Pete Burness

Earlier on the expedition we found the most beautiful flower, and here, my friends, is the biggest: Rafflesia arnoldi seen in full bloom today in the Sumatran jungle. This is the largest flower on earth and one of the greatest wonders of the natural world.

Only 13mm of rain here in August. (Shadoxhurst).

July rainfall here at Shadoxhurst was 89mm.

Summer plumaged Grey Phalarope found by Phil @ShetlandTours yesterday morning. I got to see it in late evening light last night around 9pm! So glad I did! Look at those feet! @OMSYSTEMcameras #springbirding #greyphalarope #rarebirds #Shetland

Our first Small Tortoiseshell of the year in the garden today, with a Painted Lady.

Shocking news on the global population of Aquatic Warblers ! Perhaps only 8,000 singing males remain. #LIFE_AWOM cinea.ec.europa.eu/news-events/ev…

Yesterday, 8 Red Kites over the garden, (6 in one group). Shadoxhurst.

Early Purple Orchids at High Halden Churchyard today.

3 Fieldfares in the garden yesterday, and a few butterflies elsewhere. First Holly Blues and Speckled Wood of the year.

February rainfall here was 54mm.

@_MattEade @BEACHYBIRDER A really good book. I still have mine.

@BEACHYBIRDER My first pocket guide that stuck with me for years out in the field, a brilliant guide.

Anyone remember the Mitchell Beazley guide. Out of curiosity, I got a copy off eBay for a trip down memory lane. I’m surprised how decent the illustrations are for a bird guide that’s almost 40 yrs old.

@SeanMcMinn1 @NeilBurt5 Excellent video Sean, superb birds!

@NeilBurt5 Hi Neil yes that’s right

Some video

First butterfly of the year. A Peacock at RSPB Dungeness.

@james_dee Please keep the pics coming James. Very welcome in the dreary weather here.

That was a very satisfactory morning near Boulamane Dades in Morocco. Maybe I can have a holiday now? Heading from Ouarzazete towards Agadir and the SW tomorrow. Have not tried for Houbara or Mahgreb Owl yet, the former feels unlikely anyway.

Pheasant just given up on an attempt to get at the peanuts!

Rainfall here in Shadoxhurst for December was 65mm.

Raven flying low through the garden just now, chased by Carrion crows. Quite a few Redwings also.

Rainfall here for November was 55.00mm.

October rainfall here at Shadoxhurst was 103mm.

21mm of rain here in the last 24 hours!