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Sometimes known as the Crested Screamer and closely related to Geese. These birds have a monogamous relationship that can last a life time. When in courtship both birds will give out loud calls that are said to be heard up to two miles away hence the name Screamer. For the large size and their partly webbed feet these birds are surprisingly good swimmers. Can be found in Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina in grasslands and cultivated fields feeding on seeds, leafs, and occasionally small animals.

Also known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel, native to eastern North America where it is an essential natural forester. Less arboreal than then the Red Squirrel as the grey tends to feed extensively on the ground. Its not their fault that there over here in the UK that one lie's with the worlds most destructive and most dangerous animal on the planet called the human. This is one of the first wild mammals that children can get to see regally and so sometimes help encourage them to get into nature.

Red Legged Partridge - Alectoris Rufa aka French Partridge

 

The red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) is a gamebird in the pheasant family.

 

It is sometimes known as French partridge, to distinguish it from the English or grey partridge.

 

This partridge breeds naturally in southwestern Europe (France, Iberia and northwest Italy). It has become naturalised in flat areas of England and Wales, where it was introduced as a game species, and has been seen breeding as far north as Cumbria and eastern Yorkshire and the western Isle of Man. It is replaced in southeastern Europe by the very similar rock partridge (Alectoris graeca). It is a non-migratory terrestrial species, which forms flocks outside the breeding season.

 

This species breeds on dry lowlands, such as farmland and open stony areas, laying its eggs in a ground nest.

 

The natural range of the red-legged partridge is France, Spain and Portugal. However, it was introduced from France to Great Britain in the 18th century, and has since become an important gamebird there. As it is a mediterranean species, it thrives in hot, dry areas with sandy soil. The ability to breed two clutches simultaneously has led to it being extensively reared in captivity, and released for shooting. The breeding of chukars (Alectoris chukar) and red-legged/chukar hybrids is prohibited, due to its impact on wild populations of red-legs. The red-legged partridge is believed to be in decline across its range.

  

Known as the Amur Tiger, or more commonly the Siberian Tiger. A very feisty girly indeed!!

Teasels are known for their brown, prickly stems and conical seed heads which remain long after the plants themselves have died back for the winter. Between July and August, when they're in flower, the spikey flower heads are mostly green with rings of purple flowers. Found in damp grassland and field edges, or on disturbed ground, such as roadside verges and waste ground, Teasels are loved by bees when in flower, and birds when seeding.

 

Mainly found in England, but they do grow elsewhere in the UK. This one was at least 5' tall !

 

I found these at the side of a country road and I can assure you they were very, very prickly indeed, all the way up the stem ! I liked this one particularly for the shining spiders web it was wearing :o) Somewhere in there, there's a spider waiting .... !!!

 

~ Processed in Topaz Impression 2 and a touch of Topaz Glow, finished in PicMonkey ~

 

Thanks as always for any faves, comments or invites - I so appreciate your friendship and support.

The largest known wingspan from a wild female Verreaux's Eagle Owl measured nearly 164 cm (5 ft 5 in). Also commonly known as the Milky Eagle Owl, this species is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. A member of the genus Bubo, it is the largest African owl, measuring up to 66 cm in total length.

 

Verreaux's Eagle Owl is mainly grey in colour and is distinguishable from other large owls by its bright pink eyelids, a feature shared with no other owl species in the world.

Also known as the Torx drive. These are various sizes of torx drives from T15 up to T40. Shot for Macro Mondays "Stars" theme.

 

Thanks for viewing and happy Macro Monday!

Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

 

It was a justified motive that prompted UNESCO in 2000 to include the entire historical city centre on the World Heritage list. Walking along the maze of winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals, you imagine yourself to be in medieval times. The wealth of museums is a striking image of this city's stirring history.

 

Bruges is also home to contemporary culture, such as the new Concert Hall, which is one of the most prominent music complexes in Flanders.

 

The restaurants in Bruges which offer gastronomic cuisine and the exclusive hotels are a true feast for those who enjoy the good things in life.

Peregrine Falcon - Falco Peregrinus

 

The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), also known as the peregrine, and historically as the duck hawk in North America, is a widespread bird of prey (raptor) in the family Falconidae. A large, crow-sized falcon, it has a blue-grey back, barred white underparts, and a black head. As is typical of bird-eating raptors, peregrine falcons are sexually dimorphic, with females being considerably larger than males. The peregrine is renowned for its speed, reaching over 320 km/h (200 mph) during its characteristic hunting stoop (high-speed dive), making it the fastest member of the animal kingdom. According to a National Geographic TV programme, the highest measured speed of a peregrine falcon is 389 km/h (242 mph).

 

The peregrine's breeding range includes land regions from the Arctic tundra to the tropics. It can be found nearly everywhere on Earth, except extreme polar regions, very high mountains, and most tropical rainforests; the only major ice-free landmass from which it is entirely absent is New Zealand. This makes it the world's most widespread raptor, and one of the most widely found bird species. In fact, the only land-based bird species found over a larger geographic area is not always naturally occurring, but one widely introduced by humans, the rock pigeon, which in turn now supports many peregrine populations as a prey species. The peregrine is a highly successful example of urban wildlife in much of its range, taking advantage of tall buildings as nest sites and an abundance of prey such as pigeons and ducks. Both the English and scientific names of this species mean "wandering falcon," referring to the migratory habits of many northern populations. Experts recognize 17 to 19 subspecies, which vary in appearance and range; disagreement exists over whether the distinctive Barbary falcon is represented by two subspecies of Falco peregrinus, or is a separate species, F. pelegrinoides. The two species' divergence is relatively recent, during the time of the last ice age, therefore the genetic differential between them (and also the difference in their appearance) is relatively tiny. They are only about 0.6–0.8% genetically differentiated.

 

While its diet consists almost exclusively of medium-sized birds, the peregrine will occasionally hunt small mammals, small reptiles, or even insects. Reaching sexual maturity at one year, it mates for life and nests in a scrape, normally on cliff edges or, in recent times, on tall human-made structures. The peregrine falcon became an endangered species in many areas because of the widespread use of certain pesticides, especially DDT. Since the ban on DDT from the early 1970s, populations have recovered, supported by large-scale protection of nesting places and releases to the wild.

 

The peregrine falcon is a well respected falconry bird due to its strong hunting ability, high trainability, versatility, and – in recent years – availability via captive breeding. It is effective on most game bird species, from small to large.

 

Population:

 

UK breeding:

 

1,500 pairs

Kingfisher - Alcedo Atthis

 

Double click..

 

The common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) also known as the Eurasian kingfisher, and river kingfisher, is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies recognized within its wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but migrates from areas where rivers freeze in winter.

 

This sparrow-sized bird has the typical short-tailed, large-headed kingfisher profile; it has blue upperparts, orange underparts and a long bill. It feeds mainly on fish, caught by diving, and has special visual adaptations to enable it to see prey under water. The glossy white eggs are laid in a nest at the end of a burrow in a riverbank.

 

The female is identical in appearance to the male except that her lower mandible is orange-red with a black tip. The juvenile is similar to the adult, but with duller and greener upperparts and paler underparts. Its bill is black, and the legs are also initially black. Feathers are moulted gradually between July and November with the main flight feathers taking 90–100 days to moult and regrow. Some that moult late may suspend their moult during cold winter weather.

 

The flight of the kingfisher is fast, direct and usually low over water. The short rounded wings whirr rapidly, and a bird flying away shows an electric-blue "flash" down its back.

 

The common kingfisher is widely distributed over Europe, Asia, and North Africa, mainly south of 60°N. It is a common breeding species over much of its vast Eurasian range, but in North Africa it is mainly a winter visitor, although it is a scarce breeding resident in coastal Morocco and Tunisia. In temperate regions, this kingfisher inhabits clear, slow-flowing streams and rivers, and lakes with well-vegetated banks. It frequents scrubs and bushes with overhanging branches close to shallow open water in which it hunts. In winter it is more coastal, often feeding in estuaries or harbours and along rocky seashores. Tropical populations are found by slow-flowing rivers, in mangrove creeks and in swamps.

 

Like all kingfishers, the common kingfisher is highly territorial; since it must eat around 60% of its body weight each day, it is essential to have control of a suitable stretch of river. It is solitary for most of the year, roosting alone in heavy cover. If another kingfisher enters its territory, both birds display from perches, and fights may occur, in which a bird will grab the other's beak and try to hold it under water. Pairs form in the autumn but each bird retains a separate territory, generally at least 1 km (0.62 mi) long, but up to 3.5 km (2.2 mi) and territories are not merged until the spring.

 

Very few birds live longer than one breeding season. The oldest bird on record was 21 years.

 

They are also listed as a Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act offering them additional protection.

 

Population:

 

UK breeding:

3,800-6,400 pairs

 

Devils Tower (also known as Bear Lodge Butte[8]) is a butte, possibly laccolithic, composed of igneous rock in the Bear Lodge Ranger District of the Black Hills, near Hulett and Sundance in Crook County, northeastern Wyoming, above the Belle Fourche River. It rises 1,267 feet (386 m) above the Belle Fourche River, standing 867 feet (265 m) from summit to base. The summit is 5,112 feet (1,559 m) above sea level.

 

Devils Tower was the first United States national monument, established on September 24, 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt.[9] The monument's boundary encloses an area of 1,347 acres (545 ha). IMGP1812PDA15

Also known as the Golden Browed Bulbul, this is an endemic bird of South India and Sri Lanka. The bird is bright yellow and easy to identify in the bush and canopy where they are sighted. Apparently, this subspecies of the bird we shot in the Malabar region / Western Coast is a bit paler than the subspecies on the other coast - though I haven't seen it yet.

 

The birds are of the same size as other bulbuls - maybe 20 cms - and are found in small groups. We sighted several around fruiting trees such as wild berries, Figs and they were quite loud during the time. The calls were a tad easy to remember and just like other bulbuls they were noisy. This is the start of their breeding season and hence I think they were out more than usual.

 

Many thanks in advance for your views, feedback and faves.

Formally known as the Bay-Winged Hawk and sometimes known as the Wolf Hawk and in Latin America as Peuco. This medium sized and very intelligent hawk will hunt cooperatively in packs with other tolerant groups of other Harris's Hawks unlike other raptors that will hunt alone. Can be found from southwestern United States to Chile, Argentina and Brazil.

Known as Aimé Levet obelisk or a "Lion and turtle fountain" (yes, there are also turtles), the fountain is located on Place Notre Dame in the old town of Annecy.

 

Annecy claims to be the most romantic town in France (which is likely to be one of the most romantic countries). While this is debatable, Annecy is certainly a very nice place.

 

I'll freely admit that one of the purposes for posting this image is to put one more distinct pin on my photo map, courtesy of the Map Group. No, they are not paying me to promote them. I really think it is a very cool feature.

of stone, wood and withering combination of the garden plantation!

 

This is classed and known to be one of the main great features of the garden.

 

I was very grateful that this wonderful framed constructure was near towards the house. Where it would get some shade from any strong contrasting sunlight above. That gave me, the best composition for framing and getting a great depth of view into this shot!

 

This is my favourite one for that day and I am very well pleased of the way it turned out.

 

Even though many photographers, as a rule, would rather have a person in the shot, even walking up or down to give the composition of framing.

But not for me this time, as I wanted to capture the beauty of the construction of this.

 

Also, if you zoom into the last frame, I managed to capture a couple walking on by!

 

So, it's easy to see why and can visualise, this gets used for the Wedding occasions they do from the house!

Especially when in Spring or Summer time, with full blooming out of flowers that surrounds all over it.

 

Which would make this the perfect setting and framing for any bride and groom shots.

 

This now raps up the end of this series, from Winterbourne House and Gardens, for this visit.

 

So, many thanks for your delightful comments and compliments from you here, my good flickr friends !!!

  

One of the most known spiral staircases in Munich, located in an administration building

Otherwise known as the Little Banded Goshawk, this is a ferocious raptor that attacks birds in their nests and deep inside canopy. The birds are patient and will wait for the right moment to strike. Often they attack the chicks in the nests, or even the parents. The birds are common in the countryside and seen a lot, but hard to get a decent shot.

 

We sighted this lone bird in the grasslands trying to hunt - there was a kingfisher nearby which we expected to be attacked. But the Shikra left the kingfisher and flew away to another place.

 

Thanks in advance for your views and feedback Much appreciated.

More commonly known as Boscawen-Un (the translation from Cornish is the title). Situated 4 miles SW of Penzance, Cornwall, UK. Well worth a visit!!!

 

"There is a controversial pillar at the centre of the ring......about 1864 the Penzance Natural History and Antiquarian Society trenched across the circle but found nothing. they also dug down to the base of the central stone 'and found that it was carefully placed in it's leaning position.'" Excerpt from 'A Guide to the Stone Circles of Britain, Ireland and Brittany' by Aubrey Burl which I always try to have to hand when travelling. This stone circle is the first one listed in this publication.

 

ExoLens (Wide-Angle), Shoulderpod S1, Hisy remote, Manfrotto monopod held aloft in a ritualistic manner!!. Edited with Snapseed on iPad Pro.

 

Further reading:-

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boscawen-Un

 

www.ancient-wisdom.com/englandboscawen.htm

Known affectionately (not) around the mostly empty village as "the Blood Countess" Yah def wanted to be on the other side of Hungary when it was her bath time......

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI2WuKFX7u0&list=PLGF31-etgdw...

 

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Cosmetics packs include Omega appliers, tattoo & universal tattoo BOM layers.

 

Dubai Event flickr: www.flickr.com/groups/3026012@N20/

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[FORMANAILS] Accessories (Rings)

GLOOM YAKA EYES

Known in New Zealand as a Pūkeko (Porphyrio melanotus) and in Europe a Moorhen.

The earliest known record of the Church of England parish church of St. Peter ad Vincula dates from 1291.[ Early English style features that survive from this time include the tower arch, a doorway and several windows, including two in the nave. The bell tower was built after a gift of £10 for the purpose in 1412.

 

The earliest record of the church's dedication to St. Peter ad Vincula ("St Peter in Chains") dates from 1469. It is one of only 15 churches in England with this dedication, which is after the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli in Rome.

 

Late in the 15th and early in the 16th centuries extensive Perpendicular Gothic alterations were made to the church. The tower was rebuilt and the south porch and three-bay north aisle were added and the nave was increased in height.

 

A west gallery was added in 1714 and later removed, probably during rebuilding work in the 1850s. The works included rebuilding the north aisle, removing the chancel arch and blocking up the east window, causing Pevsner to describe the church as "much renewed". In 1966 the church was designated as Grade II* listed. Today the parish is part of the Chase Benefice, a group of nine on both sides of the Dorset/Wiltshire border.

  

Known throughout the world, Étretat is undoubtedly the pride of the Normandy coastline. With its narrow streets, its seafront, its small shops and its sunset on the incredible cliffs, Étretat proves to be a romantic little town.

Known affectionately as Butter-Butts, Yellow-rumped warblers, (Setophaga coronata), migrate south in the winter. These flocks of Florida snowbirds can be found in mangroves, scrub, forests, or your yard.

 

Their winter diet consists of fruit from shrubs such as wax myrtle, juniper berries, poison ivy, and poison oak as well as many seeds including those from goldenrod and beach grasses.

 

The yellow-rumped warbler ranges over most of North and Central America, breeding in the summer throughout most of the Rocky Mountains and along the far northern reaches of the continent. Come fall, it migrates in huge numbers, flying south to Florida and warm spots beyond. Not all yellow-rumps make the trip, however. Their ability to eat and digest certain wax-covered fruit allows them to spend the winter as far north as New England or even into Canada.

 

There are two distinct forms of the yellow-rumped warbler, the wax myrtle, predominant in the east, and Audubon's, which tends to hang in the Rockies and is rarely seen in the east. Myrtles, however, will winter along the Pacific Coast. They've also been known to roam as far as Alaska, Siberia and Europe.

 

Another one of my yard birds.

Polk County Florida.

Known throughout the world, Étretat is undoubtedly the pride of the Normandy coastline. With its narrow streets, its seafront, its small shops and its sunset on the incredible cliffs, Étretat proves to be a romantic little town.

Hippocampus pontohi, also known as Pontoh's pygmy seahorse or the weedy pygmy seahorse, is a seahorse of the family Syngnathidae native to the central Indo-pacific.The weedy pygmy seahorse is a small fish which can reach a maximum length of approximately 1.7 cm, which makes it one of the smallest representatives of the seahorses. Romblon, Philippines.

www.istockphoto.com/fr/portfolio/sonja-ooms

www.shutterstock.com/g/Sonja+Ooms

Some species of Agapanthus are commonly known as lily of the Nile (or African lily in the UK), although they are not lilies and all of the species are native to Southern Africa (South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique) though some have become naturalized in scattered places around the world (Australia, Great Britain, Mexico, Ethiopia, Jamaica, etc.). Agapanthus is a genus of herbaceous perennials that mostly bloom in summer. The leaves are basal, curved, and linear, growing up to 60 cm long. They are rather leathery and arranged in two opposite rows. The plant has a mostly underground stem called a rhizome (like a ginger 'root') that is used as a storage organ. The roots, which grow out of the rhizome, are white, thick and fleshy. The inflorescence is a pseudo-umbel subtended by two large bracts at the apex of a long, erect scape, up to 2 m tall. They have funnel-shaped or tubular flowers, in hues of blue to purple, shading to white. 45779

Muscari Botryoides, commonly known as Grape Hyacinth, is a perennial bulbous plant that belongs to the family Asparagaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has become a popular garden plant worldwide due to its unique and charming appearance.

 

The plant typically grows up to 15 cm tall and produces spikes of tiny bell-shaped flowers that are tightly packed in grape-like clusters. The flowers come in shades of blue, white, and pink and have a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

 

Muscari Botryoides is a hardy plant that requires minimal care and can thrive in a variety of soil types and light conditions. It is often planted in garden borders, rock gardens, and woodland settings, where it adds a delightful touch of color and texture to the landscape.

 

Aside from its ornamental value, Muscari Botryoides has also been used in traditional medicine for its diuretic and laxative properties. It is said to be rich in nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, making it a healthy addition to one's diet.

 

In short, Muscari Botryoides is a lovely plant that is easy to grow, aesthetically pleasing, and has potential health benefits. It's no wonder why it has become a beloved fixture in many gardens across the world.

Known better to me as a green plant in black and white.

 

P.S I found this plant in a gutter while walking my dog. I am a compassionate person so I took it home and stuck it in a pot. Its a rescue plant and loves me very much. True story

Also known as the Little Banded Goshawk, this is a ferocious raptor that attacks birds in their nests deep inside canopy. The birds are patient and will wait for the right moment to strike. Often they attack the chicks in the nests, or even the parents. The birds are common in the countryside and seen a lot, but hard to get a decent shot.

 

Shot this on a remote countryside road in the neighbouring state where we went to see the Green Avadavats. The Shikra was drinking water collected on the road from the previous night's rain. The bird must have been busy during the daytime raiding nests since it is nesting season and also it is Shikra's nesting time as well.

 

Thanks in advance for your views and feedback Much appreciated.

Congéia (Congea Tomentosa) is a woody, branched vine, known worldwide for its decorative flowering.

Native from Asia, particularly Burma, India, Malaysia, Thailand.

At the end of Winter and early Spring the Congéia blooms, showing numerous white flowers, small and discreet, but each surrounded by three helix-shaped bracts, very showy and durable, which change color gradually, from pink to purple and subsequently to gray, over several weeks. Flowering is so dense and abundant that you can hardly see the foliage.

As a vine tropical, enjoys the heat and does not tolerate frost or snowfall. In temperate countries it must be protected in greenhouses during winter.

From:

(www.jardineiro.net/plantas/congeia-congea-tomentosa.html)

 

I love to take pictures of this vine, because even when the little flowers fade the bracts remain with the beautiful pink color and velvety texture, wich enchants me so much.

I never saw the grey color mentioned in the information above and can't give my opinion of the end of blooming. I bet it doesn't be ugly... but my opinion doesn't count because you know that I love flowers, a lot!

In the first photo you can see few little flowers still alive, in the second they already fade.

 

Double exposure

The "window" was known to be foggy. Sure enough, it was so foggy that visibility was near zero, but luck was on our side, the fog was mostly lifted when we circled back few hours later.

 

"Gods Window is so called for the panoramic view of the Lowveld more than 900 meter (2952 feet) down into lush indigenous forest clad ravine. The majestic cliffs plunge over 700 meters (2296 feet) to the Lowveld and the private game reserves which have made the area one of South Africa's main wildlife destinations. God's Window is a small part of a 250km (155 miles) long earthwork of sheer cliffs and extravagant beauty. One can observe the hills and forests as far as the eye can see."

 

Thank you for your visit/comment/fave; I wish you a pleasant day!

Also known as the Bay of Fires, due to the orange algae that grows on the rocks in this region.

I have done a write up on the LAB technique that I used in this image on

www.facebook.com/BruceHoodPhotography

Please visit if you are interested.

Buddleja alternifolia, known as alternate-leaved butterfly-bush, is a species of flowering plant in the figwort family, which is endemic to Gansu, China. A substantial deciduous shrub growing to 4 metres (13 ft) tall and wide, it bears grey-green leaves and graceful pendent racemes of scented lilac flowers in summer. B. alternifolia is a vigorous deciduous shrub reaching 5 m (16 ft) tall with long, slender, pendulous stems. The leaves are alternate, entire, and lanceolate, 4–10 cm long by 0.6–1 cm wide, glabrous and dark green above. The inflorescences of the plants in cultivation are bright lilac-purple, and comprise flowers so densely crowded in clusters along the branch as to often obscure it. Z2_151

The 3,558-acre Ned Brown Preserve—popularly known as Busse Woods—is one of the largest and most diverse locations in the Forest Preserves. The site includes ancient upland forests, one of the largest fishing and boating waters in Cook County, nearly 13 miles of paved trail, an elk pasture and much more—making it one of the best-used natural areas in Illinois.

 

When you see greater Chicago area on Google Map, the first thing that catches your eyes might be a huge green area just about 10 miles northwest of O'Hare International Airport. That's Busse Woods. I had long had a curiosity to go to this huge woods in the middle of the big city.

 

The longest trail in this preserve is a 7.3 mile loop trail, which runs through huge forest, along a high-traffic road, and by a lake. Because of the scale of the park, you might feel stray in deep forest and never be able to get out. However, on this fine autumn weekend day, the trail was so lively with many local people enjoying walks, runs, and bike rides. I didn't have a feeling that I was in the middle of a huge forest. I even had difficulty taking a picture of the trail without any soul in it.

 

(The first paragraph is cited from Cook County official site).

Known locally as Darwen Tower, Darwen, Lancashire

 

The octagonal Jubilee Tower is situated on Darwen Hill overlooking the town of Darwen in Lancashire,

 

It was completed in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and also to celebrate the victory of the local people for the right to access the moor.

 

More recently ii has been fully restored and will hopefully be standing overlooking Darwen for years to come.

  

The church ruin of the Holy Grave, also known as the Schöntal ruin, is the ruin of the Beguine Monastery church, which was built between 1543 and 1545 and burned down in 1552. This was built by Archbishop Albrecht von Brandenburg around 1500 in the "Tiergarten zu Aschaffenburg". In 1540 he made his partner Agnes Pless his abbess. Already in the Schmalkaldic War in 1546 and a few years later in the Second Margrave War in 1552, the building was largely destroyed. With the dissolution of the Beguine Convent, the Aschaffenburg Church of the Holy Sepulcher was left to decay. Since the church building only stood for a short time, the presence of the beguines in Aschaffenburg's local history has only been handed down in the zoo. The ruins were later included in the park design.

  

Die Kirchenruine zum Heiligen Grabe, auch als Schöntalruine bekannt, ist die Ruine der 1543 bis 1545 erbauten und 1552 niedergebrannten Kirche des Beginenklosters. Dieses wurde vom Erzbischof Albrecht von Brandenburg um das Jahr 1500 im „Tiergarten zu Aschaffenburg“ errichtet. Zu dessen Äbtissin machte er 1540 seine Lebensgefährtin Agnes Pless. Bereits im Schmalkaldischen Krieg 1546 und wenige Jahre später im Zweiten Markgrafenkrieg 1552 wurde das Gebäude weitestgehend zerstört. Mit der Auflösung des Beginenkonvents wurde die Aschaffenburger Grabeskirche dem Verfall preisgegeben. Da das Kirchengebäude nur kurze Zeit stand, hat sich die Anwesenheit der Beginen in der Aschaffenburger Lokalgeschichte nur im Tiergarten überliefert.Die Ruine wurde später in die Parkgestaltung mit einbezogen.

Limburg Cathedral (Limburger Dom, also known as Georgsdom ("George's Cathedral") after its dedication to Saint George, is located above the old town of Limburg in Hesse, Germany. It is the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Limburg. Its high location on a rock above the river Lahn provides its visibility from far away. It is the result of an Early Gothic modernization of an originally Early Romanesque building and therefore shows a Romanesque-Gothic transitional style.

 

The medieval patron saints of the church were Saint George and Saint Nicholas.

 

The cathedral is a three-aisled basilica, which combines late Romanesque and early Gothic elements. It has a narthex at the western end and a semi-circular choir with an ambulatory. The outside measures 54.5 m long, with a width of 35.4 m. The building has a complicated structure; seven spires rise from it. The number seven is a symbolic reference to the number of the sacraments. The tallest of these towers are on the western side and rise to a height of 37 m. They form the distinctive "twin-tower façade [de]" of the west front. Such twin-tower façades are common in the Rheinland, for example at Xanten, Andernach [de] and Koblenz. The pointed crossing spire stands above all the other spires with a height of 66 m at the centre of the building. This height is the result of a lightning strike in 1774, before which the tower was 6.5 metres higher. The corner towers on the southern transept were erected in 1863.

 

The west front is divided into five levels. The most eye-catching stylistic element is a huge round window, surrounded by eight small rosettes, which forms a clear centre of the west front. The rosette symbolises the four Evangelists. Despite the symmetry of the twin towers, there is rich variation in forms and building elements, e.g. round and pointed arches, pilaster strips, small pillars, archivolts, windows and blind arches. The upper level of the north tower includes Gothic elements (e.g. window tracery).

 

During restorations between 1872 and 1873, the polychrome exterior painting of the cathedral was removed (the colours were, previously, white, red, yellow-brown, black and a little green) and the stone was left bare. Between 1968 and 1972, the polychrome exterior was restored, using remains of the colour from the period before 1872 in order to reconstruct the old patterns.

 

The Limburg cathedral was shown on the back of the 1000-DM-Banknote of the third series. The notes with the Limburg motif were issued from the end of July 1964 and replaced from 1992 by the 1000-DM-Banknote of the fourth (and last) series.

Known as "cargueiros" (freighters), these troops of mules deliver the purchases to residents of isolated regions such as the "Vale do Pati".

 

"Chapada Diamantina" National Park, Guiné, Bahia, Brazil.

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is a very important monument of the city. The monument is five stories high and the front of the monument is delicately carved with beautiful motifs. It is an outstanding example of the Rajput style of architecture. Hawa Mahal is not exactly a palace but more like a screen of superbly sculpted windows that look like the front of a palace. The palace was built for the royal ladies of Rajasthan to view the busy city life from inside a veil. The panoramic view of the pyramid shaped palace of winds looks brilliantly magnificent. Blue sky forming the background of this pink sandstone structure makes it appearance mystic and beautiful!

 

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Commonly known as moth orchids, is a genus of about seventy species of orchids in the family orchid. Orchids in this genus are monopodial epiphytes or lithophytes with long, coarse roots, short, leafy stems and long-lasting, flat flowers arranged in a flowering stem that often branches near the end. Orchids in this genus are native to India, China, Southeast Asia, New Guinea and Australia with the majority in Indonesia and the Philippines. A few to many, small to large, long-lasting, flat, often fragrant flowers are arranged on erect to hanging racemes or panicles. The sepals and petals are free from and spread widely apart from each other. The lateral sepals are usually larger than the dorsal sepal and the petals much wider than the sepals. The labellum is joined stiffly to the column and has three lobes. The side lobes are erect and more or less parallel to each other and the middle lobe sometimes has a pair of appendages or antennae. 54107

Commonly known as moth orchids, is a genus of about seventy species of orchids in the family orchid. Orchids in this genus are monopodial epiphytes or lithophytes with long, coarse roots, short, leafy stems and long-lasting, flat flowers arranged in a flowering stem that often branches near the end. Orchids in this genus are native to India, China, Southeast Asia, New Guinea and Australia with the majority in Indonesia and the Philippines. A few to many, small to large, long-lasting, flat, often fragrant flowers are arranged on erect to hanging racemes or panicles. The sepals and petals are free from and spread widely apart from each other. The lateral sepals are usually larger than the dorsal sepal and the petals much wider than the sepals. The labellum is joined stiffly to the column and has three lobes. The side lobes are erect and more or less parallel to each other and the middle lobe sometimes has a pair of appendages or antennae. 21908

"The Syndics," also known as "The Sampling Officials," is a renowned painting created by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn in 1662. It is an exceptional example of group portraiture from the Dutch Golden Age, depicting five men gathered around a table, engaged in their duties as syndics (officers) of the Amsterdam Drapers' Guild.

 

The painting is notable for its meticulous attention to detail and Rembrandt's skillful use of light and shadow. The figures are positioned in a semi-circle around the table, with their faces illuminated by a strong light source from the left. This dramatic lighting technique creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's attention to the individual expressions and gestures of the syndics.

 

Each syndic is portrayed with distinctive characteristics, capturing their roles and personalities within the guild. Rembrandt expertly renders their varied facial features, clothing, and accessories, demonstrating his mastery in capturing human likeness and conveying individuality. The syndics are shown examining fabric samples, which symbolize their responsibility for regulating quality and standards within the textile industry.

 

"The Syndics" is regarded as one of Rembrandt's most celebrated works and is highly regarded for its technical brilliance and psychological depth. The painting exemplifies his ability to infuse ordinary subjects with dignity and introspection, elevating them beyond mere representation. It also reflects the artist's deep understanding of human nature, emphasizing the individuality and humanity of each syndic.

 

Today, "The Syndics" is housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it continues to captivate visitors with its remarkable craftsmanship and profound insight into the human condition. It stands as a testament to Rembrandt's enduring legacy as one of the greatest painters in Western art history.

Known locally as "Whalley Arches", Whalley Viaduct is a 48-span railway bridge crossing the River Calder. It is a listed structure . It was built between 1846 and 1850 under the engineering supervision of Terrence Wolfe Flanagan and formed part of the Bolton, Blackburn, Clitheroe and West Yorkshire Railway.

Kingfisher - Alcedo Atthis

 

Double click..

 

The common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) also known as the Eurasian kingfisher, and river kingfisher, is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies recognized within its wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but migrates from areas where rivers freeze in winter.

 

This sparrow-sized bird has the typical short-tailed, large-headed kingfisher profile; it has blue upperparts, orange underparts and a long bill. It feeds mainly on fish, caught by diving, and has special visual adaptations to enable it to see prey under water. The glossy white eggs are laid in a nest at the end of a burrow in a riverbank.

 

The female is identical in appearance to the male except that her lower mandible is orange-red with a black tip. The juvenile is similar to the adult, but with duller and greener upperparts and paler underparts. Its bill is black, and the legs are also initially black. Feathers are moulted gradually between July and November with the main flight feathers taking 90–100 days to moult and regrow. Some that moult late may suspend their moult during cold winter weather.

 

The flight of the kingfisher is fast, direct and usually low over water. The short rounded wings whirr rapidly, and a bird flying away shows an electric-blue "flash" down its back.

 

The common kingfisher is widely distributed over Europe, Asia, and North Africa, mainly south of 60°N. It is a common breeding species over much of its vast Eurasian range, but in North Africa it is mainly a winter visitor, although it is a scarce breeding resident in coastal Morocco and Tunisia. In temperate regions, this kingfisher inhabits clear, slow-flowing streams and rivers, and lakes with well-vegetated banks. It frequents scrubs and bushes with overhanging branches close to shallow open water in which it hunts. In winter it is more coastal, often feeding in estuaries or harbours and along rocky seashores. Tropical populations are found by slow-flowing rivers, in mangrove creeks and in swamps.

 

Like all kingfishers, the common kingfisher is highly territorial; since it must eat around 60% of its body weight each day, it is essential to have control of a suitable stretch of river. It is solitary for most of the year, roosting alone in heavy cover. If another kingfisher enters its territory, both birds display from perches, and fights may occur, in which a bird will grab the other's beak and try to hold it under water. Pairs form in the autumn but each bird retains a separate territory, generally at least 1 km (0.62 mi) long, but up to 3.5 km (2.2 mi) and territories are not merged until the spring.

 

Very few birds live longer than one breeding season. The oldest bird on record was 21 years.

 

They are also listed as a Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act offering them additional protection.

 

Population:

 

UK breeding:

3,800-6,400 pairs

 

Commonly known as moth orchids, is a genus of about seventy species of orchids in the family orchid. Orchids in this genus are monopodial epiphytes or lithophytes with long, coarse roots, short, leafy stems and long-lasting, flat flowers arranged in a flowering stem that often branches near the end. Orchids in this genus are native to India, China, Southeast Asia, New Guinea and Australia with the majority in Indonesia and the Philippines. A few to many, small to large, long-lasting, flat, often fragrant flowers are arranged on erect to hanging racemes or panicles. The sepals and petals are free from and spread widely apart from each other. The lateral sepals are usually larger than the dorsal sepal and the petals much wider than the sepals. The labellum is joined stiffly to the column and has three lobes. The side lobes are erect and more or less parallel to each other and the middle lobe sometimes has a pair of appendages or antennae. R_250

Also known as the Golden Browed Bulbul, this is an endemic bird of South India and Sri Lanka. The bird is bright yellow and easy to identify in the bush and canopy where they are sighted. Apparently, this subspecies of the bird we shot in the Malabar region / Western Coast is a bit paler than the subspecies on the other coast - though I haven't seen it yet.

 

The birds are of the same size as other bulbuls - maybe 20 cms - and are found in small groups. We sighted several around fruiting trees such as wild berries, Figs and they were quite loud during the time. The calls were a tad easy to remember and just like other bulbuls they were noisy. This is the start of their breeding season and hence I think they were out more than usual.

 

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Known throughout the world, Étretat is undoubtedly the pride of the Normandy coastline. With its narrow streets, its seafront, its small shops and its sunset on the incredible cliffs, Étretat proves to be a romantic little town.

Also known as Trwyn Du Lighthouse stands at 29m tall in the eastern extremity of Anglesey North Wales, The Lighthouse has a stepped-base designed to discourage the huge upsurge of waves that had afflicted earlier lighthouses on the site and reduce the force of the water at the bottom of the tower.

 

When we arrived the tide was out leaving lots of green moss and extremely slippy rocks. I was walking for no more than about 1 minute before i flipped up and landing flat on my back thankfully nothing more than a few bruises and a cut on the arm as i left the camera gear in the car to have a look around first.

 

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Known as 'the nursery,' the volcano of Rano Raraku, about 18km from Hanga Roa, is the quarry for the hard tuff from which the moai were cut. You'll feel as though you're stepping back into early Polynesian times, wandering among dozens of moai in all stages of progress studded on the southern slopes of the volcano. At the top, the 360-degree view is truly awesome. Within the crater are a small, glistening lake and about 20 standing moai.

 

On the southeastern slope of the mountain, look for the unique, kneeling Moai Tukuturi; it has a full body squatting on its heels, with its forearms and hands resting on its thighs.

Eriostemon australasius commonly known as pink wax flower is a plant in the citrus family Rutaceae and is endemic to eastern Australia. It is an erect, bushy shrub with narrow oblong leaves, and pink flowers with five petals in late winter and early spring. Eriostemon australasius is an erect, bushy shrub which grows to a height of 1–2 m. It has simple leaves that are narrow oblong in shape, 20–80 millimetres long, 8–14 millimetres long and are covered with tiny star-like hairs when young, although the hairs may only be visible with a magnifying glass. The flowers are arranged singly in leaf axils, mostly near the ends of the branches, on a stalk 4–12 millimetres long. At the base of each flower are five to twelve sepal-like bracteoles. There are five pink to reddish petals which are about 18 millimetres long and are covered with similar hairs to those on the leaves, but become smooth with maturity. Flowering occurs in late winter and early spring. Pink wax flower grows in heathland and dry eucalyptus woodlands from Lake Conjola on the New South Wales south coast northwards along the coast to Fraser Island in Queensland. 40003

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