David Minshall
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dbminshall.bsky.social
David Minshall
@dbminshall.bsky.social
Nature and the outdoors - Bristol, UK
Also on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natureandtheoutdoors/
Another grumpy weather day today, but brightened up with a quick wander to the River Avon, near Lamplighters Marsh NR, Bristol. Fabulous to watch the Avocet moving along the shoreline as the tide was dropping. A real treat on a dull damp day! (20.01.26) #avonbirds #ukwildlife
January 20, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Reposted by David Minshall
January 19, 2026 at 6:43 PM
I hadn't realised how long Great Crested Grebe could still carry their striped juvenile head pattern. This heavily cropped picture was taken a couple of days ago (17.01.26) on the Afon Taf, Laugharne. #birdingwales #ukwildlife
January 19, 2026 at 9:09 AM
Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #ShortBeaks - here’s a couple of photos of Blue Tit. Both were taken near St. Clears in South Wales, first in 2024, second in 2025. #ukwildlife #birds @robcrank68.bsky.social
January 16, 2026 at 6:47 PM
Last week, with high tide approaching and the early morning sunshine, it was a beautiful opportunity to photograph overwintering Purple Sandpiper. Lovely birds, and quite a treat to see. Battery Point, Portishead. (07.01.26) #avonbirds #ukwildlife #birds
January 14, 2026 at 6:57 PM
#BirdsInFlight is #BirdOfTheDay theme for today (thanks Rob) -
so here is an immature Gannet, possibly 2nd year, at Bempton Cliffs, September 2025. @robcrank68.bsky.social #ukwildlife #birds
January 12, 2026 at 10:21 AM
And there I was at Woodhill Bay, Portishead, taking pictures of this delightful Rock Pipit - when it pulled tongues at me! (07.01.26) #avonbirds #ukwildlife #birds
January 12, 2026 at 10:04 AM
Fabulous to find at least some of the large flock of Avocet I saw at new year still about on River Avon, Bristol. Less than half the number originally seen, so whether some have moved on or are just out of sight I am not sure. Nonetheless, a real treat! (10.01.26) #ukbirding #avonbirds #ukwildlife
January 10, 2026 at 7:12 PM
A cold and breezy walk to Battery Point an hour before high tide this morning, and a wander along Woodhill Bay (Portishead). Nice to see all 5 Purple Sandpiper close together. Also; 2 Shelduck, 1 Curlew, 2 Snipe, 2 Pied Wagtail, c10 Rock Pipit (07.01.26) #avonbirds #ukwildlife
January 7, 2026 at 7:14 PM
Some waterside birds seen on the River Avon at Lamplighters Marsh NR (Bristol) a few days ago; Oystercatcher, Curlew, Redshank and Common Sandpiper. (03.01.26) #avonbirds #ukwildlife
January 6, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #BlackAndWhite (set by Rob) - pictured are Pied Wagtail. The first taken at Portishead Marina in April 2024, the second taken at New Passage (River Severn) in October 2025. #ukwildlife #birds @robcrank68.bsky.social
January 6, 2026 at 9:36 AM
South Wales was looking spectacular in a light dusting of snow and crystal clear sky today. From Keeper's Pond on Blorenge, a mountain overlooking Abergavenny, there's a lovely 5 mile circular walk around/over the summit. A fabulous day and lovely to be out with at least a little snow under foot. 🥾
January 5, 2026 at 6:19 PM
The River Avon (Bristol) Avocet were a little more dispersed yesterday. Super to find that three had strayed further from the main flock, and to the north side of the river. (03.01.26) #avonbirds #ukwildlife #birds @btobirds.bsky.social
January 4, 2026 at 10:58 AM
The ever delightful Stonechat (female) at Lamplighters Marsh NR (Bristol). 31.12.25 #avonbirds #ukwildlife #birds
January 2, 2026 at 10:20 AM
This appears to be a favoured fishing spot on the River Avon at Lamplighters Marsh NR (Bristol)... Yesterday there was a Little Egret present, this morning a Grey Heron! (01.01.26) #avonbirds #ukwildlife
January 1, 2026 at 3:20 PM
An absolute delight to find a flock of 53 Avocet on the River Avon this morning near Royal Portbury Dock. Simply fabulous and what an end of year treat! 32 bird species recorded while walking through Lamplighters Marsh NR (Bristol) #ukbirding @birdtrack.bsky.social @bristolbirding.bsky.social
December 31, 2025 at 5:03 PM
A wonderful greeting to Teifi Marshes NR (@wtsww.bsky.social) a few days ago from this Song Thrush, perched on a frosted gate (27.12.25). Only get to visit this lovely wetland site a couple of times a year; always a delight to wander around though. #birdingwales #ukwildlife #birds
December 30, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #BirdButts (thanks Rob) - so here’s a photo of the delightful Little Grebe. They’re lovely birds to watch, scooting around ponds and diving for food. Magor Marsh NR, Gwent WT. (30.11.25) #birdingwales #ukwildlife #birds @robcrank68.bsky.social
December 29, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Nice of this Rook to settle within touching distance of me while I was at WWT Slimbridge last month. A great bird to see up close - although I think it was me that was under scrutiny! (21.11.25) #birds #ukwildlife
December 29, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Some locals seen during a short walk at Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, this afternoon; Song Thrush, Chaffinch and Starling. Lots of evocative bird call on the Afon Taf from Oystercatcher, Redshank and Curlew. (24.12.25) #BirdingWales #UKWildlife #Birds
December 24, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Enjoyed an end of year browse through some of my photos. Good walks & lovely places visited. This is a selection of one for each month as a recap (over 3 posts). No particular significance to what's featured other than happy memories. (Jan-Apr. See Alt text) /1. #ukbutterflies #ukwildlife #birds
December 23, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Well this was unexpected! A Grey Wagtail at Lamplighters Marsh NR (Bristol) next to the R.Avon this morning. Caught fleetingly and lucky to snatch a couple of pictures. 20 bird species noted and recorded on @birdtrack.bsky.social. #bristolbirding #ukwildlife @bristolbirding.bsky.social
December 20, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Gadwall doing a little morning stretching while a male Teal and a Little Grebe look on. Magor Marsh NR (Gwent Wildlife Trust). 19.12.25 #birdingwales #UKWildlife #birds
December 19, 2025 at 7:48 PM
So for today’s #LongLegsAndNeck theme for #BirdOfTheDay set by @robcrank68.bsky.social - here is a Spoonbill photographed at WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, Dec. 2024. It seemed to spend much time with its head tucked up and sleeping, so fab to catch in flight! #Glosbirds #Birds #UKWildlife
December 19, 2025 at 7:22 AM
(Male) Shoveler at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre last month. (17.11.25) #Glosbirds #UKwildlife
December 18, 2025 at 8:46 PM