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A beautiful and colorful Swallow resident in the country, but locally migratory around the nearby birding spots around us. I have seen in many places the last month - mostly in flight. I prefer some sitting shots sometimes though which they do on perches near waterbodies. They are very very challenging in shoot in flight as they are the fastest flying swallows here - and shooting them only works in very few places with good vantage points. Shot this at one such a place - a quarry where I think they maybe nesting too.
There were 3-4 types of Swallows / martins in that place, but this bird is easy to identify due to the metallic blue plumage while the other swallows we have here sport a dark brown blackish plumage.
The biggest attractive feature and identifier in the mature birds is the tail - which is just like a wire. These grow long and indicate the sexual maturity of the bird - the longer the better. Both males and females sport a tail, but female tails are much shorter.
Thank you so much in advance for your views, feedback and faves.
In Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It has a 50 foot drop and is the park’s most powerful waterfall. We tried visiting this waterfall the first two times we were at Pictured Rocks, but both times the parking lot was full or just about full. This third time visiting was a charm! We pulled into the parking lot and there was only one other car there, so we ended up having the falls to ourselves.
UK & International Landscape Photography Workshops & Tours www.melvinnicholsonphotography.co.uk/photography-workshops
Aurora Borealis over Holmsberg Lighthouse, Keflavik, Iceland
WOW, WOW, WOW!!!
It's not often I start a post with the words Wow, Wow, Wow, however last night's aurora display was absolutely magical, so much so that I even filmed it on my Canon R5, which I have included in the first comment box below.
I arrived in Iceland yesterday afternoon, a day ahead of two photo workshops that I shall be running (the first which starts today) and I had an hour or two last night to drive around the Keflavik area (which is an airport town full of artificial lights which hamper shooting auroras). The clouds made an appearance, bringing with them a little light rain but when they cleared, I felt that there was a chance of perhaps seeing the northern lights.
I ventured out to the end of the peninsula to the iconic Garðskagaviti Lighthouse and the Garður Old Lighthouse but there were heavily visited by tourists also looking for the aurora so I left them to it and I then remembered a lovely little orange lighthouse that I visited around four years ago while scouting out the area for interesting subjects to shoot. So, I drove down the road, parked up the minibus and wandered over to the orange lighthouse.
It is quite boggy and marshland in places so while choosing my position carefully, I just happened to look up and WOW, the aurora was out in full force. You will rarely see me move quicker to get into position and set up (unless I happen to be in a coffee shop where a beautifully crafted latte and a piece of chocolate cake is on offer, lol) and within two minutes, I was shooting this scene. Geez, it felt great to be shooting the aurora again. I never lose the excitement in shooting the dancing green lights in the sky.
Anyhow, fingers crossed my twelve lovely clients on both upcoming workshops also get to experience the aurora for themselves because I know that they will be amazed, just like I always am.
I have just TWO PLACES LEFT on my October 2023 Iceland Photo Workshop for those who would love an opportunity to see the northern lights for themselves. Click the link below for details and/or to book your place :D
melvinnicholsonphotography.co.uk/photography-workshops/ic...
Canon R5
Sigma 20mm f/1.4 ART
f/2
5"
ISO400
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Both the buildings and the trees were yellow. Lots of leaves are also on the ground. The buildings are outbuildings belonging to Soukanpohja manor.
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Small forest of hardwoods keeps watch over Seminary Fen Scientific & Natural Area in Chanhassen/Chaska, Minnesota.
This was originally the site of the Mudcura Sanitarium, a world-famous spa that was opened in 1909 and operated until 1951.
Per MNOpedia, in 1951, the sanitarium was sold to the Black Franciscans, Order of Friars Minor Conventual, from Louisville, Kentucky. They named it Assumption Seminary and the site became linked with both the Colleges of St. Catherine and St. Thomas in St. Paul.
The Seminary remained in operation until 1970 and then sat vacant for many years, becoming a popular hangout for teens and other thrill seekers. The main building burned and was demolished in 1997.
The land is now home to the Minnesota DNR Seminary Fen Scientific & Natural Area that protects the rare calcareous fen that is now the star of the show here.
Explored on Flickr, October 24, 2020
Buzz Lightyear proudly poses with two "Rocket Boosters" he has discovered. "They are both made of an indestructible material, much like my spacesuit. Perfect for the new intergalactic ship I am building!", says Buzz. One is on, demonstrating its "star-craft power".
Theme: "Plastic"
Thank you for taking the time to view my photo, and for the faves and comments you make, thank you.
Many thanks for your visits, faves and comments. Cheers.
Sacred Kingfisher
Scientific Name: Todiramphus sanctus
Description: The Sacred Kingfisher is a medium sized kingfisher. It has a turquoise back, turquoise blue rump and tail, buff-white underparts and a broad cream collar. There is a broad black eye stripe extending from bill to nape of neck. Both sexes are similar, although the female is generally lighter with duller upper parts. Young birds are similar to the female, but have varying amounts of rusty-brown edging to feathers on the collar and underparts, and buff edges on the wing coverts.
Distribution: The Sacred Kingfisher is common and familiar throughout the coastal regions of mainland Australia and less common throughout Tasmania. The species is also found on islands from Australasia to Indonesia and New Zealand.
Habitat: The Sacred Kingfisher inhabits woodlands, mangroves and paperbark forests, tall open eucalypt forest and melaleuca forest.
Seasonal movements: In Australia, Sacred Kingfishers spend the winter in the north of their range and return south in the spring to breed.
Feeding: Sacred Kingfishers forage mainly on the land, only occasionally capturing prey in the water. They feed on crustaceans, reptiles, insects and their larvae and, infrequently, fish. The birds perch on low exposed branch on the lookout for prey. Once prey is located, the Sacred Kingfisher swoops down and grasps it in its bill, returning to the perch to eat it.
Breeding: For most of the year Sacred Kingfishers are mainly solitary, pairing only for the breeding season. Usually two clutches are laid in a season. Both sexes excavate the nest, which is normally a burrow in a termite mound, hollow branch or river bank. The nest chamber is unlined and can be up to 20m above the ground. Both sexes also incubate the eggs and care for the young.
Calls: The voice of the Sacred Kingfisher is a loud "ek ek ek ek" repeated continuously throughout breeding season. Birds also give a "kee kee kee" in excitement and a series of chirring, scolding notes when alarmed.
Minimum Size: 19cm
Maximum Size: 24cm
Average size: 21cm
Average weight: 45g
Breeding season: September to December; occasionally extended to March, if conditions are favourable.
Clutch Size: 3 to 6
Incubation: 18 days
Nestling Period: 26 days
(Sources: www.birdsinbackyards.net and "The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds - Second Edition")
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© Chris Burns 2021
All rights reserved.
This image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying and recording without my written consent.
The current day Wheeling is soaring over the former NYC on the original Wheeling with 111 cars on the drawbar behind 4 SD40-2's. Both lines are now owned by NS and Oak Harbor has long been a 'classic' railroad location but this perspective is only available from the air. Oak Harbor, OH 3/7/2021
Both the white and the bright-blue forms of Clitoria ternatea are quite something to behold. One of their first describers was Georg Eberhard Rumphius (1627-1702) on the Maluku island of Ternate (www.flickr.com/photos/87453322@N00/4297609644/in/photolis...). They're now all over the tropics and are often regarded - for example in Australia - as an environmental weed. It crowds out native plants and by its tenacious vines 'strangles' just about anything in its path.
Here in the the pretty Titiwangsa Park of Kuala Lumpur it's set to take over the colorful hedges of innocent Red Powder Puff, Calliandra haematocephala.
Muntjac Deer - Muntiacus reevesi
Doe
Reeves’ muntjac are small, stocky and russet brown in colour in summer and grey/brown in winter. Bucks have short (10 cm) antlers growing from long pedicles. Antlers are usually unbranched but a very short brow tine is occasionally found in old bucks. They also have visible upper canines (tusks) suggesting that they are a primitive species. Muntjac have two pairs of large glands on the face. The upper pair are the frontal glands, whilst the lower glands, below the eyes, are called sub-orbitals. Both glands are used to mark territories and boundaries. They have a ginger forehead with pronounced black lines running up the pedicles in bucks, and a dark diamond shape on does. The haunches are higher than the withers giving a hunched appearance. They have a fairly wide tail, which is held erect when disturbed.
Muntjac were brought from China to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire in the early 20th century. They are now widespread and increasing in number and range. Deliberate releases and escapes from Woburn, Northamptonshire, and Warwickshire led to the establishment of feral populations. Movement and release by humans led to their rapid spread across south and central England and Wales, however, north of the Humber distribution is patchy but reaches close to the Scottish border.
Muntjac like deciduous or coniferous forests, preferably with a diverse understorey. They are also found in scrub and overgrown urban gardens. Unlike other species of deer in Britain, muntjac do not cause significant damage to agricultural or timber crops. However, high densities may prevent coppice regeneration and the loss of some plants of conservation importance, such as primulas. Muntjac trophy hunting has only recently become popular so there is little tradition of muntjac stalking on country and forest estates. The most significant direct economic impact that muntjac have on human interests is in collisions with cars. However, this has welfare as well as economic implications.
In contrast to all other species of deer in Britain, muntjac do not have a defined breeding season (rut). Instead, they breed all year round and the does can conceive again within days of giving birth. Bucks may fight for access to does but remain unusually tolerant of subordinate males within their vicinity.
Does are capable of breeding at seven months old. After a gestation period of seven months, they give birth to a single kid and are ready to mate again within a few days.
Bucks can live up to 16 years and does up to 19 years, but these are exceptional.
Muntjac are generally solitary or found in pairs (doe with kid or buck with doe) although pair-bonding does not occur. Bucks defend small exclusive territories against other bucks whereas does' territories overlap with each other and with several bucks.
They are known as ‘barking deer’ from the repeated loud bark given under a number of circumstances. An alarmed muntjac may scream whereas maternal does and kids squeak.
Muntjac are active throughout the 24-hour period but make more use of open spaces during the hours of darkness in populations subject to frequent disturbance. Peak activity is at dawn and dusk. Long periods are spent ‘lying up’, where the deer lies down to ruminate after feeding.
Both Sexyness and I wearing Queenz clothing
QUEENZ NEW RELEASE
I’m wearing the Q. Divulge
Hud that has many colors and heels to die for!
▶ -QUEENZ Flickr Link:
www.flickr.com/photos/139125419@N03
▶ -QUEENZ Main Store:
Both humans and GE struggle to breath at 13,000 ft above sea level. Our train lead by 1027 is tripling its train while 1008 waits to the side backed into a dead end tunnel at the lower end of Chicla switchbacks. I was catching my breath after the short sprint up to this spot, hats off to the men who work day in and day out in this environment.
The day and the night,
The Yin and Yang,
The darkness and the light,
Both intersect.
At the crossroads,
The meeting finally,
Understand the other, and understand oneself,
Both finally united.
Taken just as the bluebell and garlic season was coming to an end as the beech leaves started blocking the light to the woodland floor. The contrast of fresh green beech leaves with the blue flowers was lovely.
Now that both hubby and I are retired we spend a lot of time outdoors almost every day! Sp please forgive us if we are not as attentive on Flickr as usual. My garden is blooming with Black Eyed Susans and Crocosmia framed by a bush of Lady's Breathe to create a lovely natural bouquet. However, I vowed I would honor the wildflowers just as much and this was the bouquet that welcomed us on one of our campsites for a week in July. Whether we are sipping an evening glass of wine at the campsite or on the deck at home, we feel like we have the best of both worlds.
Enjoying this gorgeous sim of Baja Norte.
Wearing:
Hair: DOUX - Mishi Hairstyle
Outfit: Bluberry - Noelia - Knotted Dress (Fat Pack)
Picked both of these up today while shopping at Bluberry:)
Such a great and very sexy combo!
Both Lavender and Honey Bees originated in the Mediterranean region and were introduced to California in the 1800's. There are now over 1.5 million beehives in California and are essential to the agricultural industry.
Lavender is a member of the mint family and is grown commercially for its oil and culinary uses. The honey produced by bees pollinating lavender fields will carry the lovely scent and taste of the flower.
Both ears raised, this beautiful Brown Hare gave me a direct stare showing its lovely facial patterning and long whiskers which give it a good sense of touch. Blood vessels in the ears help to cool the Brown Hare down after running or on a hot day.
Both bears wish two Flickr friends a happy birthday in the past few days....
The roses are no longer fresh, but it's the gesture that counts.
Happy birthday and long life!
Red Crowned Crane -
The red-crowned crane, also called the Manchurian crane, is a large East Asian crane among the rarest cranes in the world. In some parts of its range, it is known as a symbol of luck, longevity, and fidelity.
The Red-crowned Crane and Sandhill Crane are related; they are both members of the crane family (Gruidae), sharing ancient lineages, though they belong to different genera.
All cranes are omnivorous, per Johnsgard, the two most common crane species today (the sandhill and common cranes) are among the most herbivorous species while the two rarest species (the red-crowned and whooping cranes) are perhaps the most carnivorous species. When feeding on plants, red-crowned cranes exhibit a preference for plants with a high content of crude protein and low content of crude fiber.
"We both know what memories can bring / They bring diamonds and rust."
"Diamonds & Rust" is a song by Joan Baez, written in November 1974 and released in April 1975, reflecting on her relationship with Bob Dylan. The song was inspired by a nostalgic phone call from Dylan, which brought back memories of their past together, encapsulating the bittersweet nature of love and memory. The link below will take you back in time.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrVD0bP_ybg
Joan Baez
"Tonnara" in Italian means both the Tuna fish factory and the trap to capture the tuna fishes. Here we see the fishermen houses. The whole compound was built around 1500 and dismissed in the sixsties. Recently it has been restored and converted into holidays homes.
At the water’s edge with the kind of effortless poise only a wild creature can pull off. Its long neck curves in a quiet S‑shape, the sharp beak angled toward the still surface as if reading the water for secrets. The muted browns of the pond behind it create a soft, painterly backdrop, letting the bird’s blue‑gray plumage and dark crown stand out with understated elegance.
There’s a sense of discipline in the heron’s posture a hunter’s patience, a sentinel’s calm. The grassy patch beneath its feet adds a touch of texture, grounding the scene in a natural simplicity that feels both intimate and timeless. It’s a portrait of focus and quiet strength, captured in a moment where nothing moves except the faint ripple of water.
My latest photography is now available for purchase at crsimages.pixels.com/, featuring prints, framed art, and more from my curated collections.
Trasquera. Italy.
From the trail that leads to Possette pass, on the southern side of Monte Teggiolo, view toward the deep groove of Zwischbergental (Valle Vaira), beyond the Swiss border. On thel left, in the clouds, the imposing north side of Pizzo Pioltone. On the right, the perfect pyramid of rock named Seehorn.
On the last saturday the Italian government was busy till night to produce new rules for its new, partial lockdown aimed to fight the Covid pandemic. There were rumours that they were going to ban travels between different regions. Therefore, despite the bad weather forecast, I decided I had to spend my day out in the mountains of Ossola before it was too late.
Scrambling to the summit of Monte Teggiolo is one of my favourite hikes, and it offers amazing views from the top. Unluckily,this time the summit was surrounded by thick clouds and you could barely see at one meter from your nose. A real pity for me because it was my first time up there with the snow. Anyhow, it is always good to be out there. The fatigue of walking alone, in the first snow of the season, with the fog freezing on my skin was a true, but brief, relief from all the anxieties of these days; while the candle was burning from both ends, with the storm and the clouds chasing me from one side and the sword of Damocles of another lockdown hunging over my head from the other.
IT
Dal sentiero per il passo delle Possette e per la cima del Monte Teggiolo, vista verso il solco profondo della Zwischbergental, Valle Vaira, oltre il confine svizzero. A sinistra, tra le nuvole, l'imponente bastionata del Picco Pioltone. A destra, invece, la piramide del Seehorn.
Sabato scorso il governo è stato impegnato fino a notte fonda per produrre nuove regole per arginare l'epidemia di Covid. Si diceva che viaggiare tra regioni diverse sarebbe probabilmente diventato impossibile, quindi, nonostante le previsioni del tempo avverse, ho deciso che dovevo passare la mia giornata in montagna, in Ossola, prima che fosse troppo tardi.
La salita al Monte Teggiolo è una delle mie escursioni preferite e offre bellissimi panorami. Purtroppo questa volta la vetta era circondata da spesse nuvole e si vedeva a malapena a un metro dal naso. Peccato, perché era la mia prima volta lassù con la neve, che è comparsa subito dopo aver svalicato dalle Possette sul lato nord.
La fotocamera è rimasta nella sua borsa finché, scendendo, non sono arrivato di nuovo sotto il limite delle nuvole. Salendo non ho voluto raffreddarmi troppo fermandomi a scattare foto. Probabilmente avrei dovuto farlo perché le nuvole erano più alte, ma il cielo scuro mi suggeriva di essere più veloce che potevo, perché non volevo tornare a casa senza essere stato in cima, con la spada di Damocle di un altro lockdown sulla testa. Quella spada e il maltempo sempre piu' incazzato facevano davvero bruciare la candela da entrambi i lati.
Summer to fall, I didn’t call
Even now, I can’t think of the words, to say.
What would I tell you
That I had missed you
That id like to kiss you
When you haven’t even crossed my mind
I don’t wanna lie
I just nod and smile
Don’t wanna meet your eyes.
Say goodbye, We both know it’s time
Two different lives, On parallel lines
I’ll wrong no right, We’ve lost the fight
Let’s do what’s right, And break ties.
i was waiting to go to my mother's funeral -- and i found myself in front of my apartment building where gardeners were at work.
i was lost in my thoughts, but one group of cyclamens caught my eye, i suppose by the way the sun was backlighting it. suddenly i felt like the garden was grabbing me by the neck and saying look at me, damnit!... and there i was, rushing around, taking pictures of clovers and snails and flowers...
i felt so lucky to see such beauty, feel the warmth of the sun on my black sweater, smell the freshness of the cut grass and enjoy the smile from my caring neighbor.
the world is terrible and the world is wonderful.
both.
on the blog: toomanytribbles.blogspot.com/2009/10/both.html
Thanks to the guys at C.Vision Productions, I'm spending my Saturday morning remembering how cool the Marion Branch used to be... Sometimes. Many trips were made, many trips were spent shooting nothing but Dash 9s or GEVOs, if anything was even shot. This C40-8 leading 19K was a rare bird even then, long gone today. Even the two trailing units are technically "gone," though they're both AC44C6Ms now. The position lights are long gone, too.
It's been 10+ years now since my last visit to the Marion Branch. Feels weird to say that. We didn't know how good we had it.
Both of Southern roots, a pair of Reading and Northern's GP38-2s sport different cabs in their fresh paint. 2013, their most recent active addition, idles at Port Clinton while 2011 works the YJPN job.
We have both eastern and western meadowlarks where I live (far West Texas) and hearing their song distinguishes one from the other. This one just sang a beautiful Eastern Meadowlark song.
Both light and shadow are the beginning of all beginnings,
and their tendency to clash is natural.
No one has abolished their values.,
And yet the sun dominates the shadow.
This Higher Light holds the world in its palms,
descending from heaven, spreading across the seas and lands,
Hope, faith - as a guide.
Kindness inspires, heals the soul...