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The Bay of Fires is a bay on the northeastern coast of Tasmania in Australia, extending from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point.
The Bay of Fires (indigenous name: larapuna) is a bay on the north eastern coast of Tasmania, extending from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point. It is a 29 km long sweep of powder-white sand and crystal-clear seas, with a string of superb beaches, punctuated by lagoons and rocky headlands, backed by coastal heath and bush.
The bay was given its name in 1773 by Captain Tobias Furneaux in Adventure, who saw the fires of Aboriginal people on the beaches along the coast line. The Bay of Fires is characterized by white beaches, blue water and huge granite blocks that are coloured bright orange by lichens. Perhaps, Captain Tobias Furneaux named the bay after these fiery red rocks. The lichens responsible for the orange hue in the rocks of Bay of Fires belong to the family Hymeneliaceae.
The conservation area is divided into three sections, with Anson's Bay dividing the southern and northern ends. A scenic view of the bay can be glimpsed by driving along the coast to The Gardens.
This was taken at Cosy Corner, a small beach near Binalong Bay.
The Grand Canyon (Hopi: Ongtupqa; Yavapai: Wi:kaʼi:la, Navajo: Tsékooh Hatsoh, Spanish: Gran Cañón) is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, United States. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (6,093 feet or 1,857 meters). The canyon and adjacent rim are contained within Grand Canyon National Park, the Kaibab National Forest, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, the Hualapai Indian Reservation, the Havasupai Indian Reservation and the Navajo Nation. President Theodore Roosevelt was a major proponent of preservation of the Grand Canyon area, and visited it on numerous occasions to hunt and enjoy the scenery.
Nearly two billion years of Earth's geological history have been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layer after layer of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted. While some aspects about the history of incision of the canyon are debated by geologists, several recent studies support the hypothesis that the Colorado River established its course through the area about 5 to 6 million years ago. Since that time, the Colorado River has driven the down-cutting of the tributaries and retreat of the cliffs, simultaneously deepening and widening the canyon. (Wikipedia)
This was viewed from Desert View, South Rim. The steep cliffs "Palisades of the Desert" can be seen on the top left. Colorado River is running across.
This image is included in a gallery "Favourite Landscapes" curated by MK Hardy.
Obsidian Cliff, also known as 48YE433, was an important source of lithic materials for prehistoric peoples in Yellowstone National Park near Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, United States. The cliff was named by Philetus Norris, the second park superintendent in 1878. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1996.
The cliff was formed from thick rhyolite lava flow that occurred about 180,000 years ago. The vertical columns are cooling fractures that formed as the thick lava flow cooled and crystallized. The Cliffs stand at an elevation of nearly 7,400 feet (2,300 m) above sea level and go on for about half a mile. The cliffs also extend between 150 and 200 feet above Obsidian Creek. The flow consists of obsidian, a dark volcanic glass. The obsidian is most abundant at the base of the cliff and slowly tapers off to larger concentrations of pumice at the top. Obsidian from this site was first quarried here about 12,000 years ago. Early natives of North America placed a high value on the obsidian that came from this cliff as well as other similar obsidian deposits in the area because numerous tools could be fashioned from obsidian—most popularly, knives, spear/arrow tips, and other sharp-edged objects. In fact, obsidian from Obsidian Cliff was so sought after in early America (before the time of Columbus) that it was traded as far away as Ohio and Canada.
Many studies have been done on the composition of the obsidian from Obsidian Cliff and how the obsidian from Obsidian Cliff was distributed. This research has provided evidence of the direction and extent of prehistoric trade networks.
It is located about 13 miles (21 km) south of Mammoth Hot Springs, on the east side of the Mammoth-Norris section of the Grand Loop Road. The Obsidian Cliff Kiosk, just north, is also listed on the National Register. Obsidian Cliff is also located on the northern end of Beaver Lake in Yellowstone National Park. (Wikipedia)
This was taken while travelling on board a moving coach on the way to see the hot springs and geysers.
Captured this staid brown female Brewer's Blackbird in soft morning light just outside of Best Western Desert Inn, West Yellowstone, Montana, USA. In contrast, the plumage of the male Brewer’s Blackbird is a glossy, almost liquid combination of black, midnight blue, and metallic green.
Exmouth is a town on the tip of the North West Cape, Western Australia, and is 1,270 km north of Perth and 3,300 km south-west of Darwin.
The Labyrinth is a large art installation of stone walls and gravel paths by Andrew Rogers, completed in 2010 at McClelland Sculpture Park. The artwork is installed on a slope. Andrew Rogers is a contemporary sculptor born in Australia whose works may be found in many plazas and buildings around the world. He is a leading contemporary artist. Rogers is the creator of the world's largest contemporary land art undertaking. Titled "Rhythms of Life", the project commenced in 1998 and at present comprises 51 massive stone structures across 16 countries on seven continents and has involved over 7,500 people.
McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery is an Australian sculpture park and gallery located in Langwarrin in Melbourne, Victoria. It displays more than 100 large-scale works by prominent Australian sculptors in 16 hectares of bush and landscaped gardens.
This image is included in a gallery "Animaux sauvages...# 10" curated by Impatience_1 .
Captured this one on a sultry summer afternoon. This hippo had all the excuses to yawn in such weather.
Werribee Open Range Zoo is an African themed zoo in Werribee, about 32 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is part of the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board or 'Zoos Victoria' which also includes Melbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary. It is situated on approximately 225 hectares and is located on the Werribee River in Werribee Park, adjacent to the Werribee Mansion. It was originally agistment land to the Melbourne Zoo.(Wikipedia)
The delicate blossoms of Banksia Park’s cherry trees may be fleeting, but the history of this beautiful grove tells a story of resilience and lasting friendship.
In February 1980, the Japanese Government donated 100 flowering cherry trees to the people of Victoria to mark the visit of the Japanese Prime Minister Masayoshi Ohira (大平正芳). Having fought disease, drought and relocation in their 40-year life, the trees are now being maintained and cared for by a dedicated group of volunteers and Parks Victoria rangers.
They were originally planted at Jells Parks in Dandenong Valley Parklands but was relocated to Banksia park in 1988. In the month of October visitors flock to the park to participate in Hanami – a traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of Cherry Blossoms or Sakura.
The Cherry Friends started in 2015 when a group of Japanese-born residents began feeding and hand watering the trees, vastly improving the health of the grove.
Since 2018, the Cherry Friends has hosted a visiting arborist Mr Kazumi from Japan to conduct a pruning masterclass with Parks Victoria rangers and the volunteers. This labour of love is celebrated at an annual ‘Sakura’ (cherry blossom) Picnic Day. (Parks Victoria)
Shirofugen cherries are deciduous trees, growing to a height and spread of 15-20 ‘. The tree shape is considered spreading, and flat-topped. With time, older trees may grow branches that arch downward. The flowers are small (though they have as many as 20 - 36 petals), double, and are borne on long peduncle/pedicels in rather loose clusters. When the bloom first appears it is pink in the bud, but soon turns white as the petals open. At the end of the flowering period the petal color reverts to a pink-mauve with darker centers. Leaves are crimson-flushed bronze when young, but then turn green during the summer. Leaves are 4" long, lance-shaped and tapered. In the fall the leaves turn a bronze to red color for a short time before they are shed. The bark is typical of other flowering cherries with the prominent corky lenticels. (Abstract from Washington State University website)
This is one of the original trees relocated from Jells Park. The main trunk has broken off. Thanks to the great care of the volunteers and park rangers, new branches are sprouting against all odds. This vivacious structure shone like a beautiful bonsai to me under late evening light. The weather was rather unstable, this spotlight effects through shifting clouds lasted for just a few seconds.
This image is included in a gallery "Aves" curated by Proflázaro.
This is a female Eastern Bluebird captured near the Visitor Centre, South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA.
This image is included in 2 galleries 1) "Birds" curated by Rolf (rosch1949) and 2) "KINGFISHERS FROM OUR WORLD" by SØS'Nature.
The laughing kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) is a bird in the kingfisher subfamily Halcyoninae. It is a large robust kingfisher with a whitish head and a dark eye-stripe. The upperparts are mostly dark brown but there is a mottled light-blue patch on the wing coverts. The underparts are white and the tail is barred with rufous and black. The plumage of the male and female birds is similar. The territorial call is a distinctive laugh that is often delivered by several birds at the same time, and is widely used as a stock sound effect in situations that involve a jungle setting.
The laughing kookaburra is native to eastern mainland Australia, but has also been introduced to parts of New Zealand, Tasmania, and Western Australia. It occupies dry eucalypt forest, woodland, city parks and gardens. This species is sedentary and occupies the same territory throughout the year. It is monogamous, retaining the same partner for life. A breeding pair can be accompanied by up to five fully grown non-breeding offspring from previous years that help the parents defend their territory and raise their young. The laughing kookaburra generally breeds in unlined tree holes or in excavated holes in arboreal termite nests. The usual clutch is three white eggs. The parents and the helpers incubate the eggs and feed the chicks. The youngest of the three nestlings or chicks is often killed by the older siblings. When the chicks fledge they continue to be fed by the group for six to ten weeks until they are able to forage independently.
A predator of a wide variety of small animals, the laughing kookaburra typically waits perched on a branch until it sees an animal on the ground and then flies down and pounces on its prey. Its diet includes lizards, insects, worms, snakes and are known to take goldfish out of garden ponds. (Wikipedia)
This bird seems happy to visit my back yard from time to time. This image was taken on an overcast winter afternoon.
This image was taken at a fishing pier in Lakes Entrance. Lakes Entrance is a seaside resort and fishing port in eastern Victoria, Australia. It is situated approximately 320 kilometres east of Melbourne, near a managed, artificial channel connecting the Gippsland Lakes to the Bass Strait.
This image is included in 2 galleries :- 1) "Mountains" curated by Dmitrii Loktionov and 2) "God's Beautiful Earth 2" by Pat Goltz.
Part of the Organ is on the lower right, while the Great White Throne is to the right and out of this picture.
Zion National Park is an American national park located in Southwestern Utah near the city of Springdale. A prominent feature of the 229-square-mile park is Zion Canyon, which stretches 15 miles long and spans up to half a mile deep. It cuts through the reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone by the North Fork of the Virgin River. The lowest point in the park is 3,666 ft at Coalpits Wash and the highest peak is 8,726 ft at Horse Ranch Mountain. Located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert regions, the park has a unique geography and a variety of life zones that allow for unusual plant and animal diversity. Numerous plant species as well as 289 species of birds, 75 mammals, and 32 reptiles inhabit the park's four life zones: desert, riparian, woodland, and coniferous forest. Zion National Park includes mountains, canyons, buttes, mesas, monoliths, rivers, slot canyons, and natural arches. (Wikipedia)
This image is included in 3 galleries 1) "11. The beauty through the photographer's eyes XI" curated by Susie Sun, 2) "#1" by Thomas Erdmann and 3) "Mother natures capture..." by jim mcmellen.
Listed as UNESCO in 2010, the Zhangye Danxia Landform area is known as “the eye candy of Zhangye”. Many artists admire this masterpiece as it is unbelievably colorful, like a n imaginative oil painting . Zhangye's Danxia landscape has lots of precipitous red cliffs, most of which are several hundred meters high, and multicolored ridges of weathered strata, sometimes stretching to the horizon. These formations, sometimes smooth sometimes sharp, stand out against the greens or grays of the plains , looking grand and magnificent, vigorous and virile.
Across the Danxia landscape zone, a kaleidoscope of numerous red rocky outcrops resemble weird and wonderful shapes like castles, cones, towers ; as well as humans, creatures, birds and beasts. Their peaks peeping through the mist and clouds, produce mirage-like scenery of fantastic mountains and pavilions.
Zhangye 's Danxia was formed by the erosion of red sandstone, forming isolated peaks and steep stratified outcrops. Its special geological structure, combined with long-term desert conditions , freeze-thaw peeling, and wind and water erosion gave rise to its present appearance.
Geologists believe that Danxia topography is formed by folding of layered oceanic crust. Exposed slanting rock layers have different colors, textures, shapes, sizes, and patterns. The combination of differences in density and erosion create towering peaks, cave holes, and stone halls. (Sourced from Internet)
甘肅張掖國家地質公園
位於中國甘肅省張掖市, 規劃面積322平方公里。 2012年4月, “甘肅張掖丹霞地質公園” 國家地質公園（建設）資格被國土資源部批准。 2016年6月, 經實地驗收, 國土資源部同意命名該處為 “甘肅張掖國家地質公園”。這裡曾因其色彩斑斕的岩石地貌而被中國多家媒體選為中國最美地貌之一, 於2008年1月被甘肅省人民政府批准為省級“肅南－臨澤丹霞地貌風景名勝區”。
該公園位於祁連山北麓, 臨澤縣和肅南縣境內。兩縣均在甘肅省地級市張掖統轄範圍內。丹霞地貌主要分佈在康樂鄉和白銀鄉地段。臨澤丹霞景區是公園的核心區域, 距張掖市區以西30公里, 臨澤縣城以南20公里。這是整個公園發展最為完善, 遊客人數最多的一個景區。 第二大景區冰溝位於梨園河北岸, 於2014年8月3日正式揭牌。 冰溝佔地總面積為300平方公里, 海拔1500-2500米。 第三大景區肅南丹霞景區位於甘肅省臨澤縣。
張掖丹霞因其與眾不同的岩石色彩而舉世聞名。這些岩石光滑而險峻, 高數百米, 是紅礫石, 砂岩和其他礦物經過2400萬年的沉澱堆積而成。這種夾層蛋糕 般的效果與構成喜馬拉雅山脈的地殼板塊運動有關。經年累月的風吹雨淋，最終被雕琢成了如今這番奇特景象, 或形似塔, 或貌似柱, 或溝壑縱橫, 色彩斑斕, 形態各異。
Captured this one after visiting Lake Powell, while travelling at 100km per hour on a coach, on our way to visit Zion National Park. This colourful sandstone hill was beautifully highlighted with sun light filtering through patchy clouds.
The Katoomba Falls is a segmented waterfall that is located close to Echo Point near Katoomba on the Kedumba River descending into the Jamison Valley located within the Blue Mountains National Park in the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales, Australia. Katoomba is situated on the Great Western Highway 110 km (68 mi) west of Sydney and 39 km (24 mi) south-east of Lithgow.
This was taken from Sublime Point Lookout. The 3 Sisters are seen on the top right hand corner.
This image is included in 4 galleries :_ 1) "Pillars of Earth" curated by subarcticmike, 2) "Rocks Rock formations in the Landscape" by bernadette230, 3) "Felssäulen, II." by Götz Wiedenroth and 4) "Book of geology" by Radoslav Besenyi.
This was my second visit to the park. This is a closer look of the "pipes" than my previous posting. The sidelit basalt columns look wonderful with the wispy clouds above and the reflections on Jacksons Creek.
The hexagonal basalt columns known as the "Organ Pipes" which sit in the bed of the creek is of the order of 70 metres (230 ft) high.
The Organ Pipes National Park, abbreviated as OPNP, is a national park located in the Central region of Victoria, Australia. The 121-hectare (300-acre) protected area was established with the focus on conservation of the native flora and fauna, and preservation of the geological features in the Jacksons Creek, a part of the Maribyrnong valley, north-west of Melbourne. It is situated in a deep gorge in the grassy, basalt Keilor plains.
Within Organ Pipes National Park, the valley walls of Jacksons Creek expose Pleistocene volcanic rocks of the New Volcanic Group. These 2.5 to 2.8 million year-old basalt lavas, commonly known as "trap rock," fractured during cooling into vertically standing, hexagonal basalt columns. These columns are locally known as the "organ pipes" for which this park is named. Over the last one to two million years, the slow cutting by Jackson Creek of its valley down into the basaltic plains and through the underlying trap rock exposed these geological structures. The bottom of the valley of Jackson Creek also exposes a prehistoric buried creek valley, which is cut into 400 million year-old (Silurian) mudstones and sandstones. The bottom of this buried valley contains ancient creek gravel. Both the ancient river valley and the Silurian sedimentary rock lies buried beneath the basaltic volcanic rocks of the New Volcanic Group. Marine fossils that are found in the Silurian sedimentary rocks demonstrate that they accumulated beneath a prehistoric ocean.
A Friends’ group, (the first in Australia) the "Friends of Organ Pipes" (FOOPS), comprising conservation activists to support the efforts of rehabilitation of the OPNP’s indigenous flora and fauna, supplemented the work of the Victoria Park system under which the OPNP was declared a National Park. The park's importance to the whole region as a "center for education about the geology, flora and fauna of the Keilor Plains, and the restoration of degraded land" is important. With its inclusion in the IUCN Category III (Natural Monuments) of the United Nations’ list of National Parks and Protected Areas, there is a greater recognition of the need to protect or preserve outstanding natural features. (Sourced from Internet)
These little birds are hard to catch them in flight - one moment they are in good light the next they are in the shade .... This female bird was taken in good light, at the base of Hanging Rock.
This image is included in a gallery "Photo Gallery" curated by Ryan Walker.
Huangshan 黄山 (Yellow Mountain) is a jagged range of more than 70 knifelike peaks in eastern China’s Anhui Province. The region's low-hanging clouds, distinctively shaped granite rocks and twisted pine trees have been subjects of numerous classical paintings and poems. Cable cars provide access to several peaks, and steep paved trails with thousands of stone steps snake past many of the range's famous viewpoints. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of China's major tourist destinations.
Bright Top is one of the good places for viewing sunrises and sunsets. In the middle is Tiandu Peak (天都峰) whereas Lotus Peak (蓮花峰) is near the right. This was taken a few minutes before sunset.
黃山位於中國安徽省南部黃山市境內。黃山古稱黟山，南北長約40千米，東西寬約30千米。黃山素以「奇松、怪石、雲海、溫泉」四絕聞名天下。那72峰、24溪、2湖、3瀑，峰峰奇特，溪溪曲折、極盡天下山水之美，更聚名山大川之勝。黃山最高峰是蓮花峰，海拔1860米 ，位 於黃山中部、站在玉屏樓向前望去, 猶如一朵含苞初放的蓮花, 峻峭高聳, 仰天怒放。晴天從蓮花峰頂可遙見江西的廬山和似帶的長江。黃山三大主峰之一的天都峰，與蓮花峰爭雄對峙。它位於黃山東南部，人稱無上之「都會, 海拔1829米、從玉屏樓至天都峰約15千米，其間有黃山最險峻的峰嶺，峰上的石樓，坡度都在70度以上；尤以中途的鯽魚背最險。黃山上觀日出的地點很多, 以光明頂最負盛名。
This image is included in 2 galleries 1) "I love lighthouse! Here are some of my favorites...in and outside of Second Life!" curated by Lanay Resident and 2 "Light my way..." by Maria C Abel.
The Vlamingh Head lighthouse was completed in 1912 following the wreck of the SS Mildura in 1907. The lighthouse was powered with an illuminant 85mm vapourised kerosene, dioptric light (63,000 to 200,000 CP). The light flashed in a group of two at 3/10ths of a second every 7.5 seconds. The lighthouse overlooks Lighthouse Bay and stands on the northernmost tip of the Cape Range. Below and beyond is Indian Ocean. This lighthouse is no longer in operation.
This image is included in a gallery "Oiseaux en vol...#10" curated by Impatience_1.
Captured this one while this red-eyed bird was hopping and taking short flights amongst fallen gum trees.
Zion National Park is an American national park located in southwestern Utah near the town of Springdale. A prominent feature of the 229-square-mile park is Zion Canyon, which is 15 miles long and up to 2,640 ft deep. The canyon walls are reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone eroded by the North Fork of the Virgin River. The lowest point in the park is 3,666 ft at Coalpits Wash and the highest peak is 8,726 ft at Horse Ranch Mountain. Located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert regions, the park has a unique geography and a variety of life zones that allow for unusual plant and animal diversity. Numerous plant species as well as 289 species of birds, 75 mammals, and 32 reptiles inhabit the park's four life zones: desert, riparian, woodland, and coniferous forest. Zion National Park includes mountains, canyons, buttes, mesas, monoliths, rivers, slot canyons, and natural arches. (Wikipedia)
This mesa-like peak is on the other side of the Zion Mount Carmel Highway, opposite the Checkerboard Mesa, next to Pine Creek and near the Eastern Entrance.
** awaiting name of peak identification **
The colourful phenomenon was created by early gold-mining activities: sluicing work in the 1880s revealed the 'pink' hills near the historic town of Heathcote.
The Pink Cliffs Reserve is about 140km from Melbourne CBD. It was originally man made but is now considered one of Victoria's natural wonders. The multi-coloured soft granite exposed as a moonscape surface in the central portion of the reserve is the best known feature hence its name, Pink Cliffs.
This geological reserve offers hills of fine clay with an almost talcum-powder texture. The pinkness is more intense when the area is moist, i.e, shortly after a rain or shower.
This panoramic view was taken from the upper viewing platform.
Listed as UNESCO in 2010, the Zhangye Danxia Landform area is known as “the eye candy of Zhangye”. Many artists admire this masterpiece as it is unbelievably colorful, like a n imaginative oil painting . Zhangye's Danxia landscape has lots of precipitous red cliffs, most of which are several hundred meters high, and multicolored ridges of weathered strata, sometimes stretching to the horizon. These formations, sometimes smooth sometimes sharp, stand out against the greens or grays of the plains , looking grand and magnificent, vigorous and virile.
Across the Danxia landscape zone, a kaleidoscope of numerous red rocky outcrops resemble weird and wonderful shapes like castles, cones, towers ; as well as humans, creatures, birds and beasts. Their peaks peeping through the mist and clouds, produce mirage-like scenery of fantastic mountains and pavilions.
Zhangye 's Danxia was formed by the erosion of red sandstone, forming isolated peaks and steep stratified outcrops. Its special geological structure, combined with long-term desert conditions , freeze-thaw peeling, and wind and water erosion gave rise to its present appearance.
Geologists believe that Danxia topography is formed by folding of layered oceanic crust. Exposed slanting rock layers have different colors, textures, shapes, sizes, and patterns. The combination of differences in density and erosion create towering peaks, cave holes, and stone halls. (Sourced from Internet)
甘肅張掖國家地質公園位於中國甘肅省張掖市, 規劃面積322平方公里。 2012年4月, “甘肅張掖丹霞地質公園” 國家地質公園（建設）資格被國土資源部批准。 2016年6月, 經實地驗收, 國土資源部同意命名該處為 “甘肅張掖國家地質公園”。這裡曾因其色彩斑斕的岩石地貌而被中國多家媒體選為中國最美地貌之一, 於2008年1月被甘肅省人民政府批准為省級“肅南－臨澤丹霞地貌風景名勝區”。
該公園位於祁連山北麓, 臨澤縣和肅南縣境內。兩縣均在甘肅省地級市張掖統轄範圍內。丹霞地貌主要分佈在康樂鄉和白銀鄉地段。臨澤丹霞景區是公園的核心區域, 距張掖市區以西30公里, 臨澤縣城以南20公里。這是整個公園發展最為完善, 遊客人數最多的一個景區。 第二大景區冰溝位於梨園河北岸, 於2014年8月3日正式揭牌。 冰溝佔地總面積為300平方公里, 海拔1500-2500米。 第三大景區肅南丹霞景區位於甘肅省臨澤縣。
張掖丹霞因其與眾不同的岩石色彩而舉世聞名。這些岩石光滑而險峻, 高數百米, 是紅礫石, 砂岩和其他礦物經過2400萬年的沉澱堆積而成。這種夾層蛋糕 般的效果與構成喜馬拉雅山脈的地殼板塊運動有關。經年累月的風吹雨淋，最終被雕琢成了如今這番奇特景象, 或形似塔, 或貌似柱, 或溝壑縱橫, 色彩斑斕, 形態各異。
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a jagged range of more than 70 knifelike peaks in eastern China’s Anhui province. The region's low-hanging clouds, distinctively shaped granite rocks and twisted pine trees have been subjects of numerous classical paintings and poems. Cable cars provide access to several peaks, and steep paved trails with thousands of stone steps snake past many of the range's famous viewpoints. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of China's major tourist destinations.
This Mt Clasping-hands near the centre right here is 1455 metres high. With some imagination it resembles the clasped hands of a buddhist monk geeting people or praying, hence the namesake.
黃山位於中國安徽省南部黃山市境內。黃山古稱黟山，南北長約40千米，東西寬約30千米。黃山素以「奇松、怪石、雲海、溫泉」四絕聞名天下。那72峰、24溪、2湖、3瀑，峰峰奇特，溪溪曲折、極盡天下山水之美，更聚名山大川之勝。黃山最高峰是蓮花峰，海拔1860米 ，位 於黃山中部、站在玉屏樓向前望去, 猶如一朵含苞初放的蓮花, 峻峭高聳, 仰天怒放。晴天從蓮花峰頂可遙見江西的廬山和似帶的長江。黃山三大主峰之一的天都峰，與蓮花峰爭雄對峙。它位於黃山東南部，人稱無上之「都會, 海拔1829米、從玉屏樓至天都峰約15千米，其間有黃山最險峻的峰嶺，峰上的石樓，坡度都在70度以上；尤以中途的鯽魚背最險。
合掌峰位於黃山中部石門源，靠近青蛙峰，為36小峰之一，海拔1455米。峰狀如僧人合掌膜拜，故名。
This is probably a pair of lesser flamingos. The little gray one on the left is still in young (immature) plumage. It has just emerged from under the water. They are introduced species in Hong Kong.
Located in the Tsim Sha Tsui area of Hong Kong, Kowloon Park is a peaceful, green oasis right in the heart of this incredibly busy part of the city. It covers an area of just under 33 acres, with a varied landscape connected by pathways snaking through preened shrubs and ancient banyan trees. A flock of about 40 to 50 flamingos (greater and lesser admixed) like to gather at the shallow of the Bird Lake.
Flamingo diet largely consists of crustaceans and algae, which are rich in carotenoids. This pigment gives flamingos the hot pink or reddish coloration they are known for.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a jagged range of more than 70 knifelike peaks in eastern China’s Anhui province. The region's low-hanging clouds, distinctively shaped granite rocks and twisted pine trees have been subjects of numerous classical paintings and poems. Cable cars provide access to several peaks, and steep paved trails with thousands of stone steps snake past many of the range's famous viewpoints. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of China's major tourist destinations.
This was taken near the Elephant Rock.
攝於玉屏樓附近。
黃山位於中國安徽省南部黃山市境內。黃山古稱黟山，南北長約40千米，東西寬約30千米。黃山素以「奇松、怪石、雲海、溫泉」四絕聞名天下。那72峰、24溪、2湖、3瀑，峰峰奇特，溪溪曲折、極盡天下山水之美，更聚名山大川之勝。黃山最高峰是蓮花峰，海拔1860米 ，位 於黃山中部、站在玉屏樓向前望去, 猶如一朵含苞初放的蓮花, 峻峭高聳, 仰天怒放。晴天從蓮花峰頂可遙見江西的廬山和似帶的長江。黃山三大主峰之一的天都峰，與蓮花峰爭雄對峙。它位於黃山東南部，人稱無上之「都會, 海拔1829米、從玉屏樓至天都峰約15千米，其間有黃山最險峻的峰嶺，峰上的石樓，坡度都在70度以上；尤以中途的鯽魚背最險。
This image is included in 2 galleries :- 1) "Seascapes" curated by Linnea Sw and 2) "LANDSCAPE VOL 18" by Jean-paul Vancoppenolle.
The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage listed 243 kilometres stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford. The Arch is 6 km west of Port Campbell, Victoria.
This is a hand-held HDR.
This image is included in a gallery "magical landscapes" curated by Sylvia Okkerse.
The pockmarked face of Uluru is Australia’s best-known natural landmark. This close-up shot was taken on my way to see rock arts and the Mutitjulu Waterhole, near the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock and officially gazetted as Uluru / Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation. Uluru is just the expsed tip of a huge vertical body of rock. This rock probably extends far below the surrounding plain, probably for several kilometres. It lies 335 km (208 mi) south west of the nearest large town, Alice Springs. It has been listed as Dual UNESCO heritage site.
Uluru is an inselberg, meaning "island mountain". An inselberg is a prominent isolated residual knob or hill that rises abruptly from and is surrounded by extensive and relatively flat erosion lowlands in a hot, dry region.
Uluru means Meeting Place. It is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara Anangu, the Aboriginal people of the area. The area around the formation is home to an abundance of springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings. Uluru and Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, are the two major features of the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Uluru, the world's most famous monolith, is an evocative and powerful icon of the Australian landscape. Uluru appears in many guises and poses a unique photographic challenge.
(Sourced from internet)
Upper Antelope Canyon, about 200m in length, is a slot canyon in the American Southwest. It is on Navajo land east of Page, Arizona. Antelope Canyon includes two separate, scenic slot canyon sections, referred to individually as "Upper Antelope Canyon" or "The Crack" Antelope Canyon "or" The Corkscrew ". The Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is Tsé bighánílíní, which means 'the place where water runs through rocks'. Lower Antelope Canyon is Hazdistazí (called "Hasdestwazi" by the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department), or 'spiral rock arches'. Both are in the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation.
Antelope Canyon's winding walls were carved by fast flowing flash flood waters. The floods carried abrasive sand, rocks logs and other debris picked up by the sudden torrents. Over millenia, these floods sculpted natural corridors through the soft sandstone. (sourced from internet)
This is a hand-held HDR.
This image is included in a gallery "La Planète des oiseaux (230)" curated by Laval Roy.
Pink Lake is a small, salty Lake west of Melbourne CBD, in Fisherman's Bend, near Westgate Bridge. Every year between summer and autumn, the salinity and warm weather encourage the proliferation of a pink algae.
This image is included in a gallery "MIX_08" curated by Willie Sturges.
Wa-io-tapu is an active geothermal area at the southern end of the Okataina Volcanic Centre, just north of the Reporoa caldera, in New Zealand's Taupo Volcanic Zone. It is 27 kilometres south of Rotorua. Due to dramatic geothermal conditions beneath the earth, the area has many hot springs noted for their colourful appearance, in addition to the Lady Knox Geyser, Champagne Pool, Artist's Palette, Primrose Terrace and boiling mud pools. These can mostly be viewed through access by foot, and in addition to a paid and curated experience, naturally forming hot springs appear around the area. The geothermal area covers 18 square kilometres. Prior to European occupation the area was the homeland of the Ngati Whaoa tribe who descended from those on the Arawa waka.
Covering some 18 sq.km, with the volcanic dome of Mungakakaramea (Rainbow Mountain) at its northern boundary, the area is literally covered with collapsed craters, cold and boiling pools of mud, water and streaming fumaroles. The general public sees only a very small portion. The area is associated with volcanic activity dating back about 160,000 years and is located right on the edge of the largest volcanic caldera (depression) within the active Taupo Volcanic Zone.
The wide range of colours in the area are all natural and are due to different mineral elements, the predominant colours being :- Green (colloidal sulphur / ferrous salts), Orange (Antimony), Purple (Manganese oxide), White (Silica), Yellow-primrose (Sulphur), Red-brown (Iron oxide) and Black (Sulphur and carbon). (Sourced from offical wedsite)
This bridge with roof was built to appreciate eclectic fishes in the pond.
Bao’s Family Garden is in Shexian, Huangshan, Anhui Province, built in the Qing Dynasty (1644~1911). It was one of the three most famous private gardens in southern China in the Qianlong Period (1735~1796) and Jiaqing Period (1796~1820). It includes 500 yards (460 meters) away from Tangyue Memorial Archway. At present, its potted landscapes of different sizes and shapes are very famous and splendid.
鮑家花園，原為清乾隆、嘉慶年間著名徽商、鹽法道員鮑啟運的私家花園。她是典型的古徽派園林與徽派盆景相結合的中國私家園林精品，與蘇州拙政園、留園、獅子林和無錫蠡園、梅園齊名，毀於清末太平天國戰爭。現經修復重建，成為中國最大的私家園林和盆景觀賞地。現已正式申報非物質世界文化遺產及世界吉尼斯紀錄。花園佔地近350畝，收藏盆景作品近萬盆。薈萃海內外盆景流派精華，廣納各方花草滕樹之名貴，融亭台樓閣小橋流水為一體，是景區內最具徽文化魅力景點。鮑家花園佔地360餘畝，收藏盆景作品近萬盆。薈萃海內外盆景流派之精華，廣納各方花草藤木之名貴，融亭台樓閣、小橋流水於一體。為當今中國最大、最美、最具特色徽商貴族莊園。現已正式申報非物質世界遺產及世界"吉尼斯"記錄，被譽為“東方園林之母”，盆景愛好者之“麥加”。
This image is included in 2 galleries:- 1) "Sleek and Beautiful" curated by V. Vasant Kumar and 2) "Macros 95(1994)" by DAN VARTANIAN.
This image is included in a gallery "Top Color's" curated by Django_Walter Reinhardt.
Last night, a blue moon (a second full moon in a calendar month), a super moon (when the moon is unusually close to Earth (360,198 Km this time), making it bigger and brighter) and a blood moon (a moment during an eclipse when the moon appears red) all coincided for the first time since 1866 (152 years) - a rare trifecta.
Several minutes before (and after) totality, the contrast between the remaining pale-yellow sliver of the moon's surface and the ruddy-brown coloration spread over the rest of the disk may produce a beautiful phenomenon known to some as the "Japanese Lantern Effect."
This was the first total lunar eclipse since 2015 and the first Blue Moon lunar eclipse since 1982. A Blue Moon combined with a Supermoon (when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth and appears to be 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than normal) the rare phenomena is called a Super Blue Blood Moon happens. Supermoons generally only occur once every 14 months and will not happen again until January 2019.
I did not have high hopes earlier in the evening. However, the clouds cleared and viewing was good. I even saw a shooting star glancing across the Orion Constellation. I captured this image at my front yard. The moon looks "inverted" when viewed in Down Under. Apart from noise reduction, curves and sharpening, the colours have not been tweaked.
This landscape belongs to the sandstone peak forest landform in Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China. Crustal uplift changed the sedimentary rock stratum into a hilly and mountainous area, then the sandstone was carved by exogenic processes like weathering and erosion into rugged rock pillars.
This was taken on board a cable gondola on the way up. It was misty and not much sun light. The uniqueness of Avatar landscape just grabs you by the throat.
This image is included in a gallery "Mountains" curated by cristian salvadori.
The colourful phenomenon was created by early gold-mining activities: sluicing work in the 1880s revealed the 'pink' hills near the historic town of Heathcote.
The Pink Cliffs Reserve is about 140km from Melbourne CBD. It was originally man made but is now considered one of Victoria's natural wonders. The multi-coloured soft granite exposed as a moonscape surface in the central portion of the reserve is the best known feature hence its name, Pink Cliffs.
This geological reserve offers hills of fine clay with an almost talcum-powder texture. The pinkness is more intense when the area is moist, i.e, shortly after a rain or shower.
This was taken from the upper viewing platform.
This image in included in a gallery "Colors" curated by by cristian salvadori.
This was taken at the Grand Aquarium, Ocean Park Hong Kong. Ocean Park Hong Kong, commonly known as Ocean Park, is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. It is the second largest theme park in Hong Kong, following Hong Kong Disneyland.
There were a few cylindrical tanks exhibiting these lovely creatures. I also saw a few with 5 or 6 gonads. They glowed in suitable lighting and dark background.
Aurelia aurita (also called the common jellyfish, moon jellyfish, moon jelly or saucer jelly) is a widely studied species of the genus Aurelia. There are usually four horseshoe shaped gonads that are found at the top of the bell for the Moon Jellyfish. Their body is white in color and round which gives it the moon shape. That is where their name derives from. They are very transparent too so when the sun or the moon is shining on them they look just like the moon does all lit up. They have very short tentacles in terms of what other species of Jellyfish offer. When fully grown a Moon Jellyfish is typically from 25 to 40 cm wide. Due to the round look of them they are often referred to as the Saucer Jelly. They may have stripes or spots when they are younger around the middle of the bell area. Aurelia aurita and other Aurelia species feed on plankton that includes organisms such as mollusks, crustaceans, tunicate larvae, rotifers, young polychaetes, protozoans, diatoms, eggs, fish eggs, and other small organisms. Occasionally, they are also seen feeding on gelatinous zooplankton such as hydromedusae and ctenophores. (Sourced from internet)
This image is included in a gallery "N. 1 - E' davvero arte ??????? O è incompresa ???????" curated by Nico Cola.
This was taken opposite the entrance to the Cradle Mountain Hotel, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania. This mural is part of the external wall of the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery. It is painted by Sobrane, an artist based in Broome, WA, Australia. It was a snowy morning and visibility was low, despite it was almost summer.
Sobrane is an internationally recognised Australian artist with exhibitions held in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Italy, Broome and Tasmania. Sobrane completed her second exhibition in Hong Kong with Asia Contemporary Art Show as part of Hong Kong’s Art Month and held her first solo exhibition in Rome at the MatER Gallery which saw her gain press coverage as far reaching as the Iraq News. In December 2018 to February 2019 Sobrane held a 3-month exhibition in Sydney with studio overlooking Whalebeach.
Apart from works on canvas, Sobrane also specialises in painting large-scale murals, having completed a Silo in Tungamah Victoria and a 24-metre wall at the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery in Tasmania.
This image is included in a gallery "INSECTOS" curated by Juan Antonio.
These guys are small: 12mm for black vine weevil and 6mm for garden weevil. These are probably clay coloured or elephant weevils.
A weevil can be characterized as a beetle with a long 'nose', and a pair of elbowed antennae placed on it. Weevils are among the toughest of beetles, many having incredibly hard, spiky bodies. (Backyard Insects Paul Horne & Denis Crawford)
Captured this image near the Napier Garden Motel, Napier, North Island, New Zealand. Blackbird are of the thrush family and share the same scientific name of 'turdus'.
This image is included in a gallery "Nature" curated by Demeter Orsolya.
Mt Whistler in Vancouver is a famous ski resort. It hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. This crow here just takes off from a tree to find food, braving a drizzle and gentle snow. It is difficult to get colour out of these very dull conditions.
This image is included in 11 galleries:- 1) "Birds (air159)" curated by Ahmad Ragab, 2) "8th 500 photos from WAIA(2) bu Piet Grobler, 3) "Terre Sauvage" by Excalibur67, 4) "Beauty From Beneath" by LA Lassie, 5) ""birds 2" by Diana Tonner, 6) "Fabulous Birds 1" by jdcw2010, 7) "Feathered Fantasy" by vickilw, 8) "In Motion" by trek22, 9) "Birds and the Bees" by Magpie's Snaps, 10) "In Australia" by Ron Brindley and 11) "Oiseaux en vol. Birds in flight" by Claudie MENOUD..
Selected as "Admin Choice of Photo of the Week!
Week 21 16/08/2019" in Nature's Golden Carousel.
I have consented to Amanda Jo, a jewellery designer, to use this image for the making of a silver pendant. The link to that is :-
amandajocharms.com.au/sales/Meniscus_Collection/Animals_B...
The fork-tailed sunbird (Aethopyga christinae) is a bird in the family Nectariniidae. The species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1869. It is found in China, Hong Kong, Laos, and Vietnam.
Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. These small birds, with decurved bill, call a soft and frequent "zwink-zwink" and a metallic trill. The bird appears in the most commonly used postal stamp of Hong Kong. (Wikipedia)
Upper Antelope Canyon, about 200m long, is a slot canyon in the American Southwest. It is on Navajo land east of Page, Arizona. Antelope Canyon includes two separate, scenic slot canyon sections, referred to individually as "Upper Antelope Canyon" or "The Crack" Antelope Canyon "or" The Corkscrew ". The Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is Tsé bighánílíní, which means 'the place where water runs through rocks'. Lower Antelope Canyon is Hazdistazí (called "Hasdestwazi" by the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department), or 'spiral rock arches'. Both are in the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation.
Antelope Canyon's winding walls were carved by fast flowing flash flood waters. The floods carried abrasive sand, rocks logs and other debris picked up by the sudden torrents. Over millenia, these floods sculpted natural corridors through the soft sandstone. (sourced from internet)
This is a hand-held HDR.
This image is included in a gallery:- 1) "earth from the top" curated by Yousaf Ejaz and 2) "natural rock formations" by Yousaf Ejaz.
Mammoth Hot Springs is a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine adjacent to Fort Yellowstone and the Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District. It was created over thousands of years as hot water from the spring cooled and deposited calcium carbonate (over two tons flow into Mammoth each day in a solution). Because of the huge amount of geothermal vents, travertine flourishes. Although these springs lie outside the caldera boundary, their energy has been attributed to the same magmatic system that fuels other Yellowstone geothermal areas.
The hot water that feeds Mammoth comes from Norris Geyser Basin after traveling underground via a fault line that runs through limestone and roughly parallel to the Norris-to-Mammoth road. The limestone from rock formations along the fault is the source of the calcium carbonate. Shallow circulation along this corridor allows Norris' superheated water to slightly cool before surfacing at Mammoth, generally at about 170 °F (80 °C). Algae living in the warm pools have tinted the travertine shades of brown, orange, red, and green.
Thermal activity here is extensive both over time and distance. The thermal flows show much variability with some variations taking place over periods ranging from decades to days. Terrace Mountain at Mammoth Hot Springs is the largest known carbonate-depositing spring in the world. The most famous feature at the springs is the Minerva Terrace, a series of travertine terraces. The terraces have been deposited by the spring over many years but, due to recent minor earthquake activity, the spring vent has shifted, rendering the terraces dry.