Simon Bradfield

Birder, Dad, Music lover. Tweets mostly bird related.

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

One for @NoContxtBirders

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

Although I'm not shutting my account yet I've joined the Bluesky exodus. I'm on there as https://t.co/V1EyZJdWRU (original huh!), if you're on there let me know and I'll follow.

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

I'm more used to see Velvet Scoter a mile off shore at Holkham so a real treat to see these two at close range at Grimsbury Reservoir. My first visit to this site too. #birding #BirdsSeenIn2024

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

Classic east coast migration day, SEOwl, Grey Phal, Barred Warbler and Isabelline Shrike also saw RB Fly, RF Bluetail, YBWarbler #birding #BirdsSeenIn2024

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

Our weekend in Yorkshire was too late for the Pal3-legged Warbler but a long-awaited lifer in Arctic Warbler has made up for it #birding #BirdsSeenIn2024

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

@WriterHannahBT The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier. Original and thought provoking and set in a not to distant future that feels horribly inevitable

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

Thought I was going to miss Whinchat this year so was pleased to find this one on Saturday. Such smart little birds #birding #BirdsSeenIn2024

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

@JoeSargent92 The two at Teignmouth last year roosted on the church tower so I guess this must be their preferred sleeping style...this is a roosting Alpine honest!

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

A filthy lunchtime twitch for an Arctic Skua which was both an Oxon tick and a year tick. Unobliginly, it spent the time flying around, so crap record shot ensued #birding #BirdsSeenIn2024

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

The Baird's Sandpiper at @RSPBFrampton was a challenge to pick out and spent most of the time asleep. Supporting cast of Curlew and Wood Sandpipers, Little Stint, Osprey, Merlin, Whimbrel, Spoonbills and Spotted Redshanks. Frampton always delivers! #BirdsSeenIn2024 #birding

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

Some Kingfishers from Borneo. Collared and Blue-eared were lifers for me. Stork-billed I'd seen before but not managed to photograph. This one tried its best to stay hidden whilst clearing out the hotel ornamental fish pond. #BirdsSeenIn2024 #birding

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

Not surprisingly the Rhinoceros Hornbill is classed as one of the Borneo "Big 5", holding its own with the Orangutans and Proboscis Monkeys. A stonker! #BirdsSeenIn2024 #birding

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

A trip to the Old World tropics always brings the chance of Sunbird lifers. The three commonest Sunbirds in Malaysian Borneo. Ornate, Brown-throated and the stunning Crimson Sunbird. #BirdsSeenIn2024 #birding

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

Blue-throated Bee-eaters were the default Bee-eater in Borneo but we also came across a small group of Rainbow Bee-eaters. Small numbers migrate to Sabah to avoid the Austral winter #BirdsSeenIn2024 #birding

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

The bird that cause me most excitement in Borneo was probably this - the endangered Storm's Stork. With less than 500 wild individuals left, Sabah is its stronghold. #BirdsSeenIn2024 #birding

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

My first visit to Malaysian Borneo, not an out-and-out birding trip but still picked up some good species. Asian Glossy Starling and Javan Myna were common. #birding #Borneo #BirdsSeenIn2024

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

It was only a matter of time before I finally got a Cattle Egret at Dix. These two were in lovely breeding plumage but really tested the zoom as they were the "wrong" side of the island. A potential future breeder?.... #birding #BirdsSeenIn2024

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

@birdering Flock of 30 screaming above my garden right now. Sadly the most I've had here all year. Definitely one of the best birds we get in the UK.

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

@old_caley It was particularly sweet as I spent a frustrating evening at Greenham last week with only the briefest views. They seem to get harder there every year.

[Simon Bradfield @SimonBradfield]

Went to look for Woodlarks (unsuccessfully) in the New Forest but another birder pointed out something better! Only the second Nightjar I've seen in the day. #birding #BirdsSeenIn2024