View allAll Photos Tagged Prioritize
I´m sorry I haven´t written for a couple of days now, but I have been quite buzy. I started to empty the boathouse/shed...... we´re planning to renovate the inside and rebuild it to bathroom and toilet. We sat and talked about how much it is to do, and what to prioritize. Stella wanted a bathroom, and I don´t mind at all. And how nice it would be, not having to use that old ugly outhouse! In all other aspects, both Stella and me can live primitive as long it´s needed.
So now the electrician have been here and connected the house to a public line. Truly nice to have electrical light, though we like to read. And I have been preparing for connecting the house to the sewer system. The last few days I have been like a timberjack in action. Cutting down the bush we had..... well, it almost was like a jungle! Now it is ready for the hired machines, which hopefully comes tomorrow, to dig that ditch for the pipes connecting the sewer system.
So when Stella is back, we just have to start build our new bathroom! I just have to buy a toilet, the rest is recycled things found on this property..... So we have to keep hold on to our dream :)
Now..... good night world, new day tomorrow!
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Taken at Lionheart: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lionheart/104/104/22
Recommended song:
One of the best Swedish voices!
Nano - Hold on
Rheas, like many other birds, cannot create suction to drink water as mammals do. Instead, they rely on gravity to help them swallow. When drinking, a rhea dips its beak into the water to scoop it up, then tilts its head back to let gravity carry the water down its throat. This method is not precise, so they spill a significant amount of water in the process. This behavior is common among large, flightless birds such as rheas, ostriches, and emus, whose anatomy prioritizes other functions over efficient drinking.
Neotropic Photo Tours. www.neotropicphototours.com
Doug Harrop Photography • August 17, 1984
Mr. Harrop was a huge fan of UP's DDA40X "Centennial" locomotives. When 25 of them were removed from storage early in 1984, he prioritized photographing them as much as possible.
UP 6910 passed his home in Mountain Green on Aug. 17, 1984, and he gave chase. While the weather was dark and gray, he knew the double diesels wouldn't be around forever. This fine photo was taken in Echo Canyon under threatening skies.
History is grateful Doug was there to record the final months of service. 6910 was retired by UP on May 29, 1985, and scrapped at St. Louis Auto Shredding.
It's about smack dab in the middle of autumn and some leaves are still hanging onto the trees amidst some sub-zero temperatures complimented by a fresh layer of snow as CP H08 moves east on the Havelock Sub with GP38-2 3129 in the lead. This was the earliest significant snowfall these parts of Ontario saw in around 55 years supposedly, and I jumped at the opportunity to head out and capture some shots, hoping to prioritize areas like the one above in Blackstock where it was evident that the fall was still in full swing.
Skaftafell glacier, also known as Svínafellsjökull, is a breathtaking natural wonder located in Skaftafell National Park in Iceland. It is a part of the larger Vatnajökull glacier, which is the largest ice cap in Europe. Skaftafell glacier is known for its stunning blue ice formations, crevasses, and ice caves, making it a popular destination for glacier hiking and ice climbing.
The beauty of Skaftafell glacier is truly awe-inspiring, with its shimmering blue ice contrasting against the surrounding black volcanic sand and mountains. It offers a surreal and otherworldly experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Just remember to always prioritize safety and respect the fragile nature of the glacier while exploring this incredible natural wonder.
The best viewpoints in Skaftafell National Park are through the Sjónarnípa trail. This moderate hiking trail takes you to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the vast glacial landscape and surrounding mountains.
As you hike along the trail, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Skaftafell area, including the Skaftafellsjökull glacier and the nearby mountains. The trail winds its way up to the top of Sjónarnípa, which translates to "Viewpoint Peak" in Icelandic. Once you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view that stretches as far as the eye can see.
Canon EOS R5, RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM
ISO100, 24mm, f/16, 1/6s
Traction motors are screaming as THE North Bay, as we call it due to its most prioritized symbol, BNSF Train Z WSPNBY1 08U rips through Floyd with Engineer Chase Zumalt pulling the throttle down Main Track 1 of the BNSF Marceline Sub. This train is about the hottest one we run, and is a direct descendant of the famed Santa Fe 199, which ran between Chicago and Richmond, CA.
Locomotives: BNSF 6513, BNSF 7895, BNSF 8232, BNSF 3990
7-8-25
Floyd, MO
If you or anybody you know is struggling with mental health, there's hotlines out there. Talk to somebody, consider therapy, just never give up on yourself because YOU ARE WORTH FIGHTING FOR! 💙
I never posted a landscape photo on my Photostream before, a part those few occasions where I used them as background for Lego or other collectibles photos.
I usually focus on storytelling using my collectibles and it always requires so much effort I don’t have a lot of time for other hobby activities and so I prioritize.
Over the years I took a very large amount of landscape photos. It is was the genre that saw me start photography years ago.
Browsing all the photos I took over the years would require a lot of time and “prioritization” strikes back.
However few days ago I managed to take this photo as I was trying to set up an outdoor scene for my Lego and action figures photos (it’s getting quite hot here and sometimes it’s not easy to set up the scenes for those photos) and I decided to share it with you :)
I won’t bother you with geographic details but if you are curious the location of this photo is near the Cinque Terre, a rather famous location in Liguria, Italy.
I hope you like this photo :)
Taurus is an earth sign represented by the bull. Like their celestial spirit animal, Taureans enjoy relaxing in serene, bucolic environments, surrounded by soft sounds, soothing aromas, and succulent flavors. Taurus is ruled by Venus, the enchanting planet that governs love, beauty, and money. Taurus’s Venusian influence make this earth sign the most sensual of the zodiac: These cosmic oxen are enchanted by any physical manifestation of comfort and luxury. Pleasure is a necessity for epicurean Taureans and they feel most content when pampered. (Taurus governs the neck, so neck caresses are especially irresistible to these bulls.)
It's true that in their perfect world, Taureans would spend all day bathing in a tub overflowing with essential oils. At the same time, these earth signs know the value of a dollar. Taureans aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and work hard to earn big rewards. They're ambitious, focused, and resilient and they feel most secure when steadily putting money into a savings account.
Cosmic oxen are all about return on investment (the bull is also the symbol of Wall Street), and Taureans know how to play the long game in both professional and romantic pursuits. Security is paramount for Taureans and any threat to their stability will be sure to have a celestial bull seeing red.
As a sign, Taurus is fixed, an astrological quality that reflects Taurus’s steadfast, loyal nature. Fixed signs are excellent at maintaining systems and Taureans prioritize consistency and reliability in all areas of their lives. It must be noted, however, that Taurus does have a bit of a reputation: What a Taurus perceives as dedication is often regarded by others as stubbornness. Accordingly, these bulls may end up lingering in unhealthy situations — whether relationships, jobs, or homes — longer than necessary just to prove a point. Despite their occasional obstinance, however, Taureans are dependable partners, soothing their friends and lovers with their trustworthiness and devotion.
Emphasis on foreground sand ripple patterns in warm first light, ultimately leading to an interesting sunny sand dune. The curvy shadow lines are a nice touch in the midground, and they continue to lead the viewer ultimately to the ray of sunlight streaming through the sky over the distant mountain.
Ultra-wide focal lengths like 14mm, used in a portrait orientation, promote foreground while de-emphasizing the midground and background. This can be a powerful tool to deploy, in your intent to showcase a particular portion of a scene, and to prioritize the foreground vs. other elements in a deliberate way.
I like to provide additional details that can be discovered and appreciated over time, so I rarely make shadows to fully to black (enjoy). Subtle details can be included or de-emphasized using subtle photographic techniques that impact the end result.
“Roadiripophobia (r)
The fear of not having any road trips planned” -unknown.
Although we have been home for a month now, I do find myself getting itchy feet lately. . I shall have to be content with day trips for the winter. This is a scene from the Fundy Trail Parkway. While covering long distances on our road trips, there are times we just cannot not stop to take pictures. We need to prioritize. Consequently, I got better at taking pictures through our car windshield as the car is moving. I started an album to keep track of some the roads we have travelled over time. With a higher ISO to get the sharpness I needed and then some AI magic in editing, I got some decent results. This road was newly paved with lots of twists and turns. It was a dream to drive on.
[polski opis poniżej]
I come back to the flood in Gdańsk in 2001 and the effects it had on railway in the area. From numerous pictures here (to which I don't link again today) you know, that the mainline from Gdańsk to Tczew was cut off by flood and the train were diverted from Gdynia to old Coal Trunk Line via Kościerzyna. The secondary line that suffered from downgrading several stations to usual passenger stops and capacity dropdown served then as the mainline.
The number of diverted train was so great, that usual regional passenger services had to be prioritized differently. They ran irregularly, some of them were even cancelled. The picture shows the example of balancing the rolling stock. Two regional trains were joint together and served as the one, 90147 from Kościerzyna to Gdynia Główna. The delays were so ennormous, I can't even be sure whether it was 90147 or any other one. This one just the closer in relation to the time. SU42-524 and SU42-523 haul four passenger wagons while departing from Rębiechowo passenger stop. July 10, 2001.
Photo by Jarek / Chester
Powracam do tematu powodzi w Gdańsku w 2001 roku i jej konsekwencji dla kolei w okolicy. Z wielu zdjęć tu zamieszczonych (jeśli nie widzieliście, to poszukajcie) wynika, że odcięcie powodzią linii z Gdańska do Tczewa spowodowało przerzucenie całego ruchu kolejowego na drugorzędną wówczas starą Magistralę Węglową. Linię, która w poprzednich latach została dotknięta likwidacją wielu stacji i której przepustowość spadła drastycznie do ok. jednego pociągu na 20 minut.
Pociągów przekierowanych na Magistralę Węglową było multum - praktycznie cały ruch pasażerski dalekobieżny, oprócz pociągów do Szczecina, które pojechały szerszym objazdem z Tczewa przez Chojnice do Szczecinka. W konsekwencji ucierpiał ruch regionalny - pociągi były koszmarnie poopóźniane, a wiele z nich poodwoływanych. Aby zachować obiegi składów, niektóre pociągi były łączone dla oszczędzenia przepustowości. I tak jest na fotografii: duet SU42-524 oraz SU42-523 z czterema wagonami (dwa składy regionalne) odjeżdża z Rębiechowa jako pociąg osobowy 90147 z Kościerzyny do Gdyni (ten numer był najbliżej rozkładem, ale nie mam pewności, czy to jechało jako ten). 10 lipca 2001 roku.
Fot. Jarek / Chester
Rivulets of distant Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) gather and flow into a greater current as they descend the northeast slopes of East Beckwith Mountain (12,441 ft; 3,792 m), Gunnison National Forest, Colorado. The wave of colour builds and crests into a tumbling wall as it overtakes the foreground copse.
Looking at this image, I feel that it is a pity that apples are ripe at the same time of year that leaves shed their pedestrian, functional garb and don their festive outer-wear. I have been fermenting and making cider for several years now, and the apple crop along the Front Range this year is like nothing I've ever seen. The quantity of fruit is profound, and I have discovered numerous varieties with extraordinary and intriguing colors and flavors. Unfortunately, collecting and processing all this fruit (600 lbs so far) is time consuming, and I have therefore not prioritized traveling to take in the seasonal show in the mountains.
Fortunately, it is easy to flick back in time via the computer and remember that last year brought so many beautiful moments, despite the fear and isolation brought on by the ongoing pandemic. One benefit that accrues when one absorbs time in the out-of-doors is that it becomes harder and harder to focus on internal travails, whatever they may be.
I hope the first days of autumn have treated everyone well!
This morning I wanted to concentrate on smaller birds and test Sony's Eye AF changes. It works great! With the correct settings, it will prioritize the eye to be in focus instead of the closest point to the camera within the focus area.
With a Paducah Rebuild GP10 in tow, BNSF Train J ABIAUM1 30A rounds the curve at 30th Street as it leaves the KCT Railway for the BNSF Ft. Scott Sub. on Main Track 2 as Engineer Wil Burke gives us a friendly wave.
Though the "high-wide" symbol might be somewhat misleading, railroads commonly use this prefix type on expedited or high value moves to differentiate from other less prioritized trains, or ones that require less special handling. The hopper car is along for the ride to satisfy minimum axle requirements for properly shunting signal systems.
The GP10 was built for Illinois Central as GP9 IC 9120 in 12-1955 with a builder number of 20758 frame number 5409-3. In March 1973 it emerged from shop as a graduate of the ICG's Paducah Rebuild program as ICG 8329 as a GP10. It was later sold to the US Army, and renumbered USAX 1873. Later retired and sold to S&S Leasing and renumbered SSRX 1873, it soon found a new home on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad and renumbered MRSR 9120, regaining its original number, while owned by American Heritage Railways in 2016.
It was painted in the Milwaukee Road-inspired livery as seen here and pulled trains in Washington until COVID-19 shut the railroad down, and eventually forced AHR to seek a new owner.
The locomotive was then moved into storage on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad in Abilene, KS; the ASVR being a fairly recently affiliated partner with AHR. The Branson Scenic Railway was purchased by AHR in 2024, and the movement of the locomotive was expedited to that property in this special move in order to restore service for their busy Independence Day holiday week of excursions due to their GP30, BSRX 99 experiencing a sudden prime mover failure.
The engine was interchanged to the MNA Railroad at Aurora, MO, quickly wyed, and raced to Branson to be placed in service. By July 3rd it had been turned, serviced, tested, and re-lettered to pull the train out of Branson, facing south.
Locomotive: HRMX 9120
6-30-25
Kansas City, MO
Soft focus shot using a Soft filter.
I strive for a soft, dreamlike aesthetic in my photography. It's a style I know isn't for everyone, and I respect that. I was taught to prioritize sharp, clear images, and that's usually my approach. But sometimes, a subject seems to whisper for a gentler, more diffused look.
As scientists and crew with NASA’s Operation IceBridge mission prepared for a research flight on Nov. 5, 2016, the weather in Punta Arenas, Chile, was cold, wet, and windy. But when they reached their survey site in West Antarctica, skies were clear and winds were calm—a perfect day for scientists to collect data over the Getz Ice Shelf.
IceBridge, now in its eighth year, continues to build a record of how ice is responding to changes in the polar environment. The Getz Ice Shelf in West Antarctica is one area that scientists try to examine each year. “Getz is an ice shelf that has been experiencing some of the highest basal melt rates of the Antarctic ice shelves,” said Nathan Kurtz, IceBridge project scientist and a sea ice researcher at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
The image above shows a views of Getz as photographed on Nov. 5 from a NASA research airplane by Jeremy Harbeck, a sea ice scientist at NASA Goddard. The image shows ice in the process of calving from the front of the shelf, soon to become an iceberg.
Kurtz notes that the team has flown over the Getz Ice Shelf many times before. Flight paths are often exact repeats of those flown in previous years, which helps scientists understand how the height of the ice surface changes over time. This year, new flights over Getz were added to the existing observations. Scientists mapped the bathymetry (shape and depth of the seafloor) below the ice shelf, and they mapped the ice surface and bedrock upstream of the grounding line.
The flight over Getz is just one of a number of key areas flown during the IceBridge campaign. Each flight plan is prioritized in order of importance: baseline (the highest priority), high, medium, and low. The flight on Nov. 5 over Getz, for example, was categorized as “high” priority. Since the start of 2016 science flights on Oct.14, the team has flown six out of eight baseline missions, eight out of 15 high priority lines, and one medium and low priority mission each. Research flights for the season continue through Nov. 18.
“We are in pretty good shape so far, having flown so many missions due to a combination of favorable weather, no major airplane issues, and all instruments operating well,” Kurtz said. “We’re about four weeks into the campaign, and it’s possible we could tie the record of most flights flown with Operation IceBridge if things continue to go well.”
Image Credit: NASA/Jeremy Harbeck
Spring has cast its spell, covering our newest residential region in a tapestry of lush greens and vibrant wildflowers. As the season unfolds, horses graze peacefully across expansive pastures, creating a picturesque scene straight from a horse lover's dream. 🐴
In our unique community, we prioritize the well-being of our equine companions and love of nature above all else. Residents enjoy ample space to nurture all their four-legged friends in the embrace of nature. 🌷
Landmark: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Evergarden%20Oaks/143/251/41
Discord: discord.gg/evergarden
First I've been essentially off Flickr for several months. Life has been busy but I have been out shooting when I can. I hope everyone is well and I hope to catch up with your work as time allows.
Went with a friend in early June just over the Georgia border into North Carolina to primarily target this warbler. We have some breeders at higher elevations in the north Georgia mountains but those populations get a fair amount of pressure from birders and photographers. I usually don't target warblers on territory that late in the season but wanted to try something different with this species. Those more familiar with my warbler photography know that when working on Spring breeding grounds I prioritize locations that are largely 'off-grid', meaning they are seldom visited by other birders or photographers. They also know my preference for composition which often includes something in bloom and preferably something found growing in the bird's territory. I've learned over the years that each warbler species has its own tendencies as to responsiveness to playback and I've also learned how complex playback can be....and of course I'm still learning! The goal is to minimize playback and have an interaction with the bird that minimizes any potential stress. To place a warbler on an intended perch where it in turn is comfortable enough to sing is usually my goal in Spring. It has been my experience that this species can be one of the most challenging species of all eastern warblers to accomplish that feat; that is to perch it on an exact intended perch with a smooth background and get singing shots.
Using refined techniques (timing in breeding cycle and playback call choices and process) for this species we worked with just one male and photographed him on the blooming Mountain Laurel as well as blooming Flame Azalea. As a bonus his presumed mate joined him briefly on the Flame Azalea. The call choices and process used built on that used in the upper peninsula of MI two Springs ago. For whatever reason it seems those birds in the northern part of the range are easier to work with earlier in the season than those in the more southern part of the range. Time will tell. With all things warbler as pertains to responsiveness there are definite tendencies but few if any absolutes.
In the southern part of its range Canada warbler is often found in areas where Black-throated Blue warblers breed. Canada warblers are very responsive to the playback techniques I've learned for that species when used soon after breeding ground arrival. What would be the results about a month to 6 weeks later using the same techniques? We tried several Canada warblers when we visited this North Carolina area in early June as my friend was interested in photographing that species too. The results were clear. For Canada warblers at least in the southern part of the range I will stick to the early arrivals when attempting spring breeding ground photography. This appears to be in stark contrast to the better timing for Black-throated Blue warblers in the southern part of their range.
There may be the assumption that any app with calls has what you need. When you spend as much time as I have in the field with warblers you will realize that no one app has the library of calls you would like to be available to you. That expanded library access has enabled me to close gaps in responsiveness for many warbler species which means better images and much less potential to stress the bird. The technique of "just turn on the call' is imho a rather primitive one but where I too started many years ago. That technique will often increase stress on the subject and yield more limited results as well. Boiled down using playback well for warbler photography is an interaction which requires careful observation of how the bird is or is not responding. If you are needing an app such as Merlin to locate your subject that is fine. However if you yourself can not hear the subject well and see how it is responding based on what you hear and also the visual than you will be limited in your results and probably increase the stress on your subjects as well.
For decades, like a ghost, she's been waiting for better times by watching from the window. But only little changes happen...
Despite all the progress in all sectors, the human being continues to disappoint and prioritize personal desires and follies, and for that, he inflicts suffering on others using violence, disrespect for life and personal freedom. Prioritizing the desire to have what he wants simply goes on eliminating supposed adversaries.
After two years of this terrible pandemic, all we want most is peace to assimilate the pain of so much loss and so much despair. Never, even in the worst of nightmares, would we be able to imagine an unjustifiable war that can reach unimaginable proportions.
Sorry friends, but I've been feeling a little depressed lately, a little disillusioned with where life is going. But I left in this photo small colored dots symbolizing the hope that something will change over the days...
This photo is a "fantasy" and was made (through simple Photoshop features) by combining a photo taken in Italy and a postcard from the early 20th century romantic series.
The lady in the photo just observes but keeps a certain sadness in her eyes.
Better seen when you zoom the photo. ;)
On Explore: April 18, 2022
I have missed the whole week of epic sunsets due to work, ran to the Shoreline Boathouse nearby once I see the beautiful cloud pattern without hesitation and what I experienced was a beautiful meditative evening of color show. The foreground is blurry since I was in a huge hurry to prioritize the calm water, but sometimes we win and sometimes we learn...
📷 IG:travelwgraceh
I took a week of winter vacation this year, due to a new baby in the family (not mine), along with a wedding last weekend. I prioritized time with family the first several days of arrival, but knew I wanted to get the potentially “last” Pan Am documented as much as I could too. Sunday afternoon, my little guy and I headed out for a couple hours and returned to Wilton with nothing. Yesterday was more/less a dud of a few hours spent by myself, but third time's the charm they say...right? Well this afternoon started with my little guy along for the ride once again, and after a couple hours, we managed to shoot a pair of light GEs (blister leading) returning from taking a loaded limestone train to Bow last night. I felt defeated to say the least, but thanks to the birdies (you know who you are), everything came together for a backup plan. The second of two takes of these guys really made the day worthwhile, most of all since Austin smiled as big as he possibly could when he saw the GEs round the corner. POAY consisting of 7585, and two blisters approaches CPF-BY where a medium clear signal beckons them into the town of Lowell, following the copying of a Rule 241 to pass CPF-297.
Amsterdam is famous for its canals and cycling culture. It’s amazing how they prioritize biking, and there are so many bikes everywhere! The canals, a UNESCO Heritage site, reflect the city’s commercial history and are second only to Venice in number. The Anne Frank House reminds us of WWII’s horrors and why history must never repeat itself. Fun fact: there are more bikes than people in the city!
Do something good for yourself or others today. Take a relaxing walk in nature, reach out to a friend to check in on them, volunteer your time at a local organization, cook a healthy meal for yourself, practice mindfulness exercises, or simply perform a small act of kindness for someone you meet during your day; essentially, prioritize an activity that brings you or someone else joy, relaxation, or support.
I promise you the cacophony and discord of humanity will not go anywhere while you are away enjoying the sanctuary of meaningful things.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUTPPmyiWNU&pp=ygUcbW9vZHkgYm...
Created With Deep Dream AI Generator
CSX K445 heads south towards Atlanta through Kingston on the W&A Sub. In the not-too-distance past, & I mean about only, say, earlier this year, it was very common to see Canadian power on the ethanol trains that ran through Atlanta on either the W&A or the Etowah subs, with CN SD75's being one of, if not the most common visitors. Due to a combination of factors, like CSX prioritizing the route through Birmingham for traffic to/from Florida & trying to reduce horsepower-hours owed to other railroads just to name two, these Canuck visitors, especially the older motors like these, have become quite rare. When I took this photo, this was only the second time since January that these engines have made a visit to North Georgia, and as of posting this in early December, 2021, the last time (to my knowledge). Combine that along with the fact these are older engines & not being favored by crews, who knows how many more times these fairly rare motors will appear in my neck of the woods, at least before CN follows through with their intent to rebuild them with AC traction (if they're still planning to). 9-2-21
- Salvador Dali.
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Today's photo is one of the most iconic scenes of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. This is the famous Crystal Mill which also goes by the name Old Mill and is an abandoned wooden power mill built in 1892. The mill is located on an outcrop over a waterfall on the Crystal River. As fall peaks, this mill provides visiting photographers with one of the most iconic scenes of America’s western mountains.
While this is a famous location and we visited during the popular fall season, due to the remoteness of the location we were actually the only people here for about 2 hours and on our way back we met another couple who were hiking to the mill. So, its safe to say that it's not a tourist haunt like the Maroon Bells. By the time we reached the mills, the sun was out in full force but thanks to the location being in a Canyon and this being Colorado, there was no shortage of clouds that came in to block out the sun so that I could make my long exposure shot of the waterfall.
Technically this was a challenging location to shoot as being an iconic location finding unique compositions I almost an impossible task. Another difficulty is caused by the fact that the owner of the property has installed fences to discourage people from taking shots by the edge of the cliffs making limiting many compositions. Then comes the need to prioritize the various aspects in the scene regarding lighting, generally fall colors look better under diffused lighting while waterfall look better in the shade and dark wooden structures don’t look good in shade. So, I had to wait for the correct lighting and manage the rest with my filters. As you can see even after my best efforts, the mill is still in its own shadows which were something that I could not avoid due to the time of the day. But I paid special attention not to overblow the waterfall and still get good light on the fall colors.
(Epthianura albifrons)
Western Treatment Plant - Werribee - VIC
Austrália
With this photo, I conclude my extensive series of one photo per species from our 30-day trip to Australia. We recorded 207 species, a disappointing number for a dedicated birdwatcher, but we are not birdwatchers and we didn’t photograph everything we saw. We prioritized good photographic opportunities, often spending a lot of time with a single species, rather than focusing on the number of sightings, which we didn’t even keep track of.
Even so, out of eagerness and caution—since we might not see the species again—we often photographed under much less-than-ideal conditions, resulting in a significant number of species recorded with low quality. Sorry fot that!
I also photographed a handful of additional species, but I don’t dare to show them, as the quality is so poor.
Additionally, I still have a folder with photos labeled as "Unknown," but even if I manage to identify them, the quality is once again disappointing, so they will most likely remain in that state.
I once again have to give a big thanks to our new Australian friends—Karen and Kevin in Werribee (Melbourne), John and Leoni in Mount Barker (Adelaide), and Stu and Colin in Brisbane—who helped us tremendously in obtaining these photos.
Without their help, we wouldn't have even seen many of these species, let alone photographed them. I hope to one day return the favor, but I think that's unlikely due to the distance. I will be eternally grateful and will try to help others who visit us.
We're already eager to return, but for now, I'll pick some of my favorite photos to complete the collection!
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All my photos are now organized into sets by the country where they were taken, by taxonomic order, by family, by species (often with just one photo for the rarer ones), and by the date they were taken.
So, you may find:
- All the photos for this trip Austrália (2024) (309)
- All the photos for this order PASSERIFORMES (3553)
- All the photos for this family Meliphagidae (Melifagídeos) (43)
- All the photos for this species Epthianura albifrons (2)
- All the photos taken this day 2024/11/02 (27)
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Sustainable elephant practices in Northern Laos prioritize ethical tourism, conservation, and community engagement. Sanctuaries and camps provide elephants with natural habitats, promote positive human-elephant interactions, and offer educational programs to raise awareness about conservation. Responsible tourism practices ensure elephants' well-being and dignity, prohibiting harmful activities like riding or performing tricks. Local communities are involved in conservation efforts, supporting sustainable tourism and protecting elephant habitats.
Follow the money. The size of the investment BNSF made in the 2020s to increase the capacity of the former Santa Fe double track CTC Needles Subdivision in California’s Mojave Desert is a good indicator of the value of today’s intermodal franchise to the company. West from Needles near the Colorado River (475 feet elevation), the railroad climbs a steady 1.4% grade for almost 30 miles through a pass in the Dead Mountains and around the north end of the Piute Mountains to the summit at Goffs (2580 feet elevation). Beginning in the 1980s, growing traffic resulting from globalization created long heavy intermodal trains that overwhelmed the existing infrastructure. All westbounds were limited to the progress that the slowest westbound train made climbing Goffs Hill. By 2023, BNSF completed a third mainline track from West Needles to East Goffs at a cost of $155 million.
Prior to 2023, the BNSF Dispatcher in Fort Worth would use the siding at Goffs just west of the summit to prioritize trains. The last few minutes of evening sun glints on a meet at East Goffs. An eastbound intermodal dims his headlight and holds for a westbound cresting Goffs Hill, then glides east and begins the long descent to Needles.
For a description of West Goffs see:flic.kr/p/2qYN23u
I first shot this scene two years ago during my first visit to the bayou but ever since then I wanted another visit and a chance to shoot the scene as a pano and with the early fall colors. I felt the late fall colors ghost trees of this scene had a little too much exposed branches and that early or peak colors would be better.
This time around, I prioritized shooting this scene and to make conditions ideal, we had heavy mist with the below-freezing temperatures. Compared to my previous visit, the water level was higher this time around. Less of the tree trunk bases were exposed but despite that the tree grouping and scene still rendered beautifully. As expected, the color change was in full swing, with an assortment of colored leaves ranging from greens to yellows to oranges and a few splashes of red.
Amazingly I had never done this famous photo angle myself. Long on my list I finally decided to prioritize it this fall during what was probably the peak weekend for foliage in the Hudson Valley. Alas the sun didn't cooperate, but the trains were plentiful and the sweeping vista is simply stunning.
CSXT train M433-23 (manifest from Selkirk to Conrail Conrail Shared Assests Oak Island yard) has 60 loads and 40 empties totalling 6589 ft and 8863 tons trailing two units the first of which is a veteran more than quarter century old GE AC4400CW dressed in its as delivered YN2 'bright future' livery. They are southbound as they cross Iona Island at MP 41 on the River Line and roll out over the causeway over Snake Hole Creek that separates the marshlands from the Hudson River.
CSXT's River Sub (ex Conrail, Penn Central, New York Central, nee West Shore) dates from 1883 in this area and despite being a relative latecomer its mainline up the west bank of the Hudson has only grown in importance over the decades as traffic patterns have shifted. Today this line between northern New Jersey and the Albany area is by far the busiest north south route in the northeast, while conversely virtually the entirety of the West Shore's route to Buffalo along the south side of the Mohawk River has long been abandoned.
Iona Island is now part of Bear Mountain State Park but has an interesting history. In the mid 1800s a hotel and amusement park were located on the island but in 1899 it was bought by the US Navy and served as an ammunition depot during both World Wars but was decommissioned in 1947 and sold to the state in 1965 though large portions still remain off limits and the few remaining buildings are closed the public.
Rising beyond is the Bear Mountain Bridge. When it opened a century ago it was the longest suspension bridge in the world spanning 2255 ft across the Hudson River and 155 ft above the water line and with its towers reaching another 205 ft skyward! Originally a private toll road it has been property of the state of New York since 1940.
The bridge has a couple railroad connections I found interesting as well. The original Hudson Highland Suspension Bridge as chartered in 1868 was originally planned to be a railroad bridge which if built would have been the farthest south rail crossing of the river. Despite raising capital, completing engineering work and even starting excavation of the anchor pits it never came to fruition and the second charter finally expired nearly a half century after the first.
When the state then authorized the private highway bridge instead in 1922 one of the directors of the new company was E. Roland Harriman of the famous banking company who was the youngest son of legendary Union Pacific and Southern Pacific president E. H. Harriman who purchased the UP out of bankruptcy in 1898 and then acquired the SP in 1901. His leadership until his death in 1909 turned them into modern economic and corporate powerhouses that would be hugely influential throughout the 20th century leaving a legacy that carries on to railroading today....but I digress!
Bear Mountain State Park
Stony Point, New York
Thursday October 23, 2025
Gabriel Voisin was a mechanical genius who marched to his own drums, and started his Aero buisiness, Avions Voisin in 1905 and produced prominent WW I planes for France.
In 1919 he started producing cars using Knight-type sleeve valve engines at Issy-les-Moulineaux, an industrial suburb to the southwest of Paris. Former student of the Fine Arts School of Lyon and enthusiast for all things mechanical since his childhood, Voisin's uncompromisingly individual designs made extensive use of light alloys, especially aluminum. The characteristic Voisin style of 'rational' coachwork he developed in conjunction with his collaborator André Noel. Noel prioritized lightness, central weight distribution, capacious luggage boxes and distinctively angular lines. The 1930s models with underslung chassis were strikingly low. Always producing limited quantity unusual cars for the well to do, like so many companies whose income required 'the wealthy' in the worsening world wide Depression, he went officially bust in 1945, after spending the early war producing war machinery.
In the early 1930s, Gabriel Voisin could not pay all of his draftsmen any more and a young creative engineer named André Lefèbvre quit, recommended by Gabriel to Louis Renault. Lefèbvre finally entered Citroën where he led three particularly significant car projects: the Traction Avant, the 2CV and the DS, using a lot of Gabriel's lessons. Old Gabriel left a big footprint of unique ideas, though few actual cars.
Double click on the image to enlarge for details.
AS ALWAYS....COMMENTS & INVITATIONS with AWARD BANNERS will be respectfully DELETED!
The Selomangleng Cave site, is an ancient site during the era of King Erlangga, where in the past the Kahuripan kingdom was used as a hermitage of Dewi Kilisuci, because she did not want to prioritize worldly affairs, the location of Kediri, East Java, Indonesia.
This morning I wanted to concentrate on smaller birds and test Sony's Eye AF changes. It works great! With the correct settings, it will prioritize the eye to be in focus instead of the closest point to the camera within the focus area.
Thank you low angle sunlight for illuminating the Great Northern herald on this veteran bridge. I have been wanting this photo for years, but I neither prioritized it or studied if the sun gets low enough to shine on the entirety of the GN logo. One day heading over to Saint Paul, I was driving on 15th Avenue and saw it was lit up perfectly. I fortunately had my camera and grabbed several angles.
I have seen this GN herald and thought a lot about if any other bridges in the Great Northern system had GN text or advertising. None that I am aware of besides this one. If you know of a bridge with Great Northern text, please let me know in the comments.
Came across this figurine a couple days ahead of the lockdown order. The writing was on the wall in terms of the coming edict on restrictioted movement. I made a point of getting out with the camera that weekend. The impetus was partly my desire to do something normal. But it was also colored with the uncertainty over when that opportunity would next arise. Looking back, that latter thought was quite prescient. Photography has since become a rather furtive affair (a subject for another post). But right now, mid-March feels like months ago. The freedom to pickup and go anywhere and do anything seems distant. There's a palpable heaviness to life now. Left unchecked, it's quite capable of blotting out most everything in its path. I think the real challenge going forward is to not succumb to depression (assuming you don't succumb to the virus first). Life and death concerns certainly have a way of prioritizing one's life. Last year at this time I was focused on cleaning up my yard in the aftermath of winter and tackling some DIY projects. This year I'm grappling with grocery store anxiety and not getting infected with a killer virus. A definite shift of thought process. The torrent of emotion that was about to be unleashed on the world seemed to be embodied in the downcast face of this statue standing silent vigil on the edge of a cemetery.
500px.com/photo/104535909/celestica-by-timothy-poulton?fr...
in the end, everyone can understand themselves only. You are the only one to which you never have to explain what you mean. Everything else is misunderstanding.
Laguna Torre - Patagonia
With so much commanding our attention these days, it’s easy to feel like were drowning in a tidal wave of messages that arrive daily through our phones, computers and personal devices.
At some point, it seems the only way to catch a break is to simply walk out into the wilderness, and away from the constant technological distractions.
I have just completed my second OOAK Photography Adventure for 2015, we went on a backcountry trip in Patagonia both in Chile and Argentina and enjoyed many nights camping in the wilderness. This trip was particularly wonderful because it was my first to this part of the world and a break from the endless notifications that inundate my daily life.
I was reminded of the importance of temporarily disconnecting from the “real” world. Of course, it doesn’t take a photography trip to do this. A walk in the park, run by the river or snowshoe in the mountains will provide ample opportunity to go social media free for a few hours.
In order to truly disconnect I believe we need to either spend some time alone or surround ourselves with people who can also turn the power off. Unfortunately we have become so dependent on this form of communication we found it hard to disconnect..
Just a few hours or days spent away from our devices gives us the perspective and discernment we need when we choose to connect again. By fully engaging in our time spent in nature - breathing in the fresh air, watching the sun set and rise or the way the snow blows off the mountains - we’ll stay in the present moment and away from the perpetual ”To Do List.” In fact, when we let go of all the things that command our attention, we are better able to prioritize and discern what is important. The time we take to refresh our spirits will make us much more creative when it’s time to enter the game again.
What I really missed the most was my beautiful wife and children, I feel recharged by my time in the wilderness and believe I can better handle what happens in the “real" world.
Au Moyen Âge, il suffisait de se promener dans les rues de Trèves pour découvrir le bon vieux temps. En effet, les gens de cette époque traitaient leur héritage historique de manière très pragmatique : les bâtiments qui ne pouvaient plus être utilisés devaient servir de carrières pour de nouvelles constructions. Et c'est ainsi que nombre des tours résidentielles en forme de forteresse qui ont vu le jour dans le centre-ville aux XIe et XIIe siècles ont souvent été construites avec des antiques matériaux de pierre romains que l'on trouvait encore partout. Seules quelques-unes de ces tours ont survécu jusqu'à aujourd'hui, - la tour des Francs du XIVe siècle, dont l'un de ses habitants se nommait Franco von Senheim, est l'une d'entre elles et aussi la mieux conservée. Dans ses murs aussi, des pierres antiques ont survécu aux âges.
La façade sans ornement et la couronne murale crénelée indiquent déjà que les constructeurs de la tour ont mis en priorité le facteur de sécurité. En fait, alors que la muraille d’enceinte antique de la ville avait été en grande partie détruite, la construction du mur d’enceinte médiéval n'était pas encore terminée. Une raison suffisante, donc, pour prouver leurs propres capacités défensives avec de petites fenêtres et des murs défiants. De plus, la porte d'entrée se trouvait au premier étage du côté est et ne pouvait être atteinte que par un escalier en bois rabattable. En cas d'attaque, les invités non invités se tenaient donc devant un mur solide et ne pouvaient pas entrer. Une porte au rez-de-chaussée n'a été ajoutée qu'au XIXe siècle.
In the Middle Ages, it was enough to walk through the streets of Trier to discover the good old days. Indeed, people of that time treated their historical heritage in a very pragmatic way: buildings that could no longer be used had to be used as quarries for new constructions. And so it is that many of the fortress-like residential towers that sprung up in the city center in the 11th and 12th centuries were often built with ancient Roman stone materials that were still found everywhere. Only a few of these towers have survived to this day - the 14th century Frankish Tower, one of whose inhabitants was named Franco von Senheim, is one of them and also the best preserved. In its walls too, ancient stones have survived the ages.
The unadorned facade and crenellated wall crown already indicate that the builders of the tower prioritized the safety factor. In fact, while the ancient city wall had been largely destroyed, the construction of the medieval city wall was not yet complete. Reason enough, then, to prove their own defensive abilities with small windows and defiant walls. Also, the front door was on the first floor on the east side and could only be reached by a folding wooden staircase. In the event of an attack, uninvited guests therefore stood in front of a solid wall and could not enter. A door on the ground floor was not added until the 19th century.
An eddy formed by a downed log collects a treasure trove of bright, yellow Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) leaves along the Saint Vrain River, Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado.
My wife and I came up here on a beautiful Sunday morning sans boys. The oldest is deep into his teenage years, and he prioritizes sleeping late over tramping about in the forest with his parents. The youngest son is almost a teenager, and he occasionally manifests a stubborn streak that is somewhat profound. On this morning, he did NOT want to go for a hike with his parents either. We therefore left the two doofuses to their own (probably electronic) devices, and we abandoned collecting apples around Boulder in favor of cooler, higher, much more colorful country to the west. It was, perhaps, a brief prelude to what life might transform into 10 years from now. Assuming my knees still work in 10 years' time.
“Loveland Foundation is committed to showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls. Our resources and initiatives are collaborative and they prioritize opportunity, access, validation, and healing. We are becoming the ones we’ve been waiting for.” thelovelandfoundation.org/about/
With street photography, I have always prioritized daytime hours, trying to find the twilight hours or midday hours to have more contrasting shadows, but I have discovered that the night has a special charm. It is possible that inside of me lives a being of darkness that is yet to show itself completely. I'm going to let myself go to see where ends this obsession with darkness and the night that I just discovered and that has completely captivated me.
All of the photos were taken respectfully and for artistic purposes only.
If you appear in a photo and want it removed, just contact me.
All rights reserved.
18/366 - Rest
Rest: the sweet sauce of labor.
--Plutarch
Employ thy leisure time well, if thou meanest to gain pleasure. --Benjamin Franklin
I love three day weekends!! I got so much done. At the zoo today, while I saw so many animals napping, I realized that I forgot to rest!! (Luckily, I am a great sleeper. As soon as my head touches the pillow, I am asleep!)
I hope that we all can remember to play hard and then rest. Rest is important for our bodies so that we can live a long and happy life.
Take care of your body with steadfast fidelity. The soul must see through these eyes alone, and if they are dim, the whole world is clouded. --Goethe
I pray that we can all remember to prioritize rest in our busy lives--even if we must schedule it in.
Travel back to the Roaring Roaring Twenties. The Vintage Car Rally from Barcelona to Sitges is celebrated with great taste and elegance. This legendary race began in 1959. With today's edition there are already 64 editions and the rules have remained unchanged. 52 cars and 15 classic motorcycles participate. All the vehicles are prior to 1928 and the event prioritizes their conservation. It is not a race, it is rewarded to be dressed in period and according to the vehicle and its state of conservation. A total of 40 kilometers that become a real trip to the past
Duke of Avon
Dowager Duchess of Avon (played by AI)
[10:43] Duke of Avon (raik.chevalier): Good morning Mummy
[10:43] Lady Catherine (Dowager Duchess): Good morning, Duke. I trust you slept well. Now, tell me when may I expect to hear the pitter-patter of little feet at Avon? Time waits for no one.
[10:44] Duke of Avon (raik.chevalier): Her grace is a busy woman. I continue to work diligently on behalf of the manor. Those things take time.
[10:44] Lady Catherine (Dowager Duchess): Excuses, Your Grace. The estate survived centuries before you took charge. I require heirs, not further delays. The future of Avon depends on more than diligence. Prioritize accordingly.
[10:46] Duke of Avon (raik.chevalier): I'm just SOOO glad you have come to visit... How long are you staying?
[10:46] Lady Catherine (Dowager Duchess): I shall remain as long as necessary, son. Someone must ensure standards are upheld and perhaps encourage certain... domestic developments. Do not rush me; I know when I am needed.
[10:47] Duke of Avon (raik.chevalier) smiles and kisses you on the cheek
[10:47] Lady Catherine (Dowager Duchess): Flattery will not distract me, Your Grace. Affection is all well and good, but results are preferable. Remember, duty comes before sentiment. Now, what is planned for luncheon?
“Life isn't as magical here, and you're not the only one who feels like you don't belong, or that it's better somewhere else. But there ARE things worth living for. And the best part is you never know what's going to happen next.”
― O.R. Melling
So... if you read what I wrote with my most recent clown photo... I did just that. I put on a long sleeved shirt (in 90 degree heat with 90% humidity... and later (when it was already too late) realized it was one of those COLD Gear shirts.... designed to keep you WARM in cold winter weather... it was thin and lightweight... I didn't know.... can you say "heat stroke"? UGH!!) and went out with a machete and pruning shears to bushwack a trail to the abandoned section of the farm where I took the clown photos... and then proceeded to cut away the weeds and trim a tree that was covering another window there. My reward for my misguided prioritization was uncovering TWO new windows to shoot (and sweating off a few pounds... yey!) I won't bother to list all the things that I SHOULD have been doing, that are ... STILL ... undone. So, I can now cross "yard work" off of my "To Do" list ... afterall, I never did specify that the work had to be done in MY yard.
Works for me!
UP 1439 and 1361 pass the depot along the UP Mankato Subdivision bound for a meet at the West St. James siding at the start of the UP Worthington Subdivision. The goal today was to see what the happenings were on the former Omaha Route. The day graced me several things moving around, but I prioritized this local heading west. At this point I did not know if this was going towards Windom or turning at Butterfield.
With a Paducah Rebuild GP10 in tow, BNSF Train J ABIAUM1 30A swings down Main Track 5 on the BNSF Emporia Sub. near CP 72 as Conductor Bryce Bryce Haake gives us a wave and Engineer Steven Sirois Jr. blows a few friendly toots.
Though the "high-wide" symbol might be somewhat misleading, railroads commonly use this prefix type on expedited or high value moves to differentiate from other less prioritized trains, or ones that require less special handling. The hopper car is along for the ride to satisfy minimum axle requirements for properly shunting signal systems.
The GP10 was built for Illinois Central as GP9 IC 9120 in 12-1955 with a builder number of 20758 frame number 5409-3. In March 1973 it emerged from shop as a graduate of the ICG's Paducah Rebuild program as ICG 8329 as a GP10. It was later sold to the US Army, and renumbered USAX 1873. Later retired and sold to S&S Leasing and renumbered SSRX 1873, it soon found a new home on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad and renumbered MRSR 9120, regaining its original number, while owned by American Heritage Railways in 2016.
It was painted in the Milwaukee Road-inspired livery as seen here and pulled trains in Washington until COVID-19 shut the railroad down, and eventually forced AHR to seek a new owner.
The locomotive was then moved into storage on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad in Abilene, KS; the ASVR being a fairly recently affiliated partner with AHR. The Branson Scenic Railway was purchased by AHR in 2024, and the movement of the locomotive was expedited to that property in this special move in order to restore service for their busy Independence Day holiday week of excursions due to their GP30, BSRX 99 experiencing a sudden prime mover failure.
The engine was interchanged to the MNA Railroad at Aurora, MO, quickly wyed, and raced to Branson to be placed in service. By July 3rd it had been turned, serviced, tested, and re-lettered to pull the train out of Branson, facing south.
Locomotives: BNSF 6578, HRMX 9120
6-30-25
Kansas City, KS