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fraggenstein.bsky.social
Fraggs Photography 📸🦊🦉🦋🦔 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
@fraggenstein.bsky.social
3K followers 1.6K following 2.1K posts
Amateur wildlife photographer from South Wales ~ Loving all aspects of nature & capturing those beautiful moments with a camera ~ Canon R5 - R7 - 90D ~ BBC Countryfile Calendar Competition Finalist 2023 🏆
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fraggenstein.bsky.social
The Alt theme for #BirdOfTheDay is #Pigeons ~ Here's a Wood Pigeon that I took yesterday 30/01/26 in the garden 🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #bluesky #birdsofbluesky #EastCoastKin #naturetherapy
The wood pigeon is the UK's largest and most common pigeon, known for its plump, rounded appearance and distinct markings. Plump and Rounded: Imagine a bird about the size of a small chicken or a large dove. It has a very round, heavy body, a small head, and a short neck. Posture: When walking on the ground, it has an upright posture, often looking quite stout and confident. Main Colour: The body is primarily a soft, muted greyish-pink or lavender-grey, often described as a muted, dusty purple grey on the breast. Neck Patch: The most distinguishing feature is a bright white crescent-shaped patch on either side of its neck, which stands out clearly against the grey. Wing Bars: When you see it fly, you will notice a thick, white line (a patch) running across the middle of its wing. Tail: The tail is grey but has a distinct, dark black band at the very tip. Eyes: They have bright, light-yellow or pale cream-coloured eyes, which can sometimes look piercingly sharp. Beak: The beak is small, dull pinkish or orange, often with a white patch at the base. Flight: When a wood pigeon takes off, it makes a loud, clattering noise with its wings. It is not a graceful take-off but a powerful, noisy one. Call: Their song is a familiar, soft, five-note cooing sound, which sounds like: “coo-coo, coo-coo-coo”. Behaviour: They are often seen walking on lawns or in trees, picking at food, and can be quite tame in cities compared to their shy nature in the countryside.
January 31, 2026 at 9:06 PM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #Ducks and the Alt theme is #Pigeons - set by @robcrank68.bsky.social ~ Here's a Drake Goldeneye with a bit of an itch ~ photo taken on the River Ogmore earlier this month🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #bluesky #birdsofbluesky #EastCoastKin
A Goldeneye duck is a medium diving duck known for its bright yellow eye, especially noticeable on males, which have a shiny green-black head with a distinct white spot in front of the eye, contrasting with a black back and white chest. Females are a softer grey with a warm brown head and also have a bright eye, with their wings creating a whistling sound in flight, making them identifiable by sound as well as sight.
January 31, 2026 at 5:22 PM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
Time for #SmallBirdSaturday Set by @javajanegallery.co.uk - taken this week and very much a regular visitor to the garden -Male Great Tit 😍 🥰🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #EastCoastKin #ukwildlife #bluesky #naturephotography #birdsofbluesky #naturetherapy
Photo taken in the garden today 29/01/26 The Great Tit is a common, small garden bird, roughly 12–14 cm (5 inches) in length, often described as having a bold, high-contrast appearance. A glossy black cap on top of the head with very bright, stark white patches on the cheeks. A bright, sunny lemon-yellow belly. A thick, bold black stripe runs down the centre of the yellow chest from the throat to the tail, almost like a tie. Olive-green on the back with blue grey on the wings. Similar to or slightly larger than a house sparrow but often appears more robust. Distinguishing Features Vs. Blue Tit: It is larger than a Blue Tit and lacks the prominent blue cap, favouring a black one instead. Gender Differences: Males have a wider, more intense black stripe, while females have a narrower, sometimes broken stripe. Movement: Very active and acrobatic, often seen hanging upside down from feeders.
January 31, 2026 at 10:32 AM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
Just going through a few photos that I took in the garden this morning 30/01/26 & captured this beauty on one of the feeders ~ The Goldfinch 😍 🥰🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #finches #ukwildlife #bluesky #naturephotography #birdsofbluesky #naturetherapy
A goldfinch is a small, slender, and very colourful bird, roughly the size of a sparrow, often spotted in gardens or on bird feeders. It is known for its bright, high-contrast plumage and distinctive, active behaviour. Here is a description based on different senses: Visual Description (Colours and Markings) The Face: The most striking feature is a bright, crimson-red patch on the face, surrounding the base of the beak, which contrasts with white cheeks. The Wings: They have black wings with very bright, broad yellow bars, which look like a flash of gold when they fly. Body: They have a brown back, a white belly, and a black crown on their head. The Bill: They have a long, pale, and very slender bill, which they use to pick seeds out of plants like thistles and dandelions. Size and Motion They are small and compact. They are very agile, often seen hanging upside down on feeders or swaying on seed heads. They often move in small, busy groups, known as a "charm". Sounds and Activity Song: They have a delightful, high-pitched, and fast-paced "twittering" song. Call: Their call is a musical, liquid-sounding "tinkling" noise, often heard while they are in flight. Habitat: They are very common at bird feeders, specifically visiting to eat Nyjer or sunflower seeds. Appearance Variations Winter: In winter, their colours become a bit duller, appearing more brownish yellow. Juveniles: Younger goldfinches are streaky brown all over, lacking the red face but keeping the black and yellow wings. In summary, imagine a tiny bird with a brilliant red face, white cheeks, and vibrant yellow flashes on its black wings, often heard making a cheerful, liquid, musical song.
January 30, 2026 at 11:53 PM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
The #BirdOfTheDay theme today is #FavouriteOfTheMonth. Alternative is #Blue set by @robcrank68.bsky.social ~ Been a very quiet month for me but I have a pair of Nuthatches that have just started visiting the garden 😍 🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #bluesky #birdsofbluesky #EastCoastKin
A nuthatch is a small, compact bird, roughly the size of a Great Tit or sparrow (about 14cm long), often described as looking like a miniature, plump woodpecker with a very short tail. They are highly distinctive because they are the only UK bird that regularly climbs down tree trunks headfirst. Here is a detailed description of their appearance and behaviour: Appearance Colours: They have a striking combination of colours: a clean, blue-grey back and wings, a white face and chin, and a warm, chestnut-orange or buff-coloured belly. Markings: They have a very prominent, thick black stripe that runs across their eyes, making it look like they are wearing a small mask. Beak and Body: They have a long, straight, black, and very sharp, dagger-like bill, which they use to hammer nuts and seeds into tree bark. They appear almost neckless and very stout. Behaviour Movement: Nuthatches are incredibly agile and are often seen "hitching" or working their way along tree trunks and branches. Unlike treecreepers or woodpeckers, they easily walk down a tree headfirst. Feeding: They are energetic and noisy feeders, often jamming seeds or nuts into crevices in the bark to crack them open (hence the name "nuthatch" or "nuthacker"). Sounds: They make a very loud, sharp, and nasal "yank-yank" call, which is often the first sign of their presence in a wood or garden. They are common in woodlands and often visit garden bird feeders, especially if nuts are provided.
January 30, 2026 at 9:50 PM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
Lovely to see a visit in the garden this morning from this Female Great Spotted Woodpecker - South Wales, not seen her since early December last year 😍🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #woodpecker #ukwildlife #bluesky #naturephotography #birdsofbluesky #naturetherapy
A female Great Spotted Woodpecker is a strikingly patterned, medium-sized bird, roughly the size of a starling or thrush (about 23cm long). It is often described as a "pied" bird, meaning it is dressed in high-contrast patches of black and white, with a special splash of red only on its underside. 1. The Head (Key Feature) Plain Black and White: The most important feature to distinguish a female from a male is that the female has a completely black cap on top of her head. No Red: Unlike the male, which has a bright red patch on the back of its neck (nape), the female’s head is entirely black from the forehead down to the shoulders. White Cheeks: The sides of the face are clean, white, and framed by a black line that runs like a moustache from the beak down to the shoulder. 2. Back, Wings, and Tail White Shoulder Patch: When perched or in flight, she shows a very large, bold white, oval-shaped patch on each shoulder. Barred Wings: The black wings are covered in horizontal white bars (stripes), creating a "spotted" effect. Tail: The tail is black, with white outer feathers that might appear as spots when she is clinging to a tree. 3. Underparts and Belly Off-White Breast: The chest and belly are a pale, off-white, or buff colour. Red Vent: Under the tail, at the very base of the body, she has a bright, crimson-red patch of feathers. 4. Behaviour and Sound Movement: She has an "undulating" or "bouncing" flight, often moving in a wavy line from tree to tree. Feeding: When on a tree, she clings vertically to the bark, using her stiff tail for support. Sound: In early spring, she creates a loud, rapid "drumming" sound by hammering her beak against dead wood to mark territory. She also makes a sharp, distinct "kik" call. Summary for Identification: A black and white bird with a plain black head, large white shoulder patches, and a bright red patch under the tail.
January 30, 2026 at 4:15 PM
Reposted by Fraggs Photography 📸🦊🦉🦋🦔 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
cactusfranks.bsky.social
The Willow Tit is one of the most endangered breeding birds in the UK (90% decline in the last 30 years); I was happy to see two at Garwnant in the Brecon Beacons yesterday, my first in a few years. #BirdingWales #birds #BirdsSeenIn2026
@bannaubrycheiniog.bsky.social
January 30, 2026 at 9:10 AM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
‪
The Alt #BirdOfTheDay theme today is #gardenbirds set by
@alan678.bsky.social - I normally put monkey nuts out for the Jackdaws, Magpies & Crows but this morning a little Great Tit was flying off with them 😆 🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #bluesky #birdsofbluesky #EastCoastKin
Photo taken in the garden today 29/01/26 The Great Tit is a common, small garden bird, roughly 12–14 cm (5 inches) in length, often described as having a bold, high-contrast appearance. A glossy black cap on top of the head with very bright, stark white patches on the cheeks. A bright, sunny lemon-yellow belly. A thick, bold black stripe runs down the centre of the yellow chest from the throat to the tail, almost like a tie. Olive-green on the back with blue grey on the wings. Similar to or slightly larger than a house sparrow but often appears more robust. Distinguishing Features Vs. Blue Tit: It is larger than a Blue Tit and lacks the prominent blue cap, favouring a black one instead. Gender Differences: Males have a wider, more intense black stripe, while females have a narrower, sometimes broken stripe. Movement: Very active and acrobatic, often seen hanging upside down from feeders.
January 29, 2026 at 6:08 PM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
The #BirdOfTheDay theme today is #EyeContact When the eye steals the frame. The alt is #gardenbirds set by @alan678.bsky.social - It's all about the eye on this beautiful Male Dartford Warbler 😍🪶🦉 #ukbirding #birdphotography #bluesky #birdsofbluesky #EastCoastKin #warbler #naturetherapy #birds
Photo taken at The New Forest - Hampshire The male Dartford warbler is a small, slender, long-tailed bird, roughly 12-13cm in length. It is characterized by its dark, slate-grey to brownish-grey head and back, which contrast with a deep, wine-red or russet-coloured chest. Coloration: The head and back are dark, smoky grey, while the underparts are a rich, reddish-brown or "cherry-red". The throat is often speckled with small white spots, and the centre of the belly has a distinctive dirty-white patch. Key Features: The most striking feature is a bright red eye-ring, which sits within the grey plumage. It has a thin, pointed, dark-coloured bill with a pinkish-yellow base. Shape and Behaviour: It has a relatively long, thin tail that is often held upright or "cocked". When in flight, it is often seen flitting or bobbing between dense gorse and heather bushes. Habit: It is often seen sitting on top of gorse bushes, particularly in sunny weather, singing a loud, scratchy song.
January 29, 2026 at 8:32 AM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
‪Today's Alternative #BirdOfTheDay theme is #Finches set by @robcrank68.bsky.social ~ here's a beautiful Female Greenfinch bathed in glorious sunshine 🪶🦉 #ukbirding #birdphotography #bluesky #birdsofbluesky #EastCoastKin #finches #naturetherapy #birds
Photo taken in Somerset. A female greenfinch is a small-to-medium, stout-bodied bird, similar in size to a House Sparrow but often appearing more "puffy" or chunky. Overall Colour (Dull Olive-Brown): Unlike the bright yellow-green of the male, the female is a much more subdued, earthy colour. She is generally described as a dull, brownish-grey or olive-green. Key Identification Mark (Yellow Wing Flashes): Despite her duller body, she has a distinct patch of pale yellow on the edge of her wings and on the sides of her tail, which is very visible when she flies. Streaking: She has faint, darker streak markings on her back and breast, which makes her look less smooth-coloured than the male. Head and Bill: She has a large, rounded head with a very thick, short, and pale-coloured beak designed for cracking seeds. Behavioural Clue: They are often found in gardens, specifically on hanging nut feeders, and are quite territorial. Summary to help with identification: A small, chunky bird that looks like a "dull-green, streaky sparrow" with a pale, thick beak and hidden yellow in the wings that shows in flight.
January 28, 2026 at 6:33 PM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
‪Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #Iridescent, birds with Iridescent Colours, the Alt theme is #Finches, any of the Finches will do set by @robcrank68.bsky.social ~ Gone with the gorgeous often hidden rainbow tail feathers of the Magpie 😍🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #EastCoastKin
Photo taken in back garden ~ South Wales From a distance, a magpie appears to be a simple, bold combination of stark white and deep black. However, upon closer inspection—especially when the sun hits them—their feathers are not just black, but shimmer with a hidden, metallic sheen. Here is a description of the magpie's iridescence: Shifting Colours (Structural Colour): Unlike pigment-based colours, the magpie's sheen is caused by the way the feather structure reflects light, acting like a prism. This means the colour changes based on the angle of view. The Colours: The dark areas of the wings and the long tail glimmer with flashes of deep, iridescent blue, vibrant emerald, green, and sometimes hints of violet, copper, or gold. Tail & Wings: The long tail often shows a yellowish-green or bronze-green shine near the body, turning into a deep, glossy blue towards the tip. The wings show intense blue or teal reflections. The Effect: When the bird moves in bright sunlight, it looks as though someone is moving a polished, metallic object back and forth. In lower light, this shimmer disappears, and the feathers appear plain black. Essentially, a magpie’s feathers are a "hidden rainbow" that only reveals itself when the lighting is just right.
January 28, 2026 at 10:38 AM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
The #BirdOfTheDay alt theme is #Yellow, birds with any yellow colouring - set by @alan678.bsky.social ~ Spent a little time deciding on this and although the Great Grey Owl is all shades of grey, those striking bright yellow eyes kind of fit the theme 😁😍 🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #EastCoastKin
Photo taken at Ebbw Vale Owl Sanctuary ~ South Wales The Great Grey Owl is a massive, fluffy bird often described as the "Phantom of the North" due to its quiet, ghostly presence in snowy, forested areas. It is known for being the largest owl by length in North America, appearing almost entirely composed of soft feathers. They are tall, standing roughly 24 to 33 inches high (about the height of a small child), with a wingspan stretching nearly 5 feet. Despite their size, they are mostly feathers and only weigh about 2.5 pounds. They have a very large, rounded head with no ear tufts. The most distinct feature is a very large, flat, grey, and white circular disc that makes up the face. Within this circle are intense, bright yellow eyes. Below the eyes, they have a "white bowtie" or Mustache-like patch of feathers. They are covered in a dense, camouflaged pattern of grey, white, and dark brown bars and streaks, allowing them to blend perfectly with tree bark and snow. These owls are silent flyers. Their feathers are specially adapted to muffle sound, allowing them to glide almost silently, making them appear as if they are "ghosts" passing through the woods. They are often seen perched on high poles or trees at dawn or dusk. Their hunting is guided by extremely acute hearing; they can hear a small rodent moving under two feet of snow, then dive directly into the snow to catch it.
January 27, 2026 at 10:02 PM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
The #BirdOfTheDay theme is #BrownIsBeautiful celebrating subtle brown tones in birds. The alt theme is #Yellow, birds with any yellow colouring - set by @alan678.bsky.social - Plenty of beautiful subtle brown tones in the Wryneck 😍🪶 🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #naturephotography
Photo taken at Goldcliff Lagoons ~ South Wales The Wryneck is a small, fascinating bird, part of the woodpecker family, though it behaves quite differently from its cousins. Imagine a bird roughly the size of a sparrow, but with a thicker, more rounded body and a long, slender tail. Here is a description of its appearance and behaviour: Camouflage Colours: Imagine a "mottled mosaic" of colours—a blend of soft browns, greyish-buff, and warm cream. The pattern is very intricate, resembling the texture of grey-brown tree bark or dry, speckled earth. The Markings: If you could feel its feathers, you would feel fine, dark bars across its throat and mottled, arrow-shaped markings on its belly. A dark, thin stripe runs down the back of its head and along its spine, creating a clear line down the centre of its back. The Head: It has a relatively small head compared to its chunky body, with a sharp, thin, brownish beak. Size and Shape It is slightly larger than a house sparrow, roughly 16 to 18 cm long. It looks a bit like a plump, chunky warbler or a small, rounded bird with a long tail. Key Behaviours (What to look/listen for) Snake-like Movement: Its name comes from a unique behaviour: when threatened, it can twist its head and neck around in dramatic, snake-like, 180-degree movements. Ground Feeder: Unlike other woodpeckers, the Wryneck is rarely seen climbing up vertical tree trunks. Instead, you are most likely to find it on the ground in open, sandy areas or short grass, searching for ants. Hidden Nest: They do not drill their own holes but instead use old holes in trees or bird boxes. Call: In the spring, the male makes a loud, repeated, plaintive "pee-pee-pee" call to draw attention to itself. Because of their mottled brown-grey plumage, they are very easy to overlook, often blending perfectly into the bark of a tree or the forest floor.
January 27, 2026 at 9:39 PM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
The Alt theme for #BirdOfTheDay today is a Robin #ForJanet ~ Here is a puffed-up little one captured during the snow earlier this month at Garwnant (Brecon) 🥰🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #robin #ukwildlife #bluesky #naturephotography #birdsofbluesky
A robin on a cold winter morning appears as a small, plump bird, roughly 5 to 6 inches long [1]. Its posture is often fluffed up into a soft, round ball to trap air and insulate against the cold, making it look especially soft and cuddly.
January 26, 2026 at 9:37 PM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #Paddling, birds standing in water, the Alt theme is #Robins, please use #ForJanet Hashtag if posting a Robin - set by @robcrank68.bsky.social - an elegant little Egret for today's main theme 😍 🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #birdsofbluesky #EastCoastKin
Photo taken at Forest Farm Nature Reserve ~ South Wales The Little Egret is a small, elegant, pure white bird, often seen wading in shallow water. It stands about 55-65 cm tall, with a slender, delicate build and a long neck that often curves in an 'S' shape. Striking, solid white feathers that appear very bright against water or green foliage. Beak ;- Long, very thin, and black. Legs: Long and black. Feet: Distinctive yellow or greenish-yellow, which stand out against their black legs. Breeding Season: During the breeding season, they have delicate, flowing white plumes (feathers) on their head, chest, and back. They move gracefully, often wading slowly in shallow water or standing still for long periods before suddenly stabbing at the water with their sharp, dagger-like beak to catch small fish or crabs. Commonly found in coastal areas, estuaries, and shallow, wet, inland environments. Sound: They are generally quiet, but may make a harsh, croaking sound if disturbed. Similar Birds: It is often confused with the Great White Egret, which is much larger, has a yellow/orange bill, and lacks the bright yellow feet.
January 26, 2026 at 8:01 PM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
Almost forgot that it's #SparrowSunday and just enough time to finish the weekends round up with a lovely little Dunnock also known as the hedge Sparrow ~ photos taken in the garden -South Wales 😍🪶 🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #naturetherapy #ukwildlife #bluesky #naturephotography
A dunnock, often affectionately called a "little brown job" or a "hedge sparrow," is a small, quiet, and unassuming bird frequently seen in British gardens. Here is a description tailored for a partially sighted person, focusing on key identifying features and behaviours. This close-up portrait of a dunnock captures an intimate view of a small songbird, roughly the size of a robin, standing calmly on a weathered garden wall. Often overlooked as a "dull" brown bird, this image reveals the surprisingly intricate details of its plumage. A hedge sparrow, often called a Dunnock, is a small, quiet, and shy bird roughly the size of a robin (about 14 cm or 5.5 inches in length). While appearing as a plain "little brown job" from a distance, close inspection reveals it is actually quite elegant. The most defining feature of the head is a distinct slate-blue or blue-grey colour that covers the face, throat, and around the eye. This grey contrasts with a warmer brown crown (top of the head) and brown patches on the cheeks. It has a very thin, sharp, and pointed black beak, which is designed for eating insects, distinguishing it from the thicker, stubbier beak of a house sparrow. The blue-grey colour from the face extends down to cover the throat and upper breast. The belly and lower flanks are a lighter grey, with brown streaks that become darker on the sides of the body.
January 25, 2026 at 10:41 PM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
Managed too finally do the #BigGardenBirdwatch today, rather quiet apart from the number of feral pigeons but a bit of a concern is the sheer lack of Sparrows as I only saw one in an hour ☹️ 🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #bluesky #birdsofbluesky
A feral pigeon is a common, small-to-medium-sized bird often seen in city centres, parks, and under bridges. They are generally plump and walk with a quick, bobbing motion, often in small groups. The coal tit is one of the smallest and most agile acrobats in the garden, often described as a miniature, subtle version of a great tit. They are very fast, active, and, while they can be shy, are regular visitors to feeders, often hopping around with high-pitched, fast movements. The long-tailed tit is a tiny, highly social bird (roughly 13-15cm, including a very long tail) often seen in noisy flocks.
January 25, 2026 at 5:21 PM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
The #BirdOfTheDay theme today is #poise , birds showing poise. The alt is #white, any bird that has white as part of its colouring - set by @alan678.bsky.social ~ here is a male Sparrowhawk that perched in a tree for over an hour just waiting 🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #EastCoastKin #birdsofprey
Photo taken in the garden back in February 2023 ~ it was perched with the garden feeders in front of it in the pouring rain, but no birds ventured anywhere near the feeders. A male sparrowhawk is a small, slender bird of prey known for its speed and agility, often seen hunting in gardens. Small, compact, and slender, smaller than the female sparrowhawk. They have a long, thin tail and broad, short wings. Back & wings - Slate-grey or bluish-grey. Chest/Belly: Distinctive orange-brown or salmon-pink horizontal stripes (barring). Face: Orange-pink flush. Key Features: Bright yellow to deep amber-orange eyes and long, thin yellow legs. Flight/Behaviour: Known for a "flap-flap-glide" motion—a few rapid wingbeats followed by a short glide. They are adept at moving through trees and dense hedges. Comparison: The male is significantly smaller than the female, who is brown-backed and much larger.
January 25, 2026 at 9:00 AM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
Last post for today, thank you all on this rainy day here in South Wales for taking the time to like, comment & share today's posts ~ here is a Robin on a gravestone in an ancient church yard over the Vale of Glamorgan last weekend. (see ALT) 🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #birds
"When robins appear, loved ones are near" is a popular saying and belief, especially in British folklore, that sees the cheerful, fearless robin as a comforting sign or messenger from a deceased loved one, indicating they are watching over you or are close in spirit, bringing a sense of peace and connection after loss. Never seen so many Robins in an Ancient small Graveyard, I counted six
January 24, 2026 at 11:12 PM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
It's #SquirrelSaturday ~ they are really busy at the moment gathering as much food as possible which is probably due to it being breeding season ~ took this photo yesterday in the rather gloomy weather🌰 #mammals #photography #naturephotography #wildlife #squirrel #wildlifephotography #GreySquirrels
A grey squirrel is a small, agile mammal, typically 15–20 inches long including a large, bushy tail that is often held curled over its back. They are generally grey in colour but often have brownish-yellow patches on their fur. They are roughly the size of a small cat or a large rat, with a slender body.
January 24, 2026 at 10:48 PM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
It's breeding season for the foxes and managed to catch these distant photos of a Male & Female over The Vale of Glamorgan last weekend ~ I missed the mating but watched them cross the field before settling down to go to sleep in the sunshine 😍🦊 #mammals #fox #naturephotography #ukwildlife #wildlife
January 24, 2026 at 10:35 PM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
Joining in with this theme today set by @javajanegallery.co.uk -
#SmallBirdSaturday, so let's all get behind this wonderful Saturday Theme - Goldcrest, Firecrest, Chaffinch & Yellowhammer ~ all taken in South Wales 🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #birdsofbluesky #EastCoastKin
Photo taken in the garden - South Wales The Goldcrest is Europe’s smallest bird, weighing about the same as a single 20p coin. Despite their small size, they are often spotted in coniferous woods, parks, and gardens due to their distinctive, vibrant appearance. Photo taken at Bute Park ~ South Wales The Firecrest is a tiny, vividly coloured bird, often described as a "restless jewel". It is one of the UK's smallest birds, similar in size to a goldcrest but with more striking, brighter, and "cleaner" plumage. Photo taken at Forest Farm NR ~ South Wales A male chaffinch is a small, tidy, and vibrant songbird, roughly sparrow-sized (14–16 cm long). It is easily recognized by its distinctive contrast of warm and cool colours and its "flashing" white markings when in flight. Photo taken over The Vale of Glamorgan ~ South Wales A female yellowhammer is a small, sparrow-sized songbird, often seen sitting prominently on top of hedgerows or fences in rural farmland. While the male is bright canary-yellow, the female is a subtler, more subdued version of him.
January 24, 2026 at 9:05 AM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #Swans, any Swan will do, and the Alt theme is #Pigeons&Doves set by @robcrank68.bsky.social ~ going with the Alt today with a very judgemental Pigeon 😂😂 waiting for breakfast 🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #bluesky #birdsofbluesky #EastCoastKin #pigeon
Photo taken looking up on the roof of the house in the back garden ~ South Wales ~ had no idea when I took the photo that I was being judged. A feral pigeon is a common, medium-sized, plump urban bird, roughly 11-14 inches in length. They are highly social, frequently found in groups, and are often seen walking or running quickly on footpaths. They are stout, plump birds with rounded chests and small heads. They have a "helicopter-like" take-off, often fluttering upwards quickly before landing again. While they are descendants of the wild Rock Dove (which is blue-grey with two black wing bars), urban feral pigeons have high colour variation. They can be grey, white, brown, black, or mottled (mixed colours). They have small heads, with eyes located on the sides. They often have an iridescent patch of green or purple feathers on their necks. They have dense, soft feathers that can appear "puffed up" when resting or in cold weather. They are known for a low-pitched, throaty "coo-roo-coo" sound. They are very comfortable around humans and are often found in bustling urban areas, nesting on ledge-like structures. They tend to run or walk rather than hop.
January 24, 2026 at 8:29 AM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
Today in the garden seemed to be all about the titmice, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit & Long Tailed Tit🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #ukwildlife #bluesky #naturephotography #birdsofbluesky #birds #photography #titmouse
A blue tit is a very small, active, and colourful garden bird, often seen hanging upside down on feeders. It is roughly half the size of a robin, measuring about 12 cm in length. The Great Tit is a common, small, and lively songbird often seen at garden bird feeders, recognized by its bold, contrasting colours—even from a distance or with limited vision. It is the largest of the tit family in the UK, roughly 12.5–14 cm in length. A Coal Tit is a tiny, energetic bird, often considered one of the smallest and most acrobatic of the British tit family, roughly the size of a golf ball or a small pear (around 10–11 cm). It is a very common visitor to gardens and woodland, often feeding quickly on feeders before flying away. The Long-tailed Tit is a tiny, highly social bird often described as a "tiny ball of fluff" with a tail, frequently seen in noisy, active family flocks in woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens. It is one of the smallest birds in the UK, measuring roughly 13–15 cm, but more than half of that length is its thin, black-and-white tail.
January 23, 2026 at 10:44 PM
fraggenstein.bsky.social
Happy #FlyDay all 👋 Have a great weekend ~ Buzzard in flight over The Vale of Glamorgan & don't forget it's The Big Garden Birdwatch UK over the weekend - submit your results here 👉 www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen... 🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #bluesky #BirdsOfPrey #buzzard
A buzzard is a large, brown bird of prey, often heard before seen, with a distinctive mewing call, that soars with broad, rounded wings held in a shallow 'V' (dihedral), feeling like a sturdy, warm presence, not a swift dart like a kestrel, but a steady, broad shape drifting on air currents, with a strong, hooked beak for gripping prey, and powerful legs and talons, feeling like a warm, robust creature with surprisingly sharp senses for its size, even if you can't see its amazing colour vision.
January 23, 2026 at 8:53 PM