Matt Smith
@aeromattsmith
Environmental Scientist #aerobiology, #biogeography and #phenology. Editor-in-Chief Aerobiologia. Senior Lecturer #geography Bird ringer/ bander. b. 323ppm FRMetS VC37 LGBTQ+ Ally #birdringing #moths #wrens
Came across several of these guys whilst on my Constant Effort Site in Malvern this morning. Thought they might be Common Dumbledore beetles (Geotrupes spiniger) #Entomology #Invertebrates #insects #Beetles #Coleoptera
A dry and dusty morning at Malvern for CES 10. A total of 39 birds (43 is the average for the session), with a nice range of species including several willow warblers, which are quite rare for the site (bright yellow juvenile and duller adult pictured). #birdringing #birdbanding #ukbirding
The coastal path heading west from Berry Head, Brixham, has to be one of my favourite walks. Like meeting up with an old friend, but still able to surprise and delight #southwestcoastpath #Devon ##Devonshire #teammoth #ukmoth #ukbutterfly
43 birds caught at Malvern this morning for CES 9 (average for the session 41). A good number of whitethroats, mostly juveniles. Also blackbirds and song thrushes who were enjoying the blackberries. Birds ringed under licence #ukbirdirding #birdringing #birdbanding
A total of 49 birds caught at Malvern this morning for CES 8 (the long-term average for this session is 47 birds). The garden warbler was tricky but was finally aged it as adult (see wear on tertials). Birds ringed under license. #birdringing #ukbirding #birdbanding
Gatekeeper butterfly in the garden this afternoon (I think NFG as I can’t remember seeing any others). Also lots of red admirals and painted ladies. #Lepidoptera #butterfly #butterflies
11 years ago I was in Novi Sad, Serbia, and helped to put up nest boxes for European roller. I didn’t get to see any as it was too early in Spring. Yesterday I managed to complete the circle by ringing some of the young. Birds ringing under licence. #birdringing #birdbanding
Two NYG and we didn’t even put the trap out - Silver Y and iron prominent #teammoth #moth #luckyfind
Saw lots of cinnabar moth caterpillars on ragwort at our Constant Effort Site in Malvern this morning. #teammoth #moth #moths #phenology
We caught a total of 47 birds at Malvern this morning for CES 7, including the ‘charming’ juvenile goldfinch and second year female greenfinch pictured. Long-term average for this session is 38 birds. #birdringing #ukbirding #birdbanding
Interesting forecast. Yes, we often get a second peak in the grass pollen season in July (caused by later flowering grasses) but it’s been very hot and dry and many grasses have now finished (see soil moisture from Windy - low in southern and central areas).
We caught a total of 55 birds at Malvern for CES 6 (half way already!) with lots of juveniles. Session average is 46. Highlights included a juv blackcap with interesting barring and a stunning adult male goldfinch (pictured). All birds caught under licence #ukbirding #birdringing #birdbanding
The (20+ year) average for CES 5 at Malvern is 39 birds. We managed 35 this morning. Would have got a lot closer but a few managed to get away on their own (it was one of those days 🙄). Pictured one of the wrens that didn’t escape! All birds ringed under licence #birdringing #ukbirding #wrens
Came across this longhorn beetle whilst bird ringing in Malvern this morning (iNat suggests golden-bloomed longhorn beetle). #beetle #Coleoptera
Perfect conditions in Malvern for CES 4 this morning, overcast and no wind. Shame the birds weren’t told, as nothing was moving first thing. A total of 30 birds in the end with lots of juveniles. Highlight was the adult jay pictured. #ukbirding #birdringing
My first painted lady of the year. Spotted this morning while walking the dogs WR5 #butterfly #paintedlady #lepidoptera
We caught a total of 28 birds at Malvern yesterday morning for CES 3, including the female bullfinch and male greenfinch pictured. Traditionally a quiet session before young birds start fledging and 28 was slightly above the 20 year average. #birdringing #ukbirding #birdbanding
Cool, cloudy and breezy for CES 2 at Malvern. Traditionally a slow session, this morning beat expectations with a total of 36 birds. Surprised at the number of juveniles about, including the long tailed tit pictured. All birds ringed under licence. Images by Simon #birdringing #ukbirding
Perfect conditions this morning for the first CES of the year at Malvern. A total of 31 birds, including 3 whitethroats - pic of a rather gorgeous female first ringed as an adult in 2023. All birds ringed under licence. #birdringing @btobirds.bsky.social
First trapping session of the year, and some tricky beasts to start off with. Only four and I’m hoping I got the id correct (but I’m sure someone will help): Shuttle-shaped dart (image) Turnip moth (image) Pale mottled willow Clouded drab #teammoth
A male goldcrest (Regulus regulus) caught this morning at Malvern during a post CES visit. The UK’s smallest bird, sometimes incorrectly called ‘ the king of the birds’ (that is obviously the wren) #ukbirding
No NFG but largest number of spongy moth (4 individuals - a bit worrying), and a couple of favourites the ruby tiger and buff ermine #teammoth #moth #moths #invasivespecies
A fantastic morning to be out, not a cloud in the sky and stunning views of the Malvern Hills. 41 birds for CES 8. Bird of the day is this first year wren… because I can #kingofthebirds #ukbirding #birds All birds ringed under licence
I crossed over the border this morning to help at a ringing site in Herefordshire. A very productive site, with 297 individuals processed today from 25 species. Yellow wagtails were unexpected. Anyone from Herefordshire know how significant this is for the county? #ukbirding #birdringing
Used to be ‘gypsy’ moth (Lymantria dispar), but the name wasn’t considered to be very sensitive as the moth is invasive and has caterpillars that can defoliate trees and shrubs.
