Common Buckeye butterfly goes for a deep sip of nectar as it pokes down into a Lantana flowerhead.

Considered an uncommon migrant into the area from the south. Abundance varies from year to year.

The diamond of Serifos is its capital, Chora, which is considered to be a model of a medieval castled settlement, built amphitheatrically on the rocky height of the bay of Livadi , in order to protect it from the pirate invasions.

Male Hackberry Emperor butterfly guarding the trail.

Considered uncommon. Frequently found in close proximity to Hackberry trees.

-----------------

"Rarely visits flowers, but feeds on rotting fruit, dung, and tree sap. Males are strongly attracted to human perspiration and will hitch a ride for a long distance while its food source walks down the trail. Females are less often seen..."

Belth, JE. Butterflies of Indiana (2013), pp 70-71.

Considered to be the creme de la creme, from the Alan Titchmarsh Collection, the award winner Gerbera Garvinea 'Sweet Memories'.

The low in the sky huge puffy cotton candy like cumulus clouds are apparently considered to be the most beautiful of fall clouds.

Grey squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis, are a type of rodent who mostly live on trees. Grey squirrels are native to North America but are found in Europe and Africa too. They are an important species as natural forest regenerators.

Grey squirrels belong to the class of mammals, as they give birth to offspring like other mammals.

The exact number of grey squirrels in the world is difficult to find as they are found in varied regions. The eastern grey squirrels have adapted well to urban regions too. In certain regions in Europe, eastern grey squirrels are considered an invasive species.

The grey squirrel or eastern grey squirrel is found in the eastern region of the United States from west of the Mississippi River in the south to Canada in the north. The eastern grey squirrel has been introduced to many western states, England, Scotland, and Ireland. Female eastern red squirrels are also introduced in western Canada, southwest British Columbia. In the United States, they are introduced in Oregon, Washington, and California. Later they were introduced in South Africa, Hawaii, Bermuda, Madeira island, the Canary Islands, the Azores, Italy, and Cape Verde.

MYANMAR, Burma - Mandalay-Amarapura auf, unter und neben der U-Bein-Brücke.

Die U-Bein-Brücke ist ein Fußgängerübergang, der den Taungthaman-See in der Nähe von Amarapura in Myanmar quert. Die 1,2 Kilometer lange Brücke wurde um 1850 erbaut und gilt als älteste und längste Teakholz-Brücke der Welt. Der Beginn des Baus fällt in die Zeit, als die Hauptstadt des Königreichs Ava nach Amarapura verlegt wurde.

Den Namen hat die Brücke von Bürgermeister U Bein, der ihren Bau in Auftrag gab.[ Die Brücke ist auch in der heutigen Zeit eine wichtige Verbindung für die lokale Bevölkerung. Da sie von vielen Touristen besucht wird, versuchen Souvenir-Verkäufer gerne auf und an der Brücke Geschäfte zu machen. Viel Andrang herrscht im Juli und August; dann steht der Seespiegel am höchsten.

Zum Bau der Brücke wurde Holz aus dem ehemaligen Königspalast in Inwa verwendet. Über 1.086 Pfähle wurden in den Seegrund gerammt; einige wurden inzwischen durch Betonpfeiler ersetzt.

The U Bein Bridge is a pedestrian crossing that crosses Taungthaman Lake near Amarapura in Myanmar. The 1.2 km long bridge was built around 1850 and is considered the oldest and longest teak bridge in the world. The beginning of the construction coincides with the transfer of the capital of the Kingdom of Ava to Amarapura.

The bridge was named after Mayor U Bein, who commissioned its construction. [ The bridge is still an important connection for the local population today. Since it is visited by many tourists, souvenir sellers like to try to do business on and around the bridge. There is a lot of rush in July and August; then the lake level is at its highest.

Wood from the former royal palace in Inwa was used to build the bridge. Over 1,086 piles were driven into the lake bed; some have since been replaced by concrete piers.

Considered the "Portuguese Venice", the maritime city of Aveiro (Portugal) is located on the edge of a coastal lagoon. "Moliceiros" (traditional boats) in bright colors navigate Aveiro's canal network.

(trip to Portugal - december 2019)

* I'm grateful for visit, favs and comments of my photo.

Considered to be the creme de la creme, from the Alan Titchmarsh Collection, the award winner Gerbera Garvinea 'Sweet Memories'.

texture by and courtesy of www.sarahgardnerphotography.com/digitaltextures (wax fusion)

Seven-spotted ladybug (also called ladybird)

"The ladybug is considered the messenger of heaven from the mother of god. He should protect the children and heal the sick when he comes to them. However, you must never shake it off or even kill it, otherwise you will attract misfortune.

The name Ladybird also points to this: Because of their usefulness for agriculture, the farmers believed that the beetles were a gift from Mary (mother of Jesus) and named them after her. The seven-spotted ladybird is called "Maria's key maid" in Sweden. The seven points are said to refer to the seven virtues of Saint Mary."

*excerpt from Wikipedia

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Copyright © 2020 by Scimo

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"Considered more of a foraging specialist than most other neotropical flycatchers, Tropical Kingbird forages almost exclusively by hawking insects from a perch." Neotropical Birds, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Photographed in the wild, Nayarit, Mexico

The Nepalese Peace Pagoda in the foreground with The Wheel of Brisbane.

A number of challenges with this shot including wind, people and the moving wheel. I considered capturing the Wheel with light streaks, but I preferred the stationary look here.

Cháteau Peyrepertuse

El castillo de Peyrepertuse se encuentra en la región de Languedoc Roussillion y es considerado una de las estructuras cátaras más destacables de la región. Fue construido en el siglo XI en lo alto de una inmensa roca con la que se lo confunde a la distancia. No es sino hasta que uno está muy cerca del castillo que nota su presencia y es capaz de apreciar su innegable esplendor.

El lugar fue ocupado por los romanos mucho antes de la construcción del castillo. Dos siglos después de su edificación, fue entregado a los cruzados, en el año 1240 y formó parte de la Corona Catalano-Aragonesa. Desde entonces, fue una pieza clave en la defensa de la frontera con el por entonces reino de Castilla y así permaneció hasta el siglo XVII, cuando el Tratado de los Pirineos dio fin a la disputa por el territorio con los franceses, y la reubicación de la línea divisoria entre ambos países dejó al castillo lejos del límite.

The castle of Peyrepertuse is in the region of Languedoc Roussillion and is considered one of the most noteworthy cátaras structures of the region. It was built in the XI century in the top of an immense rock with the that it confuses the distance. It is not until one is very close to the castle that note its presence and is able to appreciate its undeniable splendor. The place was occupied by the Romans long before the construction of the castle.

Two centuries after its construction, was delivered to the crusaders, in the year 1240 and formed part of the Crown Catalano-Aragonesa. Since then, was a key piece in the defense of the border with the then Kingdom of Castile and remained there until the seventeenth century, when the Treaty of the Pyrenees gave end to the dispute over the territory with the French, and the relocation of the dividing line between the two countries left the castle away from limit.

I think most are aware that I had a really awful 2022. I lost my entire in-world support system due to circumstances completely beyond my control. People I considered family suddenly wanted nothing to do with me.

2023 has been about picking myself up, scraping off the dust and starting over again. I could have hid. I could have alted up. I could have quit.

I will not give anyone that satisfaction. I'm still here. Whatever you may think, you didn't win. You didn't even come close.

Model: Mihailsk

Pose: Ckey

When you love someone so deeply

They become your life

It's easy to succumb to overwhelming fears inside

Blindly I imagined I could

Keep you under glass

Now I understand to hold you

I must open up my hands

And watch you rise

Spread your wings and prepare to fly

For you have become a butterfly, oh

Fly abandonedly into the sun

If you should return to me

We truly were meant to be

So spread your wings and fly

Butterfly

I can't believe I"ve never used this song before ... but it suits my love perfectly

It is the third highest mountain in Brazil, situated on the border of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais states. It is the highest point in both states. It was historically considered the highest mountain in Brazil until 1965, when Pico da Neblina and Pico 31 de Março, next to the Venezuelan border, were explored, measured, and both found to be higher. The peak is said to have been so named after Pedro II, Emperor of Brazil, ordered a flag to be flown on top of it.

It is one of the major attractions of Caparaó National Park, accessible from the nearby town of Alto Caparaó. That town and the entrance to the park lie in Minas Gerais, but the summit of Pico da Bandeira lies in Espírito Santo.

The summit is accessible to hikers of most age groups, with only very limited fitness requirements. The track from the park entrance to the summit track [8 km (5.0 mi)] can be driven by most vehicles, and the summit track itself runs for approximately 9 km (5.6 mi), with a further 1,000 m (3,280 ft) climb.

***

Our time:

4,5km = 2,79 miles

From 2,190 m (7,185 ft) to 2,892 m (9,488 ft)

Summit of the mountain.

2:08 am - 5:16 am

***

The sequence of the highest mountains in Brazil:

#1: Pico da Neblina (2,993.80 m / 9,822 ft), Venezuela/Brazil;

#2: March 31 Peak (2,972.70 m / 9,816 ft), Venezuela/Brazil;

#3: Pico da Bandeira (2,892 m / 9,488 ft), Brazil;

#4: Pico do Calçado* (2,849 m / 9,347 ft), Brazil;

#6: Pico do Cristal (2,769.80 m / 9,084 ft), Brazil;

The difference from the third highest to the first is only 101.80 meters / 334 ft in altitude.

I climbed the third, fourth and sixth in Brazil this weekend. Only the sixth mountain is challenging.

* For reasons of topographical prominence, the IBGE considers Pico do Calçado a secondary peak of Pico da Bandeira and not a separate mountain.

It is considered to be the most beautiful city in Norway. The large number of Art Nouveau buildings is, ironically, due to a fire that destroyed almost the entire city centre in 1904. Walking through the city centre, you can admire the imaginative ornaments on the facades of the houses. Those who walk up the 418 steps to the top of Mount Aksla will be rewarded with an incomparable view of the city.

Swans are considered as Royal birds in England. Mute swan (Cygnus olor). River Avon, Bath, Somerset, England, UK

Yosemite, considered by many the best National Park in the United States.

This 14-image composite captures the High Sierra, including Half Dome, Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall from the vista at Glacier Point.

I don't know that I would characterize it as best, though it is magnificent and beyond compare (as are most of the parks). It is amazing how accessible, and how diverse this park is. The High Sierra is stunning and splendid in its grandeur.

If you visit California and stay only on the coasts in one of the big cities (San Diego, LA, or San Francisco), you are missing the best part of California. Come, explore the eastern interior of the state, and catch a glimpse of heaven.

The Windows Section is considered by some to be the beating heart of Arches National Park. The area contains a large concentration of arches and is one of the most scenic locations in the park. North Window, South Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch are just a few of the awe-inspiring expanses you’ll find in just over two square miles.

* ‘Razzmatazz’ is considered to be the first double-flowering echinacea. Instead of a central cone, each flower has a dome covered with short petals surrounded by a skirt of longer, reflexed petals. It is a bright pink and grows 32-26 inches tall.

Taken at Toronto Gardens

Have a beautiful Thursday!💝

Thank you for your visits, kind comments, awards and faves. Always greatly appreciated.

Copyright 2020 ©️ Gloria Sanvicente

A widely distributed duck species, it is often considered uncommon in our region - especially during summers.

The bird is a medium sized duck and has a whistling kind of call. Fulvous describes the color (reddish-yellow). They are often confused with Lesser whistling ducks which are seen throughout the year in our region. However, Fulvous Ducks have white markings on both sides of the tail area, a grey patch around the neck, and the eye lining is grey compared to yellow for the Lesser Whistling ducks. These are thought to be nocturnal ducks and active at nights. I suspect this is a juvenile since the grey neck patch has not developed fully.

Thanks in advance for your views and feedback.

The old Venetian harbour of Chania is considered one of the most significant historical landmarks in Crete. It was originally built by the Venetians between 1320 - 1356 AD during their occupation in Crete and it was considered among the most important trade in Mediterranean. Nowadays most of the parts of the harbour have been restored and it is one of the most popular spots on the island.

“Le Mur des Canuts” is a gigantic mural depicting ordinary life in the La Croix-Rousse neighborhood of Lyon, France. Hyperrealistic in imagery and packed with intricate details, this massive mural is considered one of the largest displays of public art in Europe.

Swiss winter paradise, Paradis hivernal suisse , Les Rochers de Nays . Canton of Vaud. No. 6432.

The Rochers de Naye (French, lit. "rocks of Naye"; 2,042 metres (6,699 ft)) are a mountain of the Swiss Alps, overlooking Lake Geneva near Montreux and Villeneuve, in the canton of Vaud. They lie on the range separating the basin of Lake Geneva from the valley of the Sarine, on the watershed between the Rhone and the Rhine. The mountain is partially located in the canton of Fribourg, the border between the two cantons culminating on a lower summit named Grande Chaux de Naye (1,982 metres (6,503 ft)).

The Rochers de Naye are easily accessible from Montreux, where the highest railway in the canton, the Montreux–Glion–Rochers-de-Naye, starts. From the summit station (1,968 metres (6,457 ft)), only a short walk is necessary to reach the summit. In addition, it is also possible to access the summit by driving to Col de Jaman and then making the 2-3 hr hike to the peak.

The Rochers de Naye are also known for the Rochers de Naye Via Ferrata[3] considered to be extremely difficult (ED), the Grottes de Naye (caves which are accessible via the trail between Col de Jaman and Rochers de Naye), and a few enclosures hosting marmots from around the world.

Les rochers de Naye sont une montagne des Alpes suisses située sur les communes de Veytaux, Villeneuve et Montreux dans le canton de Vaud."

On peut accéder au sommet des rochers de Naye soit à pied, soit par le chemin de fer Montreux-Glion-Rochers de Naye, une ligne de chemin de fer longue de 10,36 km, à voie unique à crémaillère qui couvre en 55 minutes une dénivellation de 1 600 mètres et qui dessert aussi Glion et Caux. Il s'agit de la plus haute voie ferrée du canton. La gare sommitale abrite aussi un restaurant et un hôtel. Il n'y a pas d'accès pour les automobiles au-delà de Caux.

Wikipédia

Sete is considered the "Venice of France"

a blanket — the comfort of a friend:-)

Douglas Coupland

star magnolia, 'Scented Silver', j c raulston arboretum, ncsu, raleigh, north carolina

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a planthopper indigenous to parts of China and Vietnam. It has spread invasively to Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Its preferred host is tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but it infests economically significant plants including soybean, grapes, stone fruits, and Malus spp.

The species was accidentally introduced into South Korea in 2006 and Japan in 2009, and has since been considered a pest. In September 2014, L. delicatula was first recorded in the United States, and as of 2022, it is an invasive species in much of Northeastern United States and is rapidly spreading south and west.[4] L. delicatula's egg masses have been found to be the primary vector of spread, with Ailanthus altissima populations seen as a risk factor for further infestation globally. Ongoing pest control efforts have sought to limit population growth, due to the threat L. delicatula poses to global agricultural industries.

njaes.rutgers.edu/spotted-lanternfly/

Note: I have seen many immature lantern-fly in my garden, you're supposed to smash them when noticing. Not much success as they flew away as soon as you approached them, unless they were on the ground, then, you might be able to smash them at once.

Buy this photo on Getty Images : Getty Images

Begun in 1030 under Conrad II, with the east end and high vault of 1090-1103, the imposing triple-aisled vaulted basilica of red sandstone is the "culmination of a design which was extremely influential in the subsequent development of Romanesque architecture during the 11th and 12th centuries". As the burial site for Salian, Staufer and Habsburg emperors and kings the cathedral is regarded as a symbol of imperial power. With the Abbey of Cluny in ruins, it remains the largest Romanesque church. It is considered to be "a turning point in European architecture", one of the most important architectural monuments of its time and one of the finest Romanesque monuments.

In 1981, the cathedral was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List of culturally important sites as "a major monument of Romanesque art in the German Empire".

Submitted: 06/12/2016

Accepted: 27/12/2016

Published:

- ANWB (Netherlands) 31-Mar-2021

- Axel Springer Deutschland GmbH (Germany) 19-Jun-2024

- Axel Springer Deutschland GmbH (Germany) 03-Feb-2025

Red Grouse - Lagopus lagopus scotica

Scottish Moors

The red grouse, Lagopus lagopus scotica, is a medium-sized bird of the grouse family which is found in heather moorland in Great Britain and Ireland. It is usually classified as a subspecies of the willow ptarmigan but is sometimes considered to be a separate species, Lagopus scotica. It is also known as the moorcock, moorfowl or moorbird. Lagopus is derived from Ancient Greek lagos (λαγος), meaning "hare", + pous (πους), "foot", in reference to the feathered feet and toes typical of this cold-adapted genus, and scoticus is "of Scotland".

The red grouse is widely known as the logo of The Famous Grouse whisky and an animated bird is a character in a series of its adverts. The red grouse is also the emblem of the journal British Birds.

The red grouse is differentiated from the willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown, and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs.

The red grouse is endemic to the British Isles; it has developed in isolation from other subspecies of the willow ptarmigan which are widespread in northern parts of Eurasia and North America.

It is found across most parts of Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and most of the Outer Hebrides. They are only absent from urban areas, such as in the Central Belt.

In Wales there are strong populations in places but their range has retracted. They are now largely absent from the far south, their main strongholds being Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. There are reports of Welsh birds crossing the Bristol Channel to Exmoor.

In England it is mainly found in the north – places such as the Lake District, Northumberland, County Durham, much of Yorkshire, the Pennines and the Peak District, as far south as the Staffordshire Moorlands. There is an isolated introduced population on Dartmoor, and overspill Welsh birds visit the Shropshire Hills such as Long Mynd, where they breed. The Exmoor population would now appear to be extinct, with the last birds sighted as recently as 2005. An introduced population in Suffolk died out by the early 20th century, though a population on Cannock Chase in Staffordshire lasted longer.

The British population is estimated at about 250,000 pairs with around 1–5,000 pairs in Ireland. Numbers have declined in recent years and birds are now absent in areas where they were once common. Reasons for the decline include loss of heather due to overgrazing, creation of new conifer plantations and a decline in the number of upland gamekeepers. Some predators such as the hen harrier feed on grouse and there is ongoing controversy as to what effect these have on grouse numbers.

Red grouse have been introduced to the Hautes Fagnes region of Belgium but the population there died out in the early 1970s.

The red grouse is considered a game bird and is shot in large numbers during the shooting season which traditionally starts on August 12, known as the Glorious Twelfth. There is a keen competition among some London restaurants to serve freshly killed grouse on August 12, with the birds being flown from the moors and cooked within hours.

Seagull with his/her landing gear down, approaching crisscrossed wire used as a detterent to keep birds away.

Gulls, or colloquially seagulls, are seabirds of the family Laridae in the suborder Lari. They are most closely related to the terns (family Sternidae) and only distantly related to auks, skimmers and even more distantly to waders. Until the 21st century, most gulls were placed in the genus Larus, but that arrangement is now considered polyphyletic, leading to the resurrection of several general.

An older name for gulls is mews, which is cognate with German Möwe, Danish måge, Swedish mås, Dutch meeuw, Norwegian måke/måse and French mouette, and can still be found in certain regional dialects.

Gulls are typically medium to large birds, usually grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They typically have harsh wailing or squawking calls; stout, longish bills; and webbed feet. Most gulls are ground-nesting carnivores which take live food or scavenge opportunistically, particularly the Larus species. Live food often includes crustaceans, molluscs, fish and small birds. Gulls have unhinging jaws which allow them to consume large prey. Gulls are typically coastal or inland species, rarely venturing far out to sea, except for the kittiwakes. The large species take up to four years to attain full adult plumage, but two years is typical for small gulls. Large white-headed gulls are typically long-lived birds, with a maximum age of 49 years recorded for the herring gull.

Gulls nest in large, densely packed, noisy colonies. They lay two or three speckled eggs in nests composed of vegetation. The young are precocial, born with dark mottled down and mobile upon hatching. Gulls are resourceful, inquisitive, and intelligent, the larger species in particular demonstrating complex methods of communication and a highly developed social structure. For example, many gull colonies display mobbing behavior, attacking and harassing predators and other intruders.Certain species have exhibited tool-use behavior, such as the herring gull, using pieces of bread as bait with which to catch goldfish, for example.[ Many species of gulls have learned to coexist successfully with humans and have thrived in human habitats. Others rely on kleptoparasitism to get their food. Gulls have been observed preying on live whales, landing on the whale as it surfaces to peck out pieces of flesh.

Wikipedia

I appreciate your kind words of support and would like to thank-you all, for taking the time to view and acknowledge my photography.

~Christie (happiest) by the River

** Best experienced in full screen

Samburu National Reserve

Kenya

East Africa

Oryx is a genus consisting of four large antelope species. Three of them are native to arid parts of Africa, and the fourth to the Arabian Peninsula. Their fur is pale with contrasting dark markings in the face and on the legs, and their long horns are almost straight.

The East African oryx (Oryx beisa) inhabits eastern Africa, and the closely related gemsbok (Oryx gazella) inhabits southern Africa. Neither is threatened, though the former is considered Near Threatened by the IUCN. The gemsbok is monotypic, and the East African oryx has two subspecies; East African oryx "proper" (O. b. beisa) and the fringe-eared oryx (O. b. callotis). In the past, both were considered subspecies of the gemsbok. – Wikipedia

The Blackburnian Warbler is considered one of the most beautiful warblers in North America and that is hard to argue when one sees the male in his breeding plumage in the spring sporting his fiery reddish-orange breast and distinct black angular mask.

They dwell mostly very high in coniferous and/or mixed forests where their nest will be located in the taller conifer trees near a branch tip. They live and forage in the spires and outer branches of the trees. It is believed that this foraging tactic helps to keep the food sources for all the warblers from becoming exhausted as each species seems to have their own feeding practices at different levels and areas within the trees.

Invertebrates like budworms, flies, spiders and beetles make up the majority of their diet plus a bit of fruit.

With the strong colouring in this juvenile I believe he may be a male and he is enjoying gleaning insects on a warm fall day.

A cherry blossom is a flower of many trees of genus Prunus. The most well-known species is the Japanese cherry, Prunus serrulata, which is commonly called sakura. They are widely distributed, especially in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere including Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Mainland China, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Myanmar, Thailand and West Siberia. Along with the chrysanthemum, the cherry blossom is considered the national flower of Japan. Japan has a wide variety of cherry blossoms (sakura); well over 200 cultivars can be found there. All varieties of cherry blossom trees produce small, unpalatable fruit or edible cherries. Edible cherries generally come from cultivars of the related species Prunus avium and Prunus cerasus. 17258

witte silene of lijnkruid (Silene latifolia subsp. alba, synoniemen: Melandrium album of Silene pratensis) is een plant uit de anjerfamilie (Caryophyllaceae).

The name Silene wants to go to Silenus, de

Greek father of the Silenians, who often met

a big belly, like the chalice of some

kinds, drunk and riding a donkey

became an image. Cuckoo flour became like

considered a devil plant. Who the plant

plucked an early death. A

legend told that as a child the

Dagkoekoeksbloem picked his father would

die and his mother if it's the

Evening cuckoo flower plucked.

Auchintaple Loch, which has a boat house on the far side, is often named as a favourite spot by walkers on the Cateran Trail.

Whilst the loch itself is man-made there are traces of an early chapel at Chapel Hillock on a low rise just above the loch, identifiable by a turf-covered stony bank enclosing a slight hollow containing several stones.

Near to the chapel is the Lady Well or Virgin Mary’s Well, which is still supplied with a plentiful flow of clear water. The wells in the area were once known for their curative properties, and many people visited in search of a miracle cure.

It was thought that the first Sabbath in May was a day on which the waters had their greatest effect, and drinking from the well before sunrise was considered even more propitious.

Considered one of the most beautiful birds in Brazil, the male is turquoise and the female is green.

Considerado um dos pássaros mais bonitos do Brasil, o macho é azul-turquesa e a fêmea é verde.

Swallow Tanager (Nome em inglês)

Tersina viridis (Nome Científico)

Thraupidae (Família)

Passeriformes (Ordem)

FREE BIRD

Árvore: Magnólia Amarela

Lago Sul

Brasília, Brasil

Until recently this species was considered identical to T. obesum, however genetic studies (mycokeys.pensoft.net/article/12176/) showed that it is close to an American sp.

Latest literature treats it as T. dunense.

It appears to be endemic to Hungary.

Talkeetna Mountains ~ Palmer, Alaska

Nikon D7500, Sigma 18-300, ISO 200, f/10.0, 28mm, 1/400s

It has been considered to form a superspecies complex along with the rock partridge, Philby's partridge and Przevalski's partridge and treated in the past as conspecific particularly with the first. This partridge has well marked black and white bars on the flanks and a black band running from the forehead across the eye and running down the head to form a necklace that encloses a white throat. Native to Asia, the species has been introduced into many other places and feral populations have established themselves in parts of North America and New Zealand. This bird can be found in parts of the Middle East and temperate Asia.

The Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) is a medium-sized black and white passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. Although once considered to be three separate species, it is now considered to be one, with nine recognised subspecies. A member of the Artamidae, the Australian magpie is placed in its own genus and is most closely related to the black butcherbird (Melloria quoyi). Currawongs have yellow eyes, whereas Magpies have red-brown eyes and Butcherbirds have very dark brown, almost black eyes. It is not, however, closely related to the European magpie, which is a corvid. The adult Australian magpie is a fairly robust bird ranging from 37 to 43 cm in length, with distinctive black and white plumage, gold brown eyes and a solid wedge-shaped bluish-white and black bill. The male and female are similar in appearance, and can be distinguished by differences in back markings. The male has pure white feathers on the back of the head and the female has white blending to grey feathers on the back of the head. With its long legs, the Australian magpie walks rather than waddles or hops and spends much time on the ground. Described as one of Australia's most accomplished songbirds, the Australian magpie has an array of complex vocalisations. It is omnivorous, with the bulk of its varied diet made up of invertebrates. It is generally sedentary and territorial throughout its range. Common and widespread, it has adapted well to human habitation and is a familiar bird of parks, gardens and farmland in Australia and New Guinea. This species is commonly fed by households around the country, but in spring (and occasionally in autumn) a small minority of breeding magpies (almost always males) become aggressive and swoop and attack those who approach their nests. 6966

Early morning sun in the harbor in Essaouira, Morocco. The harbor is well known for its blue boats. Essaouira has long been considered as one of the best anchorages of the Moroccan coast. It is sheltered by the island of Mogador and remains a busy fishing port.

The Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) is a medium-sized black and white passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. Although once considered to be three separate species, it is now considered to be one, with nine recognised subspecies. A member of the Artamidae, the Australian magpie is placed in its own genus and is most closely related to the black butcherbird (Melloria quoyi). Currawongs have yellow eyes, whereas Magpies have red-brown eyes and Butcherbirds have very dark brown, almost black eyes. It is not, however, closely related to the European magpie, which is a corvid. The adult Australian magpie is a fairly robust bird ranging from 37 to 43 cm in length, with distinctive black and white plumage, gold brown eyes and a solid wedge-shaped bluish-white and black bill. The male and female are similar in appearance, and can be distinguished by differences in back markings. The male has pure white feathers on the back of the head and the female has white blending to grey feathers on the back of the head. With its long legs, the Australian magpie walks rather than waddles or hops and spends much time on the ground. Described as one of Australia's most accomplished songbirds, the Australian magpie has an array of complex vocalisations. It is omnivorous, with the bulk of its varied diet made up of invertebrates. It is generally sedentary and territorial throughout its range. Common and widespread, it has adapted well to human habitation and is a familiar bird of parks, gardens and farmland in Australia and New Guinea. This species is commonly fed by households around the country, but in spring (and occasionally in autumn) a small minority of breeding magpies (almost always males) become aggressive and swoop and attack those who approach their nests. 66462

The Cryptic Golden Tegu was once considered conspecific with the Golden Tegu. The Golden Tegu was split into three new species in 2019 or so.

Golden Tegus grow to be about 60 to 100 cm long on average, and up to 3.5 to 4.0 kg in weight, with a glossy body, powerful limbs and a thick tail. They have many black and gold stripes down their bodies. Golden Tegus live in the tropical forests of northern and central South America, as well as in Panama. They feed on insects, other invertebrates, small mammals, other reptiles and birds, as well as fish and sometimes fruit. (Wikipedia)

Speyside, Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago. January 2016.

This is a wall of rocks approximately 35 meters (114.83 ft) high and 65º incline, considered an easy level climb, but it can be considered a grade 1 climb. However, this does not mean that it is easy for all.

We must climb through cracks in the rock wall, finding places to rest our feet and hands. On the way up it is usually easier because we can see all the support points. Going down, however, is more complicated as you can't see very well where to put your feet.

It is at this time that many people are “frozen” in stone without knowing what to do. Many start screaming and end up creating an atmosphere of panic that spreads to everyone around them. At that moment, one person's fear was amplified for others who are not 100% prepared or safe to go down the Holm Oak Tree / Carrasqueira. As you can imagine, the risk of an accident also increases.

One of the main reasons for accidents in Carrasqueira is misinformation. Many hikers think they are experienced and take the risk of climbing this stretch without a more experienced companion who knows the trail and has the necessary safety equipment to prevent a possible accident.

After the Holm Oak Tree / Carrasqueira, it's another 25 minutes walk to the summit on a very obvious path. There is only one fork in this path and we must go left.

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I hired two guides with all the required safety equipment for this trail.

Auchintaple Loch, which has a boat house on the far side, is often named as a favourite spot by walkers on the Cateran Trail.

Whilst the loch itself is man-made there are traces of an early chapel at Chapel Hillock on a low rise just above the loch, identifiable by a turf-covered stony bank enclosing a slight hollow containing several stones.

Near to the chapel is the Lady Well or Virgin Mary’s Well, which is still supplied with a plentiful flow of clear water. The wells in the area were once known for their curative properties, and many people visited in search of a miracle cure.

It was thought that the first Sabbath in May was a day on which the waters had their greatest effect, and drinking from the well before sunrise was considered even more propitious.

Considered as the last legacy from the kings of Portugal, the Bussaco Palace hotel is a unique architectural, botanical and landscape complex in Europe. It is categorized, as one of the most beautiful and historic hotels in the world.

The gardens and surrounding park, the Convent of Santa Cruz do Bussaco, the “Monacal Desert”, the “Sacromonte” symbolizing Jerusalem and the passion of Christ, with its steps of the Sacred Way, the High Cross, the numerous hermitages and chapels, constitute the largest Architectural complex built by the Order of the “Discalced Carmelites”. The “Fetos Valley” and its lakes, the “Fonte Fria” with the artificial cascade, of strong Italian influence by the hand of the queen Maria Pia, and the romantic viewpoints, are other attractions. A fantastic place to visit..

The Dresden Frauenkirche is a Lutheran church in Dresden, the capital of the German state of Saxony. Destroyed during the Allied firebombing of Dresden towards the end of World War II, the church was reconstructed between 1994 and 2005.

An earlier church building was Catholic until it became Protestant during the Reformation. The old church was replaced in the 18th century by a larger Baroque Lutheran building. It is considered an outstanding example of Protestant sacred architecture, featuring one of the largest domes in Europe. It was originally built as a sign of the will of the citizens of Dresden to remain Protestant after their ruler had converted to Catholicism. It now also serves as a symbol of reconciliation between former warring enemies.

After the destruction of the church in 1945, the remaining ruins were left for 50 years as a war memorial, following decisions of local East German leaders. The church was rebuilt after the reunification of Germany, starting in 1994. The reconstruction of its exterior was completed in 2004, and the interior in 2005. The church was reconsecrated on 30 October 2005 with festive services lasting through the Protestant observance of Reformation Day on 31 October. The surrounding Neumarkt square with its many valuable baroque buildings was also reconstructed in 2004.

Azure-shouldered Tanager - Not globally threatened. Currently considered Near-threatened. Occurs mainly inside humid forest and is less able to utilize forest edge and second growth than are most others in the genus, a factor that has contributed to its severe range contraction and fragmentation following deforestation. Believed to be in decline. Possibly occurs in only relatively few areas outside protected sites. birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/azstan1

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This place is part of the Bussaco Palace Hotel gardens. The hotel is considered as the last legacy from the kings of Portugal and is a unique architectural, botanical and landscape complex in Europe. It is categorized, as one of the most beautiful and historic hotels in the world.

The gardens and surrounding park, the Convent of Santa Cruz do Bussaco, the “Monacal Desert”, the “Sacromonte” symbolizing Jerusalem and the passion of Christ, with its steps of the Sacred Way, the High Cross, the numerous hermitages and chapels, are the largest Architectural complex built by the Order of the “Discalced Carmelites”. The “Fetos Valley” and its lakes, the “Fonte Fria” with the artificial cascade, of strong Italian influence by the hand of the queen Maria Pia, and the romantic viewpoints, are other attractions. A fantastic place to visit..