Local patch birding in Somerset, Devon & Dorset & anything to do with natural history. Retired & now trying to do my little bit to help the natural world.
Dave Helliar
The Albanian people have been massively protesting for several consecutive days against slumlord crook Jared Kushner and Crimestress Ivanka seizing land in their country to the sum of billions of dollars to build a trashy resort. I hope they don’t stop until their evil corrupt deal is reversed.
Juvenile Great Crested Grebe #ChardRes 1 of 6 present from 4 breeding pairs. #Somersetbirds
Hairy Dragonfly settled for a few seconds in poor weather at my Dorset patch this morning. Plenty of Black-tailed Skimmer, a few Emperor & numerous damselflies flying during the sunny intervals, no sign of any Red-veined Darters since the end of May. @britishdragonflies.bsky.social
Ringlet & 2 Purple Hairstreak both NFY on the Dorset patch today. The earliest PH I've seen here by 5 days (last year). Also 1 Small Tortoiseshell along with the usual species. @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Elephant Hawk Moth, Lackey & Phoenix all NFY in last nights' trap. 2 Small Mottled Willow. 23/46 Chard, South Somerset VC5 #teammoth
Sycamore & Bramble Shoot Moth both NFM in last nights' trap. Small Mottled Willow only migrant of 20/58 Chard, South Somerset VC5 #teammoth
Blowing a gale, drizzle & humid at my Dorset patch this pm, I was surprised to see my first Marbled White & Small Skipper, also a mint Comma (MW & SS too brief to photo, so my photos from 2025) @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Odonata much in evidence on the Dorset patch. 'praenubila' form of Four-spotted Chaser; Broad-bodied Chaser; Golden-ringed Dragonfly (+ copulating) & Black-tailed Skimmer copulating #inverts @britishdragonflies.bsky.social
Kingfisher at the Dorset patch this am & Red Kite seen 02/06/26 otherwise very quiet. Pleased to find a single Bee Orchid tucked away. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
@ukorchids.bsky.social
Antarctica’s west coast missing an area of sea ice the size of France as temperatures peak 20C above average
- Vast area of Bellingshausen Sea should be covered by sea ice by now - one expert calls the loss of ice ‘depressing’
Story by @readfearn.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Video
A vast area of the Bellingshausen Sea should be covered by sea ice by now, with one expert calling the loss of ice ‘depressing’
