Known, photos on Flickr

Southern Screamer - Chauna torquata by Ray

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

Grey Squirrel - Sciurus carolinensis by Ray

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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.

Amasia by Amanda Collins Eade

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

Teasel by Jan ( off for a few days )

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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.

star drive by Marc McDermott

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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!

city for photo painters by holland fotograaf

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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.

Two friends: Normal blackbuck fawn and the albino by Jagadip Singh

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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.

Clematis..... by ian ijewsky

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Clematis is known as the queen of climbers. This carefree perennial has vining stems that will happily scramble up trellises, over arbors and through other plants to create a tapestry of summer color. The star-like flowers bloom in colors of white, pink, red, blue or purple.........

Kudu -LR9A1038 - B&W by krishna Murukutla

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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.

DSC4972 Peregrine Falcon.... by Jeff Lack Wildlife&Nature

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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

DSC6313 Kingfisher... by Jeff Lack Wildlife&Nature

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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

Nigella by GillK2012

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Nigella damascena, also known as love-in-a-mist, ragged lady and devil-in-a-bush, took this a few weeks ago, been dithering and fiddling..

Canon EOS 550D EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

ƒ/5.6 250.0 mm 1/2500 ISO 400

An Yellow Browed bulbul near a water source by Hari K Patibanda

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

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

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

Harris's Hawk - Parabuteo unicinctus by Ray

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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.

Lion fountain in Annecy by Oleg S

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

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

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

The Western Wall, also known as the "Wailing Wall" or the "Kotel," IMG_0343 by krishna Murukutla

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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.

A Shikra in the grasslands by Hari K Patibanda

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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.

'The house of the elder tree' (see description) by Peter Miles 

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

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

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

Further reading:-

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boscawen-Un

www.ancient-wisdom.com/englandboscawen.htm

Rudland Farm by ~ paddypix ~

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Otherwise known as ' Mud on Road Farm '

In the North York Moors

Peenemünde - Aggregat 4 Missile by Markus Bahlmann

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The "Aggregat 4" missile, better known as the V2 rocket (V2 = Vergeltungswaffe 2 = Vengeance Weapon 2) was the first long-range guided ballistic missile.

During testing in Peenemünde it was also the first vehicle reaching outer space by flying above the Kármán line (defined by the FAI at 100 km altitude) with the vertical test launch of MW 18014 on 20 June 1944 reaching an apogee of 176 km. Actual launch location was a tiny island named Greifswalder Oie.

This one here is actually just a replica standing in the Historisch-Technisches Museum Peenemünde (Historical Technical Museum Peenemünde).

Countess Elizabeth Bathory by Tralala Loordes

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

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

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Australasian Swamphen by Mike

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

Church of St. Peter ad Vincula by p.mathias

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

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

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

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

It's a busy place! by Marko Erman

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

Étretat by Marko Erman

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

"Early Morning Butter-Butt" by Gary Helm

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

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

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

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

Another one of my yard birds.

Polk County Florida.

European peacock by holland fotograaf

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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,

Striking Agapanthus buds unravelling in our garden by Viv.....

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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

Aeonium Arboretum Schwarzkopf by Peter Polder

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

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

A Shikra drinking water on a desolate country road by Hari K Patibanda

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

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

Thanks in advance for your views and feedback Much appreciated.

Modern architecture designed by Oscar Niemeyer. by Carlos Vieira

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The architectural complex known as the Popular Square in the center of Niterói, concentrates three buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer. They are home to the Oscar Niemeyer Foundation, the Roberto Silveira Memorial and the Popular Theater of Niterói.

O conjunto arquitetônico na Praça Popular de Niterói no Centro da cidade, onde se concentra três edificações do arquiteto Oscar Niemeyer, composto pela Fundação Oscar Niemeyer, Memorial Roberto Silveira e Teatro Popular de Niterói.

forest in the middle of a big city by Yuki (8-ballmabelleamie)

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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).

Jubilee Tower by High Noon

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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.

Limburg - St. Georg Dom 02 by Daniel Mennerich

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fast Delivery by Ronaldo Vieira de Carvalho

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

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

Another lifer by Neal Tollisen

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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!!!

Cute Phalaenopsis bud ready to unravel in our garden by Viv.....

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

Pretty Phalaenopsis at our garden by Viv.....

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

Gonepteryx rhamni (known as the common brimstone) - citronček by Bojan Žavcer

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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. Its wing span size is 60 - 74 mm.

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] 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 Syndics - by Rembrandt van Rijn Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam by krishna Murukutla

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

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

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

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

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

Whalley , Lancashire - June 2020 Explore # 297 by I.T.P.

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

DSC1334 Kingfisher.. by Jeff Lack Wildlife&Nature

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