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rookman.bsky.social
Nick
@rookman.bsky.social
1.5K followers 690 following 1.6K posts
Cardiff birdwatcher
Hobby photographer
BTO garden lister.
Here to expand my knowledge of birds and connect with like minded people.
#FlyDay #SparrowSunday
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 🪶
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rookman.bsky.social
Nick @rookman.bsky.social · Nov 17
Another holiday shot of the beautiful hoopoe.
Almeria 🇪🇸
#birds🪶

#birdphotography
#Naturephotography
#birdsSeenIn2025
#NatureTherapy
This is a close-up, profile photograph of a Hoopoe, showing its distinctive cinnamon-colored plumage, black, pointed bill, and partially raised fan-shaped crest which is tipped with black spots. The bird is positioned in the lower-center of the frame against a soft, blurred background of brown and green.
rookman.bsky.social
Hi Jane👋
Here's a lovely little female kingfisher taken today for your
#SmallbirdSaturday
#birds🪶
#Naturephotography
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
Female kingfisher standing on a metal frame.
January 3, 2026 at 8:07 PM
rookman.bsky.social
Another trip to lisvane reservoir today did not disappoint with the best views of a GND I have ever had.
#birds🪶 #birdingwales
#birdsSeenIn2026
@birdsinwales.bsky.social
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
A great northern diver, floats calmly on deep blue, rippling water. It has a dark, patterned back, a smooth grey head, and a sharp, pointed beak. A great northern diver, floats calmly on deep blue, rippling water. It has a dark, patterned back, a smooth grey head, and a sharp, pointed beak. A great northern diver, floats calmly on deep blue, rippling water. It has a dark, patterned back, a smooth grey head, and a sharp, pointed beak. A great northern diver, floats calmly on deep blue, rippling water. It has a dark, patterned back, a smooth grey head, and a sharp, pointed beak.
January 3, 2026 at 4:15 PM
rookman.bsky.social
A few more shots of the kingfisher at lisvane reservoir on its favorite perch. #birds🪶
#birdingwales

#Naturephotography
#birdphotography
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
A vibrant kingfisher is perched on a thin, leafless branch, showcasing its striking turquoise-blue wings and bright orange underbelly. A vibrant kingfisher is perched on a thin, leafless branch, showcasing its striking turquoise-blue wings and bright orange underbelly. A vibrant Kingfisher perches alertly on a galvanized metal railing. Its plumage features a striking contrast of deep teal-blue wings and head against a bright orange breast, while its long, sharp beak is slightly parted. A vibrant Kingfisher perches delicately on a thin, dark branch against a soft, blurred background. The bird displays its characteristic electric-blue plumage on its back and wings, contrasted by a warm orange underbelly and a long, sharp beak.
January 2, 2026 at 7:04 PM
rookman.bsky.social
Redwing at lisvane reservoir.
1/1/2026 #birds🪶

#birdingwales
#birdsSeenIn2026
#Naturephotography
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
A Redwing (a migratory thrush) is perched among the bare, budding branches of a tree. The bird features a distinctive creamy-white stripe above its eye and a warm, reddish-orange patch under its wing, which contrasts with its streaked brown and white underparts.
January 1, 2026 at 4:23 PM
rookman.bsky.social
First walk around lisvane reservoir this year and what a pleasure to sit and watch this stunning kingfisher dipping in and out of the water.
#birds🪶
#birdingwales #UKwildlife
#birdsSeenIn2026
#Naturephotography
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
A vibrant Kingfisher perches on a slender, leafless branch, clutching a small, silvery fish in its beak. Its plumage features brilliant turquoise-blue feathers on its head and wings, contrasting sharply with its warm orange underparts and white throat patch.
January 1, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Reposted by Nick
kevinosx.bsky.social
This photo from this morning makes my first 365 - posting a photo every day for 2025.

#photography #birdphotography #birds #nature #ColoradoPhotographer
A juvenile bald eagle approaches a tree branch, it's talons extended, on a clear morning in the early morning sun.
December 31, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Reposted by Nick
atmylifeoutside.bsky.social
We managed 7 new lifers in 2025, all in Wales. Highlight were the Aberavon Sabine Gulls, a long wanted species, followed by Desert Wheatear at Pendine and the recent Scops Owl. Honourable mention to Brown Shrike, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Tundra Bean Goose and Western Bonelli’s Warbler. #birdingWales
Sabine’s Gull, one of several feeding off Aberavon beach Desert Wheatear Scops Owl Brown Shrike
December 31, 2025 at 7:36 PM
rookman.bsky.social
My last photo of the year taken at lavernock today.
Thanks to everyone that follows me on here and a big thank you to all of the #birders that I have met that always share their knowledge it's always much appreciated 👍
Happy new year and good #birding for 2026 #birds
#birdingwales
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
A vibrant male common chaffinch perches prominently on a thin, budding branch, illuminated by the warm, golden glow of low-angle sunlight. The bird’s rusty-pink breast and blue-grey crown stand out against a softly blurred background of dark shadows and cool blue tones.
December 31, 2025 at 6:46 PM
rookman.bsky.social
Finished work in time for a quick walk around lavernock. Not a bad way to end the year watching this beautiful redwing feeding on the ground with 2 song thrush and a few blackbirds. #birds🪶
#birdingwales
#UKwildlife #UKbirding
#Naturephotography
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
A Redwing stands alert in a patch of short, frost-tipped green and brown grass. The bird is characterized by its bold, creamy eyebrow stripe, dark streaked breast, and the distinctive orange-red patch visible along its flank. A Redwing stands alert in a patch of short, frost-tipped green and brown grass. The bird is characterized by its bold, creamy eyebrow stripe, dark streaked breast, and the distinctive orange-red patch visible along its flank. A Redwing stands alert in a patch of short, frost-tipped green and brown grass. The bird is characterized by its bold, creamy eyebrow stripe, dark streaked breast, and the distinctive orange-red patch visible along its flank. A Redwing , stands alert in a patch of dry, green and brown grass. It features a distinctive white stripe above its eye, a dark eye line, and a heavily streaked brown-and-white breast.
December 31, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Reposted by Nick
thewildlifeoculus.bsky.social
My last blog post of 2025 has been published. Many Thanks for the likes and follows throughout the year.
Wishing all my readers good health and happiness for 2026.
www.thewildlifeoculus.com/2025/12/my-r... #birdingwales
My review of 2025
A photography blog focused on Gwent wildlife and in particularly birds.
www.thewildlifeoculus.com
December 30, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Reposted by Nick
pacbirds.bsky.social
A pair of Western Grebes with their chicks for today’s #serenity and #favorite themes of #BirdOfTheDay picked by @alan678.bsky.social
I think this shot may qualify for both themes because it is my favorite one of 2025 and, well, I think it is a serene scene. #birds #nature #photography
Two grebes facing each other on a pond, with 2 chicks riding on the back of the larger one.
December 28, 2025 at 2:58 PM
rookman.bsky.social
36 species at Aberthaw today. The highlight was finally getting some really good views of the firecrest on the way back to the car in a completely different location to where it's usually spotted. #birds🪶
#birdingwales
#BirdsSeenIn2025
@birdsinwales.bsky.social
#UKwildlife
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
A vibrant Firecrest perches alertly on a thorny, purple-tinted bramble branch. The tiny bird is captured from a front-facing angle, showcasing its striking bronze-green plumage, pale underbelly, and a bold black-and-white striped face. Its most defining feature—a brilliant orange crown.
December 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
rookman.bsky.social
Curlew at Barry harbour today.
#birdingwales

#birds🪶
#UKwildlife
#Naturephotography
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
A Curlew with mottled brown and tan plumage stands resting in shallow, muddy water. Its head is tucked back into its feathers, obscuring its beak, while its long, thin grey legs are reflected in the wet silt. The background consists of calm, blue water under bright, clear light. A Eurasian Curlew, stands in shallow, muddy water under a clear blue sky. It features mottled brown and tan plumage, long grey legs, and a distinctive, exceptionally long bill that curves downward. A curlew is captured mid-stride across a muddy shoreline with its wings arched high in preparation for flight. The bird is characterized by its long, down-curved bill and mottled brown plumage, A curlew is captured mid-stride across a muddy shoreline with its wings arched high in preparation for flight. The bird is characterized by its long, down-curved bill and mottled brown plumage,
December 27, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Reposted by Nick
logicaphotography.bsky.social
Happy #NationalRobinDay & #FestiveDailyRobin to all of you.
Fun fact: Did you know European Robins were originally called Ruddock in some parts of the UK #birds
December 21, 2025 at 7:37 AM
rookman.bsky.social
Happy #NationalRobinDay
#birds🪶

#Naturephotography
#WinterSolstice
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
A vibrant Robin perches alertly on a slender tree branch, set against a softly blurred, lush green background. The bird features a signature bright orange-red breast and face, contrasted by its olive-brown wings and pale underbelly.
December 21, 2025 at 4:19 PM
rookman.bsky.social
Common pochard doing a little preening in the sunshine at lisvane reservoir.
20/12/25
#birdingwales
#Naturephotography
#birds🪶
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
A female Common Pochard swims across a calm body of water, its cinnamon-brown head and grayish body reflecting softly on the rippled surface. This image captures a female Common Pochard floating calmly on the surface of rippling blue-grey water. The duck features a distinctive sloping profile, with a dark bill, a brownish head and neck, and a pale grey body that is currently tilted as it preens or adjusts its position. A common pochard with a warm brown head and a mottled gray body floats calmly on blue-tinted, rippling water. The bird is captured in a quiet moment of preening, tucking its dark beak into its feathers while slightly lifting a wing A common pochard with a warm brown head and a mottled gray body floats calmly on blue-tinted, rippling water. The bird is captured in a quiet moment of preening, tucking its dark beak into its feathers while slightly lifting a wing
December 21, 2025 at 11:18 AM
rookman.bsky.social
Some record shots of the great northern diver at llanishen reservoir today.
#birdingwales
@birdsinwales.bsky.social
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
Distant shot of a great northern diver. Distant shot of a great northern diver. A great northern diver with its wings open. A great northern diver with its wings open.
December 20, 2025 at 4:52 PM
rookman.bsky.social
Reed warbler taken back in September. Almeria 🇪🇸
#birds🪶
#Naturephotography
#Birdphotography
#NatureTherapy
A female reed warbler perches on a rusted metal wire, set against a soft-focus background of green leaves and delicate white blossoms under a clear blue sky. The bird, features a sharp beak and pale underparts.
December 16, 2025 at 7:50 PM
rookman.bsky.social
Always a joy to stand and watch these busy little birds going about their business at the bay. If your lucky one will stand still long enough for a quick photograph 😅 blink and you will miss them.
#birds🪶 #birdphotography
#UKwildlife #Naturephotography
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
This is a close-up photograph of a Turnstone standing on a dark, wet, rocky surface. It has dark brown and mottled upperparts, a black patch on its chest, and bright white underparts. The bird is distinguished by its conspicuous, vibrant orange legs and is set against a blurred background of driftwood and rocks,
December 14, 2025 at 4:50 PM
rookman.bsky.social
For today's #birdoftheday
A grey Heron looking at me like I am going to steal it's dinner😅 #HeronsandEgrets
#birds🪶
#Naturephotography
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
This image captures a Grey Heron standing in shallow water, with a catch in its beak. The heron has grey plumage, a streaked neck, and long, pale legs. It is photographed mid-action, with its beak wide open, revealing the small, pale fish it has just caught.
December 14, 2025 at 12:05 PM
rookman.bsky.social
Finally some nice weather and a chance to get out with the camera. 34 species counted on a walk from penarth to Cardiff wetlands today. The cormorants seemed to be enjoying the sunshine too.
#birdingwales
#UKbirding #birds🪶
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
This photograph captures two Cormorants perched closely together on a metallic railing against a bright, clear blue background. This is a close-up photograph of a Cormorant, a large, dark waterbird, perched on a metal railing. The bird has glossy black-green plumage, particularly noticeable scale-like patterns on its back, a long neck, and a prominent yellow patch at the base of its bill, which is hooked. A group of cormorants is perched closely together along a metal railing overlooking a wide body of water.
December 13, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Reposted by Nick
twitch150.bsky.social
Pied Flycatcher showing well today at Glebelands, Newport in my lunch break. Still a little baffled at the date #gwentbirding #ukbirding
December 2, 2025 at 6:44 PM
rookman.bsky.social
Coal tit.
Cogan wood 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
30/11/25
#birds🪶
#birdingwales
#Naturephotography
#NatureTherapy
A Coal Tit, is perched on a slender, dark branch against a blurred, dark green background. The bird has a distinctive black cap, a black bib, and prominent white cheek patches, with a grey back and pale, slightly buff-coloured underparts.
December 1, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Reposted by Nick
atmylifeoutside.bsky.social
Couple of hours wait were rewarded when the female Smew swam into view at Llangorse Lake, just before dusk. Also present were six Scaup, similar number of Goldeneye and Goosander, a Barnacle Goose plus both Cetti’s Warbler and Water Rail showing in front of the hide. #birdingWales #UKWildlife #birds
November 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM
rookman.bsky.social
The very first bird I took a photograph of and the one that got me hooked. The Nuthatch.
Cogan wood cosmeston lakes.
30/11/25
#birds🪶
#Naturephotography
#UKWildlife
#NatureTherapy🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
This image captures a Eurasian Nuthatch identifiable by its striking grey-blue back and cap, and rich reddish-orange underparts. The small bird is perched on a weathered, rough-surfaced tree stump, actively foraging among scattered seeds and nuts, with its long, pointed beak aimed downwards towards the food. This image captures a Eurasian Nuthatch identifiable by its striking grey-blue back and cap, and rich reddish-orange underparts. The small bird is perched on a weathered, rough-surfaced tree stump, actively foraging among scattered seeds and nuts, with its long, pointed beak aimed downwards towards the food. This image is a close-up photograph of a Eurasian Nuthatch a small bird with a distinctive blue-grey back and rusty-orange underparts. It is perched on a weathered tree stump, which is covered with small seeds or nuts, and is looking upward with its long beak slightly open. This image is a close-up photograph of a Eurasian Nuthatch, a small bird with a distinctive blue-grey back and rusty-orange underparts. It is perched on a weathered tree stump, which is covered with small seeds or nuts, and is looking upward with its long beak slightly open.
November 30, 2025 at 5:10 PM