Ecosystems
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Il 5 giugno è la Giornata Mondiale dell’Ambiente, una celebrazione riconosciuta in oltre cento Paesi in tutto il mondo, tra cui l’Italia. La ricorrenza è stata istituita dall’Assemblea Generale dell’Onu nel 1972, che si è svolta a Stoccolma tra 5 e il 16 giugno. Durante il summit venne delineato il Programma Ambiente delle Nazioni Unite, con l’obiettivo di rendere le persone sempre più consapevoli dei temi della difesa della natura. L’obiettivo per il 2021 è il Ripristino degli Ecosistemi, far rivivere miliardi di ettari dalle foreste ai terreni agricoli, dalla cima delle montagne alle profondità del mare. Salvare il nostro pianeta dovrebbe essere una priorità per tutti! (fonte Web)
June 5 is World Environment Day, a celebration recognized in over one hundred countries around the world, including Italy. The anniversary was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972, which took place in Stockholm between 5 and 16 June. During the summit, the United Nations Environment Program was outlined, with the aim of making people increasingly aware of the issues of the defense of nature. The goal for 2021 is the Restoration of Ecosystems, reviving billions of hectares from forests to agricultural land, from the top of the mountains to the depths of the sea. Saving our planet should be a priority for everyone! (sourceWeb)
Music:
"Repeat" by CHRIS COMBETTE, in 'Les Enfants de Gorée' (2010)
open.spotify.com/track/5ErThqPZNKTeyITR3fYNL9?si=hRygwwzP...
The Pantanal is a tropical wetland and the world's largest wetland of any kind. The Pantanal ecosystem is also thought to be home to 1000 bird species, 400 fish species, 300 mammalian species, 480 reptile species and over 9000 different subspecies of invertebrates.
The savanna hawk feeds on small mammals, lizards, snakes, crabs and large insects. It usually sits on an open high perch from which it swoops on its prey, but will also hunt on foot, and several birds may gather at grass fires.
Brazil, Pantanal
Please don't use my images without my permission. All images © Aivar Mikko.
A rainforest is an area of tall, mostly evergreen trees and a high amount of rainfall. Rainforests are Earth’s oldest living ecosystems, with some surviving in their present form for at least 70 million years. They are incredibly diverse and complex, home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species—even though they cover just 6% of Earth’s surface. This makes rainforests astoundingly dense with flora and fauna. Rainforests’ rich biodiversity is incredibly important to our well-being and the well-being of our planet.
adult bird found in Enonkishu Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem, Kenya
a migratory bee-eater that breeds in semi-arid areas in the southern Sahara and that from October to March can be found in Uganda and parts of Kenya, where it can be seen foraging in woodland, open forest and along the edges of riparian or gallery forest.
Merops albicollis
witkeelbijeneter
Guêpier à gorge blanche
Weißkehlspint
Abejaruco gorjiblanco
Gruccione golabianca
Abelharuco-de-garganta-branca
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Fons Buts©2025
My photos may not be used on websites, blogs or in any other media without my written and explicit permission.
Eurasian Jays are usually very shy. My experience and encounters with them are more likely by chance or probably where they nested.
Referring to my observation of animals behaviour and food scarcity at one of my usual location shoot yesterday, this particular Eurasian actually came over to ask for food, about 12 feet away. I was very surprised and decided to play it cool pretending not to know its presence whilst feeding the squirrels. However, this Eurasian Jay would moved towards wherever direction I looked at and tried to get my attention. It was actually begging for food. Of course I threw a groundnut over and sure enough it was picked up.
This bird then flew to a nearby branch, cracked the shell and ate it. The brief moment also confirms my observations of the changes in animals behaviour and food scarcity in the bush ecosystem. It actually gave me a nod just before it flew off as if to say thank you. A very interesting game but experience, lots of photos taken during this time for my coming series.
Nikon series-E 1:4 F=70-210 mm (unedited photo)
Brighton 🇬🇧
26th March 2021
a pair found in Enonkishu Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem, Kenya
IUCN Red List Status: ENDANGERED with population trend
updated in 2024 as Decreasing
also Grey Crowned-Crane
Balearica regulorum
Grijze kroonkraanvogel
Grue royale
Grauhals-Kronenkranich
Grulla Coronada Cuelligrís
Gru coronata grigia
grou-coroado-cinzento
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All rights reserved. Fons Buts©2024
My photos may not be used on websites, blogs or in any other media without my written and explicit permission
a subspecies of the Common Buzzard.
In winter the Steppe Buzzard migrates from Central and Northern Asia to the south. Most birds spend the winter in Eastern and Southern Africa but a part of the migrating birds move to the the indian subcontinent or Arabia or the far south of Europe.
It prefers somewhat more open areas than the Common Buzzard.
Seen in Enonkishu Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem, Kenya
Steppe Buzzard
Buteo buteo vulpinus
steppe buizerd
Falkenbussard
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All rights reserved. Fons Buts©2024
My photos may not be used on websites, blogs or in any other media without my written and explicit permission.
during the last game drive in Lemek Conservancy we saw the third male of the coalition for the first time and he was now also following the mating couple, just like the second one.
The mating pair is shown in the first comment box.
This was in the morning and obviously this third male had been in a fight shortly before
Lemek Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem , Kenya
Many thanks for your views, favorites and supportive comments.
All rights reserved. Fons Buts©2024
My photos may not be used on websites, blogs or in any other media without my written and explicit permission.
Picturesque framing of a mangrove forest, one of the most productive ecosystems on earth.
The coastline of Nabq National Park is fringed by 4.8 km of mangrove forest, the most northerly and the largest in the Red Sea.
A mangrove ecosystem is characterized by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs
adapted to thrive in salty, intertidal environments.
Mangroves have developed impressive adaptations to survive in challenging conditions, including filtration systems to manage salt intake and complex root systems that anchor them in shifting sediments.
Some of the mangroves here have completely become terrestrial and don't grow aerial roots anymore. The grey mangroves of Nabq normally build aerial roots all around them, that are able to desalinate the seawater and to absorb oxygen. They also serve as a stabilization on the muddy and soft substrate. The leafs excrete salt through special pores and keep the degree of salinity within the plant at a low level.
They play a vital role in coastal ecology by stabilizing shorelines, reducing erosion from storms and tides, and providing critical habitat and nursery grounds for a wide variety of marine organisms.
Marine life lives and breeds among the mangrove root systems, while the crowns of the mangrove form a nesting and feeding habitat for shore birds.
🌐 Paraje Mora, Corrientes, Argentina
🇦🇷 Jote cabeza amarilla
🔬 Cathartes burrovianus
🇵🇾 Yryvu-akâ-sa'yju
🇺🇸 Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture
🇧🇷 Urubu-de-cabeça-amarela
I associate Goldenrod with the brilliant colour it has to attract pollinators, and with the year round contribution it makes to living creatures in the ecosystem. I used to think it was a source of seasonal allergies, but in fact its pollen is not wind borne - only bees, butterflies and birds can move it around.
I liked the clean look I got at the Honey Bee’s ‘mouth parts’, and the front legs that have dedicated bristles for cleaning the proboscis. The prominent mandibles, used for chewing and eating things, are displaced by the mandible but visible at its base, on either side of the proboscis. The front of the face is a bit dusty, but the compound eyes are unobstructed.
After what feels like days and days of overcast skies, I thought some bright summery colours and activity might be a tonic.
Parque Nacional Las Tablas de Daimiel, Villarrubia de los Ojos, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha, España.
El parque nacional de las Tablas de Daimiel es un espacio natural protegido español que protege el humedal homónimo. Se encuentra situado en los términos municipales de Daimiel y Villarrubia de los Ojos, en la provincia de Ciudad Real, comunidad autónoma de Castilla-La Mancha. Es además una zona de especial protección para las aves (ZEPA) y parte de la Reserva de la Biosfera La Mancha Húmeda. Con 192 025 visitantes anualmente (2015), las Tablas de Daimiel es el decimotercer parque nacional más visitado de España.
Las Tablas son uno de los últimos representantes de un ecosistema denominado tablas fluviales que se forman al desbordarse los ríos en sus tramos medios, favorecidos por fenómenos de semiendorreísmo y la escasez de pendientes. El humedal se forma en la confluencia del río Guadiana y su afluente Cigüela y es uno de los ecosistemas acuáticos más importantes de la península ibérica por la variedad y calidad de la fauna y flora que habitan en ella, así como por aquellas aves que la emplean en los pasos migratorios. Las Tablas sirve de refugio a más de 2.000 especies (plantas, aves, insectos, peces, réptiles... ).
Las Tablas son el último representante de un ecosistema denominado tablas fluviales que se forman por los desbordamientos de los ríos en sus tramos medios, favorecidos por fenómenos de semiendorreísmo y por la escasez de pendientes.
El parque cuenta con unos humedales formados a partir de la confluencia del río Guadiana y su afluente Gigüela y es uno de los ecosistemas acuáticos más importantes de España debido a la fauna y flora que habitan en ella. También es importante por el gran número de aves migratorias que pasan por la zona como los ánades y los ánsares.
Las Tablas de Daimiel pueden considerarse, dentro de una clasificación hidrológica-estructural de los humedales, como un "hidrohumedal de recarga"; en teoría, con disposición plurianual de agua superficial, que recarga constantemente el acuífero infrayacente. Aunque en los tiempos actuales, a veces se asemeja más a un "higrohumedal", de recarga temporal.
Las Tablas de Daimiel están formadas por las aguas de dos ríos de diferente naturaleza, lo que las convierte en un ecosistema privilegiado: el agua del río Gigüela que procede de los páramos de Cabrejas en la serranía conquense aporta aguas salobres, mientras que el río Guadiana aporta aguas dulces que surgen de sus ojos aproximadamente a unos 15 km al norte del parque nacional, en el término municipal de Villarrubia de los Ojos.
The Tablas de Daimiel National Park is a protected natural area in Spain that protects the wetland of the same name. It is located in the municipalities of Daimiel and Villarrubia de los Ojos, in the province of Ciudad Real, autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha. It is also a special protection area for birds (ZEPA) and part of the La Mancha Húmeda Biosphere Reserve. With 192,025 visitors annually (2015), the Tablas de Daimiel is the thirteenth most visited national park in Spain.
The Tablas are one of the last representatives of an ecosystem called river tables that are formed when rivers overflow in their middle sections, favoured by semi-endorrheism phenomena and the lack of slopes. The wetland is formed at the confluence of the Guadiana River and its tributary Cigüela and is one of the most important aquatic ecosystems in the Iberian Peninsula due to the variety and quality of the fauna and flora that inhabit it, as well as the birds that use it for migratory passages. Las Tablas serves as a refuge for more than 2,000 species (plants, birds, insects, fish, reptiles...).
Las Tablas is the last representative of an ecosystem called river tables, which are formed by the overflow of rivers in their middle sections, favoured by semi-endorheism phenomena and by the lack of slopes.
The park has wetlands formed from the confluence of the Guadiana River and its tributary Gigüela and is one of the most important aquatic ecosystems in Spain due to the fauna and flora that inhabit it. It is also important because of the large number of migratory birds that pass through the area, such as ducks and geese.
The Tablas de Daimiel can be considered, within a hydrological-structural classification of wetlands, as a "recharge hydro-wetland"; in theory, with a multi-year supply of surface water, which constantly recharges the underlying aquifer. Although in current times, it is sometimes more similar to a "hygro-wetland", with temporary recharge.
The Tablas de Daimiel are formed by the waters of two rivers of different nature, which makes them a privileged ecosystem: the water of the Gigüela river that comes from the Cabrejas moors in the Cuenca mountain range provides brackish water, while the Guadiana river provides fresh water that emerges from its springs approximately 15 km north of the national park, in the municipality of Villarrubia de los Ojos.
A wetland is a land area that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, such that it takes on the characteristics of a distinct ecosystem. The primary factor that distinguishes wetlands from other land forms or water bodies is the characteristic vegetation of aquatic plants, adapted to the unique hydric soil. Wetlands play a number of roles in the environment, principally water purification, flood control, carbon sink and shoreline stability. Wetlands are also considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems, serving as home to a wide range of plant and animal life. Source Wikipedia.
Another photo of a white fawn lily photo I stumbled upon from last year’s photo archive...I noticed many of these sprouting up in the backyard meadow recently, some already with buds on them, can’t wait to capture more pics of these white beauties in the coming weeks.
The White fawn lily (Erythronium oregonum) is a captivating Pacific Northwest native with nodding, lily-like white flowers on slender stems with a light overlay of green and burgundy on the outer petals, especially at the base along with brilliant orange-yellow stamens. The green foliage is heavily dappled with a dark eggplant hue...the mottling is reminiscent of a fawn's coloring or that of a trout.
A bridge, and many species of birds, trees, grasses and aquatic plants in, around, and over Creekfield Lake in Brazos Bend State Park, Needville, TX.
For the Remote theme of Flickr Friday.
Backyard blooms in May...Camas backlit by the setting sun.
Common Camas (Camassia quamash), is native to western North America in British Columbia, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. The deep blue-violet flowers form along a 24-48 inch flower stalk and are native to the Pacific Northwest, often found in meadows within the Garry oak ecosystem.
It is exceptionally beautiful and a highly sought-after bulb in the ornamental flower industry... it has been propagated and sold to flower enthusiasts around the world.
The camas roots are edible sweet bulbs and considered to be an invaluable native food source for the traditional cultures of the Pacific Northwest. Its taste is often compared to a baked pear, fig, or sweet potato, and was also used to sweeten other foods.
The Camas flower serves double duty...not only exceptionally beautiful but also an exotic food.
Photography: Nikon Z50, Nikkor 200-500, @f5.6, 500mm.
“Urban Ecosystem Restoration” mural painted by Millo for Street Art For Mankind
From the Street Art For Mankind instagram post:
It features the artist’s signature clumsy character in a surreal setting, attempting to reclaim his space in an urban jungle that has forgotten our primary needs. It poetically and powerfully underscores the importance of green spaces in urban environments. The character demonstrates the strength of these spaces, their transformative impact on our reality, and how they enhance our well-being. It’s a clear invitation to reconnect with nature in our cities.
Picturesque framing of great egrets hunting in a rich intertidal ecosystem, algae-covered rocks and tide pools.
These birds are characterized by their entirely white plumage, long legs, long necks, and pointed beaks
They are typically found in shallow waters, including coastlines, marshes, and lagoons, where they wade to hunt for fish and other small aquatic animals.
Great egrets are known for their elegant and graceful landings, often described as smooth and deliberate, with their long legs and wings outstretched as they approach their landing spot
The calm, clear water of the sea stretches out to a distant horizon under a partly cloudy sky. Shot from Nabq National Park during low tide.
Il parait qu'on ne la voit qu'au moment de sa mort... je ne suis pas pressé! Photo prise à Coat-an-Hay, la forêt du jour, qui s'oppose à Coat-an-Noz, la forêt de la nuit, à 50m à droite de cette photo, le Léguer formant la frontière entre les 2 forêts.
photo sans artifice, le soleil perçant soudain la brume qui flottait encore sur la forêt...
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The Saffron-crowned Tanager (Tangara xanthocephala) is a breathtaking subject, and capturing it at La Minga Ecolodge near Cali, Colombia, was a rewarding challenge. This Andean gem, perched elegantly on a mossy branch, stands out with its vivid saffron-yellow crown and iridescent turquoise plumage. The soft, diffused light filtering through the cloud forest canopy provided an ideal setting to highlight the bird’s intricate feather details and the rich textures of its surroundings. This image represents the delicate balance of nature and the beauty of photographing wildlife in its natural habitat.
For this shot, I used the Canon RF 100-500mm lens at its maximum focal length of 500mm, allowing me to capture the tanager from a respectful distance without disturbing its behavior. A shutter speed of 1/500 sec froze the subtle movements of the bird, while an aperture of f/6.7 ensured a creamy background that isolates the subject beautifully. ISO 800 balanced the low light conditions, retaining vibrant colors and sharp details. These technical choices reflect my approach to bird photography—blending precision and respect for the natural world to create images that tell a story.
©2021 Adam Rainoff Photographer