View allAll Photos Tagged EnvironmentalAwareness
Under the pines, near the murmuring brook,
I know the wild orchids grow,
Fair and pure in their shady nook,
A page in God's own wonderful book
With a message for me to know.
So breathtakingly beautiful so adorned ,
Captured upon a stem scent shared adored .
breath of an angel poured.
Saving flora and fauna is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Here are some ways we can contribute to this cause:
Protect natural habitats: Natural habitats such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands are crucial for the survival of many species. We need to protect these habitats by preventing deforestation, preserving wetlands, and restoring degraded lands.
Reduce pollution: Pollution is a significant threat to flora and fauna. We can reduce pollution by using eco-friendly products, reducing the use of plastic, and properly disposing of waste.
Conserve water: Water is essential for the survival of plants and animals. We can conserve water by fixing leaky faucets, using water-efficient appliances, and reducing water usage.
Support sustainable agriculture: Agriculture practices such as monoculture and excessive use of pesticides can harm the environment. We can support sustainable agriculture by buying locally grown produce and supporting farmers who use sustainable practices.
Reduce carbon footprint: Climate change is a significant threat to flora and fauna. We can reduce our carbon footprint by using public transport, walking or cycling instead of driving, and reducing energy consumption at home.
Educate others: Educating others about the importance of flora and fauna conservation is crucial. We can raise awareness by sharing information on social media, volunteering at conservation organizations, and supporting conservation initiatives.
The quiet beauty of a pond or lake is instantly enhanced by a water lily's rounded leaves and starry flowers floating placidly on the surface. These unique aquatic plants can bloom in a range of colors anytime from late spring through fall in most regions of the country. Their leaves can be cup-shaped, star-shaped, and smooth or jagged. And while water lilies may be most visible on the surface of still freshwater, they are rooted in the mud below, where they overwinter and regrow the following year. Here are a few more interesting facts about these amazing flowers that will likely surprise you.
1. There Are Many Water Lily Colors
When you imagine a water lily, you probably think of the classic white bloom bursting from a deep green lily pad. But water lilies actually grow in a rainbow of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, purple, and blue. Tropical varieties take on jewel tones (purple, orange, bright blue, and yellow), whereas hardier varieties lean toward a pastel palette. Sometimes the blossoms on hardy varieties change shades as they age. Even the leaf colors vary from deep green to rich burgundy. Water lilies aren't just a one-trick pretty pony; they have more tricks up their sleeves.
2. Water Lilies Help Their Environment
Although they're primarily known for their stunning appearance, water lilies are actually important players in the aquatic ecosystem. These plants are found in shallow and still fresh water, as in ponds, lakes, and the edges of slow-moving streams. Because they rest on the water's surface, the flowers and pads provide shade, keeping the water cooler and preventing algae that thrives in heat from growing in excess. Water lilies also shelter fish from predatory birds and the heat of the sun.
3. The Water Lily Is July's Birth Flower
Attention July birthdays: Water lily is your flower. (Along with larkspur.) It's no wonder these bright blooms are linked to July, because they're mainly a summer flower. Water lilies bloom from May through September, putting July smack in the middle of prime season. In frost-free regions, water lilies bloom year-round. But you have to be lucky to catch a bloom, as each individual flower lasts for about four days before sinking under the water to decompose. The beauty is short-lived, but that makes it even more special.
4. The Water Lily Has Numerous Varieties
Each variety of these stunners (there are over 50 species) is unique, whether it's the shape, size, color, fragrance, or blooming pattern. Water lilies inhabit ponds, lakes, and streams all over the world. The largest variety is fittingly called the giant water lily. Other names for this huge flower are the Amazon water lily and the royal water lily. This massive, magnificent flower can grow to a diameter of three to six feet and can support 66 pounds of weight. That means a young child could perch on a giant pad, no problem.
5. The Water Lily Is an Important Spiritual Symbol
Water lilies mean many things in different areas of the world, but they have special significance in Buddhism and Hinduism. For these religions, the water lily symbolizes resurrection, because these flowers close up at night and reopen in the morning, similar to a spiritual rebirth. Buddhists also believe that the water lily represents enlightenment because a beautiful bloom emerges from the dark mud.
6. The Water Lily Is a Star in the Art World
The impressionist painter Claude Monet often used water lilies as a subject. In fact, he painted more than 250 pieces that featured this aquatic plant, and several of them are among his most famous works of art.
Here in Australia, Sunday is National Tree Day, with Schools Tree Day being tomorrow, Friday. Organised by Planet Ark, Schools Tree Day is a time when students and communities across the country come together to plant trees, learn about the environment, and build a deeper connection with nature. As you can imagine, there are so many varied ways to get involved.
Since I haven’t been able to get out with the camera lately, I’ve taken the opportunity (one-handedly) to do some culling of the archives. This image of these very orderly trees was taken during a hot air balloon flight over the Hunter Valley wine region: a peaceful memory of a spectacular view.
Hope your week is going well! Thanks for taking a look, I really appreciate your comments and support.
"The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit." – Nelson Henderson 🌱
Since yesterday was National Tree Day here in Australia, I figured I probably should’ve posted a tree instead of a seascape - so here’s one today to make up for it.
This tree is located on the heritage-listed site of the Ross Female Factory in Tasmania. The Ross Female Factory once held convict women under harsh conditions in the mid-1800s. The women were held in strict conditions and worked mostly in Laundry, Sewing & Domestic service.
The facility was designed to reform women, often serving as a holding place before they were assigned as servants in free settler households. The site gives insight into the lives of convict women, a group often overshadowed by male convict history and highlights the harsh realities of gendered punishment in colonial Australia.
I don't think this Willow tree would be that old, but can you imagine the stories it could tell!
Thanks for taking a look, I really appreciate your comments and support.
PS Philosophical question to ponder .... If I post a photo to Flickr that isn’t a seascape… did I even post at all??
Amidst the towering oil palms, the golden sunrise whispers a story of balance—where nature and cultivation coexist. Will we protect this harmony, or let it fade with the light?
Capturing the essence of avian grace, the Black-collared Hawk, Busarellus nigricollis, stands as a regal presence against the lush backdrop of Lagos Yaguacaca in Leticia, Colombia. This raptor’s striking orange plumage, set off by the subtle dark collar from which it gets its name, exudes a sense of calm sovereignty over its wetland realm. The contrast of its pale head and the deep rufous of its body is a visual treat, emblematic of the vibrant biodiversity that thrives in this Amazonian habitat.
As a photographer dedicated to the art of bird photography, this image holds a special place in my portfolio. It represents not just the beauty of the species, but also the tranquility and balance of their natural environment. The hawk's intense gaze and poised demeanor were captured using a patient, unobtrusive approach, ensuring that the majesty of the moment was preserved without disturbance. Through my lens, I strive to share these intimate glimpses of nature, highlighting the importance of conservation and the profound connection between wildlife and their habitats.
©2023 Adam Rainoff
This photograph captures the raw essence of the Roadside Hawk, Rupornis magnirostris, in its natural habitat within the Mocagua Comunidad Indígena in Colombia. The hawk, perched with an air of vigilance, is set against a canvas of verdant foliage, characteristic of the Amazonian landscape. The bird's sharp gaze and robust stature are emblematic of its predatory nature, while its plumage blends seamlessly with the environment, showcasing nature's intricate design.
As a photographer, my goal is to bridge the gap between these majestic creatures and the observer, highlighting the subtle yet striking details that define the Roadside Hawk. The photograph strives to not just capture the physical beauty of this raptor, but also to convey a sense of the bird's role in the Amazon's ecosystem. The image serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of wildlife, encouraging a deeper respect and understanding of the natural world.
©2023 Adam Rainoff
Paddle Georgia 2012: Altamaha River
Upper Wayne County Landing, Georgia USA
[195-D90]
© 2025 Mike McCall
In this captivating image by Adam Rainoff, a Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is caught in a moment of aerial grace over the Avian Reconditioning Center in Apopka, Florida. The hawk's wings are fully extended, capturing the essence of freedom and flight, while its eyes are sharply focused, perhaps locking onto a distant target. The sky serves as a perfect backdrop, accentuating the bird's distinctive reddish-orange tail and powerful wing feathers.
This photograph is more than just a snapshot; it's a narrative of nature's grandeur captured through the lens. The technical expertise displayed—sharp focus, balanced exposure, and meticulous composition—elevates this from a simple wildlife photograph to a work of art, embodying the majesty and complexity of this magnificent bird of prey.
©2020 Adam Rainoff
This man was standing alone with his placards in the middle of the road at the traffic lights junction of Parliament Square protesting.
Thank you for viewing. If you like please fav and leave a nice comment. Hope to see you here again. Have a wonderful day 😊
Parliament Square, London 🇬🇧
18th April, 2019
In the lush surroundings of Hacienda Montecristo, not far from the cultural haven of Santa Rosa de Copán, I encountered the striking Lesson's Motmot, Momotus lessonii. The bird's distinct blue diadem, set against a contrasting black mask, offered a visual feast amidst the verdant backdrop. As it perched regally on a moss-covered branch, the motmot's tail, with its characteristic rackets, hung like an exquisite pendulum, adding to the elegance of the scene.
Capturing this image was a matter of patience and respect for the bird's space. Utilizing a telephoto lens, I waited for the perfect light to dance through the leaves, highlighting the motmot's vibrant plumage and the intricate textures of its environment. This photograph is a testament to the delicate balance of technical skill and a deep understanding of avian behavior, essential in wildlife photography. Sharing this moment encapsulates the essence of what we strive for as photographers: to portray the soul of nature's creations, encouraging preservation through our craft.
©2022 Adam Rainoff
Amidst the dynamic ecosystem of Lagos Yaguacaca, the Great Egret (Ardea alba) stands as a beacon of tranquility. This photograph captures the bird in its poised vigilance, a sentinel in the marshes. The egret's stark white plumage, set against the dense greenery of Leticia, Colombia, illustrates the bird's adaptation to its wetland habitat. The striking yellow beak, a sliver of color, punctuates the scene, drawing the viewer's eye to the bird's elegant profile.
In this frame, my focus was on isolating the egret's form to emphasize its role within the ecosystem. It's a moment that speaks to the egret's solitary nature and its prowess as a hunter. The composition is a deliberate balance of color and space, inviting contemplation on the simplicity and complexity of nature. As a conservation photographer, these are the instances I seek to share, hoping to bridge the distance between our human experience and the natural world.
©2023 Adam Rainoff
I love the desert, and am always saddened when I see garbage left in our wilderness. However, this is actually a very hopeful shot, as the cans actually date back many, many years. They were located near an old deserted mine on the outskirts of Death Valley. They are hopeful, because I think they illustrate how far we've come. 40 years ago, a majority of people would think nothing about leaving their garbage behind. Now those people represent a tiny minority. We still have a way to go, but we are growing up.
Du ciel, quelque part en Afrique, cette image parle d’elle-même : là où l’eau coule, la vie surgit. Entourée de terres arides, une aire de verdure persiste, preuve éclatante que l’eau est le souffle même de la nature.
💧 Protégeons nos ressources. Cultivons la vie. 🌿
O Festival Internacional de Jardins, que se realiza anualmente em Ponte de Lima de maio a outubro, é um evento que apresenta jardins efémeros e temáticos criados por artistas de várias partes do mundo. Desde a sua criação em 2005, o festival tem promovido a inovação na arquitetura paisagística, reunindo propostas de design de espaços verdes e sensibilizando para questões ambientais. A entrada para o recinto é marcada por uma pérgula metálica coberta de vegetação que conduz os visitantes a um percurso pavimentado, onde se destacam elementos pétreos com padrões geométricos, e onde se encontram as propostas de arquitetura paisagística de diversos países.
Taken as part of my environmental awareness project on beach litter and washed up plastics, this is one of many fish boxes that find their way on to our Cumbrian shorelines. With wildlife breeding season upon us, we all have a responsibility to keep our beaches clean from such rubbish. It's not enough anymore to just walk past expecting others to clean up instead - if you use the beach in anyway you have a responsibility to help protect it's natural environment. Next time you enjoy our beautiful British coast, make a point of collecting just one item of rubbish and disposing of it suitably, imagine if we all did just that...!
Birds move through the high country of Yosemite National Park as the sun rises.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The Antelope Valley is known for its wildflowers and Joshua Trees. Unfortunately, the two rarely grow in the same place. The Poppies tend to be on the west side of the region and the Joshua Trees in the east and center. However, that they do flourish together in a few places is documented in this image.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Distant snow-capped mountains; a handful of toothpick wind turbines in the middle distance; a few late-turning orange-covered trees among the dark green conifers in the foreground. View of the mountains of Glen Orrin and Strathconon from Fyrish by Alness.
American Flamingo ~ Davie, Florida
A South Florida beauty, there are two parts to the chemistry that makes a flamingo pink; the carotenoids in the food that provide the pigments, and there are the specific enzymes produced by the species which utilize those pigments, providing its brilliant pink color.
(click more comments to see 9-shot series)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Flamingo
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamingo_Gardens
[Published Dec 2015 - Island Conservation - Dominican Republic]
www.islandconservation.org/get-to-know-the-real-wild-thin...
An electric power line along Highway 87 near Box Elder, Montana.
I'm not sure if Montana has more electrical poles than any other state, or if you just see more of them because of the lack of trees here on the plains, but often they are the only significant feature you see on the vast and open Montana landscape.
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Lovely bit of dappled sunlight on the mountains. Scots Pines of the Caledonian Forest growing on the slopes. River trickling through a gorge.
Path intruding.
Disused quarry a gaping wound on the hillside.
Full of refuse - no fewer than 10 oil tanks, a caravan, farm slurry tanker and a boat amongst other things.
On a previous visit a year ago, the quarry floor was also full of rainwater with oil-slick rainbows.
I don't believe photos should merely "tell a story" so much as make a statement. This shit is WRONG.
Prints etc: shiny.photo/photo/What-People-Do-4e1d0c5874ff8168311b45e4...
This photograph captures a different perspective of Hanoi’s iconic Train Street, where vibrant cafés and narrow tracks typically draw tourists. Here, however, we see the lesser-known side, a place of daily life and hard work away from the crowds. Locals are sorting and organizing recyclables, displaying the resilience and industrious spirit that characterizes Vietnam’s urban life. This side of Train Street highlights a quieter, more authentic view of the city, where community and labor shape the landscape just as much as the nearby bustling cafes and trains.
right at the edge where civilization meets the untamed, in the shadow of calvià's local health center, this scene unfolds—a subtle reminder of nature’s persistence amidst human encroachment. the wildflowers, delicate and resilient, bloom defiantly, their white crowns stark against a backdrop of blurred fields and marching power lines. these lines, like threads of a different kind, slice through the landscape, yet the flora beneath refuses to yield its ground. this image captures the poignant beauty of the natural world clinging to life in spaces dominated by human activity. it's a silent protest, etched in black and white, where every wild blossom is a quiet assertion of survival and grace.
Photographing the majestic Anisclo Canyon in August 2025, I witnessed a disturbing transformation of this normally lush Pyrenean landscape. What might appear as beautiful autumn colors are actually trees prematurely shedding their leaves due to extreme heat stress - a stark reminder of how climate change is reshaping even our most resilient mountain ecosystems.
The golden haze filling the canyon comes from distant wildfires in Spain and Portugal, while the warm-toned foliage in the foreground tells the story of vegetation struggling to survive unprecedented summer temperatures. These limestone cliffs of Ordesa National Park, carved over millennia, now frame a landscape under severe climatic pressure.
I captured this scene during sunset when the dramatic lighting emphasized both the timeless geological beauty and the contemporary environmental crisis unfolding before my eyes. The contrast between the eternal stone formations and the vulnerable forest below speaks to the rapid pace of change we're witnessing in our lifetimes.
My intention was to document this moment of environmental transition, creating a visual record of how extreme weather events are transforming landscapes that have remained stable for centuries, hoping this image might contribute to broader awareness of climate impacts on mountain ecosystems.
Virga - rain and hail from a dark cloud that doesn't make it to ground level - passing by the other side of Loch Rannoch.
Looks like nature apart from just that little hint of mankind's involvement in the form of a hydro power station up the hill.