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The Inca tern (Larosterna inca) is a seabird in the family Sternidae. It is the only member of the genus Larosterna.
This uniquely plumaged bird breeds on the coasts of Peru and Chile, and is restricted to the Humboldt current. It can be identified by its dark grey body, white moustache on both sides of its head, and red-orange beak and feet.
The Inca tern is a large tern, approximately 40 cm long. Sexes are similar; the adult is mostly slate-grey with white restricted to the facial plumes and the trailing edges of the wings. The large bill and legs are dark red. Immature birds are purple-brown, and gradually develop the facial plumes.
The Inca tern breeds on rocky cliffs. It nests in a hollow or burrow or sometimes the old nest of a Humboldt penguin, and lays one or two eggs. The eggs are incubated for about 4 weeks, and the chicks leave the nest after 7 weeks.
The Inca tern feeds primarily on small fish, such as anchovies. The species spots its prey from the air, diving into the water to grab meals with its pointed beak. Its call is a cat-like mew.
Santa Barbara Zoo. California.
Vor ein paar Wochen gab es einen Abend, wie ihn sich jeder Landschaftsfotograf nur wünschen kann. Dunkle Wolken, Regen, Sonne, einen Regenbogen und ein Licht, das einem glatt die Sprache weg bleibt.
Ich war so glücklich, mich an diesem trüben Nachmittag und Abend dazu entschlossen zu haben, nochmal rauszugehen! Sowas hatte ich mir zwar erhofft - doch dass es dann so eintrifft! Wunderbar =)!
After several days of sweltering 100ºF (38ºC) weather I've been feeling extremely homesick for the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest. This was one of my favorite hiking locations.
Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, Issaquah, Washington, USA
White ibis are medium-sized wading birds with a distinctive down-curved pink bill. The adult plumage is white, immature and juveniles are blotchy-white and brown. White ibis often feed and nest near humans, and are regularly seen probing for food on golf courses, lawns and in retention ponds. Natural foraging areas include bottomland hardwood and cypress swamps, riverbanks, mangrove swamps and mudflats.
Adults can excrete salt through a nasal salt gland. Although white ibis commonly feed in brackish and saltwater environments, successful breeding is dependent on access to freshwater feeding areas. Ibis are tactile feeders and can feed effectively in muddy waters and densely vegetated swamps. They feed primarily on aquatic arthropods, especially crayfish and insects.
Nesting colonies are usually surrounded by water, as nests are vulnerable to predators such as raccoons and opossums. Adult birds will fly as far as 30 km from the nest to collect food for their young.
After a steady rise in population over the last few decades, the White Ibis is now one of the most commonly found birds in the southern United States, and can even frequently be found roaming suburban neighborhoods. In the past, the White Ibis was often referred to as the “Chokoloskee chicken” by locals, and was said to be delicious table fair. Today, the White Ibis is a protected species, and hunting or harming these gentle birds is highly frowned upon.
I found this early morning feeder at Lake Marian in Osceola County, Florida.
Many thanks for the visits, faves and comments. Cheers
Its breeding time! Thousands of cattle egrets have gathered at Gatton Agricultural College environmental reserve for breeding. There is a strong smell of death in the air as dozens of chicks have died - looks like they have fallen out of their nests. They gather there November to January-February each year.
Cattle Egret
Scientific Name: Ardea ibis
Description: A relatively small snowy-white egret, the Cattle Egret is distinguished during breeding season by its orange crown, neck and breast, with similarly tinted long loose neck plumes. The long sharp, slightly down-curved bill is yellow to pinkish yellow, but becomes bright red during breeding season. The legs are normally grey-green out of breeding season, turning bright red or orange-brown during breeding.
It is a gregarious species and is most commonly seen foraging with grazing stock and in wetland areas.
Similar species: Outside breeding season, The Cattle Egret may be confused with other white egrets such as the Intermediate Egret, A. intermedia, which has a longer neck and is less stocky or the Little Egret, A garzetta, which always has a very slender black bill and is much slimmer in profile. The Great Egret, A. alba, is much larger, with a longer neck and legs and a slimmer body. In breeding season, the orange plumage of the Cattle Egret makes it unmistakable.
Distribution: Originally found in Africa, Europe and Asia, the Cattle Egret is now found on nearly every continent, with birds in Australia originating from Asia. In Australia it is most widespread and common in north-eastern Western Australia across the Top End, Northern Territory, and in south-eastern Australia from Bundaberg, Queensland to Port Augusta, South Australia, including Tasmania.
Habitat: The Cattle Egret is found in grasslands, woodlands and wetlands, and is not common in arid areas. It also uses pastures and croplands, especially where drainage is poor. Will also forage at garbage dumps, and is often seen with cattle and other stock.
Minimum Size: 48cm
Maximum Size: 53cm
Average size: 50cm
Breeding season: October to March
Clutch Size: 2 to 7, usually 3
Incubation: 24 days
Nestling Period: 42 days
(Source: www.birdsinbackyards.net )
© Chris Burns 2014
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Aujourd'hui, un joli lever de soleil, qui n'aura malheureusement duré que quelques secondes, sur Porzh Naye en Presqu'Île de Crozon ... et tout ça en compagnie des premières bruyères en fleur :)
I have been wanting to photograph this church at night for 29 years - because of its pristine architecture and its beautiful setting in the hills of Marin County.
Every time I passed it, there were two large Sodium Vapor street lights (toxic burnt orange color) lighting both the Church and the atmosphere surrounding it.
Then a couple of months ago, I passed it going to Pt. Reyes and there it stood in Natural moonlight - reflecting the glow of the neighboring street lights and the two big red lights outside the Fire Department on the side of the Church that was in the Moon's shade.
The two Sodium Vapor street lights pointing right at the Church are gone. 25 Minutes.
Blue Hour at the Mesquite Dunes, Death Valley National Park - California
This was taken during the last photo tour I lead in Death Valley. My next one is coming up this month and I can not wait to get back. There is something cleansing about exploring the desert. The quiet, the vastness and the amazing star filled skies always keep me coming back. If you want to join me on my next Death Valley visit here is the info.
©2009 Jim M. Goldstein, All Rights Reserved
66707 passes Wilsons crossing at Grange Farm, Northampton as it works 4M23 10:45 Felixstowe-Hams Hall. 4th May 2011
After the death of his brother-in-law and business partner Tyler Davidson, Cincinnati businessman Henry Probasco went to Munich, Germany in search of a suitable memorial to him. Many years before, artist August von Kreling had collaborated with Ferdinand von Miller at the Royal Bronze Foundry of Bavaria to design a fountain. Probasco requested the addition of four figures with animals that would act as drinking fountains, which Miller's sons designed.
One of the works in the "EcoSculpt 2010" exhibition.
Fountain Square has many events all through the week including speeches, games, movies, concerts, giveaways, and festivals. The square also has many seasonal events such as Halloween on the square, the ice rink, Oktoberfest (largest outside of Germany)[4] and more.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day 2010, the square featured "EcoSculpt 2010", an exhibit of sustainable art. The exhibit included "Atlas Recycled" by Tom Tsuchiya, a sculpture made of used atlases that doubled as a recycling receptacle for plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
As a part of the Dry Tortugas National Park, Fort Jefferson isn't the only thing to photograph! See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Jefferson,_Florida for the full story of this incredible place, 90 miles from Key West in the Gulf of Mexico.
See flic.kr/s/aHskg8n9dL for my other Florida scenes.
One of my favourite reserves in the whole North of England due to it's open plan nature. There are many lakes, ponds, reedbeds and meadows. There are lots of nature trails and as you walk around you can see the wildlife and observe it from the paths.
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/s/staidans/
St Aidan's is a perfect place to get close to nature and relax, unwind or exercise in a stress-free environment. Just outside Leeds on the banks of the River Aire, it's a big new space to walk, run, cycle, or ride your horse and enjoy the wildlife that surrounds you.
It has a wide range of wild plants and animals, and is home to thousands of birds, brown hares, roe deer, wild flowers and insects - all living in a stunning landscape of vast reedbeds, grassland, woodland, lakes, ponds and islands.
With a variety of circular paths of varying lengths and large areas of open grassland, St Aidan’s is a great place for families to enjoy the outdoors, share a picnic and play together.
Over 7.5 miles (12 km) of footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes connect the surrounding communities, with links to national footpath and cycle networks. St Aidan's is a fantastic place for locals wishing to explore the wider countryside or as a destination for people who love nature.
Opening times
St Aidan's is an open access site. Opening times apply to the visitor centre and car park. From March-October they're open from 9.30 am to 5 pm. From September-February it's 9.30 am to 4 pm. They're closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Entrance charges
Entry to the site is free but donations to help us continue our work are welcome. There is a car park charge of £2.50 per car for RSPB non-members. RSPB members and disabled badge holders park for free.
Information for dog owners
Dogs are allowed on the reserve as long as they are kept on a lead in the appropriate designated zones. There are some less sensitive areas within St Aidan's where dogs are allowed off the lead. Please check with staff before letting dogs off the lead.
Star species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Bittern
Bitterns are brown, secretive herons, camouflaged to hide amongst reeds. Visit in spring to hear male bitterns 'booming' or summer to watch the parents making feeding flights.
Great crested grebe
Watch the amazing courtship ritual of great crested grebes on the open water in spring. You may see pairs performing their 'weed dance' when they present one another with weed and patter across the surface of the water together.
Little owl
You may be lucky enough to find one of these compact owls perched in a tree or on a fencepost. They become very active at dusk and you may hear their shrill calls.
Marsh harrier
Look for marsh harriers gliding over the reedbed with their wings held upwards in a shallow 'v'. In spring, pairs perform their breathtaking 'skydancing' displays high in the sky.
Skylark
Spring visits will be enriched by the beautiful song of skylarks. They rise up into the air from the grassland until they are barely visible and only their song can be heard
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/s/staidans/seasonal_highli...
Seasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
Look out for marsh harriers displaying over the reedbeds, great crested grebes performing their elaborate courtship dances and returning swallows skimming low over the water and grasslands as they collect insects. Listen out for skylarks filling the air with their song, the deep booming of male bitterns, male snipe 'drumming' as they vibrate their tail feathers to attract females and lapwings calling as they perform their aerobatic displays. Enjoy the fusion of colour as wildflowers burst into bloom and a host of brightly-coloured butterflies and dragonflies take to the wing. Spring is also a great time to see kestrels. You can often see several hovering around the site at the same time as they hunt for voles in the grassland. Kestrels have also been seen nesting in the huge dragline.
Summer
Watch overhead for herons and little egrets dropping into the reeds to feed, female bitterns flying low over the reedbeds as they seek out food for their chicks or marsh harriers passing food to each other in flight. Keep an eye on the open water for lines of young ducklings paddling along behind their parents or young great crested grebes riding around on their parents' backs and admire the abundant lilypads on the lakes. Stoats, weasels and water voles are often seen at this time of year as are basking butterflies and dragonflies hawking the waters edge. Thousands of black-headed gulls set up a colony at this time of the year filling the air with their calls. Summer is the best time to spot the elusive black necked grebe as it will have its fluffy youngsters in tow. Avocets also nest at this time of year. St Aidan’s is a good place to spot this iconic bird that is the logo of the RSPB.
Autumn
Autumn sees the arrival of migrant birds, such as black-tailed godwits, ruffs and green sandpipers. Local birdwatchers will also spot a few rarities such as spoonbills and pectoral sandpipers. Huge flocks of lapwings arrive to spend winter with us and can be seen around pool edges and on grassland. Short-eared owls hunt over the reedbeds and our winter wildfowl begin to arrive. Look out for flashes of blue as kingfishers flit up and down the river.
Winter
Waders and wildfowl such as lapwings, curlews, wigeons, teals, shovelers and goldeneyes gather in big numbers, roosting and feeding across the grasslands and pools. Water rails can be spotted feeding on frozen pools, or you can listen out for their strange, pig-like squealing! The elusive bittern is also drawn out into the open at times. One of the most awesome spectacles in winter is seeing massive flocks of roosting birds panic and fly into the air as peregrines hunt over the site. Look and listen out for overwintering stonechats. Their calls sound like two pebbles being knocked together!
Facilities
Facilities
•Visitor centre
•Car park : There's a car park charge of £2.50 per car for RSPB non-members. RSPB members and disabled badge holders park for free. We have cycle parking and a height restriction of 2.7 m (8' 10'') for vehicles.
•Toilets
•Disabled toilets
•Baby-changing facilities
•Picnic area
•Group bookings accepted
•Guided walks available
•Good for walking
•Pushchair friendly
Nature trails
Bowers Bimble: Starting from the car park, this 0.9-mile (1.5 km) flat trail takes you on a short walk around Bowers Lake then through grassland and wild flower meadows. Great for a relaxing stroll (20-30 minutes).
Lowther Loop: For a walk through shady woodland glades and along the banks of the River Aire, venture onto this 1.3 mile (2 km) flat trail. In wet winter months, it’s a welly boot walk (60 minutes).
Hillside Hike: For stunning landscapes and panoramic views of the nature park and surrounding areas, t ake a hike onto the hillside. This trail is 1.3 miles (2 km) with some steep hills and inclines, which wind through the trees and grassland (40-60 minutes).
Reedbed Ramble: To explore the magic of the whispering reedbeds, take a walk on this 1.7-mile (2.8 km) flat route that runs around the edges of the reedbeds and loops back to the main entrance (40-45 minutes).
As the new custodians of St Aidan's, we are aiming to improve the accessibility of our paths as soon as we can. Please contact us for updates on footpath and bridleway conditions.
Refreshments available
•Hot drinks
•Cold drinks
•Snacks
•Confectionery
By train
The nearest train stations are Woodlesford (3.2 miles), Castleford (3.2 miles) and Garforth (4.3 miles). If you're going to be walking or cycling from the station to St Aidan's, choose Woodlesford station. Turn left out of the station then left onto the main road. When you get to the bridge over the Aire and Calder navigation, cross it, then turn right and walk along the riverbank until you reach St Aidan's. If you're going to take a taxi from the station to St Aidan's, head towards Castleford station as it's easier to get a taxi there.
By bus
The nearest bus stop is just outside the entrance to St Aidan’s, on Astley Lane. The Number 167 Leeds to Castleford bus stops here and is run by Arriva Yorkshire.
By road
Reach us from junction 46 of the M1. Follow the A63, signposted Selby and Garforth. At the roundabout, take the fourth left for Wakefield A642, Swillington and Oulton. Follow the A642 for 1.5 miles then turn left on to Astley Lane. St Aidan's is 1.8 miles on the right.
From Castleford, follow the A656 (Barnsdale Road) north out of the town centre for 1.4 miles. Turn left onto Station Road towards Allerton Bywater and travel 1.2 miles. Turn left onto the Leeds Road (next to the yellow corner shop). St Aidan’s is 0.5 miles along the road on the left.
Copyright © Daniela Duncan 2011 All Rights Reserved.
"Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle." ~ Steve Jobs
Sonoma, CA - Had a visit to Cornerstone and walked the campus with camera in hand. Lots of art to explore and photograph. There is something to be said about experiencing art on the canvas of the outdoors.
A small cluster of wildflowers in Plainville, Massachusetts.
#nature
#flowers
#plainville
#wildflowers
#new england
Sandhills are the most common of all the world's cranes. A fossil from the Miocene Epoch, some ten million years ago, was found to be structurally the same as the modern sandhill crane. Today, these large birds are found predominately in North America. They range south to Mexico and Cuba, and as far west as Siberia.
Migratory subspecies of sandhill cranes breed in the Northern U.S., Canada, Alaska, and Siberia. Each winter they undertake long southern journeys to wintering grounds in Florida, Texas, Utah, Mexico, and California. En route, more than three-fourths of all sandhill cranes use migratory staging areas in a single 75-mile (120-kilometer) stretch along Nebraska's Platte River.
Most sandhill cranes live in freshwater wetlands. They are opportunistic eaters that enjoy plants, grains, mice, snakes, insects, or worms. They often dig in the soil for tubers and can sometimes cause significant crop damage, which brings them into conflict with farmers.
I found this one at "Camp Lester" on the Kissimmee River in Polk County, Florida.
Last night I was looking back through my older photos taken on my family's California holiday in May, and I came across this. I can't believe I had forgotten about it. This was one of the most glorious sunsets ever, and the strong crashing waves below were mesmerizing.
So I've been tagged over a 100 times in the past few months to write 10 facts about myself... which I have already done, at least 2 times last year, eh. But today I feel like doing it again, so bear with me.
1. I love climbing to high places, yet I am extremely afraid of heights. It's the view from the top that I love and will do just about anything to see... Though I still shake like a leaf and must breath deeply to overcome the "Dizzy Lizzy" spells.
2. I once ate one of Sparky's dog cookies several years back (a "breath buster" it was called). It was actually pretty good... at first. The aftertaste nearly killed me though.
3. I am a movie nut. I love movies and I am overjoyed every single time I get a chance to go see a new film in the theater. I'll enjoy absolutely any kind of film, but for the exception of horror. I see no need to fill my mind with disturbing thoughts encouraged by horror films.
4. Speaking of movies, it has recently come to my attention that I am apparently the only girl in this world who's favorite actor ever is Nicolas Cage... Hmm? What's with that, don't any other girls love him? Or do I just have weird taste?
5. I made friends with a wild crow several years back. He hung around my house for a few months. He liked to tease my cats, but he was very friendly and playful... He'd knock on the railing by our window each day to let me know he was there, so I'd go outside and hang out with him. He let me pet him and he liked to nibble very gently on my fingers. He'd follow me around everywhere, flying just inches over my head and often softly brushing me with his talons. We even appeared in the newspaper together, eh. I was sad when he went missing one day and never came back, but I now have a very large appreciation for crows.
6. I love walking everywhere. I'll often walk and hike for many hours at a time. I want to walk across Canada one day.
7. I want to get married, live in some kind of hippie van with my husband and dog(s), and have the whole world as our backyard, traveling and taking photos and writing books everywhere we go.
8. I will very soon hopefully be going to England to meet my best friend (also a dog trainer). I will take lots of photos while I'm there. ;)
9. I love to read books, but I can only best concentrate on reading books if I eat chocolate at the same time. However, this often leads to inconvenience, for whenever I read an intense section of a book, I fail to realize how much chocolate I am consuming during that time, until a stomach ache catches up with me later.
10. People often say I'm wise and mature for my age... Really, are you serious? Nah. Ask me again in 70 years when I've gained a little more knowledge. And then 70 years again after that, if I'm still alive.
cropped the original as per suggestion received from viewer....thanks bluestardrop! Obviously I should have worked more on this one before I uploaded.
Best viewed large!
All of my images are protected under international authors copyright laws and may not be downloaded, reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written explicit permission. All rights reserved. Copyright 2013 © David Caulfield
Another image that made it into the Explore Gallery……for half a day! Not quite sure why but after just 12 hours in the gallery it was dropped.
The above photograph was taken outside the front door of Rifugio Mulaz as the sun rose. After another night's poor sleep I was beginning to feel the effects; light headedness, headache etc. I of course persevered; after all it took a plane journey, a 300 km drive and three days of walking to get to see this view! The alpine chough (the bird in the image) seems quite active first thing in the morning. I took quite a number of shots before I reckoned I had the image I was looking for. I then had breakfast to see if I could cure the light headedness.
On this particular visit to the Dolomites I walked the Pale di San Martino Dolomite range from south to north, taking four days to do so. The camera gear carried meant my pack was too heavy; I was very tired by the last day.
Walk Route
Day 1: Cant de Gal (www.valcanalidolomiti.it/italiano/albergo-cant-del-gal1?p...) to Rifugio Treviso (www.caitreviso.it/rifugi/rifugio-treviso/).
Day 2: Rifugio Treviso to Rifugio Rosetta (www.rifugiorosetta.it/eng/index.html).
Day 3: Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Mulaz (www.caiveneto.it/rifugio.asp?rif=21).
Day 4: Rifugio Mulaz to Falcade (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falcade).
Camera equipment carried: Nikon D800, Nikon 70-200 F2.8, Nikon 16-35 F4, Manfrotto tripod, Really Right Stuff ball head.
©unscripted moments photography all rights reserved
I received this wonderful outfit from Denise and couldn't have been more happy.
When looking at this photo Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" plays in my head. The creek doesn't look particularly menancing or anything...the song just popped into my head and won't go away!!
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I am doing better...still have some issues that require more testing, an appointment scheduled for April 16 which I am hoping we can get bumped up sooner...I am ready to just feel good again!! But my energy is much improved and so a little outing this morning with my husband for fresh air and picture taking :)
Thanks for taking a look!! I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday afternoon. We have a snow storm heading for us this evening!!
This is lindsay! She has the most amazing red hair.
She is sitting on a car..that is what you see to her right.
Photoshoot Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SV
11-14 March 2011, Madrid, Spain
Shot in front of the Portland Cement Factory, a few miles outside of the city of Madrid.
We were waiting until it got dark to take nightshots on this location.
The car stand on the public road, which was closed by the Guardia Civil for the purpose of our shoot later that evening.
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Please tell me what you think when you fave this!