David Minshall
@dbminshall.bsky.social
Nature and the outdoors
Bristol, UK
Bristol, UK
Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #CootsAndMoorhens (thanks @robcrank68.bsky.social) - so here's a couple of each.
Coot were at Tredegar House, and Moorhen at Magor Marsh. Both location in South Wales (May 2024). #birds #UKWildlife #birdingWales
Coot were at Tredegar House, and Moorhen at Magor Marsh. Both location in South Wales (May 2024). #birds #UKWildlife #birdingWales
November 15, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #CootsAndMoorhens (thanks @robcrank68.bsky.social) - so here's a couple of each.
Coot were at Tredegar House, and Moorhen at Magor Marsh. Both location in South Wales (May 2024). #birds #UKWildlife #birdingWales
Coot were at Tredegar House, and Moorhen at Magor Marsh. Both location in South Wales (May 2024). #birds #UKWildlife #birdingWales
Having watched Snipe tucked at a lakeside edge, it was pleasing to find another in clear view. Good too, seeing it joined by a male Teal. WWT Slimbridge. (07.11.25) #birds #ukwildlife #glosbirds
November 11, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Having watched Snipe tucked at a lakeside edge, it was pleasing to find another in clear view. Good too, seeing it joined by a male Teal. WWT Slimbridge. (07.11.25) #birds #ukwildlife #glosbirds
A few more from a recent visit to WWT Slimbridge - Teal, Pintail and Shelduck. (07.11.25) #birds #ukwildlife #glosbirds
November 11, 2025 at 11:34 AM
A few more from a recent visit to WWT Slimbridge - Teal, Pintail and Shelduck. (07.11.25) #birds #ukwildlife #glosbirds
Lapwing. Lots of these about at WWT Slimbridge and nice to get opportunity to see some quite close by. (07.11.25) @wwtworldwide.bsky.social #birds #ukwildlife #glosbirds
November 11, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Lapwing. Lots of these about at WWT Slimbridge and nice to get opportunity to see some quite close by. (07.11.25) @wwtworldwide.bsky.social #birds #ukwildlife #glosbirds
On the #BirdOfTheDay theme of #least (set by @alan678.bsky.social ) - this Temminck's Stint is the least I have seen/photographed. A small bird (especially when compared to the Shelduck), it's a rare UK visitor and I saw my one and only one 3 days ago at WWT Slimbridge! (07.11.25) #ukwildlife #birds
November 10, 2025 at 9:30 AM
On the #BirdOfTheDay theme of #least (set by @alan678.bsky.social ) - this Temminck's Stint is the least I have seen/photographed. A small bird (especially when compared to the Shelduck), it's a rare UK visitor and I saw my one and only one 3 days ago at WWT Slimbridge! (07.11.25) #ukwildlife #birds
Lamplighters Marsh NR (Bristol) this morning. A nice close fly past from a Grey Heron on the River Avon, and lovely to watch a famale Stonechat. (09.11.25) #avonbirds #ukwildlife #birds
November 9, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Lamplighters Marsh NR (Bristol) this morning. A nice close fly past from a Grey Heron on the River Avon, and lovely to watch a famale Stonechat. (09.11.25) #avonbirds #ukwildlife #birds
With #BirdOfTheDay theme being #takeoffs (set by @alan678.bsky.social) - here's three images of a juvenile Gannet taking off. Photos taken from Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland (Sept. 2025). #birds #ukwildlife
November 8, 2025 at 4:39 PM
With #BirdOfTheDay theme being #takeoffs (set by @alan678.bsky.social) - here's three images of a juvenile Gannet taking off. Photos taken from Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland (Sept. 2025). #birds #ukwildlife
For today’s #BirdOfTheDay theme of #lunchtime (set by @alan678.bsky.social ) - I've selected a Herring Gull enjoying a rat! I saw the gull flying with something heavy, but didn't realise what it's lunchtime treat was at first... New Passage, Severn Estuary. Sept. 2024. #birds #ukwildlife #avonbirds
November 6, 2025 at 9:51 AM
For today’s #BirdOfTheDay theme of #lunchtime (set by @alan678.bsky.social ) - I've selected a Herring Gull enjoying a rat! I saw the gull flying with something heavy, but didn't realise what it's lunchtime treat was at first... New Passage, Severn Estuary. Sept. 2024. #birds #ukwildlife #avonbirds
Today's #BirdOfTheDay is all about #CloseUps set by @robcrank68.bsky.social
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My selection is Siskin. All photos taken near St.Clears in South Wales.
#birds #birdingwales #ukwildlife
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My selection is Siskin. All photos taken near St.Clears in South Wales.
#birds #birdingwales #ukwildlife
November 5, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Today's #BirdOfTheDay is all about #CloseUps set by @robcrank68.bsky.social
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My selection is Siskin. All photos taken near St.Clears in South Wales.
#birds #birdingwales #ukwildlife
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My selection is Siskin. All photos taken near St.Clears in South Wales.
#birds #birdingwales #ukwildlife
Today’s #BirdOfTheDay theme is #underrated, set by @alan678.bsky.social
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One bird that falls into this group is the Starling. It appears to be thought of collectively, in particular their startling murmurations. But look at the birds individually - they are stunningly beautiful. #birds #ukwildlife
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One bird that falls into this group is the Starling. It appears to be thought of collectively, in particular their startling murmurations. But look at the birds individually - they are stunningly beautiful. #birds #ukwildlife
November 2, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Today’s #BirdOfTheDay theme is #underrated, set by @alan678.bsky.social
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One bird that falls into this group is the Starling. It appears to be thought of collectively, in particular their startling murmurations. But look at the birds individually - they are stunningly beautiful. #birds #ukwildlife
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One bird that falls into this group is the Starling. It appears to be thought of collectively, in particular their startling murmurations. But look at the birds individually - they are stunningly beautiful. #birds #ukwildlife
Today's #BirdOfTheDay is all about #Grebes - set by @robcrank68.bsky.social
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These Little Grebe were pictured at Gwent WT Magor Marsh in August and September this year. Seldom seem to see them out of water, and I do so like their preposterously large feet! #birds #ukwildlife
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These Little Grebe were pictured at Gwent WT Magor Marsh in August and September this year. Seldom seem to see them out of water, and I do so like their preposterously large feet! #birds #ukwildlife
November 1, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Today's #BirdOfTheDay is all about #Grebes - set by @robcrank68.bsky.social
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These Little Grebe were pictured at Gwent WT Magor Marsh in August and September this year. Seldom seem to see them out of water, and I do so like their preposterously large feet! #birds #ukwildlife
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These Little Grebe were pictured at Gwent WT Magor Marsh in August and September this year. Seldom seem to see them out of water, and I do so like their preposterously large feet! #birds #ukwildlife
A short local wander between showers at Lamplighters Marsh NR, Bristol, this morning. This area is alongside a tidal section of the River Avon. Good to see Redshank (7), a couple of Common Sandpiper, and a 'flypast' by a Curlew. Back home for 9:00am and a coffee... #bristolbirding #UKWildlife
November 1, 2025 at 11:22 AM
A short local wander between showers at Lamplighters Marsh NR, Bristol, this morning. This area is alongside a tidal section of the River Avon. Good to see Redshank (7), a couple of Common Sandpiper, and a 'flypast' by a Curlew. Back home for 9:00am and a coffee... #bristolbirding #UKWildlife
The #BirdOfTheDay theme is #hiding or alternatively #Halloween - set by @alan678.bsky.social
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So, here's a young Moorhen playing a trick and jumping out from it's hiding place - in the absence of a treat... (Picture actually taken 13.05.25 at Gwent WT Magor Marsh)
#birds #ukwildlife #birdingwales
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So, here's a young Moorhen playing a trick and jumping out from it's hiding place - in the absence of a treat... (Picture actually taken 13.05.25 at Gwent WT Magor Marsh)
#birds #ukwildlife #birdingwales
October 31, 2025 at 6:42 PM
The #BirdOfTheDay theme is #hiding or alternatively #Halloween - set by @alan678.bsky.social
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So, here's a young Moorhen playing a trick and jumping out from it's hiding place - in the absence of a treat... (Picture actually taken 13.05.25 at Gwent WT Magor Marsh)
#birds #ukwildlife #birdingwales
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So, here's a young Moorhen playing a trick and jumping out from it's hiding place - in the absence of a treat... (Picture actually taken 13.05.25 at Gwent WT Magor Marsh)
#birds #ukwildlife #birdingwales
Reposted by David Minshall
Victorian attitudes towards birds of prey in the UK are fueled by sensationalist fear-mongering like this, published routinely by mainstream media.
#RaptorResearch
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/10/28/a...
#RaptorResearch
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/10/28/a...
Absurd claim that White-tailed Eagles ‘snatched’ five Shetland ponies leads to inevitable call to ‘shoot eagles’
The absurd claim that White-tailed Eagles had ‘snatched’ five Shetland pony foals on South Uist hit the headlines at the end of August. A crofter / farmer named Donald Cameron said that…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
October 28, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Victorian attitudes towards birds of prey in the UK are fueled by sensationalist fear-mongering like this, published routinely by mainstream media.
#RaptorResearch
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/10/28/a...
#RaptorResearch
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/10/28/a...
A fresh and breezy morning for a walk at Severn Beach today. Lovely though to see several Greenfinch and a pair of Stonechat. Further out on the shore line, Shelduck, Curlew and an assortment of gulls. (28.10.25) #AvonBirds #UKWildlife
@bristolbirding.bsky.social
@bristolbirding.bsky.social
October 28, 2025 at 6:10 PM
A fresh and breezy morning for a walk at Severn Beach today. Lovely though to see several Greenfinch and a pair of Stonechat. Further out on the shore line, Shelduck, Curlew and an assortment of gulls. (28.10.25) #AvonBirds #UKWildlife
@bristolbirding.bsky.social
@bristolbirding.bsky.social
The #BirdOfTheDay theme today is #Heron - set by Alan.
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I've selected several pictures of Grey Heron, taken at Magor Marsh, New Passage (River Severn), and Slimbridge. #birds #ukwildlife @alan678.bsky.social
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I've selected several pictures of Grey Heron, taken at Magor Marsh, New Passage (River Severn), and Slimbridge. #birds #ukwildlife @alan678.bsky.social
October 27, 2025 at 8:46 AM
The #BirdOfTheDay theme today is #Heron - set by Alan.
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I've selected several pictures of Grey Heron, taken at Magor Marsh, New Passage (River Severn), and Slimbridge. #birds #ukwildlife @alan678.bsky.social
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I've selected several pictures of Grey Heron, taken at Magor Marsh, New Passage (River Severn), and Slimbridge. #birds #ukwildlife @alan678.bsky.social
Today's #BirdOfTheDay is all about #Egrets - set by Rob.
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I thought I'd go with this Little Egret photographed at Magor Marsh (Gwent WT), in August 2025.
#birds #birdingwales #ukwildlife @robcrank68.bsky.social
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I thought I'd go with this Little Egret photographed at Magor Marsh (Gwent WT), in August 2025.
#birds #birdingwales #ukwildlife @robcrank68.bsky.social
October 26, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Today's #BirdOfTheDay is all about #Egrets - set by Rob.
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I thought I'd go with this Little Egret photographed at Magor Marsh (Gwent WT), in August 2025.
#birds #birdingwales #ukwildlife @robcrank68.bsky.social
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I thought I'd go with this Little Egret photographed at Magor Marsh (Gwent WT), in August 2025.
#birds #birdingwales #ukwildlife @robcrank68.bsky.social
Cannop Ponds in the Forest of Dean were looking lovely last week. Nice too, still taking delight in birds that are often seen - Blue Tit, Dunnock and Robin. (22.10.25) #birds #ukwildlife
October 26, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Cannop Ponds in the Forest of Dean were looking lovely last week. Nice too, still taking delight in birds that are often seen - Blue Tit, Dunnock and Robin. (22.10.25) #birds #ukwildlife
Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme being #green (set by Alan), nice to feature the Greenfinch. In UK they suffered rapid decline due to disease. Once frequent visitors, they disappeared from garden for several years. Pleased to be seeing them gradually return. #birds #ukwildlife @alan6789.bsky.social
October 21, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme being #green (set by Alan), nice to feature the Greenfinch. In UK they suffered rapid decline due to disease. Once frequent visitors, they disappeared from garden for several years. Pleased to be seeing them gradually return. #birds #ukwildlife @alan6789.bsky.social
Always a little more distant than ideal for good photos on a dull day, but fabulous to watch Marsh Harrier at Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve (Somerset WT) last week. (16.10.25) #somersetbirding #ukwildlife
October 21, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Always a little more distant than ideal for good photos on a dull day, but fabulous to watch Marsh Harrier at Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve (Somerset WT) last week. (16.10.25) #somersetbirding #ukwildlife
Common Darter at Somerset WT Westhay Moor NNR last week. Still quite a few around including several mating pairs. Some restless Hawkers (I am assuming Migrant Hawker) also about, but a little too agile for photos - maybe trying to keep warm on the cool day! (16.10.25) #odonata #dragonfly #ukwildlife
October 20, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Common Darter at Somerset WT Westhay Moor NNR last week. Still quite a few around including several mating pairs. Some restless Hawkers (I am assuming Migrant Hawker) also about, but a little too agile for photos - maybe trying to keep warm on the cool day! (16.10.25) #odonata #dragonfly #ukwildlife
From the #black theme yesterday, to #colourful today for #BirdOfTheDay. Theme set by Alan.
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So, here is a Siskin I photographed near St. Clears in South Wales, July 2025.
#birds #ukwildlife #birdingwales @alan678.bsky.social
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So, here is a Siskin I photographed near St. Clears in South Wales, July 2025.
#birds #ukwildlife #birdingwales @alan678.bsky.social
October 19, 2025 at 10:06 AM
From the #black theme yesterday, to #colourful today for #BirdOfTheDay. Theme set by Alan.
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So, here is a Siskin I photographed near St. Clears in South Wales, July 2025.
#birds #ukwildlife #birdingwales @alan678.bsky.social
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So, here is a Siskin I photographed near St. Clears in South Wales, July 2025.
#birds #ukwildlife #birdingwales @alan678.bsky.social
Courtesy of Rob, #BirdOfTheDay is about colour #Black
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The little dinosaurs in my first photo are young Black-headed Gull. Wasn't sure what they were until the adult arrived! The hood (dark brown) only present during breeding season. WWT Slimbridge 2024. #birds #ukwildlife @robcrank68.bsky.social
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The little dinosaurs in my first photo are young Black-headed Gull. Wasn't sure what they were until the adult arrived! The hood (dark brown) only present during breeding season. WWT Slimbridge 2024. #birds #ukwildlife @robcrank68.bsky.social
October 18, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Courtesy of Rob, #BirdOfTheDay is about colour #Black
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The little dinosaurs in my first photo are young Black-headed Gull. Wasn't sure what they were until the adult arrived! The hood (dark brown) only present during breeding season. WWT Slimbridge 2024. #birds #ukwildlife @robcrank68.bsky.social
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The little dinosaurs in my first photo are young Black-headed Gull. Wasn't sure what they were until the adult arrived! The hood (dark brown) only present during breeding season. WWT Slimbridge 2024. #birds #ukwildlife @robcrank68.bsky.social
#BirdOfTheDay theme is birds with #character - thanks to Alan
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My choice, the Robin - one bird full of character!! Quizical poses, thorny indiffernce, or territorial posturing! Photos various UK locations, 2023-25.
#birds #ukwildlife @alan678.bsky.social
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My choice, the Robin - one bird full of character!! Quizical poses, thorny indiffernce, or territorial posturing! Photos various UK locations, 2023-25.
#birds #ukwildlife @alan678.bsky.social
October 17, 2025 at 7:51 PM
#BirdOfTheDay theme is birds with #character - thanks to Alan
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My choice, the Robin - one bird full of character!! Quizical poses, thorny indiffernce, or territorial posturing! Photos various UK locations, 2023-25.
#birds #ukwildlife @alan678.bsky.social
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My choice, the Robin - one bird full of character!! Quizical poses, thorny indiffernce, or territorial posturing! Photos various UK locations, 2023-25.
#birds #ukwildlife @alan678.bsky.social
Pleasantly surprised to be 'photobombed' by a Common Sandpiper as I was taking a picture of a Great Black-backed Gull! Several Redshank about too. (Lamplighters Marsh NR, Bristol. 17.10.25) Today's colour is grey... #bristolbirding #ukwildlife @bristolbirding.bsky.social
October 17, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Pleasantly surprised to be 'photobombed' by a Common Sandpiper as I was taking a picture of a Great Black-backed Gull! Several Redshank about too. (Lamplighters Marsh NR, Bristol. 17.10.25) Today's colour is grey... #bristolbirding #ukwildlife @bristolbirding.bsky.social