Thank you Maryann! The plumage of the young was a real surprise when I first saw them!

Thank you Alan.

That’s a lovely shot Alan for #BirdOfTheDay.
I’ve had to go with the alt theme of #WhatTheFlock and am hoping for cuteness bonus points with this family of Coots.
#Birds
#BirdingScotland
#BirdTherapy
#UKwildlife
#NatureCantWait
#StateofNature2023
#wildlifephotography
#EastCoastKin

Don’t dislike it but it would be the last colour of flares I’d buy!

👍 Rob

👏👏👏

On #BirdOfTheDay I think this perch took the wrong meaning of the Goosander’s #ComeEatWithMe invite!
Great theme and set of images Rob.
#Birds
#BirdingScotland
#BirdTherapy
#UKwildlife
#NatureCantWait
#StateofNature2023
#wildlifephotography
#EastCoastKin

For this week‘s #AlphabetChallenge
you’ve only gone and made it #WeekPforPurple - my least favourite colour (although my wife’s favourite). Also seems to be popular with this Common Carder bee. #EastCoastKin

Thanks Rob

Thank you Alan.

A Big Cushy Doo - is this what you had in mind @alan678.bsky.social for #ABCD on #BirdOfTheDay…..?!
#Birds
#BirdingScotland
#BirdTherapy
#UKwildlife
#NatureCantWait
#StateofNature2023
#wildlifephotography
#EastCoastKin

Thanks Den.

This male Chaffinch popped up nicely for today’s Alt #BirdOfTheDay theme of #Finches
Nice shots of a fine selection of ducks Rob.
#Birds
#BirdingScotland
#BirdTherapy
#UKwildlife
#NatureCantWait
#StateofNature2023
#wildlifephotography
#EastCoastKin

Have posted this before but I think this image of the #Edge between estuary sandflats and shore works for today’s #BlueSkyArtShow.
#ECK

😂 Who could resist?!

Now that @alan678.bsky.social has gone to bed I’ll sneak in a post for his
excellent #FeederFriends themed #BirdOfTheDay. I think these 2 Siskins are more than friends!
#Birds
#BirdingScotland
#BirdTherapy
#UKwildlife
#NatureCantWait
#StateofNature2023
#wildlifephotography
#EastCoastKin

😲

😂 Might not be posting one today anyway ….

Thanks Rina. I didn‘t know we had such beautiful butterflies in the UK so I was delighted to see it, even though it’s quite common I now know.

You’re welcome Rina - I’m glad you like it.

😂

And for @rina2012.bsky.social’s #ButterflyWeek here’s the first of what I hope will be many from this year - a Small Tortoiseshell and a Buff tailed Bumblebee.
@ukbutterflies.bsky.social
@bumblebeetrust.bsky.social
#NatureCantWait
#StateofNature2023
#wildlifephotography
#UKwildlife
#EastCoastKin

Thanks Rob

Have only just heard about @rina2012.bsky.social‘s #ButterflyWeek and have been enjoying and amazed at some that I’ve seen posted. Only started noticing butterflies last year and was pleased to see this stunning Common Blue. #ECK

A gannet flying through pink tinted skies. The bird's crisp white plumage and black wingtips are visible while the sky is pink and orange with the setting sun.

We believe there is power in the collective voice. Your insights, lived experience, and personal stories all help shape how Scotland understands the importance of nature ahead of the upcoming election. Let us know via the link below why you #TakeNatureSeriously.

🔗 buff.ly/C0W5vyQ

Nice set Rob - sorry for the late post for your #HeadShots #BirdOfTheDay theme. Here’s a Starling peeking out from our roof soffit!
#Birds
#BirdingScotland
#BirdTherapy
#UKwildlife
#NatureCantWait
#StateofNature2023
#wildlifephotography
#EastCoastKin

I’ve posted this for a couple of themes before but it’s one of my favourite images. Taken in Nice, the contrast between this old man’s situation and the very affluent, chic Nice is very poignant.
#AlphabetChallenge
#WeekOforOld
#EastCoastKin

Thanks Steve - didn’t even think to look at Alt text 🤦‍♂️- sorry.

Thank you Chris - that’s all very helpful. I don’t know much about scopes so would top of range eyepiece mean most expensive, fixed? Thanks again.

I know, I know, I know …….😂