View allAll Photos Tagged February2018
Photographed in our rented accommodation’s garden in Mauritius. This bird had us in stitches of laughter every day with his antics. He was fascinated by his reflection in the car windscreen and spent many an hour a day flying up and attacking the windscreen, and then sliding back down again, then flying around to the wing mirrors and attacking them too. His territory was our accommodation garden and he’d attack any small bird that tried to come into his garden. He was a joy to watch. I miss him.
The Red Fody (Foudia Madagascariensis), sometimes known as the Madagascar fody, red cardinal fody or common fody, is a small bird native to Madagascar and introduced to various other islands in the Indian Ocean.
The red fody is about 5 inches (13 cm) in length and weighs 14–19 grams (0.49–0.67 oz). The male of the species is bright red with black markings around each eye. Its wings and tail are olive-brown. Its underparts are also red, which distinguishes it from other fodies in areas where it has been introduced. The female fody's upper parts are olive-brown and its underparts are greyish brown.
The red fody feeds largely on seeds, especially grass seeds, and insects, but several other foodstuffs are also taken; these include fruit, nectar, household scraps and copra.
Outside the breeding season, this bird is gregarious. As the breeding season approaches, males establish territories, about 30 m (100 ft) in diameter. The birds are monogamous, and the male starts building the nest in the centre of the territory before courtship commences, with nests being stered together in loose colonies. The nest is globular with a side entrance and porch or short tube. It is constructed, mostly by the male, out of rootlets, tendrils, grasses and other long strands of vegetation, woven together. The nest takes around eight days to build, and many get abandoned if the male fails to attract a mate.
The majestic Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland and partly clouded Galtee Mountains in the distance. The Hore Abbey can be seen in the distance towards the right
I was back in my native Cashel. I lived just to the right of this photo. I took this photo just after sunset. It was a pity the mountains were partly obscured by clouds.
I put my camera on my Manfrotto 190 Tripod at almost its maximum height so I could shoot over the Roadside Crash Barrier. I used a Hahnel wired trigger.
I spent Wednesday afternoon with a friend and part of the day was spent walking around Craigavon Lakes. The weather was fab and the reflections were perfect :)
Another friend recently mentioned that she missed my photos with scripture on Flickr, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to upload something :)
Every day my phone beeps with a "Verse of the day" text from the Bible... and this was one from last week... I'm learning to trust God and constantly asking Him to show me what His will is for my life, He is indeed MY God. Our lives are a struggle and we face decisions each day between right and wrong. Making the right decision is part of doing God's will... but I know there is much more to it than that.
I trust and pray that you will all know God's will in your lives and I hope you all have a blessed Sunday.
I have been absent from Flickr for quite some time, but hopefully I will be making a comeback :) catch up with you soon :)
Taken just before sunset, during the golden hour.
Portree is the largest town on The Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. It is the location for the only secondary school on the island, Portree High School. Public transport services are limited to buses. Portree has a harbour, fringed by cliffs, with a pier designed by Thomas Telford.
Set round its natural harbour and fringed by high ground and cliffs, the town is a popular tourists’ holiday destination and the harbour continues to be used by fishing boats as well as pleasure craft. It boasts excellent leisure facilities including a swimming pool, pony-trekking and boat cruises plus plenty of shopping opportunities in addition to the great variety of accommodation ranging from upmarket hotels through guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering establishments and hostels. There is also a campsite nearby.
Stylist & Photographer: Michaela Vixen (VampBait69)
Location: Vixen Creative Studios
an irresistible retreat where warm, perfumed breezes greets you as if a kiss! Blog Credits here thefallenpath.wordpress.com/2018/05/17/come-sit-with-me/
Florencia, Caquetá. Colombia.
This is a Giant Cowbird (Molothrus oryzivorus).
As its common name indicates, the Giant Cowbird is a large cowbird about 36 cm or 14 inches in length. This bird dwarfs any other species of Molothrus (cowbirds), and at first glance may seem to have little in common with other cowbirds. Like other species of Molothrus, however, the Giant Cowbird is a brood parasite, and lays its eggs in the nest of other large-bodied birds, principally oropendolas and caciques (Cacicus). It breeds from southern Mexico south to northern Argentina, and on Trinidad and Tobago.
This was taken on the beautiful Strathaird Peninsula, near Kilbride looking out across Loch Slapin. I think this was my favourite peninsula.
Strathaird is the peninsula on the south coast of the Isle of Skye that lies between Loch Slapin and Loch Scavaig. The smallest and least populated of the main peninsulas, it is reached via the scenic B8083 road which winds its way through the Red Cuillin Hills, around the head of Loch Slapin and through the hamlets of Torrin, Kirkibost and Elgol.
With rocky cliffs, sea caves, the Small Isles offshore and abundant marine wildlife - including White-tailed Eagle and Otter - the coastal scenery is a real attraction. But perhaps even better than this, the west of Strathaird provides the best views possible into the Black Cuillins, Britain's most ferocious mountains.
18th February 2018:
Cheese & onion, Salt & _______ crisps !
As we were going to have a beef casserole for Sunday lunch I had to have a rethink about today's foodie photo. Although I've taken photos of a casserole before, they don't work that well for me.
We then had another hiccough, as we both forgot to take the meat out of the freezer last night, so we're now having dinner instead.
I'm not very apt at this kind of photography, so I'm sort of trying it out on you all. Salt & vinegar and cheese & onion crisps. Along with the cheese, onion, salt and .... no vinegar. I thought we had some in, but we've run out!
Possibly better viewed large, but thank you for your favourites. :O)
He was just a foal last year when we first met. I was delighted to see him again this year. Perhaps someday I will own enough land to be able to give him and some of his band a home. It may only be a dream but nothing would make me happier. In these days of chaos, dreams can help keep our heads above the waterline in a sea of lies and raging tide of ignorance. #WildHorses #Lockhimup #LiberatetheWhiteHouse
When driving to Elgol we passed this beautiful snow-capped mountain which reflected in the water, so I just had to stop and photo it.
Beinn na Caillich (732 metres), west of Broadford on the isle of Skye, is one of the Red Hills, or Red Cuillin. Its name is translated into English as Hill of the Old Woman. It is often referred to locally simply as The Beinn.
The summit is adorned by an especially large cairn, reputedly marking the site where Saucy Mary, a Norwegian princess and former resident of Castle Moil in Kyleakin, is buried. Local legend claims that she was buried at the top of the mountain so that she could face the land of her birth forever. An alternative version of events suggests the monument was dedicated to "a gigantic woman in the days of Fingal". Thomas Pennant climbed the hill while staying with Mackinnon of Corriechatachan (or Corry); Samuel Johnson and James Boswell did not.
Driving to Inverness to fly home. :-( “Sad face” didn’t want to go home!
I have to admit the road to Inverness is an amazingly beautiful one, we drove to Skye on the high road, and came back along the A87 alongside Loch Ness. This photo was taken just after Loch Shiel on the A87 with the view of the snow-capped mountain range that Sgùrr Fhuaran is part of, and that’s the river Shiel running alongside the road.
Sgùrr Fhuaran is a Scottish mountain that is situated on the northern side of Glen Shiel, 23 kilometres (14 mi) east south east of Kyle of Lochalsh. The mountain reaches a height of 1,067 metres (3,501 ft) and qualifies as a Munro and a Marilyn, it is the highest point for a significant distance, having a sizeable topographic prominence of 663 metres (2,175 ft) and gives extensive views from its summit.
The meaning of the mountain’s name is obscure. Sgùrr Fhuaran may mean "Peak of the wells or springs" and many streams issue from the mountains slopes. Another possible meaning proposed is that the proper name is Sgùrr Urain, the Peak of Odhran, named after a disciple of Columba. The mountain is referred to in the slogan "Sgùrr Uaran" of Clan Macrae (which occupied lands in the Kintail area).
Sgùrr Fhuaran is one of three mountains that make up the Five Sisters of Kintail (the other two being Sgùrr na Ciste Duibhe and Sgùrr na Càrnach) and when seen from Màm Ratagan above Loch Duich, the Five Sisters are one of the best known views in the Western Highlands of Scotland. The legend of the Five Sisters of Kintail tells the story of seven sisters, daughters of a local farmer, two of whom married visiting brothers who said they would send their five other brothers for the remaining five sisters to wed. However, no one returned and the five remaining sisters agreed for a local wizard to transform them into peaks in order to preserve their beauty while they waited.
Sgùrr Fhuaran is a distinctive peak with steep slopes which drop away to Glen Shiel on its western flank at an angle of over 30 degrees giving the mountain a feeling of great height. It has four main ridges, the best known of these is the WNW ridge which is conspicuous in views from Glen Shiel, it drops away precipitously from the summit to descend 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) in just over 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) to the River Shiel in the valley. The southern ridge connects to the adjoining Munro of Sgùrr na Càrnach, which lies 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) away.
The eastern ridge which is a narrow knife edge in places gives a dramatic ascent route from Glenlicht House at the head of the remote Gleann Lichd. Between the southern and eastern ridges lies the impressive Coire Domhain to which the mountain drops almost vertically. The northern ridge goes to the Munro “top” of Sgùrr na Saighead (Peak of the Arrows) which with a height of 929 metres (3,048 ft) lies 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) away from the main summit. It is one of the Five Sisters and regarded by many as the finest, being narrow and exposed. This northern ridge continues for a further 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) to reach sea level at the shores of Loch Duich.
Today the sky was so clear and I was able to capture this beautiful moon.
06:49 hrs, Moon: 98.3% Waning Gibbous.
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller
Smile on Saturday: heart-shaped.
SC2/18 #7
16/100
I'm putting Paddle Kalanchoe leaves into 100 Flowers because of their bright color, a big contrast with its tall white flower stem and
with its creamy-white flowers. Many times after blooming a Paddle Kalanchoe dies back or dies off. The plant that had the flowers I've posted is dying back. The leaves above are of another Paddle Kalanchoe, which may I suspect to see bloom next year.
For six word story.
Taken in Orange County, California. © 2018 All Rights Reserved.
My images are not to be used, copied, edited, or blogged without my explicit permission.
Please!! NO Glittery Awards or Large Graphics...Buddy Icons are OK. Thank You!
Many thanks for every kind comment, fave, your encouraging words, and the inspiration of your fine photography, my Flickr friends! You make my day every day!
Taken at a site in Open Woodland, No Hide, Bloody Cold!!!! February 2018 Black Isle, Scotland
Thanks for looking and liking - comments are much appreciated thank you!
Clifford’s Tower, 06:50 Wednesday, the “Beast from the East” storm arrives in full force on my walk to the station.
Close up, the Tower has an “Impressionist” look due to the snow blowing past.
This was taken on the beautiful Strathaird Peninsula, near Kilbride looking out across Loch Slapin. About a mile up this track we stopped for a picnic, and what an amazing view we had. And an eagle flew over, but as soon as i swapped lenses it was too far away. I think this was definitely my favourite peninsula.
Strathaird is the peninsula on the south coast of the Isle of Skye that lies between Loch Slapin and Loch Scavaig. The smallest and least populated of the main peninsulas, it is reached via the scenic B8083 road which winds its way through the Red Cuillin Hills, around the head of Loch Slapin and through the hamlets of Torrin, Kirkibost and Elgol.
With rocky cliffs, sea caves, the Small Isles offshore and abundant marine wildlife - including White-tailed Eagle and Otter - the coastal scenery is a real attraction. But perhaps even better than this, the west of Strathaird provides the best views possible into the Black Cuillins, Britain's most ferocious mountains.
This was taken on the beautiful Strathaird Peninsula, near Kilbride looking out across Loch Slapin. I think this was my favourite peninsula.
Can you see the strange white whale shaped creature in the sea? Is it Nessie on holiday? Or is it a huge white rock? I didn't notice it until I edited it.
Strathaird is the peninsula on the south coast of the Isle of Skye that lies between Loch Slapin and Loch Scavaig. The smallest and least populated of the main peninsulas, it is reached via the scenic B8083 road which winds its way through the Red Cuillin Hills, around the head of Loch Slapin and through the hamlets of Torrin, Kirkibost and Elgol.
With rocky cliffs, sea caves, the Small Isles offshore and abundant marine wildlife - including White-tailed Eagle and Otter - the coastal scenery is a real attraction. But perhaps even better than this, the west of Strathaird provides the best views possible into the Black Cuillins, Britain's most ferocious mountains.
My last upload was from the same beach as the sun sank. These were taken today - after sunrise but before it had breached the horizon. More amazing light - but unbelievably cold. I'd planned to stay out longer but was glad to get out of the wind.
Another of the Cresties taken a couple of weeks ago whilst up in the Highlands - taken in woodland on the Black Isle.
At Mocoa, Putumayo, Colombia.
The Yellow-rumped Cacique (Cacicus cela) is a large beautiful icterid that is resident east of the Andes and through Amazonia in northern South America. They are about 28 cm long (11.5 inches). The Yellow-rumped Cacique is easily identified by its light colored bill, striking blue eyes, and bright yellow rump and wing epaulets that make strong contrast against the black plumage. It is a colonial breeder with up to 100 individual hanging nests in a single large tree.
. . . Here is another crystal ball photo for a local camera club competition. I did not submit this one in the contest because I thought the two I submitted (including the Christm
as Tree from yesterday) were better shots. This rose (from Lauri Forbes shop in Kalkaska) was just placed behind the ball on the kitchen countertop, with some lights surrounding it.
One of three photos taken from the 34th floor of our building as the fog has begun to lift today in Toronto. Best seen large by clicking on the photo.
Thanks for visiting and sharing my sky photos - free entertainment!
It maybe a bit late and it may not be the full Super Moon, but it's the nearest I got. Plus I was getting very cold hands out there!!
Actually taken at 00:01:52 am this morning!!
Better viewed large and thank you for your favourites. :O)
This is Knock Bay with the ruins of Knock Castle perched up on top the cliff, Knock Castle isn't much to look at, just a three walls left, and crumbling piles of rocks. I only kept the photo because I love the sky, I've always had a thing about clouds and these are pretty splendid.
Knock Castle, also known as Caisteal Chamuis (Castle Camus) is a former stronghold of the MacDonalds. It lies on the east coast of Sleat, approximately 5 miles north of Armadale on the Isle of Skye, south of Cnoc Uaine, on the eastern side of Knock Bay. Currently the castle is in ruins; it consists of an old 15th century keep of which one part, a window, remains to some height with traces of later buildings.
The castle was constructed by the Clan MacLeod and later captured by the Clan MacDonald in the late 15th century. Ownership of the castle passed between the two clans several times. It was remodelled in 1596 by the MacDonalds. By 1689 the castle was abandoned and started to decay. Most of the stones were then used for nearby buildings.
It is claimed by tradition that the castle is haunted by a Green Lady, a gruagach - a ghost associated with the fortunes of the family who occupy the castle. The ghost will appear happy if good news is to come; if there is bad news she will weep. The castle is also said to have had a glaistig, a spirit which is said to have a particular concern with caring for the livestock.
One of three photos taken from the 34th floor of our building as the fog has begun to lift today in Toronto. Best seen large by clicking on the photo.
Thanks for visiting and sharing my sky photos - free entertainment!
Valle del Cauca, Colombia along the old road to Buenaventura,
The Rufous-throated Tanager (Tangara rufigula) has a relatively limited range in the West Andes of Colombia and into northwest Ecuador. It is found in humid forests up to 1,800 meters (6,000 feet) above sea level. It is relatively common over most of its range. It feeds on both insects and small fruits.
. . . This historic farm house and barns are well known to most Michiganders. In my latest attempt to take the viewer right there, here is a 10 shot vertical panorama from east (the open field) to west (Sleeping Bear sand dunes). I am beginning to see some limitations to my pano obsession, in that the combined file size was 517 MB, almost overwhelming Lightroom and my laptop!
Have a great week Facebook, Flickr, and 500px friends!
Disney Cruise Line ~ Key West Harbor
The Florida Keys ~ Key West, Florida U.S.A.
(six more harbor 'cruise-ship photos' in the comments)
*******************************************************************************
"Disney Magic" is a cruise ship owned and operated by the Disney Cruise Line, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. She has 11 public decks, can accommodate 2,700 passengers in 875 staterooms, and has a crew of approximately 950. The interior of Disney Magic is decorated in the Art Deco style. She has twenty bright yellow lifeboats which, along with the black, red, and white colors of the ship itself, match the colors of Mickey Mouse. This change from the standard safety orange took a waiver of international maritime rules. As with other Disney cruise ships, the ship's horn blast plays an excerpt from Disney's famous flagship tune, "When You Wish upon a Star". 984 ft
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disney_Magic
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_West,_Florida
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_keys
2nd Place Competition Winner - February 2018
Sitting By The Dock Of The Bay Group
In the Department of Caldas, Colombia in the rain.
The Golden-crowned Tanager is fairly common in thick bushes and borders of low, dense mossy forest and especially near stunted treeline vegetation, usually at altitudes between 2800 and 3800 meters. This image was taken at about 3600 meters.
The Andean Emerald (Amazilia franciae) inhabits forest edges in the Andes Mountains of Colombia, Ecuador and Northern Peru. This species measures about 9 cm (3.6 inches) in length. They are fairly common in Colombia from 1,000 to 2,200 meters (3,280 to 7,200 feet) above sea level. This image was taken near Manizales, Colombia at about 2,200 meters above sea level..