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La Ceja, Colombia; Central Andes, 2300 meters above sea level.
The Rufous-tailed Hummingbird is a medium-sized hummingbird. It has a distinctly rufous-colored tail, from which its named is derived, and a bright pink bill. Like other hummingbirds, it feeds on nectar and small insects. It can be highly territorial over feeding areas.
The Rufous-tailed Hummingbird is perhaps the most common species of hummingbird at forest edge and in gardens and cultivated areas from southern Mexico south to northwestern South America.
neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/Species-Account/nb/species/...
Windmills. There are over 1000 windmills in the Netherlands and if you spend any time in the country, you'll soon catch a glimpse of one. But if you want to see windmills at their very best, you have to head to Kinderdijk where, in the mid-1700's, 19 mills in 4 distinct styles, were built to power a complex system of pumps designed to keep water levels in balance. Nowadays Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors walk paths or take advantage of tour boats to navigate canals and take in the world's most comprehensive collection of historical windmills. If you get lucky, you'll show up when the mills are working & you'll be surprised at how quickly the blades can turn! but you can always pay a visit to the inside of a working mill and learn firsthand about the importance of windmills to Holland. I was surprised to learn that mill keepers would position the blades of the windmill (when resting) to communicate such things as a birth announcements, that the mill keeper was in mourning or in need of help, or that milling would be taking place that day. A final tip about the Kinderdijk: If you happen to be in the Netherlands in early September, try to come at night; it's the only time of the year when the mills are beautifully lit.
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Samburu National Reserve
Kenya
East Africa
The vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), or simply vervet, is an Old World monkey of the family Cercopithecidae native to Africa. The term "vervet" is also used to refer to all the members of the genus Chlorocebus. The five distinct subspecies can be found mostly throughout Southern Africa, as well as some of the eastern countries.
These mostly herbivorous monkeys have black faces and grey body hair color, ranging in length from about 50 centimetres (20 in) for males to about 40 centimetres (16 in) for females.
In addition to very interesting behavioral research on natural populations, vervet monkeys serve as a nonhuman primate model for understanding genetic and social behaviors of humans. They have been noted for having human-like characteristics, such as hypertension and anxiety. The most significant studies done on vervet monkeys involve their communication and alarm calls, specifically in regard to kin and group recognition and particular predator sightings.
Vervets live in social groups ranging from 10 to 70 individuals, with males changing groups at the time of sexual maturity. – Wikipedia
This female is looking a little the worse for wear - her wings are distinctly frayed and she may be missing a leg. The adult forms of dragonflies only live for a few weeks, spending their entire time feeding, mating and laying eggs. Doesn't sound like such a bad life - no dishes to wash! The eggs will hatch into nymphs, and those that aren't eaten by fish or water fowl will go through progressive moults, each time getting larger. Eventually, after some years, they will crawl up a plant stem into the air, shed their final skin and emerge as the colourful, winged adults we see flying around.
The Emperor is the UK's largest dragonfly species - approx 10cm/4 inches in length and span.
Taken a couple of years ago I forgot to process this shot. This bird was a fleeting visitor to Hertfordshire. The local birders had checked its ring number through photographs and found this individual had over-wintered in Gloucester
The distinct dominant of the town Fiľakovo on the Slovak-Hungarian frontier are the ruins of its Castle, which survived the Tartar raids in the 13th century.
The Castle is first referred to in the 13th century. It was rebuilt in the first half of the 15th century, widened and fortified in the 16th century. Although the fortification of the Castle was to defend it against the Turks, they conquered it in 1554.
It remained in the hands of the Turks for almost 40 years. It became the centre of the so-called Fiľakovo sanjak, (a Turkish administrative district) encompassing the whole of what is today the region of Poiplie. The Castle was re-conquered from the Turks only in 1593. The year 1682 was also fatal for the Castle, as the rebellious troops of Imrich Thököly conquered it and it has gone derelict since then.
The pentagonal Bebekova bašta bastion stands next to the entrance to the Castle. It has a roof and its gross shape has been preserved until the present day. In one of its external walls there is a half-sunk bulky canon ball, reminiscent of the 1682 siege. An exhibition of Castle and town history has been installed in the bastion. Remains of the Palace, a watchtower and a massive half-circle cannon bastion (the "clock" bastion) can still be seen in the upper castle. The Castle provides a wonderful view of the whole town and its environs.
Le canal de Berry (d'abord « canal du Cher », puis « canal du duc de Berry » avant de prendre en 1830 son nom actuel) avait une longueur de 320 km. Réalisé entre 1808 et 1840, il a été utilisé jusqu'en 1945 puis a été déclassé et aliéné en 1955.
Ce canal a la particularité d'être trois canaux en un seul, puisqu'il est constitué de trois branches distinctes qui se rejoignent à Fontblisse, commune de Bannegon (Cher). Il relie les villes suivantes dans les départements de l'Allier, du Cher et de Loir-et-Cher.
The canal of Berry (first "Canal du Cher", then "channel of the Duke of Berry" before taking its current name in 1830) had a length of 320 km. Realized between 1808 and 1840, it was used until 1945 then was decommissioned and alienated in 1955.
This canal has the characteristic of being three channels in one, since it is made up of three distinct branches which meet at Fontblisse, commune of Bannegon (Cher). It connects the following cities in the departments of Allier, Cher and Loir-et-Cher
Another shot from Friday and the battle between the Kestrel and the Shorty. This was just before the Kestrel stole the vole.
Catrigg Force in lowish water and relatively clear of storm debris resembles an idyllic hydrotherapy retreat. The plunge pool with its clear waters looks decidedly inviting, with the sound of the white plumes of plunging Dales spring water soothing the weary mind.
This is the first time I've been able to get right up to this location in the narrow gorge and get a clearer shot of the two distinct drops that make up Catrigg Force. The low water levels also make the mossy areas around the waterfall stand out more and makes fort a more interesting shot.
Small falcon with distinctive male plumage; gray head, rusty back, gray tail with broad black tip. Female is brownish above, barred on back, wings, and tail. Note rather pointed wingtips (unlike rounded wings of sparrowhawks and Shikra), and distinct dark spotting on breast. Fairly common in open and lightly wooded country, farmland, heathland; often seen over rough grassland beside roads and at airports. Perches on wires and posts, and typically hunts by hovering, at times fairly high overhead. Very similar to Lesser Kestrel. (Courtesy e.bird)
Thanks for viewing my photos and for any favourites and comments, it’s much appreciated 👍
Four distinct activities today, first a visit to Mount Rushmore to view the famous sculpture of four American Presidents on the mountainside. Most people in the tour group weren't interested, and there were no shops.
The tourist town of Keystone is probably the closest to Mount Rushmore, it’s a bustling place filled with fast food joints and souvenir shops. A steam train runs the twenty or so miles from Keystone to Hill City, a car was reserved on the train for our tour party. We joined what seemed like hundreds of people lined up to take the train. Rather as in China, we were marched past the locals to board the train.
It took an hour for our train to make the climb to Hill City. The curves were sweeping, the smoke dark and dense; this was steam train heaven writ large.
The distinct dominant of the town Fiľakovo on the Slovak-Hungarian frontier are the ruins of its Castle, which survived the Tartar raids in the 13th century.
The Castle is first referred to in the 13th century. It was rebuilt in the first half of the 15th century, widened and fortified in the 16th century. Although the fortification of the Castle was to defend it against the Turks, they conquered it in 1554.
It remained in the hands of the Turks for almost 40 years. It became the centre of the so-called Fiľakovo sanjak, (a Turkish administrative district) encompassing the whole of what is today the region of Poiplie. The Castle was re-conquered from the Turks only in 1593. The year 1682 was also fatal for the Castle, as the rebellious troops of Imrich Thököly conquered it and it has gone derelict since then.
The pentagonal Bebekova bašta bastion stands next to the entrance to the Castle. It has a roof and its gross shape has been preserved until the present day. In one of its external walls there is a half-sunk bulky canon ball, reminiscent of the 1682 siege. An exhibition of Castle and town history has been installed in the bastion. Remains of the Palace, a watchtower and a massive half-circle cannon bastion (the "clock" bastion) can still be seen in the upper castle. The Castle provides a wonderful view of the whole town and its environs.
Just doing what they do at this time of year, feeding up on fish for the next stage of their ongoing journey.
This was taken on the banks of Marsworth Reservoir,Tring where one corner seems more prised territory. This tern will chase of any interlopers, and it regularly needed to.
Gangly heron with significant variation in plumage. Distinct dark morph is slate-gray with a white throat, while the palest morph is white with a yellow bill and lores. Pale gray intermediate morphs can also be found. Little Egret can look similar, but it has a darker bill than the white morph of the Western Reef-Heron. Primarily a coastal inhabitant, foraging on shorelines and in estuaries, but can also be found at some inland water bodies. (eBird)
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There were four adults at the wetland. Perhaps parents to the young bird posted here?
Ras al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai, UAE. March 2024.
Artistic framing of a distinct natural pathway through crystal-clear turquoise water connecting several reefs.
The surface of the water shows gentle ripples and reflections indicating sunlight illuminating the scene.
The overall impression is one of a pristine and inviting tropical seascape.
Either physical or conceptual, a pathway is a route that can be followed to reach a destination or achieve a specific result.
Lower ISO settings, like 64, allows for more detail to be captured in both the bright and dark parts of a scene, leading to a wider range of tones in the final image. Best used in bright outdoor settings.
Shot from Ras Nasrani, Sharm El Sheikh, one of the best snorkeling and dive sites in the world where the waters are known for their extraordinary clarity, offering visibility beyond 30 meters below.
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The Painted Bunting has two distinct ranges; the first extending from northern Texas to northern Mexico with a winter range in southwestern Mexico and the second, eastern population ranges from the Atlantic coastal areas of Florida to North Carolina with a winter range in south Florida to the Caribbean. This bird can be found primarily in arable land, degraded forest and shrub lands of higher altitude. The global population of this bird is estimated to be around 3,600,000 individual birds. Currently, the population has demonstrated a nearly 55% decrease in the past thirty years. Due to this, population trends for the Painted Bunting have a present evaluation level of Near Threatened.
The male Painted Bunting is one of the most brilliantly colored and visually striking birds in all of the United States. It is the only bird in the U.S. to have a blue head and red underparts.
The Painted Bunting’s species name, ceris, comes from the Greek myth of Scylla, who was turned into the bird keiris.
This beautiful green Painted Bunting is either a female or a Juvenile male.
I found her (him) in my backyard. Lake Wales, Polk County, Florida.
A visitor to a housing estate in Buckinghamshire, totally not where you would expect to see one of these. Was quite obliging but getting low to the water was both challenging and quite smelly as the pond was a drain for run-off water.
Cuiaba River
The Pantanal
Brazil
South America
The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. It is the longest member of the Mustelidae, or weasel family, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 m (5.6 ft). Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative.
Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggressiveness, and reassurance.
The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. – Wikipedia
Depuis mai 2015, la municipalité de Tielt-Winge -Belgium, dans le Brabant flamand, est un lieu qui témoigne de la singularité de l'architecture de paysage. Une structure fascinante qui atténue la distinction entre une tour et un escalier flotte au-dessus du célèbre Kabouterbos ( forêt de conte de fées) et attire la curiosité de nombreux résidents et passants de Tielt. Le volume fascinant de l’acier est revêtu d’acier inoxydable de haut en bas.
Les exigences du cahier des charges reflétaient cet objectif: la nouvelle tour devait être entièrement construite en métal, mesurer au moins dix mètres de haut, comporter un abri et résister à toute forme de vandalisme.
Au lieu d'une construction classique avec un escalier en colimaçon, le designer a conçu un volume suspendu sans trop de fioritures décoratives. Le «Vlooybergtoren», comme on l'appelle, mesure 11, 28 mètres de haut (la plate-forme supérieure déborde de 10, 08 mètres + mur de rambarde de 1, 20 mètre) et est construit sur une sous-structure galvanisée revêtue d'acier patiné, une allusion subtile au typique brun-rouge. couleur de la pierre de fer dans la région de Hageland. Au total, l’imposante tour d’escalier ne pèse pas moins de treize tonnes.
Selon les propres mots du concepteur, la modélisation de la tour Vlooyberg était «une guerre contre son propre poids». Pour s'assurer que la structure serait suffisamment solide et ne s'affaisserait pas, il calculait manuellement les forces agissant sur chaque élément. Ses conclusions ont donné à la tour d'escalier sa forme et ses dimensions ultimes. La structure évolue de grande, lourde et forte, à petite, légère et mince. Le mur de garde-corps fonctionne comme une poutre structurelle qui confère à la structure en acier une solidité et une stabilité suffisantes pour résister aux forces agissant sur elle. Deux amortisseurs de vibrations garantissent que la tour d'escalier ne commence pas à vibrer sous le pied.
La structure a été entièrement préfabriquée et assemblée sur le site section par section. En fin de compte, l'installation n'a duré qu'une demi-journée. En tant que monument à forte valeur iconique, la tour Vlooyberg met en valeur, au sens propre et figuré, le profil de la belle région autour de Tielt-Winge. Les habitants de Tielt, les passants fortunés et les amateurs d'architecture moderne apprécient énormément ce monument fascinant.
Since May 2015, the municipality of Tielt-Winge -Belgium, in Flemish Brabant, has been a place that bears witness to the uniqueness of landscape architecture. A fascinating structure that softens the distinction between a tower and a staircase floats above the famous Kabouterbos (fairytale forest) and attracts the curiosity of many residents and passers-by of Tielt. The fascinating volume of the steel is coated with stainless steel from top to bottom.
The specifications reflected this objective: the new tower had to be constructed entirely of metal, be at least ten meters high, include a shelter and be resistant to all forms of vandalism.
Instead of a classic construction with a spiral staircase, the designer designed a suspended volume without too many decorative frills. The "Vlooybergtoren", as it is called, is 11.28 meters high (the upper platform overhangs 10.08 meters + guardrail wall of 1.20 meters) and is built on a coated galvanized substructure. of patinated steel, a subtle allusion to the typical brown-red. color of the iron stone in the Hageland region. In total, the imposing staircase tower weighs no less than thirteen tons.
In the designer's own words, the modeling of the Vlooyberg Tower was "a war against its own weight". To ensure that the structure would be strong enough and not sag, he would manually calculate the forces acting on each element. His findings gave the staircase tower its ultimate shape and dimensions. The structure evolves from big, heavy and strong, to small, light and thin. The guardrail wall functions as a structural beam which gives the steel structure sufficient strength and stability to withstand the forces acting on it. Two vibration dampers ensure that the stair tower does not start to vibrate underfoot.
The structure was completely prefabricated and assembled on site section by section. In the end, the installation only took half a day. As a monument of high iconic value, the Vlooyberg Tower highlights, literally and figuratively, the profile of the beautiful region around Tielt-Winge. Tielt residents, wealthy passers-by and lovers of modern architecture greatly appreciate this fascinating monument.
HMBT! Happy Monochrome Bokeh Thursday!
I wanted to create a bit of mystery and give the piano itself more character and individuality with the way I photographed it and processed it on the computer ... I linked a famous piece of piano music to it, the only classical piece I can play on a piano, but much slower ;)
Für Elise
Going back to 1927 with its distinct green exterior paint treatment on MacDougal Street we find the quaint coffee shop Café Reggio in the heart of Greenwich Village. Opened by the first proprietor Domenico Parisi it featured a beautiful chrome and brass espresso machine made in 1902 which brought cappuccino which had become popular in Italy at the beginning of the Twentieth Century to America for the very first time. Thus explaining Café Reggio’s moniker, “the home of the “Original Cappuccino””. It is quaint and cozy café, with sidewalk tables (when it’s not cold) and a unique interior that can be described as artistic, surrounded with artwork some dating back to the Italian Renaissance period, including an old bench with the distinct crest of the Medici Family which actually belonged to them. The cappuccino is outstanding, as is their regular coffee. The menu is not restricted to coffee; I’ve had some of the excellent food on their menu including their tomato soup and their delectable Ravioli Al Pesto and both were marvelous. The desserts….to die for, their canolli’s sweet, the sfogliatella, the éclairs, yummy and the napoleon wonderful. Definitely worth the trip and reasonably priced if you’re in the area. If you like big spacious dining establishments, you will feel claustrophobic here, a real café environment, small tables, relatively snug quarters whether you are inside or out. A piece of Greenwich Village and New York City history that hails back to when the Italian immigrants abounded in lower Manhattan. It’s not Starbucks and the many regurgitated clone franchises that seem to spring up almost weekly in the city and it is its uniqueness that makes it so special giving it a unique vibe you can’t find anywhere else.
Captured with Olympus E-5 with Olympus Zuiko 12-60MM F2.8-4.0 SWD lens hand held processed in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.
Torres del Paine. Voici Neneo, une jeune femelle solitaire récemment abandonnée par son frère. Les pumas agissent d'ailleurs seuls sauf durant l'élevage des jeunes ou la période précédant le rut. This a young 1,5 year old female named Neneo. She is a successful hunter. Her scars on the nose are distinctive.
The male chaffinch is unmistakeably handsome with a blue-grey cap, pink cheeks and breast and a reddish-brown mantle. Females and juveniles are much duller, consisting of grey-brown upper-parts and dull greyish-white underparts. All chaffinches, however, have distinct wing bars.
Matilija Poppy has been called the "Queen of California Flowers". Unique and distinct, it is one of the most recognized and beloved of California’s native plants. The large white blooms are the size of a saucer. The petals look like wrinkled crepe paper, the center is a bright yellow disk. Some have likened the flower to the appearance of a fried egg. A solitary bloom is a very fine thing, but a large stand of Matilija in full bloom is a sight to behold! Hundreds of huge white flowers borne at eye-level on long straight stems, contrasted by attractive blue-green foliage… a real show stopper in late spring/early summer!
Thanks to everyone for stopping by to view, fave, and comment!!
(Information is from the California Native Plant Society Blog)
Nobody of any real culture, for instance, ever talks nowadays about the beauty of sunset. Sunsets are quite old fashioned. . . . To admire them is a distinct sign of provincialism of temperament. Upon the other hand they go on."
Oscar Wilde
A distinctly marked lapwing with a black breast and throat and a red bill with a black tip. It also sports red wattles in front of the eyes and a white patch that runs down the cheeks to the underparts. In flight, note the black flight feathers that contrast with the white wing patch. Usually found in small groups around water bodies, agricultural fields, and dry land. They feed primarily on insects, catching them in a typical plover like manner, running a short distance and picking up food from ground. A bird known for its characteristics loud alarm call, often compared to the words “Did we do it?” (eBird)
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When we first arrived at the wetland, we saw only one lapwing, but as we scanned the grassy areas, more and more appeared. For a large and boldly marked bird, they are surprisingly adept at disappearing while in the open. These birds appeared to be a mated pair.
Ras al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. March 2024.
Prunus mume is an East Asian and Southeast Asian tree species classified in the Armeniaca section of the genus Prunus subgenus Prunus. Its common names include Chinese plum, Japanese plum, and Japanese apricot. The flower, long a beloved subject in the traditional painting and poetry of East Asia and Vietnam, is usually called plum blossom. This distinct tree species is related to both the plum and apricot trees. Although generally referred to as a plum in English, it is more closely related to the apricot. In East Asian cuisine and Southeast Asian cuisine, the fruit of the tree is used in juices, as a flavouring for alcohol, as a pickle and in sauces. It is also used in traditional medicine. The tree's flowering in late winter and early spring is highly regarded as a seasonal symbol. Prunus mume should not be confused with Prunus salicina, a related species also grown in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.Wikipedia
Le continent eurasiatique héberge deux espèces de milans, le Milan royal et le M. noir, suffisamment proches pour que leur description s'appuie sur une comparaison des deux espèces. Le Milan royal est le plus grand, le plus long et le plus clair de plumage. C'est au posé que la distinction spécifique peut ne pas être évidente alors qu'en vol, les différences se voient mieux.
Le Milan royal est un rapace assez grand, plus grand que la Buse variable par exemple. Sa longueur se situe entre 60 et 70 cm, son envergure de 145 à 170 cm et son poids de 800 à 1 600 g. Ces chiffres suggèrent une différence entre mâle et femelle, bien réelle, mais aussi des différences individuelles suivant l'état physiologique.
La silhouette du Milan royal est plus fine, plus allongée, du fait d'une queue plus longue dépassant nettement la pointe des ailes alors que chez le noir, les rectrices ne dépassent pas. Le royal adulte a la tête d'un gris-cendre très clair et finement striée de sombre, mais attention, en plein soleil, la tête grise du noir peut paraître assez claire. L'iris est d'un jaune très pâle, parfois presque blanc. Les parties supérieures apparaissent brunes, avec le manteau d'un brun moyen et les couvertures plus claires. Ces dernières sont brunes mais largement bordées de chamois-roux, formant une zone pâle allongée sur l'aile, plus marquée que chez le noir. La pointe de l'aile est brun-noir. La queue est nettement rousse dessus, légèrement plus sombre sur les bords, alors qu'elle n'est jamais rousse chez le noir. Les parties inférieures sont d'un roux-cannelle assez clair et nettement striées de brun. Mais attention, le Milan noir adulte en pleine lumière peut paraître nettement roux, mais d'un roux plus sombre. La queue est blanchâtre dessous, les rectrices externes assombries et parfois légèrement barrées.
Le juvénile est beaucoup moins roux dessus comme dessous. Les couvertures alaires sont plus pâles, blanchâtres. La tête est moins grise, plus sombre dessus et le dessus de la queue roussâtre marquée de sombre. Le dessous du corps est crème roussâtre, fortement strié de brun et le dessous de la queue est blanchâtre et nettement barré de brun. Les plumages immatures sont intermédiaires.
L'identification en vol est beaucoup plus facile. La queue rousse à elle seule est déterminante. La différence de longueur des rectrices est évidente, donnant une queue fourchue au repos, légèrement concave quand étalée. Chez le noir, la queue brune est plus courte, triangulaire quand étalée. Les ailes du royal, plus longues, sont aussi nettement plus contrastées que celles du noir, dessus comme dessous. Les plages blanches de la main sont très nettes. Elles sont tombantes aux extrémités, ce qui, associé à la longue queue et au vol lent, en fait un oiseau à la silhouette caractéristique.
Running at mach 10 these lovely little birds were a challenge to photograph whilst laying in the wet sand.
Near Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe
Southern Africa
The vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), or simply vervet, is an Old World monkey of the family Cercopithecidae native to Africa. The term "vervet" is also used to refer to all the members of the genus Chlorocebus. The five distinct subspecies can be found mostly throughout Southern Africa, as well as some of the eastern countries.
These mostly herbivorous monkeys have black faces and grey body hair color, ranging in length from about 50 centimetres (20 in) for males to about 40 centimetres (16 in) for females.
In addition to very interesting behavioral research on natural populations, vervet monkeys serve as a nonhuman primate model for understanding genetic and social behaviors of humans. They have been noted for having human-like characteristics, such as hypertension and anxiety. The most significant studies done on vervet monkeys involve their communication and alarm calls, specifically in regard to kin and group recognition and particular predator sightings.
Vervets live in social groups ranging from 10 to 70 individuals, with males changing groups at the time of sexual maturity. – Wikipedia
Traits distinctifs
Ce manchot de taille moyenne a le dos noir, le ventre blanc et le bec court. Il porte une ligne jaune au-dessus de l'oeil et une couronne de longues plumes jaunes et noires derrière l'oeil. Ces aigrettes de plumes dressées lui donnent son allure caractéristique. Mâle et femelle sont identiques.
Reproduction
La femelle produit une couvée de deux œufs par année. L'un des œufs est plus petit que l'autre. Un seul jeune, généralement celui né du gros œuf, survivra. L'incubation dure 35 jours. Le mâle et la femelle couvent à tour de rôle et s'occupent du jeune.
Alimentation
Il se nourrit surtout de krill mais mange aussi des céphalopodes.
Prédateurs
L'adulte est chassé par le requin bleu, le phoque léopard, l'otarie à fourrure et le lion de mer de Hooker. Les jeunes et les œufs sont mangés par d'autres oiseaux et parfois par les rats.
Habitat
Il vit dans l'océan Antarctique, dans la zone subantarctique. Il s'établit temporairement sur des îles rocheuses pour pondre, élever son petit et changer de plumage.
Écologie, comportement
Il trouve toute sa nourriture en mer. Il ne vient sur la terre ferme que pour muer et se reproduire. Le mâle construit le nid à l'abri d'un tussock (une touffe d'herbe des îles antarctiques) ou sur une plate-forme rocheuse. Il le fabrique avec des cailloux, des feuilles et des brindilles. Comme tous les manchots, sa morphologie le rend incapable de voler. Ses ailes sont bien adaptées pour la nage. Cet oiseau est agile et très rapide dans l'eau.
Platalea ajaja (Biodôme de Montréal)
Traits distinctifs
La spatule est un gros oiseau rose pâle aux longues pattes rouges. Elle a un long bec plat en forme de spatule élargie à l'extrémité. Sa tête nue est verdâtre et ses épaulettes plutôt rouges. Son cou est blanc.
Reproduction
Elle niche de préférence dans les forêts de palétuviers ou sur d'autres arbres assez bas, entre 1,2 et 5 mètres du sol. La femelle pond entre un et cinq oeufs (généralement deux ou trois) blancs tachetés. L'incubation dure 22 jours et est assurée par le mâle et la femelle.
Alimentation
Pour se nourrir, elle bouge son bec dans l'eau de gauche à droite. Elle attrape ainsi de petits poissons, des crustacés (beaucoup de crevettes), des insectes et des mollusques. Elle remonte de la boue avec ses pattes pour y cueillir des proies. Elle mange aussi des fibres végétales.
Prédateurs
Elle est chassée par les crocodiliens, les félins et les gros rapaces. Elle a été abattue par l'humain pour ses plumes.
Habitat
Elle fréquente les zones intertidales, les forêts de palétuviers et d'autres zones côtières d'eau salée ou d'eau saumâtre. On la retrouve aussi dans les marais à l'intérieur des terres et dans les champs de riz. Elle est présente du sud des États-Unis jusqu'au centre de l'Argentine et du Chili.
Écologie, comportement
Les programmes de contrôle par des insecticides ainsi que l'altération de son habitat tendent à réduire sa population dans plusieurs parties de son aire de distribution. Elle forme souvent des colonies de nidification en compagnie d'autres ciconiiformes et de cormorans. En vol, les groupes de spatules forment un «V» ou une ligne diagonale.
Sunrise illuminating an impressive cloud bulk, which looks distinctly lenticular in places. Any experts out there to help?
Taken from a bedroom window.
I love the way this tree splits into two distinctly different characters. One all straight and normal while the other seems full of fun and mischief!! Taken at Sherwood Forest
Front Yard
Southwestern Florida
USA
The Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is a dove species native to Europe and Asia; it was introduced to Japan, North America and islands in the Caribbean.
The Eurasian collared dove is closely related to the Sunda collared dove of Southeast Asia and the African collared dove of Sub-Saharan Africa, forming a superspecies with these. Identification from the African collared dove is very difficult with silent birds, with the African species being marginally smaller and paler, but the calls are very distinct, a soft purring in the African collared dove quite unlike the Eurasian collared dove's cooing.
The Eurasian collared dove is not migratory, but is strongly dispersive. Over the last century, it has been one of the great colonisers of the bird world, travelling far beyond its native range to colonise colder countries, becoming a permanent resident in several of them.
In 1974, fewer than 50 Eurasian collared doves escaped captivity in Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas. From the Bahamas, the species spread to Florida, and is now found in nearly every state in the U.S. as well as in Mexico.
Population growth has ceased in areas where the species has long been established, such as Florida, and in these regions, recent observations suggest the population is in decline. - Wikipedia
The ashy prinia or ashy wren-warbler (Prinia socialis) is a small warbler in the family Cisticolidae. This prinia is a resident breeder in the Indian subcontinent, ranging across most of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, eastern Pakistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and western Myanmar. It is a common bird in urban gardens and farmland in many parts of India and its small size, distinctive colours and upright tail make it easy to identify. The northern populations have a rufous rump and back and have a distinct breeding and non-breeding plumage while other populations lack such variation
Two distinct crops, Adelaide Hills in South Australia, creating a lovely contrast. I am not sure of the crop on the left but the one on the right is Canola.
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania
East Africa
The vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), or simply vervet, is an Old-World monkey of the family Cercopithecidae native to Africa. The term "vervet" is also used to refer to all the members of the genus Chlorocebus. The five distinct subspecies can be found mostly throughout Southern Africa, as well as some of the eastern countries.
These mostly herbivorous monkeys have black faces and grey body hair color, ranging in length from about 50 centimetres (20 in) for males to about 40 centimetres (16 in) for females.
In addition to very interesting behavioral research on natural populations, vervet monkeys serve as a nonhuman primate model for understanding genetic and social behaviors of humans. They have been noted for having human-like characteristics, such as hypertension, anxiety, and social and dependent alcohol use.
Vervets live in social groups ranging from 10 to 70 individuals, with males changing groups at the time of sexual maturity. The most significant studies done on vervet monkeys involve their communication and alarm calls, specifically regarding kin and group recognition and particular predator sightings. – Wikipedia
There are a few distinct signs that nature sends to herald the month of August. Almost on the very first day, I heard crickets singing in my garden while sipping an early morning coffee on our front porch. Then there are my tall Tree Lilies that bloom with a burst of fresh white at my back deck. These Lilies were given to me by my sister a few years ago. So when they bloom they trigger memories of that wonderful visit we had. Since I have captured these blooms many times, I decided to try a different approach. I used in camera multiple exposures to capture this with 3 images. Then I turned the image a quarter turn to get this composition.
The married redstart on the left was the usual bird to visit this log. He was chased off by the bird on the right on this occasion. He returned a few seconds later this time with the misses, who then did the chasing.
Ce nouveau complexe polyvalent situé au cœur de la ville allemande de Düsseldorf fait partie d’un vaste projet de réhabilitation urbaine. De par sa forme sinueuse distinctive, le complexe crée une transition artistique entre le centre-ville bondé et le paysage verdoyant du jardin mitoyen Hofgarten. ArcelorMittal a livré des poutrelles en acier pour la construction de cette nouvelle icône d’architecture.
L’architecte Daniel Libeskind, résidant à New York, s’est chargé de la conception de ce nouveau complexe immobilier qui constitue la première étape du vaste projet de réhabilitation urbaine du centre-ville de Düsseldorf. Situé à la fin de l’avenue principale de la ville, Königsallee, où commence le jardin à l’anglaise créé dernièrement, le Hofgarten, le Kö-Bogen (« l’arc du roi ») est composé de deux bâtiments de 5 étages de forme organique. Leur nom vient de l’avenue mitoyenne Königsallee et de la ligne de démarcation en forme d’arc du jardin Hofgarten. Les deux structures sont séparées par un passage piéton mais elles sont reliées en hauteur par un pont de deux étages.
Achevé en 2013, le complexe architectural offre environ 42.000 m2 d’espace dédiés aux bureaux, commerces et restaurants, présents sur 5 étages sans compter le parking souterrain.
Les façades courbées du Kö-Bogen sont faites de verre et d’une pierre d’un blanc naturel (travertin) et sont cassées par plusieurs coupures diagonales qui composent de petits jardins de façades. Les motifs très élaborés de la façade paraissent horizontaux depuis certaines perspectives et verticaux depuis d’autres. Les panneaux de pierre et de verre ainsi que les volets en aluminium ont été aménagés de façon à créer un ensemble homogène.
La conception du Kö-Bogen consiste en une géométrie à la fois droite et courbe. Alors que les lignes droites essayent de refléter le contexte de la ville des bâtiments voisins de l’avenue Königsallee, les lignes courbes à l’intérieur et aux alentours des cours du Kö-Bogen créent des connections fluides avec l’environnement piéton. Cette conception tente d’intégrer des paysages au sein de l’espace immobilier, ce qui est possible non seulement grâce à ses formes géométriques mais également grâce aux coupures sur les façades, aux cours vertes et aux systèmes de toitures végétales. Tous ces éléments font de ce nouveau complexe une partie d’un nouvel environnement qui construit à la fois un espace urbain et un jardin.
This new multi-purpose complex located in the heart of the German city of Düsseldorf is part of a large urban rehabilitation project. With its distinctive sinuous shape, the complex creates an artistic transition between the crowded city center and the green landscape of the adjoining Hofgarten garden. ArcelorMittal delivered steel joists for the construction of this new architectural icon.
Architect Daniel Libeskind, residing in New York, was responsible for designing this new building complex, which is the first stage of the vast urban rehabilitation project for downtown Düsseldorf. Located at the end of the city's main avenue, Königsallee, where the recently created English garden, the Hofgarten, begins, the Kö-Bogen ("King's Arch") consists of two 5-storey buildings organic form. Their name comes from the adjoining avenue Königsallee and the arc-shaped boundary line of the Hofgarten garden. The two structures are separated by a pedestrian walkway but they are connected in height by a two-storey bridge.
Completed in 2013, the architectural complex offers approximately 42,000 m2 of space dedicated to offices, shops and restaurants, present on 5 floors, not including the underground car park.
The curved facades of the Kö-Bogen are made of glass and a natural white stone (travertine) and are broken by several diagonal cuts that make up small gardens of facades. The intricate patterns of the façade appear horizontal from some perspectives and vertical from others. The stone and glass panels as well as the aluminum shutters have been arranged to create a homogeneous whole.
The design of the Kö-Bogen consists of both straight and curved geometry. While the straight lines attempt to reflect the city context of the neighboring buildings on Königsallee Avenue, the curved lines in and around the Kö-Bogen courtyards create fluid connections with the pedestrian environment. This design tries to integrate landscapes within the real estate space, which is possible not only thanks to its geometric shapes but also thanks to the cuts on the facades, the green courtyards and the green roof systems. All these elements make this new complex part of a new environment that builds both an urban space and a garden.
Samburu National Reserve
Kenya
East Africa
The Somali ostrich (Struthio molybdophanes) is a large flightless bird native to the Horn of Africa. It was previously considered a subspecies of the common ostrich but was identified as a distinct species in 2014.
The Somali ostrich is mostly found in Horn of Africa, especially in north-eastern Ethiopia and across all of Somalia. Its range corresponds roughly to the area known as the Horn of Africa.
The Somali ostrich is differentiated ecologically from the Common ostrich, with which there is some range overlap, by preferring bushier, more thickly vegetated areas, where it feeds largely by browsing, whereas the latter is mainly a grazer on open savanna. There are also reports of interbreeding difficulties between the two taxa.
A report to the IUCN in 2006 suggests that the Somali ostrich was common in the central and southern regions of Somalia in the 1970s and 1980s. However, following the political disintegration of that country and the lack of any effective wildlife conservation, its range and numbers there have since been shrinking as a result of uncontrolled hunting for meat, medicinal products and eggs, with the bird facing eradication in the Horn of Africa. – Wikipedia