TERRESTRIAL ORCHID in Nature
View allAll Photos Tagged Terrestrial
A bracketed, long exposure, landscape image of Bow Fiddle Rock, off Portknockie in Morayshire, Scotland, at dawn.
The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is an African even-toed ungulate mammal, the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant. The giraffe requires less food than many other herbivores because the foliage it eats has more concentrated nutrients and it has a more efficient digestive system. The animal's faeces come in the form of small pellets. When it has access to water, a giraffe will go no more than three days without drinking.
Kruger National Park is a South African National Park and one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers an area of 19,623 km2 in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa, and extends 360 km from north to south and 65 km from east to west.
South Africa, Kruger National Park
Please don't use my images without my permission. All images © Aivar Mikko.
Epiphytic or terrestrial orchids with cylindrical rhizome from which the fleshy noodle-like roots grow. Pseudobulbs can be conical, spindle-shaped or cylindrical; with upright growth; one or two leaves growing from the top of them. The leaves can be oblong, lanceolate or elliptical, somewhat fleshy, with smooth margin. The inflorescence is a terminal raceme with few or several flowers. Flowers have sepals and petals free from each other; the lip or labellum (lowermost petal), usually has a different coloration and shape from the rest of the flower and covers in part the flower column forming a tube. There are four polliniums (bag-like organs that contain pollen). The fruit is a capsule with many small seeds.[
The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is an African even-toed ungulate mammal, the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant.
Kenya, Masai Mara
Please don't use my images without my permission. All images © Aivar Mikko.
Large mostly brown terrestrial bird with long gray neck and black crown, heavy pale legs. About half the size of an Emu. Occurs in open grasslands across most of Australia (except the southeast). Often seen on roadsides. (eBird)
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Driving down a dirt road, we first detected a strange lump in a field of tall grass. Watching carefully, we realized that we were seeing a bustard. It teased us by looking periodically and then disappearing. So, we drove further down the road and came across this one walking beside the road. Wow! Such a thrill. In the end, we saw nine of these birds.
Mount Carbine, Queensland, Australia. October 2022.
Eagle-Eye Tours - Eastern Australia.
Unmistakable large terrestrial raptorial bird. Sandy-colored overall with very long red legs, a long tail, and tufty crest in front of the eyes. Note the strong red bill and large pale eyes with blue eyerings. Strides elegantly through open and lightly wooded savannas but also perches on the top of trees. Usually sings at dawn, an evocative and incredibly loud “kuap-kuap-kuap-kuap” often delivered as a duet for extended periods. Source: Birds of the World.
Wild - at Sunrise - Serra da Canastra - MG
Happy Wednesday! HBW!
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The elk (Cervus canadensis), also known as the wapiti, is one of the largest species within the deer family, Cervidae, and one of the largest terrestrial mammals in North America, as well as Central and East Asia. Elk range in forest and forest-edge habitat, feeding on grasses, plants, leaves, and bark.
Canada, Jasper National Park
Please don't use my images without my permission. All images © Aivar Mikko.
Large, terrestrial songbird with long, strong legs and fairly long, thin bill. Male black above, white below, with white wing patch, white face patch, white eye, black bib, black eyeline; female has white throat and immature a dark eye. Inhabits parks, gardens, and urban areas. Aggressive and noisy, often attacking its own reflection in car mirrors and windows. Much smaller than Australian Magpie, with a smaller pale bill. (eBird)
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One of the most common birds we saw during our trip. Bold and beautiful, they showed no fear of humans and wandered around the parks as though they owned them (which they probably did).
Bicentennial Park, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. October 2022.
Southwest Florida
Near the gulf Of Mexico
USA
The image was taken at a local orchid meeting. Another zygopetalum can be seen in the first comment section. It used to be in my collection at home.
Zygopetalum is a genus of the orchid family (Orchidaceae) (subfamily Epidendroideae, tribe Cymbidieae, subtribe Zygopetalinae), consisting of fourteen currently recognized species.
They occur in humid forests at low- to mid-elevation regions of South America, with most species in Brazil.
Most species are epiphytes, but some are terrestrials with glossy, strap-like, plicate leaves, which are apical, oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, acute or acuminate. These orchids have a robust growth form. Their ovoid-conical pseudobulbs are deciduous.
They are known for their ease of culture and are much in demand as excellent cut flowers. Wikipedia
Cymbidium commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. 67714
(in Explore) Erdorchidee Disa Unidiorosa „Rosy Face“ * Terrestrial Orchid Disa Unidiorosa “Rosy Face”
Cymbidium commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. 40358
Large, terrestrial songbird with long, strong legs and fairly long, thin bill. Male black above, white below, with white wing patch, white face patch, white eye, black bib, black eyeline; female has white throat and immature a dark eye. Inhabits parks, gardens, and urban areas. Aggressive and noisy, often attacking its own reflection in car mirrors and windows. Much smaller than Australian Magpie, with a smaller pale bill. (eBird)
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Our constant companion on our trip. I think we saw these handsome birds every day. I love their boldness, in design and attitude. Fearless, they wandered around our feet and attacked anything they didn't approve of. Wonderful birds :-)
Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia. September 2022.
Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers of the genus Dacelo native to Australia and New Guinea, which grow to between 28–42 cm in length. The name is a loanword from Wiradjuri guuguubarra, onomatopoeic of its call. The loud distinctive call of the laughing kookaburra is widely used as a stock sound effect in situations that involve an Australian bush setting or tropical jungle, especially in older movies. They are found in habitats ranging from humid forest to arid savanna, as well as in suburban areas with tall trees or near running water. Even though they belong to the larger group known as 'kingfishers', kookaburras are not closely associated with water. Kookaburras are almost exclusively carnivorous, eating mice, snakes, insects, small reptiles, and the young of other birds; unlike many other kingfishers, they rarely eat fish, although they have been known to take goldfish from garden ponds. In zoos they are usually fed food for birds of prey. 56316
Cymbidium commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. 38947
This photo was taken while hiking Door Trail, about 17 minutes after the last post Golden Bright.
The landscape may look extra-terrestrial or familiar to you. As dramatic, striking and unique as Badlands National Park sounds, it offers a perfect background for many movies, just to name a few:
Nomadland (2020)
Armageddon (1998)
Starship Troopers (1997)
Thunderheart (1992)
Dances with Wolves (1990)
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Badlands National Park:
With the extreme temperatures (hot in summer and cold in winter) and lack of water, the exposed rugged Badlands National Park got its name from the Lakota - "mako sica" or "land bad".
The French-Canadian fur trappers called it "les mauvais terres pour traverse" or "bad land to travel through" - summers are hot and dry, winters are cold and windy, there is very little drinking water and the land is hard to travel through.
Today, the term ‘badlands’ has a more geologic definition - soft sedimentary rock clay-rich soils that are extensively eroded in a dry climate by wind and water, resulting in a topography with sharp spires, gullies, and ridges.
The unforgiving landscape makes it a great place to visit but this is not the kind of place that many would like to call home.
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As always, I appreciate your visit and support and wish you a very happy Monday; be safe and be well!
They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. Commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. There are usually between three and twelve leaves arranged in two ranks on each pseudobulb or shoot and lasting for several years. From one to a large number of flowers are arranged on an unbranched flowering stem arising from the base of the pseudobulb. The sepals and petals are all free from and similar to each other. The labellum is significantly different from the other petals and the sepals and has three lobes. There are about fifty-five species and sixteen further natural hybrids occurring in the wild from tropical and subtropical Asia to Australia. Cymbidiums are well known in horticulture and many cultivars have been developed. Plants in the genus Cymbidium are epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial plants, or rarely leafless saprophytes. All are sympodial evergreen herbs. Some species have thin stems but in most species the stems are modified as pseudobulbs. When present, there are from three to twelve leaves arrange in two ranks and last for several years. The leaf bases remain after the leaf has withered, forming a sheath around the pseudobulb. The flowers are arranged on an unbranched flowering stem which arises from the base of the pseudobulb or rarely from a leaf axil. 3644
Terrestrial Gartersnake. Snakes actually smell with their tongues. They flick the tongue out and pick up particles in the air. When they retract the tongue back into their mouths, the particles are detected by what is know as the Jacobson's organ on the roof of their mouths. I took this photo at Reservation lake in the central mountains of Arizona USA
Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers of the genus Dacelo native to Australia and New Guinea, which grow to between 28–42 cm in length. The name is a loanword from Wiradjuri guuguubarra, onomatopoeic of its call. The loud distinctive call of the laughing kookaburra is widely used as a stock sound effect in situations that involve an Australian bush setting or tropical jungle, especially in older movies. They are found in habitats ranging from humid forest to arid savanna, as well as in suburban areas with tall trees or near running water. Even though they belong to the larger group known as 'kingfishers', kookaburras are not closely associated with water. Kookaburras are almost exclusively carnivorous, eating mice, snakes, insects, small reptiles, and the young of other birds; unlike many other kingfishers, they rarely eat fish, although they have been known to take goldfish from garden ponds. In zoos they are usually fed food for birds of prey. 56312
Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers of the genus Dacelo native to Australia and New Guinea, which grow to between 28–42 cm in length. The name is a loanword from Wiradjuri guuguubarra, onomatopoeic of its call. The loud distinctive call of the laughing kookaburra is widely used as a stock sound effect in situations that involve an Australian bush setting or tropical jungle, especially in older movies. They are found in habitats ranging from humid forest to arid savanna, as well as in suburban areas with tall trees or near running water. Even though they belong to the larger group known as 'kingfishers', kookaburras are not closely associated with water. Kookaburras are almost exclusively carnivorous, eating mice, snakes, insects, small reptiles, and the young of other birds; unlike many other kingfishers, they rarely eat fish, although they have been known to take goldfish from garden ponds. In zoos they are usually fed food for birds of prey. 18840
Cymbidium commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. 3460
They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. Commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. There are usually between three and twelve leaves arranged in two ranks on each pseudobulb or shoot and lasting for several years. From one to a large number of flowers are arranged on an unbranched flowering stem arising from the base of the pseudobulb. The sepals and petals are all free from and similar to each other. The labellum is significantly different from the other petals and the sepals and has three lobes. There are about fifty-five species and sixteen further natural hybrids occurring in the wild from tropical and subtropical Asia to Australia. Cymbidiums are well known in horticulture and many cultivars have been developed. Plants in the genus Cymbidium are epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial plants, or rarely leafless saprophytes. All are sympodial evergreen herbs. Some species have thin stems but in most species the stems are modified as pseudobulbs. When present, there are from three to twelve leaves arrange in two ranks and last for several years. The leaf bases remain after the leaf has withered, forming a sheath around the pseudobulb. The flowers are arranged on an unbranched flowering stem which arises from the base of the pseudobulb or rarely from a leaf axil. 1393 c
They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. Cymbidium commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. 1418
Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers of the genus Dacelo native to Australia and New Guinea, which grow to between 28–42 cm in length. The name is a loanword from Wiradjuri guuguubarra, onomatopoeic of its call. The loud distinctive call of the laughing kookaburra is widely used as a stock sound effect in situations that involve an Australian bush setting or tropical jungle, especially in older movies. They are found in habitats ranging from humid forest to arid savanna, as well as in suburban areas with tall trees or near running water. Even though they belong to the larger group known as 'kingfishers', kookaburras are not closely associated with water. Kookaburras are almost exclusively carnivorous, eating mice, snakes, insects, small reptiles, and the young of other birds; unlike many other kingfishers, they rarely eat fish, although they have been known to take goldfish from garden ponds. In zoos they are usually fed food for birds of prey. 47811
Cymbidium commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. 24092
Cymbidium commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. Commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. There are usually between three and twelve leaves arranged in two ranks on each pseudobulb or shoot and lasting for several years. From one to a large number of flowers are arranged on an unbranched flowering stem arising from the base of the pseudobulb. The sepals and petals are all free from and similar to each other. The labellum is significantly different from the other petals and the sepals and has three lobes. There are about fifty-five species and sixteen further natural hybrids occurring in the wild from tropical and subtropical Asia to Australia. Cymbidiums are well known in horticulture and many cultivars have been developed. Plants in the genus Cymbidium are epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial plants, or rarely leafless saprophytes. All are sympodial evergreen herbs. Some species have thin stems but in most species the stems are modified as pseudobulbs. When present, there are from three to twelve leaves arrange in two ranks and last for several years. The leaf bases remain after the leaf has withered, forming a sheath around the pseudobulb. The flowers are arranged on an unbranched flowering stem which arises from the base of the pseudobulb or rarely from a leaf axil. 17550
They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. Commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. There are usually between three and twelve leaves arranged in two ranks on each pseudobulb or shoot and lasting for several years. From one to a large number of flowers are arranged on an unbranched flowering stem arising from the base of the pseudobulb. The sepals and petals are all free from and similar to each other. The labellum is significantly different from the other petals and the sepals and has three lobes. There are about fifty-five species and sixteen further natural hybrids occurring in the wild from tropical and subtropical Asia to Australia. Cymbidiums are well known in horticulture and many cultivars have been developed. Plants in the genus Cymbidium are epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial plants, or rarely leafless saprophytes. All are sympodial evergreen herbs. Some species have thin stems but in most species the stems are modified as pseudobulbs. When present, there are from three to twelve leaves arrange in two ranks and last for several years. The leaf bases remain after the leaf has withered, forming a sheath around the pseudobulb. The flowers are arranged on an unbranched flowering stem which arises from the base of the pseudobulb or rarely from a leaf axil. 10530
Cymbidium commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. 3381
Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers of the genus Dacelo native to Australia and New Guinea, which grow to between 28–42 cm in length. The name is a loanword from Wiradjuri guuguubarra, onomatopoeic of its call. The loud distinctive call of the laughing kookaburra is widely used as a stock sound effect in situations that involve an Australian bush setting or tropical jungle, especially in older movies. They are found in habitats ranging from humid forest to arid savanna, as well as in suburban areas with tall trees or near running water. Even though they belong to the larger group known as 'kingfishers', kookaburras are not closely associated with water. Kookaburras are almost exclusively carnivorous, eating mice, snakes, insects, small reptiles, and the young of other birds; unlike many other kingfishers, they rarely eat fish, although they have been known to take goldfish from garden ponds. In zoos they are usually fed food for birds of prey. 37079
Cymbidium commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. 24107
Commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. There are usually between three and twelve leaves arranged in two ranks on each pseudobulb or shoot and lasting for several years. From one to a large number of flowers are arranged on an unbranched flowering stem arising from the base of the pseudobulb. The sepals and petals are all free from and similar to each other. The labellum is significantly different from the other petals and the sepals and has three lobes. There are about fifty-five species and sixteen further natural hybrids occurring in the wild from tropical and subtropical Asia to Australia. Cymbidiums are well known in horticulture and many cultivars have been developed. Plants in the genus Cymbidium are epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial plants, or rarely leafless saprophytes. All are sympodial evergreen herbs. Some species have thin stems but in most species the stems are modified as pseudobulbs. When present, there are from three to twelve leaves arrange in two ranks and last for several years. The leaf bases remain after the leaf has withered, forming a sheath around the pseudobulb. The flowers are arranged on an unbranched flowering stem which arises from the base of the pseudobulb or rarely from a leaf axil. They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. 3949
Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers of the genus Dacelo native to Australia and New Guinea, which grow to between 28–42 cm in length. The name is a loanword from Wiradjuri guuguubarra, onomatopoeic of its call. The loud distinctive call of the laughing kookaburra is widely used as a stock sound effect in situations that involve an Australian bush setting or tropical jungle, especially in older movies. They are found in habitats ranging from humid forest to arid savanna, as well as in suburban areas with tall trees or near running water. Even though they belong to the larger group known as 'kingfishers', kookaburras are not closely associated with water. Kookaburras are almost exclusively carnivorous, eating mice, snakes, insects, small reptiles, and the young of other birds; unlike many other kingfishers, they rarely eat fish, although they have been known to take goldfish from garden ponds. In zoos they are usually fed food for birds of prey. R_5883
Cymbidium commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. 24163
The common shrew is a terrestrial species living almost anywhere and is most commonly found in hedgerows, scrubland, grassland and deciduous woodland. Since shrews must eat every 2-3 hours to survive they are often seen at the surface foraging for food, but live in burrows which may have been used previously by another animal. Shrews do not hibernate, but they do become less active in winter. Remarkably, their size shrinks in winter, so that they require less effort to move and so need less food, not only does the liver shrink but also the brain and the skull.
Size 48-80mm, tail 24-44mm; tail less than 3/4 length of head and body.
One from yesterday a fascinating tiny creature.
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Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers of the genus Dacelo native to Australia and New Guinea, which grow to between 28–42 cm in length. The name is a loanword from Wiradjuri guuguubarra, onomatopoeic of its call. The loud distinctive call of the laughing kookaburra is widely used as a stock sound effect in situations that involve an Australian bush setting or tropical jungle, especially in older movies. They are found in habitats ranging from humid forest to arid savanna, as well as in suburban areas with tall trees or near running water. Even though they belong to the larger group known as 'kingfishers', kookaburras are not closely associated with water. Kookaburras are almost exclusively carnivorous, eating mice, snakes, insects, small reptiles, and the young of other birds; unlike many other kingfishers, they rarely eat fish, although they have been known to take goldfish from garden ponds. In zoos they are usually fed food for birds of prey. R_6844
Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers of the genus Dacelo native to Australia and New Guinea, which grow to between 28–42 cm in length. The name is a loanword from Wiradjuri guuguubarra, onomatopoeic of its call. The loud distinctive call of the laughing kookaburra is widely used as a stock sound effect in situations that involve an Australian bush setting or tropical jungle, especially in older movies. They are found in habitats ranging from humid forest to arid savanna, as well as in suburban areas with tall trees or near running water. Even though they belong to the larger group known as 'kingfishers', kookaburras are not closely associated with water. Kookaburras are almost exclusively carnivorous, eating mice, snakes, insects, small reptiles, and the young of other birds; unlike many other kingfishers, they rarely eat fish, although they have been known to take goldfish from garden ponds. In zoos they are usually fed food for birds of prey. 39159
"Few terrestrial birds are as restricted to rocky cliffs or outcrops as this one. It inhabits the same territories year-round, commonly nesting in sheltered rock crevices, using its long, decurved bill and flattened head to probe for spiders and insects in rock crevices. Although not generally associated with human development, the Canyon Wren does inhabit villages in the southwestern United States and Mexico, apparently undeterred by human presence. "
BNA Account Authors: Jones, Stephanie L., and Joseph Scott Dieni
Chimborazo is in the center of photography.
I will climb it past this volcano and lower it by bike.
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Called ‘Taita’ (Father) by indigenous people in the area, Volcán Chimborazo (6263m) is the country’s tallest mountain, a hulking giant topped by a massive glacier. Because of Earth's equatorial bulge, Chimborazo is both the furthest point from the center of the earth and the closest terrestrial point to the stars.
Along with its smaller, craggier companion Volcán Carihuairazo (5020m) to the northeast, and the Río Mocha valley that connects them, Chimborazo is a remote, even desolate, place populated by only a few indigenous communities.
Chimborazo and Carihuairazo lie within the Reserva de Producción de Fauna Chimborazo. It is called a ‘fauna-production reserve’ because it is home to thousands of vicuña (a relative of the llama). Once extinct in Ecuador, they were donated by Chile and Bolivia in the 1980s. Now prospering, their elegant silhouettes are easily spotted in the mist on the bus ride between Guaranda and Riobamba.
I found this garden snail (terrestrial mollusc) devouring this ‘cloud ear’ fungus. Cloud ear fungus (Auricularia polytricha or Hirneola polytricha) is an edible jelly fungus and somewhat elastic and gelatinous, as well as silky to touch when fully formed. It grows on wet trees and takes on the colour of the tree on which it grew, so it can range from dark yellowish-brown to dark brown or even black. It goes by several names including black mushroom, ‘tenga ng daga’, black fungus, wood ear fungus, tree ear fungus and ear mushroom. I have seen cloud ears at the market and are sold mainly in dried form.
For more information about ‘tenga ng daga’ mushroom and ‘terrestrial mollusks, please visit:
Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers of the genus Dacelo native to Australia and New Guinea, which grow to between 28–42 cm in length. The name is a loanword from Wiradjuri guuguubarra, onomatopoeic of its call. The loud distinctive call of the laughing kookaburra is widely used as a stock sound effect in situations that involve an Australian bush setting or tropical jungle, especially in older movies. They are found in habitats ranging from humid forest to arid savanna, as well as in suburban areas with tall trees or near running water. Even though they belong to the larger group known as 'kingfishers', kookaburras are not closely associated with water. Kookaburras are almost exclusively carnivorous, eating mice, snakes, insects, small reptiles, and the young of other birds; unlike many other kingfishers, they rarely eat fish, although they have been known to take goldfish from garden ponds. In zoos they are usually fed food for birds of prey. 18791
SETI, acronimo di Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (Ricerca di Intelligenza Extraterrestre), è un programma dedicato alla ricerca della vita intelligente extraterrestre, abbastanza evoluta da poter inviare segnali radio nel cosmo. Il programma si occupa anche di inviare segnali della nostra presenza ad eventuali altre civiltà in grado di captarli (SETI attivo).
Un viaggio interstellare per visitare un'altra civiltà in un mondo distante, almeno per adesso, è oltre le possibilità tecnologiche della civiltà umana. Siamo però in grado di utilizzare ricevitori molto sensibili per cercare nel cielo eventuali segnali radio di origine artificiale, generati da civiltà non umane.
Si tratta di un progetto scientifico e altamente tecnologico che vede i più importanti radiotelescopi del mondo impegnati ad "ascoltare" i segnali radio che vagano nello spazio interstellare.
Come molti di voi sanno, tutte le trasmissioni radio che normalmente captiamo, che siano segnali TV piuttosto che onde radio emesse dalla nostra emittente radiofonica preferita, dalla TV via satellite, alle telecomunicazioni, ormai viaggiano per il 90% attraverso segnali radio e rimbalzano sui satelliti predisposti a tale scopo. Quello che molti non sanno è che questi segnali vanno al di là del nostro pianeta. Il segnale radio, benché convogliato verso una direzione, si espande e questo implica che parte del segnale non solo colpisca il nostro pianeta, ma venga anche "spedito" nello spazio. Ora le onde radio si muovono ad una velocità relativamente lenta rispetto a quella della radiazione luminosa (la luce) ma non significa che abbiano meno potenzialità, saranno più lente, per raggiungere una certa destinazione impiegheranno maggiore tempo, ma in ogni caso sono un importantissimo mezzo di comunicazione.
Tutte le sonde finora spedite dalla NASA nello spazio, per le vari missioni solari, per lo studio di Marte o del Sistema Solare, hanno comunicato con il centro dati attraverso onde radio. Le stesse onde radio che sulla Terra produciamo per ore e ore. Rimane purtroppo il limite che, data la lentezza delle onde radio, un segnale ricevuto potrebbe essere stato trasmesso centinaia di migliaia di anni fa.
Da qui comunque nacque l'idea del progetto:
SE ESISTE DA QUALCHE PARTE UNA CIVILTA' EVOLUTA, DEVE ESSERCI PER FORZA UN SEGNO DI COMUNICAZIONE ALL'INTERNO DI QUESTA SOCIETA'. IL PROGETTO S.E.T.I. NON FA CHE CERCARE, "ASCOLTANDO" E "ANALIZZANDO" I SEGNALI RADIO PROVENIENTI DALLE PROFONDITA' DELLO SPAZIO, NELLA SPERANZA DI CAPTARE E RICONOSCERE UN SEGNALE ARTIFICIALE CREATO DA UNA CIVILTA' EVOLUTA, QUINDI NON GENERATO DA UNA STELLA O IL RISULTATO DI UN'INTERFERENZA.
Quando nacque il progetto SETI, la stazione di ascolto registrava ed analizzava i dati che provenivano dal radiotelescopio di Arecibo alla ricerca di un segnale che, difficilmente spiegabile come naturale, potesse in qualche modo stabilire che non siamo gli unici che di notte alzano lo sguardo per ammirare questo stupendo cielo stellato. Con il passare degli anni i sistemi di ascolto e ricezione sono diventati maggiormente potenti e i radiotelescopi sempre più perfetti, così da mettere in crisi la capacità di calcolo dei giganteschi mainframe e computer impegnati nel progetto.
Fu così che si arrivò ad una soluzione tanto semplice ma allo stesso tempo tanto geniale, che avrebbe coinvolto non solo gli esperti e i ricercatori del settore, ma anche semplici neofiti, curiosi o appassionati, che rappresentano forse il vero motore di questo progetto. Visto che le possibilità di acquisizione dei dati aumenta vertiginosamente attraverso l'installazione in tutto il mondo di nuovi e più potenti radiotelescopi, si è reso inutile pensare di continuare ad aggiornare gli elaboratori impegnati nella ricerca. Sarebbe stata un'inutile e dispendiosa soluzione tampone, ben presto ci si sarebbe ritrovati nelle medesime condizioni di dover aggiornare il "parco macchine", quindi si arrivò a ipotizzare il sistema SETI@Home, ovvero i ricercatori si posero la domanda "quale sarebbe la potenza di calcolo generata dal "remote computing" di migliaia di semplici personal computer che, collegati tra loro attraverso, una rete capillare quale Internet, potessero analizzare una piccola quantità di dati ciascuno e ritrasmettere infine i risultati al computer centrale?" "Infinita" fu la risposta, e così nacque SETI@Home.
Oggi il progetto SETI@home dispone, sparsi in tutti gli angoli del globo, di migliaia di comuni personal computer, di studenti, professionisti, semplici curiosi, che attraverso un programma realizzato appositamente, elaborano, utilizzando i tempi morti dell'uso del PC, il pacchetto di dati scaricato precedentemente dal server dedicato e direttamente messo a disposizione da uno dei numerosi radiotelescopi che quotidianamente, 24 ore su 24, 365 giorni all'anno, rappresentano l'orecchio del mondo sull'universo che ci circonda.
guardando ed elaborando questo scatto, una foto della ruota panoramica che per alcuni mesi ha fatto divertire i cittadini di Bari e provincia, ho immediatamente pensato ad un radiotelescopio, ad una gigantesca antenna capace di captare le più remote emissioni provenienti dall' infinito ...
...e oltre
This terrestrial turtle is fairly common in Virginia. This one was out and about between the thunderstorms. I think the coloring on this species is quite striking.
The giraffe is an African artiodactyl mammal, the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant. It is traditionally considered to be one species, Giraffa camelopardalis, with nine subspecies.
The Photo was taken in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Cymbidium commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. They are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world. They are among the most popular orchid genus. They're an important cut flower crop for florists and are widely cultivated as a grower's fancy. 3474
Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers of the genus Dacelo native to Australia and New Guinea, which grow to between 28–42 cm in length. The name is a loanword from Wiradjuri guuguubarra, onomatopoeic of its call. The loud distinctive call of the laughing kookaburra is widely used as a stock sound effect in situations that involve an Australian bush setting or tropical jungle, especially in older movies. They are found in habitats ranging from humid forest to arid savanna, as well as in suburban areas with tall trees or near running water. Even though they belong to the larger group known as 'kingfishers', kookaburras are not closely associated with water. Kookaburras are almost exclusively carnivorous, eating mice, snakes, insects, small reptiles, and the young of other birds; unlike many other kingfishers, they rarely eat fish, although they have been known to take goldfish from garden ponds. In zoos they are usually fed food for birds of prey. R_8081