View allAll Photos Tagged Adaptability
A born survivor with a bushy tail. Ever adaptable, the fox is equally at home in our 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
The Scottish Blackface or Blackface is the main breed of domestic sheep in the UK. Resistant and with good adaptability, this breed is often found in places with poor vegetation such as the Highlands.
Le Scottish Blackface ou Blackface est la principale race de mouton domestique au Royaume-Uni. Résistant et avec de bonnes capacités d'adaptation, on trouve souvent cette race dans des endroits pauvres en végétation tels que les Highlands
NIKON D750
In the Goethehof, a municiapal residential complex with 677 apartments in Kaisermühlen, a neighbourhood of Donaustadt, the 22nd district of Vienna. It was built in the years 1929–1930.
Goethehof is a so-called Gemeindebau, which is the German word for "municipality building" (pl. Gemeindebauten).
"Gemeindebauten have become an important part of the architecture and culture of Vienna since the 1920s. Up to 1918, the housing conditions of Vienna's growing working class were appalling by modern standards. When the Social Democratic Party of Austria gained control of the municipal administration during Austria's First Republic (1918-1934) (so called "Red Vienna"), it began the project of improving living conditions for workers. A large number of Gemeindebauten, usually large residential estates, were built during that time. Including those buildings that were finished after the events of February 1934, 64,000 apartments where completed, which created housing space for about 220,000 people. Apartments were assigned on the basis of a point system favoring families and less affluent citizens.
The classic interwar Gemeindebauten typically have a main entrance with a large gate, through which one enters into a yard. Inside, there are trees and some greenery, where children can play without having to go out on the street. Apartments are accessed from the inside.
This fortress-like structure made the buildings adaptable to military use. Several Gemeindebauten in Vienna [...] were sites of fighting during the Austrian Civil War of February 1934, when they were defended as Social Democratic Party strongholds." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemeindebau
The last also applies to the Goethehof. On 14 February 1934, it was fired upon by the military with machine guns, howitzers and cannons, and even an air raid was flown against it.
austria-forum.org/af/AustriaWiki/Goethehof en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Vienna
Pixaim River
The Pantanal
Brazil
South America
The capped heron (Pilherodius pileatus) is a species of heron in the family Ardeidae. It is in the monotypic genus Pilherodius. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are rivers, swamps, and freshwater lakes.
An attractive heron, if slightly odd in appearance, the Capped Heron is a resident of South American forested swamps, river courses and small pools. Although it seems adaptable to any habitat with water and has a wide distribution, it usually occurs only at low densities. Often seen flying along rivers or feeding in pools, the Capped Heron can be conspicuous, and easily is identified. In flight, it is best distinguished from other white herons by its small size and rapid, choppy flight style. The bird is the sole member of the genus Pilherodius.
Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Poorly known; thinly but widely distributed and evidently scarce, rare to uncommon in E Panama; uncommon in Brazil.
Eats small fish, generally less than 5 cm-long, aquatic insects (including their larvae), frogs and tadpoles. Passive feeder, diurnal. – Wikipedia
The Leopard is a large carnivorous cat found throughout many parts of Africa and Asia. It has a distinctive spotted coat that provides excellent camouflage in the wild, with each spot or rosette being unique to the individual leopard. Leopards are powerful and agile hunters, capable of taking down prey much larger than themselves, such as antelopes, deer, and even young elephants.
Leopards are solitary animals and are most active during the night, although they may also hunt during the day. They are excellent climbers and can drag their prey into trees to protect it from other predators or scavengers. Leopards are also strong swimmers and have been known to cross rivers and other bodies of water in search of prey.
Leopards are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and mountainous regions. They are known for their adaptability and can thrive in a range of different environments, from hot and humid jungles to cold and rugged mountain ranges.
Leopards are an important species in their ecosystems, helping to regulate populations of prey animals and serving as an indicator of the health of their habitats. They are also highly valued for their beautiful fur, which has unfortunately made them a target of illegal hunting and poaching. As a result, leopards are considered a threatened species in many parts of their range, and efforts are being made to protect them and their habitats.
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The eastern cottontail is a species of rabbit in the family Leporidae. It is the most widespread and abundant rabbit species in North America, inhabiting a wide range that extends from southern Canada throughout most of the United States and into parts of Mexico, Central America, and the northern regions of South America. Known for its distinctive fluffy white tail, which resembles a cotton ball and gives the species its common name, the eastern cottontail typically inhabits open fields, meadows, and brushy areas where it can easily find cover and food. It is a primarily herbivorous, crepuscular mammal that feeds on grasses, herbs, twigs, and bark, and plays an important role in the ecosystem as prey for a variety of predators including foxes, hawks, and owls. Due to its adaptability to human-altered landscapes such as suburban and agricultural areas, the eastern cottontail has maintained stable population levels and is not considered threatened. It is also well known for its high reproductive rate, with females capable of producing multiple large litters annually, which contributes to its widespread presence. (Wikipedia)
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This little bunny was browsing along the side of the trail. He stayed very quiet as I took his photo, perhaps hoping that I would not notice him.
Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. August 2025.
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. A form in southern Florida (called "Great White Heron") is slightly larger and entirely white.
This little fellow has found some discarded chips (French fries) and being the adaptable little soul it is is thoroughly enjoying tucking in !!
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Thanks to everyone that takes the time and makes the effort to comment and fave my pics its very much appreciated
Regards Clive
It wasn’t bearing its teeth at me, there was another sibling close by.
The distinctive red-brown fur and long bushy tail of the fox are a familiar sight almost everywhere in the British Isles. Foxes are intelligent, adaptable mammals, opportunistic, with unfussy palates, and they make use of a wide range of habitats, including those of towns and cities. They are social animals, living in family groups of a breeding pair, together with cubs in the spring, and sometimes other subordinate juveniles and adults. The latter are usually young born the previous year and help with the rearing of cubs, feeding, grooming and playing with them. Each group occupies a territory, which is marked with urine and scats. Dens (called ‘earths’) may be dug in banks or make use of (disused or occupied) badger setts or old rabbit burrows. In urban areas, favoured sites for dens are under buildings or sheds, and in overgrown gardens and cemeteries.
Foxes hunt and scavenge with keen senses of smell and hearing, and probably use the latter to locate earthworms, which can make up a large part of their diet.
Thanks for viewing my photos and for any favourites and comments, it’s much appreciated.
Happy Chinese New Year and wish you all the agility, acuity, and adaptability of the monkey.
祝各位猴年行大運
Hemerocallis citrina, common names citron daylily and long yellow daylily, is a species of herbaceous perennial plant in the family Asphodelaceae.
Stella de Oro Daylily. Plant taxonomy classifies Stella de Oro daylilies under the daylily genus, Hemerocallis. This scientific name comes from the Greek, hemera, "day," plus kallos, "beauty" (a reference to the ephemeral but beautiful nature of the individual blooms). Stella de Oro is the cultivar name.
This daylily is valued as a compact plant and early bloomer, reaching a height of just 12 inches, with a similar spread. It blooms from May to July. In fact, its ability to rebloom over a long period and its adaptability to a wide range of planting zones and conditions make it perhaps the most popular of the daylilies. The golden-yellow flowers are fragrant and trumpet-shaped. The foliage is also attractive, forming a dense clump that can function as a ground cover.
Лиле́йник, или красодне́в лимонно-жёлтый.
В Китае цветочные почки употребляются в пищу (особенно в провинции Хунань). Почки используются в свежем или сушёном виде для приготовления супов, а также в качестве гарнира к свинине, птице и рыбе.
Квіти Hemerocallis citrina вживають в їжу у вигляді супу в китайській кухні. Продаються свіжі та сушені на китайських базарах під назвою «золота хвоя» (кит. 金针) або «овочі жовті квіти» (кит. 黃花菜).
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 is banded, making it an extremely prized and sought after bird among hunters. - Wikipedia
Red fox babies are known as kits. The red fox is one of the most adaptable fox species in the world. Foxes are known to be great parents who take care of their young and provide them with the means and skills to survive in the wild. Fox kits grow up fast and their time as youngsters is very limited. Luckily fox parents are great at raising their kits and making sure they are ready for the world.
Swamp Aster (Symphyotrichum puniceum) is native to North America. Its range extends from the edges of the Great Plains to the Atlantic coast, and from the Gulf coast of Texas north to southern Ungava Bay in the north of Quebec. It is adventive in Europe. (Wikipedia)
The common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), is the most commonly encountered bumblebee across much of eastern North America. It 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 the 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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I encountered this bee busy doing his thing on the asters. These flowers are some of the later bloomers in the area, providing food for pollinators of all kinds. HFF!
Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. September 2013.
Living by Lake Michigan, we see a lot of seagulls. While some people think they’re a nuisance, I think they’re delightful birds (and think humans are the actual nuisance!).
They truly are badass birds, being highly adaptable and resilient. They can even drink saltwater!
“ In almost every part of the world, the Dragonfly symbolizes change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realization. The change that is often referred to has its source in mental and emotional maturity and understanding the deeper meaning of life. ... The Dragonfly moves with elegance and grace. “ dragonflytransitions.com/why-the-dragonfly/
Kleb Woods Nature Preserve near Tomball, Texas
Primarily a bird of the southeast, where its rolling calls are familiar sounds in swamps and riverside woods. Omnivorous and adaptable, this woodpecker has also adjusted to life in suburbs and city parks, and in recent years it has been expanding its range to the north. Despite the name, the red on the belly is not often visible in the field.
Here's another backyard shot - a Furrowed Ant on one of my zucchini flowers. They can be identified by their furrowed head and thorax and smooth, shiny abdomen. Highly adaptable, they are found in various habitats such as deserts, forests, and grasslands. There are about 200 known species of Furrowed Ant worldwide.
I lay flat on the ground for this shot, hand holding my camera with 105mm macro lens + 1.7x teleconverter at minimum focus. When I started going through the images, every one had some critical part out of focus - except for this shot. A tiny, moving subject at close range has to be among the most difficult subjects I've shot this year. I did some noise reduction with Topaz DeNoise and then used ON1 Resize to enlarge the image and allow for a tighter crop. The large flower did a nice job of bouncing warm light throughout the image area.
Photographed in Val Marie, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission ©2023 James R. Page - all rights reserved.
Collier Reserve
Audubon Society Sanctuary
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.
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 is banded, making it an extremely prized and sought after bird among hunters.
Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya
East Africa
The black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) is a canid native to two areas of Africa, separated by roughly 900 km.
One region includes the southernmost tip of the continent, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. The other area is along the eastern coastline, including Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti and Ethiopia. It is listed by the IUCN as least concern, due to its widespread range and adaptability, although it is still persecuted as a livestock predator and rabies vector.
Compared to other members of the genus Canis, the black-backed jackal is a very ancient species, and has changed little since the Pleistocene, being the most basal canine alongside the closely related side-striped jackal.
It is a monogamous animal, whose young may remain with the family to help raise new generations of pups. The black-backed jackal is not a fussy eater, and will feed on small to medium-sized animals, as well as plant matter and human refuse. – Wikipedia
These birds are found all over the world. We were not sure what they were sharing with each other but they appeared to be having an intimate moment. Crows are black birds known for their intelligence and adaptability, and for their loud, harsh "caw." The intelligence of these brainiest of birds has been compared to that of a seven-year-old human. Although common they are a joy to watch as they figure out a problem and solve it.
The distinctive red-brown fur and long bushy tail of the fox are a familiar sight almost everywhere in the British Isles. Foxes are intelligent, adaptable mammals, opportunistic, with unfussy palates, and they make use of a wide range of habitats, including those of towns and cities. They are social animals, living in family groups of a breeding pair, together with cubs in the spring, and sometimes other subordinate juveniles and adults. The latter are usually young born the previous year and help with the rearing of cubs, feeding, grooming and playing with them. Each group occupies a territory, which is marked with urine and scats. Dens (called ‘earths’) may be dug in banks or make use of (disused or occupied) badger setts or old rabbit burrows. In urban areas, favoured sites for dens are under buildings or sheds, and in overgrown gardens and cemeteries.
Foxes hunt and scavenge with keen senses of smell and hearing, and probably use the latter to locate earthworms, which can make up a large part of their diet.
Thanks for viewing my photos and for any favourites and comments, it’s much appreciated.
the flowers are wonderful, shot by KHWD in our front garden
Ah, the Amelanchier tree—what a charmer of the plant world! Also known as shadbush, serviceberry, or juneberry, this tree (or sometimes a shrub) is a versatile and beautiful addition to gardens and landscapes. Let me share some highlights about it:
Features of Amelanchier Trees
1.Blossom: In spring, Amelanchier trees grace us with clouds of delicate white flowers. These blossoms arrive before or as the leaves start to unfurl, giving a striking contrast against their backdrop. They're beloved for their airy elegance and often attract pollinators like bees.
2.Foliage: After the blossoms fade, the leaves transition through various shades—from bronze in spring to lush green in summer, and finally to vibrant reds and oranges in autumn. It's truly a year-round visual treat.
3.Fruits: By summer, edible berries appear, starting red and maturing to deep purple or black. These berries are a favorite of birds and can be used to make jams, pies, or enjoyed fresh—bonus points if you're into wildlife photography!
4.Hardiness: Amelanchier trees are hardy and adaptable, thriving in diverse climates. Their natural range spans across North America, Europe, and Asia, growing in both woodland and garden settings.
Fun Facts
1. Sometimes known as Juneberry or Snowy Mespilus (haha)
2. The name "shadbush" originates from the eastern U.S., where its blooming coincides with shad fish spawning in nearby rivers.
3.It's a great choice for eco-friendly landscaping, being tolerant of urban conditions and supporting biodiversity.
Whether you're drawn to its blossoms or its ability to change with the seasons, the Amelanchier is a versatile and rewarding choice for any garden enthusiast. Do you already have one in mind for a landscaping project, or are you just admiring its charm today? I certainly am every year at this time, spring, as it is a fab photo opportunity, best Kx
"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change." ~ Charles Darwin
Explored December 4, 2011 - Highest #1....Made front page finally!!!!!!
And adaptable they are no matter what the weather may be like....thought I'd revisit a few from this past winter's trip to Yellowstone...amazing how many I still have left to process :-)
Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend; have a great day....I'll catch up with everyone soon!!!!
"Meet the Red-vented Bulbul: a fascinating avian marvel!"
Red-vented Bulbuls are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, gardens, urban areas, and agricultural lands.
Diet: Their diet consists of fruits, berries, flower petals, nectar, and insects. They are known to be opportunistic feeders and will also consume small reptiles and even other bird's eggs if the opportunity arises.
Vocalizations: Bulbuls are known for their melodious calls and are often considered good singers. They have a wide range of calls, including whistles, chirps, and trills, which they use for communication and territory defense.
Social Behavior: Red-vented Bulbuls are typically seen in pairs or small groups. They are territorial birds and will defend their territories vigorously against intruders.
Nesting: They build cup-shaped nests using twigs, grass, and other plant materials, often placed in shrubs or trees. The female usually lays 2-5 eggs, which are incubated for about two weeks.
PS: Enhanced with AI software!!
The Common Moorhen is a bird species that is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. It is a medium-sized bird, with a length of approximately 30-40 cm and a weight of around 200-500 grams.
The Common Moorhen has a distinctive appearance, with a black body, dark brown wings, and a red and yellow bill. It also has a white stripe on its flanks and a white patch on its forehead. Both males and females have similar plumage, but males are generally larger than females.
These birds are typically found in wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and lakeshores. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of foods including aquatic plants, insects, small fish, and mollusks.
Common Moorhens are social birds and are often seen in groups, especially during the breeding season. They build their nests in dense vegetation near the water's edge, using sticks, reeds, and grasses. Females lay 6-12 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for around 3 weeks. The chicks are born covered in black down and are fed by both parents until they are able to fly after around 6-8 weeks.
Overall, the Common Moorhen is an interesting and adaptable bird species that is well-suited to wetland habitats around the world.
Brightly-colored tree-dwelling pigeon. Adult male has a powder-pink neck, orange breast patch, gray-blue head, and yellow belly. Adult female is much plainer, tea-green above and brighter yellow-green below. Both sexes have striking black-and-yellow wing feathers and yellow spotting on the undertail coverts. Adaptable, and can be found in mangroves, open coastal forests, parks, gardens, and plantation edges. Primarily a lowland species, but can on occasion be found in foothills. Social, often gathering in flocks; occasionally mixes with other green-pigeons. Unlike many other pigeons, not very vocal; occasionally gives strange, alien-sounding coos. (eBird)
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The female is much more muted, without the brilliant throat colours of her mate. Sometimes hard to see amidst the tree leaves. This female was enjoying a meal of berries. Her pose shows off the undertail patterns of both male and female.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. March 2024.
Birding Singapore.
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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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This young peregrine was living up to his billing by harassing the shorebirds along the Lake Ontario shoreline. A second bird showed up and there was a brief aerial battle. It was possibly this bird's sibling since the battle looked more like play and less like dominance. It's the first time I've ever caught a peregrine in flight and I'm pretty happy with the results.
Owen Point, Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. September 2024.
Eastern Ontario Birding.
I actually meet her every day, the black crow, and yet I don't know her. This bird is found everywhere in our country and is amazingly adaptable. When I drive past the bird in black by car, bicycle or motorbike, he hardly moves to the side and is very brave, but when I want to take a picture of him, he is very clever and flies away immediately. Only this one time I was able to photograph this crow relatively close and in the last evening light of the sun. It was in a nature park near where I live. And, can't a simple crow also be beautiful? What do you think?
“Of all animals, man is the only one that is cruel. None but him inflicts pain on others for their own pleasure.”
Mark Twain
Like them or loathe them, they are here to stay. This introduced species from North America divides opinion. It is a fact that they have decimated our native Red Squirrel by out competing them and spreading squirrelpox which is fatal to the Red but not the Grey Squirrel. However they are part of our ecosystem now and, on the flip side, seem to be helping the increase of Goshawk and Pine Marten, which predate them.
I thought this one merited a photograph when it was posing beautifully on a fallen tree.
They are certainly adaptable characters, with their intelligence and their amazing tree climbing skills - they are survivors and have to be admired - don’t they ?
Thank you for having a look at my photos. Comments or faves are very welcome and much appreciated.
The masked lapwing (Vanellus miles), also known as the masked plover and often called the spur-winged plover or just plover in its native range, is a large, common and conspicuous bird native to Australia, particularly the northern and eastern parts of the continent, New Zealand and New Guinea. It spends most of its time on the ground searching for food such as insects and worms and has several distinctive calls. There are two subspecies; the southern novaehollandiae has distinctive black markings on the shoulder and side of the chest, and is sometimes recognized as a separate species, the black-shouldered lapwing (Vanellus novaehollandiae). These brown-black, white and yellow plovers are common in Australian fields and open land. The masked lapwing is the largest representative of the family Charadriidae. It measures from 30 to 37 cm in length and has a wingspan of 75–85 cm. The nominate subspecies (V. m. miles) weighs 191–300 g, while the southern race (V. m. novaehollandiae) is larger and weighs 296–412 g. The birds have a wide range of calls which can be heard at any time of the day or night: the warning call, a loud defending call, courtship calls, calls to its young, and others. Since this bird lives on the ground it is always alert and even though it rests it never sleeps properly. Masked lapwings are most common around the edges of wetlands and in other moist, open environments, but are adaptable and can often be found in surprisingly arid areas. They can also be found on beaches and coastlines. 41891
SOOC
Symphori- means “bear together;” –carpos means fruits– referring to the clustered fruits. Albus meaning white, and the common name, Snowberry also refers to the white fruits. This species is sometimes known as Waxberry, White Coralberry, or White, Thin-leaved, or Few-flowered Snowberry.
[When the white berries are broken open or stepped on, the interior looks like fine, sparkling granular snow.]
[...] S. albus var. laevigatus (meaning smooth) is the most common phase found on the Pacific slopes and is more aggressive than the eastern form [...]. Common Snowberry is found from southeast Alaska to southern California; all across the northern United States and the Canadian provinces. This species usually grows 3-9 feet (1-2m) tall. Habitat: It is found in in dry to moist open forests, clearings, and rocky slopes. It is very adaptable to different conditions. [...]. Fruit are white berry-like drupes containing two nutlets. Google
Samburu National Reserve
East Africa
Kenya
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
"These plants are found all over the world and with care, will flower almost all year-round
Most of the varieties grown today are derived from the species Anthurium ambianum. They are adaptable to relatively cool and low-light conditions. In temperate areas, these grow well as an indoor house plant and outdoors in a frost-free climate.
The coloured 'shield' part of the plant is not the bloom, it is a bract and called the spathe. The column in the centre is the 'spadix' and each spot on the spadix is an individual flower."
Tales (or is it tails) of woe. Spotted what I thought would be a composition as I drove down what serves as a major highway in this part of the world, so I pulled off into a boreen to grab my shot. Up the boreen, I spotted a deer -- a young buck, in fact, who stood, staring at me. He tried to run, but one leg was fouled in a downed wire fence. Should I try and rescue the fellow? Maybe there was a farmer farther up who could help... so I throttled the car past our trapped friend, and observed a sign: "Tourmakeady Gun Club". Oh boy... they'll be wanting to put a bullet right between Bambi's newly sprouting horns... Horns that were the perfect size to gouge my heart out, should he so choose. But, hell, I've got to see if I can untangle him somehow, right? So I park and cautiously approach, and he's not having it... flailing wildly about, trying to escape from me... he bolts away, trips himself in the wire, flips backward end over end, and clunks his head on the road with a sound akin to a ripe watermelon. But, his acrobatics somehow set him free, and in a flash he was gone, without so much as a thank you to your man Fergal. Nothing to do now but go back to the car, and this image was taken where I'd parked up. Great light, a rusty gate, and the farmer's friend, the ever adaptable wooden pallet. Perfect. And the big bonus, my chest was still intact. As for the composition that started it all? Turned out to have been unsuitable. So it goes.
Seen at the Bergius Botanical Garden, Stockholm.
Larus marinus (Great Black-backed Gull)
The Great Black-backed Gull is the largest member of the gull family. It breeds on the European and North American coasts and islands of the North Atlantic and is fairly sedentary.
Historically, the Great Black-backed Gull was harvested for its feathers, which were used in the hat-making trade, and this species was removed from large parts of its range as a result of this exploitation. Today however, its adaptability to human presence and the use of urban environments as artificial nesting sites has resulted in the Great Black-backed Gull rapidly increasing in number and range.
Source: Wikipedia
Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay may lack the flashy crest of its jay relatives, but it makes up for it with bold personality. Draped in soft blues and subtle grays, this sleek, long-tailed forager is captured with a bill full of my suet. A true jay in spirit, yet defined by its rugged adaptability—proof that while all scrub-jays are jays, not all jays are scrub-jays!
I have a caged suet feeder, designed so that only small birds can access it. To provide another feeding option, I drilled holes in a 3-inch diameter vertical branch, allowing passerines to perch on the bark and easily feed. However, scrubjays, unable to cling to the vertical surface, have found a clever workaround—they fly up and hover just long enough to snatch a bite of suet, proving their cunning, thieving nature!
Outsmarted by a bird, Tom.
Found this Big Boy resting in the shade of an Umbrella Thorn Acacia tree in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
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The African Lion:
In the past lions roamed throughout all of Africa and parts of Asia and Europe. However, this mighty species is now found only in fragments of sub-Saharan Africa, along with a critically endangered subpopulation in West Africa.
The largest lion populations can be found in Tanzania. Since lions are extremely adaptable big cats, they can survive in a wide variety of habitats, including dry forests, thick bush, floodplains, and semi-arid desert areas. However, they typically prefer open savannas where it is easier to stalk their prey.
Compared to other big cat species, lions are the most sociable. They live in groups called prides, which can consist of anywhere from two to 30 members, including three or four males, a dozen or more females, and their offspring.
Lionesses remain with the same pride for their entire lives. Male lions, on the other hand, leave after maturing to compete for control of another pride. Leading males defend their territory by marking it with urine and roaring to scare off intruders. A lion’s roar can be heard from five miles away.
Within their pride, female lions act as the primary hunters and work in teams to prey on zebras, wildebeests, antelope, and other large herbivores. Lions sleep up to 20 hours a day, so most of their hunting is done at night or early in the morning. This is because their eyes easily adapt to the dark, and it is easier to sneak up on prey at night.
Along with hunting for the pride, female lions are responsible for raising their offspring. They typically give birth to a litter every two years, which consists of one to four cubs.
It is estimated that between 23,000 to 39,000 lions remain in the wild. However, other data from recent years suggests that that number may be closer to 20,000, as three-quarters of their population is in decline. Although lions are not currently endangered, population numbers will continue to decrease without proper conservation efforts.
(Nikon, 100-400/5.6 @ 260 mm, 1/1250 @ f/8.0, ISO 1100, processed to taste)
Seen on Rawson Lake Trail, Alberta, Canada
This is a serene paradise where the hardness of mountains and the softness of water complete each other.
This is an adaptable system where winter snow and spring vegetation coexist.
This is an inclusive environment where blue, white, green and brown harmonize.
This is a resilient universe where no ripples can disturb its tranquility.
Coyote (Canis latrans) clamors over a bank of deep snow near the road in West Yellowstone. We admire these animals, often persecuted as pests throughout North America. The size of an average domesticated dog (they top out at about 40-45 pounds), Coyotes are intelligent, resilient and highly adaptable. They thrive in Yellowstone, even in winter and even besieged by larger and more powerful predators. Many Native American myths extol the cunning of the Coyote.
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 or going to rob the nest of another bird.
Blue Jays aren’t actually blue. In fact, the pigment in their feathers is brown. Scattering light in the structural parts of the feathers causes us to see the blue coloration.
I found this one in my yard in Polk County, Florida.
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
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.
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 is banded, making it an extremely prized and sought after bird among hunters. – Wikipedia
The Hammerhead, also known as Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta), is a medium-sized wading bird. 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, or the Afrikaans word for Hammerhead. It is a medium-sized waterbird with brown plumage, found in Africa, Madagascar and Arabia. They live in a wide variety of wetlands, including estuaries, lakesides, fish ponds, riverbanks, and rocky coasts.
The hammerhead 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 find.
This shot taken in Kruger National Park, South Africa.
The main entrance of the Goethehof, a municiapal residential complex with 677 apartments in Kaisermühlen, a neighbourhood of Donaustadt, the 22nd district of Vienna. It was built in the years 1929–1930.
Goethehof is a so-called Gemeindebau, which is the German word for "municipality building" (pl. Gemeindebauten).
"Gemeindebauten have become an important part of the architecture and culture of Vienna since the 1920s. Up to 1918, the housing conditions of Vienna's growing working class were appalling by modern standards. When the Social Democratic Party of Austria gained control of the municipal administration during Austria's First Republic (1918-1934) (so called "Red Vienna"), it began the project of improving living conditions for workers. A large number of Gemeindebauten, usually large residential estates, were built during that time. Including those buildings that were finished after the events of February 1934, 64,000 apartments where completed, which created housing space for about 220,000 people. Apartments were assigned on the basis of a point system favoring families and less affluent citizens.
The classic interwar Gemeindebauten typically have a main entrance with a large gate, through which one enters into a yard. Inside, there are trees and some greenery, where children can play without having to go out on the street. Apartments are accessed from the inside.
This fortress-like structure made the buildings adaptable to military use. Several Gemeindebauten in Vienna [...] were sites of fighting during the Austrian Civil War of February 1934, when they were defended as Social Democratic Party strongholds." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemeindebau
The last also applies to the Goethehof. On 14 February 1934, it was fired upon by the military with machine guns, howitzers and cannons, and even an air raid was flown against it.
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goethehof
austria-forum.org/af/AustriaWiki/Goethehof
Recently we have had a few European Starlings come through with large flocks of American Robins. Otherwise we rarely see them. They were brought to North America in 1890 and flourished. The males are able to perfectly imitate other bird calls. They are smart, adaptable and invasive. Photographed in Palisade, Colorado.