Greater Akron-and NE Ohio- As Known by the Locals ~ Post Often
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A beautiful morning at Gates of the Valley, after a big snow storm.
The Gates of the Valley, also known as Valley View, is a beautiful viewpoint along the Merced River. You can see El Capitan on the left and Bridalveil Fall on the right.
Have a blessed Sunday everyone!
Panorama of two horizontal 16mm images.
Una hermosa mañana en Gates of the Valley, después de la tormenta.
Esta es una linda vista del Capitan y Bridalveil en el Rio Merced.
Tengan un bendecido Domingo todos!
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.
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.
Thick-knees, also known as stone-curlews or dikkops, belong to one of my favourite family of birds, Burhinidae. These large, mainly terrestrial waders, with large eyes, stout bill and swollen knee joints are unmistakeable. There are nine species found in Africa, Europe, Central and South America, Australasia and elsewhere. Of the seven species I have seen, the Spotted Thick-knee is my favourite. This was one of a party of birds which "dropped in" as I was walking across a stoney area in West Africa. The others went to ground and disappeared such is their perfect camouflage.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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)
----------------
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.
Finally, i took a pic of that bike at Le Monde Perdu... İt is well known cute yellow bike with flowers telling Spring to come :)))
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Le%20Monde%20Perdu/225/226/25
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/
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.
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.
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.
also known as sulfur-breasted toucan or rainbow-billed toucan.
Why the bright colors? In the jungle, where the light is dimmer, these colors aren't bright. The various colors brake up his contours and helps hide his shape from predators.
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 "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!
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.
The full moon in April is known as the Pink Moon because it coincides with the blooming of pink wildflowers in North America. However, the moon should not be pink in colour, but coincides with the sun setting as the moon rose caught some colour. The moniker Pink Moon is a little misleading because the full moon will glow orange rather than pink, see my next image for the Orange
Calakmul (auch Kalakmul) war während der klassischen Periode eine mächtige Stadt der Maya. Zusammen mit El Mirador und Tikal ist Calakmul eine der größten jemals entdeckten Maya-Städte. Calakmul befindet sich rund 300 km südöstlich der Stadt Campeche (Mexiko) im gleichnamigen Bundesstaat.
Calakmul erstreckte sich auf einer Fläche von ca. 30 Quadratkilometern und besaß über 100 Kolossalbauten; es sind insgesamt mehr als 5000 Gebäude bekannt. Dominierend sind hier vor allem die sogenannten „Strukturen“ I und II. Letztere besitzt eine Höhe von ca. 45 Metern. Der Großteil von Calakmul ist jedoch bisher weder ausgegraben noch eingehender erforscht worden. Über die Einwohnerzahlen lassen sich nur Spekulationen anstellen. Für den Stadtkern etwa wird eine Bevölkerung von etwa 50.000 Menschen angenommen.
Calakmul (also Kalakmul) was a powerful Mayan city during the classical period. Along with El Mirador and Tikal, Calakmul is one of the largest Mayan cities ever discovered. Calakmul is located around 300 km southeast of the city of Campeche (Mexico) in the state of the same name.
Calakmul spread over an area of approximately 30 square kilometers and had over 100 colossal buildings; a total of more than 5000 buildings are known. The so-called "structures" I and II dominate here. The latter has a height of approx. 45 meters. However, most of Calakmul has not been excavated or explored in depth. Only speculations can be made about the population. A population of around 50,000 people is assumed for the city center.
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. 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
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
This section of Iguazu Falls is known as Devil's Throat. It is most easily seen/accessible from the Argentine side of the falls via a 1200-yard footbridge after getting off of the Jungle Train at Devil's Throat Station. I took this photo from the balcony at the end of the footbridge. The rushing water of the falls is so loud on the balcony that you almost can't hear anything else, and I got very wet from the misty overspray created by the falls. On the footbridge while walking to and from the falls we saw lots of animals and birds including Coatis and Plush Crested Jays.
Quote of the Day:
"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." (Helen Keller)
Forsythia, also known as garden forsythia, gold lilac or gold bells, is a frequently planted ornamental shrub. It is a hybrid of two species from the forsythia genus. This belongs to the olive tree family.
Die Forsythie, auch Garten-Forsythie, Goldflieder oder Goldglöckchen genannt, ist ein häufig gepflanzter Zierstrauch. Es handelt sich um eine Hybride zweier Arten aus der Gattung der Forsythien. Diese gehört zur Familie der Ölbaumgewächse.
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
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!!!
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
Alto Caparaó is known throughout the national territory for its natural beauty, and is one of the most beautiful regions in terms of ecotourism destinations for those who love and appreciate nature. A region of beautiful mountains that form a valley that surrounds the city, with an exuberant landscape, Alto Caparaó invites us to feel the fresh air, bathe in crystalline waters and fall in love with the climate and its natural beauties.
Cymbidium commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. 3460
Beach roses also known as saltspray roses growing among the rocks in the Otter Cliffs in Acadia National Park, Maine
Guillemot /Murre - Uria aalge
The common murre or common guillemot (Uria aalge) is a large auk. It is also known as the thin-billed murre in North America. It has a circumpolar distribution, occurring in low-Arctic and boreal waters in the North Atlantic and North Pacific. It spends most of its time at sea, only coming to land to breed on rocky cliff shores or islands.
Common murres have fast direct flight but are not very agile. They are more manoeuvrable underwater, typically diving to depths of 30–60 m (98–197 ft). Depths of up to 180 m (590 ft) have been recorded.
Common murres breed in colonies at high densities. Nesting pairs may be in bodily contact with their neighbours. They make no nest; their single egg is incubated on a bare rock ledge on a cliff face. Eggs hatch after ~30 days incubation. The chick is born downy and can regulate its body temperature after 10 days. Some 20 days after hatching the chick leaves its nesting ledge and heads for the sea, unable to fly, but gliding for some distance with fluttering wings, accompanied by its male parent. Chicks are capable of diving as soon as they hit the water. The female stays at the nest site for some 14 days after the chick has left.
Both male and female common murres moult after breeding and become flightless for 1–2 months. In southern populations they occasionally return to the nest site throughout the winter. Northern populations spend the winter farther from their colonies.
Some individuals in the North Atlantic, known as "bridled guillemots", have a white ring around the eye extending back as a white line. This is not a distinct subspecies, but a polymorphism that becomes more common the farther north the birds breed.
The common murre nests in densely packed colonies (known as "loomeries"), with up to twenty pairs occupying one square metre at peak season.[citation needed] Common murres do not make nests and lay their eggs on bare rock ledges, under rocks, or the ground. They first breed at four to nine years old, but most individuals recruit into the breeding population at ages six or seven, although birds may disperse (permanently depart their natal colony) if space is limited. Annual survival probability for birds aged 6–15 is 0.895, and average lifespan is about 20 years. Breeding success increases with age up to age 9-10 to 0.7 fledglings per pair, then declines in the oldest age birds, perhaps indicating reproductive senesence.
High densities mean that birds are close contact with neighbouring breeders. Common murres perform appeasement displays more often at high densities and more often than razorbills.
Allopreening is common both between mates and between neighbours. Allopreening helps to reduce parasites, and it may also have important social functions. Frequency of allopreening a neighbour correlates well with current breeding success.
Allopreening may function as a stress-reducer; ledges with low levels of allopreening show increased levels of fighting and reduced breeding success.
Alloparenting behaviour is frequently observed. Non-breeding and failed breeders show great interest in other chicks, and will attempt to brood or feed them. This activity is more common as the chicks get older and begin to explore their ledge. There has also been a record of a pair managing to raise two chicks. Adults that have lost chicks or eggs will sometimes bring fish to the nest site and try to feed their imaginary chick.
At time of extreme food stress, the social activity of the breeding ledge can break down.
On the Isle of May colony in 2007, food availability was low. Adults spent more of their time-budget foraging for their chicks and had to leave them unattended at times. Unattended chicks were attacked by breeding neighbour which often led to their deaths. Non-breeding and failed breeders continued to show alloparental care.
In areas such as Newfoundland, the birds, along with the related thick-billed murre, are referred to as 'turrs' or 'tuirs', and are consumed. The meat is dark and quite oily, due to the birds' diet of fish. Eggs have also been harvested.
Eggers from San Francisco took almost half a million eggs a year from the Farallon Islands in the mid-19th century to feed the growing city.
Population:
UK breeding:
950,000 pairs
It is well known that the lakes in the Upper Engadine freeze at an altitude around 1800 metres in winter, and I wanted to experience this for myself. I travelled there in mid-February in the most beautiful weather - and it was far too warm for the time of year! But the Lake Sils was frozen and I - like many others - hiked across it to the mouth of the Aua da Fedoz. There, however, the lake was open and formed gorgeous ice sculptures. I just had to make sure that the ice under my feet was stable enough, a cold bath would have been a bit unpleasant...
Es ist bekannt, dass die Seen im Oberengadin auf rund 1800 Meter im Winter gefrieren, und das wollte ich einmal selber erleben. Mitte Februar bin ich bei schönstem Wetter hingereist - und es war viel zu warm für die Jahreszeit! Doch der Silsersee war zugefroren und ich bin - wie viele andere auch - darüber gewandert bis zur Flussmündung der Aua da Fedoz. Dort war der See allerdings offen und bildete wunderschöne Eisskulpturen. Ich musste beim Fotografieren nur gut aufpassen, dass das Eis unter meinen Füssen stabil genug war, ein kaltes Bad wäre etwas unangenehm gewesen...
Known and loved by Australians and gift-shop-visiting tourists alike, Superb Fairywrens may be one of Australia’s most well-known birds. This charismatic species is as likely to be found in back gardens and botanical gardens as it is on vegetated roadsides throughout south-eastern Australia.
Known as the Black Bridge, it spans the Androscoggin River between the towns of Brunswick (on the left) and Topsham, Maine. The span shown is a railroad bridge. In 2014, a second level that was suspended from this metal span was removed for safety reasons. That lower level was used by motorized vehicles and made for an unusual design.