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.

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.

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

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

Common Whitethroat - Sylvia communis

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

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.

A common resident Owlet found in the forest areas in the country. They can be often heard in the forests calling especially mornings and evenings, but they are active throughout the day. The birds are quite predatory in the night and hence the calls attract a variety of birds that gang up and chase the owlets away.

That morning, we heard constant calls of these Owlets - 3 - 4 of them at the same time and sighted 2 of them. That brought out Bulbuls, babblers, Drongoes, Rose Ringed Parakeets and few other birds all of which searched for the Owlets and chased them away from several trees. The Owlets moved several times and sat quietly in some trees - often close to us, but they did it with such stealth that 3 of us didn't see them coming or going.

This is nearing end of Spring here, but there were still several bare trees that the owlets could find some space on. The trees with canopy and fruit support several nesting birds and the summer breeding season is starting - no wonder the Owlets are so unwelcome.

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

========== 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

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

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.

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"...

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

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...

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.

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.

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

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

A male White-winged Fairywren in his sapphire blue breeding plumage.

The species is found in low shrubland throughout arid and semi-arid areas.

I found the this bird quite difficult to photograph. Maybe it was the iridescence of the blue feathers. It was also very quick and busy, hopping in and out of the bushes. They wouldn't let me get quite close enough to make an image that was not heavily cropped.

They don't come this far south where I live so it was a treat to see this beauty.

Lake Tyrrell

Two dusky leaf monkeys having a casual conversation in a rain tree.

Wikipedia: The dusky leaf monkey, spectacled langur, or spectacled leaf monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus) is a species of primate in the family Cercopithecidae. It is found in Peninsular Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand, and can occasionally be found in Singapore. During the day, these small, folivorous primates divide in sub-groups and forage for vegetation and fruit throughout the tropical forests.

Conservation status: Endangered

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dusky_leaf_monkey

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.

Great Egret

Seems to be waiting for something to happen while standing in the early morning light streaming over the ocean and sand.

From the National Park Service:

Second only to the Great Blue Heron in size, the Great Egret (Casmerodius albus), sometimes called the Great White Egret, is one of the largest of the wading birds that inhabit the Everglades. Standing over 4 feet in height with a wingspan of more than 50 inches, it is similar in appearance to the Snowy Egret but can be distinguished by its long black legs, black feet, stout yellow bill, and tremendous size. The Snowy Egret is smaller than the Great Egret and has a black bill and yellow feet.

Although numbers of Great Egrets have recovered throughout most of the United States in response to conservation measures, numbers have declined in some parts of the southern United States because of habitat loss. Data indicate that the Florida Everglades has undergone a 90-percent reduction in the number of breeding pairs of wading birds.

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Northern gannet (Morus bassanus or Sula bassana) on Helgoland, Germany

Since 1991, the Northern Gannet inhabits the rocky cliffs of this tiny island in the North Sea. The birds can be observed throughout the breeding season and display their behaviour without feeling threatened by the visitors.

Submitted: 24/01/2022

Accepted: 25/01/2022

in explore: 26 January 2022 (nr. 37)

Published:

- rsted Services A/S (Denmark) 24-May-2022

One of my favourite gulls and, after the Kittiwake, probably the one with the gentlest of expressions. Much commoner in Scotland than England we are lucky here as we get them throughout the year. Called the Mew Gull in North America which accurately depicts their call.

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...

Te Puia Springs is a village on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, located 103 km north of Gisborne.

Its population is estimated to be between 300 and 400 people. The village has a hospital and one shop. It has natural springs flowing throughout it, from hills in the Ngāti Porou area. The local people like to bathe in these springs, claiming that they have healing properties.

Much of the land around this area has not been developed and still remains bush land. As a result of this there remains a lot of native wildlife in this area, such as tirairaka or fantail, kererū, tui, and many others.

Pomerode, SC, Brazil.

This beautifully colored species is commonly seen on birdfeeders throughout its range.

Know locally as "saíra-sete-cores".

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Passeriformes

Suborder: Passeri

Family: Thraupidae

Subfamily: Thraupinae

Genus: Tangara Brisson, 1760

Species: T. seledon (Müller, 1776)

Binomial name: Tangara seledon

Plectrophenax nivalis

During the last ice age, it was widespread throughout continental Europe.

Unlike most passerines, it has feathered tarsi, an adaptation to its harsh environment. No other passerine can winter as far north as this species apart from the Common Raven.

Sandy Hook, NJ

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. ❤️😍

I thought I would jump on the Year in Review bandwagon and select 9 of my favorite landscapes to post commemorating the past year. I have also created a Year In Review "Nightscapes" that I will be posting this evening. Hope you like them!!! :-)

This year has been an exciting and nerve racking year for me. Despite being unemployed for the first 3 months of the year and my medical issues with my kidney stone, my photography opportunities were plentiful. I have been lucky enough to have found a new “Bro-Tog” buddy Bill McIntosh and we have been shooting together at every available opportunity throughout the year. Then I met up with Wayne Pinkston and Quanah Parker for my annual Dark Sky trip through the southwest during the summertime Milky Way season and managed to grab a few good sunrises and sunsets.(BottomLeftCorner andTopLeftCorner). Then later in the fall I was fortunate to have a great time shooting fall color(CenterBottom) and had an incredible trip up to Oregon to shoot the eclipse with Ralf Rohner.(CenterPhoto) For my winter trip I spent that with David Swindler of Action Photo Tours scouting the more remote locations found in the southwest(CenterRowRightandLeft). Then to top off the year Bill and I experienced an incredible sunset last night in Death Valley. The sky lit up gloriously as we said Good-Bye to 2017. I'll be posting that one later.

Thank you all for being so supportive over the past year. I deeply appreciate your encouragement and am truly grateful for that. If you like my photos then please share them with your friends or add it to your gallery, and as always your views, comments, faves, and support are greatly appreciated!!

I wish you all the best in 2018!!

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Copyright 2018©Eric Gail

Morning glory (also written as morning-glory) is the common name for over 1,000 species of flowering plants in the family Convolvulaceae. Most morning glory flowers unravel into full bloom in the early morning. The flowers usually start to fade a few hours before the petals start showing visible curling. They prefer full solar exposure throughout the day, and mesic soils. Because of their fast growth, twining habit, attractive flowers, and tolerance for poor, dry soils, some morning glories are excellent vines for creating summer shade on building walls when trellised. It was first known in China for its medicinal uses, due to the laxative properties of its seeds. 34712

Known and loved by Australians and gift-shop-visiting tourists alike, Superb Fairywrens may be one of Australia’s most well-known birds. This charismatic species is as likely to be found in back gardens and botanical gardens as it is on vegetated roadsides throughout south-eastern Australia.

Captura: Viallonga de Ter, Vall de Camprodon, Ripollès, Catalunya.

ENGLISH

Gazania rigens (syn. G. splendens), sometimes called treasure flower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to coastal areas of southern Africa. It is naturalised elsewhere and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Gazania rigens is a spreading, low-growing, half-hardy perennial, growing to 50 cm (20 in) tall and wide, with blue-grey foliage and brilliant yellow, daisy-like composite flowerheads throughout the summer. It is a herbaceous plant that is perennial in South Africa and in the Mediterranean regions, and annual in the gardens of colder regions. It rarely exceeds 30 cm (12 in) and forms tufts, often very abundant. Its leaves all basal, numerous, narrow and more or less lanceolate, usually entire, sometimes pennatilobed. The obverse of the leaves is shiny green, the grayish white lapel.

Like all compounds, gazania flowers in flower heads that are often taken for simple flowers. The capitula are solitary at the end of peduncles just beyond the leaves. Each capitulum is formed by a central disc of tubular flowers, surrounded by ligulate peripheral flowers, whose color is very variable. The orange-yellow flowers are however the most numerous, often with black spots at the base of the ligules. The fruit is an achene, containing

WIKIPEDIA

AVISO

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Gracias amigos Flickeros por visitar mi galería, por sus comentarios y favoritos. Tened todos un magnífico día.

NOTICE

Thank you Flicker friends for visiting my gallery, for your comments and favorites. Wish you wonderful day.

COMPTE!

Gràcies amics Flickers per visitar la meva galeria, pels vostres comentaris i favorits. Tingueu un dia estupend.

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But as autumn approaches, certain influences both inside and outside the plant cause the chlorophylls to be replaced at a slower rate than they are being used up. During this period, with the total supply of chlorophylls gradually dwindling, the "masking" effect slowly fades away. Then other pigments that have been present (along with the chlorophylls) in the cells all during the leaf's life begin to show through. These are carotenoids they give us colorations of yellow, brown, orange, and the many hues in between.

The reds, the purples, and their blended combinations that decorate autumn foliage come from another group of pigments in the cells called anthocyanins. These pigments are not present in the leaf throughout the growing season as are the carotenoids. They develop in late summer in the sap of the cells of the leaf, and this development is the result of complex interactions of many influences - both inside-and outside the plant. Their formation depends on the breakdown of sugars in the presence of bright light as the level of a certain chemical (phosphate) in the leaf is reduced.

But in the fall, phosphate, along with the other chemicals and nutrients, moves out of the leaf into the stem of the plant. When this happens, the sugar-breakdown process changes, leading to the production of anthocyanin pigments. The brighter the light during this period, the greater the production of anthocyanins and the more brilliant the resulting color display that we see. When the days of autumn are bright and cool, and the nights are chilly but not freezing, the brightest colorations usually develop.

El teatro Thang Long Water ofrece uno de los espectáculos más distintivos de la cultura vietnamita: el teatro con marionetas acuáticas. Se trata de un arte milenario que se practicaba en el delta del río Rojo hace más de mil años y que ha perdurado hasta la actualidad. El origen de este teatro se remonta a siglos atrás (s. XI) donde empezaron a ser muy comunes por todo el país con compañías de teatro que viajaban recorriendo los pueblos y las ciudades. Desde la antigüedad, la temática de estas representacio siempre ha sido la misma, contar las escenas del dia a dia de la gente local y servir para transmitir de manera oral la historia del país, con sus leyendas y mitos.

The Thang Long Water Theater offers one of the most distinctive performances of Vietnamese culture: the theater with water puppets. It is an ancient art that was practiced in the Red River delta more than a thousand years ago and has lasted until today. The origin of this theater dates back centuries (11th century) where they began to be very common throughout the country with theater companies that traveled to towns and cities. Since ancient times, the theme of these representations has always been the same, telling the scenes of the daily life of the local people and serving to orally transmit the history of the country, with its legends and myths.

El teatre Thang Long Water ofereix un dels espectacles més distintius de la cultura vietnamita: el teatre amb marionetes aquàtiques. Es tracta d'un art mil·lenari que es practicava al delta del riu Roig fa més de mil anys i que ha perdurat fins a l'actualitat. L'origen d'aquest teatre es remunta a segles enrere (s. XI), on van començar a ser molt comuns per tot el país amb companyies de teatre que viatjaven recorrent els pobles i les ciutats. Des de l'antiguitat, la temàtica d'aquestes representacions sempre ha estat la mateixa, explicar les escenes del dia a dia de la gent local i servir per transmetre de manera oral la història del país, amb les llegendes i els mites.

An interesting dove named after its bright emerald green wings. This is common bird in the forests of India found much across the country from the South to the North. I had seen them several times whizzing past suddenly when we least expect it.

They are often seen in small pairs of 2-3 foraging on the ground searching for fallen fruit or other seeds. But then these birds are quite shy and prefer a quiet place rather than some place that is easily accessible. The temple area on the edge of a forest that we visit has a couple of these birds that can sighted throughout the year (depending on the luck though).

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

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

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