Colour Perfection (Comment 1)
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Chough - Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Pembrokeshire
While its black plumage identifies it as a crow, the chough (pronounced 'chuff') has a red bill and legs unlike any other member of the crow family. It is restricted to the west of the British Isles.
It readily displays its mastery of flight with wonderful aerial displays of diving and swooping. This Schedule 1 species can be found in flocks in autumn and winter.
There are two species of passerine birds commonly called chough that constitute the genus Pyrrhocorax of the Corvidae (crow) family of birds. These are the red-billed chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax), and the Alpine chough (or yellow-billed chough) (Pyrrhocorax graculus). The white-winged chough of Australia, despite its name, is not a true chough but rather a member of the family Corcoracidae and only distantly related.
The choughs have black plumage and brightly coloured legs, feet, and bills, and are resident in the mountains of southern Eurasia and North Africa. They have long broad wings and perform spectacular aerobatics. Both species pair for life and display fidelity to their breeding sites, which are usually caves or crevices in a cliff face. They build a lined stick nest and lay three to five eggs. They feed, usually in flocks, on short grazed grassland, taking mainly invertebrate prey, supplemented by vegetable material or food from human habitation, especially in winter.
Population:
UK breeding:
250-350 pairs in Great Britain; 120-150 pairs on the Isle of Man
Un seul parapentiste en ce début d'après midi, le vent était différent des autres fois : il a pu revenir au point de départ, bravo pour la maîtrise !
A l'arrière plan, l'Aiguille du Midi (à gauche) et le Mont Blanc de Tacul.
(Just one paraglider at the beginning of this afternoon, the wind was very different, he managed to reach the departure area. Mastery !)
Plaine Joux, Passy, Haute Savoie, France.
Mieux en grand, better in large, click L.
"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.
Agility and mastery in the air are synonymous with the kites; the Red Kite adds the appeal of colour and pattern. It is easily separated from the heavier, less elegant Buzzard, having more of the lightness of a harrier. Seen on Christmas Common, an unforgettable experience with my brother Bob.
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THANK YOU, for your visit, friendship, and any comments.
Keep safe and well, God bless you. ................Tomx
Short-eared Owl - Asio flammeus - composite image.
I appreciate all comments, faves, and follows.
Matthew
If you’re interested in nature photography, please check out my youtube channel!
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Mastery of the air is just an everyday part of the red kites life.
My aim was to try out the new camera to see how it would perform with my favourite bird. needless to say I was more than delighted with the results though they don't help my case for a new lens.
* Bald Eagle Trip Report Video / Article! *
Editing disclosure: Cloning to remove distracting background patterns and foreground rocks
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MRS_20160615_334_LM_web_v2_946w_iwm - ©Matthew Schwartz, All Rights Reserved.
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Nature's Mastery of Camouflage at its Best
You'll need sharp eyes to catch sight of an American Bittern. This streaky, brown and buff heron can materialize among the reeds, and disappear as quickly, especially when striking a concealment pose with neck stretched and bill pointed skyward. These stealthy carnivores stand motionless amid tall marsh vegetation, or patiently stalk fish, frogs, and insects.
An etude is for practice. A concerto is for mastery.
After the tentative gestures of the pretender, authority arrives without announcement. This is not a request for attention, but a condition imposed upon the scene.
Backlit by the winter sun, the figure rises and holds the frame. The light does not decorate—it crowns. Where the flock dissolves into motion and hesitation, the maestro remains singular, upright, and unyielding.
The pose is expansive yet restrained, absolute without excess. Grace here is not fragile; it is earned.
The rehearsal has ended. Silence follows. The performance begins.
If we had a keen vision of all that is ordinary in human life, it would be like hearing the grass grow or the squirrel's heart beat, and we should die of that roar which is the other side of silence.
-- George Eliot
This card represents the culmination of a cycle, self-mastery, and the connection between all planes of existence. In this Gothic version, the enigmatic figure with a pale face and top hat walks serenely before the planet Earth, symbolizing one who has transcended material limitations and understands the hidden secrets of the universe.
The pale-skinned androgynous figure: Represents the initiate who has transcended dualities (light/darkness, life/death, matter/spirit). It is a being who has reached a higher state of consciousness.
The black top hat: Symbol of hidden knowledge, mystery, and mastery of invisible forces. It also evokes the figure of the magician or alchemist who has completed their work.
The ceremonial staff: Represents spiritual authority, will, and power over one's own destiny.
The arcane wheel with points and a central circle: Symbolizes the totality of the cosmos, the eternal cycles of creation and destruction, and the control of universal energies. The circle indicates perfection and unity. The red gem in the center of the wheel: It is the spiritual heart, the divine spark, or the philosopher's stone, the final result of inner transformation.
The planet Earth behind the figure: It indicates that the querent has achieved a global vision of their existence. The world is no longer a prison, but a stage understood and mastered.
The planets orbiting around: They represent cosmic influences, destiny, and the connection between all levels of reality. They suggest harmony with the universe.
The golden orbits: They symbolize the flow of energy, perpetual motion, and the invisible connections between life's events.
The number XXI: It is the last card of the Major Arcana and represents culmination, success, integration, and the closing of an evolutionary cycle.
The ornate dark frame: It acts as a portal between worlds. In Gothic tarot, it often symbolizes the boundary between the material and the spiritual. General Esoteric Meaning
This image presents The World as the "Master of Cycles," one who has traversed the shadows, integrated their hidden aspects, and attained wholeness. It does not represent superficial happiness, but rather a victory achieved through knowledge, transformation, and acceptance of all facets of being. It is the consummation of the Great Spiritual Work.
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The Magician (I) represents creation, mastery, and the power to transform ideas into reality. Unlike The Fool, who begins the journey guided by instinct, The Magician already understands how to shape the world around them through will, knowledge, and action.
In this futuristic interpretation, the raised left hand acts as a channel between higher energy and the physical world, symbolizing the ability to connect thought, technology, and creation. The holographic elements floating above the table replace the traditional tarot tools, representing science, magic, innovation, and control over multiple forms of power.
The glowing symbols and geometric structures surrounding the figure suggest a mind capable of understanding hidden systems and bending them into existence. Here, magic is no longer ancient ritual alone — it becomes advanced technology, intelligence, and pure intention working together.
Overall, the card speaks of potential, manifestation, and the moment when vision becomes reality through focus, skill, and willpower.
The style card and credits here.
FALLEN GODS / CIRCUIT +Fallen Gods Inc.+ Slim 100% Purple @main store
ZIBSKA / Zibska Libitina Eyemakeup @ in main store
BESPOKE / BeSpoke - Android Raven - Head @ in main store
AII / + Mortal Harvest Mantle + {egosumaii} @ main store
VAE VICTIS / /Vae Victis\ - "Fenrisulfr" - Fur boa + Sash Set ( sash only in photo)@ in main store
GABRIEL / ::GB:: River Draped pants / Beige @ Fantasy Faire 2026 offer
FAETAL / FaeTal - Flux - Swallow Male Fatpack @ weekend offers
REKT / REKT_NEO SET FROZEN/WHITE @ main store
REKT_Undead Helmet Tintable @ main store
Using binoculars along with Alice and Beth telling me where this adult Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) was, it took me several minutes to find it on the cliff face; SLO County; CA; USA
Red Kite,
Agility and mastery in the air are synonymous with with the kites. the Red Kite adds the appeal of colour and pattern, It is easily separated from the heavier, less elegant Buzzard, having more of the lightness of a harrier, but even greater flexibility and elasticity in its movements, Where common, it gathers in groups of ten or even up to forty wherever food is concentrated,
Flight;- direct flight slow and steady with supple, deep wingbeats, often twists as rudder, soars well but not usually to any great height, very aerobatic,
The kite flexes its wings and twistsits long tail from side to side to exploit air currents to the fill, it is capable of fast stoops and twisting dives,
Occurrence ;- Local in Great Britain, widespread in Spain, Portugal, France, parts of S Europe, and north to Baltic, In open countryside and wooded valleys, higher up in summer but in low valleys in winter, whwn it forages around towns and tips,
Voice;- High, long-drawn, wailing or squealing weieieee-ow, higher-pitched than Buzzard.
Nesting;- Large nest of sticks, rags, earth, and rubbish in tree, well-hidden, 2-4 eggs, 1 brood, March - June,
Feeding;- Eats dead animals, such as rabbits or sheep, catches birds up to crow or gull size in surprise dash, also feeds on insects, worms,
Order;- Accipitriformes,
Family;- Accipitridae,
Species;- Milvus milvus,
Length;- 60 - 65cm ( 23.5 - 26in ),
Wingspan;- 1.45 - 1.65m ( 4.75 - 5.5ft ),
Weight;- 0.75 - 1.3kg ( 1.75 - 2.75lb ),
Social;- Small flocks,
Lifespan;- Up to 25 years,
Status;- Secure,
The photograph captures a breathtaking moment of equestrian mastery at the historic Escuela Militar in Santiago de Chile. A magnificent dappled grey Andalusian horse executes a dramatic aerial maneuver, a testament to the classical dressage movements known as "airs above the ground." Guided by two handlers in traditional Spanish riding attire, the scene reflects the deep-rooted Iberian equestrian heritage that has significantly influenced South American horsemanship for centuries. The Andalusian breed, or Pura Raza Española, is celebrated globally for its intelligence, power, and elegance, traits vividly displayed against the backdrop of an engaged crowd gathered on the institution's expansive green fields.
The setting of this exhibition, the Escuela Militar del Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, adds a layer of historical and architectural gravity to the event. Located in the eastern sector of Santiago, the academy is a monumental complex that underscores Chile's disciplined military traditions. The city itself is situated at an average elevation of 520 meters within a valley entirely framed by the imposing Andes mountains, offering a distinctive geographical juxtaposition of urban life and rugged nature. Santiago features a temperate Mediterranean climate, visually evident in the rich autumnal hues of the trees bordering the arena, making it a premier tourist destination where visitors can seamlessly transition from historical urban exploration to majestic mountain landscapes.
Beyond its equestrian and architectural allure, Santiago serves as a vibrant epicenter for Chilean gastronomy, deeply rooted in both traditional practices and European influences. The region's culinary culture is notably meat-centric; a visit is incomplete without experiencing a traditional Chilean asado, featuring premium cuts of beef, often accompanied by classic empanadas de pino and fresh pebre salsa. The metropolitan area also acts as the gateway to the world-renowned Central Valley wine regions, famous for their exceptional Carménère varietals. To properly conclude a day of cultural festivities, both locals and travelers frequently partake in a classic, perfectly balanced Pisco Sour, a cocktail that embodies the refined yet welcoming spirit of the Chilean capital.
ANS_4927
The Mastery of Triumph & The Art of Victory
True weapon kills enermies from the inside.
Strategically attack to inflict as many wounds as possible. Scares and wounds never enable fools to learn and grow, instead, they leave them mentally maimed, permanent scarred, and bereft of vitality. Devoid of positive energy and genuine intelligence, they inevitably transform into new depths of destruction, a realm meticulously crafted by your design.
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
Tale: Swordless Success 💕
In a circle of friends seeking her guidance, she stands out with her unique approach. While others may rely on weapons and conflicts to conquer their challenges, she takes a different path. With each request, she offers a little concept, a seed of wisdom that grows into an everlasting victory.
Her strategies are not rooted in aggression or violence, but rather in the power of thought and the art of diplomacy. She understands that true triumph lies not in the destruction of others, but in the elevation of oneself and the collective. With her wise counsel, she empowers her friends to navigate the complexities of life, armed not with swords, but with innovative ideas and a steadfast belief in their potential to conquer any obstacle.
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
" Nurture victory within,
Choose battles that thrive in your enemies' minds and souls - small enough to win but big enough to matter.
Strategic victories lie within the battles of the mind. Transform fools into grand masters of their own folly, and empower the weak by affirming their wrong strength, leaving no room for their growth.
Choose wisely, for the relentless struggle unfolds in your enemies' obsessions and inner conflicts. As they embrace the seed you sow, you emerge triumphant, for they unwittingly nurture the very force that conquers them. 💕"
______ Scarlett Saphira
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
Outfit Art&Ko - Sword Girl Set - Fatpack
Art&Ko
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kaleidoscope%20Island/145/...
* Bald Eagle Trip Report Video / Article! *
Feels awesome to be back on flickr, I missed everyone, thanks for the warm welcome back! Here we go, day 2!
Bald Eagle in flight with Midshipman fish prey, photographed in Hood Canal in Washington state (June 2016).
Editing Disclosure: Background slightly modified to reduce distracting wave patterns.
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MRS_20160617_1702_LM_web_v1_800w_iwm - ©Matthew Schwartz, All Rights Reserved.
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Thank you for being respectful of the years of learning, thousands of hours of practice, thousands of dollars, and extremely hard work and time I put into creating my fine art images.
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Yellowlegs
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- MRS_20150524_236_LM_web_v1_800w_iwm
Chuck Boux (b. 1947)
St. Petersburg, Florida Bird Island Florida
Five-color double overlay blown glass with double graal sandblasted technique, 17 ½ × 25 × 11 in.
On loan from Florida CraftArt
There's something satisfying about having enough real food for the insects. Letting the biodiversity of the yard go full meadow this year was definitely the way to go, despite my white-bred, lawn-hugger neighbors. I saw at least a 10 fold increase in diversity of insects.
In the celebrated metropolis of London, during the year 1837, an era wherein steam reigned as the sovereign of invention and the harbinger of man's mastery over nature, there was convened a conclave of women unparalleled in their intellect and indomitable in their courage. The Aetherian Coalescence, they were titled, each a luminary in her own right, united under the banner of progress and the pursuit of the ethereal realms.
Lady Penelope Hargreaves, the scion of a lineage graced with the acumen of engineering, her hands adept at weaving the intricate lattices of clockwork that gave pulse to their airborne leviathan. Dr. Arabella Swithenbank, whose steam engines thrummed with a vigor that was the very essence of Prometheus’ fire. Miss Theodosia Barrow , an enchantress of the voltaic forces, her devices casting the brilliance of a thousand captured lightning bolts across the span of their craft. Dame Guinevere Loxley, the cartographer whose charts rivalled the celestial maps of the ancients, a guiding star in their odyssey. And Miss Isambard Brunella, a machinist of such deftness that her creations spoke of a harmony between the artisan's touch and the unyielding metals of the earth.
The vessel of their dreams, "The Celestial Peregrine," stood poised upon the cusp of dawn, her silhouette a testament to humanity's ascendancy over the bonds of gravity, her engines a symphony of steam and steel. As the first light of morning kissed the Thames, the airship ascended, a ballet of gears and gales, into the empyrean canvas above.
Yet, as is the wont of fate, the skies unveiled their tempestuous heart, challenging these daughters of Icarus with a squall of such ferocity that it seemed as though the firmament itself sought to reclaim its dominion from the hands of mortals. But amidst the maelstrom, the resolve of The Aetherian Coalescence shone with the steadfastness of the North Star, and it was by their unity and the fortitude of their creation that “The Celestial Peregrine” was guided safely through the tumult, descending not in wreckage upon the tumultuous sea but upon the embrace of the verdant earth with the grace of a nightingale alighting upon its nest.
From this odyssey emerged a revelation, a spark of genius that would illuminate the path of progress henceforth. They devised an apparatus, a marvel of valvular alchemy, which would render the steam engines of the future not only more robust against the caprices of the tempest but also more gracious in their consumption of the coals that fed them. This mechanism, born from the exigencies of their voyage, became the cornerstone of an epoch wherein the skies teemed with the silhouettes of airships, each a scion of "The Celestial Peregrine," carrying aloft not only the affluent but all who yearned for the splendor of the heavens.
Thus, The Aetherian Coalescence had not simply touched the skies; they had transmuted the very fabric of human aspiration, setting the celestial highways abuzz with the promise of adventures untold. It was a testament to the boundless potential when the ingenuity of the human spirit is applied to the realms of the possible, and it was in this spirit that the age of aerial travel flourished, under the watchful eyes of the five who had first chartered its course.
Dowitcher, feeding
Chest waders, camo, and a lot of patience, can go a long way toward getting wading bird photos.
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Dowitcher, feeding - MRS_20150524_262_LM_web_v1_800w_iwm
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There was a grassy embankment on which this cute Killdeer kept zipping around. It darted here and there, occasionally pausing and making the distinctive Killdeer peeping sounds. Initially it was quite suspicious of me. I slowly made my way to a corner in the embankment wall, backed up against it, kept my face behind the camera to appear less threatening, and waited patiently for the bird to become comfortable with me. After a while, it decided I was not a threat, and continued foraging for worms.
The Killdeer approached so close to me that I was unable to fit the small bird in the frame completely. This was great, because it afforded me the opportunity to do minimal cropping and come up with a beautiful close up portrait.
This story illustrates the importance of understanding animal psychology, respecting their well-being, and being patient.
www.naturephotographymastery.com/
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MRS_20160615_223_LM_web_v1_800w_iwm - ©Matthew Schwartz, All Rights Reserved.
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Sometimes you have to push yourself past that point when you feel like giving up. Often, when you think "It's over," "I'm finished," "There's no way," “It won’t work,” but you decide to hang in there anyway and give every last drop of your full potential, you are rewarded.
www.naturephotographymastery.com/
One fine day in April, I got up before sunrise and went out with a specific plan to create an image of a certain subject. After many hours of hard work and effort, I did not succeed. I took a break during the harsh midday sun, and then went out again, at a different location, when the light got better. Again, after much trying, it seemed that I would not succeed.
Still, I refused to give up until I had given 110% effort on every possible opportunity. As the last minutes of light approached, and all seemed hopeless, a sudden turn of events resulted in "the stars aligning.” The light, the subject, and everything else, came together just right, and I gave my final push, physically and mentally, to obtain the image you see here.
I'd like to point out that, after 12 hours of physically and mentally exhausting effort, at two locations, when all seemed hopeless, I used my last reserves of patience and physical energy to push myself to 110% effort, at which point I was finally rewarded with a few awesome images.
Editing disclosure: minor adjustments made to background to reduce distractions
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MRS_20160417_097_LM_web_v1_800w_iwm - ©Matthew Schwartz, All Rights Reserved.
This image is protected by Copyright, and is not available for ANY use without the explicit written permission of the photographer. Thank you for being respectful of the years of learning, thousands of hours of practice, thousands of dollars, and extremely hard work and time I put into creating my fine art images.
The sheer mastery of your craft is absolutely breathtaking! It doesn’t matter how many times I see you do it – every time, you leave me stunned trying to comprehend such skill!
For a mere minute or two, you circle over the water before you suddenly pull in your wings, tilt down and accelerate towards the surface like a meteor about to strike the planet! Yet, there's only a small splash. How can you even see anything with the sun glaring on the choppy water and the wind blasting in your eyes? I really don’t know, but moments later you fly up out of the water carrying a fish. You are so good at what you do, even the bald eagles who live up the river sometimes find it easier to steal a fish off you rather than catch their own.
You only come here in the summer to raise a family, and it's a privilege to witness your tireless devotion. Many times a day, you commute back and forth over the roofs of Gold Beach with your slippery passengers in an iron grip … except once in a while you do drop someone and so it’s wise to wear a hat. I also wanted to tell you how sorry I was to see the great big nest in my street destroyed by the winter storms this year. It will take you years to rebuild, but you’ve started on it. You're so beautiful and accomplished!
Be one worldwide superhero
with the high-pitched voice of a little girl!
Claudia
There was a grassy embankment nearby, on which this cute Killdeer kept zipping around. It darted here and there, occasionally pausing and making the distinctive Killdeer peeping sounds.
Because the grassy area was raised up five feet above the sea, I was able to get this “low point of view” without laying on the ground. The Killdeer did make me work for the shots though, because initially it was quite suspicious of me. I slowly made my way to a corner in the embankment wall, backed up against it, then waited patiently for the bird to become comfortable with me. After a while, it decided I was not a threat, and continued foraging for worms.
This story illustrates the importance of understanding animal psychology, respecting their well-being, and being patient.
If you enjoy my images, tutorials, newsletter...
...please share them with others who may benefit.
Thank you, Sincerely, Matthew
Workflow Cheat Sheet. Exclusive Content.
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Blog, Resources, Tutorials.
Nature Photography Mastery Academy™
YouTube Channel.
Nature Photography Mastery Academy™ Channel
Personal Portfolio Site.
...............................................................................................................................
MRS_20160615_218_LM_web_v1_800w_iwm - ©Matthew Schwartz, All Rights Reserved.
This image is protected by Copyright, and is not available for ANY use without the explicit written permission of the photographer. Thank you for being respectful of the years of learning and practice, thousands of dollars, and extremely hard work and time I put into creating my fine art images.