John Oates

Harpy Eagles in Brazil. What a bird!

Little Auk trying to find a bit of shelter at Trearddur Bay, Anglesey this afternoon.

Lovely views of the Shore Lark at Mow Cop yesterday. It's in quite a big field, but fortunately it likes to hang around right by the footpath.

Crested Ibis is still very rare & has been close to extinction, but the population is increasing as a result of conservation measures, including some reintroductions. Another top bird from our China trip in Jan 26.

White-eared Heron was a major highlight and one I hadn't expected to see. We had some great views during a night time boat trip. China, Jan 2026

@Edwardbirding @AlfieBirder Nice. Mine are pretty much done now, just a few plants and beer to edit! You can see them here if you want: flickr.com/photos/johnswi…

@Baractus @AlfieBirder I posted this one earlier John. Still editing.

Cabot's Tragopan in China - voted bird of the trip. It's a stunner.

@MidlandsBirder @oliver_paisey @slimbridge_wild @Nickgoatman It could well be that, maybe even a combo of abnormalities. It really is a cracker - I'd like to go back and see it in better light.

@Baractus @oliver_paisey @slimbridge_wild @Nickgoatman Thanks John. Agree, shape wise, it is 'just' a Tufty and doesn't really resemble TDxRCP. Erythrism? Fantastic looking bird

From earlier today @slimbridge_wild: Highlight was the hybrid Tufted x Red crested pochard in the Eider pool. Also, 1 Grey plover from ET, Spoonbill on TNP, 16 Tundra beans + Pink footed goose on Dumbles, Water rail, 3 Marsh harriers, 2 Buzzards. #GlosBirds

@Nick04791054 Oh no. Did you see Baer’s Pochard? We eventually saw 4, but it was hard work.

@Baractus We missed them

Scaly-sided Mergansers in China. The views were far better than expected!

@Nick04791054 They were at Lishan Mountain in Fujian.

@Baractus EMEI FENG?

@Nick04791054 Yes, in the Kengkou area. These were seen on 23rd Jan.

@Baractus Shijan ? There only a few weeks ago

@oliver_paisey @MidlandsBirder @slimbridge_wild @Nickgoatman This looks like it could be an aberrant Tufted Duck to me. It seems to lack the look of Tufted x R-c Pochard & structurally it's pretty much identical to a standard male Tufted. This photo is from Saturday.

@MidlandsBirder @slimbridge_wild Hi Craig, the hybrid was first found by @Nickgoatman on the 8th at Frampton pools, then relocated to the Rushy on the 9th. Very odd looking bird, looks a bit like a child’s drawing of a Tufted.

Great views of White-bellied Seedsnipe at the top of Mount Tarn. A trip highlight & well worth the hike from sea level to a little shy of 800m. @Birdquest

Despite heavy rain and strong wind I managed great views of Seychelles Scops Owl, on my second attempt. A little cracker.

The hotel I’ve been staying at in Mahé has 8 of the 12 Seychelles endemics. The Pizon Olande was my favourite 👍

I’ve finally seen Saunder’s Tern. My previous sightings have all been Little Terns 😁This one was at Curieuse, Seychelles.

Whale Shark off Mahé. We saw about 10!!

Hardknott Pass. Blimey. I’ve driven over some challenging mountain passes in my time, but Hardknott Pass in Cumbria is extreme, due to how tight & steep the hairpins are. At times it is impossible to see what is in front of you. Highly recommended😁

Modern cameras are amazing. This Goliath Heron was taken when it was almost dark, using ISO 25600.