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Local herder reads a political poem about how politicians don't listen to the people. In line with the theme of the interview we were doing about how local people would be impacted by making Tost Uul a National Protected Area to avoid mining impacts.
This photo was taken near Lac Carbon in the Vallée des Merveilles, located within Mercantour National Park. It shows a shallow alpine stream surrounded by rocky terrain, grassy patches, and scattered evergreen trees. In the background, a prominent mountain peak rises under a clear blue sky with some cloud cover. The water is transparent, revealing stones and pebbles beneath the surface. The area is typical of high-altitude alpine environments, with minimal vegetation and exposed geological features.
In Indonesia where internet has been uncooperative – took about an hr to fav a few photos – not good. About to head to Sumatra to look at palm oil and paper pulp plantations and conservation actions in the Riau Sumatra where I suspect internet will be bad. Posting a string of photos from Fall trip in Mongolia. Will catch up when I am back in the wifi world!
Photo here:
Gang Searches for Ibex and/or signs of Snow Leopards.
The western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus), often simply called the Marsh Harrier, breeds widely across Europe and Asia.It is migratory except in the mildest regions, and winters mainly in Africa. It hunts small mammals, frogs, fish, insects and birds, surprising them as it drifts low over fields and reed-beds.Its long legs allow it to pluck frogs and fish from the water mid-swoop.
Marsh Harrier (Circus Aeruginosus) male hunting_ Hungary_w_2094
The nature reserve at Fjallabak in the southern highlands of Iceland is one of the country's most remarkable and beloved protected area. It is characterized by unusual geology, as a big part of it is covered by rhyolite, a silica-rich volcanic rock, that covers only 2% of Iceland's area, but is the signature rock here. Rhyolite is commonly brown-to-orange, but can also be grey or bluish and even greenish, depending on the mineral content and later "cooking" by geothermal heat. There are hot springs peppered over the highlands, contrasting with the barren ground, where substantial fields of snow and a few minor glaciers hold their ground in the summer. The result is riot of colours and contrasts, a true wilderness where life is rare, but still shows up in unexpected places, like lime green moss around hot springs or glacial melt streams. The area was protected in 1979 and has an area of 446 square kilometers. Iceland's best known hiking route, Laugavegurinn, starts at the hot springs at Landmannalaugar and runs south from there, the first part being within the limits of the Fjallabak reserve.
In Indonesia where internet has been uncooperative – took about an hr to fav a few photos – not good. About to head to Sumatra to look at palm oil and paper pulp plantations and conservation actions in the Riau Sumatra where I suspect internet will be bad. Posting a string of photos from Fall trip in Mongolia. Will catch up when I am back in the wifi world!
Photo here:
Herder takes a break from herding to pose for a picture.
The Purple Heron is a Large heron with rusty head and streaky neck; juvenile is extensively rusty brown on upper-parts. Favours fresh marshes with tall reeds and other vegetation. Often more retiring than Grey Heron and rarely seen in open situations. Only likely to be confused with larger and bulkier Grey Heron, which is paler and greyer overall, with a stouter bill.
THE Camera trap that caught the elusive beast!!!
Read more about the great work of the Snow Leopard Trust in Mongolia:
This image shows a road through the Müritz national park, the completeley protected area. Therefore you won't see any traffic along this road. I liked this view with the endless road leading through this nature reserve and with these trees to the left and to the right.
In Indonesia where internet has been uncooperative – took about an hr to fav a few photos – not good. About to head to Sumatra to look at palm oil and paper pulp plantations and conservation actions in the Riau Sumatra where I suspect internet will be bad. Posting a string of photos from Fall trip in Mongolia. Will catch up when I am back in the wifi world!
Photo here:
Gang Searches for Ibex and/or signs of Snow Leopards.
Origin of The White Castle. For the origin of The White Castle we have to go back in time to the late Middle Ages.
In 1383 the castle was issued by duchess Johanna van Brabant to knight Pauwels van Haestrecht. This knight had big plans, because in the same year he spoke in The Hague about a house and yard.
This 'borch' consisted of a simple brick residential tower of approximately 11 by 13 meters with a wall thickness of 2 meters. The foundations of the current castle date from this period. The beautiful ribless cellar vault may also be from this time.
Loon op ’t Sant village, was close to Pauwels van Heastrecht's heart. When sand drifts increasingly threatened the village ofLoon op ’t Sant , he had a new village church built 'six steps' to the west, near the castle. This became the core of today's Loon op Zand.
A LARGE CASTLE In the course of the 15th and 16th centuries, the residential tower was extended into a grand castle. Where the English garden is now, an outer bailey was connected to the residential tower by means of an overbuilt access bridge.
This explains the extensive canal system around the castle and gardens. On the north side, earthen walls were erected for defense. The remnants of it are still clearly visible.
Persons such as the Spanish Emperor Charles V, Frederik Hendrik accompanied by the poet Constantijn Huygens (then secretary of Frederik Hendrik) visited the castle. The Sun King Louis XIV stayed there for some time, during the campaign in 1672, the disaster year, against the Republic of the Seven United Provinces. Napoleon also visited the White Castle during the French rule.
The present appearance of Het Witte Kasteel was determined by a renovation around 1777. The Van Salm tot Salm family, then in possession of the manor, gave the castle back the original shape of the residential tower. The outer bailey and the overbuilt access bridge were demolished.
The entrance to the tower was moved from the east side to the north side, where a new forecourt with outbuildings (coach house and lower house) arose. The interior was also adapted to the wishes of the 18th century with regard to comfort. This pleasant peace was rudely disrupted in the Second World War when Het Witte Kasteel was badly damaged after shelling. An impressive restoration, completed in 1950, gave Het Witte Kasteel back its former appearance.
Hikers taking in the views
Whyte Islet is a very small island on the shore of Howe Sound. People hike across the rocks to climb upon this hidden West Vancouver gem. Being aware of the changing tide is very important....the rocky path leading from the beach can quickly disappear when the tide comes in. Many people have been left stranded high and dry on this cute little island. The waterline indicates the water depth reached.
For a broader perspective, please see the previous images.
West Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada
Online information as follows.......
Coordinates:
49.374005°N 123.288832°W
15.63 hectares (0.1563 km2; 0.0603 sq mi)
Operated by:
District of West Vancouver
Status:
Open all year
Whytecliff Park is located near West Vancouver's Horseshoe Bay Neighbourhood, the original name of which was White Cliff City, which opened in 1909. In 1914, Colonel Albert Whyte pressed for the spelling change from White Cliff City to Whytecliff. The Whytecliff area is now distinct from Horseshoe Bay. The park, originally Rockcliffe Park, was developed by W.W. Boultbee in 1926, and a private access road was cut from the Marine Drive highway at Batchelor Bay.
The fifty acre Boultbee estate was purchased by the Union Steamship Company in 1939 and the company operated a Bowen Island Ferry from Whytecliff during 1939-41 and 1946-1952
The park is currently home to more than 200 marine animal species and is the first Marine Protected Area in Canada. Sea lions can be seen sunbathing on the beach during summer.
Wikipedia
I truly appreciate your kind words and would like to thank-you all, for your overwhelming support.
~Christie
**Best experienced in full screen
Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) male display flight Germany_w_0040
It's that time again, when our Marsh Harriers return from Africa & Iberia to get read for the coming breeding season. Males, like this lovely adult, arrive first, patrolling their 'patch' calling as they fly in soft nasal-whining call repeated twice.
Although the temperature is still pretty cold with ground frost these birds will wait, assess what has changed since last season and generally feed and wait until the arrival of his mate or another suitable mate if she fails to arrive. Migration over long distances can be hazardous.
The western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) is a large harrier, a bird of prey from temperate and subtropical western Eurasia and adjacent Africa. It is also known as the Eurasian marsh harrier. The genus name Circus is derived from the Ancient Greek kirkos, referring to a bird of prey named for its circling flight (kirkos, "circle"), probably the hen harrier. The specific aeruginosus is Latin for "rusty"
189 hectares protected area in the midle of the town, hosting an impressive biological diversity. In 2016 has been declarated urban nature park
In the mystical Vallée des Merveilles, nestled among jagged peaks and ancient rocks, Lac Fourca lies in perfect stillness. Its deep blue waters reflect the surrounding alpine landscape like a mirror, while the sparse vegetation and rugged terrain evoke the raw beauty of high-altitude wilderness. Under a clear sky with the moon quietly watching overhead, this scene captures the timeless serenity and geological grandeur of Mercantour National Park—a place where nature whispers through stone and silence.
Nestled in the rugged heights of Valmasque Valley, this alpine lake reflects the jagged peaks and clear blue sky like a natural mirror. The water is so transparent that submerged rocks are visible beneath the surface, adding depth to the serene composition. Surrounded by steep slopes, gravel shores, and sparse vegetation, this tranquil scene captures the raw elegance of Mercantour National Park. A moment of stillness in the wild heart of the French Alps.
I just enjoy this magic sunrise from a spot near my home, with amazing views over the mountains, such a beautiful place to relax your mind.
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A winding trail cuts through the golden grasses and rocky terrain of Valmasque Valley, leading the eye toward the jagged peaks of Mercantour National Park. Under a brilliant blue sky, the landscape radiates both serenity and adventure. Scattered boulders and patches of alpine vegetation hint at the ruggedness of the terrain, inviting hikers into the wild heart of the French Alps. This image captures the spirit of exploration in one of France’s most breathtaking natural sanctuaries.
Kep National Park is a thick evergreen rainforest. It was established in 1993 covering an area of 11.52 sq km. It protects the upper slope of the Kep headland, hence it is easy to access from the hotels in Kep as they are located mostly on its lower slope. It is installed with a circular trail of 8 km, which is mostly in the tree shades as shown by the photo.
The Laguna Garzón Bridge in Uruguay is a 202-meter circular structure designed by Rafael Viñoly. It connects the department of Rocha (East) with Maldonado (West), crossing the Laguna Garzón—a body of water separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow strip of sand.
Its unusual ring shape serves two main purposes: it inherently forces drivers to slow down for safety and transforms the crossing into a pedestrian-friendly public space with panoramic views. Engineered with widely spaced pillars, the design also minimizes continuous water shading, protecting the lagoon's fragile ecosystem and its status as an Important Bird Area. In the distance, toward the upper left, the seaside resort of José Ignacio can be seen.
In the secluded heights of Valmasque Valley, a pristine alpine lake lies perfectly still, mirroring the jagged cliffs and brilliant blue sky above. The water’s clarity reveals submerged stones near the shore, while the surrounding rocky terrain and steep ridges frame this tranquil scene with dramatic elegance. Captured in Mercantour National Park, this image is a testament to the quiet majesty of the French Alps—where silence speaks and nature reflects its own grandeur.
This photo was taken at Lac Long Inférieur, located just below the Refuge des Merveilles in Mercantour National Park. The lake sits in a high-altitude basin surrounded by rocky slopes and sparse alpine vegetation. Its waters are calm and clear, reflecting the surrounding terrain and sky. The area is part of the Vallée des Merveilles, known for its archaeological significance and dramatic landscapes. The lake is easily accessible via hiking trails from the refuge and offers a quiet spot for rest and observation in a rugged alpine setting
Origin of The White Castle. For the origin of The White Castle we have to go back in time to the late Middle Ages.
In 1383 the castle was issued by duchess Johanna van Brabant to knight Pauwels van Haestrecht. This knight had big plans, because in the same year he spoke in The Hague about a house and yard.
This 'borch' consisted of a simple brick residential tower of approximately 11 by 13 meters with a wall thickness of 2 meters. The foundations of the current castle date from this period. The beautiful ribless cellar vault may also be from this time.
Loon op ’t Sant village, was close to Pauwels van Heastrecht's heart. When sand drifts increasingly threatened the village ofLoon op ’t Sant , he had a new village church built 'six steps' to the west, near the castle. This became the core of today's Loon op Zand.
A LARGE CASTLE In the course of the 15th and 16th centuries, the residential tower was extended into a grand castle. Where the English garden is now, an outer bailey was connected to the residential tower by means of an overbuilt access bridge.
This explains the extensive canal system around the castle and gardens. On the north side, earthen walls were erected for defense. The remnants of it are still clearly visible.
Persons such as the Spanish Emperor Charles V, Frederik Hendrik accompanied by the poet Constantijn Huygens (then secretary of Frederik Hendrik) visited the castle. The Sun King Louis XIV stayed there for some time, during the campaign in 1672, the disaster year, against the Republic of the Seven United Provinces. Napoleon also visited the White Castle during the French rule.
The present appearance of Het Witte Kasteel was determined by a renovation around 1777. The Van Salm tot Salm family, then in possession of the manor, gave the castle back the original shape of the residential tower. The outer bailey and the overbuilt access bridge were demolished.
The entrance to the tower was moved from the east side to the north side, where a new forecourt with outbuildings (coach house and lower house) arose. The interior was also adapted to the wishes of the 18th century with regard to comfort. This pleasant peace was rudely disrupted in the Second World War when Het Witte Kasteel was badly damaged after shelling. An impressive restoration, completed in 1950, gave Het Witte Kasteel back its former appearance.
This photo was taken from the Pas des Arpettes (approx. 2511 m), a mountain pass in the Mercantour National Park. The foreground shows a rocky slope with scattered stones and tufts of alpine grass. A visible trail winds through the middle ground, leading into a wide valley. In the background, layers of mountain ridges stretch across the horizon, partially obscured by dramatic cloud formations. The terrain is typical of high-altitude alpine zones, with minimal vegetation and exposed geological features. The weather was dynamic at the time of capture, with shifting light and cloud cover adding depth to the scene
Scenic Lower McKinney Falls in Austin, Texas, with cascading water and surrounding green foliage under a cloudy sky.
In Indonesia where internet has been uncooperative – took about an hr to fav a few photos – not good. About to head to Sumatra to look at palm oil and paper pulp plantations and conservation actions in the Riau Sumatra where I suspect internet will be bad. Posting a string of photos from Fall trip in Mongolia. Will catch up when I am back in the wifi world!
Photo here:
Gang Searches for Ibex and or signs of Snow Leopards.
Rhinoceros Beetle, Sumatra Indonesia. Pretty sure this beetle is from the Family of Scarabaeidae in the genus of Oryctes, however I need to confirm. But a rose by any other name is still a rose and this critter was pretty cool no matter who it actually is!
Nestled in the rugged heights of Valmasque Valley, this alpine lake reflects the jagged peaks and clear blue sky like a natural mirror. The water is so transparent that submerged rocks are visible beneath the surface, adding depth to the serene composition. Surrounded by steep slopes, gravel shores, and sparse vegetation, this tranquil scene captures the raw elegance of Mercantour National Park. A moment of stillness in the wild heart of the French Alps.
In Indonesia where internet has been uncooperative – took about an hr to fav a few photos – not good. About to head to Sumatra to look at palm oil and paper pulp plantations and conservation actions in the Riau Sumatra where I suspect internet will be bad. Posting a string of photos from Fall trip in Mongolia. Will catch up when I am back in the wifi world!
Photo here:
Down time at base camp includes eating a lot, sleeping a little and downloading data.
In the secluded heights of Valmasque Valley, a pristine alpine lake lies perfectly still, mirroring the jagged cliffs and brilliant blue sky above. The water’s clarity reveals submerged stones near the shore, while the surrounding rocky terrain and steep ridges frame this tranquil scene with dramatic elegance. Captured in Mercantour National Park, this image is a testament to the quiet majesty of the French Alps—where silence speaks and nature reflects its own grandeur.
San Miguelito River. Sunset lights on chiquitano forest drained by this clear water river. Picture taked (I suppose) inside San Miguel Municipal protected area.
2018
Thought it might be cool to share a series of the snow leopards during the day - rare as it may be to see them active then. You can also see how green the Gobi can get - rare and short lived like the snow leopard's daytime activity.
Congrats on the 10 years and keep up the good work TNC Mongolia!
Camera traps courtesy of the Snow Leopard Trust in Mongolia. Read more about the great work of the snow leopard trust in Mongolia: