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Sometimes known as the Crested Screamer and closely related to Geese. These birds have a monogamous relationship that can last a life time. When in courtship both birds will give out loud calls that are said to be heard up to two miles away hence the name Screamer. For the large size and their partly webbed feet these birds are surprisingly good swimmers. Can be found in Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina in grasslands and cultivated fields feeding on seeds, leafs, and occasionally small animals.
Also known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel, native to eastern North America where it is an essential natural forester. Less arboreal than then the Red Squirrel as the grey tends to feed extensively on the ground. Its not their fault that there over here in the UK that one lie's with the worlds most destructive and most dangerous animal on the planet called the human. This is one of the first wild mammals that children can get to see regally and so sometimes help encourage them to get into nature.
Brown Hare - Lepus europaeus
Norfolk
The brown hare is known for its long, black-tipped ears and fast running - it can reach speeds of 45mph when evading predators. It prefers a mosaic of farmland and woodland habitats and can often be spotted in fields.
Thought to have been introduced into the UK in Roman Times (or even earlier), the brown hare is now considered naturalised. It is most common in grassland habitats and at woodland edges, favouring a mosaic of arable fields, grasses and hedgerows. It grazes on vegetation and the bark of young trees and bushes. Brown hares do not dig burrows, but shelter in 'forms', which are shallow depressions in the ground or grass; when disturbed, they can be seen bounding across the fields, using their powerful hind legs to propel them forwards, often in a zigzag pattern. Brown hares are at their most visible in early spring when the breeding season encourages fighting or 'boxing'. Females can produce three to four litters of two to four young (known as leverets) a year.
Widespread, but absent from northern Scotland and the Scottish islands, except Islay, I'm reliably informed.
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.
The largest known wingspan from a wild female Verreaux's Eagle Owl measured nearly 164 cm (5 ft 5 in). Also commonly known as the Milky Eagle Owl, this species is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. A member of the genus Bubo, it is the largest African owl, measuring up to 66 cm in total length.
Verreaux's Eagle Owl is mainly grey in colour and is distinguishable from other large owls by its bright pink eyelids, a feature shared with no other owl species in the world.
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.
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.
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
The Pale di San Martino (also known as the "Pale Group") is the largest mountain group in the Dolomites, with a surface area of about 240 km², located between eastern Trentino and Veneto (province of Belluno), in the area between Primiero (valleys of Cismon, Canali, Val Travignolo), Valle del Biois (Falcade, Canale d'Agordo) and Agordino.
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.
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.
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," 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.
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
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:-
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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CHARLINE HAT (not shown)
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GLOOM YAKA EYES
Shot near Central Park.These are the actual colors on the structure.I just enhanced them a little.I don't exactly know which street I took this shot,but between 59th and 79th streets there are many old mansions that once were owned by some of NYC elite from the 19th century.Some of them have been converted into embassies and museums.Most of the museums are strewn along 5th Avenue between 82nd and 104th streets in what is known as Museum Mile.
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.
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)
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.
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
Known throughout the world, Étretat is undoubtedly the pride of the Normandy coastline. With its narrow streets, its seafront, its small shops and its sunset on the incredible cliffs, Étretat proves to be a romantic little town.
Known affectionately as Butter-Butts, Yellow-rumped warblers, (Setophaga coronata), migrate south in the winter. These flocks of Florida snowbirds can be found in mangroves, scrub, forests, or your yard.
Their winter diet consists of fruit from shrubs such as wax myrtle, juniper berries, poison ivy, and poison oak as well as many seeds including those from goldenrod and beach grasses.
The yellow-rumped warbler ranges over most of North and Central America, breeding in the summer throughout most of the Rocky Mountains and along the far northern reaches of the continent. Come fall, it migrates in huge numbers, flying south to Florida and warm spots beyond. Not all yellow-rumps make the trip, however. Their ability to eat and digest certain wax-covered fruit allows them to spend the winter as far north as New England or even into Canada.
There are two distinct forms of the yellow-rumped warbler, the wax myrtle, predominant in the east, and Audubon's, which tends to hang in the Rockies and is rarely seen in the east. Myrtles, however, will winter along the Pacific Coast. They've also been known to roam as far as Alaska, Siberia and Europe.
Another one of my yard birds.
Polk County Florida.
Conwy, traditionally known in English as Conway, is a walled market town and community in Conwy County Borough on the north coast of Wales. The town, which faces Deganwy across the River Conwy, formerly lay in Gwynedd and prior to that in Caernarfonshire. In the 2015 census "The size of the resident population in Conwy County Borough on the 30th June 2015 was estimated to be 116,200 people." The town itself has a population of 4,065.
The name 'Conwy' derives from the old Welsh words 'cyn' (chief) and 'gwy' (water), the river being originally called the ‘Cynwy'.
Text Ref: Wikipedia
Known better to me as a green plant in black and white.
P.S I found this plant in a gutter while walking my dog. I am a compassionate person so I took it home and stuck it in a pot. Its a rescue plant and loves me very much. True story
Also known as the Little Banded Goshawk, this is a ferocious raptor that attacks birds in their nests deep inside canopy. The birds are patient and will wait for the right moment to strike. Often they attack the chicks in the nests, or even the parents. The birds are common in the countryside and seen a lot, but hard to get a decent shot.
Shot this on a remote countryside road in the neighbouring state where we went to see the Green Avadavats. The Shikra was drinking water collected on the road from the previous night's rain. The bird must have been busy during the daytime raiding nests since it is nesting season and also it is Shikra's nesting time as well.
Thanks in advance for your views and feedback Much appreciated.
Congéia (Congea Tomentosa) is a woody, branched vine, known worldwide for its decorative flowering.
Native from Asia, particularly Burma, India, Malaysia, Thailand.
At the end of Winter and early Spring the Congéia blooms, showing numerous white flowers, small and discreet, but each surrounded by three helix-shaped bracts, very showy and durable, which change color gradually, from pink to purple and subsequently to gray, over several weeks. Flowering is so dense and abundant that you can hardly see the foliage.
As a vine tropical, enjoys the heat and does not tolerate frost or snowfall. In temperate countries it must be protected in greenhouses during winter.
From:
(www.jardineiro.net/plantas/congeia-congea-tomentosa.html)
I love to take pictures of this vine, because even when the little flowers fade the bracts remain with the beautiful pink color and velvety texture, wich enchants me so much.
I never saw the grey color mentioned in the information above and can't give my opinion of the end of blooming. I bet it doesn't be ugly... but my opinion doesn't count because you know that I love flowers, a lot!
In the first photo you can see few little flowers still alive, in the second they already fade.
Double exposure
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.
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 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).
Limburg Cathedral (Limburger Dom, also known as Georgsdom ("George's Cathedral") after its dedication to Saint George, is located above the old town of Limburg in Hesse, Germany. It is the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Limburg. Its high location on a rock above the river Lahn provides its visibility from far away. It is the result of an Early Gothic modernization of an originally Early Romanesque building and therefore shows a Romanesque-Gothic transitional style.
The medieval patron saints of the church were Saint George and Saint Nicholas.
The cathedral is a three-aisled basilica, which combines late Romanesque and early Gothic elements. It has a narthex at the western end and a semi-circular choir with an ambulatory. The outside measures 54.5 m long, with a width of 35.4 m. The building has a complicated structure; seven spires rise from it. The number seven is a symbolic reference to the number of the sacraments. The tallest of these towers are on the western side and rise to a height of 37 m. They form the distinctive "twin-tower façade [de]" of the west front. Such twin-tower façades are common in the Rheinland, for example at Xanten, Andernach [de] and Koblenz. The pointed crossing spire stands above all the other spires with a height of 66 m at the centre of the building. This height is the result of a lightning strike in 1774, before which the tower was 6.5 metres higher. The corner towers on the southern transept were erected in 1863.
The west front is divided into five levels. The most eye-catching stylistic element is a huge round window, surrounded by eight small rosettes, which forms a clear centre of the west front. The rosette symbolises the four Evangelists. Despite the symmetry of the twin towers, there is rich variation in forms and building elements, e.g. round and pointed arches, pilaster strips, small pillars, archivolts, windows and blind arches. The upper level of the north tower includes Gothic elements (e.g. window tracery).
During restorations between 1872 and 1873, the polychrome exterior painting of the cathedral was removed (the colours were, previously, white, red, yellow-brown, black and a little green) and the stone was left bare. Between 1968 and 1972, the polychrome exterior was restored, using remains of the colour from the period before 1872 in order to reconstruct the old patterns.
The Limburg cathedral was shown on the back of the 1000-DM-Banknote of the third series. The notes with the Limburg motif were issued from the end of July 1964 and replaced from 1992 by the 1000-DM-Banknote of the fourth (and last) series.
Known as "cargueiros" (freighters), these troops of mules deliver the purchases to residents of isolated regions such as the "Vale do Pati".
"Chapada Diamantina" National Park, Guiné, Bahia, Brazil.
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!!!
Fado is currently a world wide known symbol of Portugal, being represented for many years in foreign countries by Amália Rodrigues, and more recently by Dulce Pontes, Mariza and Katia Guerreiro, among others. Throughout the world, to the name of Portugal, there were two things immediately referred: the Fado and soccer. Although taking many forms, as it is sung differently in Porto, Coimbra and Lisbon, the Fado is, by self-earned right, the very expression of the Portuguese soul.
ich.unesco.org/en/RL/fado-urban-popular-song-of-portugal-...
Amália Rodrigues known as the 'Rainha do Fado' ("Queen of Fado") was instrumental in popularising fado worldwide and travelled internationally throughout her career. Amália remains the best-selling Portuguese artist in history.
www.imdb.com/name/nm0735052/bio
The Portuguese guitar or Portuguese guitarra (Portuguese: guitarra portuguesa) is a plucked string instrument with twelve steel strings, strung in six courses of two strings. It is one of the few musical instruments that still uses watch-key or Preston tuners. It is iconically associated with the musical genre known as Fado, and is now an icon for anything Portuguese.
The drinks in the back ground:
Beer lovers who come to Portugal are often disappointed by the range of Portuguese beers that are on offer. Essentially, there are just two: Super Bock and Sagres. Although they do taste different, enough that most people form a preference for one or the other, they’re both the same style of beer: a light-bodied pale lager.
Ginginha: If you are planning to visit Lisbon, Portugal, you will certainly run into a hole-in-the-wall shop selling shots of “ginginja, ” also known as ginginha or ginja, is a sour cherry liquor native to Portugal, particularly central Portugal around Lisbon and the town of Óbidos. Ginginja is 100% Portuguese and you will not find ginginja anywhere else!
Licor Beirão, is a Portuguese liqueur from the Beira region of Portugal. Originating in the 19th century, it’s a herbal liqueur flavoured with multiple botanicals, herbs and spices. It’s pretty popular in Portugal where it can be drank neat, in cocktails, in your coffee, and even in recipes for desserts and sweets. The exact recipe is still a family secret, but it’s known to include eucalyptus, cinnamon, rosemary, lavender, aniseed and mint.
Commonly known as moth orchids, is a genus of about seventy species of orchids in the family orchid. Orchids in this genus are monopodial epiphytes or lithophytes with long, coarse roots, short, leafy stems and long-lasting, flat flowers arranged in a flowering stem that often branches near the end. Orchids in this genus are native to India, China, Southeast Asia, New Guinea and Australia with the majority in Indonesia and the Philippines. A few to many, small to large, long-lasting, flat, often fragrant flowers are arranged on erect to hanging racemes or panicles. The sepals and petals are free from and spread widely apart from each other. The lateral sepals are usually larger than the dorsal sepal and the petals much wider than the sepals. The labellum is joined stiffly to the column and has three lobes. The side lobes are erect and more or less parallel to each other and the middle lobe sometimes has a pair of appendages or antennae. 54107
Commonly known as moth orchids, is a genus of about seventy species of orchids in the family orchid. Orchids in this genus are monopodial epiphytes or lithophytes with long, coarse roots, short, leafy stems and long-lasting, flat flowers arranged in a flowering stem that often branches near the end. Orchids in this genus are native to India, China, Southeast Asia, New Guinea and Australia with the majority in Indonesia and the Philippines. A few to many, small to large, long-lasting, flat, often fragrant flowers are arranged on erect to hanging racemes or panicles. The sepals and petals are free from and spread widely apart from each other. The lateral sepals are usually larger than the dorsal sepal and the petals much wider than the sepals. The labellum is joined stiffly to the column and has three lobes. The side lobes are erect and more or less parallel to each other and the middle lobe sometimes has a pair of appendages or antennae. 21908
"The Syndics," also known as "The Sampling Officials," is a renowned painting created by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn in 1662. It is an exceptional example of group portraiture from the Dutch Golden Age, depicting five men gathered around a table, engaged in their duties as syndics (officers) of the Amsterdam Drapers' Guild.
The painting is notable for its meticulous attention to detail and Rembrandt's skillful use of light and shadow. The figures are positioned in a semi-circle around the table, with their faces illuminated by a strong light source from the left. This dramatic lighting technique creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's attention to the individual expressions and gestures of the syndics.
Each syndic is portrayed with distinctive characteristics, capturing their roles and personalities within the guild. Rembrandt expertly renders their varied facial features, clothing, and accessories, demonstrating his mastery in capturing human likeness and conveying individuality. The syndics are shown examining fabric samples, which symbolize their responsibility for regulating quality and standards within the textile industry.
"The Syndics" is regarded as one of Rembrandt's most celebrated works and is highly regarded for its technical brilliance and psychological depth. The painting exemplifies his ability to infuse ordinary subjects with dignity and introspection, elevating them beyond mere representation. It also reflects the artist's deep understanding of human nature, emphasizing the individuality and humanity of each syndic.
Today, "The Syndics" is housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it continues to captivate visitors with its remarkable craftsmanship and profound insight into the human condition. It stands as a testament to Rembrandt's enduring legacy as one of the greatest painters in Western art history.
Known locally as "Whalley Arches", Whalley Viaduct is a 48-span railway bridge crossing the River Calder. It is a listed structure . It was built between 1846 and 1850 under the engineering supervision of Terrence Wolfe Flanagan and formed part of the Bolton, Blackburn, Clitheroe and West Yorkshire Railway.
Kingfisher - Alcedo Atthis
Double click..
The common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) also known as the Eurasian kingfisher, and river kingfisher, is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies recognized within its wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but migrates from areas where rivers freeze in winter.
This sparrow-sized bird has the typical short-tailed, large-headed kingfisher profile; it has blue upperparts, orange underparts and a long bill. It feeds mainly on fish, caught by diving, and has special visual adaptations to enable it to see prey under water. The glossy white eggs are laid in a nest at the end of a burrow in a riverbank.
The female is identical in appearance to the male except that her lower mandible is orange-red with a black tip. The juvenile is similar to the adult, but with duller and greener upperparts and paler underparts. Its bill is black, and the legs are also initially black. Feathers are moulted gradually between July and November with the main flight feathers taking 90–100 days to moult and regrow. Some that moult late may suspend their moult during cold winter weather.
The flight of the kingfisher is fast, direct and usually low over water. The short rounded wings whirr rapidly, and a bird flying away shows an electric-blue "flash" down its back.
The common kingfisher is widely distributed over Europe, Asia, and North Africa, mainly south of 60°N. It is a common breeding species over much of its vast Eurasian range, but in North Africa it is mainly a winter visitor, although it is a scarce breeding resident in coastal Morocco and Tunisia. In temperate regions, this kingfisher inhabits clear, slow-flowing streams and rivers, and lakes with well-vegetated banks. It frequents scrubs and bushes with overhanging branches close to shallow open water in which it hunts. In winter it is more coastal, often feeding in estuaries or harbours and along rocky seashores. Tropical populations are found by slow-flowing rivers, in mangrove creeks and in swamps.
Like all kingfishers, the common kingfisher is highly territorial; since it must eat around 60% of its body weight each day, it is essential to have control of a suitable stretch of river. It is solitary for most of the year, roosting alone in heavy cover. If another kingfisher enters its territory, both birds display from perches, and fights may occur, in which a bird will grab the other's beak and try to hold it under water. Pairs form in the autumn but each bird retains a separate territory, generally at least 1 km (0.62 mi) long, but up to 3.5 km (2.2 mi) and territories are not merged until the spring.
Very few birds live longer than one breeding season. The oldest bird on record was 21 years.
They are also listed as a Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act offering them additional protection.
Population:
UK breeding:
3,800-6,400 pairs
Commonly known as moth orchids, is a genus of about seventy species of orchids in the family orchid. Orchids in this genus are monopodial epiphytes or lithophytes with long, coarse roots, short, leafy stems and long-lasting, flat flowers arranged in a flowering stem that often branches near the end. Orchids in this genus are native to India, China, Southeast Asia, New Guinea and Australia with the majority in Indonesia and the Philippines. A few to many, small to large, long-lasting, flat, often fragrant flowers are arranged on erect to hanging racemes or panicles. The sepals and petals are free from and spread widely apart from each other. The lateral sepals are usually larger than the dorsal sepal and the petals much wider than the sepals. The labellum is joined stiffly to the column and has three lobes. The side lobes are erect and more or less parallel to each other and the middle lobe sometimes has a pair of appendages or antennae. R_250
Known throughout the world, Étretat is undoubtedly the pride of the Normandy coastline. With its narrow streets, its seafront, its small shops and its sunset on the incredible cliffs, Étretat proves to be a romantic little town.
Known as 'the nursery,' the volcano of Rano Raraku, about 18km from Hanga Roa, is the quarry for the hard tuff from which the moai were cut. You'll feel as though you're stepping back into early Polynesian times, wandering among dozens of moai in all stages of progress studded on the southern slopes of the volcano. At the top, the 360-degree view is truly awesome. Within the crater are a small, glistening lake and about 20 standing moai.
On the southeastern slope of the mountain, look for the unique, kneeling Moai Tukuturi; it has a full body squatting on its heels, with its forearms and hands resting on its thighs.
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. 66054
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)
Also known as Trwyn Du Lighthouse stands at 29m tall in the eastern extremity of Anglesey North Wales, The Lighthouse has a stepped-base designed to discourage the huge upsurge of waves that had afflicted earlier lighthouses on the site and reduce the force of the water at the bottom of the tower.
When we arrived the tide was out leaving lots of green moss and extremely slippy rocks. I was walking for no more than about 1 minute before i flipped up and landing flat on my back thankfully nothing more than a few bruises and a cut on the arm as i left the camera gear in the car to have a look around first.
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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