Spotted Sandpipers are now seldom seen in Britain but Victorian stuffed specimens set to go under hammer

                                                               

The Spotted Sandpipers are thought to be the birds third and fourth from left

 

GIVEN that the species is seldom seen in Britain, it is curious that  Spotted Sandpiper  is among the wading species included (Lot 30) in a specialist taxidermy sale to be held at 10.30 am on November 11  

At what location and on what date were they detected before they met their demise - presumably by gun or trap? 

The catalogue note states: 

A late-Victorian cased display of Sandpipers, circa 1880-1900, by C.H. Gowland, Naturalist, "Tadorna,", Barnston, Wirral, a high-quality display of eight various full-mount adult Sandpipers.

Species to include Purple, Spotted, Common, Wood, and Curlew-, all mounted upon soil and grass covered groundwork, set against a watercolour painted backdrop, enclosed within a typical period pine framed three-glass display case, 82cm by 19.5cm by 33cm, data labels visible within the groundwork.

Taxidermist's full paper trade label to verso.

According to Tennants auction house of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, the hammer is expected to fall at between £180 and £280.

RSPB offers 'fantastic' job opportunity' to study Ring Ouzels - but applicants need to be well-qualified

                                     

'Charismatic' - a male Ring Ouzel

THE RSPB is recruiting for what it describes as a 'fantastic opportunity' to lead research  on Britain's Ring Ouzels.

The salary for the fixed term position is in the range £40,381 - £43,113, with applications closing on Thursday of this week, October 22.

Says the job description: "We are seeking a conservation scientist to head up  research on the Ring Ouzel, a charismatic but declining species of upland and montane areas.

The project aims to:

* Understanding habitat use on breeding, migration and wintering areas

* Assess threats faced and migratory connectivity between breeding populations. 

* Deployment the use of satellite tags on  breeding birds.

"Once this has been done, there will be a requirement to interpret the data and produce a report outlining options for a  recovery strategy

"The role location is flexible within the UK although the postholder must be able to undertake regular visits to northern England during the field season, plus occasional travel to attend events with some overnight stays. 

"The role will be home based with access to an RSPB office."

But the post is not for beginners. Essential skills, knowledge and experience are listed as follows:

• Scientific research experience (completed a PhD or managed equivalent project/s)

• Collaborative working - ability to build effective, respectful collaborations with colleagues, partners and funders.

• Digital and analytical skills - ability to use Microsoft Office, GIS/remote sensing tools (e.g. QGIS or ArcGIS) and R or equivalent statistical software to manage, analyse and present data.

• Advanced statistical analysis - experience working with complex datasets, ideally including movement or tracking data.

• Project and time management - ability to plan, organise and deliver work independently, balancing multiple priorities.

• Lead the publication of research in peer-reviewed journals

• Communication and presentation - ability to present research clearly to internal and external audiences.

• Fieldwork skills - experience working safely and effectively in challenging terrain, ideally upland environments, including nest finding (preferably songbirds) and monitoring nest, chick and adult survival.

• Bird handling - experience handling birds; ideally holding a BTO or equivalent ringing permit, with preference for experience with Ring Ouzel adults and nestlings, mist-netting, and deploying tracking devices.

• Upland ecology knowledge - understanding of UK upland habitats, species, land-use systems and interventions that support nature recovery.

• Supervision - experience supervising or supporting field staff.

• Driving licence - a full UK driving licence (or equivalent that permits driving in the UK).

The post runs from January 2027 to March 2029, dependent on confirmation of external funding.

For further information about the role contact david.douglas@rspb.org.uk

Along with other migratory thrush species such as Fieldfares, Ring Ouzels are regularly to be seen in horse paddocks in spring  

This book by Vic Farebrother and Ken Hutchinson is a useful introduction to the species which incidentally is the favourite of frontline birder David Lindo (the 'Urban Birder') 

                                                  

Auction house expects bids of up to £18,000 for striking study of parrot and insect in fruit tree

 

There has been one bid (of £9,000) so far for this study of an unspecified parrot and insect in a fruit tree by an unknown  17th Century Florentine artist. However, the pre-sale estimate of Christie's is that the hammer will fall at somewhere between  £12,000 and £18,000. The full picture comes in an ornate  giltwood frame (added later) plus another insect and ornamental flowers. The fact that the peaches (?) are ripe suggests this is a later-summer scene, but the flowers look more like those associated with spring. The online auction closes on October 28.

Bygone birding: Nutcrackers 'do occasionally get driven out of their course and come among us' in Britain

                                               

What prospect of seeing a Nutcracker in Britain this autumn? 

Amid predictions by frontline birder Jon Dunn and others that this week might see arrivals  of one or more Nutcrackers in the UK, here is an extract from John Gould's  account of the corvid-family species in his book, The Birds of Great Britain (1873).  

With the Nutcracker must ever be associated recollections of Alpine scenery for it is in the Alps where the bird is often seen by the British tourist.

There it dwells in the forests of pine which clothe the sides of the mountains as high as those trees can grow. 

Wherever the Pinus cemhra grows, the Nutcracker will certainly be encountered just as we see the Jay in the oak woods of Kent, and the Magpie in the valley of the Trent.

At times, it may be approached sufficiently near to admit a close observation of its sprightly and singular actions - actions which always remind me of those of the Great Tit, with a little of those of the Jay. 

At one moment, it may be seen climbing head downwards, and hammering away at a cone to obtain the seed within; at another, with its breast and tail well up, and its head thrown back.

If disturbed by the traveller, it merely flies a few yards further off or crosses the roaring torrent to the opposite side of the hill. 

Alpine Switzerland, however, is not the only place the bird inhabits.

It is found much further south and a long way toward the north. 

It not only visits the dark, gloomy forests of Germany, Scandinavia, and Russia, but also breeds there. 

It will be understood then, that if the kind of country I have described be essential to its existence and well-being, the British Islands can offer it but little temptation.

Still in its journeyings to and fro, like a mariner who has unshipped his compass and lost his way, individuals do occasionally get driven out of their course and come among us.

And that such accidental visits are not infrequent is certain, for I shall be within the mark when I say that there are at least 50 recorded instances of examples having been shot within the precincts of our islands. 

Sir John Crewe tells me that, some years ago, two were killed in Oakley Park, in Suffolk, the seat of Sir Edward Kerrison, in whose possession they now are. 

Macgillivray states that a specimen in the Museum of the University of Edinburgh was said to have been shot at Peterhead.

Two or three more have been shot in Devonshire, and others have been obtained in Northumberland, Somerset and elsewhere.

From the earliest date at which ornithology became a study, this bird has been an object of interest.

Nutcracker seen from a far on the edge of a Bavarian forest

                                     

Back in Grimsby - photographer who snapped last-known shot of a bird that has since become extinct

                                                             

Chris' famous last photograph of a bird alas now extinct

 

IT is  back to home turf  on Monday for a former Grimsby man who took the last known photograph of a bird that has subsequently become extinct.

Chris Gomersall grew up in Grimsby and neighbouring Cleethorpes, then went on to enjoy an adventurous career in wildlife photography - first as a staff man at RSPB, then as an award-winning freelance. 

In spring,  this year he was on board the ill-fated Dutch cruise ship, MV Hondius,  which made global headlines for the unhappiest of  reasons.

A total of 11 of the 27 on board contracted Andean Hantavirus while voyaging in the Antarctic. Three subsequently died and one became seriously ill.  

Chris escaped being infected, but the expedition had been interrupted in the most tragic of circumstances.

What is more, in common with fellow-passengers and crew, once back on dry land, he had to undergo hospital quarantine for three weeks before being allowed back to his home in Bedfordshire.                                     

Chris - award-winning photographer grew up in North East Lincolnshire

Because of  the continuing sensitivities, particularly for those who lost loved ones, Chris is unlikely to say much about  what happened on the MV Hondius in the illustrated talk he will be giving  at Holy Trinity parish  hall on Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes (DN35 7LH),  on Monday October 19.

Instead, he will describe other aspects of his career - most notably his mesmerising encounter in Morocco with the now-extinct Slender-billed Curlew.

That was back in February, 1995, since when the decline of this wading species has culminated, in November two years ago, in its being officially  declared extinct.

Much-travelled Chris will also describe many other highlights of his career in what what promises to be a captivating presentation.

The event will be an historic  first joint-meeting of Grimsby RSPB group and the Lincolnshire Bird Club.

However, it is also open to non-members of either group  with an admission charge of just £5 including a tea/coffee and biscuits during the interval.

The meeting starts at 7.30pm.

             

It may not be the tops for vagrant passerines, but north-west England still has plenty of great birding sites

A common lament among birders in the northwest of England is that the region seldom attracts as many vagrant passerines as the East Coast. But it is still a great place for birding on the evidence of this recently-published book by authors Stephen Dunstan, Ian McKerchar and Jane Turner. The contents provide a comprehensive review of top birding sites with detailed maps and advice on when to visit and potential target species. The book is published by Bloomsbury at £27.99 in paperback. 

Recently-launched duffle coat looks just the ticket for birding in cold and windswept places

                                                          

With colder days ahead, Cornwall-based fashion brand Seasalt hopes fashion-conscious female birders might take a shine to its recently launched £210 duffle coat which has mostly received favourable reviews, though with the occasional cavil about stiffness in fastening the buttons. The same company also offers within its range a £160 raincoat (below).   https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/

                                                

Boscaswell Waterproof 3-in-1 Duffle Coat - Seasalt Cornwall

Boscaswell Waterproof 3-in-1 Duffle Coat - Seasalt Cornwall

New book shows you don't have to get into a car to discover sites abundant with birds and other wildlife

Front cover of the new book which is priced at £20 in paperback

FRONTLINE publishing house Bloomsbury have backed four women with publication of a new book - Where to Watch Wildlife in Britain by Low-carbon Transport.

The quarter consists of Megan Shersby, Dan Rouse, Heather Devey and Rebecca Gibson.

For those who do not have access to car or who are concerned about their carbon footprint, the authors have pinpointed more than 100 sites which can be reached by train, bus, bicycle or foot.

Say Bloomsbury: "There are directions for all the sites, plus detailed information on travel options, access, species present and when best to visit, along with photographs of the sites and some of the special species you might see.

"Whether it is otters in Carlisle, butterflies in Norfolk seabird cliffs in coastal Wales or red squirrels in the Highlands, this book tells you where to go and how to get there while minimising your carbon footprint. 

"It is a new and unique way to enjoy Britain's wildlife heritage and one that we should all embrace."

 

Megan Shersby  

                                                                

Dan Rouse 

Rebecca Gibson  

Heather Devey 

Focus on RSPB South Stack in Wales . . .

                                                                  

and the Lossiemouth Estuary in Scotland . . .

Not forgetting England  . . . and  Liverpool

Step into a dream! It may be sleepy but TV's Sam & Ade Go Birding show is really rather delightful

 

It's natural to want to be comfortable - the duo took along portable chairs to watch Red Kites feeding

IF it be possible, the second episode of the second series of Sam and Ade Go Birding was even sleepier than the first.

Despite the producers' efforts, the programme seldom came anywhere near to capturing the exhilaration of birding.

But it was still enchanting . . . and even a little bit hypnotic.

On this occasion, experienced birder Samuel West and novice Adrian Edmondson were in West Wales where  a Kite-feeding centre and  an Osprey-accommodating  RSPB reserve were among their destinations

The visits enabled Sam to supply a commentary on how both species are now widespread, having formerly been on the verge of British extinction such was the extent of persecution by egg-collectors, shooters and others.

But there was no sense of  adventure in their trips - the raptors were certain to be in situ, so the duo might just as well as have been visiting zoos.

And, in these environment-conscious, times what could possibly have justified the use of a gas-guzzling Land Rover as the preferred mode of travel?

Oddly (but refreshingly) it was neither the Ospreys nor the Red Kites that seemed to captivate Ade - it was first an "amazing"  Yellowhammer, then a  Sedge Warbler clinging to a reed as it poured out its jubilant song.                                         

Sam - gentle soul

Of the two, Sam has the softer spirit. Despite being a professional actor, he is unshowy -  obviously a kind and modest chap who seems to have led a relatively privileged and sheltered life. In short, a "very polite young man", notwithstanding his description of young birds as "babies" is somewhat irritating.

By contrast, Ade is edgier, with a sharper humour, probably partly born of a harder journey through life than his colleague. His frivolity, tipping into flippancy, has definitely provided welcome moments of 'bite' to the dialogue. 

Evidently, Ade's  relationship with his late father, who wanted him to become a doctor or a lawyer rather than an entertainer, was not without his bumps, but he indicated that becoming a father to daughters had changed him - almost certainly for the better.

As the two series have progressed, in his gently teasing way, he has become more inclined to tread, ever so slightly,  on his friend's sensitivities

For instance, when Sam reveals that, with his brother,  he is co-organising a memorial service for his late actress-mother Prunella Scales (for whom he continues to grieve), Ade notes somewhat unkindly: "You're not doing it for her - you're doing it for you."                                                 

Ade - wry humour

Will his ornithological expeditions with Sam, spark Ade into becoming a birder in his own right? On the evidence so far, possibly not. There is the feeling that, once the series is complete, he will tuck his binoculars into a drawer from which they may possibly never be removed.

Having said that, credit to him for his  respectful description of  a generally unsung bird - a  female pheasant.

"She looks as if she's clothed in chiffon," he commented  of the creature's finely marked plumage. "As if she's off to a 1920s ball."  

The third and final episode of the series is at 7pm tomorrow (Thursday October 15) on Channel 5.

It sees the pair at another RSPB reserve - this time, the one at Bempton on the cliffy Yorkshire coast, to watch Gannets and other nesting seabirds.   

The magnificent scenery of West Wales enhanced the show

                               

So long as the habitat is managed, it seems that heathland species such as Nightjar will thrive and prosper

Bird of mystery - Nightjar in flight

                                   

THE past couple of decades seem to have been kind to bird species that inhabit Britain's heathland and young forest, both those in the uplands and in the lowlands.

A paper by in the Autumn 2026 edition of BTO  News reports that of the  territories monitored, there were substantial increases between 2004 and 2025 for Nightjar, Dartford Warbler and Woodlark.

The 2025 breakdown for the areas covered is: 

* Nightjar territories: 5,184 (up 20 per cent on 2004)

* Dartford Warbler: 3,260 territories (up 27 per cent)

* Woodlark: 2,364 territories (up 35 per cent)

These are species that benefit from invertebrate-rich habitat consisting of thinly vegetated ground with an abundance of bare soil or short turf, scattered hawthorn and other scrub. 

But, as the report  points out these are often "early-successional"  and "inherently short-lived" habitats that require grazing, cutting or forestry operations to prevent scrub and/or heather taking over.

So long as this human activity  prevails, there are reasons to be cheerful, all the more so given that climate change - specifically drier  summers - would seem to work to these species' advantage, possibly helping them to extend their breeding range.

On the downside, fires such as those this summer at Dunwich in Suffolk, plus long periods of heavy rain during the breeding season, are the opposite ofbeneficial.

The survey also looked at nine other species, including Stonechat and Hobby, that are regularly to be found  on heathland, but no breeding data has yet been published for these.                                       

Dartford Warblers as depicted in Gould's The Birds of Great Britain (1873) 

Captivating new film explores the wildlife - including Capercaillies and Black Woodpeckers - of forest in France

 

There should be plenty of interest from birders in a new film that is due to open  British cinemas on November 13. Set in France's Vosges forests, it is a captivating study of members of three generations as they explore the sights and sounds of wildlife. Among scarce or little-seen birds featured are Black Woodpecker, Capercaillie and Crested Tit. The running time is 95 minutes, and trailers of the film can be found on YouTube and elsewhere online.

                                                  

                                            

                                                   

Gone but not forgotten! Higher-than-expected auction price for Passenger Pigeon sculpture

 

                                       

This sculpture of a Passenger Pigeon, an American species which is said to have gone from 2,000 million birds to extinction in little more than a couple of decades, sold for more than expected at an auction conducted earlier this month. Bids of up to £500 were expected, but the price had reached £550 by the time the hammer fell. Standing 39cm high, it was one of 12 such works created by sculptor Chris Manley (who died two years ago).

On the market: private Peak District woodland which may be home to Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts and more

                                                    

A private broadleaved woodland that looks promising for breeding Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts and Wood Warblers has come on the market with an asking price of £70,000. Bosworth Wood, which stretches across 5.6 acres, lies off the A523 road and is next to a lake at Rudyard, near Leek, on the edge of the Peak District. More details from woods4sale at 01248 364362

Bosworth Wood, Rudyard, Leek Staffordshire - Woodland For Sale.

Might overhead Golden Eagle - or some other raptor - have given life to Charles' study of Balmoral Castle ?

                                                     

This limited print of a painting of Balmoral Castle sold for £1,408 including the buyer's premium when it went under the hammer at an online autumn auction conducted by Bonhams. Measuring 280mm x 400mm, it  was painted by King Charles in 2001 long before he came to the throne. Might the study have been livelier if a Golden Eagle or some other raptor has been included in the sky?

Most Wheatears are well on their way to Africa for winter, but one bird has decided to tarry awhile in Lincolnshire

                            

                               
Although it is now almost mid-October, a few migrant passerines, such as the young Wheatear above, are still lingering in Britain. This bird was at Tetney Lock, near the coast in  northern Lincolnshire yesterday morning. Nearby, a make Stonechat  an autumn and winter  visitor to this part of the coast was perched (left) next to a female Chaffinch.       

                                

RSPB jubilant after capture and slaughter of stoat on island reduces threat to scarce Orkney birds

                           

Rousay stoat caught but, on the mainland, the eradication programme continues

THE RSPB and partner organisations are cockahoop after catching and slaughtering a stoat that, back in May, had apparently swum two miles from Orkney mainland  to the small hilly island of Rousay where it was feasting on birds and small mammals such as the Orkney Vole.

 Attempts to catch it had been in vain - and reportedly cost up to £200,000 - until late last week when it was finally trapped, prompting a jubilant announcement from the Orkney Native Wildlife Project which is part-funded by the RSPB and supported by NatureScot and Orkney Islands Council. 

 "We have some excellent news to share!

"The invasive non-native stoat in Rousay has been caught!

"Over the past months, we have been co-ordinating the response to find and remove this stoat, using response trapping, trail cameras, detection dog searches and other tools, with the support of trained local volunteers. 

"Now all our efforts have paid off.

"The stoat has been confirmed as male which is more good news. 

"It means that there are currently no signs of female stoats or stoats breeding on Rousay, and that this incursion was almost certainly limited to a single animal. 

"This stoat has been removed before it could cause any serious harm to native wildlife on Rousay. 

"But there’s still more work to be done. 

"Over the coming months, the Orkney Native Wildlife Project and local community volunteers will continue to keep the island under observation, so we can be completely confident that no other stoats are present. 

"In line with international best practice, monitoring will continue until up to two years after the stoat's removal.

"An episode like this only reinforces how important it is that we remove every single stoat from the Orkney archipelago, to keep it safe as a haven for its many different native species.

"It also shows just how much we can achieve for nature when we all work together. 

"This would not have been possible without the efforts of the  volunteers from the Rousay community  as well as all the landowners who have worked with us to allow trapping and searching on their land, and the folk who have reported their stoat sightings to us. 

""We couldn’t have got here without your support for native wildlife. Thank you all so much!"

The campaign to rid the mainland of stoats, not a native species to The Orkneys, continues, and the RSPB is currently recruiting for two trappers. 

The Orkneys are important place for nature - from breeding seabirds to birds of moorland, peatland and lochans such as  Curlews, Red-throated Divers, Hen Harriers and Short-eared Owls.

                                     

The invasive Rousay stoat - as captured on trail camera

Red-throated diver - Rousay breeding species

Hoping to bring back the Nightingales - successful waste clearance project boosts prospects for songbird return

  

                                                        

Inquiries  continuing following lzarge-scale incident at Kent woodland (photo: Kent Wildlife Trust)

There are hopes that songbirds and other wildlife will return to Hoad's Wood, near Ashford, Kent, following the removal of 39,500 tonnes of commercial waste - a project undertaken over two years by up to 50 employees of Acumen Waste Services Ltd at the behest of the Environment Agency. 

Three men aged between 42 and 63 have been quizzed by about the illicit dumping but information from the public continues to be sought as inquiries continue.

Now cleared and awaiting natural regeneration, the waste had been dumped in the heart of the  ancient wood which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (photo: Environment Agency)

That's it folks - nice to have known you! RSPB signs off on its much-cherished Rye Meads reserve

                                                     

What future the reserve's Kingfishers when the RSPB pulls out?

THE RSPB has today signed off on imminent withdrawal from its Rye Meads nature reserve in Hertfordshire.

The  message it has today posted on social media is sure to irritate many of its members.

It states : "As many of you will know, the RSPB will be withdrawing from Rye Meads in November, with management of the reserve returning to Thames Water.

" The reserve remains open as normal until Sunday 1 November, and we encourage you to continue enjoying this wonderful place for nature."

It continues: "We should like to thank everyone who has followed, supported and engaged with our Facebook  page over the years plus as our staff and volunteers who have made Rye Meads so special. 

"Your passion for Rye Meads and its wildlife has helped make this such a special community."

The statement has not gone down well with Rye Meads regulars with one responding that the RSPB's ‘cavalier attitude’ had prompted him to cancel his membership. 

The Wryneck says: In today's statement, the RSPB describes Rye Meads as both 'wonderful' and 'special. Why then is it forfeiting management of the site to a company whose commitment to appropriate levels of management seems uncertain at best? The society is not an under-resourced charity. It has ample means to retain this important and prestigious reserve in its portfolio. It is not too late to change its decision - and that is what it should do.

Big-hearted birder allows twitchers into Shetlands back garden to glimpse mega-rare Siberian Blue Robin

                                          

Juvenile Siberian Blue Robin

WHAT do you do if a mega-rare bird touches down in your own back garden?

After the first flush of exhilaration, comes the tricky dilemma. 

Do you keep the information under your hat until the bird has gone? Or do you put out the word and invite twitchers to come see it - with all the domestic risks that might ensue?

Such was the situation birder and Shetland Wildlife tour guide Hugh Harrop found himself  soon after breakfast on the morning of October 1.

After scrutinising an unfamiliar-looking bird for more than an hour, he realised his rose bushes were harbouring a juvenile Siberian Blue Robin.

To his immense credit, he released the news - not just to his 20 or so birding contacts, including former British Birds editor Roger Riddington,  in the Shetlands, but also to the wider world. 

Says Hugh in an article for the online site, Bird Guides: "Within minutes, the first birders arrived, and within an hour there were more than 100 people gathered in our garden. 

"Clearly some kind of structure was needed, so I made sure the bird was given some space. 

"This worked well on several occasions, with people getting some excellent views despite it being predictably elusive."

The bird was gone by later that morning, so Hugh's inconvenience was brief.

Doubtless, those who saw the vagrant are grateful for his hospitality, yet it was Hugh whose gratitude seems to echo loudest.

He continues: "Thank you to all that came into the garden to share this magnificent bird and for following all the on-site instructions and parking requests. 

"Your co-operation was appreciated, not only by myself but by my neighbours and other local residents.

"Be assured that if I discover any more rarities in there, I would hope not to have any hesitation doing the same again and allowing people entry to enjoy whatever is making the headlines."

If accepted by various records committees, this will represent the fifth British example of  Siberian Blue Robin.

Typically the species breeds in dense forests in Siberia and spends winter in South-eastern and Eastern Asia.      

* Photographs: JJ Harrison/ Wikimedia Commons                             

Adult male blue Siberian Robin

White-tailed Eagle honoured with front-cover depiction - and feature article - in RSPB's latest annual report

                       

The have been plaudits aplenty for Jim Moir whose powerful study of the head of a White-tailed Eagle graces the 2025-26 annual report of the RSPB. The contents of the report include a section on the successful reintroduction to parts of the Britain of this impressive raptor.