However, I did not write the name of this lovely lady and do not remember the landscape where I took the pic oopsy!

Wish you all a lovely afternoon ♥

Feel to listen ♪🎧♫

Peter Gundry A beautiful Delusion

However big, however small

Let me be part of it all

Share your dreams with me

We may be right, we may be wrong

But I wanna bring you along to the world I see

To the world we close our eyes to see

I close my eyes and I can see

A world that's waiting up for me

That I call my own

Through the dark, through the door

Through where no one's been before

But it feels like home....

Red Squirrel - Sciurus Vulgaris

Highlands, Scotland.

The red squirrel is found in both coniferous forest and temperate broadleaf woodlands. The squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 25 to 30 cm in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The red squirrel is a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several red squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organization is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes; although males are not necessarily dominant to females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals, and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females.

Red squirrels that survive their first winter have a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age, and 10 in captivity. Survival is positively related to availability of autumn–winter tree seeds; on average, 75–85% of juveniles die during their first winter, and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first.

Although not thought to be under any threat worldwide, the red squirrel has nevertheless drastically reduced in number in the United Kingdom; especially after the grey squirrels were introduced from North America in the 1870s. Fewer than 140,000 individuals are thought to be left in 2013; approximately 85% of which are in Scotland, with the Isle of Wight being the largest haven in England. A local charity, the Wight Squirrel Project,[26] supports red squirrel conservation on the island, and islanders are actively recommended to report any invasive greys. The population decrease in Britain is often ascribed to the introduction of the eastern grey squirrel from North America, but the loss and fragmentation of its native woodland habitat has also played a role.

In January 1998, eradication of the non-native North American grey squirrel began on the North Wales island of Anglesey. This facilitated the natural recovery of the small remnant red squirrel population. It was followed by the successful reintroduction of the red squirrel into the pine stands of Newborough Forest. Subsequent reintroductions into broadleaved woodland followed and today the island has the single largest red squirrel population in Wales. Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour is also populated exclusively by red rather than grey squirrels (approximately 200 individuals).

A cat in greenery is a harmonious combination ... however, cats are always and everywhere harmonious :)

The ancient Egyptians had a special relationship with cats: they were revered as sacred animals; mummified like humans; depicted in sculpture and frescoes. And the very first cat "portrait" was written by the Egyptians.

For a long time it was believed that the Egyptians tamed cats. However, in 2004, a burial site dating back to 9500 BC was discovered in Cyprus. e., in which a cat was found together with a man. A wild beast would hardly have been put in a grave. It turned out that cats lived with people long before they appeared in Egypt. The Middle East began to be considered the birthplace of domestic cats, and Egypt was forgotten for some time. But not for long: in 2008, a burial was opened in southern Egypt, in which six cats were found - a male, a female and four kittens. Although this burial was younger than the Cypriot one (about 6000 years), it became clear that cats were known in Egypt much earlier than was thought until recently.

It is known that the ancestor of the domestic cat was the steppe cat Felis silvestris lybica - it still lives in the steppe, desert and partly mountainous regions of Africa, Western, Central and Central Asia, in Northern India, Transcaucasia and Kazakhstan. In 2007, it was possible to establish that all modern cats descended from him.

Seafarers brought the first cats to Rus' in the pre-Christian era. Exotic animals were a valuable commodity: the cost of a cat until the 15th century was comparable to the value of a healthy arable animal - an ox.

The Pyrrhuloxia (pronounced however your mouth decides in the moment) is the desert’s answer to a cardinal—same spiky crest, but with more attitude and less hydration.

I found this one perched on a rare leafy ocotillo, posing like he owned the place. With his candy-corn beak, dusty-red plumage, and permanent side-eye, he’s the bird version of a grumpy old-timer who’s seen things.

He’s tougher than his Northern cousin—built for heat, sand, and yelling at you from a bush for reasons known only to him. His song? Like a cardinal, but sharper, higher, and just a little bit judgmental.

Get the light right, and he glows like a desert ember.

He sings with a sting and glares like a monk—

A feathered grump with desert funk.

His head and neck are fully fluffed as seen in courtship. However, there wasn't a Hooded merganser hen nearby; perhaps he's practicing for the big day.

⭐️Thank you in Advance for your kind ‘Faves’ Visits and Comments they are so very much appreciated. 👍

I cannot always ‘Thank’ everyone individually, for their Visits and ‘Faves’ however, I will always try to respond and thank all those that leave a ‘Comment’. If I do not reply to your 'Comment', it is not because I am ignoring you, it's because I have not seen the 'Comment'.

Your 'Comments' do not always appear in 'Notifications' or Flickr mail, so, I am sorry for any delay in responding. Often your 'Comment' is only spotted 'On the Page' on the day, that I see it. (seen ONLY when replying to someone HAS 'Commented' on the image, and I see a notification)

Elakala falls are some of the most photographed falls of West Virginia. However, this one is less commonly photographed because it requires some efforts to be reached. This is known as the second fall. More sometimes there is no much water. However, our group was lucky to be there few days after some heavy rains so the falls was at its best. This image was taken after crossing the creek to get a better view of the fall. I used a long exposure to the get the swirling water. This was achieved by using a polarizer filter and a 10 stop ND filter.

Be still, my love

I will return to you

However far you feel from me

You are not alone

I will always be waiting

And I'll always be watching you

Speak to me, speak to me, speak to me

🎵 Listen here 🎵

Taken at Hanging Gardens of Babylon

I do appreciate you all 💖

Swards however, never get tired. I hope you saved your energy. If you haven't, you might not last five minutes,,,

【memo】

@Mainstore

EVIE - Chill Vibes Outfit (FatPack)

EVIE - Boost Sneakers (FatPack)

👍EVIE Mainstore

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Entrepreneur/198/22/3985

*PKC* Bee Belly Piercing (HW Items)

-00-Katana Box_FatPack

-00-Katana Poseset

tram K0415 hair / HUD-B

---

MINIMAL - Sora Skybox RARE

♬♬♬Today's Tune♬♬♬

youtu.be/WSJiLyTRY2g

However, I have to look at the sky, I should make a sentence of heart.

A decaying old motel along the highway, with a familiar sounding slogan. There’s something a little off about it, however.

Words However Kind Can't Mend Your Heartache

But Those Who Care And Share Your Loss, Wish You

Comfort And Peace Of Mind

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnRx-7BwsxA

I wanted to take this photo of Lake Braies in winter. So at 5 o' clock in the morning when fresh snow falls, up the pass road. However, I had hoped that the lake was not frozen. Well, I'm not completely satisfied with the photo, but as another photographer once said "The attempt counts".

The Flame-faced Tanager is one of the most spectacular members of the diverse and exceptionally colorful genus Tangara. Living up to its common name, the forehead begins as a deep glimmering red, shading into a brilliant yellow on the nape and sides of the head. This "flame" contrasts sharply with the jet black back. The Flame-faced Tanager is a common member in mixed species foraging flocks in the canopy of humid montane forest from the Andes of extreme southwest Venezuela south to central Peru. It forages exclusively along mossy branches and occasionally peering at the underside in search of arthropods. There are three subspecies of the Flame-faced Tanager, described based mostly on minor differences in plumage. The species is typically found from 1000-2600 m and is most numerous above 1500 m. The IUCN Red list assesses the Flame-faced Tanager as a species of Least Concern; however, the population size is declining due to habitat destruction. Thus, the Flame-faced Tanager should become the focus of future studies.

Have a Peaceful Saturday!

Thanks a lot for your visits, comments, faves, invites, etc. Very much appreciated!

© All my images are protected under international authors copyright laws and may not be downloaded, reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written explicit permission. All rights reserved. Please contact me at thelma.gatuzzo@gmail.com if you intend to buy or use any of my images.

My instagram if you like: @thelmag and @thelma_and_cats

Kinderdijk lies in the Alblasserwaard, at the confluence of the Lek and Noord rivers. In Alblasserwaard, problems with water became more and more apparent in the 13th century. Large canals, called "weteringen", were dug to get rid of the excess water in the polders. However, the drained soil started setting, while the level of the river rose due to the river's sand deposits. Most of the current mills were built in 1738 and 1740 (see below).

After a few centuries, an additional way to keep the polders dry was required. It was decided to build a series of windmills, with a limited capacity to bridge water level differences, but just able to pump water into a reservoir at an intermediate level between the soil in the polder and the river; the reservoir could be let out into the river through locks whenever the river level was low enough; the river level has both seasonal and tidal variations. Although some of the windmills are still used, the main water works are provided by two diesel pumping stations near one of the entrances of the windmills site.

I love the effect of raindrops on flowers. However, for better or worse, it doesn't rain every day. So, on this day, I took a glass of water outside with me, and flicked water on the flowers with my fingers. Didn't turn out too bad... now I just need to water the lawn too.

Macro Mondays -- Inspired by a song

Wasted away again in Margaritaville,

Searchin' for my lost shaker of salt.

-- Jimmy Buffett, "Margaritaville"

This is a strange source of inspiration for someone who is neither a big country & western fan nor a tequila lover. However, I was raised and currently live in a community that is very country and so have grown up hearing all the songs. And at a recent party I was talked into drinking some tequila shots which brought back many memories (mainly of why I don't drink tequila).

Disclaimer: No real margaritas were mixed, imbibed, or in any way harmed in the making of this photo.

8:52 Amuse Yourself – however you want!

Enwined in the mysterious and bodeful darkness of the night, every sound is only memory.

Every thought, however, a faint whisper that makes its way, high-spirited or diffidently, into the nocturnal tranquility.

Every step out into its depths a new adventure.

The light here is of a different nature. It shines and leads in a most pure way.

There is no need to shine bright, no force necessary to be seen.

Light is precious here, in all its variations, adored and protected.

We carry it, in many lanterns, over rivers and mountains, to find and light paths, to show the way and give comfort.

Through the dark and gloom of obscurity.

And only when Eos arises in her shimmering chariot, we wave from afar and return into our multifaceted chambers.

For as the guardians of the night we work in the shades and rest in the light.

"“However vast the darkness, we must supply our own light"

- Stanley Kubrick

CREDITS at ► Blog

7400867/ Standing Bear

It was a lovely fall day for our drive into the wilderness of Denali. Our 66 mile (round trip 132 miles/ 7 ½-8 hour trip) adventure to the Eielson Visitor’s Center had produced some great shots. However, our drive back to the entrance was going to give yet some more captures of the animals of Denali. As we rounded the curve to the Sable Ramp, we saw three bears to our left. Our Driver, Kat, positioned the shuttle so that all had a view of the animals grazing for berries. Suddenly a phone alarm sounded and Mom stood to get a better view. All passengers were delighted to see her stance. With the rhythm of a machine gun, one could hear the constant hum of the cameras as many hoped to capture this bear in the wonderful fall colors.

Due to my health condition, I am unable to hold or stabilize a camera for extended periods of time. Additionally, using a tripod has never been enjoyable for me, as it would cause pain when trying to position it correctly and constantly bending over to check the viewfinder. Consequently, I have chosen to explore digital AI artwork as an alternative. I understand that this may not be everyone's cup of tea, as it diverges from traditional photography. However, I have always granted myself the freedom to exercise artistic license and pursue whatever brings me joy. Currently, digital AI artwork fulfills that purpose, at least for the time being.

However dark the night, however dim our hopes, the light will always follow the darkness. After rain the sun will shine.

Okara Facial Hair to buy at the Mainstore.

Credits: For Full Details Click Here

オオキンケイキク・・・外来種で今は栽培が禁止されてます。

しかし、野生化したこの花は毎年咲き乱れます。スマホ撮り

Coreopsis lanceolata・・・alien species has been banned cultivation.

However, feral this flower bloom every year.

I took in the smartphone.

Merlin ist der Bruder von Gismo, beide sind jetzt 10 Wochen alt.

Leider hat ihre Mama sich überhaupt nicht mit meinen älteren Katzen vertragen.

Meine Schwester war aber so lieb und hat sich ihrer angenommen und da ich den Kleinen behalten habe, gab es auch keine Probleme mit ihren Katzen.

Allerdings konnte (oder wollte) die vorherige Person seinen Bruder nun doch nicht aufnehmen, so das ich ihn ebenfalls zu mir geholt habe. Die Wiedersehensfreude der beiden süßen Kerlchen treibt mir jetzt noch die Tränen in die Augen, so das es mir unmöglich ist, meine Entscheidung zu bereuen.

Merlin is Gismo's brother, both are now 10 weeks old.

Unfortunately, her mom didn't get along with my older cats at all.

But my sister was so kind and took care of her and since I kept the little one, there were no problems with her cats either.

However, the previous person couldn't (or didn't want to) take his brother in after all, so I brought him in too. The joy of seeing the two sweet guys again brings tears to my eyes, making it impossible for me to regret my decision.

follow me on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/neumeier.carmen

Die Geheimnisse meines Gartens. Fleißige Bienchen.

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And bad scrum. However, these bees were moving so fast that I could usually only catch one or two on the approach. That's why there is a summary of the story with several pictures to see here ;-) It was incredibly fascinating to watch the busy bees doing their busy work. There were so many, back and forth again and again – digging earth out of the tunnel, whirling it with the wings, flying to the neighbors' roses, cutting leaves, rolling them up, transporting them to the flower pot and crawling into the depths of the soil ... I hope my oleander will survive ;-)

///

Und arges Gedrängel. Allerdings waren diese Bienen so schnell unterwegs, dass ich meistens nur eine oder zwei im Anflug erwischen konnte. Deshalb gibt es hier eine Zusammenfassung der Geschichte aus mehreren Bildern zu sehen ;-) Es war unglaublich faszinierend, die umtriebigen Bienen bei ihrer emsigen Tätigkeit zu beobachten. Es waren so viele, immer wieder hin und zurück – Erde aus dem Tunnel wühlen, mit den Flügeln wegwirbeln, zu den Rosen des Nachbarn fliegen, Blatt zuschneiden, aufrollen, zum Blumentopf transportieren und in die Tiefen des Erdreichs hineinkrabbeln ... Ich hoffe, mein Oleander überlebt es ;-)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Here is a link for more information:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megachile

///

Hier ein Link für weitere Informationen:

de.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B6rtel-_und_Blattschneiderbienen

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

the secrets of my garden

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

#SmileOnSaturday / #InsectsAndCo

Harran is famous for its traditional "beehive" adobe houses, constructed entirely without wood. The design of these makes them cool inside, suiting the climatic needs of the region, and is thought to have been unchanged for at least 3,000 years. Some were still in use as dwellings until the 1980s. However, those remaining today are strictly tourist exhibits, while most of Harran's population lives in a newly built small village about 2 kilometres away from the main site.

Text Ref: Wikipedia

The photo shows how these houses look from inside since they are now mostly used to attract tourists as cafes and souvenir shops.

The vagrant darter (Sympetrum vulgatum) is a European dragonfly. The species takes its English name from its habit of occasionally appearing as a rare vagrant north of its normal range. However, it is likely to be under-recorded because it is very similar to the common darter (S. striolatum).

The species is common in central and northeast Europe. It breeds in standing water.

A very Happy Christmas and a Happy Holiday to you all!

I hope you all enjoy it, however you celebrate it! :-)

Traditionally, toy trains go under the Christmas tree...however, The Darks are anything but conventional...so it's guarding santa's cookies instead...

New from Muniick a train set for the holidays! Comes in small and larger versions.. You can find it at the mainstore. Pictured:

Muniick- Holiday Train Set (Small - 3 Prims)

Muniick Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Port%20Lux/150/57/3401

Muniick Flickr: flic.kr/ps/2UgnfP

Also simple, versatile and beautiful new table from KraftWork..it can also be found at the mainstore..Pictured:

KraftWork French Round Coffee Table

KraftWork Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/KraftWork/55/84/22

KraftWork Flickr: flic.kr/ps/2Tqjs4

Misc. Goodies:

(Luc.) Fresh Farm Milk (BENTO Server)

{vespertine} - hot chocolate tray

01 Action Tiny Tinsel Trees - Tree SILVER

09 Fancy Decor: Red and Silver Ornament

11 Fancy Decor: Tapered Ornament

..::THOR::.. Bauble 3 Red

03 Fancy Decor: Tree Ribbon

dust bunny . christmas presents . type e

Thank you so much for the support and kindness....always appreciated! ! Have a great rest of the week! 🎄

However it's the same landscape, just from a different perspective ;-)

well,,, If you want this shape, come to my garden.

This will be left as a Halloween gift until October 31st.

Of course it's free gift.(no group)

However, this shape is very petit lol (Copy and, Modify ok)

That's all I can do.

Everyone in the world is having a hard time with COVID-19, but I hope they will at least enjoy it in the world 🙏

Have a Happy early Halloween 🎃👻🍬

【memo】

@Panic of Pumpkin2020

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ryukyu/9/236/1814

[RNK]Gothic halloween Dress_FATPACK

👍[RNK] Mainstore

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Town%20Blue%20Port/98/234/...

more more. mia skin gacha_13_honey tone (genus)

more more. mia skin gacha_eyes_1

👍more more. Mainstore

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chu%20Chu/99/147/27

@Mainstore

.::Supernatural::. Isolde Bracelet Gold

👍.::Supernatural::. Mainstore

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Supernatural/106/132/21

[The Saturday sale]

FOXCITY. Photo Booth - Paradisco

FOXCITY. Taxi Bento Pose Set (Smart phone include)

Magika - Gemma

(Enfer Sombre*) Maitreya Nail applier - River

Vibing & Nova - Aurora Rings - Fatpack

GENUS Project - Genus Head - Baby Face W001 - Mocap

♬♬♬Today's Tune♬♬♬

youtu.be/lHDUcRf6Uj4

(Sorry Japanese only)

+++My Garden+++

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pals%20meadow/197/201/22

In a sense, each of us is an island...in another sense, however, we are all one.

For though islands appear separate and may even be situated at great distances from one another. They are only extrusions of the same planet Earth.

Quote by J.Donald Walters

Visit this beautiful place at the new ELVION

Most people perceive darkness as negative. however, i feel safe in the dark. Not everyone can see right through you. You can observe from the dark without being noticed. Thus you recognize the truth from the darkness. And even if it hurts. The truth is positive.

You want this awesome Tattoo? It is the "Ishani " Tatt. by Letis Tattoo.

My Skin is the latest release by StrayDog...grab it at the Access Event ( Round November 20)

#Lelutka Evo♥

Great spot for catching crabs on a line

However sign does state "For boat launching only, beware of alligators"

On my way to Kamloops, I had thoughts in mind for a photo of the hoodoos prior to sundown. However, an unintended delay stretched my departure and I missed my planned arrival. To that end it is always a good idea to have an alternate destination. There are so many opportunities out there that the one in mind will wait for another day.

This place was my alternate destination and has often rendered terrific results. However, since "you never know till you go", meant observing this rather unique event. The red line in the sky was occurring at the sunset hour and reflecting off the Thompson River. A short walk and I was in an ideal spot to catch this isolated event.

Until recently this species was considered identical to T. obesum, however genetic studies (mycokeys.pensoft.net/article/12176/) showed that it is close to an American sp.

Latest literature treats it as T. dunense.

It appears to be endemic to Hungary.

I think the word "Alone" has been touched on over and over in this series of photos, however it needs it's own space because it may be the hardest of all the pills to swallow. It's one thing to go through a situation where you've lost everything, but to go through it by yourself is by far the worst feeling in the world. Often times what separates those who make it back on their feet, to those who never recover, is one simple thing. Support.

We're all different people, and everyone who falls has their own reasons for falling. One thing we all have in common though is that any single one of our individual falls can be broken up by another person choosing to get involved. What hurts more than anything in the world is falling, and seeing everyone you ever considered a friend just watching. No one offering to help, no one trying to prevent or even slow your decent, just watching, pitying, and coldly turning the other cheek. There's no feeling lonelier in the world than knowing in your time of need, when it's finally YOU who needs help, that everyone, even the ones you helped at points when you stood tall and they needed a hand, will just let you fall.

If you know someone who is struggling, no matter what that struggle is, let them know you see them. If you care about them, let them know. You might be the reason they recover, you might be all they needed, but you'll never know unless you try.

Thanks for the group cover! -

melancholy secondlife images

I probably bored you with my 'stormy' captures. However, the snow fall continued all day yesterday, when this capture was taken. There was some snow fall overnight as well. Though today is cloudless and sunny, the temperature dipped today to near C -30. Although I can't resist taking such shots, I'm yearning for spring. Wish you all a warm day full of love...

I wonder how people living there love their environment however appealing it may be to the onlookers.

This was taken when not all could afford to buy a daily newspaper. Many prefer to share a posted newspaper as the lady in white and her companion on the lower left hand corner did.

Nicolai Ghiaurov : Verdi's Requiem

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xD6H7mYNp4

Carmen, Toreador

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOxDzDyLEMQ&list=RDrYY0OIF5rH...

Moscow Recital in 2002 ( 2 years before his heart attack...)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kumT8sDiuw&t=814s

It has just come to my attention that renowned opera Mirella Freni had past away on 9th this February at 84. My baritone friend opined that she managed to improve all the way during her long career. And I suggested Nicolai Ghiaurov may well be an important factor. Freni was married to the equally well known Bulgarian bass singer Nicolai Ghiaurov. Well, it so happened that she shared the same wet nurse with Pavarotti, both were born in the same neighourhood and even in the same year. Freni had performed on the stage with both Pavarotti and Nicolai frequently.

Mirella Freni : O mio babbino caro

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow1niq0mOwE

Vissi d'arte Tosca

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QlnFR6PwrI

Quando m'en vo

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEK6qGa8z9Y

Freni & Pavarotti : La Traviata 1980

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKlnoaoCfyo

1964

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O3mqk9jyPw

My baritone friend's favourites:

Madam Butterfly

Tebaldi

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYE99lyfzrw

Caballe

www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6sMtbmlk5w

O mio babbino caro

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxZSP1Dc78Q

Norma

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNsgywuMqHI&list=RDdNsgywuMqH...

Tebaldi : La Rondine- G.Puccini

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzuzvNpgRxU

La Boheme

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySJHoEBNA3E

*

Narciso Yepes (Romance Anonimo) , 2008

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN6tcdiqELk

Giuseppe Stefano

Rigoletto ( Callas & Stefano )

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3ruwPZysIM

1953: Neapolitan Songs - O Sole Mio; Marechiare; Surriento

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKf8ctPiLRE

Italian songs

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZllLeEExZ4

LUIGI MONTESANTO - Otello

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeQKJmYUaqw

Carlo Bergonzi - Mascagni: Serenata

www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHA8ZVYOP0M

MARTINELLI (P. Mascagni) "SERENATA"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzQxmDOq6g8

Whatever you feel,

Whatever it takes,

Whenever it's real,

Whatever awaits me,

Whatever you need,

However so slight,

Whenever it leads,

Whenever it's right....

I'll be the one that leaves you high

(Malkmus)

On a recent trip to Door County Wisconsin, I stopped by the legendary Anderson Dock.

When I first got there to scope it out, it was raining with a sustained wind of at least 20-30 MPH. Not real good odds of getting a picture. As I waited around for sunset, the rain finally stopped and the sun poked out for just a few minutes to get this shot. I felt fortunate to get something for my trouble.

Per the Door County Pulse website... After Norwegian brothers Aslag and Halvor Anderson recognized the need for a deepwater dock in Ephraim, they constructed one in 1858. Throughout the 1880s, steamers arriving at the dock — most notably from the Goodrich Transportation Company — brought much-needed goods and much-appreciated tourists, and this activity ultimately vitalized Ephraim. Although the dock’s warehouse — the present-day Hardy Gallery — was built to store merchandise, it became a visible reminder of the sailors and ships that had stopped there.

Emily Irwin, outreach director and curator for the Ephraim Historical Foundation, explained that sailors arriving in Ephraim painted the name of their ship and the date on the side of the building as a way to mark their visit.

It’s a bit of a mystery exactly when the graffiti tradition began, but sailors were known to write on the warehouse from around 1910 into the 1950s, perhaps to express their relief and gratitude for a safe passage through the notorious Death’s Door waters, or simply to commemorate their arrival in Ephraim.

In 1949, the Ephraim Historical Foundation purchased the dock and warehouse from the Anderson family, and in 1961, the foundation leased the building to the Hardy Gallery. Through these shifts, however, the graffiti tradition has remained intact, with the public picking up where the sailors left off.

Did a quick raid on Glencoe for the trip up Beinn a'Chrùlaiste for sunset. However, after a scorching hot day of blue skies, the clouds rolled in a blotted out the sun well before sunset. Luckily i managed a few shots with Pete posing on the famous 'lump', enjoying the view of BEM and the Glencoe valley off in the distance. All was not lost, however, as the Clachaig was open for a very well- earned rebalancing of body fluids.

Male common blues have violet-blue upper wings with grey-beige undersides. However, females vary from those with predominantly brown upper wings and orange crescents, usually more common in the south, to those with more blue, found farther north and west.

This butterfly is common throughout the UK. There are often two broods, with eggs laid in June, then August and September. Common blue caterpillars hibernate and pupate in April and May giving rise to adults in May and June.

The caterpillars are short, green and furry. They feed on the underside of young leaves, leaving the upper leaf epidermis intact. This creates silvery blotches on the leaves that are easy to spot.

The caterpillars secrete nutrient-containing substances that attract ants. In turn, the ants protect the caterpillar from predators. Ants probably tend the chrysalis too.

Adults drink nectar from flat-headed flowers. Caterpillars eat wild, leguminous plants such as bird's-foot trefoil, rest harrow and white clover.

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In the evening sun and after the rain: Großer Brachvogel (Numenius arquata) - (eurasion) curlew

My "explored" album is here:

www.flickr.com/gp/jenslpz/LzXVPNJ098

My 2019-2023 tours album is here:

www.flickr.com/gp/jenslpz/SKf0o8040w

My bird album is here:

www.flickr.com/gp/jenslpz/1240SmAXK4

My nature album is here:

www.flickr.com/gp/jenslpz/27PwYUERX2

My Canon EOS R / R5 / R6 album is here:

www.flickr.com/gp/jenslpz/bgkttsBw35

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Großer Brachvogel (Numenius arquata) - (eurasion) curlew

de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gro%C3%9Fer_Brachvogel

Der Große Brachvogel (Numenius arquata) ist eine Vogelart aus der Familie der Schnepfenvögel (Scolopacidae). Es werden zwei Unterarten unterschieden. Die Nominatform ist in Mitteleuropa ein zunehmend seltener Brut- und Sommervogel. Die Rote Liste der Brutvögel Deutschlands von 2015 führt die Art in der Kategorie 1 als vom Aussterben bedroht.[1] Er ist während der Zugzeiten ein regelmäßiger Durchzügler und Rastvogel, der gebietsweise auch überwintert.[2]

In Deutschland war der Große Brachvogel im Jahre 1982 Vogel des Jahres.

Beschreibung

Der Große Brachvogel ist etwa 50 bis 60 cm lang und wiegt zwischen 600 und 1000 Gramm. Die Flügelspannweite beträgt 80 bis 100 cm. Die Vögel sind die größten Watvögel, und sie sind in Europa die häufigsten Vertreter der Brachvögel. Charakteristisches Kennzeichen des Großen Brachvogels ist der lange und stark nach unten gekrümmte Schnabel. Das Weibchen ist etwas größer als das Männchen und hat einen deutlich stärker gebogenen und längeren Schnabel. Ansonsten sehen die Geschlechter gleich aus.

Große Brachvögel sind eher unscheinbar gefärbt. Der Kopf, der Hals, die Brust die Körperoberseite sind fahl beigebraun mit dunklen Streifen und Flecken. Die Wangen sind dunkel gestrichelt und kontrastieren dadurch mit dem hellen Kinn- und Kehlfleck. Die Brust ist etwas kräftiger gestreift und wird zum Bauch hin heller. Im Flug wird der weiße Bürzel sichtbar, der mit dem weißen Rücken einen weißen Keil bildet.

Eurasian curlew

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_curlew

The Eurasian curlew or common curlew (Numenius arquata) is a wader in the large family Scolopacidae. It is one of the most widespread of the curlews, breeding across temperate Europe and Asia. In Europe, this species is often referred to just as the "curlew", and in Scotland known as the "whaup" in Scots.

This is the largest wader in its range, at 50–60 cm (20–24 in) in length, with an 89–106 cm (35–42 in) wingspan and a body weight of 410–1,360 g (0.90–3.00 lb).[2] It is mainly greyish brown, with a white back, greyish-blue legs and a very long curved bill. Males and females look identical, but the bill is longest in the adult female. It is generally not possible to recognize the sex of a single Eurasian curlew, or even several ones, as there is much variation; telling male and female of a mated pair apart is usually possible however.

The familiar call is a loud curloo-oo.

The only similar species over most of the curlew's range is the whimbrel (N. phaeopus). The whimbrel is smaller and has a shorter bill with a kink rather than a smooth curve. Flying curlews may also resemble bar-tailed godwits (Limosa lapponica) in their winter plumages; however, the latter have a smaller body, a slightly upturned beak, and legs that do not reach far beyond their tail tips. The Eurasian curlew's feet are longer, forming a conspicuous "point".

The curlew exists as a migratory species over most of its range, wintering in Africa, southern Europe and south Asia. Occasionally a vagrant individual reaches places far from its normal range, such as Nova Scotia[3] and the Marianas.[4][5] It is present all year in the milder climates of Ireland and the United Kingdom and its adjacent European coasts.

It is the start of the tulip season here in Holland. Each season the fields are different in terms of location and type of flowers. So it takes some exploding to find the right spot. In this field the tulips are not yet fully in bloom, however I actually like that because it gives some extra dynamic to the shot.

Hope you have a great Easter holiday.

Many thanks for your comments and favs :-)

This photo was taken from the boat tour to Spirit Island ( few photos back )...as mentioned there too, you aren't able to hike to the island, so the only way is by tour boat, canoe or kayak! ... seeing these 2 in a canoe, looked so peaceful against this magnificent mountain background. There is barely anyone around except the tour boats that go by...so you must really feel alone at one with nature..and I think this photo really shows how small we are in this world.

one day I would love to try the canoe to Spirit Island. It only takes half a day to get there!!:), I think I read 4-6 hours each way depending on your experience, as such need to plan ahead and start really early! however bathroom break on way = possible wildlife encounter !! lol....

have a great day!☀️💛