Stefan McElwee

The fabulous White-billed diver in Blyth harbour today. My third in Northumberland, such fantastic birds.

@AndrewMKinghorn @OrioleBirding Canny off Whitburn!

Our @OrioleBirding pelagic delivered this year, hard to choose a highlight when you rack up four species of albatross in one outing. Pics of a few stars: Shy Albatross, White-chinned Petrel, and Pintado Petrel. We also had an unexpected Southern Fulmar.

@Vaasetter Brilliant Mark. Somewhat surprisingly I’ve never found one. My self-found bogey bird. Each year I think this is the year and then…maybe next year.

Here's the antithesis of all those gorgeous shots of Pallas's Warblers from the weekend! Buzzing to find another on the patch, think that's four now, including two here on Anterton Hill, albeit 25 years apart... That "first view" magic when finding a Pallas's never fades💚💛

On this day in 2017. Hornemann’s Redpoll, Unst, Shetland.

‘Over the top’ conditions on Blakeney Point today. A good slog produced 3 Firecrest, Woodcock, Brambling and a few thrushes. The Rubythroat will have to wait….

@SueBryan2 @GarryBagnell @cw_glanfield Think that was the Bushchat Sue, the Rufous-tailed robin was in hawthorns on the Western track for one evening only.

@GarryBagnell @cw_glanfield It was a very muddy affair with several falling in the mud trying to jump the channels as we had to wait for the tide to drop.

Just bought a ticket to watch Arsenal v Athletico Madrid tonight and a Rufous-tailed Robin is found on North Ron. Typical. These birds are typically one dayers. If it’s seen tomorrow, I will be interested in going.

Looking like an expensive dip for the Shetland Siberian thrush. ☹️

@HughHarrop @RareBirdAlertUK @ScottishBirding @BirdTrack @NLFerries @ShetlandWild @Britnatureguide @Shetnews @SteelySeabirder @SunnysidePri Stunning.

Absolutely mind-blowing views of the male Siberian Thrush at Loch of Asta, Shetland this afternoon...

@AndrewMKinghorn @DurhamBirdClub Outrageously good Andrew. Some heavyweight rares there!

Fantastic September in Durham. Started with a showy Icterine Warbler at Whitburn, followed by two White-tailed Eagles at Greatham, days later a coasting Honey Buzzard. Amazing Pechora Pipit, an 'in-off' Isabelline Wheatear then a Sibe Chat. Finished with a coasting Glossy Ibis.

I suspect many Pechora twitchers will remember fondly the Eastern-crowned warbler in October 2009 in the same area of the Quarry. Stood with some of the same crowd 16 years later reminds me of how quick time passes. 16 years!

It’s been a great period for juvenile waders - this lovely confiding Ruff at Covenham reservoir in August.

It’s a long time since I last saw a Pechora Pipit in Britain, 30 years in fact. Great to catch up with another across the river today. Brief perched views but very elusive.

Great Snipe twitch at Spurn on this day in 2013. Still the only one I’ve seen in Britain. Where does time go?!

Very lucky to have regular visitors to our garden in north Newcastle. Wonderful mammals.

Little Stint meets Caspian Gull at Covenham Reservoir today. @Lincsbirding

Night Heron at Marden Quarry, North Tyneside. County bogey bird having dipped at least 3 previously. This one has taken 3 attempts! 😆

Short-beaked Common Dolphin and Great Shearwater. August 2025 @Scillypelagics

Wilson’s Petrels continue to be seen off Scilly in late August. We had birds on all trips with maybe 6-10 seen in total. @Scillypelagics

Despite unfavourable weather conditions over the weekend, Great and Cory’s Shearwaters seen in numbers. @Scillypelagics