Kwazulu Natal, South Africa

in recent studies the Southern Giraffe is considered 1 of 4 separate species of Giraffe (instead of 1 of many subspecies of the same species, giraffa camelopardis)

giraffa giraffa

giraffe

girafe

Giraffe

Many thanks for your views, favorites and supportive comments.

All rights reserved. ButsF©2016

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.

Large gray-brown honeyeater with a completely bare black head and a distinctive "horn" on the bill. Upperparts are gray and underparts are dull white. Completely bare head is unique among the friarbirds. Typically very loud; emits a variety of harsh, loud squawks. Inhabits a wide range of habitats in eastern Australia, including (especially) open forests and gardens and parks, where it is common. (eBird)

Can be very noisy, almost deafening when in large numbers; considered one of the noisiest birds in savanna of S New Guinea. (Birds of the World, Cornell Lab of Ornithology)

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

We saw these interesting birds a few times on the trip. They are very active and like to interact with each other. For a change, this one was resting for a bit, and I got to admire his ruff and the horn on his bill.

Capertee Valley, New South Wales, Australia. October 2022.

Eagle-Eye Tours - Eastern Australia.

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.

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)

Pelișor was designed by the Czech architect Karel Liman in the Art Nouveau style; the furniture and the interior decorations were designed mostly by the Viennese Bernhard Ludwig. There are several chambers, working cabinets, a chapel, and "the golden room". Queen Marie herself, an accomplished artist, made many of the artistic decisions about the design of the palace, and participated in its decoration, including as a painter. Queen Marie considered Art Nouveau a weapon against sterile historicism, creating a personal style combining Art-Nouveau elements with Byzantine and Celtic elements.

"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

Monte Pellegrino has always been considered a sacred mountain by the people of Palermo.

On this mountain lived the last years of his life a young noblewoman, a certain Rosalia, who had decided to live as a hermit.

He died on 4 September 1160 or 1165.

On July 15, 1624, while the plague was scourging Palermo, Rosalia's bones were found in a cave in the mountain. The relics were carried in procession and the plague was defeated. Rosalia became the patron saint of the city, the “Santuzza”, and the Sanctuary was built around the cave.

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

Monte Pellegrino è stato sempre considerato dai palermitani un monte sacro.

Su questa montagna visse gli ultimi anni della sua vita una giovane nobildonna, tale Rosalia, la quale aveva deciso di vivere da eremita.

Morì il 4 settembre del 1160 o 1165.

Il 15 Luglio 1624, mentre la peste flagellava Palermo, le ossa di Rosalia furono ritrovate in una grotta della montagna. Le reliquie furono portate in processione e la peste venne sconfitta. Rosalia divenne la santa patrona della città, la “Santuzza”, e attorno alla grotta venne eretto il Santuario.

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.

Tianxin Pavilion in Changsha, the captial of Hunan province. The pavilion was built in mid-14th century on top of the ancient city wall - and the wall segment under the pavilion is the last remaining vestige of old Changsha. The pavilion has been remodeled numerous times and destroyed by fire in 1938 during the war with Japan (it was a self-inflicted wound, apparently). The current structure was renovated (and, to a large extent, rebuilt) in 1984. It is considered one of the "ten Famous Chinese Historical and Cultural Towers and Pavilions" [restated from Wikipedia]

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.

“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.

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

.

Braunkehlchen (Saxicola rubetra) - Whinchat

My 2019-2023 tours album is here:

www.flickr.com/gp/jenslpz/SKf0o8040w

My bird album is here:

www.flickr.com/gp/jenslpz/1240SmAXK4

My nature album is here:

www.flickr.com/gp/jenslpz/27PwYUERX2

My Canon EOS R / R5 / R6 album is here:

www.flickr.com/gp/jenslpz/bgkttsBw35

Braunkehlchen (Saxicola rubetra)

de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braunkehlchen

Das Braunkehlchen (Saxicola rubetra) ist ein Singvogel aus der Gattung der Wiesenschmätzer (Saxicola) und der Familie der Fliegenschnäpper (Muscicapidae). In der Roten Liste der Brutvögel Deutschlands von 2015 wird die Art in der Kategorie 2 als stark gefährdet geführt.

.

Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra)

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whinchat

The whinchat (Saxicola rubetra) is a small migratory passerine bird breeding in Europe and western Asia and wintering in central Africa. At one time considered to be in the thrush family, Turdidae, it is now placed in the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. Both sexes have a strong supercilium, brownish upper parts mottled darker, a pale throat and breast, a pale buff to whitish belly, and a blackish tail with white bases to the outer tail feathers, but in the breeding season, the male has an orange-buff throat and breast.

Once considered a sub-species of the Chiffchaff the Siberian Chiffchaff is now considered a separate species. The bird is considered rare in the UK but it is believed that it is probably more common than is reported due to the difficulty of establishing the birds identity from the now common wintering Chiffchaff, especially in the South West.

Taken @ Kidwelly

Click on image for larger view

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 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.

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.

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

Mount Rainier is a massive stratovolcano located 54 miles southeast of Seattle, United States. It is the most prominent mountain in the contiguous United States and the Cascade Volcanic Arc, with a summit elevation of 14,411 feet Mt. Rainier is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, and it is on the Decade Volcano list. Because of its large amount of glacial ice, Mt. Rainier could potentially produce massive lahars that would threaten the whole Puyallup River valley.

Considered Vulnerable by BirdLife International and only easily distinguished from the closely related and formerly conspecific Chestnut-backed Tanager (Tangara preciosa) by the black back, this species is generally poorly known, although it seems to be one the of the few tanagers to perform seasonal migrations. The species’ overall range stretches from Espírito Santo south to Rio Grande do Sul, in southeast Brazil, although there is only one definite record from the last-named state. It is largely restricted to coastal sand-plain forest and littoral scrub, and the species also visits gardens and orchards. Seasonal displacements occur in Rio de Janeiro, where its arrival coincides with the ripening of certain fruits, and the Black-backed Tanager is also more common in São Paulo during the austral winter, which season has produced all of the available records in Espírito Santo. This one was photographed in São Paulo.

Happy Friday!

Thanks a lot for your visits, comments, faves, invites, etc. Very much appreciated!

© 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.

My instagram if you like: @thelmag and@thelma_and_cats

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.

• Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly is considered like one of the twenty most beautiful villages of the Quebec province. The lordship took the name of Tilly on August 31, 1700. It is situated on the Southern shore of the Saint Lawrence River, 25 kms west from Quebec City.

• Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly est considéré comme un des des vingt plus beaux villages du Québec. La seigneurie prit le nom de Tilly le 31 août, 1700. Ce village est situé à 25 kilomètres à l'ouest de la Ville de Québec, sur la rive sud du fleuve Saint-Laurent.

• Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly es considerado uno de los veinte pueblos más bellos de Quebec. El señorío tomó el nombre de Tilly el 31 de agosto de 1700. Este pueblo está situado a 25 kilómetros al oeste de la Ciudad de Québec, en la orilla sur del río San Lorenzo.

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.

Colorful Baltimore butterfly resting for a moment.

Considered locally common though not so abundant this year.

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.

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 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.

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..

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!

Thanks a lot for your visits, comments, faves, invites, etc. Very much appreciated! If you want, check my instagram: @thelmag

© 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.

Visit my instagram if you like: @thelmag

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. 52844

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 ...

View Awards Count

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. 47823

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.

is a castle in Austria, considered one of Austria's most impressive medieval castles. It is on a 172-metre (564 ft) high dolomite rock near Sankt Georgen am Längsee, east of the town of Sankt Veit an der Glan in Carinthia. The rock castle is one of the state's landmarks and a major tourist attraction.

The castle was first mentioned in a deed of donation from King Ludwig the German from the year 860, when Friesach and several farms were donated to the diocese of Salzburg. Among them was a farm near Osterwitz (curtis ad Astaruizza). The castle is mentioned in the oldest documents, dated between the 11th and 12th centuries, and also during the attacks of the Turkish peoples in the 15th century as a place of refuge for the population. Initially owned by Count Ceizolf von Spanheim, a descendant of the German Emperor Arnulf von Karantanien, known as the first Donor von Osterwitz, the castle remains in his family's possession. After the death of Hans Schenk von Osterwitz on May 30, 1478, the last of his tribe, his property passed to King Friedrich III. return.

Les autorités australiennes ont élaboré un plan pour le moins radical pour se débarrasser des chats errants. Celui-ci comprend le déploiement de robots tueurs dont l'objectif est de traquer et d'éliminer les félins, considérés comme invasifs et nuisibles pour la faune endémique.

Oui, vous avez bien lu…

S'élevant à 7,6 millions de dollars australiens, soit 4,6 millions d’euros, le plan vise à éradiquer les chats harets (chats domestiques retournés à l'état sauvage) d'ici à 5 ans dans l'État d'Australie-Occidentale.

Après des années de tests, les autorités fédérales ont finalement approuvé le déploiement de Felixer. Commercialisé par l'entreprise locale Thylation, ce “robot tueur” identifie les chats à partir de leur silhouette et de leur démarche. Il envoie ensuite un gel toxique, du fluoroacétate de sodium ou poison 1080, sur l'animal. Le poison est ensuite ingéré par celui-ci lors de sa toilette, entraînant sa mort.

Financièrement, les dommages causés par les chats harets sur la faune du pays s'élèvent à près de 300 millions de dollars australiens, soit 181 millions d’euros.

______________________________________PdF________

Australian authorities have come up with a drastic plan to get rid of stray cats. This includes the deployment of killer robots whose objective is to track down and eliminate felines, considered invasive and harmful to endemic fauna.

Yes, you read correctly…

Amounting to 7.6 million Australian dollars, or 4.6 million euros, the plan aims to eradicate feral cats (domestic cats returned to the wild) within 5 years in the State of 'Western Australia.

After years of testing, federal authorities finally approved the deployment of Felixer. Marketed by local company Thylation, this killer robot identifies cats based on their silhouette and gait. He then sends a toxic gel, sodium fluoroacetate or poison 1080, on the animal. The poison is then ingested by it during its toilet, resulting in its death.

Financially, the damage caused by feral cats on the country's wildlife amounts to nearly 300 million Australian dollars, or 181 million euros.

Ship graveyard in Bangladesh

One of the most polluted places on earth is considered the “ship graveyard” in Bangladesh. Every year, more than two hundred ships find their last refuge here and provide jobs for local residents. All decommissioned ships understand to the last screw. This is done in appalling conditions and for a ridiculous reward, but due to the lack of alternatives, people agree to such work.

Читтагонг- один из крупнейших в мире центров по слому кораблей. Здесь одновременно работало до 200000 человек.

После Второй мировой войны судостроение стало переживать небывалый подъем, огромное количество металлических кораблей строилось по всему миру и все больше – в развивающихся странах. Однако вскоре возник вопрос по утилизации отработавших свое кораблей. Более экономичней и выгодней оказалось производить разбор старых кораблей на металлолом в бедных развивающихся странах, где десятки тысяч низкооплачиваемых трудящихся демонтировали старые корабли в несколько раз дешевле, чем в Европе.

Плюс ко всему немаловажную роль сыграли такие факторы, как строгие требования охраны здоровья и окружающей среды, дорогостоящие страховки. Все это сделало слом кораблей в развитых европейских странах невыгодным. Здесь такая деятельность ограничивается, в основном, утилизацией военных судов.

Утилизация старых судов в развитых странах в настоящее время чрезвычайно высока также из-за дороговизны: стоимость утилизации токсичных веществ, таких как асбест, ПХБ и содержащих свинец и ртуть — зачастую выше, чем стоимость металлолома.

Одним из самых загрязненных мест на земле считается «кладбище кораблей» в Бангладеше. Ежегодно, более двухсот кораблей находят здесь свое последнее пристанище и обеспечивают работой местных жителей. Все списанные корабли разбираются до последнего винтика. Делается это в ужасающих условиях и за смешное вознаграждение, но из-за отсутствия альтернатив люди соглашаются и на такую работу.

Прежде чем начинается основная работа, корабль доставляют в Читтагонг и сажают на мель. Далее снимают и сливают все, до чего дотянутся: начиная топливом и маслом, заканчивая мебелью и оборудованием. Все материалы отправляются на переработку.

История этого места начинается в 1960 году. Именно в этом году судно Alpine после шторма было выброшено на берег. Попытки снять его с мели не привели к положительным результатам и через пять лет корабль списали. Судно купила местная компания и при помощи дешевой рабочей силы разобрала на металлолом. И уже в 90-х годах здесь образовался один из крупнейших центров по утилизации кораблей.

Lindisfarne / Holy Island, Northumberland, England

I'm not a great one for B&W images but every so often I find a scene where I think it just looks 'right' and this is one of them.

The picturesque island of Lindisfarne is home to an incredible collection of storage sheds cleverly fashioned from upturned old fishing boats. Local fishermen apparently considered it a sin to send boats to the junkyard. Luckily for us Togs, they instead found a way to transform their old herring boats into perfect little storage sheds for their nets, tools, and other equipment.

© All rights reserved Steve Pellatt. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission.

is a castle in Austria, considered one of Austria's most impressive medieval castles. It is on a 172-metre (564 ft) high dolomite rock near Sankt Georgen am Längsee, east of the town of Sankt Veit an der Glan in Carinthia. The rock castle is one of the state's landmarks and a major tourist attraction.

The castle was first mentioned in a deed of donation from King Ludwig the German from the year 860, when Friesach and several farms were donated to the diocese of Salzburg. Among them was a farm near Osterwitz (curtis ad Astaruizza). The castle is mentioned in the oldest documents, dated between the 11th and 12th centuries, and also during the attacks of the Turkish peoples in the 15th century as a place of refuge for the population. Initially owned by Count Ceizolf von Spanheim, a descendant of the German Emperor Arnulf von Karantanien, known as the first Donor von Osterwitz, the castle remains in his family's possession. After the death of Hans Schenk von Osterwitz on May 30, 1478, the last of his tribe, his property passed to King Friedrich III. return.

Considered a separate species of the Scarce Swallowtail with a white/grey ground colour and darker banding. It is found across the Iberian Peninsula and Southern France and can be seen from early February in the Sierra de Tejeda y Almijara on the Costa del Sol in Andalusia (6554). This one was seen 'hill topping' with its cousin Papilio machaon and a handful of Painted Ladies and Red Admirals.

Bridge considered one of the most famous "fighting bridges" in Venice, located near Campo San Barnaba in Dorsoduro.

The dog (Canis familiaris when considered a distinct species or Canis lupus familiaris when considered a subspecies of the wolf) is a domesticated carnivore of the family Canidae. It is part of the wolf-like canids, and is the most widely abundant terrestrial carnivore. The dog and the extant gray wolf are sister taxa as modern wolves are not closely related to the wolves that were first domesticated, which implies that the direct ancestor of the dog is extinct. The dog was the first species to be domesticated, and has been selectively bred over millennia for various behaviors, sensory capabilities, and physical attributes. Their long association with humans has led dogs to be uniquely attuned to human behavior and they are able to thrive on a starch-rich diet that would be inadequate for other canids. Dogs vary widely in shape, size and colors. They perform many roles for humans, such as hunting, herding, pulling loads, protection, assisting police and military, companionship and, more recently, aiding disabled people and therapeutic roles. This influence on human society has given them the sobriquet of man's best friend.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of two separate dog breeds known as Welsh Corgis that originated in Wales; the other is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. It is one of the oldest breeds of the British Isles. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are known to be an extremely loyal dog breed. They are also versatile and can live in a variety of settings. The Cardigan is a long, low dog with upright ears and a fox brush tail. 36532

Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in France. The town prospered from the hemp grown in the surrounding fields. The hemp was shipped around the world for use in making rigging for sailing vessels. Traces of this golden age are found in its granite houses that were built during the Renaissance.

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.

Senetti

These easy-care flowers look terrific in containers or flower borders. Growing 8 to 12 inches tall, pericallis, occasionally called cineraria (and sometimes Senetti after some popular varieties of the plant), produces daisy-like flowers in a variety of bold shades including purple, blue, pink, rose and bi-color. Pericallis thrives in cool weather and makes a great companion for other early-birds such as pansy and sweet alyssum. Generally considered an annual, pericallis is a tender perennial in regions with cool, moist summers. The plants are also attractive to butterflies and deer resistant.

Archive 2017