"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Population:

UK breeding:

3,800-6,400 pairs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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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...

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. 31410

I was bemoaning the fact that I've never been in the right place at the right time to photograph this train. Then, there it was, racing to Sheringham. It's the North Norfolk Railway, known as the Poppy Line. Straight from the camera

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

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

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. 43714

Also known as Gray Plovers, they are the largest of the North American plovers. They can be found on six different continents during the winter season, but breed only on the Arctic tundra.

Magnolia champaca, known in English as champak, is a large evergreen tree in the family Magnoliaceae. It is known for its fragrant flowers, and its timber used in woodworking. The tree is native to the Indomalaya ecozone, consisting of South Asia, Southeast Asia−Indochina, and southern China. In its native range Magnolia champaca grows to 50 metres or taller. Its trunk can be up to 1.9 metres in diameter. The tree has a narrow umbelliform crown. It has strongly fragrant flowers in varying shades of cream to yellow-orange which bloom during June to September. 7413

The succulent plant popularly known as aranto, mother of a thousand or mother of thousands is perhaps the easiest to grow, as well as the fastest propagating plant. The Kalanchoe daigremontiana lives up to its nickname, producing thousands of seedlings at the speed of light.

The genus Kalanchoe, belonging to the Crassulaceae family, originates from tropical regions of the African continent, being quite common on the island of Madagascar.

The aranto or mother of thousands, in turn, belongs to the Kalanchoe daigremontiana species. It is a very common succulent plant in collections, due to its resistance and ease of cultivation. However, as it multiplies very quickly, it can become a problem, thanks to this invasive profile. Over time, it can be difficult to control its propagation in pots, flower beds and gardens. As its name implies, aranto has the ability to generate new shoots along all the edges of its leaves. These seedlings stand out very easily, generating new individuals when they fall to the ground.

Despite this inconvenience, the ornamental and curious effect of the leaves embroidered by countless sprouts is undeniable. Very often, they start to take root, still attached to the mother plant. In this same genus of Aranto, there is still another species, Kalanchoe delagoensis, which also has this characteristic of producing buds on the edges of the leaves. She is also known as the mother of a thousand or the mother of thousands. However, its leaves are much narrower and longer, it is a different species from the aranto in appearance. It is called on the outside the chandelier plant, or chandelier plant.

Plants grow up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) tall and have opposite and whorled, fleshy oblong-lanceolate leaves which grow up to 20 cm (8 in) long and 32 mm (1+1⁄4 in) wide. They are green above and blotched with purple underneath. Leaf margins have spoon-shaped bulbiliferous spurs which bear plantlets which may form roots while still attached to leaves.

All parts of this species contain a very toxic steroid known as daigremontianin.

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.

Alpinia zerumbet, commonly known as shell ginger, is a perennial species of ginger native to East Asia. They can grow up to 2.4 to 3.0 m tall and bear colorful funnel-shaped flowers. They are grown as ornamentals and their leaves are used in cuisine and traditional medicine. They are also sometimes known as the pink porcelain lily, variegated ginger or butterfly ginger. Native to eastern Asia, this plant is a rhizomatous, evergreen tropical perennial that grows in upright clumps 2.4 to 3.0 m tall in tropical climates. It bears funnel-formed flowers. Flowers have white or pink perianths with yellow labella with red spots and stripes. There are three stamens, but only one has pollen. There is one pistil. The fruit is globose with many striations. In more typical conditions, it reaches 1.2 to 2.4 m tall in the green house, and 0.91 to 1.22 m tall, as a house plant. 23088

Nemateleotris magnifica, known by a variety of common names including fire goby, magnificent fire fish, fire dartfish, or red fire goby is a species of dartfish native to the Indian and Pacific oceans from the eastern coast of Africa to the Hawaiian Islands and from the Austral Islands north to the Ryukyu Islands. It is an inhabitant of coral reefs where it can be found at depths of from 6 to 70 metres (20 to 230 ft). It is usually found just above the bottom, facing into the current, where it awaits its prey of small invertebrates.

They usually have a bright yellow head, merging into a white body, gradually shading into a red-orange tail. Their dorsal fins are very long, and the fish flicks it back and forth. This is used as a signal to other members of its group. As a full grown adult, it reaches a maximum length of 9 centimetres (3.5 in). Adults occupy sandy burrows alone or in pairs, while the juveniles live in small groups. These fish are monogamous. They will retreat to burrows if threatened. (Wikipedia) Mabini, South Luzon, Philippines.

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_2578

Otherwise known as bramble, blackberry, European blackberry, black heg, wild blackberry and bramble berry.

UK folklore dictates that blackberries should not be picked after Old Michaelmas Day in October, as the Devil has sullied them. Brambles used to be planted on graves to stop sheep grazing, but might also have had the more superstitious purpose of keeping the dead in.

The Woodland Trust - www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/...

DF, Brazil.

The species is known locally as "maria-cavaleira-de-rabo-enferrujado".

The genus Myiarchus has 22 species of birds in the family Tyrannidae. Most of them are very similar looking and are dificult to identify when their ranges overlap. In this case it's much easier to separate by voice than plumage.

Birds in the genus are fairly large compared to others tyrant-flycatchers, at 16–23 cm (6.3–9 in) long. They are essentially partially crested with a brown to gray back and head, a rufous to blackish tail and yellow to pale belly.

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Passeriformes

Suborder: Tyranni

Family: Tyrannidae

Subfamily: Tyranninae

Genus: Myiarchus Cabanis, 1844

Species: M. ferox (Gmelin, 1789)

Binomial name: Myiarchus ferox

Known as this as it resembles a Mexican sombrero. Drought tolerant and they love it in full sun. Attractive to bees and butterflies. We have plenty so enough for all to enjoy.

(Also known as prairie cone flower)

Autumn, also known as Fall in American English and Canadian English, is one of the four temperate seasons. Outside the tropics, autumn marks the transition from summer to winter, in September (Northern Hemisphere) or March (Southern Hemisphere). Autumn is the season when the duration of daylight becomes noticeably shorter and the temperature cools considerably. Day length decreases and night length increases as the season progresses until the Winter Solstice in December (Northern Hemisphere) and June (Southern Hemisphere). One of its main features in temperate climates is the striking change in colour for the leaves of deciduous trees as they prepare to shed.

Thank you for visits, comments and favs!

Vielen Dank für Eure Besuche, Kommentare und Sternchen!

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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. 4533

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. There are usually between three and twelve leaves arranged in two ranks on each pseudobulb or shoot and lasting for several years. From one to a large number of flowers are arranged on an unbranched flowering stem arising from the base of the pseudobulb. The sepals and petals are all free from and similar to each other. The labellum is significantly different from the other petals and the sepals and has three lobes. There are about fifty-five species and sixteen further natural hybrids occurring in the wild from tropical and subtropical Asia to Australia. Cymbidiums are well known in horticulture and many cultivars have been developed. Plants in the genus Cymbidium are epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial plants, or rarely leafless saprophytes. All are sympodial evergreen herbs. Some species have thin stems but in most species the stems are modified as pseudobulbs. When present, there are from three to twelve leaves arrange in two ranks and last for several years. The leaf bases remain after the leaf has withered, forming a sheath around the pseudobulb. The flowers are arranged on an unbranched flowering stem which arises from the base of the pseudobulb or rarely from a leaf axil. 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. 3949

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.

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. 16395

Dún Aonghasa (Unofficial anglicised version Dun Aengus) is the best-known of several prehistoric hill forts on the Aran Islands of County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It lies on Inis Mór, at the edge of a 100-metre-high (330 ft) cliff.

A popular tourist attraction, Dún Aonghasa is an important archaeological site.

History

It is not known exactly when Dún Aonghasa was built, though it is now thought that most of the structures date from the Bronze Age and Iron Age. T. F. O'Rahilly surmised in what is known as O'Rahilly's historical model that it was built in the 2nd century BC by the Builg following the Laginian conquest of Connacht.Excavations at the site indicate that the first construction goes back to 1100 BC, when rubble was piled against large upright stones to form the first enclosure. Around 500 BC, the triple wall defenses were probably constructed along the fort's western side.

The 19th-century artist George Petrie called "Dún Aonghasa" "the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe". Its name, meaning "Fort of Aonghas", may refer to the pre-Christian god of the same name described in Irish mythology, or the mythical king, Aonghus mac Úmhór. It has thus traditionally been associated with the Fir Bolg.

Form and function

The fort consists of a series of four concentric walls of dry stone construction, built on a high cliff some one hundred metres above the sea. At the time of its construction sea levels were considerably lower and a recent Radio Telefis Eireann documentary estimates that originally it was 1000 metres from the sea. Surviving stonework is four metres wide at some points. The original shape was presumably oval or D-shaped but parts of the cliff and fort have since collapsed into the sea. Outside the third ring of walls lies a defensive system of stone slabs, known as a cheval de frise, planted in an upright position in the ground and still largely well-preserved. These ruins also feature a huge rectangular stone slab, the function of which is unknown. Impressively large among prehistoric ruins, the outermost wall of Dún Aonghasa encloses an area of approximately 6 hectares (14 acres).

Today

The walls of Dún Aonghasa have been rebuilt to a height of 6m and have wall walks, chambers, and flights of stairs. The restoration is easily distinguished from the original construction by the use of mortar.[citation needed]

There is a small museum illustrating the history of the fort and its possible functions. Also in the vicinity is a Neolithic tomb and a small heritage park featuring examples of a traditional thatched cottage and an illegal poteen distillery.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%BAn_Aonghasa

The City and Borough of Juneau, more commonly known simply as Juneau (/ˈdʒuːnoʊ/ JOO-noh; Tlingit: Dzánti K'ihéeni [ˈtsʌ́ntʰɪ̀ kʼɪ̀ˈhíːnɪ̀]), is the capital city of the state of Alaska. Located in the Gastineau Channel and the Alaskan panhandle, it is a unified municipality and the second-largest city in the United States by area. Juneau was named the capital of Alaska in 1906, when the government of what was then the District of Alaska was moved from Sitka as dictated by the U.S. Congress in 1900. The municipality unified on July 1, 1970, when the city of Juneau merged with the city of Douglas and the surrounding Greater Juneau Borough to form the current municipality, which is larger by area than both Rhode Island and Delaware.

Downtown Juneau (58°18′00″N 134°24′58″W) is nestled at the base of Mount Juneau and across the channel from Douglas Island. As of the 2020 census, the City and Borough had a population of 32,255,[2] making it the third-most populous city in Alaska after Anchorage and Fairbanks. Juneau experiences a daily influx of roughly 6,000 people from visiting cruise ships between the months of May and September.[citation needed]

The city is named after a gold prospector from Quebec, Joe Juneau, though the place was once called Rockwell and then Harrisburg (after Juneau's co-prospector, Richard Harris). The Tlingit name of the town is Dzántik'i Héeni ("Base of the Flounder's River," dzánti 'flounder,' –kʼi 'base,' héen 'river'), and Auke Bay just north of Juneau proper is called Áak'w ("Little lake," áa 'lake,' -kʼ 'diminutive') in Tlingit. The Taku River, just south of Juneau, was named after the cold t'aakh wind, which occasionally blows down from the mountains.

Juneau is unique among the 49 U.S. capitals on mainland North America in that there are no roads connecting the city to the rest of the state or North America. Honolulu, Hawaii, is the only other state capital not connected by road to the rest of North America. The absence of a road network is due to the extremely rugged terrain surrounding the city. This in turn makes Juneau a de facto island city in terms of transportation, since all goods coming in and out must go by plane or boat, in spite of the city's location on the Alaskan mainland. Downtown Juneau sits at sea level, with tides averaging 16 feet (5 m), below steep mountains about 3,500 to 4,000 feet (1,100 to 1,200 m) high. Atop these mountains is the Juneau Icefield, a large ice mass from which about 30 glaciers flow; two of these, the Mendenhall Glacier and the Lemon Creek Glacier, are visible from the local road system. The Mendenhall glacier has been gradually retreating; its front face is declining in width and height.

The Alaska State Capitol in downtown Juneau was built as the Federal and Territorial Building in 1931. Prior to statehood, it housed federal government offices, the federal courthouse and a post office. It also housed the territorial legislature and many other territorial offices, including that of the governor. Today, Juneau remains the home of the state legislature and the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor. Some other executive branch offices have moved elsewhere in the state. WIKIPEDIA

I heard it before I saw it. This mint looking, classic 1967 Chevelle SS rumbled the streets of Juneau Alaska.

The front plate's bragging rights: 'SS 454'

The rear customized Alaskan plate read 'WAYBAK'

One sweet ride !!!

Artistic impression

Thank-you for all the overwhelming support and many friendships.

Stay Healthy

~Christie

*Best experienced in full screen

Also known as Rüppell's Griffon Vulture, this species was given an IUCN status of critically endangered in 2015. Only eight years prior, in 2007, its IUCN status was "near threatened", and it was subsequently degraded down through "vulnerable" and "endangered" to its current status. The BirdLife International Fact Sheet for this species estimates that there are only 22,000 individuals left in the world. The biggests threats are poisoning (a technique used to kill predators of livestock, this species and other carrion feeders are also impacted), medicinal purposes, and habitat loss. This species is also considered the highest flying bird in the world. There is documented collision with a commercial airliner at 37,000 feet (the bird was sucked into the engine, killing the bird; the engine was shut down and the plane landed safely).

Books I have known in my travels

A week or two back, going up into the loft I found a box of books and these two being among them. Purchased at a time when we used to buy and sell second-hand books these had remained unsold and tucked away.

I’m not sure how many of these stars remain with us but it is possible. I’m 77 so it’s possible for them to be 84-85. I wish them good health.

The books themselves are full of great portraits in colour and sepia.

I will also be missing for a few days but will, as usual, hopefully catch up on my return.

Best wishes and stay safe. Patrick

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. 52703

Siq al-Barid, also known as "Little Petra", is an archaeological site located north of Petra and the town of Wadi Musa in the Ma'an Governorate of Jordan.

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Flickr Hive Mind / Fluidr / Flickeflu / Rvision

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_5291

Sint Nicholaskerk is the most seen and at the same time overlooked church in Amsterdam as well as being one its most recent constructions, no one can miss this iconic structure upon arrival to the city walking from Centraal Station your eye is immediately drawn to it at 58 m in height it towers over the city skyline.

This Roman Catholic Church was designed by Architect Adrianus Bleijs and is a nod to the past combining elements of neo-Baroque and neo-Renaissance styles, completed in 1887 it was made a minor Basilica in 2012.

The church is dedicated to the 4th century charitable patron saint of children that became our Santa Claus as well as the patron saint of sailors and prostitutes, another winning combination.

In the Netherlands Santa Claus is known as Sinterklaas and a feast has been celebrated for over 700 years in his name and adopted in the early part of 20th century the tradition of leaving small gifts in children’s shoes was practiced on Dec 6th which has evolved now to become a Dec 5th evening tradition of gathering of family and friends to exchange gifts and laughter.

While Dutch Sinterklaas celebrations are mainly for the children its adult component is an annual grievance poem written to the recipient that must rhyme and be read out loud by the subject at the evening party all in good fun but beware you may get as good as you give.

I took this on Sept 10th, 2017 with my D750 and Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens at 58mm 15 sec f/16 ISO100 processed in LR, PS +Lumenzia, Topaz , Luminar and DXO

Disclaimer: My style is a study of romantic realism as well as a work in progress

Commonly known as La Compañia, this Catholic church is one of the most important places of interest in Quito. It is even said to be one of the 7 wonders of Ecuador. Located in the historical centre of the country's capital, it is the most visited place for travellers. It was once part of a university called Santa Gregorio, which was the Ecuadorian Jesuit headquarters during the Spanish colonial empire.

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. 31912

The bald eagle known as Duchess seems to be smiling at me near her nest in Pasco County, Florida, USA. How lucky am I?

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Thanks for visiting and for your faves and comments.

If you'd like to see more of my images, go to schockenphotography.com. I have many more images of eagles and other raptors as well as owls, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, songbirds and mammals and I have a full section on birds in flight which is my specialty.

Nepenthes (/nɪˈpɛnθiːz/) is a genus of carnivorous plants, also known as tropical pitcher plants, or monkey cups, in the monotypic family Nepenthaceae. The genus comprises about 170 species,and numerous natural and many cultivated hybrids. They are mostly liana-forming plants of the Old World tropics, ranging from South China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines; westward to Madagascar (two species) and the Seychelles (one); southward to Australia (three) and New Caledonia (one); and northward to India (one) and Sri Lanka (one). The greatest diversity occurs on Borneo, Sumatra, and the Philippines, with many endemic species. Many are plants of hot, humid, lowland areas, but the majority are tropical montane plants, receiving warm days but cool to cold, humid nights year round. A few are considered tropical alpine, with cool days and nights near freezing. The name "monkey cups" refers to the fact that monkeys have been observed drinking rainwater from these plants.

The genus name Nepenthes was first published in 1737 in Carl Linnaeus's Hortus Cliffortianus.It references a passage in Homer's Odyssey, in which the potion "Nepenthes pharmakon" is given to Helen by an Egyptian queen. "Nepenthe" literally means "without grief" (ne = not, penthos = grief) and, in Greek mythology, is a drug that quells all sorrows with forgetfulness. Linnaeus explained:

If this is not Helen's Nepenthes, it certainly will be for all botanists. What botanist would not be filled with admiration if, after a long journey, he should find this wonderful plant. In his astonishment past ills would be forgotten when beholding this admirable work of the Creator!

Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric (pronounced /ˈ or fly Amanita (pronounced , is a poisonous and psychoactive basidiomycete fungus, one of many in the genus Amanita. Native throughout the temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, Amanita muscaria has been unintentionally introduced to many countries in the Southern Hemisphere, generally as a symbiont with pine plantations, and is now a true cosmopolitan species. It associates with various deciduous and coniferous trees. The quintessential toadstool, it is a large white-gilled, white-spotted, usually deep red mushroom, one of the most recognizable and widely encountered in popular culture. Several subspecies, with differing cap colour have been recognised to date, including the brown regalis (considered a separate species), the yellow-orange flavivolata, guessowii, and formosa, and the pinkish persicina. Genetic studies published in 2006 and 2008 show several sharply delineated clades which may represent separate species.

Although generally considered poisonous, deaths are extremely rare, and it has been consumed as a food in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America after parboiling in water. Amanita muscaria is now primarily famed for its hallucinogenic properties, with its main psychoactive constituent being the compound muscimol. It was used as an intoxicant and entheogen by the peoples of Siberia and has a religious significance in these cultures. There has been much speculation on traditional use of this mushroom as an intoxicant in places other than Siberia; however, such traditions are far less well-documented.

Echinopsis pachanoi (syn. Trichocereus pachanoi) — known as San Pedro cactus — is a fast-growing columnar cactus native to the Andes Mountains at 2,000–3,000 m (6,600–9,800 ft) in altitude.[2][3] It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru,[4][5] and it is cultivated in other parts of the world. Uses for it include traditional medicine and traditional veterinary medicine, and it is widely grown as an ornamental cactus. It has been used for healing and religious divination in the Andes Mountains region for over 3,000 years.

See my "About" page on Flickr for the link to support my efforts... just the price of a cup of coffee is appreciated. Thank you. www.flickr.com/people/jax_chile/

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Flores de cactus de Santa Gemita - 010322 - Enhanced

Henkenshage Castle, locally known as Kasteel Henkenshage, lies in the village of Sint-Oedenrode, in the North Brabant province in the Netherlands.

Henkenshage may look like a medieval castle but it is not. Although it was built during the 14th century under the name Hanekenshage it was just a simple building. During the 15th century it was also known under the name Strijpe or Streepen.

In 1748 Henkenshage Castle was sold to Willem, Baron of Haren. In 1801 it was fitted as a convent for Augustinian nuns.

Around 1850 the castle was bought by Pieter J. de Girard de Mielet van Coehoorn. At that time the castle was still a simple manor with no stories. He had the castle rebuilt by the famous Dutch architect PJH. Cuypers, who also rebuilt De Haar Castle and built the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Cuypers built the two towers, added a story, replaced the main entrance to the house from the south to the north side and built the gate building.

In 1940 Henkenshage came into possession of the local government. During WWII it was used as a distribution office and during the liberation in 1944 it was the headquarters of the 101st Airborne Division.

At present the castle is used by a catering company and can not be visited. So, although Henkenshage Castle is not a real medieval castle, I think it has a lot of atmosphere.

Some little known facts about jelly fish:

1. The largest recorded jellyfish had tentacles over 120ft long!

The largest jellyfish known to man is the Lions Mane jellyfish. It has an average bell diameter of around 50cm but the largest specimens can be as big as 6ft in diameter with tentacles 100ft or more in length! The largest Lions Mane jellyfish recorded was found in Massachusetts. It had a bell diameter of 2.3m and its tentacles were 37m (121.4ft) long!

2. Jellyfish have no brain!

They also have no heart, bones or blood and are around 95% water! So how do they function without a brain or central nervous system? They have a basic set of nerves at the base of their tentacles which can detect touch, temperature, salinity etc. Since they don’t have a brain, they depend on automatic reflexes in response to these stimuli! Catching prey is also a matter of chance. They don’t actively hunt down their food; they just wait for prey to come in contact with their tentacles.

3. There are around 2000 known species of jellyfish!

There are more than 2000 different types of jellyfish, with many more still waiting to be discovered. Only approximately 70 of these species have stings strong enough to harm humans. Jellyfish are found in every ocean of the world, including around the UK!

4. Jellyfish have been around for approximately 650 million years!

Jellyfish have no bones so fossils are hard to come by, but scientists have evidence that these creatures have been bobbing along in the world’s oceans for around 650 million years or even longer. That means they pre-date the dinosaurs by hundreds of millions of years!

5. Jellyfish are a popular snack for the Leatherback Turtle!

Leatherback Turtles are known to follow groups of jellyfish in order to get a tasty meal, often bringing them close to coastlines like the UK. These turtles aren’t the only species to find jellyfish appetizing; in some parts of the world humans also view jellyfish as a delicacy! The most common jellyfish chosen for this delicacy is the Cannonball jellyfish.

6. Jellyfish are not actually fish!

Jellyfish live mainly in the ocean but aren’t actually fish. They are plankton, and float in the water as they are carried by currents. They are members of the Cnidarian family, along with coral and anemones!

7. Jellyfish are taking over the oceans!

In recent years certain parts of the world have seen a problematic increase in jellyfish populations, called blooms. Scientists believe this is to do with additional nutrients in the water, climate change or fishing along the coastlines. Some researchers are concerned that the increased numbers of jellyfish could compete for food resources with fish and other marine animals, and eventually out-compete native local species. Jellyfish are one of the very few creatures that have been known to adapt to ocean dead zones, where there is little oxygen and lots of pollution.