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Michael English

@scienceskink.bsky.social

Irish nature-nerd, occasionally artist and keeper of big bugs, reptiles, and weird plants!

187 Followers  |  86 Following  |  91 Posts  |  Joined: 16.07.2023  |  1.8047

Latest posts by scienceskink.bsky.social on Bluesky


In Tarot, the Emperor represents responsibility, leadership, structure, suggesting stability and protection. The conservation successes of the cinereous vulture, with the prescence of a large specialized carnivore is often indicative of a stable ecosystem. Makes this a good match for this card imo

03.02.2026 22:08 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

In recent years though they have experienced a bit of a comeback, reintroduction programmes have aided in restoring fragmented populations and as of 2022 there are over 2,700 breeding pairs recorded.

03.02.2026 22:08 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
art of a cinereous vulture, it is done in a style reminiscent of an oil painting. the bird is posed in front of a purple circle and has a dark background, looking to the left with neck extended we can see the white rugged feathers that run either side of the darker neck.
either side of the portrait we see it framed by three skulls, a wolf, a rabbit, and a boar

art of a cinereous vulture, it is done in a style reminiscent of an oil painting. the bird is posed in front of a purple circle and has a dark background, looking to the left with neck extended we can see the white rugged feathers that run either side of the darker neck. either side of the portrait we see it framed by three skulls, a wolf, a rabbit, and a boar

The Emperor
Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus)
The largest of the old world vultures, this magnificent species has a range throughout much of Eurasia. Cinereous vultures like many species suffered a decline over the 20th century due to poisoning and reduced availability of carcasses to feed on

03.02.2026 22:08 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
art of a RΓΌppells vulture, it has dark brown feathers on the body with light feather tips. the bird is standing in front of a dark background with gold stars scattered throughout the image. the border has a name plate at the base with The Star written upon it. either side of the cardhas a tan background with the silhouette of a soaring vulture and below it the skull of a wildebeest, one of the animals the vulture scavenges upon

art of a RΓΌppells vulture, it has dark brown feathers on the body with light feather tips. the bird is standing in front of a dark background with gold stars scattered throughout the image. the border has a name plate at the base with The Star written upon it. either side of the cardhas a tan background with the silhouette of a soaring vulture and below it the skull of a wildebeest, one of the animals the vulture scavenges upon

RΓΌppells Vulture
The Star
This critically endangered species holds the world record for highest flying bird, at an impressive 11,300 m (37,000 ft)!

26.01.2026 19:59 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
art of a black vulture (Coragyps atratus)
leaping. it's wings are up with the feet
preparing to extend to land. it has a small
jester hat floating above their head. there
is a border and at the bottom the tarot
card title "The Fool". the background of the
image is a vivid blue with yellow spots and
a pink circle behind the head.
either side of the card there is a border
with four skulls on each side, top to bottom
they are: black vulture, opossum, alligator,
and raccoon

art of a black vulture (Coragyps atratus) leaping. it's wings are up with the feet preparing to extend to land. it has a small jester hat floating above their head. there is a border and at the bottom the tarot card title "The Fool". the background of the image is a vivid blue with yellow spots and a pink circle behind the head. either side of the card there is a border with four skulls on each side, top to bottom they are: black vulture, opossum, alligator, and raccoon

A new world vulture for the 2nd card, despite the visual similarities vultures of the Americas are not closely related to the vultures of Africa and Eurasia. This is an example of convergent evolution, where two unrelated groups of animal independently take on similar strategies to occupy a niche.

23.01.2026 17:08 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

As a personal project I am going to aim to draw every species of vulture this year, this is the first of the tarot cards. The Chariot represents overcoming obstacles through willpower, focus, and determination. Let's hope I have enough of those things to complete this project!

13.01.2026 22:40 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
a tarot card depicting a cape vulture sitting within the ribcage of a zebra. the text on the card says "The Chariot" the pose of the vulture emulates a person in a small chariot. the background is sky blue but with a golden circle just behind the head of the bird. the frame of the image is brown with gold on the corners. on either side of the card there is a skull and neck vertebrae of the cape vulture

a tarot card depicting a cape vulture sitting within the ribcage of a zebra. the text on the card says "The Chariot" the pose of the vulture emulates a person in a small chariot. the background is sky blue but with a golden circle just behind the head of the bird. the frame of the image is brown with gold on the corners. on either side of the card there is a skull and neck vertebrae of the cape vulture

The Chariot
Cape vulture (Gyps coprotheres)
Vultures are the most endangered group of birds, not only is suitable habitat being reduced through agriculture and urbanization, but climate change, persecution, and poisoning have lead to a steady decline of several species.

13.01.2026 22:40 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Amazing find!

29.12.2025 10:57 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
art of the spinosaurid, Baryonyx. it's head and neck are coming through a green rectangle. the head of the animal is dark with a blue eye and white ring around the eye, the neck starts with a light collar and then is a reddish-brown with darker blotches on the dorsal side and small white scales along the throat

art of the spinosaurid, Baryonyx. it's head and neck are coming through a green rectangle. the head of the animal is dark with a blue eye and white ring around the eye, the neck starts with a light collar and then is a reddish-brown with darker blotches on the dorsal side and small white scales along the throat

Baryonyx to wrap up my art of 2025

28.12.2025 08:05 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Looks like they'll see you later!

22.12.2025 20:53 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
photo of a large gold-plated enamel pin photographed on top of a lichen-covered rock. The enamel pin features a whale skeleton covered with various deep sea creatures, such as octopuses, hagfish, a giant isopod,  a crab, and chimaeras.

photo of a large gold-plated enamel pin photographed on top of a lichen-covered rock. The enamel pin features a whale skeleton covered with various deep sea creatures, such as octopuses, hagfish, a giant isopod, a crab, and chimaeras.

Whale fall pins are now back in stock, just in time for the holidays!! The perfect gift for deep sea lovers & marine biology fans πŸ‹πŸ¦€

Check them out here! shop.fossilforager.art

29.11.2025 16:35 β€” πŸ‘ 467    πŸ” 142    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 7
An icthyosaur emerging from the depths mouth agape to snatch an unseen prey animal

An icthyosaur emerging from the depths mouth agape to snatch an unseen prey animal

Icthyosaurs, as cool as they are weird!

28.11.2025 16:05 β€” πŸ‘ 16    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Art of the theropod dinosaur, Spinosaurus. It is largely brown in colour with darker stripes and spots. A large dark spot is on the back of the sail ringed in a lighter colour and many of the stripes on the sail seem to point towards it.
The animal is standing in front of a blue rectangle

Art of the theropod dinosaur, Spinosaurus. It is largely brown in colour with darker stripes and spots. A large dark spot is on the back of the sail ringed in a lighter colour and many of the stripes on the sail seem to point towards it. The animal is standing in front of a blue rectangle

Spinosaurus turned 110 this month!

09.11.2025 21:18 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

This is phenomenal, can't wait to see it!!

09.11.2025 07:58 β€” πŸ‘ 11    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Line art illustration, fan art from Dredge. A small fishing boat sits on monster infested water

Line art illustration, fan art from Dredge. A small fishing boat sits on monster infested water

Digital original painting, a dolls head suspended by fishing wire, cracked and bleeding. Brain tissue is revealed to be inside. Horror art. Dark art

Digital original painting, a dolls head suspended by fishing wire, cracked and bleeding. Brain tissue is revealed to be inside. Horror art. Dark art

Cover art digital illustration for a ttrpg book. A man sits upon a Gothic throne, a druid woman at his side with an antler headpiece, and a small magpie humanoid sits at the top

Cover art digital illustration for a ttrpg book. A man sits upon a Gothic throne, a druid woman at his side with an antler headpiece, and a small magpie humanoid sits at the top

Digital painting of a giant crustacean, guarding her clutch of eggs.

Digital painting of a giant crustacean, guarding her clutch of eggs.

Hey ho it's #portfolioday again!
I'm Tam, a Canadian freelance artist, always looking for work.
I specialize in creature and character artwork in both digital and traditional mediums. No AI 🚫
Here's a bit of my art! And my portfolio site πŸ’šπŸ³οΈβ€βš§οΈπŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆπŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦
tamvmat.myportfolio.com/work

14.10.2025 16:22 β€” πŸ‘ 41    πŸ” 14    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Art of the theropod dinosaur, Allosaurus. It is blue in colour with vivid red markings on the crests and along the body

Art of the theropod dinosaur, Allosaurus. It is blue in colour with vivid red markings on the crests and along the body

Haven't drawn in a while, and haven't posted here in a while too!
Allosaurus art

12.10.2025 11:47 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Greetings little one πŸ€“πŸ₯Ή

28.09.2025 01:26 β€” πŸ‘ 221    πŸ” 35    πŸ’¬ 13    πŸ“Œ 0

Quote with your blue art! πŸ’™

15.09.2025 09:46 β€” πŸ‘ 20    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
A pair of Velociraptors fighting, one is falling backwards while the other is above them preparing to land on them. The background is black with vibrant red brushstrokes. The Velociraptors themselves are largely grey-brown with darker primary feathers and a light pattern similar to an eyespot. They also have blue throats

A pair of Velociraptors fighting, one is falling backwards while the other is above them preparing to land on them. The background is black with vibrant red brushstrokes. The Velociraptors themselves are largely grey-brown with darker primary feathers and a light pattern similar to an eyespot. They also have blue throats

Wanted to draw something dramatic, Velociraptors seemed the most appropriate subject

02.09.2025 11:19 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

An excellent find, you could say it... rocks!

10.08.2025 19:15 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Going to go green!

01.08.2025 08:48 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Post image

Evolutionary Arms Race

30.07.2025 14:52 β€” πŸ‘ 423    πŸ” 126    πŸ’¬ 8    πŸ“Œ 5
A large green theropod dinosaur head and neck, it is peering out from a blue rectangle

A large green theropod dinosaur head and neck, it is peering out from a blue rectangle

Been a while, here's some Torvosaurus art!

30.07.2025 13:00 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

This thread is close to my stance:
More automation will always happen. What matters is whether it happens over generations, replacing tedious/dangerous jobs, or if it happens overnight, killing jobs people are still actively training for so billionaires can save money.

Tyler is more coherent, tho.

11.07.2025 06:35 β€” πŸ‘ 63    πŸ” 7    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Illustration of three species of aetosaurs. Top: Aetosaurus ferratus, middle: Scutarx deltatylus and bottom: Desmatosuchus spuriensis

Illustration of three species of aetosaurs. Top: Aetosaurus ferratus, middle: Scutarx deltatylus and bottom: Desmatosuchus spuriensis

Reconstruction of two species of Aetosaurs. Top: Typothorax coccinarum. Bottom: Paratypothorax andressorum

Reconstruction of two species of Aetosaurs. Top: Typothorax coccinarum. Bottom: Paratypothorax andressorum

Why is my book taking so long to finish? Well, one of many reasons are Aetosaurs! They are very complicated to reconstruct AND my book has a lot of them! πŸ˜… But Aetosaurs are awesome!

Aetosaurs are pseudosuchians, and thus related to modern crocodilians

#paleoart #aetosaurs #art

08.07.2025 15:07 β€” πŸ‘ 243    πŸ” 51    πŸ’¬ 4    πŸ“Œ 1

See also, how I look in the mirror
How I appear in pics πŸ˜­πŸ˜‚

23.06.2025 19:14 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
Comic. On one side is a horse's head and neck drawn in near-three-quarter view, facing left: pretty, elegant, and sparkling, with the caption: 'When I draw something facing one direction...'
On the other side is supposedly the 'same' drawing, facing right, comically distorted with its features wrongly shaped and all askew, with the caption: 'The moment I mirror it.'

Comic. On one side is a horse's head and neck drawn in near-three-quarter view, facing left: pretty, elegant, and sparkling, with the caption: 'When I draw something facing one direction...' On the other side is supposedly the 'same' drawing, facing right, comically distorted with its features wrongly shaped and all askew, with the caption: 'The moment I mirror it.'

When I draw something facing one direction...

&

The moment I mirror it.

πŸ™ƒπŸ€ͺ

23.06.2025 17:29 β€” πŸ‘ 1054    πŸ” 192    πŸ’¬ 27    πŸ“Œ 6

Cyprinids are my least favorite kinds of fish to draw, their scales are tedious and can cause

carpal tunnel

20.06.2025 07:07 β€” πŸ‘ 149    πŸ” 17    πŸ’¬ 13    πŸ“Œ 0
Art of a feral pigeon
It is the pigeon from the head to the shoulders, showcasing the iridescent green and purple on the neck. Behind the pigeon is a gold circle and a blue background.

Art of a feral pigeon It is the pigeon from the head to the shoulders, showcasing the iridescent green and purple on the neck. Behind the pigeon is a gold circle and a blue background.

Pigeons, they're neat!

06.06.2025 19:24 β€” πŸ‘ 32    πŸ” 6    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Not finished yet, but a preview for next week's auction.

My phone camera is not great, but it's especially bad for artworks with tonal subtleties (there is less betrayal with the silhouette pieces).

#Junicorn

06.06.2025 17:40 β€” πŸ‘ 596    πŸ” 98    πŸ’¬ 16    πŸ“Œ 1

@scienceskink is following 20 prominent accounts