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View allAll Photos Tagged Adaptability
...Birds Always Start the New Day with a Song.
Say Hello to a "Fluffy" House Finch : )
Adaptable, colorful, and cheery-voiced, House Finches are common in the USA from coast to coast. Native to the Southwest, they are recent arrivals in the East.
House Finches, particularly males, can look very different from one to another. This is largely due to differences in their diet rather than regional differences. Even though all of eastern North America’s House Finches are descended from the same few birds released on Long Island (meaning they’re much more closely related to each other than they are to birds across the West), there aren’t any strong differences in size, shape, or color between the two regions.
(Nikon, 500 mm, 1/2000 @ f/8.0, ISO 16000, edited to taste)
Little Bunting - Emberiza pusilla
The little bunting breeds across the taiga of the far north-east of Europe and northern Eurosiberia to the Russian Far East. It is migratory, wintering in the subtropics in northern India, southern China and the northern parts of south-east Asia.
The birds remain in their winter quarters for quite long; specimens were taken in Yunnan in late March. It is a rare vagrant to western Europe.
This species is adaptable; in the mountains of Bhutan for example, where small numbers winter, it is typically found in an agricultural habitat, mostly between 1,000 and 2,000 metres (3,300 and 6,600 ft) ASL.
It breeds in open coniferous woodland, often with some birch or willow. Four to six eggs are laid in a tree nest. Its natural food consists of seeds, or when feeding young, insects.
I was finally able to capture a portrait of this Male House Finch who frequents my backyard for a bit of seed and a refreshing bath.
If you look carefully at his beak, you will see that the upper portion has been broken off. This somewhat limits his ability to eat, but he seems to be able to successfully grab pieces of sunflower kernels at the bird feeder.
Adaptable, colorful, and cheery-voiced, House Finches are common from coast to coast today. Native to the Southwest, they are recent arrivals in the East. New York pet shop owners, who had been selling the finches illegally, released their birds in 1940 to escape prosecution; the finches survived, and began to colonize the New York suburbs. By 50 years later they had advanced halfway across the continent, meeting their western kin on the Great Plains.
- Wikipedia
(600mm, 1/1600 @ f/6.3, ISO 2500)
A common and very widespread and adaptable duck that is able to thrive in most kinds of environments. Females can have from 3 to 9 eggs or sometimes more with usually one brood.
This Fiery Little House Finch got me off the couch and behind the camera. Made for a lovely morning… Life is Good.
Adaptable, colorful, and cheery-voiced, House Finches are common from coast to coast today. Native to the Southwest, they are recent arrivals in the East. New York pet shop owners, who had been selling the finches illegally, released their birds in 1940 to escape prosecution; the finches survived, and began to colonize the New York suburbs. By 50 years later they had advanced halfway across the continent, meeting their western kin on the Great Plains.
-Wikipedia
(600mm, 1/1000 @ f/7.1, ISO 1600)
It’s Canada. Canada Goose. And they’re as much in the U.S. as in Canada for that matter. They endure the disregard that besets the common, yet they are worthy and handsome wildlife. Adaptable too, ask any golfer. This gaggle is landing on a pond in western U.S. grasslands on a spring morning.
This Male House Finch has been wooing the females with his dazzling good looks and bright color. I’m hopeful he’ll find a female and he and the Mrs. will soon occupy one of my backyard birdhouses.
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The House Finch:
Adaptable, colorful, and cheery-voiced, House Finches are common from coast to coast today. Native to the Southwest, they are recent arrivals in the East. New York pet shop owners, who had been selling the finches illegally, released their birds in 1940 to escape prosecution; the finches survived, and began to colonize the New York suburbs. By 50 years later they had advanced halfway across the continent, meeting their western kin on the Great Plains.
- Wikipedia
(200-600 @ 600mm, 1/250 @ f/6.3, ISO 640, edited to taste)
Fox on the run… A born survivor with a bushy tail. Ever adaptable, the Red Fox is equally at home in woods or city streets. It sits top of the woodland food chain with a diet that takes in everything from birds and beetles to rabbits and rats. This fox is captive bred.
The Red Fox lives throughout the Northern Hemisphere in urban and rural areas. Foxes are heavily persecuted for fur, sport and pest control.
"Fox on the Run" is a song by the British band Sweet, first recorded in 1974.
Rhodanthe chlorocephala is a native Australian daisy belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is widely grown due to its attractive flowers and foliage, and because it’s hardy, adaptable and provides a good, fast ground cover. The flowers are long-lived and dry well. Rhodanthe chlorocephala subspecies rosea is the most widely grown subspecies and is commonly known as “Pink and White Everlasting”, “Rosy Sunray”, “Pink Paper-daisy” and “Rosy Everlasting”. It grows naturally in the south of Western Australia extending into South Australia. Rhodanthe chlorocephala subsp. rosea is an erect annual herb 20-60cm high with clumps of glabrous (hairless) grey-green stems and leaves 1-6cm in length. It has a large single flowering head at the tip of each stem. Flower heads grow to 6cm diameter, gradually decreasing as the flowering season progresses. The color of the bracts varies from deep pink (almost red) through pale pink to pure white, with a yellow or black centre. 5850
Captured in the Jungle around Georgetown Penang Malaysia. Macaques are found in a variety of habitats throughout the Asian continent and are highly adaptable.
Kudu, also known as the Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), is a magnificent antelope species found in various parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a large and majestic animal, renowned for its unique and striking appearance.
Physical Characteristics:
The Kudu is one of the largest antelope species, with males, known as bulls, weighing up to 600 kg (1,300 lbs) and standing around 1.5 to 1.7 meters (5 to 5.5 feet) tall at the shoulder. Females, known as cows, are smaller and lighter.
Both males and females have long, spiral-shaped horns. The horns can grow up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) in length in males, while in females, they are shorter and slimmer.
Appearance:
Kudus have a beautiful coat with distinctive white stripes along their sides. These stripes are believed to act as a form of camouflage in their woodland habitats, helping them blend in among dappled sunlight and shadow.
The coat coloration varies, but they are generally reddish-brown with a tinge of blue-grey in some areas. The undersides are usually pale.
Habitat and Behavior:
Kudus are found in a range of habitats, including woodlands, savannas, and dense bush areas. They are adaptable animals but prefer regions with enough vegetation for cover.
These antelopes are mainly browsers, feeding on leaves, fruits, and shoots. They have the ability to reach high branches to access food that other herbivores might not reach.
Kudus are predominantly nocturnal, which means they are most active during the night, helping them avoid predators and the heat of the day.
Males are typically solitary or found in small bachelor groups, while females form small herds, often accompanied by one dominant male.
Conservation Status:
The Kudu population is generally considered stable, but some local populations face threats due to habitat loss and hunting for their meat, hides, and horns.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving their natural habitats, implementing anti-poaching measures, and promoting responsible tourism to protect this iconic African species.
Kudus are not only remarkable creatures for their physical beauty but also for their role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats. As such, efforts to safeguard their existence are crucial for the overall health of Africa's biodiversity.
Sleek, fast-flying large falcon. Always look for a grayish back in adults, long wings that almost reach the tail tip, and powerful but slender build. Dark mark below each eye varies in shape and size. Juveniles are more heavily patterned below than adults, and can be quite brownish above. Patterning varies considerably across a wide global range, with back color ranging from pale gray in Central Asian “Red-capped” to slaty-blue across much of northern Eurasia North America, to almost black in Asian “Shaheen.” Chases prey down at high speeds with continuous powerful wingbeats. Becoming increasingly common in parts of range, especially in cities, where they can nest on tall buildings and feed on pigeons. Adaptable, and can be seen in a wide range of habitats; often encountered in areas with steep cliffs, as well as around coastal mudflats and open areas with shorebirds. (eBird)
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A peregrine on another continent! We always try and find one to add to our list of "birds seen everywhere". Just the one sighting in Australia, so lucky to get this shot, as he was getting ready to fly away.
Mount Hypipamee National Park, Queensland, Australia. October 2022.
Eagle-Eye Tours - Eastern Australia.
The Sandpaper verbena (Verbena Rígida in portuguese), gets this name by the rough textured leaves that feel like sandpaper when touched. It is a low spreading perennial with flattened stems.
Ruffled, colored flowers appear in the spring and remain through the summer months. Flower color ranges from lavender to purple.
The Sandpaper verbena is native to South America, but shows wide adaptability when planted in sunny and warm locations. It grows well on banks, along walks and among rocks in southwestern and Mediterranean style gardens, and can be clipped in the winter to maintain its size.
From the archives
Effects from www.pngtee.com
zoom in to appreciate
Cardinals are among the most popular backyard birds in the United States. They are so adaptable that they readily nest in ornamental shrubs and feed right at your kitchen window bird feeder.
The cardinal is one of five crested songbirds in Minnesota; others are the blue jay, tufted titmouse, cedar waxwing and Bohemian waxwing.
Thanks to everyone that views and comments on my images - very much appreciated.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. On all my images, Use without permission is illegal.
The pied kingfisher ( ceryle rudis ) is the most common african kingfisher.it can be found wherever there is water..and not only freshwater...they can live also along the sea coast and inside harbours.this kingfisher is arrived in europe too coming from middle east.as first in greece and some individuals are arrived in south east italy too.
For sure the high adaptability is the key to its success.
This is a male.it can be recognized as the double black band in the breast.
"Mr Pied" ,kafue river, Zambia
Original 3K file here:
The common eastern bumble bee is the most commonly encountered bumblebee across much of eastern North America. They can be found in the Eastern temperate forest region of the eastern United States, southern Canada, and the eastern Great Plains. Because of their great adaptability, they can live in country, suburbs, and even urban cities. This adaptability makes them a great pollinator species, leading to an increase in their commercial use by greenhouse industry. This increase consequently led to their farther spread outside their previous distribution range. They are considered one of the most important species of pollinator bees in North America. (Wikipedia)
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Happily feeding on a species of goldenrod.
Pinhey Dunes, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. August 2022.
Wikipedia: The song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a medium-sized New World sparrow. Among the native sparrows in North America, it is easily one of the most abundant, variable and adaptable species.
Though a habitat generalist, the song sparrow favors brushland and marshes, including salt marshes across most of Canada and the United States. They also thrive in human dominated areas such as in suburbs, agricultural fields, and along roadsides. Permanent residents of the southern half of their range, northern populations of the song sparrow migrate to the southern United States or Mexico during winter and intermingle with the native, non-migratory population. The song sparrow is a very rare vagrant to western Europe, with a few recorded in Great Britain and Norway.
Conservation status: Least Concern
Adaptable, colorful, and cheery-voiced, House Finches are common from coast to coast. Native to the Southwest, they were recent arrivals in the East. New York pet shop owners, who had been selling the finches illegally, released their birds in 1940 to escape prosecution. The finches survived, and began to colonize the New York suburbs. Fifty years later they had advanced halfway across the continent, meeting their western kin on the Great Plains.
(Nikon, 500 mm + TC 2.0, 1/250 @ f/10, ISO 4500)
...But We Can Adjust Our Sails.
Be Safe My Flickr Friends
(560mm, 1/1250 @ f/9.0, ISO 1000)
The Great Blue Heron is the largest heron in North America. Often seen standing silently along inland rivers or lakes-shores, or flying high overhead, with slow wing-beats, its head hunched back onto its shoulders. Highly adaptable, it thrives around all kinds of waters from subtropical mangrove swamps to desert rivers to the coastline of southern Alaska. With its variable diet it is able to spend the winter farther north than most herons, even in areas where most waters freeze.
Highly variable and adaptable, Great Blue Herons eat mostly fish, but also frogs, salamanders, turtles, snakes, insects, rodents, birds. Has been seen stalking voles and gophers in fields, capturing rails at edge of marsh, eating many species of small water-birds.
Despite their impressive size, Great Blue Herons weigh only 5 to 6 pounds thanks in part to their hollow bones—a feature all birds share.
Great Blue Herons can hunt day and night thanks to a high percentage of rod-type photo-receptors in their eyes that improve their night vision.
The oldest recorded Great Blue Heron was found in Texas when it was at least 24 years, 6 months old.
(Audubon Guide to North American Birds)
(560 mm, 1/1250 @ f/9.0, ISO 1000)
Edited to Taste
Wikipedia: The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), also known as the tiger owl (originally derived from early naturalists' description as the "winged tiger" or "tiger of the air"), or the hoot owl, is a large owl native to the Americas. It is an extremely adaptable bird with a vast range and is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas.
Conservation status: Least Concern
The Mandarin Duck is a creature of ethereal beauty, adorned with a vibrant palette that rivals nature's most exquisite artwork. With its resplendent plumage and graceful presence, it captivates the hearts of all who behold it.
This avian gem hails from the far reaches of East Asia, where it dances upon tranquil ponds and glides through the whispering reeds. Its feathers are a masterpiece of nature's brushstrokes, blending hues of iridescent green, royal blue, fiery orange, and creamy white.
The Mandarin Duck is a symbol of love and fidelity. It forms strong pair bonds, and its elegant courtship rituals are a sight to behold. The male dons a flamboyant ensemble during the breeding season, showcasing its vibrant colors to attract a mate. Together, they embark on a journey of devotion, raising their young amidst the serenity of their watery realm.
But beyond its visual splendor, the Mandarin Duck embodies resilience and adaptability. It thrives in diverse habitats, from forested wetlands to urban waterways. It glides through life's challenges with ease, reminding us to embrace change and find beauty in every environment.
Encountering a Mandarin Duck is a precious moment, a fleeting glimpse into a world of natural wonder. Its presence invites us to pause, appreciate the wonders of the natural world, and be inspired by the harmonious coexistence of grace and resilience.
So, should you ever have the fortune of crossing paths with a Mandarin Duck, cherish the encounter, for it is a reminder that beauty, love, and adaptability can thrive amidst the ebb and flow of life's currents.
One of the loudest and most colorful birds of eastern back yards and woodlots, the Blue Jay is unmistakable. Intelligent and adaptable, it may feed on almost anything, and it is quick to take advantage of bird feeders. Besides their raucous jay! jay! calls, Blue Jays make a variety of musical sounds, and they can do a remarkable imitation of the scream of a Red-shouldered Hawk. Not always conspicuous, they slip furtively through the trees when tending their own nest
is a large owl native to the Americas. It is an extremely adaptable bird with a vast range and is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas
Le Cygne noir est un oiseau répandu, capable de vivre dans presque tous les milieux humides. Lors de la saison de nidification, on le trouve surtout sur les grands lacs peu profonds, ou à proximité. Le reste de l'année, il fréquente aussi de petits étangs stagnants isolés, des baies abritées ou des lagunes côtières saumâtres. Le Cygne noir est nomade et doté d'un vol puissant. Il peut aisément survoler les terres et sait faire étape sur les lacs ou les zones de culture inondées. Toutefois, là où la nourriture et les sites de nidification sont abondants, le Cygne noir se montre casanier. Comptant parmi les oiseaux aquatiques pourvus des meilleurs capacités d'adaptation, le Cygne noir recherche d'ordinaire des plans d'eau peu profonds où sa morphologie lui permet de se nourrir commodément.
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The Black Swan is a widespread bird, able to live in almost any wetland. During the nesting season, it is found mainly on or near large shallow lakes. The rest of the year, it also frequents small isolated stagnant ponds, sheltered bays or brackish coastal lagoons. The Black Swan is nomadic and has a powerful flight. It can easily fly over land and knows how to step on lakes or flooded farming areas. However, where food and nesting sites are abundant, the Black Swan is homebody. As one of the most adaptable waterbirds, the Black Swan usually looks for shallow water bodies where its morphology allows it to feed comfortably.
Sturnus vulgaris
Tomball, Texas
Often regarded as a pest, the Starling wins our grudging admiration for its adaptability, toughness, and seeming intelligence. Brought to North America in 1890, it has spread to occupy most of the continent, and is now abundant in many areas. Sociable at most seasons, Starlings may gather in immense flocks in fall and winter. When the flocks break up for the breeding season, males reveal a skill for mimicry, interrupting their wheezing and sputtering songs with perfect imitations of other birds.
Londolozi Private Reserve
Near Kruger National Park
South Africa
The hamerkop (Scopus umbretta), is a medium-sized wading bird. It is the only living species in the genus Scopus and the family Scopidae. The species and family was long thought to sit with the Ciconiiformes but is now placed with the Pelecaniformes, and its closest relatives are thought to be the pelicans and the shoebill.
The shape of its head with a long bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer, which has given this species its name after the Afrikaans word for hammerhead. It is a medium-sized waterbird with brown plumage. It is found in Africa, Madagascar and Arabia, living in a wide variety of wetlands, including estuaries, lakesides, fish ponds, riverbanks, and rocky coasts. The hamerkop is a sedentary bird that often shows local movements.
The hamerkop takes a wide range of prey, mostly fish and amphibians, but shrimps, insects and rodents are taken too. Prey is usually hunted in shallow water, either by sight or touch, but the species is adaptable and will take any prey it can. The species is renowned for its enormous nests, several of which are built during the breeding season. Unusually for a wading bird the nest has an internal nesting chamber where the eggs are laid. Both parents incubate the eggs, and raise the chicks.
The species is not globally threatened and is locally abundant in Africa and Madagascar, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as being of least concern. - Wikipedia
Great Blue Heron Tree Top Walker
From Audubon:
Widespread and familiar (though often called 'crane'), the largest heron in North America. Often seen standing silently along inland rivers or lakeshores, or flying high overhead, with slow wingbeats, its head hunched back onto its shoulders. Highly adaptable, it thrives around all kinds of waters from subtropical mangrove swamps to desert rivers to the coastline of southern Alaska. With its variable diet it is able to spend the winter farther north than most herons, even in areas where most waters freeze.
zoom in to appreciate
The great horned owl, also known as the tiger owl, or the hoot owl, is a large owl native to the Americas. It is an extremely adaptable bird with a vast range and is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas. Wikipedia
Thanks to everyone that views and comments on my images - very much appreciated.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. On all my images, Use without permission is illegal.
This House Sparrow was resting on a pine tree on a summer morning in Alberta, Canada
Their adaptability has led them to become the single most common species of bird in the world-wiki
-Passer domesticus
I watched this heron catch a dozen minnows. It was still at it when I left the scene.
I have witnessed Great Blue Herons catch and swallow large Northern Pike, a Muskrat, voles, and crawfish, as well as tiny fish. They are quite the adaptable predator.
I was fairly close to it, but it didn't seem to care.
Happy weekend my dear friends! Hope you don't have this problem if going out for a nice drive! 😍
Thankyou once again Stjepen, you are such a hoot to pose with and very adaptable now you trust me with your face 😉
Thankyou in advance for your support, faves, comments and awards!
I do appreciate you all ❤️
The eastern grey kangaroo is a marsupial found in the eastern third of Australia, with a population of several million. Although a big eastern grey male typically weighs around 66 kg (146 lb) and stands almost 2 m (6 ft 7 in) tall, the scientific name, Macropus giganteus (gigantic large-foot), is misleading: the red kangaroo of the semi-arid inland is larger, weighing up to 90 kg (200 lb).
Although the red is better known, the eastern grey is the kangaroo most often encountered in Australia, due to its adaptability. Few Australians visit the arid interior of the continent, while many live in and around the major cities of the southern and eastern coast, from where it is usually only a short drive to the remaining pockets of near-city bushland where kangaroos can be found without much difficulty. The eastern grey prefers open grassland with areas of bush for daytime shelter and mainly inhabits the wetter parts of Australia. It also inhabits coastal areas, woodlands, sub-tropical forests, mountain forests, and inland scrubs.
Like all kangaroos, it is mainly nocturnal and crepuscular, and is mostly seen early in the morning, or as the light starts to fade in the evening. In the middle of the day, kangaroos rest in the cover of the woodlands and eat there but then come out in the open to feed on the grasslands in large numbers. The eastern grey kangaroo is predominantly a grazer, eating a wide variety of grasses, whereas some other species (e.g. the red kangaroo) include significant amounts of shrubs in their diet. (Wikipedia)
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Where better to find shade and grass than on the local golf course. Each patch of shade on this course was occupied with a group of Kangaroos, totalling in the 100s. There were golfers out that day too. I guess they are allowed to play through, although I wouldn't want to antagonize a large male during his siesta.
Mareeba, Queensland, Australia, October 2022.
Eagle-Eye Tours - Eastern Australia.
American Goldfinch-male
Your car can be a such a great bird blind...depending on a few small things...comfort and adaptability! For the short amount of time I was in the car it all worked out and these Goldfinches didn't seem to mind too much!
Thanks for your views, comments on and Faves of this image! I greatly appreciate them!
Great Blue Heron
From Audubon
Widespread and familiar (though often called 'crane'), the largest heron in North America. Often seen standing silently along inland rivers or lakeshores, or flying high overhead, with slow wingbeats, its head hunched back onto its shoulders. Highly adaptable, it thrives around all kinds of waters from subtropical mangrove swamps to desert rivers to the coastline of southern Alaska. With its variable diet it is able to spend the winter farther north than most herons, even in areas where most waters freeze.
Naples Botanical Gardens
Southwest Florida
USA
The mottled duck (Anas fulvigula) or mottled mallard is a medium-sized dabbling duck. It is intermediate in appearance between the female mallard and the American black duck. It is closely related to those species, and is sometimes considered a subspecies of the former, but this is inappropriate (see systematics).
There are two distinct populations of mottled ducks. One population, A. fulvigula maculosa (mottled duck), lives on the Gulf of Mexico coast between Alabama and Tamaulipas (Mexico); outside the breeding season individual birds may venture as far south as to Veracruz. The other, A. fulvigula fulvigula (Florida duck), is resident in central and south Florida and occasionally strays north to Georgia. The same disjunct distribution pattern was also historically found in the local sandhill cranes.
Along the Gulf of Mexico coast, the mottled duck is one of the most frequently banded waterfowl. This is due in part to the fact that it is mostly non-migratory. Approximately one out of every twenty mottled ducks are banded, making it an extremely prized and sought after bird among hunters. -Wikipedia
A great horned owl returns to the same nest in a sycamore tree every year near our home. A few years ago a falconer came, put up a ladder and removed an owlet. This is not illegal in Pennsylvania, but it caused such an outcry that the borough made an ordinance that wildlife was not to be disturbed or removed from the park.
Wikipedia: The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), also known as the tiger owl (originally derived from early naturalists' description as the "winged tiger" or "tiger of the air"), or the hoot owl, is a large owl native to the Americas. It is an extremely adaptable bird with a vast range and is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas.
Conservations status: Least Concern
Samburu National Reserve
Kenya
East Africa
Another image of the Yellow-necked Spurfowl can be seen in the first comment section.
The yellow-necked spurfowl or yellow-necked francolin (Pternistis leucoscepus) is a species of bird in the Phasianidae family. It is found in Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. This species is named for the yellow patch found on its neck. Males of this species have been noted to have spurs on the back of their legs.
It has been noted that this bird is most active at dawn and dusk. The bird is also noted to be very adaptable, it can continue to live in land after agriculture begins, it only leaves lands when heavy human occupation begins.
The call of a yellow-necked spurfowl is a series of scratchy descending upslurs, up to seven in a series. Male yellow-necked spurfowl often call while standing on top of mounds of earth or rock, often termite mounds.
The yellow-necked spurfowl is not in the threshold for vulnerable species despite the fact that its population (though unquantified) is thought to be in decline (though not at a fast rate). The primary threat to the species is over-hunting. - Wikipedia
Although Pine Siskins prefer evergreen or mixed evergreen and deciduous forests with open canopies, they are opportunistic and adaptable in their search for seeds. They'll forage in weedy fields, scrubby thickets, or backyards and gardens. And they'll flock around feeders, especially thistle feeders, in woodlands and suburbs
zoom in to appreciate
The great horned owl, also known as the tiger owl, or the hoot owl, is a large owl native to the Americas. It is an extremely adaptable bird with a vast range and is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas. Wikipedia
Mass: 3.2 lbs Encyclopedia of Life
Thanks to everyone that views and comments on my images - very much appreciated.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. On all my images, Use without permission is illegal.
This wildflower is very adaptable and can be found in the Midwest along woodland borders, meadows near woods, and roadside ditches.
"If baby blue is your colour, Plumbago auriculata has got to be your choice of plant. It's called Plumbago because many species in the genus have flowers that are lead coloured, and plumbum, in Latin, means lead. Auriculata comes from the little ears that are on either side of the leaves. It's one of 15 species in this genus, which are native to Central America, Southern Africa and Southern Asia. They grow as small shrubs, climbers and perennials. Plumbago auriculata is an extraordinarily adaptable plant. It can be grown as a hedge or as a loose shrub, or espaliered against a wall. It will even climb through other plants.
Plumbago grows in poor soil, or on an exposed sunny bank, it is drought tolerant, enjoys a sunny location, and is not particular about soils - it's a tough plant indeed.
The flowers vary in colour, from baby blue, to white at one extreme and much darker blue at the other.
Naples Botanical Gardens
Southwest Florida
USA
The mottled duck (Anas fulvigula) or mottled mallard is a medium-sized dabbling duck. It is intermediate in appearance between the female mallard and the American black duck. It is closely related to those species, and is sometimes considered a subspecies of the former, but this is inappropriate (see systematics).
There are two distinct populations of mottled ducks. One population, A. fulvigula maculosa (mottled duck), lives on the Gulf of Mexico coast between Alabama and Tamaulipas (Mexico); outside the breeding season individual birds may venture as far south as to Veracruz. The other, A. fulvigula fulvigula (Florida duck), is resident in central and south Florida and occasionally strays north to Georgia. The same disjunct distribution pattern was also historically found in the local sandhill cranes.
Along the Gulf of Mexico coast, the mottled duck is one of the most frequently banded waterfowl. This is due in part to the fact that it is mostly non-migratory. Approximately one out of every twenty mottled ducks are banded, making it an extremely prized and sought after bird among hunters. – Wikipedia
I found this Acacia Baileyana or Cootamundra wattle tree with very small blooms and buds in the Melbourne Botanical Gardens
The full bloom measures approximately 6mm in diameter.
It is a resilient adaptable wattle, with feathery delicate mimosa foliage and masses of iconic lemon-yellow powderpuff flowers in winter.
It's perhaps the epitome of Aussie acacia, appearing in stamps, in song and in artworks.
Best view enlarged.
Many thanks for your visit, comments, invites and faves...it is always appreciated..
Peaceful Bokeh Wednesday .
The Small Ground-Finch is one of the most common and highly adaptable, as well as widespread of the Darwin’s Finches of the Galapagos Islands. In towns and villages they are found foraging on dusty margins of streets and act very much as would a House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) in other parts of the world. Yet in higher and moister areas they may be seen perched on a Galapagos Tortoise, waiting for bugs or seeds to be uncovered by the movements of the large reptile. This is the smallest and smallest billed of the ground-finches and thus it eats the smallest seeds available.
Naples Botanical Gardens
Southwest Florida
USA
Sciurus carolinensis, common name eastern gray squirrel or grey squirrel depending on region, is a tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is native to eastern North America but has since been introduced to European regions.
Sciurus carolinensis is native to the eastern and midwestern United States, and to the southerly portions of the eastern provinces of Canada. The eastern gray squirrel is found from New Brunswick to Manitoba, south to East Texas and Florida. Breeding eastern gray squirrels are found in Nova Scotia, but whether this population was introduced or came from natural range expansion is not known.
It has also been introduced into Ireland, Britain, Italy, South Africa, and Australia (where it was extirpated by 1973). Eastern grey squirrels in Europe are a concern because they have displaced some of the native squirrels.
A prolific and adaptable species, the eastern gray squirrel has been introduced to, and thrives in, several regions of the western United States. The gray squirrel is an invasive species in Britain; it has spread across the country and has largely displaced the native red squirrel, S. vulgaris. In Ireland, the red squirrel has been displaced in several eastern counties, though it remains common in the south and west of the country. That such displacement might happen in Italy is of concern, and gray squirrels might spread from Italy to other parts of mainland Europe. - Wikipedia
Rhodanthe chlorocephala is a native Australian daisy belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is widely grown due to its attractive flowers and foliage, and because it’s hardy, adaptable and provides a good, fast ground cover. The flowers are long-lived and dry well. Rhodanthe chlorocephala subspecies rosea is the most widely grown subspecies and is commonly known as “Pink and White Everlasting”, “Rosy Sunray”, “Pink Paper-daisy” and “Rosy Everlasting”. It grows naturally in the south of Western Australia extending into South Australia. Rhodanthe chlorocephala subsp. rosea is an erect annual herb 20-60cm high with clumps of glabrous (hairless) grey-green stems and leaves 1-6cm in length. It has a large single flowering head at the tip of each stem. Flower heads grow to 6cm diameter, gradually decreasing as the flowering season progresses. The color of the bracts varies from deep pink (almost red) through pale pink to pure white, with a yellow or black centre. 26271
Sunset - Viera Wetlands
Cormorant - From Audubon:
Population has had ups and downs. Probably long-term decline (because of persecution at nesting colonies) until about 1920s, then gradual increase until 1950s. Numbers dropped again through 1960s, probably owing to effects of persistent pesticides. After DDT was banned in 1972, populations began increasing again, still increasing and expanding range through the present day. In some regions, wildlife management agencies have culled some nesting populations because of concerns that they birds would crowd out other colonial waterbirds.
FamilyCormorants
HabitatCoasts, bays, lakes, rivers. Very adaptable, may be found in almost any aquatic habitat, from rocky northern coasts to mangrove swamps to large reservoirs to small inland ponds. Nests in trees near or over water, on sea cliffs, or on ground on islands.
Rhodanthe chlorocephala is a native Australian daisy belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is widely grown due to its attractive flowers and foliage, and because it’s hardy, adaptable and provides a good, fast ground cover. The flowers are long-lived and dry well. Rhodanthe chlorocephala subspecies rosea is the most widely grown subspecies and is commonly known as “Pink and White Everlasting”, “Rosy Sunray”, “Pink Paper-daisy” and “Rosy Everlasting”. It grows naturally in the south of Western Australia extending into South Australia. Rhodanthe chlorocephala subsp. rosea is an erect annual herb 20-60cm high with clumps of glabrous (hairless) grey-green stems and leaves 1-6cm in length. It has a large single flowering head at the tip of each stem. Flower heads grow to 6cm diameter, gradually decreasing as the flowering season progresses. The color of the bracts varies from deep pink (almost red) through pale pink to pure white, with a yellow or black centre. 30849