Wildflowers of the Yellowstone Ecosystem
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Tessin
My best photos are here: www.lacerta-bilineata.com/ticino-best-photos-of-southern-...
Whole PHOTO SERIES about my garden on my blog: www.lacerta-bilineata.com/post/western-green-lizard-lacer...
My latest ANIMAL VIDEO (warning, it's a bit shocking): www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T2-Xszz7FI
AUDIO (if you want to hear the sounds of my garden in the early morning): www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfoCTqdAVCE
ABOUT THIS PHOTO:
Partly out of fear to bore the Flickr community with too many lizard photos, I thought it would make for a nice change - yet in keeping with the main theme of my gallery - to give interested nature and reptile fans the opportunity to get a sense of the lacerta bilineata habitat where I photographed all the animals on this page.
So this is the second of a (as yet planned) series of pictures (if people like them there will be more) that will show you where all the reptile "action" took place: my garden in the beautiful community of Monteggio in the Malcantone region of the Ticino, Switzerland.
The pictures were taken over a period of over a decade, so there were obviously some changes in the garden during that time, but If you focus on the palm tree - which has grown considerably over the years but is visible in all the photos I plan to upload - you get a sense of the geography of the place.
In summer, which is when this photo was taken, the micro-climate in this particular area of the Ticino can be almost tropical in the sense that it's hot and very humid with frequent thunderstorms and heavy rain, and I often refer to my garden (half-)jokingly as my "little Swiss rainforest". I guess you can see how animals - particularly lacerta bilineata and other lizards - would feel at home in this "tropical paradise" of mine :-)
Apparently - as I learned in the comments here on Flickr - the occurrence of this particular lizard species is a very good indicator that an ecosystem is intact, and my family and I always took great care not to interfere too much in our garden and let nature roam as free as possible.
In return, over the years we were rewarded for this "calculated inaction" with a wide variety of species of plants, insects, lizards and snakes visiting - or by now residing permanently in - our little nature refuge, some of which I managed to capture on camera.
As mentioned before, if people like these photos or are interested in other flora and fauna from my private jungle, I'll upload one every once in a while between lizards, so let me know in the comments if you're interested in seeing more of these or if I should stick to just reptiles ;-)
As always, thank you so much for your interest and feedback, stay safe - and have a great week everyone!
Lacerta
Music:
"Repeat" by CHRIS COMBETTE, in 'Les Enfants de Gorée' (2010)
open.spotify.com/track/5ErThqPZNKTeyITR3fYNL9?si=hRygwwzP...
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.
this beautiful male was seen in Enonkishu Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem, Kenya
Grant's Gazelle is significantly larger than its much better known relative, the Thomson's Gazelle which is a very common sight in the Serengeti - Masai Mara region.
These Grant's gazelles are less dependent on water than Thomson's.
Nanger granti
Grantgazelle
Gazelle de Grant
Grant-Gazelle
gacela de Grant o gacela suara
gazzella di Grant
gazela-de-grant
Many thanks for your views, favorites and supportive comments.
All rights reserved.
Fons Buts©2025
My photos may not be used on websites, blogs or in any other media without my written and explicit permission.
New Caledonia's lagoon with its' incredible blue colours and crystal clear water as seen during an ultralight flight.
New Caledonia is surrounded by a coral reef with a length of about 1.600km. Therefore New Caledonia's lagoon is known as the biggest lagoon in the world. Because of its' exceptional reef diversity and ecosystem it is listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List and is a great place for diving.
flying from the canopy of a fig tree in Enonkishu Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem, Kenya
Turaco's ( Musophagidae ) are one of the bird families endemic to Africa. These medium-sized birds live in sub-Sahara Africa.
The only large species is the Great Blue Turaco.
Turaco's are difficult to see and to photograph as they spend a lot of time in tree cover while foraging.
Often their presence in areas with riparian or riverine forest is revealed by the raucous calls but then the challenge of locating them remains, especially when you want to take flight shots
Tauraco Schalowi
Schalow's toerako
Touraco de Schalow
Schalowturako
Turaco de Schalow
Turaco di Schalow
Turaco-de-schalow
Many thanks for your views, favorites and supportive comments.
All rights reserved.
Fons Buts©2025
My photos may not be used on websites, blogs or in any other media without my written and explicit permission.
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
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
Enonkishu Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem, Kenya
Merops bullockoides
Witkapbijeneter
Guêpier à front blanc
Weißstirnspint
Abejaruco Frentiblanco
Gruccione frontebianca
abelharuco-de-testa-branca
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.
I shamelessly bribed the mine employees who were tasked with cutting down this ecosystem bordering my yard. It is home to frogs,insects,spiders,dragonflies and many birds.I live in a far-flung corner of the mine,so i hope to keep this sanctuary safe.
For:
Save Trees Challenge - November 2017
www.flickr.com/groups/challenges_community_group/discuss/...
Many of the formations are given descriptive names – sculpted by the harsh desert winds into weird shapes which constantly change over time. There are ‘monoliths’ and ‘mushrooms’, ‘ice cream cones’, ‘tents’ and ‘crickets’, as well as the majestic conical flat-topped ‘inselbergs’, to name but a few of the formations.
Beyond this in the ‘New Desert’ which is only accessible by 4WD or camel, the landscape becomes even whiter. The boulders crowd together, are higher and larger and everywhere weird shapes appear that might remind you of a chicken or a hawk, a troupe of dancers or an old men wearing a hat. The shapes change constantly as the light changes and you move around them and as the sun begins to set they turn a softly glowing pink.
While I was risking life and limb slipping and sliding down a dirt bank to get a shot at Oxbow Bend, the Mrs. pointed her camera out the car window and captured this shot at Grand Tetons National Park. ..... Life is Good ;-)
Grand Teton National Park is a United States National Park in northwestern Wyoming. At approximately 310,000 acres (480 sq. mi; 130,000 ha; 1,300 km2), the park includes the major peaks of the 40-mile-long (64 km) Teton Range as well as most of the northern sections of the valley known as Jackson Hole. It is only 10 miles (16 km) south of Yellowstone National Park, to which it is connected by the National Park Service-managed John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. Along with surrounding National Forests, these three protected areas constitute the almost 18,000,000-acre (7,300,000 ha) Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the largest intact mid-latitude temperate ecosystems in the world.
Human history of the Grand Teton region dates back at least 11,000 years, when the first nomadic hunter-gatherer Paleo-Indians began migrating into the region during warmer months pursuing food and supplies. In the early 19th century, the first White explorers encountered the eastern Shoshone natives. Between 1810 and 1840, the region attracted fur trading companies that vied for control of the lucrative beaver pelt trade. U.S. Government expeditions to the region commenced in the mid-19th century as an offshoot of exploration in Yellowstone, with the first permanent white settlers in Jackson Hole arriving in the 1880s.
Efforts to preserve the region as a national park commenced in the late 19th century, and in 1929 Grand Teton National Park was established, protecting the major peaks of the Teton Range. The valley of Jackson Hole remained in private ownership until the 1930s, when conservationists led by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. began purchasing land in Jackson Hole to be added to the existing national park. Against public opinion and with repeated Congressional efforts to repeal the measures, much of Jackson Hole was set aside for protection as Jackson Hole National Monument in 1943. The monument was abolished in 1950 and most of the monument land was added to Grand Teton National Park.
Grand Teton National Park is named for Grand Teton, the tallest mountain in the Teton Range. The naming of the mountains is attributed to early 19th-century French-speaking trappers—les trois tétons (the three teats) was later anglicized and shortened to Tetons. At 13,775 feet (4,199 m), Grand Teton abruptly rises more than 7,000 feet (2,100 m) above Jackson Hole, almost 850 feet (260 m) higher than Mount Owen, the second-highest summit in the range. The park has numerous lakes, including 15-mile-long (24 km) Jackson Lake as well as streams of varying length and the upper main stem of the Snake River. Though in a state of recession, a dozen small glaciers persist at the higher elevations near the highest peaks in the range. Some of the rocks in the park are the oldest found in any U.S. National Park and have been dated at nearly 2.7 billion years.
This moutain goat (Oreamnos americanus) was standing on a ridge near the Beartooth Highway in Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming. Though not native to Wyoming, these goats descended from small groups introduced to the Beartooth and Absaroka Mountains in the 1940s and 1950s. They were brought in from western Montana where they are native. Some consider the species a compliment to the ecosystem. As their numbers grow, others worry about the effect of the goats on the alpine vegetation and the native mountain sheep population. Regardless of the concern that always accompanies introduced species, It is always fun to see them.
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.
Artist: www.lulagoce.com
Lula Goce is a prominent Spanish Contemporary urban artist bringing powerfully evocative photorealistic scenes. She merges people with nature adding a fresh inspiration to her creations.
She is very much connected to her environment: “Feelings, sensations, people, the surroundings, a ray of sun or some morning mist, laughter and tears. Love”.
Happy Sliders Sunday!
For the ”Nature Protection Challenge” at Awake – Art for a Cause
Several shots from a recent visit to the Mono Lake area in the Eastern Sierra. Like other delicate ecosystems in the world, this region is threatened by the effects of climate change:
Eastern Sierra Audubon Society
esaudubon.org/conservation/climate_change/at-risk_species...
Sierra Nevada Alliance
sierranevadaalliance.com/programs/regional-climate-change/
Caltrout.org
caltrout.org/map-location/eastern-sierra-regional-climate...
Mono Lake Committee
www.monolake.org/mlc/restoration
University of California
snrs.ucmerced.edu/natural-history/climate
News Stories:
www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2013/06/29/california-sie...
www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-warming-drought-2016...
The Seychelles fruit bat or Seychelles flying fox (Pteropus seychellensis) is a megabat found on the granitic islands of Seychelles, and on the Comoros and Mafia Island. It is a significant component of the ecosystems for the islands, dispersing the seeds of many tree species. Although it is hunted for meat on some islands, it remains abundant.
“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.
The Golden Tanager (Tangara arthus) is a vibrant gem of the Andean cloud forests, and capturing this species at La Minga Ecolodge near Cali, Colombia, was a rewarding experience. The soft morning light filtered through the dense canopy, illuminating the tanager’s striking yellow plumage contrasted by its deep black facial markings. Perched against a natural backdrop of lush green foliage, the bird’s pose reflected both elegance and alertness, creating a visually dynamic scene.
From a technical perspective, I relied on a fast shutter speed of 1/350 sec to freeze the tanager’s subtle movements, while an aperture of f/6.7 provided a shallow depth of field, beautifully separating the subject from its surroundings. An ISO setting of 400 allowed for optimal detail retention without introducing unwanted noise, essential in the low-light forest environment. The interplay of natural light and thoughtful exposure choices helped emphasize the bird’s vivid coloring while preserving the surrounding environment’s atmospheric mood. This photograph reminds me of how patience, preparation, and respect for nature converge in a perfect photographic moment.
©2021 Adam Rainoff Photographer
This was such a long zoom, it would have been nice to be able to come in a little closer to these Eagles.
They were so far off in the distance that with the naked eye, it was hard to say if they were even Bald Headed Eagles or not.
This couple sat face to face, perched in this rural area, on what appeared to be a bird house or possible even a feeder of sorts.
Frozen marsh lake in the foreground. Golden Ears Mountains in the background
Pitt Polder Ecological Reserve was established to preserve a fragment of the rapidly disappearing Fraser Valley boglands.
Ecological reserves protect special natural ecosystems, and support research and education. They are not intended for outdoor recreation. However, this ecological reserve is open to the public for non-destructive activities like hiking, nature observation and photography.
Consumptive activities like hunting, fishing, camping, or foraging are prohibited. Motorized vehicles are not allowed.
Reference: BC PARKS
The Pitt River in British Columbia, Canada is a large tributary of the Fraser River, entering it a few miles upstream from New Westminster and about 25 km ESE of Downtown Vancouver. The river, which begins in the Garibaldi Ranges of the Coast Mountains, is in two sections above and below Pitt Lake and flows on a generally southernly course. Pitt Lake and the lower Pitt River are tidal in nature as the Fraser's mouth is only a few miles downstream from their confluence.
The Pitt River drains into the northern end of Pitt Lake. The western shore of Pitt Lake are protected within Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, while most of the eastern shore are protected within Golden Ears Provincial Park. The southern end of Pitt Lake features an extensive marshland called Pitt Polder. While most of this marshland has since been drained for agricultural use, the northernmost portion is strictly protected in order to provide critical habitat for migratory birds.
Wikipedia
I truly appreciate your kind words and would like to thank-you all, for your overwhelming support.
~Christie
**Best experienced in full screen
Gonna start a series from the Oregon coast.
Nothing quite like the sounds of flying birds and surging waves against a rocky shore. This was taken near Depoe Bay.
Mountains and their ecosystems are my primary passion but I've felt the pull of the surf more recently. Years in the Navy provided some great surf time when younger. I enjoyed a trip to the southern Oregon coast last year, which I'll post soon. Here's some from an earlier trip to the central OR coast.
Have a wonderful week!
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...
D90A9696XW
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.
Another coastal ecosystem resident is this Black Oystercatcher.
From the Cornell Lab:
"Among the mussel- and barnacle-covered rocks of the Pacific Coast lives this stout shorebird with a gleaming reddish bill, yellow eyes, and pink legs. Black Oystercatchers spend their entire lives in view of the Pacific Ocean or adjacent bays, in rocky marine habitats that provide both nesting and foraging areas."
This one was foraging on the jetty in Crescent City, California.
Brittle stars, an alternate common name is the 'serpent stars', are a species-rich class of echinoderms with outstanding regenerative abilities. Living under rocks or in crevices with only the tips of the arms exposed, they are known to be seafloor ecosystem engineers. They reshape the seafloor sediment surface and influence the distribution of other seafloor species. They also provide nutrition to fish, sea stars and crab predators.
Their presence in a sediment sample is one indicator of a healthy benthic community. They embody nature's fragility and resilience.
Shot from the Three Pools shoreline during low tide.