Helen Bennett 🌿
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helenbennett.bsky.social
Helen Bennett 🌿
@helenbennett.bsky.social
9.8K followers 1.7K following 12K posts
Nature lover & trying, in my own small way, to conserve & protect it! Passionate about habitat creation & gardening for ALL wildlife.
Oh yes, I'm a nature photographer & I paint too! : ))

All images shared are my own © From South East, England, UK
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helenbennett.bsky.social
Here's a Dipper painted in watercolour for today's #ArtAdventCalendar and also #BirdOfTheDay theme #OnTheRocks ! I've only ever seen a Dipper once, they really are wonderful birds 🪶 🤎

Painting inspired by one of the @rspb.bsky.social website dipper images!

#Birds #Art #UKWildlife #EastCoastKin
A watercolour painting of a lone Dipper, a medium-sized, plump, short-tailed bird with a brown head, body and a white throat/chest. The Dipper is standing on a rock in side profile looking to the right as viewed. The background is in pale blue around the rock to simulate water, with a buff colour above to make the dipper standout.
December 3, 2025 at 3:44 PM
helenbennett.bsky.social
To celebrate the start of #ArtAdventCalendar here's my watercolour of the pesky Wood Pigeon who keeps eating all the bird food! That guilty expression and full cheeks says it all! 🪶☺️

Happy December everyone 🕊️👋

#Birds #Art #BirdArt #Painting #EastCoastKin
A watercolour painting of a Wood Pigeon. A portrait showing the pigeon's grey head with a pinkish breast and a white patch on the side/back of its neck a large. There is a metallic green and purple patch of feathers above the white patch and darker feathers to create shade. The pigeon is in side profile looking to the left as viewed with a wide yellow eye appearing to look surprised or guilty. Its beak is pinky red at the top with a yellow tip. Its cheek of the pigeon appears rounded as if it is full of food. The background is a golden buff coloured wash with a light wash on the pigeons face as if to appear illuminated by sunlight.
December 1, 2025 at 10:50 AM
helenbennett.bsky.social
For #BlueSkyArtShow on the theme of #Warmth A beautiful Red Admiral butterfly feeding on the Rudbeckia flowers in our garden on a warm sunny early autumn day! 📷 💛 🦋

Happy Saturday everyone 🕊️👋

#Photography #Nature #Invert #Butterflies #EastCoastKin
A photograph of a Red admiral butterfly that is feeding on one bright yellow flower of a Rudbeckia plant. A large striking butterfly with open velvety black wings, showing the bright red-orange bands across them, and white spots near the tips. The sun is bright, reflecting off the surrounding flowers giving a warm glow to the image. Taken in South East UK, October 2025
November 29, 2025 at 9:58 AM
helenbennett.bsky.social
A silent figure in the land.

'His eyes are closed, a peaceful stare,
Lost in the sunlit, open air.
He looks beyond the earthly plight,
To grasp a guiding, inner light'.

"Faith" sculpture by South African artist Anton Smit 📷

#Scape #Photography #Landscape #Monochrome #ClassicMono #EastCoastKin
A high contrast black and white photograph of a dramatic 7m tall sculpture called "Faith" by South African artist Anton Smit that is on display at Leonardslee Gardens. it shows a naked man with arms outstretched whose head is bent backwards as he looks up to the sky. The figure stands on grass and appears to tower above trees in the distance. A poem inspired by the sculpture: Through verdant vines and ancient wood, A giant head of stone has stood. The gardener's touch, the sculptor's hand, A silent figure in the land. His eyes are closed, a peaceful stare, Lost in the sunlit, open air. He looks beyond the earthly plight, To grasp a guiding, inner light. The sculptor's verse, a quiet call, A sense of faith in one and all. "I lift my eyes," the stone can say, "And find my strength along the way." For faith is not a thing to hold, But a story to be told. A journey walked, a path unclear, Where spirit triumphs over fear. So in this garden, calm and deep, A silent promise, you can keep. To find your own, at last, at peace, And let the searching soul release.
November 28, 2025 at 4:04 PM
helenbennett.bsky.social
Good afternoon. Here's a little mushroom #Scape to wish everyone a happy Friday and a wonderful weekend ahead. 👋

📷 🍄 Amanita rubescens

#FungiFriends #Photography #ForestFriday #EastCoastKin
A photograph of a mushroom growing on a mossy bank on the woodland floor. It is a medium sized mushroom standing alone with a brownish pinky buff domed cap. The cap has irregular off-white buff coloured fragments giving it a speckled pattern across it. The mushroom is leaning down the bank to the right as viewed; the bank blurs out in the distance. Taken in South east UK. The mushroom is Amanita rubescens which is very common and widespread throughout Britain.
November 28, 2025 at 1:39 PM
helenbennett.bsky.social
Something blue for #BlueSkyMonday A gorgeous Blue-grey Tanager to hopefully raise a smile. 💙

Happy new week everyone! 👋 📷 🪶

#Birds #Photography #EastCoastKin
A photography of a blue-grey bird that is perched on a branch. The bird has its back towards the camera with its head in side profile looking to the right as viewed. The blue tones of its feathers are strongest on its wings which look almost turquoise. It has a big dark eye and fairly stout beak. The background is blurred in pale green. Taken in Costa Rica.
November 24, 2025 at 1:39 PM
helenbennett.bsky.social
For #BlueSkyArtShow on the theme #Small here's a close up of the tiny fruiting body of a Chlorociboria fungi.... a lovely little Elfcup! 🧝‍♀️💙

Happy Saturday everyone!

#FungiFriends #Photography #Macro #EastCoastKin
A macro photograph which is focusing on one blue-grey cup which is the fruiting body of a Chlorociboria Elfcup fungus, a smaller cup is forming in the foreground, slightly blurred. The main cup is tiny, less than 1cm in diameter and height that tapers down in to an almost perfect goblet shape. The upper, surface is smooth and just visible but the main focus is the underside of the cup that appears to be made up of fibres giving it a stripy felt like appearance. The surface of the wood it is growing on has the remains of sandy soil that has dried giving a buff background. Photo taken in South East UK
November 22, 2025 at 11:18 AM
helenbennett.bsky.social
Wishing everyone a great Friday and a wonderful weekend ahead. 📷 🌿 💙

#Scape #Photography #EastCoastKin
A photograph of a lake lined with trees and shrubs in subtle autumn hues. The view of the lake in the foreground that narrows to focus on a whipping willow in the centre that is being highlighted by the sun. There are tall Pine trees on the left and a prominent oak tree on the right. Reflections can be seen on the water that gently ripples in shades of reds, greens and golds with a cloudy blue sky above. Taken in the UK Nov 25
November 21, 2025 at 8:20 AM
helenbennett.bsky.social
Here's a sweet Rufous-collared sparrow for #BirdOfTheDay #Sparrows that I saw rummaging in the undergrowth collecting nesting materials on holiday a few years ago. 🪶 📷 🧡

Wishing everyone a great day ahead 👋🕊️

#Photography #Birds #Nature #EastCoastKin
A photograph of a small Sparrow bird that is in side profile holding on to a flower steam. It has a grey head wit, black stripes, and a distinctive rufous collar and breast patch. It has a grey body with a streaked brown back and white wing bars. The Sparrow has fine fibres in its beak. The background shows foliage from the plants he has been foraging in. Taken in Costa Rica 2023
November 19, 2025 at 8:49 AM
helenbennett.bsky.social
Good evening.👋 Noticed these beautiful Camelia flowers leaning over a wall as I walked by earlier today... a lovely treat on a crisp cold morning! 🤍🕊️

#BloomScrolling #Photography #Gardening #EastCoastKin
A photograph of a white double Camelia flower that has layered multi-petals appearing frilly towards its centre. Another bloom can be seen behind, blurring in the distance. The background is mottled in shades of green and browns from the shrubs leaves and glimpses of sunlight. Taken in early morning sunlight. 18 Nov UK
November 18, 2025 at 4:13 PM
helenbennett.bsky.social
'Early summer memories' A gorgeous Marbled White butterfly for #MacroMonday I miss seeing these beauties fluttering around the downs. 📷 🦋

Happy Monday everyone, hope you all have a great week ahead 🕊️👋

#Photography #Invert #Nature #UKWildlife #Butterflies #EastCoastKin #TheSmallThings
A photograph of a Marbled White butterfly that has a black and white checked pattern on its wings. it is seen in side profile with one wing showing its paler underwing and the other showing its upper wing pattern. It is feeding on a purple thistle flower. The background is blurred and coloured green from foliage. Photo taken in June, South East UK.
November 10, 2025 at 8:49 AM
helenbennett.bsky.social
Here's Mr Crow for #BirdOfTheDay on the theme #takeoffs

He looks like he is falling off his perch rather than taking off! ☺️

Good evening from me, see you tomorrow 👋 📷 🪶

#Photography #Birds #UKWildlife #EastCoastKin
A photograph of a Crow that has one foot on and one off a post that he had been perched on. He is leaning forward to the left and looking down as if he is about to fall off his perch!
November 8, 2025 at 4:50 PM
helenbennett.bsky.social
Joining #BlueSkyArtShow on today's theme #Evening with my super moon! 🌝

For years I've tried to capture a sharp moon and detailed foliage in a single, balanced exposure but it's always a challenge; this was the best I could do!

Happy Saturday! 📷 🕊️

#photography #moon #landscape #EastCoastKin
A photography of a golden coloured full moon taken at twilight when the sky was slightly pink from the sun set. Trees in the foreground are in silhouette, some just in front of the moon with a crow perched on one branch.
November 8, 2025 at 9:05 AM
helenbennett.bsky.social
'Autumn stroll' for today's #Scape

Sorry I haven't been able to post much this week....hope you are all keeping well 👋 📷 🍁 Happy Friday everyone! 🕊️

#Photography #Landscape #Autumn #EastCoastKin
A landscape photograph of an autumnal scene across fields and distant hills. There is an old wooden railed fence on the left that leads your eye a long a path where a couple are walking through an avenue of trees. The trees are changing colour showing reds, golds and orange. The sun is shining but there are dark dramatic clouds forming over from the right as viewed.
November 7, 2025 at 8:29 AM
helenbennett.bsky.social
Good morning. Just loved the way this Robin was standing to attention.... looked like he was stationed on that post to keep watch! 📷 🪶 🌿

Wishing everyone a great new week ahead 🍁

#Birds #FestiveDailyRobin #Photography #UKWildlife #EastCoastKin
A European Robin bird is perched on a wooden cut post, he is in side profile and looking straight ahead to the right as viewed. The Robins pose appears to look like is a guard standing to attention. Taken on a bright sunny early morning with a pale blue sky in the background.
November 3, 2025 at 8:13 AM
helenbennett.bsky.social
Happy Halloween to you too! 👻
A photography of a Little Egret that is standing in water with its own reflection in the foreground. It appears headless as it turns to look for food with its head obscured by its own body.
October 31, 2025 at 2:23 PM
helenbennett.bsky.social
One for #BirdOfTheDay theme of #hiding The Whitethroat birds always seem to love hanging around in thickets of brambles and hawthorn! I take so many pictures and occasionally a small part of the bird is in focus! 😁 🪶

Happy Friday everyone 🕊️

#Birds #Photography #UKWildlife #UKBirding #EastCoastKin
A photograph of a Whitethroat bird who is hiding in a hedge with bramble stems out of focus surrounding him in the foreground. His head and brown eye are in focus seen in the centre of the frame and are being highlighted by the sunshine. Glimpses of the birds body and foliage blur in to the background. Taken in the UK summer 2025
October 31, 2025 at 9:16 AM
helenbennett.bsky.social
Good evening everyone. I haven't shared any of my artwork for a while so here's an experimental piece of a Great White Heron trying to be spooky in the darkness for #Spooktober ! 👻
Hope you like it! ☺️ 🪶 🤍

#Birds #BirdArt #Art #EastCoastKin
A watercolour painting of a Great White Egret that is standing on a rock. The background is black/grey wash and splatters to give a sense of darkness and night time.
October 29, 2025 at 4:53 PM
helenbennett.bsky.social
One for today's #BirdOfTheDay 'Pairs Of The Same Bird' I rarely can photograph two birds together where they are both in focus but this one isn't too bad! ☺️ 🪶 📷

Happy Tuesday everyone 🌿 🕊️👋

#birds #photography #Nature #UKWildlife #EastCoastKin #TwosDay
A photograph of an adult swan and a juvenile together; the juvenile is in the foreground looking to the right as viewed while its parent is behind looking to the left. Taken on a bright sunny day with their reflections on the water that is gently rippling around them. UK
October 28, 2025 at 8:40 AM
helenbennett.bsky.social
It might be Common but this Inkcap seemed perfect to share for #WildFungiHour 🍄 It really was shouting 'look at me' on the dark woodland floor! 😊 📷 🌿

Good evening everyone ✨👋

#FungiFriends #Photography #WildFlowerHour #Nature #Fungi
A photograph of a Common Inkcap fungi that is seen among beech tree leaf litter. It is fairly young with an almost egg shaped cap that appears to be made of silky buff coloured threads with a slightly frilly end. Its stem is white and is leaning slightly to the right as viewed. The leaves that surround it blur out in the background in to the darkness. Taken in the UK
October 26, 2025 at 8:27 PM
helenbennett.bsky.social
Wonderful deciduous conifer seen today at a small arboretum near by. I think it is a Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) that looked stunning in its autumn colour! 📷 🧡 🌿

Wishing everyone a great weekend. 🕊️

#Photography #ForestFriday #Scape #EastCoastKin #Trees #Nature
A photograph showing the tips of two small branches of a conifer in the foreground where its needles have started to change from green to russet red. It is a bright day and the background blurs out showing glimpse of blue from the sky together with shades of greens and turquoise from surrounding foliage of the same conifer and other specimen fir trees. Taken in the UK, October 25
October 24, 2025 at 3:17 PM
helenbennett.bsky.social
A tiny young Oakbug Milkcap fungi caught my eye in the woodland as the sun highlighted fresh latex exuding from it! 📷 🌿 🍄

Happy Monday everyone 🕊️

#FungiFriends #MacroMonday #Photography #Fungi #EastCoastKin #MushroomMonday #Nature #ShroomScrolling
A photograph of a small mushroom (Lactarius quietus). It is growing on a mossy bank. It has a matt surface and is pale reddish brown in colour with darker more cinnamon flecks giving it texture. It is young and has a rounded cap that flattens with age, developing a shallow dimple in the centre. The gills/spores are just visible underneath the cap and are the pale beige. There is a droplet of oozing a creamy-white, milky substance (latex) on the cap rim and some droplets on the stem. The background is blurred showing the woodland in the distance. Found in the UK.
October 20, 2025 at 7:49 AM
helenbennett.bsky.social
'Hello..... am I #colourful enough for #BirdOfTheDay ?'

A gorgeous Flame-coloured Tanager to brighten up our timelines today! 🧡 📷 🪶

Wishing everyone a great new week ahead 🕊️

#Photography #Stunday #Nature #Birds #EastCoastKin
A photography of a male Flame-Coloured Tanager bird who has a bright orange red chest and head. He is seen in a slight side profile, looking to the right as viewed and is perched on a branch with moss hanging from the branch. The edge of one wing can be seen which is brown with white bars across and a grey beak that is relatively thick and blunt-tipped. The background is blurred in shades of green. Taken in Costa Rica.
October 19, 2025 at 3:39 PM
helenbennett.bsky.social
Not sure if my image qualifies for the #BlueSkyArtShow theme of #Vertical today but this gorgeous Long-eared Owl does have some #black feathers for #BirdOfTheDay !🦉 📷 🌿

Hope everyone has a good weekend 🕊️👋

#Photography #Birds #UKWildlife #Nature #Owls #EastCoastKin
A photograph of a medium sized owl that has perched on a dead tree stump in the middle of a woodland. The owl has striking orange-red eyes with mottled brown and ochre plumage with darker streaks, and a thin, elongated appearance. Its distinctive ear tufts feathers are flat as it it appears to look straight at the camera. The owls body is in side profile and the background is blurred of branches and green.
October 18, 2025 at 10:53 AM
helenbennett.bsky.social
Many thanks Alan. They can be quick. I was so excited when I saw a leveret once in Norfolk; it was absolutely adorable playing in a nearby field albeit a distance away. It was such a ball of energy bouncing and darting about unpredictably that every single photo ended up out of focus!! 🤦‍♀️😆
A young hare is seen mid jump looking joyful as it plays on the edge of a field. The photo is out of focus.
October 15, 2025 at 3:51 PM