Julian Hughes
@penrhynbirder.bsky.social
Nature, and saving it. Editor Welsh Bird Report. https://birdsin.wales/
Weekly BirdNotes in Daily Post. http://www.birdnotes.wales/
Co-editor of The Birds of Wales. http://tinyurl.com/TheBirdsOfWales
Weekly BirdNotes in Daily Post. http://www.birdnotes.wales/
Co-editor of The Birds of Wales. http://tinyurl.com/TheBirdsOfWales
Reposted by Julian Hughes
The impacts of avian influenza are profound and far reaching. Hopefully 🇮🇸 Gyrfalcons will recover in time but this is near catastrophic #RaptorResearch 🌎 🪶
Avian flu taking a severe toll on Iceland’s falcon population
icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/news/20...
Avian flu taking a severe toll on Iceland’s falcon population
icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/news/20...
Avian flu taking a severe toll on Iceland’s falcon population
The Icelandic gyrfalcon population has been hit hard by the ongoing wave of avian influenza in recent years. Once numbering around 2,000 birds, the population has now collapsed to roughly 500 individu...
icelandmonitor.mbl.is
November 12, 2025 at 12:38 PM
The impacts of avian influenza are profound and far reaching. Hopefully 🇮🇸 Gyrfalcons will recover in time but this is near catastrophic #RaptorResearch 🌎 🪶
Avian flu taking a severe toll on Iceland’s falcon population
icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/news/20...
Avian flu taking a severe toll on Iceland’s falcon population
icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/news/20...
Reposted by Julian Hughes
Super excited to share the first paper from my PhD! 🎉
We found that rivers don’t just matter for wetland birds - they also help support terrestrial insectivores, thanks to the flow of energy and nutrients from aquatic insects. 🌊🦟
Read more here: 👉 link.springer.com/article/10.1...
We found that rivers don’t just matter for wetland birds - they also help support terrestrial insectivores, thanks to the flow of energy and nutrients from aquatic insects. 🌊🦟
Read more here: 👉 link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Cross-system transfer of fatty acids from aquatic insects supports terrestrial insectivore condition and reproductive success - Oecologia
Cross-system fluxes of aquatic insects rich in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 LC-PUFAs), specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may subsidise ins...
link.springer.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Super excited to share the first paper from my PhD! 🎉
We found that rivers don’t just matter for wetland birds - they also help support terrestrial insectivores, thanks to the flow of energy and nutrients from aquatic insects. 🌊🦟
Read more here: 👉 link.springer.com/article/10.1...
We found that rivers don’t just matter for wetland birds - they also help support terrestrial insectivores, thanks to the flow of energy and nutrients from aquatic insects. 🌊🦟
Read more here: 👉 link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Reposted by Julian Hughes
For months, ministers have been pushing a false choice between nature and growth.
Now, new research shows just how out of touch they are.
With data from More In Common, it's time to set the record straight. 👇
Now, new research shows just how out of touch they are.
With data from More In Common, it's time to set the record straight. 👇
November 12, 2025 at 9:33 AM
For months, ministers have been pushing a false choice between nature and growth.
Now, new research shows just how out of touch they are.
With data from More In Common, it's time to set the record straight. 👇
Now, new research shows just how out of touch they are.
With data from More In Common, it's time to set the record straight. 👇
Reposted by Julian Hughes
Join us for an inspiring webinar on disability inclusion in conservation 🌱 Hear two speakers share lived experiences, challenges & opportunities for a more accessible, equitable sector 💚
🗓️ 3 December
🕕 6:00pm - 7:30pm
👉 event.swisscom.ch/v/diversebyn...
🗓️ 3 December
🕕 6:00pm - 7:30pm
👉 event.swisscom.ch/v/diversebyn...
November 12, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Join us for an inspiring webinar on disability inclusion in conservation 🌱 Hear two speakers share lived experiences, challenges & opportunities for a more accessible, equitable sector 💚
🗓️ 3 December
🕕 6:00pm - 7:30pm
👉 event.swisscom.ch/v/diversebyn...
🗓️ 3 December
🕕 6:00pm - 7:30pm
👉 event.swisscom.ch/v/diversebyn...
Reposted by Julian Hughes
Ymunwch â ni am weminar ysbrydoledig ar gynhwysiant anabledd mewn cadwraeth 🌱 Gwrandewch ar ddau siaradwr yn rhannu profiadau bywyd, heriau a chyfleoedd ar gyfer sector mwy hygyrch a theg 💚
🗓️ 3 Rhagfyr
🕕 6:00pm - 7:30pm
👉 event.swisscom.ch/v/diversebyn...
🗓️ 3 Rhagfyr
🕕 6:00pm - 7:30pm
👉 event.swisscom.ch/v/diversebyn...
November 12, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Ymunwch â ni am weminar ysbrydoledig ar gynhwysiant anabledd mewn cadwraeth 🌱 Gwrandewch ar ddau siaradwr yn rhannu profiadau bywyd, heriau a chyfleoedd ar gyfer sector mwy hygyrch a theg 💚
🗓️ 3 Rhagfyr
🕕 6:00pm - 7:30pm
👉 event.swisscom.ch/v/diversebyn...
🗓️ 3 Rhagfyr
🕕 6:00pm - 7:30pm
👉 event.swisscom.ch/v/diversebyn...
Reposted by Julian Hughes
If you have ever reported a colour-ringed Black-tailed Godwit, you have helped to establish connections that cross country and continental boundaries.
Here's how the Dee Estuary links to other sites.
Draw your local map using a ShinyApp:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2025/01/09/h...
#ornithology
Here's how the Dee Estuary links to other sites.
Draw your local map using a ShinyApp:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2025/01/09/h...
#ornithology
November 12, 2025 at 6:40 AM
If you have ever reported a colour-ringed Black-tailed Godwit, you have helped to establish connections that cross country and continental boundaries.
Here's how the Dee Estuary links to other sites.
Draw your local map using a ShinyApp:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2025/01/09/h...
#ornithology
Here's how the Dee Estuary links to other sites.
Draw your local map using a ShinyApp:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2025/01/09/h...
#ornithology
Reposted by Julian Hughes
New report with @WWFCymru.bsky.social exposes the hidden link between Welsh food, Brazilian deforestation and river pollution in Wales 🌍
Read Food, Forests and Injustice:
👉
sizeofwales.org.uk/news/new-rep...
#SizeOfWales #WWFCymru #ClimateAction #COP30 #CymruatCOP30
Read Food, Forests and Injustice:
👉
sizeofwales.org.uk/news/new-rep...
#SizeOfWales #WWFCymru #ClimateAction #COP30 #CymruatCOP30
New Report Exposes Hidden Link Between Welsh Food, Brazilian Deforestation and river pollution in Wales - Size of Wales
sizeofwales.org.uk
November 11, 2025 at 7:42 AM
New report with @WWFCymru.bsky.social exposes the hidden link between Welsh food, Brazilian deforestation and river pollution in Wales 🌍
Read Food, Forests and Injustice:
👉
sizeofwales.org.uk/news/new-rep...
#SizeOfWales #WWFCymru #ClimateAction #COP30 #CymruatCOP30
Read Food, Forests and Injustice:
👉
sizeofwales.org.uk/news/new-rep...
#SizeOfWales #WWFCymru #ClimateAction #COP30 #CymruatCOP30
Reposted by Julian Hughes
Wildlife crime offenders also commonly have convictions for violence, theft, drug crime and domestic abuse
www.wcl.org.uk/wildlife-cri...
www.wcl.org.uk/wildlife-cri...
Lack of wildlife crime convictions opening the door to other serious crimes
Wildlife and Countryside Link's latest report on Wildlife Crime shines a light on the low level of convictions for such crimes, and also reveals the connection between wildlife crime and other serious...
www.wcl.org.uk
November 11, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Wildlife crime offenders also commonly have convictions for violence, theft, drug crime and domestic abuse
www.wcl.org.uk/wildlife-cri...
www.wcl.org.uk/wildlife-cri...
Reposted by Julian Hughes
Job opportunity at Cofnod: www.cofnod.org.uk/news/we-need...
Cofnod Manager Vacancy - Cofnod
Cofnod Manager Vacancy
www.cofnod.org.uk
November 10, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Job opportunity at Cofnod: www.cofnod.org.uk/news/we-need...
Reposted by Julian Hughes
Tackling wildlife crime means tackling organised crime❗
Wildlife crime offenders are involved in other serious crimes:
💥 59% linked to violence
💰 58% linked to theft or criminal damage
🐇 For poaching and hare coursing, that rises to over 70%
🚨 27% have links to domestic violence
Wildlife crime offenders are involved in other serious crimes:
💥 59% linked to violence
💰 58% linked to theft or criminal damage
🐇 For poaching and hare coursing, that rises to over 70%
🚨 27% have links to domestic violence
November 10, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Tackling wildlife crime means tackling organised crime❗
Wildlife crime offenders are involved in other serious crimes:
💥 59% linked to violence
💰 58% linked to theft or criminal damage
🐇 For poaching and hare coursing, that rises to over 70%
🚨 27% have links to domestic violence
Wildlife crime offenders are involved in other serious crimes:
💥 59% linked to violence
💰 58% linked to theft or criminal damage
🐇 For poaching and hare coursing, that rises to over 70%
🚨 27% have links to domestic violence
One Shore Lark does not make a winter... a story of Reindeer and climate change in @northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes.
Plus recent sightings around #NorthWales, @cofnod.org.uk's 20th anniversary conference and a lot of Woodpigeons.
#BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/single-...
Plus recent sightings around #NorthWales, @cofnod.org.uk's 20th anniversary conference and a lot of Woodpigeons.
#BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/single-...
Single Shore Lark tells a global story
The black-and-yellow stripes of a Shore Lark were a welcome surprise on the Great Orme at the weekend. It is the only lark to have colonised Arctic tundra and alpine habitats – I have seen them in...
www.birdnotes.wales
November 10, 2025 at 5:40 PM
One Shore Lark does not make a winter... a story of Reindeer and climate change in @northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes.
Plus recent sightings around #NorthWales, @cofnod.org.uk's 20th anniversary conference and a lot of Woodpigeons.
#BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/single-...
Plus recent sightings around #NorthWales, @cofnod.org.uk's 20th anniversary conference and a lot of Woodpigeons.
#BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/single-...
Reposted by Julian Hughes
Encountering this godwit always makes me think about the changes we have both seen in the 29 years since we first met, especially the planting of non-native trees all over Iceland wadertales.wordpress.com/2022/06/18/i...
Longevity record!
Last night, @washwader.bsky.social recaught this Black-tailed Godwit, first caught and ringed 29 years ago.
The metal ring was wearing thin (and was replaced) but the bird is still going strong.
Blog about longevity of waders:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2018/01/16/w...
#ornithology
Last night, @washwader.bsky.social recaught this Black-tailed Godwit, first caught and ringed 29 years ago.
The metal ring was wearing thin (and was replaced) but the bird is still going strong.
Blog about longevity of waders:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2018/01/16/w...
#ornithology
November 9, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Encountering this godwit always makes me think about the changes we have both seen in the 29 years since we first met, especially the planting of non-native trees all over Iceland wadertales.wordpress.com/2022/06/18/i...
Chwarae teg, Darryl. @btocymru.bsky.social volunteers stop at (almost) nothing to do their @webs-gsmp.bsky.social count.
Turns out you can do a @btobirds.bsky.social WeBS count on one good foot. Who knew?
Ynysyfro: female/1st cal-yr Common Scoter(!), 6 Pochard, 9 GBB Gull, 90 Redwing, etc. #gwentbirding #birdingWales #WeBS
Ynysyfro: female/1st cal-yr Common Scoter(!), 6 Pochard, 9 GBB Gull, 90 Redwing, etc. #gwentbirding #birdingWales #WeBS
November 9, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Chwarae teg, Darryl. @btocymru.bsky.social volunteers stop at (almost) nothing to do their @webs-gsmp.bsky.social count.
So pigeon day came around again in Gwent with mine (+ the UK @trektellen.bsky.social 2nd ever highest count of 242,160 woodpigeons from Goldcliff - usual watchpoint fogged in. Most moving in huge streams up to 15k strong S/SW over the Severn east of me #UKBirding #Vismig @birdguides.bsky.social
November 8, 2025 at 6:54 PM
My first Woodcock of autumn and perhaps my last butterfly. A Goshawk in half-hearted display and a couple of pairs of Choughs from nests elsewhere in Y Carneddau.
Glorious to be out, coatless, under blue skies in Cwm Anafon. #BirdingWales
Glorious to be out, coatless, under blue skies in Cwm Anafon. #BirdingWales
November 8, 2025 at 6:48 PM
My first Woodcock of autumn and perhaps my last butterfly. A Goshawk in half-hearted display and a couple of pairs of Choughs from nests elsewhere in Y Carneddau.
Glorious to be out, coatless, under blue skies in Cwm Anafon. #BirdingWales
Glorious to be out, coatless, under blue skies in Cwm Anafon. #BirdingWales
Enjoyable @cofnod.org.uk conference @bangoruniversity.bsky.social, celebrating its 20th anniversary, all under Roy Tapping's leadership.
Gathering of #NorthWales nature people, great opportunity to learn about other taxa, kicked off by Clare from @rspbcymru.bsky.social @naturambyth.bsky.social...
Gathering of #NorthWales nature people, great opportunity to learn about other taxa, kicked off by Clare from @rspbcymru.bsky.social @naturambyth.bsky.social...
November 7, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Enjoyable @cofnod.org.uk conference @bangoruniversity.bsky.social, celebrating its 20th anniversary, all under Roy Tapping's leadership.
Gathering of #NorthWales nature people, great opportunity to learn about other taxa, kicked off by Clare from @rspbcymru.bsky.social @naturambyth.bsky.social...
Gathering of #NorthWales nature people, great opportunity to learn about other taxa, kicked off by Clare from @rspbcymru.bsky.social @naturambyth.bsky.social...
Reposted by Julian Hughes
Please keep an eye open for dead & dying Whooper Swans (and other waterbirds), see thread below on how to report for possible sampling & please also report to @birdtrack.bsky.social so we can start to build a comprehensive picture of the spread 👇🏻
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 8:14 PM
Please keep an eye open for dead & dying Whooper Swans (and other waterbirds), see thread below on how to report for possible sampling & please also report to @birdtrack.bsky.social so we can start to build a comprehensive picture of the spread 👇🏻
Reposted by Julian Hughes
Major revision of #GBRedList of plants published today shows 25% of our native & archaeophyte flora threatened with extinction. Many iconic widespread species classified as threatened for first time including Betony, Marsh Marigold, Devil’s-bit Scabious and Harebell. Another wake-up call for action!
November 5, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Major revision of #GBRedList of plants published today shows 25% of our native & archaeophyte flora threatened with extinction. Many iconic widespread species classified as threatened for first time including Betony, Marsh Marigold, Devil’s-bit Scabious and Harebell. Another wake-up call for action!
Reposted by Julian Hughes
(1/) The distinctive Curlew, with its evocative, bubbling calls declined by 51% between 1995 and 2023 across the UK. This decline was particularly significant in Wales, where it declined by 76%. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology
November 5, 2025 at 8:00 AM
(1/) The distinctive Curlew, with its evocative, bubbling calls declined by 51% between 1995 and 2023 across the UK. This decline was particularly significant in Wales, where it declined by 76%. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology
Reposted by Julian Hughes
Most likely the result of exposure to Second Generation Anti-coagulant Rodenticide (SGARs), which are known to be causing widespread harm to UK raptors & mammals ☠️
#RaptorResearch
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/05/p...
#RaptorResearch
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/05/p...
Peregrine Falcon chicks at Worcester Cathedral died from ingesting poison
Three Peregrine chicks that hatched on Worcester Cathedral all died within a few weeks, earlier this spring. Two of the dead chicks were retrieved and sent for post mortem and the results have now …
raptorpersecutionuk.org
November 5, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Most likely the result of exposure to Second Generation Anti-coagulant Rodenticide (SGARs), which are known to be causing widespread harm to UK raptors & mammals ☠️
#RaptorResearch
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/05/p...
#RaptorResearch
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/05/p...
Reposted by Julian Hughes
📢 40+ NGOs have written to the PM urging him to uphold the Aarhus Convention – the cornerstone of environmental justice
The Convention protects your right to:
✅ Access environmental information
✅ Have a say in decisions that affect nature
✅ Seek environmental justice affordably
The Convention protects your right to:
✅ Access environmental information
✅ Have a say in decisions that affect nature
✅ Seek environmental justice affordably
November 4, 2025 at 10:17 AM
📢 40+ NGOs have written to the PM urging him to uphold the Aarhus Convention – the cornerstone of environmental justice
The Convention protects your right to:
✅ Access environmental information
✅ Have a say in decisions that affect nature
✅ Seek environmental justice affordably
The Convention protects your right to:
✅ Access environmental information
✅ Have a say in decisions that affect nature
✅ Seek environmental justice affordably
And now summer home to the dedicated @rspbcymru.bsky.social wardens who monitor and protect one of the most important #seabird colonies in Wales, including the UK's largest Arctic Tern population and a growing population of Puffins.
The Skerries lighthouse, located 1.9 miles off the NW coast of Anglesey, was first lit #onthisday in 1717, warning ships of the rocks and guiding them to Liverpool port. Its story is told in my new book Lighthouses of Wales. lighthouses.wales/lighthouses-...
November 4, 2025 at 12:43 PM
And now summer home to the dedicated @rspbcymru.bsky.social wardens who monitor and protect one of the most important #seabird colonies in Wales, including the UK's largest Arctic Tern population and a growing population of Puffins.
Woodpigeons are travelling, but where from - and where to?
Plus a roundup of recent sightings in #NorthWales, including several summer visitors that really need to get a move on. #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/pigeons...
Plus a roundup of recent sightings in #NorthWales, including several summer visitors that really need to get a move on. #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/pigeons...
Pigeons move in mysterious ways
As I stepped into Sunday morning’s sunshine, a flock of several hundred Woodpigeons flew overhead, following the coast. It’s not something I see frequently, unlike on the South Wales coast where...
www.birdnotes.wales
November 3, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Woodpigeons are travelling, but where from - and where to?
Plus a roundup of recent sightings in #NorthWales, including several summer visitors that really need to get a move on. #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/pigeons...
Plus a roundup of recent sightings in #NorthWales, including several summer visitors that really need to get a move on. #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/pigeons...
Well late for #WildFlowerHour as I've been attached to the laptop since dusk cos I chose to play in the sunshine today.
Lots of Red Campion and Yarrow on a walk above Nefyn and the delicious coconut aroma of Gorse. A couple of Red Admirals and Chiffchaffs and I almost believed it was summer.
Lots of Red Campion and Yarrow on a walk above Nefyn and the delicious coconut aroma of Gorse. A couple of Red Admirals and Chiffchaffs and I almost believed it was summer.
November 2, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Well late for #WildFlowerHour as I've been attached to the laptop since dusk cos I chose to play in the sunshine today.
Lots of Red Campion and Yarrow on a walk above Nefyn and the delicious coconut aroma of Gorse. A couple of Red Admirals and Chiffchaffs and I almost believed it was summer.
Lots of Red Campion and Yarrow on a walk above Nefyn and the delicious coconut aroma of Gorse. A couple of Red Admirals and Chiffchaffs and I almost believed it was summer.
I recall discussing this possibility when the roads were eerily quiet at the height of lockdown in Spring 2020. Nice to see some folk got further than my vague ponderings...
NEW PAPER in #ornithology shows that some #raptors switched foraging strategy when #COVID19 lockdowns reduced the availability of #roadkill: buff.ly/jUug7Yj
October 30, 2025 at 10:12 PM
I recall discussing this possibility when the roads were eerily quiet at the height of lockdown in Spring 2020. Nice to see some folk got further than my vague ponderings...