Marcus Lawson
@mjlbirder
Birds, moffs and CPFC. Kentishman currently residing in the Kingdom of Fife.
A good morning at Catfield Fen reserve y'day with several new moths for me. Pick of the bunch were several each of Fenn's Wainscot, Dotted Footman & Small Dotted Footman. Half a dozen new micros too including Vine Moth. I broke up the long drive back to Fife with a stop for Netted Carpet 😍 #teammoth
Stopped at the bottom of Old Woman's Lane, Cley, late last night on the way back from dinner with friends in the hope of seeing Harvest Mouse. Absolutely delighted to see at least 4 of the tiny beauties on the south side of the A149 with the help of the thermal imager.
I was in the west of Scotland with my good lady celebrating our silver anniversary when I saw the attached message on the Fife Bird News group 😱Thankfully it stayed until the Tuesday for me 😃 Also attached is a longicaudatus LT Shrike from Bangladesh in Jan '25 which was a treat to spend time with.
In Norfolk for a few days to finally pay my respects to the long-staying Black-winged Kite which eventually gave itself up yesterday. Today was a moth day with my first sightings of Lace Border and Dusky Clearwing whilst a Marbled Clover was a surprise in the West Runton trap. #teammoth
A selection of photos from last night in the Leipzig Stadium on a truly amazing evening. Never thought I'd see Palace play in Europe let alone win a trophy 😳 My son & I have certainly made the most of this once in a lifetime experience. Well, until next season that is... 😉 #cpfc
Went out west today as my son was keen to see Chequered Skipper and thankfully Glasdrum didn't disappoint, in spite of overcast conditions. We managed to see at least 4 plus up to 10 Anania funebris (White-spotted Sable) but the latter weren't as cooperative in front of the camera unfortunately.
Absolutely stoked to get a new macro moth for me in my Cupar (Fife) garden and it's one I've been trying to catch up with for a while: Broom-tip. First time I've had the trap out this year too given the cold nights. The other highlight was a funky Broad-barred White #teammoth
Today marks the 25th anniversary for one of my most memorable encounters at Dungeness: a Black-browed Albatross which lingered offshore long enough for me to arise from my slumber in the 4-dorm @dungenessbirdobs.bsky.social & get to the hide in time thanks to Gary Taylor 🙏 @mcbuckland.bsky.social
...plus Marbled Duck on Dungeness ARC pit in 1993! That Mayday weekend was my best ever: found Western Subalp in Dengemarsh Gully on the 30th but missed a flyover Cattle Egret the next day. However, then found the Black-throated Thrush in the Gully on the 2nd which was the first UK spring record.
I'm not going to lie Steve, I was mildly intoxicated for tonight's game but what a result. I don't care too much if we win it or not just seeing Palace play in such arenas is an absolute dream.
In Krakow for the latest leg of the magical Palace European tour. Certainly seeing some lovely places which I'd otherwise never have visited 🦅 #cpfc
In Tuscany for a few days with my son and we're both really enjoying the early spring butterflies. Main target was Italian Festoon which we found at a couple of random sites as well as several Sooty Copper and plenty of Glanville Fritillary. Also seen were Southern and Scarce Swallowtail 😃
I saw them y'day and have to confess in the field they're not very impressive for Taigas. However, having seen more photos I suspect they are both Taigas. Head shape changed frequently & the bird with more orange in the bill looked less Taiga like in the field than the other one. See alt for more.
@markgolley.bsky.social saw this today at Letham Pools in Fife and thought of you Mark. Not particularly bright orange legs and a hint of an orangey hue to the bill. Obvs not a Tundra Bean Goose but have you seen similar in Norfolk before? Excuse the crappy digiscoped shots.
Dippers are one of my favourite birds so to see them regularly in Haugh Park, Cupar, is an absolute joy. Even better this afternoon was to hear one absolutely belting out its wonderful luscinia-like song. #ukbirding
Home early today so had a look along the River Eden for Otters, sadly without success. However, plenty to photograph with a pair of Dipper, redhead Goosander and Cormorant showing well. #ukbirding
A funny looking festive redbreast at Sheringham today. Only the second time I've seen Eastern Black Redstart in the UK so would have been rude not to have a quick look. Nice to see some of Norfolk's finest there too. Merry Christmas everyone 🎅 #ukbirding
A truly magical encounter with four Otters late this afternoon on the River Eden in Cupar. Too quick for the phone camera to get any decent shots plus I was too engrossed watching them to worry about photos too much. Also, 3 Dipper in Haugh Park on the walk home.
Whatever the competition, whatever the result it's a dream come true to see Palace in Europe 🦅 #cpfc
On Shetland for the weekend to do some jobs in & around the house but kept getting distracted by birds in the garden! Started with a Coues's Arctic Redpoll then Rory Tallack had brief views of a pipit which eventually gave itself up as a Pechora. Lastly, a Bullfinch was a most welcome addition.
A fairly quiet moth trap this morning in Cupar, Fife, was enlivened by an Olive-tree Pearl (Palpita vitrealis) which bolted upon opening but thankfully settled nearby. Also, nice to get a couple of Brown-spot Pinion and a Brindled Green #teammoth @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
A poor catch in the trap this morning in Cupar (Fife) but delighted that amongst it was a new moth for me in the form of a male Anomalous. I'd expected to have seen this species before when up on the moors but hadn't. So I suppose getting one in the garden explains why it is so called. #teammoth
I use Birdguides Martin, I've attached some screenshots which hopefully explain what you can do. There's more details in the alt text.
A flying visit to Poole at the start of the week gave me the opportunity to deploy the Golden Twin-spot pheromone. Absolutely thrilled to find two of these stunners in the trap on Wednesday morning. Must be breeding locally? #teammoth
I've just done that. Again, a lovely idea with lots of "empowering" statements but what happens when these new/renovated houses come onto the market in the future? Will they still be affordable? We need more 1-2 bedroom properties not the glut of 3/4/5 bedroom houses being built everywhere.