View allAll Photos Tagged AnimalBehavior
Its almost mid-November and we still haven't had a frost, another weird weather event but because of the warm weather alot of critters still alive and/or around...and we have alot of flowers still in bloom.
A riot of color from the Flamingos feeding in the Celestun Wildlife Refuge on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
Spring brings the mating calls of the marsh, and competition for nesting sites. Native Canada Geese are the loudest competitors, and are fiercely territorial, but are no match for the invasive Mute Swans.
Another snowy hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and another visit from the inquisitive Steller’s Jay
Seals eagerly await some fish scraps as fisherman clean and prepare their fish for market in ValparaÃso Chile.
Because of its feeding theatrics, I have taken hundreds of pictures of Reddish Egrets in Florida.
Most egrets and herons are patient hunters, standing for long periods of time until a fish comes near enough for it to dart forward to capture it. Not Reddish Egrets. They run about the shallow waters, splash about, and most oddly, raise its wings over its head, like an umbrella. Technically, this behavior is called "canopy feeding".
Supposedly, small fish will seek shelter in the shadows created by the heron's "umbrella". If that doesn't work, there's always more running around to scare up some fish.
:-))
I tried mostly unsuccessfully to photograph the many butterflies we saw – managed to nap this one with a reasonably good shot – I have hundreds of missed opportunities with blurry shots on my cards – they were too fast.
Butterflies use their feet to taste. Ask yourself what it means when one lands on you!
From the wilds of Mongolia to the wilds of my backyard for this pic of the Tiger Swallowtail's Caterpillar. These are typically green but as they get ready to pupate they turn red-ish orange.
Haven't finished posting photos from a recent work trip to India, but started to look at pics from a recent fun/vaykay trip to Belize, and was in love with a lot of them - especially the underwaters shots - here's one of a sea turtle - I think its a green!
Was -10 last week and looking like another big snow storm on its way...dreaming of warmer days ahead.
It looks like the geese were preparing to take flight, but they weren't.
There were about 20 Canada Goose in fairly deep water at an inlet/outlet between Lake St. Clair and the marsh of the metropark. I watched as, one by one, they lifted from the water slightly by flapping their wings, then with an enormous splash, disappeared under the water. When they emerged, they "ran" as shown in the picture and settled back onto the water, never taking flight.
Geese often bottom feed in shallow water by dipping their heads under the water, but I have never seen geese "diving" in deeper water in this manner. Nor have I seen them bathing in deep, icy waters by diving.
Has anyone else seen this behavior by Canada Geese?
This starfish was attached to the glass at the Denver Aquarium. It moved ever so slowly across the glass, and the fish that seemingly rested on its dorsal surface moved right along with it
The tiger king is no match for this tigress as she rests and listens in Jim Corbett Tiger Preserve. Its been awhile since my last dose of vitamin T - I hope I can get a dose real soon!
This pair of geese both "got the itch" at exactly the same time : ))
Seen at the frozen marsh in Lake St. Clair Metropark, Michigan.
Been trying all summer to catch both the hummingbirds and hummingbird moths in the same frame as they fight over position on the flowers. To date lotsa of pics but nothing with them both. I figure I have a few more weeks before it gets cold and they are gone - fingers crossed.
The majestic Damoselle Crane in Mongolia - I've had the pleasure of seeing them on both sides of Himalayas in India where the ride out the winter and in Mongolia.
Hummingbird Moth drinks nectar from our butterfly bush - as I mentioned in my previous post I tried for weeks to get a shot of the hummingbird and hummingbird moth in the same shot - I'll keep trying!
A little dip in one of the high-mountain lakes of Grand Teton National Park while backpacking when we spotted this family. Managed to grab my camera and swim-sneak up close to them for this pic.
A common companion at Rocky Mountain National Park - the Least or Uinta Chipmunk is ferociously cute!
Back and recovering from COP27 - didn't take many pics while there but will post a few in coming days. But here's a little blast from the past from this past summer.
"The better to eat you with."
The mugger crocodile is a broad-snouted crocodile, also known as the marsh crocodile.
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are medium sized woodpeckers that drill horizontal rows of small holes in a tree trunk (as seen in the picture). As their name suggest, they drink the tree sap, but they don't really "suck it". Instead they lap it up with their tongues.
Other birds will attempt to drink from the sap "faucet", and eat the small insects that become trapped in the sap, but sapsuckers will defend "their trees."
Seen at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
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.
See something you like - this lioness appears to find something delicious - glad she isn't looking at me!
Fall is my favorite season but I didn't get a chance to do much photography since I wasn't home much. Managed to see this little guy hanging out in the fall foliage and get a few pics. Some say that when you hear the first katydids of the summer the first frost will arrive three months after the first singing of the katydids.
Rocky Mountain National Park Snowshoe Trip with my son and ran into this old friend - seems like every year I post a shot of a Steller's Jay - there could be worse traditions!
Here's a face-to-face shot of a male Boat-tailed Grackle, seen at Celery Fields, Florida.
A large number of the noisy, gregarious boat-tails were very aggressively defending their nests. It seemed as if every clump of reeds housed another nest.
Another pic from the snorkeling trip with Salt Life Eco Tours! A first for me - swimming with Manatees!
Another look at the Great Blue Heron Rookery on Terry Lake. With the COVID lock down I've been spending a bunch of time in the canoe paddling around Terry Lake looking for images - some days I find them, some days they hide.
I've been enjoying the dragonflies in my backyard that I dipped into my archives for this shot from a few yrs ago from Borneo.
If your in Delhi I highly recommend a visit to Bharatpur - well worth the effort and its only a few hours by car or train!
Another look at the Killpecker Sand Dunes from the Red Desert in Wyoming...love the patterns from the lizard tracks!
This sad fella was only half his former self and we all know half a buck is 50 cents. Work continues to eat my lunch but hope to find some time to make it back to the Flickrsphere soon! Snapped this shot in my backyard while on a conference call - how's that for multitasking! Stay safe and be well out there!
$10 Bucks rest in the early morning light of Jim Corbett Tiger Preserve...or should I say ~731 Indian Rupee worth of tiger food?
Another pic from the snorkeling trip with Salt Life Eco Tours! Nurse sharks only eat lobsters and other crustaceans - maybe a few small fish so no worries swimming with these sharks!
When the Cinnamon Teal joined a flock of Blue-winged Teals, he must have thought he was among friends, but the other teals had different ideas. They avoided him, and in some instances, he was attacked by the male Blue-winged Teals.
Why the mobbing of the Cinnamon Teal? He "doesn't belong" at Florida's Merritt Island NWR. In fact, he is out of his element in Florida. Cinnamon Teals are found in the western half of the United States, rarely seen in Florida (if at all).
Paul (D-200 Paul) and I watched for quite awhile with the ducks in open view, but we could not get a closer look. (Please see the first comment below for a closer look at a pair of Cinnamon Teals at home in Colorado).
In these crazy times its important to find some fun - the elk can show us the way - so please behave like animals! Welcome/Encourage some text to go on this image -could be a good meme!
Results from my annual mecca to Rocky Mountain National Park to see the elk bugle. This male was solo but bugling like crazy. Always a good time!
The Long-Tailed Shrike or Rufous-Backed Shrike (Lanius schach) is a common species found across India and much of Asia. There are places in Ranthambore where they congregate waiting for vehicles to stop for breaks and then the chaos ensues. While i don't condone feeding wild animals its always good for some interesting photos. I guess if it gets people interested in nature then maybe it's worth it?