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No.7029 Clun Castle leads, with No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland bringing up the rear.
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Kingfisher - Alcedo Atthis
Double click..
The common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) also known as the Eurasian kingfisher, and river kingfisher, is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies recognized within its wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but migrates from areas where rivers freeze in winter.
This sparrow-sized bird has the typical short-tailed, large-headed kingfisher profile; it has blue upperparts, orange underparts and a long bill. It feeds mainly on fish, caught by diving, and has special visual adaptations to enable it to see prey under water. The glossy white eggs are laid in a nest at the end of a burrow in a riverbank.
The female is identical in appearance to the male except that her lower mandible is orange-red with a black tip. The juvenile is similar to the adult, but with duller and greener upperparts and paler underparts. Its bill is black, and the legs are also initially black. Feathers are moulted gradually between July and November with the main flight feathers taking 90–100 days to moult and regrow. Some that moult late may suspend their moult during cold winter weather.
The flight of the kingfisher is fast, direct and usually low over water. The short rounded wings whirr rapidly, and a bird flying away shows an electric-blue "flash" down its back.
The common kingfisher is widely distributed over Europe, Asia, and North Africa, mainly south of 60°N. It is a common breeding species over much of its vast Eurasian range, but in North Africa it is mainly a winter visitor, although it is a scarce breeding resident in coastal Morocco and Tunisia. In temperate regions, this kingfisher inhabits clear, slow-flowing streams and rivers, and lakes with well-vegetated banks. It frequents scrubs and bushes with overhanging branches close to shallow open water in which it hunts. In winter it is more coastal, often feeding in estuaries or harbours and along rocky seashores. Tropical populations are found by slow-flowing rivers, in mangrove creeks and in swamps.
Like all kingfishers, the common kingfisher is highly territorial; since it must eat around 60% of its body weight each day, it is essential to have control of a suitable stretch of river. It is solitary for most of the year, roosting alone in heavy cover. If another kingfisher enters its territory, both birds display from perches, and fights may occur, in which a bird will grab the other's beak and try to hold it under water. Pairs form in the autumn but each bird retains a separate territory, generally at least 1 km (0.62 mi) long, but up to 3.5 km (2.2 mi) and territories are not merged until the spring.
Very few birds live longer than one breeding season. The oldest bird on record was 21 years.
They are also listed as a Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act offering them additional protection.
Population:
UK breeding:
3,800-6,400 pairs
Kingfisher - Alcedo Atthis
Double click..
The common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) also known as the Eurasian kingfisher, and river kingfisher, is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies recognized within its wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but migrates from areas where rivers freeze in winter.
This sparrow-sized bird has the typical short-tailed, large-headed kingfisher profile; it has blue upperparts, orange underparts and a long bill. It feeds mainly on fish, caught by diving, and has special visual adaptations to enable it to see prey under water. The glossy white eggs are laid in a nest at the end of a burrow in a riverbank.
The female is identical in appearance to the male except that her lower mandible is orange-red with a black tip. The juvenile is similar to the adult, but with duller and greener upperparts and paler underparts. Its bill is black, and the legs are also initially black. Feathers are moulted gradually between July and November with the main flight feathers taking 90–100 days to moult and regrow. Some that moult late may suspend their moult during cold winter weather.
The flight of the kingfisher is fast, direct and usually low over water. The short rounded wings whirr rapidly, and a bird flying away shows an electric-blue "flash" down its back.
The common kingfisher is widely distributed over Europe, Asia, and North Africa, mainly south of 60°N. It is a common breeding species over much of its vast Eurasian range, but in North Africa it is mainly a winter visitor, although it is a scarce breeding resident in coastal Morocco and Tunisia. In temperate regions, this kingfisher inhabits clear, slow-flowing streams and rivers, and lakes with well-vegetated banks. It frequents scrubs and bushes with overhanging branches close to shallow open water in which it hunts. In winter it is more coastal, often feeding in estuaries or harbours and along rocky seashores. Tropical populations are found by slow-flowing rivers, in mangrove creeks and in swamps.
Like all kingfishers, the common kingfisher is highly territorial; since it must eat around 60% of its body weight each day, it is essential to have control of a suitable stretch of river. It is solitary for most of the year, roosting alone in heavy cover. If another kingfisher enters its territory, both birds display from perches, and fights may occur, in which a bird will grab the other's beak and try to hold it under water. Pairs form in the autumn but each bird retains a separate territory, generally at least 1 km (0.62 mi) long, but up to 3.5 km (2.2 mi) and territories are not merged until the spring.
Very few birds live longer than one breeding season. The oldest bird on record was 21 years.
They are also listed as a Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act offering them additional protection.
Population:
UK breeding:
3,800-6,400 pairs
The Byasa alcinous (Atrophaneura alcinous) is a swallowtail butterfly distributed mainly in East Asia. It is called Chinese windmill in English and jakouageha in Japanese. It is divided into several subspecies; the present one is B. a. miyakoensis, which is considered to be among the most beautiful one. A female at Irabu Island, Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan
宮古島の伊良部島で撮ったメスのジャコウアゲハです。
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.
Blueberries are a widely distributed and widespread group of perennial flowering plants with blue or purple berries. They are classified in the section Cyanococcus within the genus Vaccinium. Vaccinium also includes cranberries, bilberries, huckleberries and Madeira blueberries. Commercial blueberries—both wild (lowbush) and cultivated (highbush)—are all native to North America. The highbush varieties were introduced into Europe during the 1930s. Scientists have shown that blueberries are loaded with compounds (phytonutrients) that may help prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Blueberries may also improve short-term memory and promote healthy aging. Blueberries are a low-calorie source of fiber and vitamin C — 3/4 cup of fresh blueberries has 2.7 grams of fiber and 10.8 milligrams of vitamin C.
Wondering about the weekend!
The most widely distributed of its genus, the Amethyst Woodstar is found in a great variety of habitats throughout its circum-Amazonian distribution. The male is mainly bronzy green above with a prominently forked tail, white sides to the rump, and a striking amethyst-colored throat, bordered by a white breast band. The female has a green-spotted white throat, orange-rufous sides to the underparts, and a narrow white line behind the eye. The Amethyst Woodstar has been recorded taking the nectar of a large number of plant species, and at least occasionally the species hawks insects in flight. This woodstar is probably largely sedentary, but local movements potentially occur, though have yet to be proven. The species is usually not uncommon, but is rather rare and has perhaps declined in northeast Argentina, and is very poorly known in Colombia.
Have a Peaceful weekend!
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.
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La Ceja, Colombia; Central Andes; 2.300 meters above sea level.
♂️ Piranga flava, now Piranga lutea
(Tooth-billed Tanager / Cardenal Montañero)
Hepatic Tanager is the most widely distributed Piranga tanager, ranging from the southwest United States south to northern Argentina. Its English name is based on the liver-red color of the adult male from the northern part of the species' range; however, its scientific name, flava, meaning "yellow," derives from the original description, which is based on a female from Paraguay. These names reflect both a characteristic of the genus Piranga, marked sexual dichromatism, and the broad range of coloration, habitat, and behavior encompassed within the Hepatic Tanager as currently recognized.
Even though the Hepatic Tanager is currently considered one species, much evidence, including a recent study of molecular genetics, indicates that up to 3 species could be recognized, corresponding to the 3 groups of subspecies combined long ago. These groups and their respective species names are the Hepatic Tanager (P. hepatica) of montane pine-oak forests from the southwestern United States to Nicaragua, the Tooth-billed Tanager (P. lutea) of forest edges in foothills and mountains from Costa Rica to northern and western South America, and the Red Tanager (P. flava) of open woodlands of eastern and southeastern South America.
neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/Species-Account/nb/species/...
The most widely distributed of its genus, the Amethyst Woodstar is found in a great variety of habitats throughout its circum-Amazonian distribution. The male is mainly bronzy green above with a prominently forked tail, white sides to the rump, and a striking amethyst-colored throat, bordered by a white breast band. The female has a green-spotted white throat, orange-rufous sides to the underparts, and a narrow white line behind the eye. The Amethyst Woodstar has been recorded taking the nectar of a large number of plant species, and at least occasionally the species hawks insects in flight. This woodstar is probably largely sedentary, but local movements potentially occur, though have yet to be proven. The species is usually not uncommon, but is rather rare and has perhaps declined in northeast Argentina, and is very poorly known in Colombia. Züchner, T. and G. M. Kirwan (2020). Amethyst Woodstar (Calliphlox amethystina), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. doi.org/10.2173/bow.amewoo1.01
Have a peaceful Bokeh Wednesday! HBW!
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.
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This little grebe is widely distributed throughout north and central America. Since this area is part of its breeding range it is our most popular species of grebe.
Many times they are heard more than seen and tend to be quite wary so I think we are often closer to them than we might believe.
They build floating nests anchored to some sparse emerged vegetation that allows them good visibility in all directions to watch for predators. If a predator does show up, they cover their eggs with debris and slip underwater leaving what appears to be a mat of debris.
This Pied-billed Grebe has the ability to disperse the air from its feathers and sink like a submarine out of sight or sit underwater with only its eyes and bill visible.
A very surprising fact about this species is although we hardly ever see one in flight when they migrate they are capable of sustained flights of over 3200 km.
This juvenile bird is actively preening and one of their classic moves is to extend their head forward and upwards while holding their wings partially elevated.
Batea I
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The barasingha, also called swamp deer, is a deer species distributed in the Indian subcontinent. Populations in northern and central India are fragmented, and two isolated populations occur in southwestern Nepal. It has been extirpated in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and its presence is uncertain in Bhutan.
The swamp deer differs from all other Indian deer species in that the antlers carry more than three tines. Because of this distinctive character it is designated bārah-singgā, meaning "twelve-horned" in Hindustani. Mature stags usually have 10 to 14 tines, and some have been known to have up to 20.
In Assamese, barasingha is called dolhorina; dol meaning swamp. (Wikipedia)
Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India. March 2016.
The European Kingfisher or Common Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, is widely distributed in Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is resident except in northern areas where the rivers freeze. It will then move to milder regions. In most of its European range it is the only kingfisher.
The general colour of the upper parts of the adult bird is bright metallic blue, cobalt on the back, and showing greenish reflections on the head and wings. The ear coverts and under parts are warm chestnut, the chin and sides of neck white.
The bill is blackish and reddish orange at the base; the legs are bright red with a dark blue stripe. In the young the bill is black. Length averages 19 cm (7.5 inches) and wings average 7.5 cm (2.95 inches).
The flight of the Kingfisher is rapid, the short rounded wings whirring until they appear a mere blur. It usually flies near the water, but during courtship the male chases the female through and over the trees with loud shrill whistles.
From February onwards the male has a trilling song, a modulated repetition of many whistles. He also signals with a whistle to the female when he is feeding her, this being his share of the nesting duties. This whistle is produced even when his bill is loaded with food, yet is clear and distinct. The female will reply and emerge from the nesting hole, and may fly to meet him, take the fish from him in the air, and return to the nest.
The bird has regular perches or stands from which it fishes. These may be a few inches or many feet above the water. It sits upright, its tail pointed downwards. It drops suddenly with a splash and usually returns at once with a struggling captive.
Large fish are beaten on a bough or rail; small fish and insects are promptly swallowed. A fish is usually lifted and carried by its middle, but its position is changed, sometimes by tossing it into the air, before it is swallowed head downwards.
Distributed from Africa and southern Europe through West Asia to South Asia. Very large, with long, "coat hanger" neck, big kinked bill, and very long pinkish legs. Plumage at rest whitish with pale pink blush and some deep pink often visible on closed wings. Flies with long neck and legs extended, when deep pink-and-black wing pattern striking.
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) formation flight_2288
On my way to Boston I traverse this beautiful area....
Harvard Pond, Petersham. MA
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This image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying and recording without my written consent.
Thanks for the visit, comments, awards, invitations and favorites.
Corvus is a widely distributed genus of medium-sized to large birds in the family Corvidae. The genus includes species commonly known as crows, ravens and rooks; there is no consistent distinction between "crows" and "ravens".
Recent research has found some crow species capable of not only tool use, but also tool construction. Thus, crows are now considered to be among the world's most intelligent animals with an encephalization quotient equal to that of many non-human primates.
Crows gather in large communal roosts numbering between 200 and tens of thousands of individuals during nonbreeding months, particularly in the winter. These gatherings tend to happen near large food sources such as garbage dumps and shopping centers. This group of crows lives near Niedertraubling.
Text adapted from Wikipedia.
© Rainer Merkl
The pied kingfisher or Ceryle rudis, is a species of water kingfisher widely distributed across Africa and Asia. Originally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, it has five recognised subspecies.
Its black and white plumage and crest, as well as its habit of hovering over clear lakes and rivers before diving for fish, make it distinctive.
Males have a double band across the breast, while females have a single gorget that is often broken in the middle.
They are usually found in pairs or small family groups.
This is a medium-sized kingfisher, about 25 cm (9.8 in) long.
La Ceja, Colombia; Central Andes; 2.300 meters above sea level.
♂️ Piranga flava, now Piranga lutea
(Tooth-billed Tanager / Cardenal Montañero)
Hepatic Tanager is the most widely distributed Piranga tanager, ranging from the southwest United States south to northern Argentina. Its English name is based on the liver-red color of the adult male from the northern part of the species' range; however, its scientific name, flava, meaning "yellow," derives from the original description, which is based on a female from Paraguay. These names reflect both a characteristic of the genus Piranga, marked sexual dichromatism, and the broad range of coloration, habitat, and behavior encompassed within the Hepatic Tanager as currently recognized.
Even though the Hepatic Tanager is currently considered one species, much evidence, including a recent study of molecular genetics, indicates that up to 3 species could be recognized, corresponding to the 3 groups of subspecies combined long ago. These groups and their respective species names are the Hepatic Tanager (P. hepatica) of montane pine-oak forests from the southwestern United States to Nicaragua, the Tooth-billed Tanager (P. lutea) of forest edges in foothills and mountains from Costa Rica to northern and western South America, and the Red Tanager (P. flava) of open woodlands of eastern and southeastern South America.
neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/Species-Account/nb/species/...
Are perfect for a good refreshing!
Versicolored Emerald - it is a small species of Amazilia hummingbird. It is discontinuously distributed in open habitats of eastern South America, from Colombia east to the Guianas and south to northeastern Argentina and southern Brazil. This is a medium-sized hummingbird with green upperparts and white underparts; the mostly pink mandible helps to distinguish it from the very similar White-chested Emerald (Amazilia chionopectus). There are six subspecies of Versicolored Emerald, which vary in features such as the color of the crown (glittering green or turquoise) and throat (white, or variably green or turquoise). One poorly-known subspecies, rondoniae of southwestern Brazil (and northern Bolivia?), sometimes is recognized as a separate species, but geographic variation within Versicolored Emerald merits further study. Across its broad range, the Versicolored Emerald behaves as a typical Amazilia: it occurs at the edges of forest, in open shrubby areas, and in savannas with scattered trees or shrubs. Versicolored Emeralds feed at a wide variety of flowers; they may defend small patches of flowers, but also visit flowering trees, which attract many hummingbirds of a variety of species. Weller, A.A., G. M. Kirwan, and P. F. D. Boesman (2021). Versicolored Emerald (Chrysuronia versicolor), version 1.1. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. doi.org/10.2173/bow.vereme1.01.1
For a peaceful Friday! Happy Earth Day!
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.
Visit my instagram if you like: @thelmag and@thelma_and_cats
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.
I don't know how to describe the mood of this picture other than the word 'noir'.
I processed the original by Chris Combe from www.flickr.com/photos/cosmicherb70/15092861213/ to desaturate some of the blue colours leaving some sort of gunmetal grey/blue feel and that Batman Arkham city look to this picture. I've also played around with the saturation in the bridge added blur to the image and some selective dodging and burning to this photo.
Just another retake on an already awesome looking photo!
Photo free to use / share / remix / modify / distribute as per the CC licence.
Used my free actions toolkit downloadble from www.lennykphotography.com + Photoshop Elements 14 to edit this one! Thanks for checking it out :)
Female Kingfisher stunning it’s prey before eating.
The European Kingfisher or Common Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, is widely distributed in Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is resident except in northern areas where the rivers freeze. It will then move to milder regions. In most of its European range it is the only kingfisher.
The general colour of the upper parts of the adult bird is bright metallic blue, cobalt on the back, and showing greenish reflections on the head and wings. The ear coverts and under parts are warm chestnut, the chin and sides of neck white.
The bill is blackish and reddish orange at the base; the legs are bright red with a dark blue stripe. In the young the bill is black. Length averages 19 cm (7.5 inches) and wings average 7.5 cm (2.95 inches).
The flight of the Kingfisher is rapid, the short rounded wings whirring until they appear a mere blur. It usually flies near the water, but during courtship the male chases the female through and over the trees with loud shrill whistles.
From February onwards the male has a trilling song, a modulated repetition of many whistles. He also signals with a whistle to the female when he is feeding her, this being his share of the nesting duties. This whistle is produced even when his bill is loaded with food, yet is clear and distinct. The female will reply and emerge from the nesting hole, and may fly to meet him, take the fish from him in the air, and return to the nest.
The bird has regular perches or stands from which it fishes. These may be a few inches or many feet above the water. It sits upright, its tail pointed downwards. It drops suddenly with a splash and usually returns at once with a struggling captive.
Large fish are beaten on a bough or rail; small fish and insects are promptly swallowed. A fish is usually lifted and carried by its middle, but its position is changed, sometimes by tossing it into the air, before it is swallowed head downwards.
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December 11th 2013 kenwood House London
any body having problems with photoshop I use CS5 and after window updates it crashes as soon as a file is opened and I havent got a clue how to fix it ????
Kaziranga National Park
State Of Assam
India
The barasingha (Cervus duvaucelii), also called swamp deer, is a deer species distributed in the Indian subcontinent. Populations in northern and central India are fragmented, and two isolated populations occur in southwestern Nepal. It is extinct in Pakistan and in Bangladesh.The specific name commemorates the French naturalist Alfred Duvaucel.
The swamp deer differs from all the Indian deer species in that the antlers carry more than three tines. Because of this distinctive character it is designated barasingha, meaning "twelve-tined." Mature stags have 10 to 14 tines, and some have been known to have up to 20.
In the 19th century, swamp deer ranged along the base of the Himalayas from Upper Assam to the west of the Yamuna River, throughout Assam, in a few places in the Indo-Gangetic plain from the Eastern Sundarbans to Upper Sind, and locally throughout the area between the Ganges and Godavari as far east as Mandla.
Swamp deer are mainly grazers. They largely feed on grasses and aquatic plants. They feed throughout the day with peaks during the mornings and late afternoons to evenings. In winter and monsoon, they drink water twice, and thrice or more in summer. In the hot season, they rest in the shade of trees during the day. - Wikipedia
The Orchidaceae are a diverse and widespread family of flowering plants, with blooms that are often colourful and fragrant, commonly known as the orchid family. Along with the Asteraceae, they are one of the two largest families of flowering plants. The Orchidaceae have about 28,000 currently accepted species, distributed in about 763 genera. The determination of which family is larger is still under debate, because verified data on the members of such enormous families are continually in flux. Regardless, the number of orchid species is nearly equal to the number of bony fishes, more than twice the number of bird species, and about four times the number of mammal species. The family encompasses about 6–11% of all seed plants. The largest genera are Bulbophyllum (2,000 species), Epidendrum (1,500 species), Dendrobium (1,400 species) and Pleurothallis (1,000 species). It also includes Vanilla (the genus of the vanilla plant), the type genus Orchis, and many commonly cultivated plants such as Phalaenopsis and Cattleya. Moreover, since the introduction of tropical species into cultivation in the 19th century, horticulturists have produced more than 100,000 hybrids and cultivars. Orchids are easily distinguished from other plants, as they share some very evident, shared derived characteristics, or synapomorphies. Among these are: bilateral symmetry of the flower (zygomorphism), many resupinate flowers, a nearly always highly modified petal (labellum), fused stamens and carpels, and extremely small seeds. G5_109
La Ceja, Colombia; Central Andes; 2.300 meters above sea level.
Piranga flava, now Piranga lutea
(Tooth-billed Tanager / Cardenal Montañero)
Hepatic Tanager is the most widely distributed Piranga tanager, ranging from the southwest United States south to northern Argentina. Its English name is based on the liver-red color of the adult male from the northern part of the species' range; however, its scientific name, flava, meaning "yellow," derives from the original description, which is based on a female from Paraguay. These names reflect both a characteristic of the genus Piranga, marked sexual dichromatism, and the broad range of coloration, habitat, and behavior encompassed within the Hepatic Tanager as currently recognized.
Even though the Hepatic Tanager is currently considered one species, much evidence, including a recent study of molecular genetics, indicates that up to 3 species could be recognized, corresponding to the 3 groups of subspecies combined long ago. These groups and their respective species names are the Hepatic Tanager (P. hepatica) of montane pine-oak forests from the southwestern United States to Nicaragua, the Tooth-billed Tanager (P. lutea) of forest edges in foothills and mountains from Costa Rica to northern and western South America, and the Red Tanager (P. flava) of open woodlands of eastern and southeastern South America.
neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/Species-Account/nb/species/...
Created for Kreative People TT239 challenge.
Entered to Explore Worthy, Challenge 122 - Your 2020 Favorite.
(Winner - 1st pl)
Source images 1 Here and 2 Here with thanks, from abstractartangel77.
Other images, my own. Purchased.
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© All rights reserved. This image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying & recording without my written permission. Thanks.
~ Thank you for visiting my photostream, for the invites, faves, awards and kind words. It's all much appreciated. ~
62712 Morayshire on the North Norfolk Railway - The 'Poppy Line'.
This image is © Copyright 2015 Tony Teague. All Rights Reserved Worldwide in Perpituity. Use of my images without permission is illegal.
Absolutely no permission is granted in any form, fashion or way, digital or otherwise, to use copy, edit, reproduce, publish, duplicate, or distribute my images or any part of them on blogs, personal or professional websites or any other media without my direct written permission.
If you wish to use any of my images for any reason or purpose please contact me for written permission.
The European Kingfisher or Common Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, is widely distributed in Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is resident except in northern areas where the rivers freeze. It will then move to milder regions. In most of its European range it is the only kingfisher.
The general colour of the upper parts of the adult bird is bright metallic blue, cobalt on the back, and showing greenish reflections on the head and wings. The ear coverts and under parts are warm chestnut, the chin and sides of neck white.
The bill is blackish and reddish orange at the base; the legs are bright red with a dark blue stripe. In the young the bill is black. Length averages 19 cm (7.5 inches) and wings average 7.5 cm (2.95 inches).
The flight of the Kingfisher is rapid, the short rounded wings whirring until they appear a mere blur. It usually flies near the water, but during courtship the male chases the female through and over the trees with loud shrill whistles.
From February onwards the male has a trilling song, a modulated repetition of many whistles. He also signals with a whistle to the female when he is feeding her, this being his share of the nesting duties. This whistle is produced even when his bill is loaded with food, yet is clear and distinct. The female will reply and emerge from the nesting hole, and may fly to meet him, take the fish from him in the air, and return to the nest.
The bird has regular perches or stands from which it fishes. These may be a few inches or many feet above the water. It sits upright, its tail pointed downwards. It drops suddenly with a splash and usually returns at once with a struggling captive.
Large fish are beaten on a bough or rail; small fish and insects are promptly swallowed. A fish is usually lifted and carried by its middle, but its position is changed, sometimes by tossing it into the air, before it is swallowed head downwards.
Distributed from Africa and southern Europe through West Asia to South Asia. Very large, with long, "coat hanger" neck, big kinked bill, and very long pinkish legs. Plumage at rest whitish with pale pink blush and some deep pink often visible on closed wings. Flies with long neck and legs extended, when deep pink-and-black wing pattern striking. (eBird)
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One of the hides at the Ras al-Khor is named the "Flamingo Hide", for good reason. The flamingos receive extra food here and so are present in the hundreds. Fabulous closeup photo opportunities. The bill is less pink than I would have expected in this adult, but apparently, it can lose colour while raising young, of which there were many in this flock.
Ras al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai, UAE. March 2024.
A southbound CSX freight train meets a northbound freight train on the Neabsco Creek Trestle Bridge. This train has a Distributed Power Unit which is the locomotive is in the middle of a train to help with hills or other logistical problems. #CSX #train #TrestleBridge #LeesylvaniaStatePark #CSX3467 #DPU #DistributedPowerUnit
Distributed in Africa from Lake Victoria southwards. Inhabits both savanna and woodland and is mainly carnivorous snatching its small-animal prey from the ground. This is the world's largest hornbill, measuring nearly 1.3 m long and weighing up to 6 kg. The 'boxing-glove' throat is red in the male and red and blue in the female.
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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.
The bird is a medium sized duck and has a whistling kind of call. Fulvous describes the color (reddish-yellow). Just like other ducks, these are nocturnal and spend the days sleeping hidden from view. When farmers or stray dogs disturb them, they tend to fly out in large flocks to safety.
The birds roost in the wet paddy fields during the nights when there is no disturbance, but during the days, tend to rest around swamps.
Thank you so much in advance for your views, feedback and faves.
Teals are small dabbling ducks. Males have chestnut coloured heads with broad green eye-patches, a spotted chest, grey flanks and a black edged yellow tail. Females are mottled brown. Both show bright green wing patches (speculum) in flight. They are thinly distributed as a breeding species with a preference for northern moors and mires.
In winter, birds congregate in low-lying wetlands in the south and west of the UK.
Distributed in in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. It is Near Threatened due to habitat loss. Malaysia, Mar 2019.
The European Kingfisher or Common Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, is widely distributed in Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is resident except in northern areas where the rivers freeze. It will then move to milder regions. In most of its European range it is the only kingfisher.
The general colour of the upper parts of the adult bird is bright metallic blue, cobalt on the back, and showing greenish reflections on the head and wings. The ear coverts and under parts are warm chestnut, the chin and sides of neck white.
The bill is blackish and reddish orange at the base; the legs are bright red with a dark blue stripe. In the young the bill is black. Length averages 19 cm (7.5 inches) and wings average 7.5 cm (2.95 inches).
The flight of the Kingfisher is rapid, the short rounded wings whirring until they appear a mere blur. It usually flies near the water, but during courtship the male chases the female through and over the trees with loud shrill whistles.
From February onwards the male has a trilling song, a modulated repetition of many whistles. He also signals with a whistle to the female when he is feeding her, this being his share of the nesting duties. This whistle is produced even when his bill is loaded with food, yet is clear and distinct. The female will reply and emerge from the nesting hole, and may fly to meet him, take the fish from him in the air, and return to the nest.
The bird has regular perches or stands from which it fishes. These may be a few inches or many feet above the water. It sits upright, its tail pointed downwards. It drops suddenly with a splash and usually returns at once with a struggling captive.
Large fish are beaten on a bough or rail; small fish and insects are promptly swallowed. A fish is usually lifted and carried by its middle, but its position is changed, sometimes by tossing it into the air, before it is swallowed head downwards.
The Sayaca Tanager is widely distributed across South America, ranging from eastern Brazil and Bolivia to northern Argentina. It prefers open woodlands, gardens, and urban spaces, adapting well to human presence. Its diet consists of fruits, seeds, and insects, and it often forages in small flocks. While Sayaca Tanagers usually have a calm demeanor, this photograph reveals an unusual display of anger towards another tanager.
Neotropic Photo Tours. www.neotropicphototours.com.
The European Kingfisher or Common Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, is widely distributed in Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is resident except in northern areas where the rivers freeze. It will then move to milder regions. In most of its European range it is the only kingfisher.
The general colour of the upper parts of the adult bird is bright metallic blue, cobalt on the back, and showing greenish reflections on the head and wings. The ear coverts and under parts are warm chestnut, the chin and sides of neck white.
The bill is blackish and reddish orange at the base; the legs are bright red with a dark blue stripe. In the young the bill is black. Length averages 19 cm (7.5 inches) and wings average 7.5 cm (2.95 inches).
The flight of the Kingfisher is rapid, the short rounded wings whirring until they appear a mere blur. It usually flies near the water, but during courtship the male chases the female through and over the trees with loud shrill whistles.
From February onwards the male has a trilling song, a modulated repetition of many whistles. He also signals with a whistle to the female when he is feeding her, this being his share of the nesting duties. This whistle is produced even when his bill is loaded with food, yet is clear and distinct. The female will reply and emerge from the nesting hole, and may fly to meet him, take the fish from him in the air, and return to the nest.
The bird has regular perches or stands from which it fishes. These may be a few inches or many feet above the water. It sits upright, its tail pointed downwards. It drops suddenly with a splash and usually returns at once with a struggling captive.
Large fish are beaten on a bough or rail; small fish and insects are promptly swallowed. A fish is usually lifted and carried by its middle, but its position is changed, sometimes by tossing it into the air, before it is swallowed head downwards.
Thank you very much for the visit and comments. Cheers.
Erosion of the paperbark forest at Red Beach, Bribie Island, Queensland, Australia is a GREAT place to take a walk (when the tide is out) and take photographs. Very interesting beach landscape and forest to the foreshore, as well as birdlife.
Chris Burns 2013
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La Ceja, Colombia; Central Andes; 2.300 meters above sea level.
Hepatic Tanager is the most widely distributed Piranga tanager, ranging from the southwest United States south to northern Argentina. Its English name is based on the liver-red color of the adult male from the northern part of the species' range; however, its scientific name, flava, meaning "yellow," derives from the original description, which is based on a female from Paraguay. These names reflect both a characteristic of the genus Piranga, marked sexual dichromatism, and the broad range of coloration, habitat, and behavior encompassed within the Hepatic Tanager as currently recognized.
Even though the Hepatic Tanager is currently considered one species, much evidence, including a recent study of molecular genetics, indicates that up to 3 species could be recognized, corresponding to the 3 groups of subspecies combined long ago. These groups and their respective species names are the Hepatic Tanager (P. hepatica) of montane pine-oak forests from the southwestern United States to Nicaragua, the Tooth-billed Tanager (P. lutea) of forest edges in foothills and mountains from Costa Rica to northern and western South America, and the Red Tanager (P. flava) of open woodlands of eastern and southeastern South America.
neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/Species-Account/nb/species/...
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The most widely distributed of its genus, the Amethyst Woodstar is found in a great variety of habitats throughout its circum-Amazonian distribution. The male is mainly bronzy green above with a prominently forked tail, white sides to the rump, and a striking amethyst-colored throat, bordered by a white breast band. The female has a green-spotted white throat, orange-rufous sides to the underparts, and a narrow white line behind the eye. The Amethyst Woodstar has been recorded taking the nectar of a large number of plant species, and at least occasionally the species hawks insects in flight. This woodstar is probably largely sedentary, but local movements potentially occur, though have yet to be proven. The species is usually not uncommon, but is rather rare and has perhaps declined in northeast Argentina, and is very poorly known in Colombia. Taken at Sítio Macuquinho, São Paulo.
Wishing a better day, hopefully a peaceful day.
Thanks a lot for your visits, comments, faves, invites, etc. Very much appreciated!
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Southwestern Florida
USA
Backyard
This zebra longwing was photographed in my butterfly habitat in my backyard.
From Wikipedia - The Zebra Longwing or Zebra Heliconian (Heliconius charithonia) is a species of butterfly belonging to the subfamily Heliconiinae of the Nymphalidae. The boldly striped black and white wing pattern is aposematic, warning off predators.
The species is distributed across South and Central America and as far north as southern Texas and peninsular Florida; there are migrations north into other American states in the warmer months.
Zebra longwing adults roost communally at night in groups of up to 60 adults for safety from predators. The adult butterflies are unusual in feeding on pollen as well as on nectar; the pollen enables them to synthesize cyanogenic glycosides that make their bodies toxic to potential predators.
Caterpillars feed on various species of Passionflower, evading the plants' defensive trichomes by biting them off or laying silk mats over them. – Wikipedia
This very widely distributed member of the "Flycatcher" family can be spotted in a variety of habitats that supply open spaces and are near water. They are considered monogamous and mated pairs will return to the same territory in succeeding years. They are highly territorial and do possess an aggressive nature and will not hesitate to release that aggression on even large birds like crows and hawks.
On their breeding grounds they construct a nest made of weeds, twigs and grasses lined with fine root fibers, hair and fur usually located in a stump, fence post or elm where a mated pair will incubate 2 - 5 eggs for 14 - 18 days. They do have the ability to recognize and will remove parasitized eggs laid in their nest by other species.
While feeding they like to perch on an elevated limb where they can dart out and capture flying insects but will also glean insects from green foliage.
It amazes me to think that the subtle, slow moving and constant forces of nature are seemingly always at work. Take an old railway track like this one where the force of nature has bent and changed the shape of this railway track. Simply Amazing.
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© All Rights Reserved All Photos contained within this page are the property of Raul Zaldivar 2024 and, unless otherwise noted, may not be copied, downloaded, blogged, distributed, or reproduced in any form without the express written consent of Raul Zaldivar.
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File Name: NZ6_6039
Naples Botanical Gardens
Naples, Florida
USA
The great egret (Ardea alba), also known as the common egret, large egret, or (in the Old World) great white egret or great white heron is a large, widely distributed egret, with four subspecies found in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe. Distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world, it builds tree nests in colonies close to water.
The great egret is generally a very successful species with a large and expanding range, occurring worldwide in temperate and tropical habitats. It is ubiquitous across the Sun Belt of the United States and in the Neotropics. In North America, large numbers of great egrets were killed around the end of the 19th century so that their plumes could be used to decorate hats. Numbers have since recovered as a result of conservation measures.
Its range has expanded as far north as southern Canada. However, in some parts of the southern United States, its numbers have declined due to habitat loss, particularly wetland degradation through drainage, grazing, clearing, burning, increased salinity, groundwater extraction and invasion by exotic plants.
Nevertheless, the species adapts well to human habitation and can be readily seen near wetlands and bodies of water in urban and suburban areas.
The great egret is partially migratory, with northern hemisphere birds moving south from areas with colder winters. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.
The great egret feeds in shallow water or drier habitats, feeding mainly on fish, frogs, small mammals, and occasionally small reptiles and insects, spearing them with its long, sharp bill most of the time by standing still and allowing the prey to come within its striking distance of its bill, which it uses as a spear. It often waits motionless for prey, or slowly stalks its victim. Wikipedia