Mark Hipkin

On Bluesky since November 2024

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

Find me @markhipkin.bsky.social

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

@bri66thomp @CraigerUK500 @bristolbirding Well done Bri I’m glad all
The hard work is being rewards. I absolutely love waders and Buff-breasted Sandpipers are right up there with the best ones 😎

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

@neild1962 @dean_bolt @rhosvw @KenfigWarden Very nice find Neil. It’s a Glamorgan tick for me too so I’m doubly pleased

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

Having spent the whole of 2024 not seeing any Black Redstarts I managed to connect with two today. The one in the photos was at Rhossili this morning, then later a second one at Overton around midday. A Firecrest at the sewage works also my first this year

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

A typically showy Snow Bunting (1st W male) was dodging the visitors in the NT car park at Rhossili today. It was a shining light on an otherwise gloomy day and lifted my spirits considerably to watch it feed at close range

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[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

@bernieatpwll I think it’s probably ok Bernie. There is variation in how strong the ‘mask’ markings appear on Barnacle. The rest of the plumage looks spot on

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

@westcoastbw Thanks Dave. I hope it stick for your return home. In the meantime best of luck on North Ronaldsay

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

Few shots of the juv Little Crake that was still present at Bosherston Lily Ponds this afternoon. Elusive at times but occasionally venturing out into the open to show off its subtly cryptic markings and long-primary projection. A very smart bird that that I’ve dipped in the past

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

@MartinWoo66 Thanks Martin. I parked in the NT car park (because I have membership) which is at NW end of ponds but the council car park at Broad Haven is also handy. They are both about the same distance from where the bird is showing. Good luck for your visit

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

A real treat to see the North(west)ern Lights from the back garden in Neath tonight

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

Yesterday, I spent a 2nd day birding around Overton and was lucky enough to get views of the Red-breasted Flycatcher on three occasions. Contrary to expectations it showed best in heavy rain when it fed at low level. This shot captures what was probably my best view of it

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

@blodwyn50 Thanks both

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

I was stunned to find this 1stW R-b Flycatcher at Overton this PM. A very scarce bird locally with 8 previous accepted records in Glamorgan (5 of those in West Glam). The most recent record being 4/12/1983 from Whiteford. Luckily I managed a record photo of it. What a stunner!

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

@MikeCram5 Thanks Mike, no sadly it wasn’t seen again after I reported it around 2pm. About a dozen birders came to look for it with a few of us still there at 6pm.

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

@dm3ssag3 Thanks Paul. I hope it’s relocated tomorrow

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

@MikeCram5 Thanks Mike

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

Few photos of the stunning Hoopoe that graced the grassy area near Swansea Cenotaph this PM. A practically fearless bird was enjoyed by several local birders. Congrats & thanks to finder for putting news out so promptly after their find. This bird is ✅ 205 on my Glam year list

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

@sevans1032 Thanks Shaun. I’m hopeful that a relatively quiet Autumn so far will pick up in October and November. So far so good🤞

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

@neild1962 Thanks Neil

[Mark Hipkin @markhipkin1]

@dm3ssag3 @StruthJones Nice one Paul. Those Magpies get way too close for my liking