The European garden spider (Araneus diadematus), also known as the cross orb-weaver or diadem spider, is one of the most common garden spiders found throughout Europe and North America. Its main distinguishing feature is a white cross-shaped marking on its rounded abdomen, formed by a series of pale spots, which gives rise to its English name "cross spider". Females are larger, reaching 10-18 mm, while the more slender males usually do not exceed 10 mm in body length. The coloration ranges from yellowish to brown or even grey tones, making this spider well camouflaged in vegetation. Typically, the species is observed waiting motionless in the middle of its beautifully constructed orb web, patiently waiting for prey.

Beyond its striking appearance, the European garden spider plays an important role in natural pest control by feeding on various garden insects. It prefers partially shaded, open habitats such as woodland edges, wastelands, and gardens. The webs are notable for their regular spiral construction, often visible shimmering with dew at dawn. Although it might look intimidating, the species is harmless to humans, and its bite causes at most mild discomfort. Observing its web-building skills and hunting behaviors provides fascinating insight into the daily lives of garden ecosystems.

Source: https://jessica-joachim.com/arachnides-2/arachnides/araneidae/epeire-diademe/ 

The European sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) is a small diurnal bird of prey that is very common throughout Europe, easily recognisable by its pigeon-like size, slate-grey upperparts, dark grey underparts and eyes with yellow-orange irises. Sexual dimorphism is marked: the female is much larger, reaching lengths of up to 41 cm, while the male generally measures between 29 and 34 cm; the female also hunts larger prey, up to the size of a wood pigeon, while the male concentrates on small birds. It lives in a variety of habitats such as the edges of forests, copses, urban parks and gardens, often adapting its agile, stealthy hunting style to the environment in order to surprise its prey, using hedges and bushes as cover.

A specialist predator of small birds, the European sparrowhawk pursues its victims with low, rapid and precise flights, skilfully slaloming between branches and obstacles. It is one of the most widespread birds of prey in Europe and today enjoys a stable population, although this declined sharply after the Second World War as a result of pesticides. Its nest, made of twigs, is built high up in a tree, and the female typically lays 4 to 5 eggs. Opportunistic, it readily frequents peri-urban areas and even gardens, taking advantage of the concentration of prey species, which makes it a familiar visitor even in European cities.

Source: Perplexity.ai

Photo made in Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium

The blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) is a small passerine bird widespread in Europe, particularly in gardens, parks and deciduous forests. It is distinguished by its bright plumage, which combines cobalt blue (crown, wings and tail), canary yellow (breast and belly) and white cheeks with a thin black stripe. Its body measures between 10 and 12 cm and weighs between 9 and 14 g. Its small size, thin blue-grey legs and short, straight beak give it a lively and alert appearance. Males and females are very similar in colour, with juveniles displaying more greenish tones on their heads.

The blue tit is renowned for its acrobatics: it can hang upside down from twigs in search of insects, spiders or seeds, depending on the season. Sociable and agile, it is gregarious, sometimes forming mixed groups with other birds in winter to maximise its chances of finding food. It builds its nest in natural or artificial cavities and is usually sedentary, remaining in its environment all year round. An emblematic and protected species, it contributes to the liveliness and biodiversity of European birdlife.

Source: oiseaux.net