It's a native grass species found throughout the East Coast of the U.S. in lightly grazed pastures and fields. I found these after sunset near the French Broad River in Asheville, North Carolina.

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.

Striking and familiar backyard bird throughout most of eastern North America; also occurs in the southwestern U.S. and fairly extensively in Mexico. Crest, large red bill, and long tail render this species distinctive even with a poor view. Male is entirely red with a black face. Female is brownish overall with redder wings and tail. Usually seen in pairs or small groups near dense cover, especially thickets near forest edges. Frequently visits bird feeders. Listen for high-pitched metallic chips and series of loud, sweet whistles. (eBird)

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

Always a pleasure to see a cardinal in the winter. Their bright red feathers provide a welcome pop of colour against the whites and greys of our winters,

Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. December 2022.

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

ⓒRebecca Bugge, All Rights Reserved

Do not use without permission.

That is to say, that is what I will be doing throughout July. I probably won't upload anything new (but who knows), but I will try to pop by when I have time (and a good Internet connection). Though this time I won't be going to Japan but to Italy (for both business and pleasure)!

Long-exposure shot - not using a tripod but a rail! And yes, if you didn't know already, Japan has left-hand traffic.

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.

Resident birds in the subcontinent seen throughout the year. But on this day, they were quite low on the ground looking for insects in the wet ground. The birds were nesting and we sighted a couple of nests too. Both the partners were out in the hunt, and I am not sure if the nest had chicks yet.

Due to the rains, hunting for food is a tad more difficult and I suspect these birds are forced to spend more time hunting than normal. The last week - the rains were unusual in our region and we had a 2 month rain in just a week. During the brief lull in the rains, the birding activity was quite good as they had to come out for food.

Thanks in advance for your views and feedback. Much appreciated.

========== 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

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

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

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

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.

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.

.

Vier Augen sehen mehr als zwei. :)

Erdkröte (bufo bufo) - common toad

My 2019-2023 tours album is here:

www.flickr.com/gp/jenslpz/SKf0o8040w

My nature album is here:

www.flickr.com/gp/jenslpz/27PwYUERX2

My Canon EOS R / R5 / R6 album is here:

www.flickr.com/gp/jenslpz/bgkttsBw35

.

Erdkröte (bufo bufo)

de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erdkr%C3%B6te#:~:text=Die%20Erdkr%C...(Bufo%20bufo)%20ist,Familie%20der%20Kr%C3%B6ten%20(Bufonidae).

Die Erdkröte (Bufo bufo) ist ein häufiger und im paläarktischen Raum weit verbreiteter Froschlurch aus der Gattung der Echten Kröten innerhalb der Familie der Kröten (Bufonidae). Nach heutiger Auffassung handelt es sich wahrscheinlich nicht um eine einheitliche biologische Art, sondern um einen Komplex mehrerer Taxa, deren genaue systematische Stellung und Abgrenzung derzeit unklar ist.[1]

Die Erdkröte wurde von der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Herpetologie und Terrarienkunde zum Lurch des Jahres 2012 gekürt.

Common toad (bufo bufo), European toad, toad

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_toad

The common toad, European toad, or in Anglophone parts of Europe, simply the toad (Bufo bufo, from Latin bufo "toad"), is a frog found throughout most of Europe (with the exception of Ireland, Iceland, and some Mediterranean islands), in the western part of North Asia, and in a small portion of Northwest Africa. It is one of a group of closely related animals that are descended from a common ancestral line of toads and which form a species complex. The toad is an inconspicuous animal as it usually lies hidden during the day. It becomes active at dusk and spends the night hunting for the invertebrates on which it feeds. It moves with a slow, ungainly walk or short jumps, and has greyish-brown skin covered with wart-like lumps.

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!! :)

Please do me a favor and follow me on my other social sites found below:

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EricGail©Copyright 2017

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.

Downy Woodpecker (male).

A sparrow-sized woodpecker at 6 inches in length. Black and white with the males only having a small red patch on the nape of the head. Similar to Hairy Woodpeckers but tamer and smaller and with a short stubby bill.

Its habitat includes woodlands, parks and gardens.

It resides from Alaska across Canada and south throughout the United States except the southwest.

Kensington Metropark, Livingston County, Michigan.

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.

The great grey owl (Strix nebulosa) is found throughout Northern Europe, Northern Asia and a significant proportion of North America. They are quite large birds, rivalling the Eurasian Eagle Owl in size. The great grey owl has a large, rounded head and yellow eyes, with light underparts mottled with darker grey feathers. Their wings and back are darker grey with lighter bars.

The great grey owl has a large "facial disk." The facial disk is a concave circle of feathers around the eyes of the bird. It helps to collect sound waves and direct them toward the owl's ears, helping the owl to locate its prey by sound. The great grey owl has the largest facial disk of any bird of prey.

Their diet consists mainly of small mammals and their preferred prey is voles, however they will also eat gophers, weasels, squirrels, rabbits, rats and mice. They nest in dense coniferous forests in most of the northern hemisphere.

The female will lay between two to six eggs at one- to two-day intervals. The female does all of the incubation, which starts when the first egg is laid. After four to six weeks the chicks hatch. The male provides all the food for the young, which is torn into smaller pieces by the female. When food is scarce the female great grey owl will often starve herself in order to feed her chicks, and may lose up to a third of her body weight. The chicks will leave the nest after approximately a month and can fly well after two months. The young stay close to home and are cared for by the female for some time after leaving the nest.

American Red Squirrel.

Between 10 5/8 and 15 1/4 inches long. The smallest tree squirrel in its range. Rust-red to grayish red above, brightest on sides; white or grayish-white below. In winter black lines separate reddish back from whitish belly. Tail is similar to back color, but is outlined with broad black band edged with white. In summer its coat is duller. In winter has prominent ear tufts.

They are often abundant in any king of forest: natural coniferous forests, pine plantations, mixed or hardwood forests; often around buildings.

They range throughout much of Alaska and Canada; in the U.S. south through the Rocky Mountain states, in the east south to Iowa, north Illinois, north Indiana, north Ohio, north Virginia and through the Alleghenies.

Kensington Metropark, Livingston County, Michigan.

The African fish eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) or the African sea eagle, is a large species of eagle found throughout sub-Saharan Africa wherever large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply occur. This species may resemble the bald eagle in appearance; though related, each species occurs on different continents, with the bald eagle being resident in North America.

The African fish eagle is a large bird. The female, at 3.2–3.6 kg (7.1–7.9 lb) is larger than the male, at 2.0–2.5 kg (4.4–5.5 lb). This is typical sexual dimorphism in birds of prey. Males usually have wingspans around 2 m (6.6 ft), while females have wingspans of 2.4 m (7.9 ft). The body length is 63–75 cm (25–29.5 in).

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_fish_eagle

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.

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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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.

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

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 .

Fado is currently a world wide known symbol of Portugal, being represented for many years in foreign countries by Amália Rodrigues, and more recently by Dulce Pontes, Mariza and Katia Guerreiro, among others. Throughout the world, to the name of Portugal, there were two things immediately referred: the Fado and soccer. Although taking many forms, as it is sung differently in Porto, Coimbra and Lisbon, the Fado is, by self-earned right, the very expression of the Portuguese soul.

ich.unesco.org/en/RL/fado-urban-popular-song-of-portugal-...

Amália Rodrigues known as the 'Rainha do Fado' ("Queen of Fado") was instrumental in popularising fado worldwide and travelled internationally throughout her career. Amália remains the best-selling Portuguese artist in history.

www.imdb.com/name/nm0735052/bio

LISTEN

The Portuguese guitar or Portuguese guitarra (Portuguese: guitarra portuguesa) is a plucked string instrument with twelve steel strings, strung in six courses of two strings. It is one of the few musical instruments that still uses watch-key or Preston tuners. It is iconically associated with the musical genre known as Fado, and is now an icon for anything Portuguese.

The drinks in the back ground:

Beer lovers who come to Portugal are often disappointed by the range of Portuguese beers that are on offer. Essentially, there are just two: Super Bock and Sagres. Although they do taste different, enough that most people form a preference for one or the other, they’re both the same style of beer: a light-bodied pale lager.

Ginginha: If you are planning to visit Lisbon, Portugal, you will certainly run into a hole-in-the-wall shop selling shots of “ginginja, ” also known as ginginha or ginja, is a sour cherry liquor native to Portugal, particularly central Portugal around Lisbon and the town of Óbidos. Ginginja is 100% Portuguese and you will not find ginginja anywhere else!

Licor Beirão, is a Portuguese liqueur from the Beira region of Portugal. Originating in the 19th century, it’s a herbal liqueur flavoured with multiple botanicals, herbs and spices. It’s pretty popular in Portugal where it can be drank neat, in cocktails, in your coffee, and even in recipes for desserts and sweets. The exact recipe is still a family secret, but it’s known to include eucalyptus, cinnamon, rosemary, lavender, aniseed and mint.

Gammelstad, church, Sweden

Gammelstad Church Town (Swedish: Gammelstads kyrkstad) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in Gammelstaden near the city of Luleå, Sweden, at the northern end of the Gulf of Bothnia. It is the best preserved example of a type of town that was once widespread throughout northern Scandinavia. As Church Village of Gammelstad, Luleå, it was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1996.

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Olive baboon (Papio anubis), also called the Anubis baboon, is the most widely ranging of all baboons. This is one of a large troop that were found throughout our camp. Locks on screens were required to keep them out of our tent and belonging.

Elephant Bedroom Camp, Samburu National Reserve, Kenya, Africa.

Conservation Status: Least Concern

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.

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.

La Ceja, Colombia.

Zenaida auriculata (Eared dove / Tórtola torcaza)

The Eared Dove is a resident breeder throughout South America from Colombia to southern Argentina. It is a close relative of the North American Mourning Dove. The head has a grey crown, black line behind the eye, and the blue-black on the lower ear coverts. These black markings give the species its English and specific name.

Wikipedia

La Ceja, Colombia; Central Andes; 2.300 meters above sea level.

Pheucticus ludovicianus

(Rose-breasted Grosbeak / Degollado)

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is relatively common throughout much of eastern and central North America and lives in primary and secondary deciduous and mixed forest and thickets, as well as alongside humans in parks and gardens. It overwinters in Central and South America.

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

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!

© All my images are protected under international authors copyright laws and may not be downloaded, reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written explicit permission. All rights reserved. Please contact me at thelma.gatuzzo@gmail.com if you intend to buy or use any of my images.

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Thank you all, my dear friends for all your support, feedback, faves and friendships throughout 2022, it really does mean a lot.

I haven’t been on line for a while, depression came back to bite me in the bum over winter, the cold weather usually does affect my mental health. This year, even more so, we discovered the new house has quite a bad issue with damp, and some of the interior walls become wet when it’s raining, which has caused mould to grow. We left the previous house due to damp and having a landlord who wouldn’t deal with the situation. Now, the damp here is much worse, and again we have a letting agent who don’t seem to be in a hurry to resolve it. Antonio is allergic to damp and mould also, luckily it doesn’t seem to be in his bedroom which is a blessing, but it’s not great. We’ve had builders round to survey the house and now awaiting for them to come and do the repairs that are causing the walls to get wet, but their hands are tied until the letting agent gives the go ahead. 😳

Apologies for not responding to all my recent notifications, I just haven’t felt up to online interaction. Trying to keep optimistic and hoping that the horrid weather will soon get better as it’s also much too freezing cold for me to go out shooting, which is always something that helps my mental health. Roll on summer. Lots of love and best wishes for 2023.

‘Brain fog’ is a re-edit taken in the Lake District in October, 2021. Have a wonderful weekend, all. ❤️😍

Thank you so much to all of you for ypour support, encouragement and friendship throughout 2022!

Ostgals (“Port end”) district west of Old Town is a collection of low rise homes. Some of them are especially old (as are the narrow cobbled streets). Once the district was inhabitted by dock workers, but today it is also liked by the local elite.

A quiet part of Ventspils, which began to form after the invitation expressed by the Russian government in 1836 and the announced advantages for the surrounding farmers to settle down in the dune belt, in order to prevent the city from becoming dusty with sand. Also it has been a village for fishermen. Nowadays, it is a unique, romantic environment with cobbled quiet streets, attractive 19th century. wooden construction and essential pelargoniums in the windows. Ostgal has been recognized as a monument of urban construction of national importance. In 2009, after a large-scale reconstruction, the city's Theater House "Jūras vārti" provides a buzz in Ostgal. Throughout the year there will be concerts, exhibitions, theater performances, celebrations and balls.

Snow Bunting - Plectrophenax Nivalis

Snow buntings are large buntings, with striking 'snowy' plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts.

Globally, they breed around the arctic from Scandinavia to Alaska, Canada and Greenland and migrate south in winter. They are a scarce breeding species in the UK, in Scotland, making them an Amber List species. They are more widespread in winter in the north and east when residents are joined by continental birds.

They are listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act.

The snow bunting lives in very high latitudes in the Arctic tundra. There is no apparent limit to its northern range, while the southern range is limited by the duration of daylight, which influences their reproductive activity. This species is found in the high Arctic tundra of North America, Ellesmere Island, Iceland, higher mountains of Scotland, Norway, Russia, North Greenland, Siberia, Novaya Zemlya, and Franz Josef Land. During the winter, this bird migrates to the circumglobal northern temperate zone including the south of Canada, north of the United States, north of Germany, Poland, Ukraine, and east to central Asia. During the last ice age, the snow bunting was widespread throughout continental Europe.

During the breeding period the snow bunting looks for rocky habitats in the Arctic Since the vegetation in the tundra is low growing, this bird and its nestlings are exposed to predators, and in order to ensure the survival of its offspring, the snow bunting nests in cavities in order to protect the nestlings from any threat. During this period, buntings also look for a habitat rich in vegetation such as wet sedge meadows and areas rich in dryas and lichens. In the winter, they look for open habitats such as farms and fields where they feed on seeds in the ground.

Population:

UK breeding:

60 pairs

UK wintering:

10,000-15,000 birds

A species of monkey found throughout the country. These are probably the largest monkey species in India, but unlike their more aggressive and nuisance cousins - the Rhesus Macaque, these are quiet and not troublesome.

The forest area we visited had little birding activity y'day due to heavy rains, but we sighted a large family of Langurs foraging on the trees dotting the hillside slope overlooking the temple - this the place where the forest starts and extends 200-300 kms south. The Infant (that is what baby monkeys are called!) was playful and learning the art of grasping from what I can see. Its grip slipped a few times, and fell down to the bush below safely.

It was also curious about the little carpenter bee on the lower right side of the image, but didn't harm those bees.

Thanks in advance for your views and feedback. Much appreciated.

Throughout the week we were at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, we observed this mated pair hunting. Their favorite lookout seemed to be this one pole. Their success as hunters could be seen by the bones, feathers and fur lying at the foot of their perch, that is, whatever the scavenging crows and gulls did not carry away.

Numerous poles have been erected to give eagles and other raptors vantage points in an otherwise nearly treeless expanse.

These days will pass. Sometimes I have to go inward to find the way out. One positive thing about that is that I don't have to leave the house to do it.

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

Austria (4)✔️

Belgium (4)✔️

Bulgaria (5)✔️

Croatia (5)✔️

Cyprus (4)✔️

Czech Republic (5)✔️

Denmark (9)✔️

Estonia (7)✔️

Finland (5)✔️

France (5)✔️

Germany (5)✔️

Greece (4)✔️

Hungary (4)✔️

Ireland (4)✔️

Italy (6)✔️

Latvia (7)✔️

Lithuania (6)✔️

Luxembourg (7)✔️

Malta (7)✔️

Poland (9)✔️

Portugal (4)✔️

Romania (6)✔️

Slovakia (5)✔️

Slovenia (6)✔️

Spain (6)✔️

Sweden (4)✔️

The Netherlands (4)✔️

A Journey Throughout Europe: HOF

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Auf dem Darß zur Brunft der Rothirsche (Cervus elaphus) - mit viel Brennweite, denn er war gut und gerne 250m entfernt...

Rothirsch (Cervus elaphus) - Deer