Birding, ringing, gulls, illustration. Postdoc studying vibration sensing @UniofOxford.
Joined September 2019
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Like many others I will not be on here much any more (moved to tmbirding.bsky.social) and will be mainly posting on my blog, which I've revived after a few years - recent posts include my Hong Kong trip report and some local patchwork (e.g. kittiwakes!)
tmbirding.blogspot.com/
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Pleased to pick out a 2cy Baltic gull on Port Meadow today - still identifiable this late in the year, with the plumage now appearing MORE worn than other 2cy LBBG, although hasn't started 3rd wave of primary moult yet. Gleaming white underwing even in the failing light - perfect
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Another pic showing just how dark-mantled it looked in the field @saloplarus @Vaasetter @DLangstonBirder
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Anyone ever had a blackcap with a grey head like this?? Pics of birds with similar aberrations would also be appreciated
Thomas Miller retweeted
Lovely 1s Baltic Gull from Carlton Glass Recycling this afternoon. Happy with it after some help from @temiller17 and @saloplarus.
@Barnsleybsg
Thomas Miller retweeted
We've recently been enjoying running a number of ringing demonstrations at different sites in Oxford, sharing what we do with local residents. People's particular favourites have included lesser whitethroat and a family of long-tailed tits!
ALT Lesser whitethroat in the hand, having been fitted with a BTO metal ring under license.
ALT Recently fledged long-tailed tit in the hand, having been fitted with a BTO metal ring under license.
Standard urban Oxford sky... Been seeing this female peregrine regularly over the patch, often carrying food - unclear if breeding nearby
1s Caspian Gull on Port Meadow this morning + a probable 1s Baltic Gull flew north along river but too distantly to confirm. Had fresh black primaries/tail with no active moult and mantle looked perfect - better views through scope than pic suggests but one that got away I think
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No sign of the spoonbill this morning but finally some signs of movement with Glossy Ibis briefly (left high S) and 15 ringed plover. Ibis in active primary moult, does anyone know what this means for aging? Wasn't really in breeding plumage like the other bird currently in Oxon
Four fruitless visits to Port Meadow in the rain over the past 2 days hoping for a wader fall finally resulted in this Spoonbill (patch ✅) - which I was surprised to see was colour-ringed V463 relocating from the Hayle estuary! Presumably on its way back to Denmark @PMBirding
Attempt to find a new "bike patch" has resulted in locating this small pit near Oxford. Can see everything just with bins and has potential for waders, wildfowl etc. First visit today already turning up incredible birds like... Caspian gull (actually a decent bird in Oxon in May)
Thomas Miller retweeted
First time ringing at a new site last week & we've already had two Reed Warbler controls!
1) Ringed in July 2019 as an adult, 30km away in Buckinghamshire. This makes it at least 6 yrs old!
2) Ringed 5th May 2024, 40km away in Hertfordshire, just 6 days before we recaught it.
ALT Reed warbler in the hand, having been fitted with a BTO metal ring (under license).
ALT Map with pins showing Oxford, Buckinghamshire, and Hertfordshire, where the Reed Warblers have been caught.
Another great week at @CopelandBirdOb helping with the Avian Behaviour and Ecology field course - finishing of course with the spectacular aurora on the ferry back @Ben_Sheldon_EGI @OlliePadget @JamesKing7341 @OxfordBiology
Thomas Miller retweeted
The #NorthernLights seen off the Copeland Islands in Belfast Bay ✨ Manx shearwater research has never looked so incredible 🐦 @CopelandBirdObs
Some video of yesterday's Grey-headed wagtail by @SL_birding. Patch back to its usual form today - highlight of this morning's dismal visit being two wigeon...
