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Brian Dolan

@smarterdonkey.net.bsky.social

Hobby photographer - Hispanophile - Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society - air traffic wrangler. He / Him.

152 Followers  |  133 Following  |  59 Posts  |  Joined: 12.11.2024  |  2.3856

Latest posts by smarterdonkey.net on Bluesky

Two storks walking towards each other.

Two storks walking towards each other.

As the storks approach, both stretch open their wings.

As the storks approach, both stretch open their wings.

Two storks facing each other rising into the air simultaneously - here about 20cm off the ground.

Two storks facing each other rising into the air simultaneously - here about 20cm off the ground.

One stork with outstretched wings running on the ground chasing another as it flies quickly away.

One stork with outstretched wings running on the ground chasing another as it flies quickly away.

Angry birds. #birdsofbluesky #wildlifephotography #WildIreland #stork #birds More residents of www.wildireland.org

26.01.2026 18:46 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Home - Wild Ireland | Wildlife Park Step back in time into an ancient woodland, inhabited by Wolves, Bears, Lynx and Wild Boar that have returned to their ancestral home.

These were in Wild Ireland rescue centre, but they say all the animals they have lived in Ireland at some point in time. www.wildireland.org

26.01.2026 18:40 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
An all white arctic fox, sitting on a grass slope facing to the right.

An all white arctic fox, sitting on a grass slope facing to the right.

A red fox sitting on a grassy mound, facing left.

A red fox sitting on a grassy mound, facing left.

Arctic and red fox - residents of Wild Ireland, Donegal. #fox #wildlife #wildlifephotography #ireland #donegal #WildIreland

25.01.2026 09:01 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 10    ๐Ÿ” 3    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Eurasian (Common) Teal duck in a pond with water falling behind.

Eurasian (Common) Teal duck in a pond with water falling behind.

Barn owl perched on a wooden beam, looking towards the camera, with white wall behind.

Barn owl perched on a wooden beam, looking towards the camera, with white wall behind.

Two barn owls standing together at the top of a wooden ladder, with wooden beams in the roof visible behind them.

Two barn owls standing together at the top of a wooden ladder, with wooden beams in the roof visible behind them.

A house mouse, sitting with front feet raised to it's mouth, tail off to one side.

A house mouse, sitting with front feet raised to it's mouth, tail off to one side.

Common teal duck, barn owls, and a house mouse, all at Wild Ireland - Donegal. #duck #owl #mouse #wildlife #wildlifephotography #WildIreland #ireland #birdsofbluesky

24.01.2026 16:29 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 5    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Always read release notes - easiest way to learn about new features.

20.01.2026 15:07 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Two sparrows waiting in a snow covered bush for their turn to feed.

Two sparrows waiting in a snow covered bush for their turn to feed.

A crow taking off from a snowy branch.

A crow taking off from a snowy branch.

A female blackbird sampling a large piece of bread from the snow.

A female blackbird sampling a large piece of bread from the snow.

A robin breaking off a bite size piece of bread.

A robin breaking off a bite size piece of bread.

More snow, and some new visiting back garden birds. #birds #birdsofbluesky #wildlife #backgarden #backyard #crow #robin #blackbird #sparrow #snow #photography

04.01.2026 10:09 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 8    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A blackbird standing on top of a snow covered bin.

A blackbird standing on top of a snow covered bin.

A sparrow on top of a snow covered blue bin eyeing up some pieces of bread.

A sparrow on top of a snow covered blue bin eyeing up some pieces of bread.

A sparrow on a wooden fence with a snow covered bin with some bread crumbs in the foreground.

A sparrow on a wooden fence with a snow covered bin with some bread crumbs in the foreground.

A blackbird on the edge of a snow covered bin, ready to jump down to grab some lunch.

A blackbird on the edge of a snow covered bin, ready to jump down to grab some lunch.

From my new series... Backyard Birds on Bins. #BirdsOfBluesky #BackyardBirds #Photography #BirdPhotography

03.01.2026 11:10 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 9    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Thanks - just discovered the film wind on spool is missing - so I'll have time to check the rangefinder before that arrives. Lightmeter readings on the Olympus and the Fed are in the same ball park, so that seems hopeful.

02.01.2026 14:43 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
An Olympus OM10 and a FED4 camera, side by side with a spool of 35mm film in front of them.

An Olympus OM10 and a FED4 camera, side by side with a spool of 35mm film in front of them.

A good 20 years since I last shot on 35mmโ€ฆ two new (well 40 to 50 year old) toys to start the year. #photography #film #35mm #olympus #OM10 #FED4 #analoguephotography

02.01.2026 13:34 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 6    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A small gull floating on the surface, with a black spot on the side of the head, and back feathers at the tip of their tail.

A small gull floating on the surface, with a black spot on the side of the head, and back feathers at the tip of their tail.

Two gulls on the surface as another flies over them.

Two gulls on the surface as another flies over them.

A gull standing on one foot, on the edge of an infinity pool, as the sun sets over Malaga harbour behind them.

A gull standing on one foot, on the edge of an infinity pool, as the sun sets over Malaga harbour behind them.

A robin perched on some twigs, red breast highlighted by the low sun, clear winter blue sky behind.

A robin perched on some twigs, red breast highlighted by the low sun, clear winter blue sky behind.

2025 - a year of international gulls (English, Dutch and Spanish shown here) and an Irish robin. #gulls #travel #travelphotography #birdsofbluesky #robin #spain #netherlands #London #ireland #espaรฑa #nederland

31.12.2025 10:57 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 5    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

3

02.12.2025 17:01 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Verge headline: Is language the same as intelligence? The Al industry desperately needs it to be
by Benjamin Riley

Illustration of a polygonal persons face in profile, laid out a bit like a heat map. The person has an empty speech bubble where their brain should be

Verge headline: Is language the same as intelligence? The Al industry desperately needs it to be by Benjamin Riley Illustration of a polygonal persons face in profile, laid out a bit like a heat map. The person has an empty speech bubble where their brain should be

Cutting-edge research shows language is not the same as intelligence. The entire AI bubble is built on ignoring it.

Read more from @benjaminriley.bsky.social: www.theverge.com/ai-artificia...

25.11.2025 19:53 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 733    ๐Ÿ” 208    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 55    ๐Ÿ“Œ 48
Preview
UK Supreme Court rules RE taught in NI schools is unlawful The Christian religious education taught in schools in Northern Ireland is unlawful, the UK Supreme Court has ruled.

Family wins appeal in UK Supreme Court over N Ireland schools religious education www.bbc.com/news/article...

19.11.2025 13:44 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
View with an infinity pool in the foreground, to the left is a hotel, and on a hill to the right can be seen the remains of the Gibralfaro Castle.

View with an infinity pool in the foreground, to the left is a hotel, and on a hill to the right can be seen the remains of the Gibralfaro Castle.

A harbour with some luxury yachts on one side, a small white lighthouse in the middle, and a cruise liner to the right. Blue sky and blue seas.

A harbour with some luxury yachts on one side, a small white lighthouse in the middle, and a cruise liner to the right. Blue sky and blue seas.

A wide view showing both Gibralfaro Castle and Malaga harbour with a few clouds in a mostly blue sky. View is seen over an infinity pool from a rooftop bar.

A wide view showing both Gibralfaro Castle and Malaga harbour with a few clouds in a mostly blue sky. View is seen over an infinity pool from a rooftop bar.

Rooftop bar - sitting by the infinity pool - sun going down - views of Malaga port with Gibralfaro Castle in the distance. #travel #travellgotography #Spain #Espaรฑa #malaga #thegoodlife #wintersun

18.11.2025 16:48 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Four palm trees with the sun behind them. The sun is reflecting off the sea, with blue lies and only a few clouds on the horizon.

Four palm trees with the sun behind them. The sun is reflecting off the sea, with blue lies and only a few clouds on the horizon.

Starting the day watching the parakeets coming and going to their beachside palm trees. #spain #espaรฑa #malaga #travel #travelphotography

18.11.2025 09:47 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Thank you! ๐Ÿˆโ€โฌ› ๐Ÿ

16.11.2025 22:00 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A cafe window, with a large black cat with yellow eyes in one frame, facing a smiling bee in the other.

A cafe window, with a large black cat with yellow eyes in one frame, facing a smiling bee in the other.

Getting colder and wetter here. Maybe time to pop back to the sunshine, like these very sensible characters in La Malagueta. #malaga #lamalagueta #gatonegro #cat #bee #wintersunshine #travelphotography

16.11.2025 21:45 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

A spaceship landed in the park. A door dilated. A strange-looking alien with artificial antennae made from tin foil emerged.

"Greetings, Earthlings!! We come in..." It consulted a device. "In trick or treat?"

31.10.2025 22:30 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 396    ๐Ÿ” 97    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 5    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Video thumbnail

For our latest geovisualisation, we spoke to leading climate scientist Professor Ed Hawkins about his climate spiral, which shows global temperature change over the past 170 years. It notably featured in the 2016 Olympics opening ceremony!

Read here๐Ÿ‘‰ ow.ly/W7fX50WZmTf

25.09.2025 08:30 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 3    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Street name sign with an image of a three eyed yellow fish from The Simpsons.

Street name sign with an image of a three eyed yellow fish from The Simpsons.

The Spanish royal palace in Madrid framed by trees from a nearby park.

The Spanish royal palace in Madrid framed by trees from a nearby park.

A panoramic photo with the palace, cathedral, and another church on the horizon with trees in the foreground and clear blue skies behind.

A panoramic photo with the palace, cathedral, and another church on the horizon with trees in the foreground and clear blue skies behind.

A view of the cathedral in Madrid.

A view of the cathedral in Madrid.

A few photos from a morning stroll in Madrid. #Madrid #Spain #Espaรฑa #travel #travelphotography #OMSystems

17.09.2025 10:36 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 7    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A view looking out to sea with harbour walls on either side. In the centre is a small white yacht passing a commercial ship. At the end of the harbour wall to the right of them is a small white lighthouse with red top. The sea and sky are both clear blues.

A view looking out to sea with harbour walls on either side. In the centre is a small white yacht passing a commercial ship. At the end of the harbour wall to the right of them is a small white lighthouse with red top. The sea and sky are both clear blues.

Almeria morning. #Almeria #Espaรฑa #Spain #travel #travelphotography #OMSystem #sea #sky

12.09.2025 08:41 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Black and white image of a small glass of beer. It is sitting on an outdoor table with some trees and an old stone wall behind it. Text on the image says it was taken using Leica Lux app, in Almeria Spain.

Black and white image of a small glass of beer. It is sitting on an outdoor table with some trees and an old stone wall behind it. Text on the image says it was taken using Leica Lux app, in Almeria Spain.

25c / 77f outdoor in September. Maybe just a little beer to make the tapas appear. #tapas #travel #photography #travelphotography #Almeria #Spain #Espaรฑa #LeicaLux

11.09.2025 18:20 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 6    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A cavalry rider with sword raised cantering on a black horse in a sand arena.

A cavalry rider with sword raised cantering on a black horse in a sand arena.

Cavalry rider with red plumes from his silver helmet, and sword raised, on a black horse with all 4 feet in the air as he canters past.

Cavalry rider with red plumes from his silver helmet, and sword raised, on a black horse with all 4 feet in the air as he canters past.

Two riders on black horses with cavalry silver helmets with red plumes. Swords raised. Practising in a sand arena.

Two riders on black horses with cavalry silver helmets with red plumes. Swords raised. Practising in a sand arena.

A row of cavalry riders. The front rider on a white horse with mane blowing as he canters past the fence.

A row of cavalry riders. The front rider on a white horse with mane blowing as he canters past the fence.

Some cavalry training in Hyde Park this morning. #travelphotography #photography #HydePark #London #OMSystems

10.09.2025 10:01 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 4    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

"Sir! I challenge you to a duel!"

"Very well, sir! As the challenged party, I believe it is my prerogative to choose weapons?"

"Go ahead!"

"I choose swords!"

"Then I will choose mode of transport!"

"Wait, what?"

"I choose unicycles!"

"What?"

"I'll see you at dawn, sir!"

26.08.2025 17:40 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 298    ๐Ÿ” 66    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 7    ๐Ÿ“Œ 2
A small tortoiseshell butterfly with wings spread. Wings are mostly orange with black fringing and small specks of blue on the rear edge.

A small tortoiseshell butterfly with wings spread. Wings are mostly orange with black fringing and small specks of blue on the rear edge.

A small tortoiseshell from below - showing more of the black and brown darker lower side of its wing.

A small tortoiseshell from below - showing more of the black and brown darker lower side of its wing.

A small tortoiseshell with wings spread about to depart from the purple flower of the buddleja plant.

A small tortoiseshell with wings spread about to depart from the purple flower of the buddleja plant.

A purple budleja plant flower with a small orange and black butterfly feeding on it.

A purple budleja plant flower with a small orange and black butterfly feeding on it.

Some more close ups of some small tortoiseshell butterflies on the butterfly bush in the back garden. #butterfly #flutterby #butterflybush #buddleja #smalltortoiseshell #wildlife #nature #summer #garden #wildlifephotography

17.08.2025 16:07 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A Small Tortoiseshell butterfly, with reddish orange and black wings on a purple flower, with lots of green foliage in the background. It is a Buddleja plant (known as a butterfly bush). The butterfly is on top of the flower looking to the left with the clubbed antennae and proboscis visible as it snacks on some nectar.

A Small Tortoiseshell butterfly, with reddish orange and black wings on a purple flower, with lots of green foliage in the background. It is a Buddleja plant (known as a butterfly bush). The butterfly is on top of the flower looking to the left with the clubbed antennae and proboscis visible as it snacks on some nectar.

A Small Tortoiseshell butterfly, with reddish orange and black wings, with blue highlights on a purple flower, with lots of green foliage in the background. It is a Buddleja plant (known as a butterfly bush). The butterfly is on top of the flower looking to the right with the clubbed antennae and proboscis visible as it snacks on some nectar.

A Small Tortoiseshell butterfly, with reddish orange and black wings, with blue highlights on a purple flower, with lots of green foliage in the background. It is a Buddleja plant (known as a butterfly bush). The butterfly is on top of the flower looking to the right with the clubbed antennae and proboscis visible as it snacks on some nectar.

A Small Tortoiseshell butterfly with orange, black, and blue wings spread open as it rests on the purple flower of a buddleja plant (Butterfly Bush)

A Small Tortoiseshell butterfly with orange, black, and blue wings spread open as it rests on the purple flower of a buddleja plant (Butterfly Bush)

Somewhat out of focus shot of a small tortoiseshell butterfly - showing the upper bright orange and black of one wing, and the darker brown and black lower side of the other wing. The curled proboscis stands out with the light.

Somewhat out of focus shot of a small tortoiseshell butterfly - showing the upper bright orange and black of one wing, and the darker brown and black lower side of the other wing. The curled proboscis stands out with the light.

Quick lens change and some close ups of the butterfly bush and some of the small tortoiseshell flutterbys snacking on it. #Butterfly #Flutterby #ButterflyBush #Buddleja #SmallTortoiseshell #Wildlife #Nature #summer #garden #wildlifephotography

17.08.2025 16:03 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Three butterflies, with reddish orange and black wings on a purple flower, with lots of green foliage in the background. They are Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies on a Buddleja plant (known as a butterfly bush)

Three butterflies, with reddish orange and black wings on a purple flower, with lots of green foliage in the background. They are Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies on a Buddleja plant (known as a butterfly bush)

One butterfly, with reddish orange and black wings, showing the much darker underside of the wing, on a purple flower, with lots of green foliage in the background. It is a Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly on a Buddleja plant (known as a butterfly bush)

One butterfly, with reddish orange and black wings, showing the much darker underside of the wing, on a purple flower, with lots of green foliage in the background. It is a Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly on a Buddleja plant (known as a butterfly bush)

The butterfly bush in the garden is earning its keep today, at least a dozen small tortoiseshells snacking at once. Of course the camera wanted to focus on anything except the butterflies. #Butterfly #Flutterby #ButterflyBush #Buddleja #SmallTortoiseshell #Wildlife #Nature #summer #garden

17.08.2025 15:32 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Two seagulls stand on a ships bow.

Two seagulls stand on a ships bow.

Two crew men take orders from a smiling retriever dog with his own boat.

Two crew men take orders from a smiling retriever dog with his own boat.

Seagulls and a Sailing Dog from todayโ€™s Rotterdam Port Boat Tour. #Rotterdam #Netherlands #Travel #Photography #Travelphotography

07.07.2025 15:17 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 6    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A yellow and blue tug boat with multiple cranes behind it. Port of Rotterdam written in white on the bow.

A yellow and blue tug boat with multiple cranes behind it. Port of Rotterdam written in white on the bow.

The Euromast poking up behind some modern buildings on the harbour shoreline.

The Euromast poking up behind some modern buildings on the harbour shoreline.

The Erasmus Bridge as seen from the water.

The Erasmus Bridge as seen from the water.

Silver reflective structure on top of a warehouse. Looks like a helter skelter slide.

Silver reflective structure on top of a warehouse. Looks like a helter skelter slide.

A few more from todayโ€™s Rotterdam Port Boat Tour. #Rotterdam #Netherlands #Travel #Photography #Travelphotography

07.07.2025 15:15 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 5    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 2    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A series of cranes on the horizon as seen from a boat in Rotterdam Europort.

A series of cranes on the horizon as seen from a boat in Rotterdam Europort.

Traditional Dutch windmill.

Traditional Dutch windmill.

More cranes - lined up behind each other but with jibs sticking out in different directions. Some boats and barges in the foreground.

More cranes - lined up behind each other but with jibs sticking out in different directions. Some boats and barges in the foreground.

A small selection from todayโ€™s Rotterdam Port Boat Tour. #Rotterdam #Netherlands #Travel #Photography #Travelphotography

07.07.2025 15:12 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 9    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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