Just had an ALPINE SWIFT at pennance point. . Thanks @ej_cornelius for quick camera work

This gorgeous male Bluethroat was trapped in Plantation this afternoon. Such a nice bird to see up close. @FI_Obs

Great days birding with @12broadbentm today with 3 White-billed Divers off Portsoy. Amazing to see these birds at relatively close range in great conditions.

A quiet walk at Kynance this evening turned when @drage_james spotted a Hoopoe across the valley. This became better when that Hoopoe multiplied to two on the path infront of me. Just to finish off, a Purple Heron proceeded to fly in off the sea over one of the Hoopoes! @CBWPS1

Despite having minimal terrestrial birding time in South Africa, a couple of trips to Durban botanic gardens were highly rewarding. Some great views of many common, and a few scarcer, species. A few highlights below

Having recently returned home from a truly unforgettable week on board on the MSC Musica for Flock to Marion 2025 with @BirdLife_SA, it's time to sort through photos and relive all the best moments. Why not start the very best - Wandering and Sooty Albatrosses

Just to give you an idea on what an average albatross fly-by looked like on Flock to Marion! Snowy Albatross in this case, but even the Sooties, Light-mantled and Grey-headeds were doing this, metres away 🤯

Flock to Marion was the most mindblowing, astonishing week of seabirding I've ever had and potentially ever will have. Pterodromas surrounding the boat at all times, albatrosses and giant petrels at arms reach and crazy numbers of crazy birds are experiences I'll never forget.

An adventure of a lifetime, Flock to Marion was leagues above any birding I’ve ever done. Really upset that the week’s come to an end, but makes it all the more magical. I’ll leave you with 4 of the most stunning bird species in the world, we’ve got to protect these seabirds. 🌊

Day 6 of Flock to Marion (yesterday) was quieter as we steam back to Durban, but a steady stream of Soft-plumaged and Great-winged Petrels, and plenty of albatrosses kept us more than entertained. Should be a good chance of some more tropical species on the way back. 🚢🌊

Another day around Marion Island that I’ll remember for the rest of my life, arguably even better than yesterday. Outrageous views of everything, including White-headed Petrel and Blue Petrels!! Not to mention 1,000’s of prions, albatrosses everywhere, and the penguins! 🚢🌊

Just a warning in advance, I will be posting a lot of photos from Marion Island in the coming weeks….Light-mantled Albatross today, IMO the best of all albatrosses 🌊. Another ridiculously good morning so far!!

Can’t even begin to explain the day we’re having at Marion Island currently, 100’s of seabirds on view every second, albatrosses permanently at arms length, prions nearly crashing into us. Best birding day ever, and we’re only half way through 🤯🔥. Some back of camera shots:

Another BARAU’S PETREL just now on approach to Marion Island, must be one of the most southern records of this species ever?! Absolutely buzzing 💥⚡️ so happy that some of the lads connected with this one after missing yesterday’s

Utterly mindblowing morning so far on Flock to Marion, I fear my tiny mind can’t handle all of this 🤯🤯 mega seabirds streaming past us at the moment, and it’s not even 10:00am yet!!!

I could cry, Wandering Albatross on Flock to Marion this morning, the ultimate bird!!!! Pure goosebumps!

Mateeeee, BARAU’S PETREL on Flock to Marion this evening, well south-east of Cape Town!!!! Pretty far out it’s range, and not one we thought we’d see!Unfortunately only a fraction of the people onboard managed to get on it, so feeling very lucky to get a pic. 🚢 🌊

Flock to Marion 2025 underway, kicking off with Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses, Great-winged and White-chinned Petrels just an hour into the cruise!! Who knows what the next week will bring 🐧🐋

I had less than 15 mins this aft to get out of the car, see the Grey-headed Lapwing, and get back to the car. Thanks to the guys who let me look through their scopes, and the lapwing for being obliging 🎉

With no sightings today, it’s possible the Scarlet Tanager may have moved on! Thank you for making Halifax the centre of UK twitching fever for just a few short days, during which time you demanded much effort for little reward! The perfect metaphor for Halifax birding generally!

Great long weekend to be back at home in Yorkshire! Scarlet tanager only 10 mins away in Shelf, Calderdale which showed well briefly! Full list here - https://t.co/sAlOmU26qg #calderdalebirds #yorkshirebirds #ukbirding #yorkshirebirding #scarlettanager