Greater Akron-and NE Ohio- As Known by the Locals ~ Post Often
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Sometimes known as the 'Football Jersey' due to its yellow/orange and black stripes. These caterpillars feed on Ragwort and have been used as natural control in America and Australia where Ragwort is known as 'Yellow Peril'. Farmers in the UK have also tried using this natural control with some success. The adult moth flies during the day and the name 'Cinnabar' is because the wings are meant to be the colour of the mineral Cinnabar.
Hội An, formerly known as Fai-Fo or Faifoo, is a city with a population of approximately 120,000 in Vietnam's Quảng Nam Province and noted since 1999 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Old Town Hội An, the city's historic district, is recognized as an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century, its buildings and street plan reflecting a unique blend of influences, indigenous and foreign. Prominent in the city's old town, is its covered "Japanese Bridge," dating to the 16th-17th century.
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.
Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, is a geyser in southwestern Iceland. It was the first geyser described in a printed source and the first known to modern Europeans. The English word geyser (a periodically spouting hot spring) derives from Geysir.
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.
Musk Thistle (also known as Nodding Plumeless Thistle) is a striking flower. There is only one flower per stem, which is somewhat unique among thistles, and they have no ray flowers, which is unique among composite flowers.
Unfortunately Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans, Carduus macrocephalus) is deemed an invasive alien species in Colorado.
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.
Yangon also known as Rangoon, is the capital of the Yangon Region and the largest city of Myanmar (also known as Burma). Yangon served as the capital of Myanmar until 2006, when the military government relocated the administrative functions to the purpose-built capital city of Naypyidaw [nèpjìdɔ̀] in north central Myanmar. With over 5 million people, Yangon is Myanmar's most populous city and its most important commercial centre.
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!
Slender shorebird known for spinning frantically on water to stir up small invertebrates. Note needle-thin bill, longer and thinner than other phalaropes. Breeding females are brighter and more contrasting than males: note gray cap, peachy-orange neck with broad black stripe, and gray-and-rufous back. Males are duller with plainer grayish-brown upperparts and a less distinct dark neck stripe. Nonbreeding birds are very pale gray above and white below with a rather plain face and yellowish legs. Juveniles show crisp buffy edges on wing feathers. Prefers shallow ponds, marshes, and lakes, sometimes in large flocks. Can mix with Red-necked Phalarope; Wilson’s is larger, lankier, and longer-billed. Feeds frantically, more often on land than other phalaropes. Never on the open ocean. Most common in western North America; uncommon to rare in the east. Winters as far south as Tierra del Fuego. (eBird)
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My first close-up look of a Wilson's Phalarope in full breeding plumage. She was working her way through the grasses in the wetlands beside the lake.
Manawan Lake, Alberta, Canada. June 2022.
The blackbuck, (Antilope cervicapra) also known as the Indian antelope, is an antelope commonly found in India. The blackbuck is the sole extant member of the genus Antilope. This shot was taken in Velavadar, Gujarat. My blog on Velavadar can be seen at jagadipsingh.blogspot.in
The white blackbuck here is either albino or leukistic. Albinism in Blackbucks is rare and caused by the lack of 'Melanin'. The animal looks fully white due to the lack of melanin in their skin. Wildlife experts say that the biggest problem with these Albinos is that they are singled out by predators and hunted. These are Albinos.
Leucism is a condition characterized by reduced pigmentation in animals and humans. Unlike albinism, it is caused by a reduction in all types of skin pigment, not just melanin.
Also known as Confusing Bumblebee, best viewed large.
Thanks so much for your visits. Happy Wing Wednesday!
Please do not use my photos on websites, blogs or in any other media without my written permission.
Also known as Oriental Garden Lizard
This lizard is sometimes called the “changeable lizard,” and the male can change his colors readily in breeding season. He sometimes will have a yellow head and neck, red body, and black limbs and tail. Outside of breeding season, these lizards can change their colors from drab brown to red, black, or a mixture of both.
These colorful lizards are an especially interesting group, as they can change color in several different ways. They are sometimes called bloodsucker lizards (not to be confused with the Sumatran bloodsucker lizard). That name likely comes from the fact that, during breeding season, males usually have bright red throats.
To see more on several types of lizards
Kudu, also known as the Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), is a magnificent antelope species found in various parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a large and majestic animal, renowned for its unique and striking appearance.
Physical Characteristics:
The Kudu is one of the largest antelope species, with males, known as bulls, weighing up to 600 kg (1,300 lbs) and standing around 1.5 to 1.7 meters (5 to 5.5 feet) tall at the shoulder. Females, known as cows, are smaller and lighter.
Both males and females have long, spiral-shaped horns. The horns can grow up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) in length in males, while in females, they are shorter and slimmer.
Appearance:
Kudus have a beautiful coat with distinctive white stripes along their sides. These stripes are believed to act as a form of camouflage in their woodland habitats, helping them blend in among dappled sunlight and shadow.
The coat coloration varies, but they are generally reddish-brown with a tinge of blue-grey in some areas. The undersides are usually pale.
Habitat and Behavior:
Kudus are found in a range of habitats, including woodlands, savannas, and dense bush areas. They are adaptable animals but prefer regions with enough vegetation for cover.
These antelopes are mainly browsers, feeding on leaves, fruits, and shoots. They have the ability to reach high branches to access food that other herbivores might not reach.
Kudus are predominantly nocturnal, which means they are most active during the night, helping them avoid predators and the heat of the day.
Males are typically solitary or found in small bachelor groups, while females form small herds, often accompanied by one dominant male.
Conservation Status:
The Kudu population is generally considered stable, but some local populations face threats due to habitat loss and hunting for their meat, hides, and horns.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving their natural habitats, implementing anti-poaching measures, and promoting responsible tourism to protect this iconic African species.
Kudus are not only remarkable creatures for their physical beauty but also for their role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats. As such, efforts to safeguard their existence are crucial for the overall health of Africa's biodiversity.
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.
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.
Knowle Mill, better known today as Bembridge Windmill, is a Grade I listed,[1] preserved tower mill at Bembridge, Isle of Wight, England.
Bembridge Mill was built c. 1700. It was painted by Turner in 1795. The mill was working by wind until 1913, having only been used for grinding animal feed after 1897. The mill was restored in 1935 and again in 1959, the latter restoration being funded by public subscription. In 1962 the mill was taken over by the National Trust. It has been restored and is open to the public.
Bembridge Mill is a four-storey tower mill with a boat-shaped cap, which is winded by chain and wheel. It has four Common sails. The two pairs of millstones are driven underdrift.
Bembridge Windmill is open to the public between March and November, from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm daily.
For more information please visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bembridge_Windmill and
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bembridge-windmill/history/
The Isle of Wight /ˈaɪl əv ˈwaɪt/, is a county and the largest and second most populous island of England. It is located in the English Channel, about 4 mi (6 km) off the coast of Hampshire and is separated from mainland Great Britain by the Solent. The island has several resorts which have been holiday destinations since Victorian times.
The history of the Isle of Wight includes a brief period of time as an independent kingdom in the 15th century. Until 1995, like Jersey and Guernsey, the island had a Governor.
Home to the poets Swinburne and Tennyson and to Queen Victoria, who built her much-loved summer residence and final home Osborne House at East Cowes, the island has a maritime and industrial tradition including boat building, sail making, the manufacture of flying boats, the world's first hovercraft, and the testing and development of Britain's space rockets. The Isle hosts annual festivals including the Bestival and the Isle of Wight Festival, which, in 1970, was the largest rock music event ever held. The island has well-conserved wildlife and some of the richest cliffs and quarries for dinosaur fossils in Europe.
The Isle of Wight was part of the County of Southampton until 1890, when it became an independent administrative county. Until 1974 it continued to share its Lord Lieutenant with Hampshire, when it was reconstituted as a non-metropolitan ceremonial county which gave it its own Lord Lieutenant and was recognised as a postal county.
The quickest public transport link to the mainland is to and from Southsea (Portsmouth) by hovercraft, while five ferry services shuttle across the Solent.
For more information please visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Wight and www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/
If you decide to travel along this highway into the bowels of the Universe, carry enough fuel to cover the billions of light years ahead of you. You won't find a place to refuel. When you have travelled this distance without finding anything, not even a little bit of intelligent life and you reach the far reaches of the Universe... don't be scared... there's nothing there, either. Only the "nothing". Or since everything is cyclical, perhaps you have returned to the place where you started, full of wisdom from your long trip. It's probably better to look for intelligent life on Earth, but it's also very likely that you'll have a hard time finding it. Don't worry about not understanding the Universe or the reason for its existence... you're not Einstein, but one day you'll understand that... The Universe is wounded, but it still has infinity ahead of it. It still has you and me. Merry Christmas to all and to the infinite Universe that is within you.
Gregory Alan Isakov - The Universe
Y el Universo está susurrando tan suavemente que puedo oírlo todo... el zumbido de los insectos, todos los taxis, todo el cambio gastado de los vagabundos, todos los chicos jugando a la pelota en los callejones. Son sólo pliegues en su vestido. El Universo, está herido, pero aún tiene el infinito por delante. Todavía nos tiene a ti y a mí. Y todos dicen que es hermoso. Y todos dicen...
Image dédiée à Pat. Joyeux Noël. Bisou, jolie.
..........
Music for your trip to the Universe:
Ground Control to Major Tom. Ground Control to Major Tom. Take your protein pills and put your helmet on. Ground Control to Major Tom (ten, nine, eight, seven, six)... Commencing countdown, engines on (five, four, three)... Check ignition and may God's love be with you (two, one, liftoff...)
Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Parts VI–IX
"Shine On You Crazy Diamond", was written as a tribute to Syd Barrett, one of the founders of Pink Floyd. He was also known as "The Crazy Diamond Syd". Barrett was a very creative musician and is considered one of the rock icons, with a strong influence on many artists, very especially to David Bowie. Syd Barrett is a key piece to understand the evolution of rock in the 70s.. Excessive drug use, especially LSD, caused him serious mental health problems. Syd Barrett died in 2006 at the age of 60. Always shine diamond.
The Universal is a science fiction song written as a tribute to two films by film director Stanley Kubrick. In the video, the Blur members wear outfits similar to Alex and his gang of thugs, the protagonists of the movie "A Clockwork Orange." The image used for the cover of the single alluded to what is possibly Kubrick's best film: "2001: To Space Odyssey."
We haven't changed that much in 300,000 years of evolution.
Moby - We Are All Made of Stars
Radiohead - Subterranean Homesick Alien
Smash Mouth - Walkin' On The Sun
PS: Electronic - Can't Find My Way Home Just a recommendation. It is important to learn the road signs of the Universe... happy return.
PS: Ground Control to Major Tom. Your circuit's dead, there's something wrong. Can you hear me, Major Tom? Can you hear me, Major Tom? Can you hear me, Major Tom? Can you...
"Here am I floating 'round my tin can, far above the moon. Planet Earth is blue. And there's nothing I can do" (Major Tom)
PS: Merry Christmas to all Flick(e)r users... and to the Universe full of crazy diamonds that shine... And Major Tom
The chapel of Queen Mary's heart near Transylvania's Bran Castle.
Little known, but invaluable in beauty, is the Church of the Heart of Queen Mary of Bran
hides an extremely beautiful story about Queen Mary.
A faithful replica of the Stella Maris church from the town of Walsik, which was granted by Romania after World War II in Bulgaria, was built in Byzantine style at the request of Princess Eleana in memory of her mother, Queen.
History says that one of Queen Mary's greatest pleasures was spending time in Balchik's chapel and her wish was to bury her heart there after she died. Because this was no longer possible, the princess demanded the construction of a chapel very close to Bran Castle. The box containing the queen's heart was temporarily deposited in the wooden church of Bran Castle and after a year was transferred to a crypt dug into the rock of Bran Maggiore, awaiting the completion of the church.
In 1947, however, it was the abolition of the monarchy in Romania by the communist regime, so although the chapel was completed in time, it was no longer sanctified and Queen Maria's heart remained hidden in the rock for 27 years! It was not until 1968 that the director of the Bran Museum, together with others, opened the crypt and the sarcophagus and found the golden box containing the queen's heart. Inside the gold box was another silver box wrapped in English and Romanian flags, as well as platinum and gemstones. Since then, Queen Maria's heart is in the National Museum of Romanian History
Παρεκκλήσι η καρδία της Βασίλισσας Μαρίας κοντά στο κάστρο Μπράν της Τρανσυλβανιας.
Λίγο γνωστό, αλλά με ανεκτίμητη ομορφιά, η Εκκλησία της Καρδιάς της Βασίλισσας Μαρίας του Bran
αποκρύπτει μια εξαιρετικά όμορφη ιστορία για τη Βασίλισσα Μαρία.
Πιστό αντίγραφο της εκκλησίας Stella Maris από την πόλη Βάλτσικ , που παραχωρήθηκε από τη Ρουμανία μετά τον Δεύτερο Παγκόσμιο Πόλεμο της Βουλγαρίας, χτίστηκε σε βυζαντινό ύφος, κατόπιν αιτήματος της πριγκίπισσας Eλεάνας, στη μνήμη της μητέρας της ,Βασίλισσας Μαίρη.
Η ιστορία λέει ότι μία από τις μεγαλύτερες απολαύσεις της Βασίλισσας Μαρίας ήταν να περάσει ο χρόνος στο παρεκκλήσι του Bάλτσικ και η επιθυμία της ήταν να θάψει την καρδιά της εκεί μετά που πέθανε. Επειδή αυτό δεν ήταν πλέον δυνατό, η πριγκίπισσα απαίτησε την κατασκευή ενός παρεκκλησίου πολύ κοντά στο Κάστρο του Μπράν. Το κουτί που περιείχε την καρδιά της βασίλισσας ήταν προσωρινά κατατεθειμένο στην ξύλινη εκκλησία του Κάστρου Bran και μετά από ένα χρόνο μεταφέρθηκε σε μια κρύπτη που έσκαψε στο βράχο του Bran Maggiore, περιμένοντας την ολοκλήρωση της εκκλησίας.
Το 1947, ωστόσο, αποτελούσε την κατάργηση της μοναρχίας στη Ρουμανία από το κομμουνιστικό καθεστώς, οπότε αν και το παρεκκλήσι ολοκληρώθηκε εγκαίρως, δεν ήταν πλέον αγιασμένο και η καρδιά της Βασίλισσας Μαρίας παρέμεινε κρυμμένη στο βράχο για 27 χρόνια! Μόνο το 1968 ο διευθυντής του Μουσείου Μπραν μαζί με άλλους άνοιξαν την κρύπτη και τη σαρκοφάγο και βρήκαν το χρυσό κουτί που περιείχε την καρδιά της βασίλισσας. Στο εσωτερικό του χρυσού κιβωτίου υπήρχε ένα άλλο κιβώτιο από ασήμι τυλιγμένο σε σημαίες της Αγγλίας και της Ρουμανίας, καθώς πλατίνα και πολύτιμοι λίθοι. Έκτοτε, η καρδιά της Βασίλισσας Μαρίας βρίσκεται στο Μουσείο Εθνικής Ιστορίας της Ρουμανίας.
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
Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf, known as the Upper Gushing Falls in English, on The Elidir Trail that runs by the River Neath in Wales. This is the northernmost named fall on the trail.
The trail is also said to contain the entrance to the fairy kingdom, easy to understand why. An amazing series of falls, in a narrow gorge, I only wish I could visit in spring or autumn when the falls really gush! This one was from summer. Truly a remarkable place of natural beauty.
Soon you guys will be bored of shots from the Elidir Trail...I took a few. I will try and space them out a bit!
The shutter speed of the image is from the shot I used for the trees, the wind was strong so blurring water also meant heavy blur on the trees too. I think the fall shot here was 25 seconds. I wish I had used my polariser too...oh well, live and learn :)
I have never known hunger like these insects that feast on me
A thousand teeth and yours among them, I know
Our hunger's appeased
Our heart beats becoming slow
**
(Falling in fields - 3)
Turkish coffee is known all over the world. It is distinguished from analogues in other countries by two recognizable moments: the method of preparation and the method of serving.
The official history of Turkish coffee dates back to the 16th century, when the drink began to be served in coffee houses in Istanbul. Very soon, such establishments became cultural centers, where men gathered to spend the evening chatting, discussing the latest news and art, playing backgammon.
The invigorating drink played such an important role in the cultural and social life of society that the sultan's wives and concubines in the harem were sure to take a course on the correct preparation of coffee. Women of a lower rank were also mastering this art with might and main - the tastier a girl made coffee, the more chances she had for successfully marrying.
Echoes of this tradition have survived to this day: when the groom's parents come to the bride's parents' house to ask for her hand in marriage, the girl must personally make coffee for the guests.
Classic Turkish coffee recipe
Real Turkish coffee is prepared in copper cezve (another name is Turk). Roasted grains are ground as fine as possible, literally into dust.
Ingredients:
ground coffee - 25 g;
water -150 ml;
sugar to taste;
cardamom to taste.
Preparation:
Pour coffee into a Turk, pour cold water, immediately add sugar and cardamom to taste. Mix.
Over low heat, almost bring the mixture to a boil.
As soon as foam appears, remove the cezve from the heat, pour some foam into a cup and let the drink cool slightly (20-30 seconds), then put the vessel back on the stove. Repeat the procedure 2 times. At the last heating, leave the coffee in the Turk for 2 minutes and only then pour into a cup. Do not stir!
Thanks to this method of preparation, Turkish coffee is always thick, aromatic and rich. A cup with a drink is always crowned with a foam cap, and a sediment remains at the bottom.
Turkish coffee is served in small cups, often with a glass of clean water. It is not necessary to have a snack, but you can put Turkish delight or other oriental sweets on the table.
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:-
Also known as HKCEC. Located on an artificial peninsula (reclaimed land), jutting into Victoria Harbour from Wanchai. This shot works best viewed on a black background.
In the right background are some skyscrapers in Central:
Jardine House, One and Two Exchange Square, The Center, 1IFC and 2 IFC are the prominent buildings.
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.
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
The European peacock, more commonly known simply as the peacock butterfly, is a colourful butterfly, found in Europe and temperate Asia as far east as Japan. It was formerly classified as the only member of the genus Inachis (the name is derived from Greek mythology, meaning Io, the daughter of Inachus. It should not be confused or classified with the "American peacocks" in the genus Anartia; these are not close relatives of the Eurasian species. The peacock butterfly is resident in much of its range, often wintering in buildings or trees. It therefore often appears quite early in spring. The peacock butterfly has figured in research in which the role of eyespots as an anti-predator mechanism has been investigated.[5] The peacock is expanding its range and is not known to be threatened. The butterfly has a wingspan of 50 to 55 mm. The base colour of the wings is a rusty red,
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
The Western Wall, also known as the "Wailing Wall" or the "Kotel," is one of the most significant religious and historical sites in Jerusalem, Israel. It holds deep spiritual and emotional importance for Jews worldwide, and it has also become a symbol of the complex and often contentious nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Western Wall is a remnant of the ancient retaining wall that once surrounded the Second Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. After the temple's destruction, the Western Wall became the closest accessible site for Jewish prayer and pilgrimage. For centuries, Jews from around the world have come to this sacred site to pray, lament the destruction of the temple, and express their connection to Jewish heritage.
The name "Wailing Wall" originates from the 19th and early 20th centuries when Jews would gather at the site to mourn the destruction of the temple and express their sorrow through prayers and tears. The term "Kotel" means "wall" in Hebrew and has become a popular and endearing name for the site.
Over time, the Western Wall has evolved into a focal point of religious and nationalist tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. The site is located in the Old City of Jerusalem, which is also part of the contested area between Israel and Palestine. Its significance to both Jewish and Muslim communities has led to disputes and occasional clashes.
The Western Wall plaza is divided into two sections: one for men and the other for women, following Orthodox Jewish tradition. The prayers and rituals conducted here are a mix of individual devotion, communal worship, and celebrations during religious holidays.
In addition to its religious importance, the Western Wall draws millions of tourists and visitors from various backgrounds each year, offering them a glimpse into the rich history and cultural diversity of Jerusalem.
Despite the ongoing complexities surrounding the Western Wall and its geopolitical context, it remains an essential and cherished place for Jewish people, symbolizing resilience, faith, and the connection to their shared heritage.
Behramkale, also known as Assos, is a historically rich village in the Ayvacık district of the Çanakkale Province, Turkey.
After leaving the Platonic Academy in Athens, Aristotle (joined by Xenocrates) went to Assos, where he was welcomed by King Hermias, and opened an Academy in this city. Assos was founded from 1000 to 900 BC by Aeolian colonists from Lesbos, who specifically are said to have come from Methymna.
Text Source: Wikipedia
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.
Gonepteryx rhamni (known as the common brimstone) is a butterfly of the family Pieridae. It lives throughout the Palearctic zone and is commonly found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Across much of its range, it is the only species of its genus, and is therefore simply known locally as the brimstone.
The brimstone relies on two species of buckthorn plants as host plants for its larvae; this influences its geographic range and distribution, as these plants are commonly found in wetlands. The adult brimstone travels to woodland areas to spend seven months overwintering. In spring when their host plants have developed, they return to the wetlands to breed and lay eggs.[4] Both the larval and adult forms of the common brimstone have protective coloration and behaviour that decreases their chances of being recognised and subsequently preyed upon.
The adult common brimstone has sexual dimorphism in its wing coloration: males have yellow wings and iridescence while females have greenish-white wings and are not iridescent. This iridescence is affected by environmental factors
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).
Autumn, also known as fall in North American English, is one of the four temperate seasons. Autumn marks the transition from summer to winter, in September (Northern Hemisphere) or March (Southern Hemisphere), when the duration of daylight becomes noticeably shorter and the temperature cools considerably. One of its main features in temperate climates is the shedding of leaves from deciduous trees. Some cultures regard the autumnal equinox as mid-autumn, while others with a longer temperature lag treat it as the start of autumn. Meteorologists (and most of the temperate countries in the southern hemisphere) use a definition based on Gregorian calendar months, with autumn being September, October, and November in the northern hemisphere, and March, April, and May in the southern hemisphere. 21421
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. 21908
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. R_250
The Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus), also known as the Steller's sea lion and northern sea lion, is a near-threatened species of sea lion in the northern Pacific. It is the sole member of the genus Eumetopias and the largest of the eared seals (Otariidae). Among pinnipeds, it is inferior in size only to the walrus and the two species of elephant seals. The species is named for the naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller, who first described them in 1741. The Steller sea lion has attracted considerable attention in recent decades, owing to significant and largely unexplained declines in their numbers over an extensive portion of their northern range in Alaska. (Wikipedia)
We saw several groups of these sea lions during our trip, but these two little islands were the most densely packed. The animals at the junction of the rocks would periodically be washed over by crashing waves.
Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia, Canada. May 2022.
Eagle-Eye Tours - Ultimate British Columbia.
Kingfisher - Alcedo Atthis
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
The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge (known locally as the Bay Bridge) is a complex of bridges spanning San Francisco Bay of the U.S. state of California. As part of Interstate 80 and the direct road route between San Francisco and Oakland, it carries approximately 240,000 vehicles per day on its two decks. It has one of the longest spans in the world.
The toll bridge was conceived as early as the gold rush days, but construction did not begin until 1933. Designed by Charles H. Purcell, and built by American Bridge Company, it opened for traffic on November 12, 1936, six months before the Golden Gate Bridge. It originally carried automobile traffic on its upper deck, and trucks and trains on the lower, but after the closure of the Key System transit lines, the lower deck was converted to road traffic as well. In 1986, the bridge was unofficially dedicated to James B. Rolph.
The bridge consists of two sections of roughly equal length; the older western section connects downtown San Francisco to Yerba Buena Island and the newer eastern section connects the island to Oakland. The western section is a double suspension bridge. Originally, the largest span of the original eastern half was a cantilever bridge. During the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, a section of the eastern section's upper deck collapsed onto the lower deck and the bridge was closed for a month. Reconstruction of the eastern section of the bridge as a causeway connected to a self-anchored suspension bridge began in 2002; the new bridge opened September 2, 2013 at a reported cost of over $6.5 billion and is currently the world's widest bridge, according to Guinness World Records.
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. 11342
Mountain Hare - Lepus Timidus
The mountain hare (Lepus timidus), also known as blue hare, tundra hare, variable hare, white hare, snow hare, alpine hare, and Irish hare, is a Palearctic hare that is largely adapted to polar and mountainous habitats.
In the European Alps the mountain hare lives at elevations from 700 to 3800 m, depending on biographic region and season.The development of alpine winter tourism has increased rapidly since the last few decades of the 20th century, resulting in expansion of ski resorts, growing visitor numbers, and a huge increase in all forms of snow sport activities. A 2013 study looking at stress events and the response of mountain hares to disturbance concluded that those hares living in areas of high winter recreational activities showed changes in physiology and behaviour that demanded additional energy input at a time when access to food resources is restricted by snow. It recommended ensuring that forests inhabited by mountain hares were kept free of tourist development, and that new skiing areas should be avoided in mountain hare habitat, and that existing sites should not be expanded.
In August 2016, the Scottish animal welfare charity OneKind launched a campaign on behalf of the mountain hare, as a way of raising awareness of mountain hare culls taking place across the country and in garnering public support for the issue. Mountain hares are routinely shot in the Scottish Highlands both as part of paid hunting "tours" and by gamekeepers managing red grouse populations (who believe that mountain hares can be vectors of diseases which affect the birds). Much of this activity is secretive but investigations have revealed that tens of thousands of hares are being culled every year. The campaign, which urges people to proclaim that We Care For The Mountain Hare", will culminate with the charity urging the Scottish government to legislate against commercial hunting and culling of the iconic Scottish species. The campaign has revealed widespread public support for a ban on hare hunting in Scotland.
Unlike the brown hare, which is thought to have been introduced by the Celts during the Iron Age, the mountain hare is native to Britain. However, it is only native to the Scottish Highlands and was translocated elsewhere.
I've known for some time that the place around here to see acorn woodpeckers is Dawson Creek. But, after multiple trips there, I'd still not seen them. Finally, today,, I did my (internet) research to see _where_ at Dawson Creek that they'd been seen. I found a wetland somewhat matching the description, and immediately saw a Northern Flicker. But soon after, I saw a pair of acorn woodpeckers land on this tree. I now know where to look!!!
* Vlad III, commonly known as Vlad the Impaler or Vlad Dracula was Voivode of Wallachia three times between 1448 and his death. He is often considered one of the most important rulers in Wallachian history and a national hero of Romania.
Count Dracula is the title character of Bram Stoker's 1897 gothic horror novel Dracula. He is considered to be both the prototypical and the archetypal vampire in subsequent works of fiction. He is also depicted in the novel to have been the origin of werewolf legends. Some aspects of the character are believed to have been inspired by the 15th-century Wallachian Prince Vlad the Impaler, who was also known as Dracula.
Bran Castle is a castle in Bran, 25 kilometres (16 mi) southwest of Brașov. It is a national monument and landmark in Transylvania. The fortress is on the Transylvanian side of the historical border with Wallachia, on road DN73.
Commonly known outside Transylvania as Dracula's Castle, it is often referred to as the home of the title character in Bram Stoker's Dracula.
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