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.

Siberian Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus Collybita Tristis

One of about 10 overwintering Chiffies!

Siberian Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus (collybita) tristis

Siberian chiffchaff (Phylloscopus (collybita) tristis) is a leaf-warbler which is usually considered a subspecies of the common chiffchaff, but may be a species in its own right.

Siberian chiffchaff breeds in Siberia east of the Pechora River and winters in the lower Himalayas.

It is also regularly recorded in western Europe in winter, and it is likely that the numbers involved have been underestimated due to uncertainties over identification criteria, lack of good data and recording policies (Sweden and Finland only accept trapped birds).

Because of their unfamiliar appearance, British records in the 1950s and 1960s were originally thought to be greenish warblers, and accepted as such by BBRC, the national rarities committee, until the records were reviewed in the 1980s.

Figure emblématique de tout temps, le rocher Percé est considéré comme le plus grand symbole de la Gaspésie - An emblematic figure of all time, Percé Rock is considered the greatest symbol of the Gaspé

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

C/G ratio 9.01

2nd Place , Beautiful Capture of week 47 , Dec 2014

www.flickr.com/groups/beautifulcapture/discuss/7215764975...

Half glazed, half unglazed, these earthenware water jars have remained unchanged in terms of production since the 11th century.

In Myanmar, the Myanmarese bury them in the ground to keep their water stocks cool. They are considered indispensable for the storage of fresh water.

The Eurasian Eagle-owl is considered to be one of the largest owls in the world, with a wingspan of nearly two metres. These giant birds weighs between 1.5kg – 4kg and have an impressive wingspan of 155-180cm.

There are thought to be 12-40 pairs of eagle owls nesting in Britain, but no one is certain how many of these have escaped from captivity and how many have naturally immigrated here from Europe. For centuries eagle owls were used as decoys to catch birds such as the magpie. This magnificent bird is captive bred.

The Bindelweg Path is the classic hiking-path in Fassa Valley. The trail is considered to be one of the most beautiful ones in the Dolomites and runs on panoramic hillsides between Mount Marmolada and Sella.

Bindelweg, Dolomites, Italy

Please don't use my images without my permission. All images © Aivar Mikko.

The oystercatcher is a large, stocky, black and white wading bird. It has a long, orange-red bill and reddish-pink legs. In flight it shows a wide, white wing-stripe, a black tail and a white rump that extends as a 'V' between the wings.

Because it eats cockles, the population is vulnerable if cockle beds are overexploited.

They breed on almost all UK coasts. During the last 50 years, more birds have started breeding inland. Most UK birds spend the winter on the coast where they are joined on the east coast by birds from Norway.

In the UK, Isle of Man, and Ireland, the Oystercatcher is resident in most coastal areas. It has an "Amber" status because it is considered Vulnerable in Europe and Near Threatened globally.

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)

A cat in greenery is a harmonious combination ... however, cats are always and everywhere harmonious :)

The ancient Egyptians had a special relationship with cats: they were revered as sacred animals; mummified like humans; depicted in sculpture and frescoes. And the very first cat "portrait" was written by the Egyptians.

For a long time it was believed that the Egyptians tamed cats. However, in 2004, a burial site dating back to 9500 BC was discovered in Cyprus. e., in which a cat was found together with a man. A wild beast would hardly have been put in a grave. It turned out that cats lived with people long before they appeared in Egypt. The Middle East began to be considered the birthplace of domestic cats, and Egypt was forgotten for some time. But not for long: in 2008, a burial was opened in southern Egypt, in which six cats were found - a male, a female and four kittens. Although this burial was younger than the Cypriot one (about 6000 years), it became clear that cats were known in Egypt much earlier than was thought until recently.

It is known that the ancestor of the domestic cat was the steppe cat Felis silvestris lybica - it still lives in the steppe, desert and partly mountainous regions of Africa, Western, Central and Central Asia, in Northern India, Transcaucasia and Kazakhstan. In 2007, it was possible to establish that all modern cats descended from him.

Seafarers brought the first cats to Rus' in the pre-Christian era. Exotic animals were a valuable commodity: the cost of a cat until the 15th century was comparable to the value of a healthy arable animal - an ox.

The Chesme Church (Russian: Чесменская церковь; full name Church of Saint John the Baptist at Chesme Palace, also called the Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, Russian: це́рковь Рождества́ Иоа́нна Предте́чи при Че́сменском Дворце́), is a small Russian Orthodox church at 12 Lensoveta Street, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was built by the Russian court architect Yury Felten in 1780, at the direction of Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia. A memorial church, it was erected adjacent to the Chesme Palace (Russian: Чесменский дворец: damaged during the Siege of Leningrad and restored in 1946) between Saint Petersburg and Tsarskoye Selo to commemorate the anniversary of Russia's 1770 victory over Turkish forces in Chesme Bay (Turkish: Çeşme) in the Aegean Sea during the Russo-Turkish War of 1768–1774.

The church and Chesme Palace were the earliest Neo-Gothic constructions in the St Petersburg area. Considered by some to be St Petersburg's single most impressive church, it is a rare example of very early Gothic Revival influence in Russian church architecture.

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

Diros Cave is considered to be the first of the three most beautiful and impressive lake caves in the world because of its multicolored and wonderful decoration.

An underground river is responsible for the crystal waters, and the underground space meanders gracefully about through the glistening textures of stalactites and stalagmites of all sizes and shapes.

Taking a heavy tripod inside was not an issue at all, however, I did ask for permission at the ticket office.

This was not a planned shot. I saw him flying by, and just panned and took a few shots. This was the best. My settings were not optimal for this sort of capture, but all things considered, I liked it!

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.

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.

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

We arrive at Carrasqueira / the Kermes Oak. It is a stone wall, almost entirely smooth, 35 meters (114,83 ft) high. It is considered an easy, first-degree climb, with the proper equipment.

In ten minutes, I overcome the wall; in less than half an hour I am at the top of Pedra da Gávea and I sent an SMS “I got at the top”.

Any turn of the trail does not deserve great consideration: the path is known and, downhill, all the saints help. But the journey back from Pedra da Gávea is much more tiring than expected. The knees need to act as a shock absorber, receiving a load equivalent to 3.5 times the weight of the human body.

***

Datasheet:

Distance: 4,69 km / 15,387 ft (round trip);

Trail time: 2h:23m (round trip);

Trail Level: Upper Moderate. This is due to the steep slope of the trail, as we climb approximately 750 meters / 2,460 ft over a course of 2.5 km / 8,202 ft.

Tour time: 6h:54m.

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.

Sete is considered the "Venice of France"

Sagrada Familia, is considered a major achievement for its designer, the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Sagrada Família basilica has a status, not a cathedral, as is sometimes believed.

The construction of the church was begun in 1882. Initially the project was commissioned another architect, but this came into conflict with the association of funding the construction of the temple. Then the building was commissioned by Gaudí, which completely changed the design, giving it its own style. Over the next four decades he worked intensively on the design, giving it a completely last 15 years of age. During the work, continually adapted and changed the original design.

Towers of the church was completed in 1920, six years later, the architect came up with the passing omnibus. He died not recognized in a shelter for the poor.

November 7, 2010 on Sunday during a solemn Mass, which was attended by 62 thousand. people, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the Basilica of the Holy Family (Sagrada Familia), raising it to the rank of Minor Basilica.

Completion of construction scheduled for 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death.

-

Sagrada Familia, uważany jest za główne osiągnięcie jej projektanta, katalońskiego architekta Antoniego Gaudí. Sagrada Família ma status bazyliki, a nie katedry, jak czasem się uważa.

Budowę kościoła rozpoczęto w 1882 roku. Początkowo jej projekt zlecono innemu architektowi, ale ten wszedł w konflikt ze stowarzyszeniem finansującym budowę świątyni. Wówczas zlecenie na budowę otrzymał Gaudí, który całkowicie zmienił projekt, nadając mu własny styl. Przez następne cztery dekady pracował intensywnie nad konstrukcją, poświęcając jej całkowicie ostatnich 15 lat życia. Podczas prac nieustannie dostosowywał i zmieniał pierwotne założenia. Wieże kościoła ukończono w 1920 r. Sześć lat później architekt wpadł pod przejeżdżający omnibus. Zmarł nie rozpoznany w przytułku dla biedaków.

7 listopada 2010 w niedzielę podczas uroczystej mszy świętej, w której uczestniczyło 62 tys. osób, papież Benedykt XVI konsekrował Bazylikę Świętej Rodziny (Sagrada Familia) podnosząc ją do godności bazyliki mniejszej.

Zakończenie budowy przewidziano na rok 2026, 100 lecie śmierci Gaudiego.

A view of the Bayview Trail in Mason Neck State Park. A 1.2 mile trail with heavy usage and considered easy. There are some stairs and it's well maintained. #MasonNeckStatePark #Virginia #hiking #randonnée #Wandern #nature #Natur #BayviewTrail #VirginiaStateParks #trail

These tiny birds have such huge personalities. I love watching them as they scurry back and forth, staying just at the water's edge, probing for the aquatic invertebrates revealed by the waves.

Although considered common, their numbers are in steep decline as humans take over more and more of the coastlines necessary for their survivial.

This adult in breeding plumage is migrating from the High Arctic tundra where they nest. Non-breeders do not migrate, remaining in their wintering grounds saving their energy for when it is their turn.

Many don’t realize that two thirds of Oregon is considered high desert, and that something like the Alvord Desert exists in our gorgeous state. One of the great things about Oregon is how diverse the geology and landscape is, and that you can visit the coast one day, and be in the Alvord Desert camping on the playa and staring up at the milky way the next. (from That Oregon Life)

The Alvord Desert is one of the largest playas in Oregon at six miles wide and eleven miles long. This remote playa sits at approximately 4,000 feet in elevation and is the perfect place to camp and enjoy nature.

I was told by another camper, that this crystalline substance on the lake is an alkaline salt deposit. What ever it is, it is crunchy and has a bit of sparkle when the sun catches it right.

This was taken very early in the morning. It was still quite cold but since you can drive out on the playa I kept jumping back in my car to get warm.

A beautiful little bird considered uncommon in our region. The birds prefers a habitat of rocky areas / edges of rocky areas with open shrubland. But then, its sightings are not regular around such habitats. This place where I shot this, the bird is regular there and the numbers have grown from 2 birds to 4 birds now.

Appearance wise, it looks very much like a common Bushchat and many times we get confused between the two. The bird prefers small insects and mosquitoes that are found in plenty in the shrublands. I am not sure if it is a local migrant, but suspect it could be since it disappears during summers. Guessing that is due to the disappearance of its food - insects - during the dry summer season.

Thanks in advance for your views and feedback.

Dove Lake is often considered the Jewel in the Crown of Cradle Mountain and is one of its main attractions. It is a glacially carved lake situated directly beneath the towering spires of Cradle Mountain. Covered by fog in this image but I will upload another when for a brief time I had blue skies.

It provides a stunning photographic opportunities if you are there at the right time of day under the right conditions (which I wasn’t). The carpark for the Lake is currently closed for renovations so you can only travel as far as Ronny Creek and you have to travel by a visitor bus between the hours of 8 am-6 pm. An awe-inspiring place. The Dove Lake circuit walk takes you on a 6 km walk around the entire Lake.

I can't wait to return in August in winter, to hopefully see it covered in snow.

For those interested in such things_

Surface elevation: 939 m

Area: 86 ha

Length: 2.1 km

Max. depth: 157 m (515 ft)

This is considered as the oldest Quaker Meeting House in Martland, dating back to 1684, {t was a prominent stop on the Undeground Railroad, for people fleeing brutality of slavery

Die Magdalenenklause

ist eine bewohnbare künstliche Ruine in einem abgeschiedenen Waldteil nördlich der schlossnahen Boskette im Schlosspark Nymphenburg in München.

Sie wurde ab 1725 durch Joseph Effner im Auftrag Max Emanuels errichtet.

Das in der Tradition des Memento mori stehende Gebäude gilt als eine der ersten Ruinenarchitekturen der europäischen Gartenkunst.

Die Innenräume sind als Grotten gestaltet.

______________________

The Magdalenenklause

is a livable artificial ruin in a secluded part of the forest north of the castle-like Boskette in the castle park Nymphenburg in Munich.

It was built in 1725 by Joseph Effner on behalf of Max Emanuel.

The building, which is in the tradition of the Memento mori,

is considered one of the first ruin architectures of European garden art.

The interiors are designed as grottos

The river Somme was for centuries considered a strategic route for navigation inland to Picardy and Paris, potentially faster and more reliable than the Seine, particularly for trade with England. The first comprehensive plan for canalisation was produced in 1729. The meandering river was not easily tamed, however, and the Intendant of Picardy reporting in 1763 found the navigation to be in a ‘pitiful state’. Complete canalisation was authorised under Louis XVI in 1785, but works were interrupted by the Revolution. The project revived by Napoleon in 1810 included a ‘ship canal’ (canal maritime) between Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Abbeville. The waterway was opened to navigation above Abbeville in 1827, while the ship canal was completed in 1835. Locks were 34 m by 6.25 m wide, later enlarged to Freycinet dimensions. The two locks on the section incorporated in the Canal du Nord were rebuilt in 1964 to the dimensions adopted for that project, 90 by 6 m. The canal was among the first to be conceded to a local authority, in this case the Somme département, in 1992, but the concession was limited to the section west of Péronne.

An American Kestrel hiding in the solid superstructure of a power pole. It appears to be patiently waiting for an adventuring Vole, the favorite food source of this tiny (100g) and colorful falcon.

Although I've seen several this season, Kestrels are considered uncommon to rare.

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.

Talkeetna Mountains ~ Palmer, Alaska

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

The Roman district of Garbatella was designed in 1920 by famous architects and intended for the working class of the time. The style is the "Roman late baroque", with sinuous shapes that give life to neo-medieval buildings.

the whole district, with the fountains, the buildings, the balconies, the villas, the stuccoes and the green spaces, recalls this concept of the Garden City and can be considered a large open-air monument as well as an example of humanistic architecture

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 cult vehicles of the American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson are considered the prototype of a motorcycle par excellence.

As often happens, here too it all started from something very small. In a shed, the two friends, William S. Harley, aka Bill, and Arthur Davidson developed as early as the year 1903, the first single-cylinder predecessor of all current Harley-Davidson motorcycles, representing one of the oldest motorcycle brands. of the world still existing.

The company, which was founded more than 100 years ago, in the year 1907, by William S. Harley, as well as brothers Arthur, Walter and William Davidson in Milwaukee / Wisconsin as Harley-Davidson Motor Co. in a corporation with a total turnover estimated at approximately five and a half billion dollars.

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I veicoli di culto del produttore di moto americano Harley-Davidson sono considerati il prototipo di una motocicletta per eccellenza.

Come spesso accade, anche qui tutto è iniziato da qualcosa di molto piccolo. In un capannone, i due amici, William S. Harley, detto Bill, e Arthur Davidson hanno sviluppato già nell'anno 1903, il primo monocilindrico predecessore di tutte le motociclette attuali di Harley-Davidson, che rappresentano uno dei più antichi marchi di motociclette del mondo ancora esistenti.

L'azienda, che è stata fondata più di 100 anni fa, nell'anno 1907, da William S. Harley, così come dai fratelli Arthur, Walter e William Davidson in Milwaukee / Wisconsin come Harley-Davidson Motor Co., si è trasformata in una società per azioni con un fatturato totale stimato in circa cinque miliardi e mezzo di dollari.

Although he was never considered one of the "Three Tenors", Ronald had a remarkable voice. Every Saturday, following dinner and the "après diner" brandy, he would entertain his fellow retirees with an operatic interlude. This evenings selection is the Duke of Mantua's canzone, "La donna è mobile" from Act 3 of Verdi's "Rigoletto"

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..

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

Happy Blue Monday!

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© All my images are protected under international authors copyright laws and may not be downloaded, reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written explicit permission. All rights reserved. Please contact me at thelma.gatuzzo@gmail.com if you intend to buy or use any of my images.

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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..

Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric (pronounced /ˈ or fly Amanita (pronounced , is a poisonous and psychoactive basidiomycete fungus, one of many in the genus Amanita. Native throughout the temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, Amanita muscaria has been unintentionally introduced to many countries in the Southern Hemisphere, generally as a symbiont with pine plantations, and is now a true cosmopolitan species. It associates with various deciduous and coniferous trees. The quintessential toadstool, it is a large white-gilled, white-spotted, usually deep red mushroom, one of the most recognizable and widely encountered in popular culture. Several subspecies, with differing cap colour have been recognised to date, including the brown regalis (considered a separate species), the yellow-orange flavivolata, guessowii, and formosa, and the pinkish persicina. Genetic studies published in 2006 and 2008 show several sharply delineated clades which may represent separate species.

Although generally considered poisonous, deaths are extremely rare, and it has been consumed as a food in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America after parboiling in water. Amanita muscaria is now primarily famed for its hallucinogenic properties, with its main psychoactive constituent being the compound muscimol. It was used as an intoxicant and entheogen by the peoples of Siberia and has a religious significance in these cultures. There has been much speculation on traditional use of this mushroom as an intoxicant in places other than Siberia; however, such traditions are far less well-documented.

Knossos (alternative spellings Knossus, Cnossus, Greek Κνωσός, pronounced [knoˈsos]) is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and considered as Europe's oldest city

The name Knossos survives from ancient Greek references to the major city of Crete. The identification of Knossos with the Bronze Age site is supported by tradition and by the Roman coins that were scattered over the fields surrounding the pre-excavation site, then a large mound named Kephala Hill, elevation 85 m (279 ft) from current sea level. Many of them were inscribed with Knosion or Knos on the obverse and an image of a Minotaur or Labyrinth on the reverse, both symbols deriving from the myth of King Minos, supposed to have reigned from Knossos.[5] The coins came from the Roman settlement of Colonia Julia Nobilis Cnossus, a Roman colony placed just to the north of, and politically including, Kephala. The Romans believed they had colonized Knossos.[6] After excavation, the discovery of the Linear B tablets, and the decipherment of Linear B by Michael Ventris, the identification was confirmed by the reference to an administrative center, ko-no-so, Mycenaean Greek Knosos, undoubtedly the palace complex. The palace was built over a Neolithic town. During the Bronze Age, the town surrounded the hill on which the palace was built.

The palace was excavated and partially restored under the direction of Arthur Evans in the earliest years of the 20th century. Its size far exceeded his original expectations, as did the discovery of two ancient scripts, which he termed Linear A and Linear B, to distinguish their writing from the pictographs also present. From the layering of the palace Evans developed de novo an archaeological concept of the civilization that used it, which he called Minoan, following the pre-existing custom of labelling all objects from the location Minoan.

The site of Knossos was discovered in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos. The excavations in Knossos began in 1900 by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans (1851–1941) and his team, and continued for 35 years. Its size far exceeded his original expectations, as did the discovery of two ancient scripts, which he termed Linear A and Linear B, to distinguish their writing from the pictographs also present. From the layering of the palace Evans developed an archaeological concept of the civilization that used it, which he called Minoan, following the pre-existing custom of labelling all objects from the location Minoan.

Since their discovery, the ruins have undergone a history of their own, from excavation by renowned archaeologists, education and tourism, to occupation as a headquarters by governments warring over the control of the eastern Mediterranean in two world wars. This site history is to be distinguished from the ancient.

"After the Bath"

Wikipedia: The Indochinese blue flycatcher (Cyornis sumatrensis) is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found from southern Myanmar and the Malay Peninsula to Indochina and northeastern Sumatra. It was previously considered conspecific with Tickell's blue flycatcher.

The species shows regional variations in plumage and size and several of these populations have been designated with subspecies names. The population in Thailand and southern Myanmar is named as indochina. Further south is the form sumatrensis (Sumatra Island, Malay Peninsula) and lamprus on Anamba Islands,

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indochinese_blue_flycatcher

Conservation status: Least Concern

A widely distributed duck species globally, but considered uncommon in our region - especially during summers. But these days we are seeing them throughout the year and I suspect may have even spotted sub-adults.

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. Just like other ducks, these are nocturnal and spend the days sleeping in the wet fields hidden from view. When farmers or stray dogs disturb them, they tend to fly out in large flocks to safety.

Thank you so much in advance for your views, feedback and faves.

As much as I adore the liquid element, I reside at a place where it is is considered a rather scarce commodity and can hardly be located ... Thank God, at a distance of half an hour drive there lies the beautiful river of Nestos, whose flow is surrounded by amazing Green Nature and bridges, lots of bridges !!!

I love using my tripod and my ND (Neutral Density) filters over my lenses ... Their combined use enhances considerably the appropriate shutter speed for a balanced exposure, thus blurring water's flow and creating beautiful sharp images .... Environmental colors remain unaltered ...

I definitely suggest them for extensive use over around blue hours landscape photography ...

NIKON D90 DSLR with Nikon Nikkor 18 - 55 lens, Manual Mode, shutter speed 1 s, ISO 125, f 13, focal length 18mm, use of HOYA ND X 2 filter on top of which a HOYA ND X 8 filter was used, white balance set to cloudy weather , center weighted average metering mode, HDR made by only one original RAW shot, flash didn't go off, use of tripod ...

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Considered to be the protector of the city , "Sidi El Houari ", has his own mausoleum . The name of "Houari", is associated to the 'residents' of Oran or those of the western regions of Algeria

Fall adult males would still have quite a bit of black in the central upper chest and throat area and it normally runs right up to below the beak. Fall adult females and first fall males look very similar but generally have some black in the central chest area. First fall females are generally devoid of any black in the central chest and throat and tend to have fainter black flank striping and thinner wing bars. My guess is this is likely a first fall male or a fall adult female all things considered.