Managed great looks at a Sperm Whale on the approach to the Azores, when it popped up close to our ship. Note the characteristic angled blow from the single blowhole on the left side of the head in this species.
@sophieshrike.bsky.social
Good news! Ministers have finally given green light to new #NaturalHistory GCSE. We’ve campaigned so long for this! Big hats off to tireless advocate Mary Colwell 🙌 Now our young people will have a chance to get to know & love the natural world, to feel awe & wonder, & gain skills to protect it 🌷🌳🦡
www.theguardian.com
Long-awaited course to examine human effects on natural world and explore everyday ways to aid biodiversity
After poor weather in the Azores meant missing out on quite a few whales, things improved in Madeira with Fin Whale, Minke Whale and Sei Whale seen well - the latter shown below.
@sophieshrike.bsky.social
The dapper Azores Chaffinch was the other land endemic seen on several of the Azores islands we visited, including Sao Miguel where this photo was taken.
@sophieshrike.bsky.social #BirdingAzores
📣 Applications are now open for the Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder Competition 2026!
If you're aged 16 or under and passionate about birding, this is your chance to compete at #MigFest2026 and win some fantastic prizes.
⏰ Applications close 19 July
🔗 tinyurl.com/MGSYB2026
Please share!
Henry Cook
Henry Cook
My lovely friend Mary Colwell has fought for a Natural History GCSE, supported by many, including Caroline.
For it to be proper natural history, we need lots of naturalists to give their opinions on the proposed framework. Please consider visiting the public consultation www.gov.uk/government/c...
Spurn Bird Observatory
On a brief stop in Sao Miguel, Azores, we hiked up into the hills with resident guide, Gerby, and saw the rare Azores Bullfinch, or Priolo, as it's known locally.
@sophieshrike.bsky.social
Chuffed to find a 'flock' of three Barolo Shearwaters in the Azores, between Ilha do Pico and Sao Jorge.
@sophieshrike.bsky.social
Sailing out to the Azores - yesterday was an excellent Fin Whale day with 9 confirmed and another 8 probables! Also Striped Dolphins. Excited to be approaching the mid Atlantic ridge soon.
@sophieshrike.bsky.social
We are seeking views on the proposed subject content for a new GCSE in natural history.
Incredible views of a migrating Common Quail as it flew past the ship in the English Channel!
@sophieshrike.bsky.social
Henry Cook
Henry Cook
Good news! Ministers have finally given green light to new #NaturalHistory GCSE. We’ve campaigned so long for this! Big hats off to tireless advocate Mary Colwell 🙌 Now our young people will have a chance to get to know & love the natural world, to feel awe & wonder, & gain skills to protect it 🌷🌳🦡
Henry Cook
Henry Cook
Long-awaited course to examine human effects on natural world and explore everyday ways to aid biodiversity
