first net round of the day - ta to Duncan Walbridge for this pic
November 6, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Sorry for the late news, ridiculously busy first couple of hours so not had time to post a photo of the Black-faced Bunting trapped in the Crown Estate Field on the first net round of the day - ta to Duncan Walbridge for this pic
Reposted by Justin Taylor
View from my office window in the new @biology.ox.ac.uk building. I didn’t *ask* to be put somewhere with a Rook colony right outside the window but it worked out pretty well 🤓
November 5, 2025 at 12:54 PM
View from my office window in the new @biology.ox.ac.uk building. I didn’t *ask* to be put somewhere with a Rook colony right outside the window but it worked out pretty well 🤓
Reposted by Justin Taylor
The Calshot Hampshire Boat tailed grackle with the unfortunate bumblebee it was about to eat!
November 4, 2025 at 6:55 PM
The Calshot Hampshire Boat tailed grackle with the unfortunate bumblebee it was about to eat!
Reposted by Justin Taylor
Review of the Week: 27 October-2 November 2025
There were plenty of treats, including Siberian Rubythroat, Isabelline Shrike and two Oriental Turtle Doves, and a trick, in the form of a Boat-tailed Grackle. Miles 'Nando's' Cluff reports:
There were plenty of treats, including Siberian Rubythroat, Isabelline Shrike and two Oriental Turtle Doves, and a trick, in the form of a Boat-tailed Grackle. Miles 'Nando's' Cluff reports:
Review of the Week: 27 October-2 November 2025
Siberian Rubythroat, Isabelline Shrike, two Oriental Turtle Doves, and Boat-tailed Grackle provided the week's big talking points. Miles Cluff reports.
bit.ly
November 3, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Review of the Week: 27 October-2 November 2025
There were plenty of treats, including Siberian Rubythroat, Isabelline Shrike and two Oriental Turtle Doves, and a trick, in the form of a Boat-tailed Grackle. Miles 'Nando's' Cluff reports:
There were plenty of treats, including Siberian Rubythroat, Isabelline Shrike and two Oriental Turtle Doves, and a trick, in the form of a Boat-tailed Grackle. Miles 'Nando's' Cluff reports:
Reposted by Justin Taylor
Went down to Hampshire for the Boat Tailed Grackle. I know it’s ship assisted and has no chance of getting on the British List, but it was full of character and a real stunner. Don’t understand why ship assisted birds can’t go on the British list 🤷🏻♂️
November 3, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Went down to Hampshire for the Boat Tailed Grackle. I know it’s ship assisted and has no chance of getting on the British List, but it was full of character and a real stunner. Don’t understand why ship assisted birds can’t go on the British list 🤷🏻♂️
Reposted by Justin Taylor
Boat-tailed Grackle, Calshot, Hampshire today! This seems to be identical to white-eyed Boat-taileds from North Carolina, so not Great-tailed as previously thought. The first British record of this unlikely vagrant:
November 2, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Boat-tailed Grackle, Calshot, Hampshire today! This seems to be identical to white-eyed Boat-taileds from North Carolina, so not Great-tailed as previously thought. The first British record of this unlikely vagrant:
Reposted by Justin Taylor
Desperately seeking three French hens and a partridge in a pear tree to join these two Oriental Turtle Doves. Yes, it was back to the drawing board overnight and a retrospective ID on one of the 'turtle' doves we'd already retrospectively identified yesterday. A thread...
November 2, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Desperately seeking three French hens and a partridge in a pear tree to join these two Oriental Turtle Doves. Yes, it was back to the drawing board overnight and a retrospective ID on one of the 'turtle' doves we'd already retrospectively identified yesterday. A thread...
Reposted by Justin Taylor
A 3 second flight view of a small duck flying over Morghan this morning set alarm bells ringing. 90 minutes of frantic searching ended when I found Barra's 1st BUFFLEHEAD on a tiny loch in the Dark Glen. Unringed and flighty, it flew off west at 12.12pm. #BirdingScotland #RareBirdsUK
November 2, 2025 at 2:43 PM
A 3 second flight view of a small duck flying over Morghan this morning set alarm bells ringing. 90 minutes of frantic searching ended when I found Barra's 1st BUFFLEHEAD on a tiny loch in the Dark Glen. Unringed and flighty, it flew off west at 12.12pm. #BirdingScotland #RareBirdsUK