Michael
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mikeyh71.bsky.social
Michael
@mikeyh71.bsky.social
1K followers 3.8K following 980 posts
Scottish (expat - living in England).
Views: Green; support environmental protections and rewilding; expect equality and fairness for all; despise greed and corruption in all its forms.
Interests: hiking/walking, skiing, natural history, cookery, & family.
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mikeyh71.bsky.social
Bluebells and Blue Skies in Derbyshire - A sea of bluebells sways gently under a bright Derbyshire sky, with peaceful ruins near Holmsfield standing watch in the background. Nature at its most beautiful this spring!
Close-up of vibrant bluebell flowers growing in long green grass, with a backdrop of old stone ruins blurred in the distance under a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. Photo taken near Holmsfield, Derbyshire.
April 27, 2025 at 12:37 AM
mikeyh71.bsky.social
Golden Hour over Ringinglow: Peaceful northwest views from southeast Sheffield, just as the sun dips below the horizon — soft pastels lighting up the sky behind a silhouette of trees. A quiet moment to end the day.
A serene sunset view looking northwest over a grassy field in Ringinglow, southeast Sheffield. The sky transitions from deep blue at the top to warm orange near the horizon. Leafless trees form dark silhouettes across the skyline, and wooden fence posts are visible in the foreground. The scene feels calm and expansive.
April 13, 2025 at 8:11 AM
mikeyh71.bsky.social
Common Dog Violets giving some colour to the Lake District (Tarn Hows near Coniston).
A close-up photograph of a cluster of common dog violets (Viola riviniana) growing among grass and dried plant matter near Coniston Tarn Hows, Coniston. The small, delicate flowers have five purple petals, with darker veins running through them. They are surrounded by green, heart-shaped leaves and thin, wiry grass stems. Sunlight casts natural shadows, highlighting the contrast between the vibrant flowers and the earthy tones of the grass and dried vegetation.
April 7, 2025 at 6:45 AM
mikeyh71.bsky.social
Daffodils trumpeting the arrival of Spring.

#flowers #daffodils #spring
This image features a close-up of two bright yellow daffodils in full bloom, with a blurred background of a field filled with more daffodils. The daffodils have trumpet-shaped central coronas surrounded by six petal-like tepals. Their petals are a lighter yellow, while the trumpet is a deeper, more intense shade of yellow. The flowers are supported by long, slender, green stems and leaves that contrast with the vibrant blooms. The background shows a natural setting with grass, scattered leaves, and tall trees in the distance, giving a woodland feel. The overall impression is of a fresh, early spring scene, with the daffodils standing out as cheerful and lively against the greenery.
March 20, 2025 at 6:47 AM
mikeyh71.bsky.social
March 16, 2025 at 8:36 AM
mikeyh71.bsky.social
It looks and feels like spring has arrived.
The image shows a close-up view of a cluster of bright yellow daffodils in full bloom, with delicate petals and trumpet-shaped coronas. Some flowers are fully open, while others remain partially closed, their green buds still unfurling. The long, slender green leaves surround the flowers, providing a lush backdrop. Tiny droplets of water cling to the petals and leaves, adding a fresh, dewy appearance. In the slightly blurred background, a brick wall and additional green foliage are visible, creating a natural garden setting.
February 23, 2025 at 1:35 AM
mikeyh71.bsky.social
The dramatic, rugged, and beautiful landscape of Glen Coe, Scotland.
A dramatic mountain landscape in Glen Coe, Scotland, featuring steep, rugged cliffs and rolling hills covered in green vegetation. The foreground showcases a sloping hillside with patches of grass and exposed rock, while the middle ground leads into a deep valley bathed in soft, golden light. Towering peaks with craggy surfaces rise in the background, partially shadowed by passing clouds. The sky is a mixture of blue and grey, adding depth to the scene and hinting at the region’s ever-changing weather.
February 21, 2025 at 6:51 PM
mikeyh71.bsky.social
Chatsworth's very impressive Quadrangle Stables.
The image shows the Great Stables at Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire, an elegant historical building with a grand arched entrance, intricate stonework, and a clock tower with a domed roof. The architecture is adorned with decorative carvings and a coat of arms above the arch. The scene has a vintage, sepia-toned effect, enhancing the historical atmosphere. Several people are sitting on benches along the building’s exterior, while others walk or stand near classic cars parked in front. The background features a mix of trees, including a tall, dark cypress-like tree, under a sky filled with dramatic clouds. The image evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of an earlier time period.
February 7, 2025 at 7:04 PM
mikeyh71.bsky.social
The view from Bamford Edge, looking west across the Derwent Valley to Win Hill. Ladybower Reservoir lies to the north.
This is a scenic view from Bamford Edge in Derbyshire, overlooking Ladybower Reservoir and the surrounding hills. In the foreground, a rugged, rocky path winds along the edge, bordered by patches of brown heather and grass. The middle ground features a mix of dense woodland and open fields, with dark green trees contrasting against lighter, grassy slopes. In the distance, the distinctive peak of Win Hill rises above the landscape, its triangular shape standing out against the rolling hills beyond. The calm waters of Ladybower Reservoir reflect the muted winter sky, curving between the hills with sandy banks visible in some areas. Further in the background, layers of misty blue hills fade into the horizon under a vast sky filled with soft clouds, casting a tranquil, atmospheric light over the scene.
February 3, 2025 at 10:18 PM
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A golden carp sculpture, taken many years ago (2009) at Chatsworth House gardens.
This image shows a large outdoor sculpture of a fish (carp), crafted to appear life-like but stylized. The sculpture has a smooth, golden-bronze finish, giving it a metallic sheen that catches the light. The carp is depicted standing upright on two broad, fin-like legs, creating a whimsical effect as if it’s walking on land. The fish’s body is rounded and plump, with simple carved lines suggesting the scales and fins. It stands on a dark, wet stone surface, possibly part of a water feature or garden display, with green grass blurred in the background.
February 2, 2025 at 9:31 AM
mikeyh71.bsky.social
Radiant Hues in a South Yorkshire Evening Sky
The image depicts a serene South Yorkshire sunset. The sky is painted with vibrant hues of pink, orange, and deep blue, blending softly across the horizon. Silhouettes of leafless trees and faintly visible rolling hills create a natural border at the bottom of the frame, contrasting against the colorful sky. The tranquil atmosphere suggests a peaceful end to the day.
January 23, 2025 at 7:50 AM
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Looking west down Glen Coe from the top of Stob Dearg.

The Buachaille Etive Beag ridge juts out to hide the valley beyond. The Three Sisters lie behind to the left. The Aonach Eagach ridge lies opposite to the north of the valley.
The image showcases a breathtaking view from the summit of Stob Dearg, overlooking the Glen Coe valley to the west. Majestic, rugged peaks stretch into the distance, bathed in soft natural light. The valley below is vast, with hints of winding trails and lush green vegetation. The foreground features moss-covered rocks, adding texture and depth to the scene. Mist lightly brushes the distant peaks, blending with patches of blue sky and scattered clouds. The overall mood captures the serene beauty and grandeur of the Scottish Highlands.
January 12, 2025 at 10:13 AM
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The view of Rannoch Moor, looking east from the top of Stob Dearg (at the gateway to Glen Coe).
The image shows a breathtaking view of Rannoch Moor as seen from the summit of Stob Dearg, part of the Buachaille Etive Mòr range in the Scottish Highlands. The vast, open expanse of the moor is covered in golden-brown peatland with winding streams and patches of water scattered across the landscape. The scene is framed by rolling hills and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky, with shadows cast by the clouds adding depth and contrast to the terrain. The perspective from the rocky summit emphasises the rugged beauty and isolation of the moor.
January 12, 2025 at 9:12 AM
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The Kelpies, Grangemouth, Scotland.
The image shows The Kelpies, a pair of large, steel horse-head sculptures located in Grangemouth, Scotland. One horse head is depicted with its mouth open, as if neighing or in motion, while the other appears calm and stoic. The sculptures are composed of shiny, interlocking metal plates that reflect the light, and they are set against a bright blue sky with soft clouds in the background. The design conveys strength and grace, paying homage to Scotland's horse-powered industrial heritage.
January 12, 2025 at 12:03 AM
mikeyh71.bsky.social
On the return to Morzine (from Avoriaz).

A beautiful day in the French Alps several years ago.
This image captures a serene winter scene in the French Alps near Morzine. A vibrant blue sky dominates the background, with fluffy white clouds partially covering the snow-capped peaks of the mountains. In the foreground, a signpost stands out, pointing to various ski routes: "Retour Morzine" (in yellow), "Tetraz," and "Zore" (both in blue). Frost-covered pine trees frame the right side, enhancing the wintry atmosphere. Below, a dense forest blanketed in snow stretches across the lower slopes. The crisp and bright conditions convey a perfect day for alpine activities.
January 11, 2025 at 12:21 AM
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A winter woodland scene. Bare trees with gnarled branches reach towards a cloudy, overcast sky. Dead leaves blanket the forest floor, with a low stone wall bordering the woods. Distant hills can be seen through the trees.
December 29, 2024 at 5:06 PM
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A good example of pareidolia on this stone found on a Caernarfon Bay beach.
The image shows a close-up of a group of smooth, rounded stones lying on a sandy surface. You can feel the fine texture of the sand beneath the stones. They come in all sorts of sizes and shapes, making for a really interesting scene. Some of the stones are partially covered by water, which adds a nice touch. There's a large, oval-shaped stone in the centre, with a dark, mottled surface and lighter patches creating a kind of ghostly pattern. To the left of this, you'll find a big, smooth, white stone with an irregular shape. Below that, there's a heart-shaped stone with a mix of brown and white colours. All the stones feel cool and smooth to the touch. There are lots of other stones scattered around, each with its own unique shape, size, and colour. Some are small and round, while others are larger and more angular. You can really feel the variety of textures and shapes as you explore the image. You can almost sense the slight dampness of the sand and feel the occasional water droplets on the stones. There's even a sense of the gentle lapping of waves against the shore in the background. The whole image gives off a feeling of peace and tranquillity, like you're standing on a beach, enjoying the cool sand between your toes and the smooth stones beneath your feet.
December 29, 2024 at 10:40 AM
mikeyh71.bsky.social
Veined stone on a Caernarfon Bay (Wales) beach.

I originally thought this might be a fossilised plant. However, doing a bit of reading, now thinking it's the result of geological processes, where mineral-rich fluids have seeped into fractures and then crystallised. Any geologists able to confirm?
The image depicts a serene and natural scene from a beach at Caernarfon Bay in Wales. The focus is on a variety of stones scattered among sparse, wild vegetation. The foreground showcases a strikingly smooth and polished stone, white with intricate blue-gray veins crisscrossing its surface like a delicate web or marble pattern. Its texture looks cool and glossy, almost as if it has been polished by the sea over countless years. Surrounding this centerpiece stone are smaller rocks in muted tones of gray, green, and rust-orange, each with its own unique texture and shape. Amid the stones, tufts of grass sprout with vibrant green blades standing upright, adding a fresh contrast to the earthy tones of the stones. In the background, the ground is sprinkled with tiny yellowish seeds or pebbles, alongside low-growing plants with tiny leaves that seem to thrive in the harsh, salty environment. The colors of the scene blend softly together, evoking a sense of calmness, as if capturing a quiet moment in nature. The soft focus of the surrounding area adds a dreamy quality to the image, inviting contemplation of the beauty found in the smallest details.
December 29, 2024 at 9:51 AM
mikeyh71.bsky.social
Taking a winter stroll on Lady Mary's Walk, next to the River Earn (Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland).

Note the green orb on the path ahead. A trick of the light, or something else??? 🤔
The image depicts Lady Mary’s Walk, a scenic gravel path along the River Earn near Crieff, Scotland. The path winds gently through a tranquil woodland setting, with bare, leafless trees arching overhead and their branches forming intricate silhouettes against a partly cloudy sky. The winter sun filters through the clouds, casting a soft light on the river, which flows steadily on the right, reflecting the sunlight. The ground is damp, with patches of moss and scattered fallen leaves adding to the serene, natural atmosphere of this iconic Scottish walk.
December 29, 2024 at 9:30 AM
mikeyh71.bsky.social
Pine trees on Longshaw Estate in the Peak District.
The image shows two tall pine trees standing apart but leaning slightly towards each other, set against the scenic backdrop of Longshaw Estate in the Peak District, England. The foreground is covered in golden-brown bracken and patches of mossy green, typical of the moorland habitat. Behind the trees, bare deciduous woodland stretches into the distance, under a light blue sky with soft, wispy clouds. The serene and open landscape reflects the natural beauty of this protected area.
December 29, 2024 at 9:04 AM
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The Ptarmigan Ridge near Killin, Scotland. Part of the Ben Lawers range. The primary summits are (west to east):

1. Meall nan Tarmachan (1,044 m)

2. Meall Garbh (1,023 m)

3. Beinn nan Eachan (1,002 m)

4. Creag na Caillich (914 m)
The black and white photograph shows the rugged Ptarmigan Ridge near Killin, Scotland. The image features rolling hills in the foreground with patches of trees and shrubs, transitioning to rocky mountain slopes with light snow covering their peaks in the background. The sky is mostly clear with faint cloud cover, emphasizing the vast and tranquil landscape.
December 17, 2024 at 9:28 PM
mikeyh71.bsky.social
Adding a few other plants from that same trip. This time from the cottage garden.
This image is a collage of six photos showcasing various wildflowers and plants: 1. Top left: A cluster of bright yellow flowers resembling Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) with small, button-like blooms. 2. Top center: Delicate yellow flowers with rounded petals, possibly Buttercup (Ranunculus) species, against a stone wall backdrop. 3. Top right: A single pink flower resembling Red Campion (Silene dioica) growing beside a textured stone wall. 4. Bottom left: Pale purple flower clusters resembling Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare), often seen in herbaceous settings. 5. Bottom center: Tall, spiky purple flowers resembling Hemp-agrimony or a variety of Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). 6. Bottom right: Vivid blue-purple flowers resembling Agapanthus or Wild Hyacinth with elegant, elongated petals. Each plant is photographed in natural light, showing vibrant summer blooms against greenery and stone settings.
December 16, 2024 at 9:41 PM
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Have caught the lurgy and feeling under the weather.

Trying to cheer myself up by remembering the beauty of our summer plants and flowers. Here's a collection from a visit to Caernarfon Bay, Wales.
This collage features six close-up photographs of various wild plants and flowers, taken on Caernarfon Bay, Wales. Top left: A pink and white restharrow flower with small fuzzy leaves among grass. Top center: A cluster of tall purple flowers, likely purple loosestrife, set against a calm water backdrop. Top right: A vibrant yellow flower spike, resembling yellow loosestrife, bathed in sunlight. Bottom left: A blooming thistle with a bright purple head and spiky green leaves against a clear blue sky. Bottom center: White and yellow daisy-like flowers, possibly oxeye daisies, growing in a grassy field. Bottom right: A cluster of small white flowers in a flat, umbrella-like shape, resembling wild carrot or Queen Anne's Lace, surrounded by tall grasses.
December 16, 2024 at 3:32 PM
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A lonesome Beatles explores the Malltraeth Bay (Anglesey, Wales) sand dunes.
There is a vast, sandy expanse, like a miniature desert. The sand is soft and fine, and it forms gentle ripples that stretch across the scene. The ripples look like waves frozen in time, their crests and troughs creating a subtle pattern. In the middle of this sandy landscape, there's a tiny black beetle. It's barely noticeable, but it's slowly making its way across the sand, its legs moving rhythmically. The beetle is so small compared to the endless expanse of sand that it seems insignificant, yet it's also a testament to the resilience of life in even the harshest of environments. The air is probably warm and dry, with a gentle breeze that causes the sand to shift and ripple. The sun is likely shining brightly, casting long shadows across the sand and highlighting the contrast between the light and dark areas. The overall impression is one of vastness, stillness, and the delicate balance of life in a seemingly barren landscape.
December 10, 2024 at 12:27 AM
mikeyh71.bsky.social
Driving past Loch Tulla (Loch Toilbhe), on the way to Glen Coe, as the sun starts to fall in the west, casting its oranges, pinks, and purples upon the clouds.
This scene captures a serene and expansive landscape at dusk. The air feels still and calm as soft pastel colors—pale pink, lavender, and peach—paint the sky, blending seamlessly into the clouds. Below, a wide, tranquil body of water reflects the muted light, while its edges meet the damp earth of a shoreline. In the distance, layers of gently rolling hills and mountains stretch toward the horizon, fading from rich green to misty blue as they recede into the background. The overall mood is one of peaceful solitude and quiet wonder, as though nature is softly exhaling at the end of the day.
December 9, 2024 at 11:54 PM