My original drawing of this 1st-summer Black-headed Gull has recently sold and I’m delighted it now has a new home! #birdart #birdartist #wildlifeart #drawing

Exciting times on the reserve with brilliant birdsong and wonderful waders. Highlights on the sightings board below. Insects include green hairstreak and, a new species for the reserve, the grizzled skipper. 'Singing' field cricket heard on the heath. 📷Graham Osborne

A number of my original artworks are still available to own and I’ve just reduced the prices across my whole gallery of work. Here’s just a taster but please visit my website for the full range andyashdown.co.uk and get in touch if interested. #birdart #drawing #wildlifeart

I’m fairly sure not all the neighbours in our road appreciate the state of our front garden (which has been turned over to wild flowers) but when you step out on a sunny morning and see fresh Common Blues it’s all worthwhile!

First target species acquired since arriving on the #IsleofWight (and my first day out after the chaos of moving): Glanville Fritillary. It was a glorious sunny day and the perfect conditions to locate one. Now, where are those Red Squirrels? Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust @IsleofWightNT

I’ve been a bit absent from Twitter whilst settling in on the gorgeous #IsleofWight but I’ve spent a fantastic summer season working with @IsleofWightNT at some stunning locations; the beautiful Newtown NNR providing my first close encounter with a Red Squirrel. National Trust

Another @IsleofWightNT site that I’ve grown to love is Compton Bay. A stunning coastline with a stretch of beach abundant in dinosaur footprints and fossils. Thanks so much to Megan Wight Coast Fossils for helping to broaden my knowledge over the summer and show me what to look for!

The view of The Needles is one reason to visit @needlesbattery but during shifts I’ve been keeping an eye on the wildlife inc. Wheatear, Rock Pipit, Weasel, Dolphin and Rose Chafer. I’ve looked Peregrines in the eye and even had a grounded Pied Flycatcher in a near whiteout!

Somewhat delighted to find a Dartford Warbler waiting for me on The Needles Headland as I arrived for my shift today! @needlesbattery @IsleofWightNT National Trust #IsleofWight

Really looking forward to helping run this free event next week. Budding artists of all ages welcome so come down to Compton Bay and have a go!

I’m growing to love Yarmouth as a quick-stop birding location here on the #IsleofWight. Five minutes down the road from me and a wander around the town never disappoints; with a harbour, estuary and beach all within a stone’s throw of the ferry terminal.

I will be holding an exhibition of my bird studies throughout December Warnham Local Nature Reserve. All work will be available to buy with some fantastic discounts and special offers so I do hope you’ll be able to pop along. The perfect opportunity to pick up a Christmas gift! Warnham LNR Friend

Not quite what I was expecting to record for this year’s RSPB #BigGardenBirdWatch. Anyone on the #IsleofWight lost a pet?

A little bit of news! 🙂