Kyle Smith 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

I’ve posted my latest blog covering a visit to RSPB Frampton Marsh with @kev07713 - thanks for looking jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2025/07/rspb-f….

Spotted some juvenile redstarts on the way out of Camp Lane Pools, Grimley to go for a lovely brunch at Bonnies Tea Room at @WildgooseRT - opened on June 12 2022 and is a gateway to a lovely Nature Reserve - returned later for more views @WestMidBirdClub @BirdGuides @_BTO.

As we were leaving Camp Lane Pools, Grimley after visiting the night heron, @kev07713 spotted a peregrine over the water being mobbed by a lesser black backed gull and a common tern. Eventually the tern saw it off @WestMidBirdClub @BirdGuides @_BTO.

Weather forecast wet from east y'day so @kev07713 and I decided for west to Camp Lane Pools, Grimley for the black-crowned night heron. Arrived early enough for it perching in trees - then it started skulking in reeds and only partially in view @WestMidBirdClub @BirdGuides @_BTO.

I’ve posted my latest blog covering a brief stop on the East Yorkshire coast, and a Western sandpiper life tick - thanks for looking jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2025/07/rspb-b….

I’ve posted my latest blog covering a spot of nightjaring and then catching up with a Montagu's harrier (lifer) with @kev07713 - thanks for looking jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2025/07/nightj…

With hot weather forecast yesterday @kev07713 and I decided on a short visit to @Natures_Voice RSPB Otmoor, followed by Bernwood Forest to look for purple emperor butterflies - neither of us had seen one before - had three females, and a possible male high in the tree canopy.

I’ve posted my latest blog covering a trip to Dawlish Warren with @kev07713 - thanks for looking jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2025/07/dawlis….

I’ve posted my latest blog covering a trip to Normandy Marshes, Lymington with @kev07713 - thanks for looking jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2025/07/norman…

Dropped into our regular nightjar location just over a week ago and enjoyed six nightjars and a single woodcock over. Unfortunately it was very dark before the birds emerged and so no chance for any decent photos - always a great experience though.

Counted almost 60 species around @RSPBFrampton yesterday with @kev07713 - the variation in plumage of the spotted redshanks was good to observe, and Kev found us the wood sandpiper on a couple of occasions @BirdGuides @_BTO.

A lot of sand martins at @RSPBFrampton yesterday with @kev07713 - actively feeding their young at the wall @birdguides @_BTO.

Took some video yesterday at @rspbframptonmarsh with @kev07713 to capture the feeding of spotted redshanks - quite different to their common cousins and more resembling avocets @birdguides @_BTO.

A pair of crossbills I saw in Wykeham Forest last week @BirdGuides @_BTO.

Managed to see the Western sandpiper at Maidens this morning - I'd been in Ayrshire twice since November and not been to see it, while it had been misidentified as an overwintering little stint - now a must see and I think the 13th UK record @BirdGuides @_BTO @ayrshirebirds.

Western Sandpiper at Maidens, South Ayrshire. Saw 1.45, then again 2.30-4.30 at the mouth of the harbour at high tide. Had to myself most of the time. UK tick ✅ Great day out in beautiful surroundings. @BirdGuides @RareBirdAlertUK

Out a bit closer to home in Bucks today with @kev07713 for the Montagu's harrier. Had to wait a bit for views but a special bird and a lifer for me @bucksalert @BirdGuides @_BTO.

Out a bit closer to home in Bucks today with @kev07713 for the Montagu's harrier. Had to wait a bit for views but a special bird and a lifer for me @bucksalert @BirdGuides @_BTO.

Another great day out birding with @kev07713, @hobbylovinglife, and @worlebirder at @Natures_Voice RSPB Dawlish Warren. Despite the absence of a woodchat shrike (😒) we had a lovely day and found four Cirl buntings @BirdGuides @_BTO.

I’ve posted my latest blog covering a trip to @WWTSlimbridge with @kev07713 - thanks for looking jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2025/06/wwt-sl….