Ochruros (KayD)
@ochrurosbirder.bsky.social
Birding the West Midlands region & beyond 🐦⬛
Plant powered 🌱
Latest British lifer: WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL 💣 ✅ #431
Birding only content/follows please 🦅
Plant powered 🌱
Latest British lifer: WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL 💣 ✅ #431
Birding only content/follows please 🦅
American Golden Plover at Eyebrook. Often staying slightly aloof from its European cousins. Also 7 Whooper, RC Pochard, 2 Dunlin & YLG.
Thornton Jack Snipe didn’t disappoint, first good ‘bobbing’ views in a while.
Nice day out East. Few Goldeneye around, winter is coming ❄️ @mybirding.bsky.social
Thornton Jack Snipe didn’t disappoint, first good ‘bobbing’ views in a while.
Nice day out East. Few Goldeneye around, winter is coming ❄️ @mybirding.bsky.social
November 2, 2025 at 6:46 PM
American Golden Plover at Eyebrook. Often staying slightly aloof from its European cousins. Also 7 Whooper, RC Pochard, 2 Dunlin & YLG.
Thornton Jack Snipe didn’t disappoint, first good ‘bobbing’ views in a while.
Nice day out East. Few Goldeneye around, winter is coming ❄️ @mybirding.bsky.social
Thornton Jack Snipe didn’t disappoint, first good ‘bobbing’ views in a while.
Nice day out East. Few Goldeneye around, winter is coming ❄️ @mybirding.bsky.social
This smart juvenile White-rumped Sandpiper showed well this afternoon at Blithfield. Closer views than of the Belvide 8, it was great to spend some time watching this species again. Also 1 Dunlin, 6 Ringy & GWE @mybirding.bsky.social #westmidsbirding #staffsbirding
October 18, 2025 at 3:46 PM
This smart juvenile White-rumped Sandpiper showed well this afternoon at Blithfield. Closer views than of the Belvide 8, it was great to spend some time watching this species again. Also 1 Dunlin, 6 Ringy & GWE @mybirding.bsky.social #westmidsbirding #staffsbirding
What the hell just happened?!!
Never thought I would see a WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL in Britain!!
A panicky drive from Flam to Filey to watch this impressive beast of a Swift fly off the Brigg with around 40-50 other observers just before sunset #431 ✅💣💣
Never thought I would see a WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL in Britain!!
A panicky drive from Flam to Filey to watch this impressive beast of a Swift fly off the Brigg with around 40-50 other observers just before sunset #431 ✅💣💣
October 9, 2025 at 8:11 PM
What the hell just happened?!!
Never thought I would see a WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL in Britain!!
A panicky drive from Flam to Filey to watch this impressive beast of a Swift fly off the Brigg with around 40-50 other observers just before sunset #431 ✅💣💣
Never thought I would see a WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL in Britain!!
A panicky drive from Flam to Filey to watch this impressive beast of a Swift fly off the Brigg with around 40-50 other observers just before sunset #431 ✅💣💣
Pleased to find this Spoonbill at Blithfield today in Blithe Bay. The Little Stint was still present with 14 Ringies and 5 Dunlin. Also Greenshank, 2 GWE & 3 Stonechat @staffsbirdnews.bsky.social
October 8, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Pleased to find this Spoonbill at Blithfield today in Blithe Bay. The Little Stint was still present with 14 Ringies and 5 Dunlin. Also Greenshank, 2 GWE & 3 Stonechat @staffsbirdnews.bsky.social
FINALLY!!! Well that’s Leach’s Petrel well & truly put to bed #430 ✅
An exhilarating seawatch off Leasowe with at least 12(!) Leach’s Petrel (including some very close in!), 1 European Storm Petrel, Bonxie, Arctic Skua, Grey Phal, Arctic Tern, Pale-bellied Brents & Merlin @mybirding.bsky.social
An exhilarating seawatch off Leasowe with at least 12(!) Leach’s Petrel (including some very close in!), 1 European Storm Petrel, Bonxie, Arctic Skua, Grey Phal, Arctic Tern, Pale-bellied Brents & Merlin @mybirding.bsky.social
October 5, 2025 at 11:24 AM
FINALLY!!! Well that’s Leach’s Petrel well & truly put to bed #430 ✅
An exhilarating seawatch off Leasowe with at least 12(!) Leach’s Petrel (including some very close in!), 1 European Storm Petrel, Bonxie, Arctic Skua, Grey Phal, Arctic Tern, Pale-bellied Brents & Merlin @mybirding.bsky.social
An exhilarating seawatch off Leasowe with at least 12(!) Leach’s Petrel (including some very close in!), 1 European Storm Petrel, Bonxie, Arctic Skua, Grey Phal, Arctic Tern, Pale-bellied Brents & Merlin @mybirding.bsky.social
Treated to great views of a Barred Warbler which showed well in the dell, Bempton.
The Red-breasted Flycatcher also gave itself up on the 3rd attempt, on motorway hedge feeding in the afternoon sunshine. 9 GWE flew over.
2 Redstarts in old fall hedges this morning. Notable increase in Goldcrests.
The Red-breasted Flycatcher also gave itself up on the 3rd attempt, on motorway hedge feeding in the afternoon sunshine. 9 GWE flew over.
2 Redstarts in old fall hedges this morning. Notable increase in Goldcrests.
September 26, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Treated to great views of a Barred Warbler which showed well in the dell, Bempton.
The Red-breasted Flycatcher also gave itself up on the 3rd attempt, on motorway hedge feeding in the afternoon sunshine. 9 GWE flew over.
2 Redstarts in old fall hedges this morning. Notable increase in Goldcrests.
The Red-breasted Flycatcher also gave itself up on the 3rd attempt, on motorway hedge feeding in the afternoon sunshine. 9 GWE flew over.
2 Redstarts in old fall hedges this morning. Notable increase in Goldcrests.
Despite the glorious autumn sunshine, easterly started to deliver.
Found Grey Phal on the sea at Flam.
First YBW of the autumn 🍂
Nipped into Bempton for the Siberian Stonechat, which showed well keeping close company with an imm Whinchat.
Finally the stonking adult male Brown Shrike at Hunmanby 🤩
Found Grey Phal on the sea at Flam.
First YBW of the autumn 🍂
Nipped into Bempton for the Siberian Stonechat, which showed well keeping close company with an imm Whinchat.
Finally the stonking adult male Brown Shrike at Hunmanby 🤩
September 25, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Despite the glorious autumn sunshine, easterly started to deliver.
Found Grey Phal on the sea at Flam.
First YBW of the autumn 🍂
Nipped into Bempton for the Siberian Stonechat, which showed well keeping close company with an imm Whinchat.
Finally the stonking adult male Brown Shrike at Hunmanby 🤩
Found Grey Phal on the sea at Flam.
First YBW of the autumn 🍂
Nipped into Bempton for the Siberian Stonechat, which showed well keeping close company with an imm Whinchat.
Finally the stonking adult male Brown Shrike at Hunmanby 🤩
Getting involved in the Glossy Ibis invasion! This one showed from the west hide mid morning before disappearing again.
4 Black Terns came down in the rain.
Also Lesser Scaup, 3 Greenshank, 9 Great White Egret, 6 Ringies, Common Sand & a Dunlin.
4 Black Terns came down in the rain.
Also Lesser Scaup, 3 Greenshank, 9 Great White Egret, 6 Ringies, Common Sand & a Dunlin.
September 7, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Getting involved in the Glossy Ibis invasion! This one showed from the west hide mid morning before disappearing again.
4 Black Terns came down in the rain.
Also Lesser Scaup, 3 Greenshank, 9 Great White Egret, 6 Ringies, Common Sand & a Dunlin.
4 Black Terns came down in the rain.
Also Lesser Scaup, 3 Greenshank, 9 Great White Egret, 6 Ringies, Common Sand & a Dunlin.
The first dip of the autumn. After 6.5 hours search for Black-winged Kite, I threw in the towel. Hope it’s still out there somewhere!
4 Slimbridge Cranes, Hobby, few Red Kite & a Marsh Harrier in the area between Cambridge Swing Bridge & Splatt Bridge.
Good to catch up with @hughieking.bsky.social
4 Slimbridge Cranes, Hobby, few Red Kite & a Marsh Harrier in the area between Cambridge Swing Bridge & Splatt Bridge.
Good to catch up with @hughieking.bsky.social
August 21, 2025 at 9:04 PM
The first dip of the autumn. After 6.5 hours search for Black-winged Kite, I threw in the towel. Hope it’s still out there somewhere!
4 Slimbridge Cranes, Hobby, few Red Kite & a Marsh Harrier in the area between Cambridge Swing Bridge & Splatt Bridge.
Good to catch up with @hughieking.bsky.social
4 Slimbridge Cranes, Hobby, few Red Kite & a Marsh Harrier in the area between Cambridge Swing Bridge & Splatt Bridge.
Good to catch up with @hughieking.bsky.social
Barr Beacon yesterday morning:
1 Wheatear, 3 Blackcap, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warb, few Chiffy, Peregrine over.
Early signs of autumn cometh 🍂
@mybirding.bsky.social
1 Wheatear, 3 Blackcap, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warb, few Chiffy, Peregrine over.
Early signs of autumn cometh 🍂
@mybirding.bsky.social
August 11, 2025 at 7:08 AM
Barr Beacon yesterday morning:
1 Wheatear, 3 Blackcap, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warb, few Chiffy, Peregrine over.
Early signs of autumn cometh 🍂
@mybirding.bsky.social
1 Wheatear, 3 Blackcap, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warb, few Chiffy, Peregrine over.
Early signs of autumn cometh 🍂
@mybirding.bsky.social
Suffolk double-header!
Zitting Cisticola giving intermittent song flights, decent flight views, occasionally perched #428 ✅
Juv Black Stork showed incredibly well in the dyke at Boyton Marshes 429 ✅
2 Wasp Spiders were also interesting to see.
[ZC photo is from Spain, NOT the Suffolk Bird]
Zitting Cisticola giving intermittent song flights, decent flight views, occasionally perched #428 ✅
Juv Black Stork showed incredibly well in the dyke at Boyton Marshes 429 ✅
2 Wasp Spiders were also interesting to see.
[ZC photo is from Spain, NOT the Suffolk Bird]
August 9, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Suffolk double-header!
Zitting Cisticola giving intermittent song flights, decent flight views, occasionally perched #428 ✅
Juv Black Stork showed incredibly well in the dyke at Boyton Marshes 429 ✅
2 Wasp Spiders were also interesting to see.
[ZC photo is from Spain, NOT the Suffolk Bird]
Zitting Cisticola giving intermittent song flights, decent flight views, occasionally perched #428 ✅
Juv Black Stork showed incredibly well in the dyke at Boyton Marshes 429 ✅
2 Wasp Spiders were also interesting to see.
[ZC photo is from Spain, NOT the Suffolk Bird]
White-spotted Bluethroat at Slimbridge this morning, singing & showing off & on.
Also 2 Spoonbill, SEO, 2 Kingfisher, 6 Crane & Red Kite.
A regional birding emergency arose mid-afternoon, so we dashed back for the Woodchat Shrike at Stafford. Regional tick ✅ Fantastic day! @mybirding.bsky.social
Also 2 Spoonbill, SEO, 2 Kingfisher, 6 Crane & Red Kite.
A regional birding emergency arose mid-afternoon, so we dashed back for the Woodchat Shrike at Stafford. Regional tick ✅ Fantastic day! @mybirding.bsky.social
May 17, 2025 at 6:34 PM
White-spotted Bluethroat at Slimbridge this morning, singing & showing off & on.
Also 2 Spoonbill, SEO, 2 Kingfisher, 6 Crane & Red Kite.
A regional birding emergency arose mid-afternoon, so we dashed back for the Woodchat Shrike at Stafford. Regional tick ✅ Fantastic day! @mybirding.bsky.social
Also 2 Spoonbill, SEO, 2 Kingfisher, 6 Crane & Red Kite.
A regional birding emergency arose mid-afternoon, so we dashed back for the Woodchat Shrike at Stafford. Regional tick ✅ Fantastic day! @mybirding.bsky.social
Well hello old friend it’s been a while 😍
A miracle of migration & survival. Perfect end to a few days in Suffolk/Norfolk.
Earlier at Cley NWT enjoyed watching 6 Temminck’s Stints and 3 Wood Sandpipers.
A miracle of migration & survival. Perfect end to a few days in Suffolk/Norfolk.
Earlier at Cley NWT enjoyed watching 6 Temminck’s Stints and 3 Wood Sandpipers.
May 14, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Well hello old friend it’s been a while 😍
A miracle of migration & survival. Perfect end to a few days in Suffolk/Norfolk.
Earlier at Cley NWT enjoyed watching 6 Temminck’s Stints and 3 Wood Sandpipers.
A miracle of migration & survival. Perfect end to a few days in Suffolk/Norfolk.
Earlier at Cley NWT enjoyed watching 6 Temminck’s Stints and 3 Wood Sandpipers.
A taste of the med in scorchio Suffolk!
At least 3 Red-footed Falcons graced the skies at Carlton Marshes, though often high up. Purple Heron flew across the marsh mid morning.
2 Stone Curlew near Minsmere this evening & the soundtrack of Nightingales with one audible from my digs this evening 🎶
At least 3 Red-footed Falcons graced the skies at Carlton Marshes, though often high up. Purple Heron flew across the marsh mid morning.
2 Stone Curlew near Minsmere this evening & the soundtrack of Nightingales with one audible from my digs this evening 🎶
May 12, 2025 at 8:55 PM
A taste of the med in scorchio Suffolk!
At least 3 Red-footed Falcons graced the skies at Carlton Marshes, though often high up. Purple Heron flew across the marsh mid morning.
2 Stone Curlew near Minsmere this evening & the soundtrack of Nightingales with one audible from my digs this evening 🎶
At least 3 Red-footed Falcons graced the skies at Carlton Marshes, though often high up. Purple Heron flew across the marsh mid morning.
2 Stone Curlew near Minsmere this evening & the soundtrack of Nightingales with one audible from my digs this evening 🎶
Ouse Fen & Washes. Great Reed Warbler in good voice 🎶 3 Common Crane, booming Bitterns, good views of Beardies, Hobby.
May 11, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Ouse Fen & Washes. Great Reed Warbler in good voice 🎶 3 Common Crane, booming Bitterns, good views of Beardies, Hobby.
Broad-billed Sandpiper bagged at Goldcliff Lagoons. Another highly overdue British tick ✅ #427 BOU & 200th of year.
Also drake Green-winged Teal, Whimbrel, 2 Lesser Whitethroat heard, Black-tailed Godwit flock carrying a few Knot, 4 Stonechat, Wheatear & White Wagtail @mybirding.bsky.social
Also drake Green-winged Teal, Whimbrel, 2 Lesser Whitethroat heard, Black-tailed Godwit flock carrying a few Knot, 4 Stonechat, Wheatear & White Wagtail @mybirding.bsky.social
April 27, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Broad-billed Sandpiper bagged at Goldcliff Lagoons. Another highly overdue British tick ✅ #427 BOU & 200th of year.
Also drake Green-winged Teal, Whimbrel, 2 Lesser Whitethroat heard, Black-tailed Godwit flock carrying a few Knot, 4 Stonechat, Wheatear & White Wagtail @mybirding.bsky.social
Also drake Green-winged Teal, Whimbrel, 2 Lesser Whitethroat heard, Black-tailed Godwit flock carrying a few Knot, 4 Stonechat, Wheatear & White Wagtail @mybirding.bsky.social
The day took an unexpected turn of events when a Black Kite turned up in Shropshire, before midday.
Long overdue British tick although a bird I have encountered abroad BOU #426 ✅
Suburb views of it circling the landfill at Wood Lane with Red Kites
Thanks for driving @mybirding.bsky.social
Long overdue British tick although a bird I have encountered abroad BOU #426 ✅
Suburb views of it circling the landfill at Wood Lane with Red Kites
Thanks for driving @mybirding.bsky.social
April 19, 2025 at 5:17 PM
The day took an unexpected turn of events when a Black Kite turned up in Shropshire, before midday.
Long overdue British tick although a bird I have encountered abroad BOU #426 ✅
Suburb views of it circling the landfill at Wood Lane with Red Kites
Thanks for driving @mybirding.bsky.social
Long overdue British tick although a bird I have encountered abroad BOU #426 ✅
Suburb views of it circling the landfill at Wood Lane with Red Kites
Thanks for driving @mybirding.bsky.social
Nesting Raven at the Stack 🖤
March 10, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Nesting Raven at the Stack 🖤
On way back from Anglesey, could not resist this smart male Black Redstart on Great Orme. Popping around the copper mine & fence giving bursts of it’s unmistakable scratchy song from the interpretive board 🎶 Also the first Wheatear of the year there added to the spring vibes #spring #ukbirding
March 10, 2025 at 8:37 AM
On way back from Anglesey, could not resist this smart male Black Redstart on Great Orme. Popping around the copper mine & fence giving bursts of it’s unmistakable scratchy song from the interpretive board 🎶 Also the first Wheatear of the year there added to the spring vibes #spring #ukbirding
Beautiful South Stack in the sunshine. Unexpected to see 2 Twite here this morning! 6 Chough & a pair of Raven nesting in a crevice. Although not yet in full swing, there are good numbers of Razorbills, Guillemots and a few Fulmar. Hooded Crow nearby at The Range.
March 8, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Beautiful South Stack in the sunshine. Unexpected to see 2 Twite here this morning! 6 Chough & a pair of Raven nesting in a crevice. Although not yet in full swing, there are good numbers of Razorbills, Guillemots and a few Fulmar. Hooded Crow nearby at The Range.
At Llyn Brenig it was good to catch up with some smart Bramblings, 2 Willow Tit, plus plenty of Siskin & Crossbill @mybirding.bsky.social
February 22, 2025 at 5:41 PM
At Llyn Brenig it was good to catch up with some smart Bramblings, 2 Willow Tit, plus plenty of Siskin & Crossbill @mybirding.bsky.social
Out on the wily windy moors of north Wales this morning. Good views of both Black & Red Grouse. Black grouse lekking & bubbling away @mybirding.bsky.social
February 22, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Out on the wily windy moors of north Wales this morning. Good views of both Black & Red Grouse. Black grouse lekking & bubbling away @mybirding.bsky.social
Iceland Gull brightening up a dank, dull, cold day in the West Midlands! First time I’ve seen it at Stubber’s Green this winter. Nice to catch up with @pmandrews1973.bsky.social @hughieking.bsky.social also.
February 8, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Iceland Gull brightening up a dank, dull, cold day in the West Midlands! First time I’ve seen it at Stubber’s Green this winter. Nice to catch up with @pmandrews1973.bsky.social @hughieking.bsky.social also.
Adult Iceland Gull currently Stubbers Green, Walsall.
February 8, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Adult Iceland Gull currently Stubbers Green, Walsall.
Supurb day in the Cambs fens.
4 owl species at Eldernell - roosting LEO, 2 SEOs, plus Tawny & Barn Owl. 5 Cranes & Cattle Egret.
2 Tundra Bean Geese in pinky flock at the wonderfully named Dog-in-a-Doublet 🐶
In the wider area, 4 Bewick’s Swans & a cracking male Hen Harrier @mybirding.bsky.social
4 owl species at Eldernell - roosting LEO, 2 SEOs, plus Tawny & Barn Owl. 5 Cranes & Cattle Egret.
2 Tundra Bean Geese in pinky flock at the wonderfully named Dog-in-a-Doublet 🐶
In the wider area, 4 Bewick’s Swans & a cracking male Hen Harrier @mybirding.bsky.social
February 2, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Supurb day in the Cambs fens.
4 owl species at Eldernell - roosting LEO, 2 SEOs, plus Tawny & Barn Owl. 5 Cranes & Cattle Egret.
2 Tundra Bean Geese in pinky flock at the wonderfully named Dog-in-a-Doublet 🐶
In the wider area, 4 Bewick’s Swans & a cracking male Hen Harrier @mybirding.bsky.social
4 owl species at Eldernell - roosting LEO, 2 SEOs, plus Tawny & Barn Owl. 5 Cranes & Cattle Egret.
2 Tundra Bean Geese in pinky flock at the wonderfully named Dog-in-a-Doublet 🐶
In the wider area, 4 Bewick’s Swans & a cracking male Hen Harrier @mybirding.bsky.social