I've got that right, don't I?

A few have mentioned they never tire of fall foliage shots and I reckon we'll continue to test that theory for a while. The winds over the last few days have done their annual duty, yet the oaks endure as they tend to do, the last to give up the ghost...tho some only do so with the arrival of new buds in the spring, somehow hanging on throughout our trying winter.

Another very nice day for late October, so off we go to the canoe to enjoy a relatively rare windless day.

Calends is Latin, the word from which calendar is derived. In turn, Calendula means “throughout the months.”

Lets hope the coming months are so much better than what we are experiencing during the last few months.

Wood Warbler - Phylloscopus sibilatrix

The wood warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) is a common and widespread leaf warbler which breeds throughout northern and temperate Europe, and just into the extreme west of Asia in the southern Ural Mountains.

This warbler is strongly migratory and the entire population winters in tropical Africa.

It is a summer visitor to the United Kingdom, seen from April until August. It has declined there in recent years. It is now very rare in Ireland, where only one or two pairs are recorded breeding in most years, usually in County Wicklow.

Various factors associated with forest structure, including slope, forest cover, proportion of broad-leaf forest, canopy height and forest edge length, all influenced the occupancy rates of this declining forest species. Conservation measures are therefore required that provide and maintain the wood warblers preferred forest structure. There is also a preference for forest in the non-breeding season, however this habitat is declining in wintering areas such as Ghana. Despite the decline in forest habitats, there has been no change in number of wood warblers as it appears that this species can use degraded habitats, such as well-wooded farms. However, further loss of trees will likely have a negative impact on this species in the future

Heliconius melpomene is a widespread neotropical species well known for its geographic diversity in colour pattern. Also known as the postman butterfly, common postman or simply postman, is a brightly colored butterfly found throughout Central and South America. @Hershey Gardens, Pennsylvania

At one time confined to Wales as a result of persecution, a reintroduction scheme has brought red kites back to many parts of England and Scotland. Central Wales, central England - especially the Chilterns, central Scotland - at Argaty and along the Galloway Kite Trail are the best areas to find them.

In 1989, six Swedish birds were released at a site in north Scotland and four Swedish and one Welsh bird in Buckinghamshire. Altogether, 93 birds of Swedish and Spanish origin were released at each of the sites, with the last birds released in 1993 in Scotland and 1994 in England.

The first successful breeding was recorded at both sites in 1992, and two years later kites reared in the wild themselves reared young for the first time. Successful breeding populations have become established in both locations.

These early successes justified the next stages of the programme with the aim to produce five self-sustaining breeding populations of red kites in Britain by year 2000. The eventual aim is to ensure that the red kite breeding population expands to colonise all suitable habitat throughout the UK.

Taken at Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Mid Wales.

Taken locally on our walks!

Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita

The common chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita), or simply the chiffchaff, is a common and widespread leaf warbler which breeds in open woodlands throughout northern and temperate Europe and Asia.

It is a migratory passerine which winters in southern and western Europe, southern Asia and north Africa. Greenish-brown above and off-white below, it is named onomatopoeically for its simple chiff-chaff song. It has a number of subspecies, some of which are now treated as full species.

This warbler gets its name from its simple distinctive song, a repetitive cheerful chiff-chaff. This song is one of the first avian signs that spring has returned. Its call is a hweet, less disyllabic than the hooeet of the willow warbler or hu-it of the western Bonelli's warbler.

The common chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in northwest Africa, northern and western Turkey and northwestern Iran. It is migratory, but it is one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and among the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, it is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. These trees are typically at least 5 metres (16 ft) high, with undergrowth that is an open, poor to medium mix of grasses, bracken, nettles or similar plants. Its breeding habitat is quite specific, and even near relatives do not share it; for example, the willow warbler (P. trochilus) prefers younger trees, while the wood warbler (P. sibilatrix) prefers less undergrowth. In winter, the common chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats including scrub, and is not so dependent on trees. It is often found near water, unlike the willow warbler which tolerates drier habitats. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal southern England and the mild urban microclimate of London. These overwintering common chiffchaffs include some visitors of the eastern subspecies abietinus and tristis, so they are certainly not all birds which have bred locally, although some undoubtedly are.

Population:

UK breeding:

1,200,000 territories

UK wintering:

500-1,000 birds

It is common throughout sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia from Turkey to India to China. This kingfisher feeds mainly on fish, although it will take crustaceans and large aquatic insects such as dragonfly larvae. It usually hunts by hovering over the water to detect prey, before diving vertically bill-first to capture fish. When not foraging, it has a straight rapid flight and have been observed flying at speeds approaching 50 km/h. This is a medium-sized kingfisher, about 25 cm long with a white with a black mask, a white supercilium and black breast bands. The crest is neat and the upperparts are barred in black.

Gambia, Kotu

Please don't use my images without my permission. All images © Aivar Mikko.

Grey Heron - Ardea Cinerea

The grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a long-legged predatory wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn. A bird of wetland areas, it can be seen around lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and on the sea coast. It feeds mostly on aquatic creatures which it catches after standing stationary beside or in the water or stalking its prey through the shallows.

The birds breed colonially in spring in "heronries", usually building their nests high in trees. A clutch of usually three to five bluish-green eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days, and then both feed the chicks, which fledge when seven or eight weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter, but if they do, they can expect to live for about five years.

In Ancient Egypt, the deity Bennu was depicted as a heron in New Kingdom artwork. In Ancient Rome, the heron was a bird of divination. Roast heron was once a specially-prized dish; when George Neville became Archbishop of York in 1465, four hundred herons were served to the guests.

The grey heron has a slow flight, with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills, which extend their necks.

Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings, and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a water rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows, or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill very fast.

Small fish are swallowed head first, and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed, or have hunks of flesh torn off. For prey such as small mammals and birds or ducklings, the prey is held by the neck and either drowned, suffocated, or killed by having its neck snapped with the heron's beak, before being swallowed whole. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the chitinous remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk, but it is also active at other times of day. At night it roosts in trees or on cliffs, where it tends to be gregarious.

Population:

UK breeding:

13,000 nests

UK wintering:

63,000 birds

Thanks to all who take the time to view, Comment or Fav, It is Always Appreciated.

Common and widespread throughout most of North America, breeding as far north as Alaska and wintering to Panama. A medium-sized swallow, with gleaming white underparts. Adult males are bright iridescent blue-green above; females and immatures are duller brownish with limited or no iridescence. Always note compact shape, fairly broad wings, and slightly notched tail. Occurs in a variety of open habitats including grassy fields, lakes, and marshes. Often in flocks, sometimes mixed with other species of swallows. Breeds in cavities, including human-made nest boxes. Listen for cheery gurgling calls. Compare especially with Violet-green Swallow; note Tree Swallow does not show extensive white wrapping around the cheek or the sides of the rump. (eBird)

Richmond Conservation Area , Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. May 2022.

Male greater kudu(Tragelaphus strepsiceros), a woodland antelope found throughout eastern and southern Africa. It is one of the largest species of antelope. Bulls weigh 190–270 kg (420–600 lb). The bulls also have beards running along their throats, and large horns with two and a half twists.

Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa.

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Common and widespread throughout most of North America, breeding as far north as Alaska and wintering to Panama. A medium-sized swallow, with gleaming white underparts. Adult males are bright iridescent blue-green above; females and immatures are duller brownish with limited or no iridescence. Always note compact shape, fairly broad wings, and slightly notched tail. Occurs in a variety of open habitats including grassy fields, lakes, and marshes. Often in flocks, sometimes mixed with other species of swallows. Breeds in cavities, including human-made nest boxes. Listen for cheery gurgling calls. Compare especially with Violet-green Swallow; note Tree Swallow does not show extensive white wrapping around the cheek or the sides of the rump. (eBird)

----------------

Taking a break and watching the parade of people and kids passing by.

John E. Poole Wetlands, St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. June 2022.

The common whitethroat (Sylvia communis) is a common and widespread typical warbler which breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate western Asia. This small passerine bird is strongly migratory, and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia, and Pakistan.

This is one of several Sylvia species that has distinct male and female plumages. Both sexes are mainly brown above and buff below, with chestnut fringes to the secondary remiges. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head, and the throat is duller.

This species may appear to be closely related to the lesser whitethroat, the species having evolved only during the end of the last ice age similar to the willow warbler and chiffchaffs. However, researchers found the presence of a white throat is an unreliable morphological marker for relationships in Sylvia, and the greater and lesser whitethroats are not closely related.

This is a bird of open country and cultivation, with bushes for nesting. The nest is built in low shrub or brambles, and 3–7 eggs are laid. Like most warblers, it is insectivorous, but will also eat berries and other soft fruit.

Population:

UK breeding:

1,100,000 territories

========== A Journey Throughout Europe ==========

Austria (4)✔️

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia (6)✔️

Cyprus (8)✔️

Czech Republic (6)✔️

Denmark

Estonia

Finland (7)✔️

France

Germany (7)✔️

Greece

Hungary (6)✔️

Ireland

Italy

Latvia (5)✔️

Lithuania

Luxembourg (9)✔️

Malta

Poland (6)✔️

Portugal ()

Romania

Slovakia (8)✔️

Slovenia

Spain (6)✔️

Sweden

The Netherlands (7)✔️

A Journey Throughout Europe: HOF

====================================================

Geranium is a genus of 422 species of flowering annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as the cranesbills. They are found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, but mostly in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region. The long, palmately cleft leaves are broadly circular in form. The flowers have five petals and are coloured white, pink, purple or blue, often with distinctive veining. Geraniums will grow in any soil as long as it is not waterlogged. Propagation is by semiripe cuttings in summer, by seed, or by division in autumn or spring.

The genus name is derived from the Greek γέρανος (géranos) or γερανός (geranós) ‘crane’. The English name ‘cranesbill’ derives from the appearance of the fruit capsule of some of the species. Species in the Geranium genus have a distinctive mechanism for seed dispersal. This consists of a beak-like column which springs open when ripe and casts the seeds some distance. The fruit capsule consists of five cells, each containing one seed, joined to a column produced from the centre of the old flower. The common name ‘cranesbill’ comes from the shape of the unsprung column, which in some species is long and looks like the bill of a crane. However, many species in this genus do not have a long beak-like column.

Geraniums are eaten by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including brown-tail and mouse moth.

The species Geranium viscosissimum (sticky geranium) is considered to be protocarnivorous.

The term "hardy geranium" is often applied to geraniums to distinguish them from the pelargoniums. However, not all geranium species are winter-hardy (see below).

The shape of the flowers offers one way of distinguishing between the two genera Geranium and Pelargonium. Geranium flowers have five very similar petals, and are thus radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), whereas pelargonium flowers have two upper petals which are different from the three lower petals, so the flowers have a single plane of symmetry (zygomorphic).

A number of geranium species are cultivated for horticultural use and for pharmaceutical products. Some of the more commonly grown species include:

Geranium cinereum

Geranium clarkei (Clark's geranium)

Geranium dalmaticum

Geranium endressii (Endres's cranesbill)

Geranium erianthum (wooly geranium)

Geranium fremontii (Fremont's geranium)

Geranium himalayense, often sold under Geranium grandiflorum

Geranium ibericum (Caucasus geranium),

Geranium macrorrhizum (bigroot cranesbill or bigroot geranium)

Geranium maculatum (wild geranium)

Geranium maderense (giant herb robert)

Geranium × magnificum (showy geranium)

Geranium phaeum

Geranium platypetalum (broad-petaled geranium)

Geranium pratense (meadow cranesbill)

Geranium psilostemon (Armenian cranesbill)

Geranium renardii (Renard geranium)

Geranium sanguineum (bloody cranesbill)

Geranium subcaulescens (grey cranesbill)

Geranium sylvaticum (wood cranesbill)

All the above species are perennials and generally winter-hardy plants, grown for their attractive flowers and foliage. They are long-lived and most have a mounding habit, with palmately lobed foliage. Some species have spreading rhizomes. They are normally grown in part shade to full sun, in well-draining but moisture retentive soils, rich in humus. Other perennial species grown for their flowers and foliage include: G. argenteum, G. eriostemon, G. farreri, G. nodosum, G. procurrens, G. pylzowianum, G. renardii, G. traversii, G. tuberosum, G. versicolor, G. wallichianum and G. wlassovianum. Some of these are not winter-hardy in cold areas and are grown in specialized gardens like rock gardens. Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' is a hybrid between G. himalayense (southwestern China), with G. pratense (European meadow cranesbill).

The following hybrid cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (other cultivars are dealt with under their species name - see above).

'Ann Folkard'

'Dilys'

'Johnson's Blue'

'Mavis Simpson'

'Orion'

'Rozanne'

'A. T. Johnson' (G. × oxonianum)

'Wargrave pink' (G. × oxonianum)

For further information please visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geranium

I used up all the plain flour making these clouds. this is taken in my favourite golden fields which are so nice and orange at this time of year. I love seeing how nature changes throughout the seasons

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Fabriciana niobe is common throughout Europe, but absent from the United Kingdom and Northern Europe, and is also found in Siberia, Russia, Iran, China, and Korea These butterflies can be found in open grassy places, slopes, woodland and clearings at altitudes between sea level and 2,400 metres

These medium-sized butterflies have a bright brown-orange background with black dots and crossbands, and a line of submarginal triangular patches. The forewings margin shows a rounded shape. The underside of the hindwings usually has small whitish-silvery spots, a black pupilled yellow spot and black lined submarginal lunules and veins in the basal area.

Many thanks to everyone who will pass by visiting my shots. Comments are appreciated. You are welcome. Sergio

copyright Sergio Presbitero 2022, All Rights Reserved

This work may not be copied, reproduced, republished, edited, downloaded, displayed, modified, transmitted, licensed, transferred, sold, distributed or uploaded in any way without my prior written permission

I unexpectedly came across this woodland that had a dense carpet of bluebells throughout the whole of the woods.

La festa della Madonna della Salute è una festa religiosa istituita dalla Repubblica Veneta nel 1630 e osservata solennemente in tutto il territorio della Serenissima fino alla sua caduta. Ha luogo il 21 novembre e ancor oggi si celebra spontaneamente nella città di Venezia e in moltissime città e paesi dell'antica Repubblica, nell'Italia, in Istria e in Dalmazia.

The feast of the Madonna della Salute is a religious festival established by the Venetian Republic in 1630 and solemnly observed throughout the territory of the Serenissima until its fall. It takes place on November 21 and is still celebrated spontaneously in the city of Venice and in many cities and towns of the ancient Republic, in Italy, in Istria and in Dalmatia.

Venice, Italy

f00227

The common whitethroat (Sylvia communis) is a common and widespread typical warbler which breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate western Asia. This small passerine bird is strongly migratory, and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia, and Pakistan.

This is one of several Sylvia species that has distinct male and female plumages. Both sexes are mainly brown above and buff below, with chestnut fringes to the secondary remiges. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head, and the throat is duller.

This species may appear to be closely related to the lesser whitethroat, the species having evolved only during the end of the last ice age similar to the willow warbler and chiffchaffs. However, researchers found the presence of a white throat is an unreliable morphological marker for relationships in Sylvia, and the greater and lesser whitethroats are not closely related.

This is a bird of open country and cultivation, with bushes for nesting. The nest is built in low shrub or brambles, and 3–7 eggs are laid. Like most warblers, it is insectivorous, but will also eat berries and other soft fruit.

Population:

UK breeding:

1,100,000 territories

A common resident kingfisher found throughout the country and apparently the most common kingfisher found in the world. Shot this picture on banks of Zuari River in Goa - a pristine Mangrove forest with an amazing amount of wildlife.

The birds - I think - are at the beginning of nesting season and we sighted the male and female near a mangrove tree hollow which the bird guide informed us was the nest. I don't think there were any chicks yet though.

The area was teeming with Kingfishers - 5 species infact and we sighted ~25 of them in total. Majority were these Common Kingfishers, then the Stork Billed Kingfishers (maybe 7-10), Collared Kingfishers (5-6), 3-4 White Throated kingfishers and then the rare Black Capped Kingfisher - apparently, there are only two of them. We visited during the low tide when the birds were out in the shallow waters hunting.

Thank you very much in advance for your views, feedback and faves.

The sky lights up looking "through&out" a small passage during sunrise at Leo Carillo Beach.

Taken during a quick run up at Leo Carillo Beach in Malibu. After arriving just before dawn, Bill & I scouted around the perimeter for interesting subject matter. After discovering the arch there, I didn't think it could get any better, but I was in for a real treat. Bill was shooting lower on the reef as I shot from above, then he moved off to the right and disappeared from my view, I moved my tripod lower on the reef and Bill was gone. I became slightly alarmed and moved to investigated his demise, Hehe, As I traversed the reef to the north I found him shooting a small cove so I picked up my tripod to join him and when I looked up he was gone again, I climbed down onto the beach of this small cove and found that there was a passage across to the beach on the south where the arch is. I couldn't believe that I hadn't heard of this place before especially with a small cove, a cave, and an arch, it was the trifecta of photography bliss and there wasn't another person there, see it was a real treat.

Happy Easter, One and all, I wish you peace and prosperity this Easter Sunday.

Thanks for taking the time to take a look at my photos, and as always, your views, comments, faves, and support are greatly appreciated!! Have a great weekend ahead my friends!! :)

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

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

A small and shy resident goose of the Indian subcontinent, found throughout the year in freshwater lakes and ponds. They are social birds and always seen in groups of 4 to 6 or more.

The birds are visibly smaller than the other ducks such as Whistling teals and the Spot Billed Ducks found in our region. I love to shoot them in flight, but they fly fast and are quite wary of humans.

Shot them near a lake full of Jacana's and Coots. These goose stayed for a while and then flew away far from human activity..

Many thanks for all your views, likes and feedback. Much appreciated.

one day a Dear Friend of mine asked me "a rose a day"...

*********************************************************************************

A twisted Bristlecone pine looks to be upside down as it juts out of the terrain in the White Mountains.

While scouting around the mountainous regions around the Owens Valley, I made my way over to the Ancient Bristlecone Forest to take some photos and scout locations for later nightscape trips. I spent some of my time shooting the discovery trail and an extra hour here on this most unusual specimen of a tree. At over 4000 years old Its branches look to have been ripped from the ground and turned over and stuffed back in, as if its roots were reaching out to suck some moisture from the sky. From every angle this tree looks completely different and after an hour thought I had enough, but I'm finding that I need to make my way up there again during a moonrise with a sunset in the background or maybe some lightning behind would make for a very unique comp. As the day drew to a close I was lucky enough to have some stormy weather which I was lucky enough to have throughout the weekend and I actually did get some snowfall which is surprising for July!!! :)

Thanks for taking the time to take a look at my photos, and as always, your views, comments, faves, and support are greatly appreciated!!

Have a great week ahead my friends!! :)

If you have any questions about this photo or about photography in general, I will do my best to help, just post a comment or send me a Flickr mail and I will respond as quickly as possible.

Ardea herodias

Great blue herons are one of the largest and most widespread wading birds in North America, found in wetlands throughout the region. They’re common in freshwater and saltwater, where they stalk the shallow shorelines for fish and crustaceans. Bluish-gray in color, these herons often stand motionless until they spot prey, when they move with lightning quick speed.

Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus

(Western Emerald / Esmeralda occidental)

La Ceja, Colombia; 2.300 meters above sea level.

The Western Emerald is found in Colombia and Ecuador. They have a more straight flight pattern than do many hummers, and forage individually at flowers in the lower and middle strata. Males sparkle with green throughout while females are green above and gray below.

neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/portal/species/overview?p_p...

Grey Heron - Ardea Cinerea

The grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a long-legged predatory wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn. A bird of wetland areas, it can be seen around lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and on the sea coast. It feeds mostly on aquatic creatures which it catches after standing stationary beside or in the water or stalking its prey through the shallows.

The birds breed colonially in spring in "heronries", usually building their nests high in trees. A clutch of usually three to five bluish-green eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days, and then both feed the chicks, which fledge when seven or eight weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter, but if they do, they can expect to live for about five years.

In Ancient Egypt, the deity Bennu was depicted as a heron in New Kingdom artwork. In Ancient Rome, the heron was a bird of divination. Roast heron was once a specially-prized dish; when George Neville became Archbishop of York in 1465, four hundred herons were served to the guests.

The grey heron has a slow flight, with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills, which extend their necks.

Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings, and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a water rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows, or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill very fast.

Small fish are swallowed head first, and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed, or have hunks of flesh torn off. For prey such as small mammals and birds or ducklings, the prey is held by the neck and either drowned, suffocated, or killed by having its neck snapped with the heron's beak, before being swallowed whole. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the chitinous remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk, but it is also active at other times of day. At night it roosts in trees or on cliffs, where it tends to be gregarious.

Population:

UK breeding:

13,000 nests

UK wintering:

63,000 birds

Thanks to all who take the time to view, Comment or Fav, It is Always Appreciated.

Northern Bobwhites occur throughout Florida in appropriate habitat. They depend on early successional habitat created by frequent fire in mature upland pine forests. Other habitats include fallow agricultural fields dominated by species such as ragweed and the edges of cultivated grain fields. The best habitat combination is frequently burned upland pine forests interspersed with fallow fields/openings. At one time, this was a common habitat in Florida and abundant quail populations were a by-product. This is not the case today, and quail occur in abundant numbers only on those lands that are actively managed to replicate the land use patterns described above.

The northern bobwhite is one of the signature game species of upland long leaf pine forests. In the spring, visitors to these habitats can expect to hear the males whistle the tell-tale “bobwhite” call. In the fall/winter, it's not uncommon to be surprised by a covey of quail flushing from a brushy area.

Bobwhites feed and roost in coveys of 8 to 25 birds. They forage on the ground for a variety of seeds, insects, fruits and plant parts. Females lay 12 to 16 eggs in a shallow nest built on the ground and hidden beneath vegetation.

The northern bobwhite or bobwhite quail is a medium-sized, round-bodied bird with a short tail and neck. Plumage is reddish brown with streaking on the sides. Males have a black-and-white stripe above and below the eye with a white throat patch; in females, the stripe and throat patch is tan and buff brown.

I found this male greeting a new day along Peavine Road in Osceola County, Florida.

A rather common warbler found throughout the Himalayan Belt. We sighted them almost everyday much of the journey. I know now that these are endemic to the Himalayas.

These are small birds - maybe less than 10 cms and incredibly active in the roadside bushes, trees and clumps of vegetation. I love the color of these birds and they are quite agile. The birds feed on small seeds, tree insects like Spiders, caterpillars and berries maybe. We never saw them on the ground anytime and most of the time were shooting almost 70-80 deg upwards. Except onetime when we were overlooking a valley and got this shot!

Thanks in advance for your views, faves and feedback if any.

Black-throated Mango - Male - Occurring throughout the tropics of South America from Panama to northeast Argentina, the Black-throated Mango is the most widespread member of its genus, and among the most widespread of all hummingbirds. It is primarily found in open vegetation with bushes and scattered trees in many kinds of humid and dry habitats. Despite it widespread distribution it shows almost no geographic variation due perhaps to its impressive dispersal capabilities. Within its large range, the Black-throated Mango is fairly distinctive being the only predominantly green hummingbird with extensive black throat and underparts. Although they are common and widespread, and despite the fact that their plumage may seem "drab" compared with many tropical hummingbirds, male Black-throated Mangos are certainly worth a second look if the opportunity arises to view them in direct sunlight or at close range (Birds of the World) - as shown in my picture - LOL!

Happy Tuesday!

Thanks a lot for your visits, comments, faves, invites, etc. Very much appreciated!

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This warblers habitat is its true namesake because it lives in pine forests throughout eastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. They dwell solely in large pines which provide good shelter for them for feeding and nesting. At times they are difficult to see being so high in the canopy. Their nests are also high and usually far out on a horizontal branch hidden in the pine needles.

Between March and July they will raise 1 or 2 broods of 3 - 5 young.

In the nonbreeding season they feed on seeds and fruit but when nesting and raising young they feed heavily on insects with one of their favorites being caterpillars they glean out of the pine needles.

Identifying this species in the fall can be challenging since their physical appearance is so similar to a number of vireos and warblers. Being one of the hardier warblers they will use bird feeders and spend the winter months in the U.S.

Florida’s Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) is a songbird found throughout rural areas of Florida. Its breeding range covers most of eastern North America and parts of South America. Experts say it is difficult to distinguish between the Eastern and Western species as it can be determined only by voice and location. Seventeen subspecies of the Eastern Meadowlark are documented.

Actually, the meadowlark is not a lark at all. It is a member of the blackbird family (Icteridae) which also includes cowbirds and orioles. Meadowlarks are easily identified by the bright yellow throat and belly. However, the most distinguishing mark in adults is the black “V” on its chest. It can often be seen on a fence post belting out its clear, melodious songs and whistles.

Adult birds weigh just over five ounces, are seven to ten inches tall with a wingspan of 14 to 16 inches. Both sexes are similar in size, although females are normally smaller with a shorter wingspan.

This bird prefers grassy fields, pastures, cultivated fields, golf courses and other open habitats. It is a good friend to the farmer/rancher and a bug-eating machine. Insects comprise more than 75 percent of its diet, with grains and seeds making up the balance. It is especially fond of grasshoppers and crickets, as well as insect larvae and grubs. It feeds on the ground, picking insects from the surface or probing the soil to reveal its prey. Meadowlarks also eat the seeds of many weeds.

Males have two, sometimes three, mates at a time. Females build nests on the ground using soft woven grasses and hide them in the taller grass of an open field. The nest usually has an arched “roof” with a side entrance. A clutch of two to six grayish-white eggs speckled with brown and lavender may be laid any time from late March through July. Eggs are incubated by the female for 13 to 15 days. The young fledge at 12 days. The parents continue to tend them for about two weeks until they are able to fly. Juveniles are similar to adults, but the black “V” becomes prominent in adulthood. The meadowlark has been known to live ten years in captivity.

I found this one along Joe Overstreet Road in Osceola County, Florida.

Greenfinch - Chloris chloris

The European greenfinch, or just greenfinch (Chloris chloris), is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae.

This bird is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia. It is mainly resident, but some northernmost populations migrate further south. The greenfinch has also been introduced into both Australia and New Zealand. In Malta, it is considered a prestigious song bird, and it has been trapped for many years. It has been domesticated, and many Maltese people breed them.

Woodland edges, farmland hedges and gardens with relatively thick vegetation are favoured for breeding. It nests in trees or bushes, laying 3 to 6 Eggs.

This species can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other finches and buntings. They feed largely on seeds, but also take berries.

The protozoal parasite Trichomonas gallinae was known to infect pigeons and raptors but beginning in Britain in 2005, carcases of dead European greenfinches and common chaffinches were found to be infected with the parasite. The disease spread and in 2008 infected carcases were found in Norway, Sweden and Finland and a year later in Germany. The spread of the disease is believed to have been mediated by chaffinches as large numbers of the birds breed in northern Europe and winter in Britain. In Britain the number of infected carcases recovered each year declined after a peak in 2006. There was a reduction in the number of greenfinches from around 4.3 million to around 2.8 million but no significant decline in the overall number of chaffinches. A similar pattern occurred in Finland where, after the arrival of the disease in 2008, there was a reduction in the number of greenfinches but only a small change in the number of chaffinches.

Greenfinch populations declined during the late 1970s and early 1980s, but increased dramatically during the 1990s. A recent decline in numbers has been linked to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly.

Population:

UK breeding:

1,700,000 pairs

The Meadow Brown is one of our commonest and most widespread butterflies, and a familiar sight throughout the summer months

Foxes are quite common throughout all of Britain. They are most active in the evenings and during the night, They live on almost anything and this fact alone is probably the secret of their success . This little group are just outside the earth (burrow) that they live in I managed to see five cubs and a vixen (female fox) but kept my distance as I did not want to disturb them .

This year I was extremely honored to submit my first participation to the Winter Soirée 2021 : Bold and Beautiful project. I want to thank Lawrence Pryce for his professionalism and guidance throughout the whole process.

Over 90 photographers were asked to partake in this round and each picture is absolutely breathtaking !

I vividly recommend you to have a look at all the masterpieces displayed in one of the most beautiful setting I have ever seen : Mansion Foyer

(Special thanks to my friend Ticha for her recommandation !)

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All the poses used in my pictures are made from scratch

No AI used

Roberts, Idaho

True to its name, the Solitary Sandpiper prefers its own company. It generally migrates on its own and is aggressive to its own kind throughout the year. Along with Eurasias' Green Sandpiper, they are the only cavity nesters found in the worlds 85 known species of sandpipers. They use the abandoned tree cavities of mid-sized passerines. They nest in Canada and Alaska with the only exception being extreme Northeastern Minnesota.

Widespread and common throughout Britain and Ireland. The Gatekeeper is generally smaller and more orange with a row of tiny white dots on the hind underwings.

The Meadow Brown is the most abundant butterfly species in many habitats. Hundreds may be seen together at some sites, flying low over the vegetation. Adults fly even in dull weather when most other butterflies are inactive.

Regional variations in the spotting pattern on the wings have led to it being studied extensively by geneticists over many years. Larger forms occur in Ireland and the north of Scotland.

It is one of our most widespread species, but many colonies have been lost due to agricultural intensification.

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

Gonepteryx rhamni (known as the common brimstone) is a butterfly of the family Pieridae. It lives throughout the Palearctic zone and is commonly found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Across much of its range, it is the only species of its genus, and is therefore simply known locally as the brimstone. Its wing span size is 60 - 74 mm.

The brimstone relies on two species of buckthorn plants as host plants for its larvae; this influences its geographic range and distribution, as these plants are commonly found in wetlands. The adult brimstone travels to woodland areas to spend seven months overwintering. In spring when their host plants have developed, they return to the wetlands to breed and lay eggs] Both the larval and adult forms of the common brimstone have protective coloration and behaviour that decreases their chances of being recognised and subsequently preyed upon.

The adult common brimstone has sexual dimorphism in its wing coloration: males have yellow wings and iridescence while females have greenish-white wings and are not iridescent. This iridescence is affected by environmental factors.

The right amount of water all year long has caused a rich nature in our countryside, throughout my hiking tour below the Wiehengebirge I admired the rich green. Porta Westfalica, Ostwestfalen, Germany

Alto Caparaó is known throughout the national territory for its natural beauty, and is one of the most beautiful regions in terms of ecotourism destinations for those who love and appreciate nature. A region of beautiful mountains that form a valley that surrounds the city, with an exuberant landscape, Alto Caparaó invites us to feel the fresh air, bathe in crystalline waters and fall in love with the climate and its natural beauties.

The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus common throughout Europe and Asia. The red squirrel is an arboreal, primarily herbivorous rodent.

In Great Britain, Ireland, and in Italy numbers have decreased drastically in recent years. This decline is associated with the introduction by humans of the eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) from North America. However, the population in Scotland is stabilising due to conservation efforts, awareness and the increasing population of the pine marten, a European predator that selectively controls grey squirrels.

The red squirrel has a typical head-and-body length of 19 to 23 cm (7+1⁄2 to 9 in), a tail length of 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in), and a mass of 250 to 340 g (9 to 12 oz). Males and females are the same size. The red squirrel is somewhat smaller than the eastern grey squirrel which has a head-and-body length of 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) and weighs between 400 and 800 g (14 oz and 1 lb 12 oz).

The long tail helps the squirrel to balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and may keep the animal warm during sleep.

The red squirrel, like most tree squirrels, has sharp curved claws to help it to climb and descend broad tree trunks, thin branches, and even house walls. Its strong hind legs let it leap gaps between trees. The red squirrel also can swim.

The coat of the red squirrel varies in colour with time of year and location. There are several coat colour morphs ranging from black to red. Red coats are most common in Great Britain; in other parts of Europe and Asia different coat colours coexist within populations, much like hair colour in some human populations.

The underside of the squirrel is always white-cream in colour. The red squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat with noticeably larger ear-tufts (a prominent distinguishing feature of this species) between August and November. A lighter, redder overall coat colour, along with the ear-tufts (in adults) and smaller size, distinguish the Eurasian red squirrel from the American eastern grey squirrel.

The red colour is for camouflage when seen against the bark of pine trees.

Red squirrels occupy boreal, coniferous woods in northern Europe and Siberia, preferring Scots pine, Norway spruce and Siberian pine. In western and southern Europe they are found in broad-leaved woods where the mixture of tree and shrub species provides a better year-round source of food. In most of the British Isles and in Italy, broad-leaved woodlands are now less suitable due to the better competitive feeding strategy of introduced grey squirrels.

The most widely distributed of its genus, the Amethyst Woodstar is found in a great variety of habitats throughout its circum-Amazonian distribution. The male is mainly bronzy green above with a prominently forked tail, white sides to the rump, and a striking amethyst-colored throat, bordered by a white breast band. The female has a green-spotted white throat, orange-rufous sides to the underparts, and a narrow white line behind the eye. The Amethyst Woodstar has been recorded taking the nectar of a large number of plant species, and at least occasionally the species hawks insects in flight. This woodstar is probably largely sedentary, but local movements potentially occur, though have yet to be proven. The species is usually not uncommon, but is rather rare and has perhaps declined in northeast Argentina, and is very poorly known in Colombia. Züchner, T. and G. M. Kirwan (2020). Amethyst Woodstar (Calliphlox amethystina), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. doi.org/10.2173/bow.amewoo1.01

Have a peaceful Bokeh Wednesday! HBW!

Thanks a lot for your visits, comments, faves, invites, etc. Very much appreciated!

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Hardy water lilies (Nymphaea) are rightly prized for the beauty of their blooms and their heart shaped floating leaves. The flowers come in a wide range of colours from pale pink through to the darkest of reds, white, yellow and orange. ... All varieties of water lily bloom throughout the summer month..

The African darter is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa wherever large bodies of water occur; overall the species remains widespread and common. It often swims with only the neck above water, hence the common name snakebird. This, too, is a habit shared with the other anhingas.

This archive shat taken in Kanana Nature Reserve, Botswana.

" Papilio dardanus, the African Swallowtail, Mocker Swallowtail or Flying Handkerchief, is a species of butterfly in the family Papilionidae (the swallowtails)...The species is broadly distributed throughout Sub-Saharan Africa...The British entomologist E. B. Poulton described it as "the most interesting butterfly in the world"..." ( Wiki )

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All Of My Photographic Images Are Subject To Copyright ! Each Of My Photographs Remain My Intellectual Property ! All Rights Are Reserved And As Such, Do Not Use, Modify, Copy, Edit, Distribute Or Publish Any Of My Photographs ! If You Wish To Use Any Of My Photographs For Any Reproductive Purposes, Or Other Uses, My Written Permission Is Specifically Required, Contact Me Via Flickr Mail !

This Mama White Tail Deer is taking in the view as its twin fawns wait and do their thing just looking cute while they wait. -

The deer's coat is a reddish-brown in the spring and summer and turns to a grey-brown throughout the fall and winter.

The White Tail Deer can be recognized by the characteristic white underside to its tail. It raises its tail when it is alarmed to warn the predator that it has been detected. An indication of a deer age is the length of the snout and the color of the coat, with older deer tending to have longer snouts and grayer coats.

This was taken in Rockyview County, Alberta, Canada near Cochrane.

Odocoileus virginianus