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Near My Home
Southwest Florida
Florida, USA
The northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is the only mockingbird commonly found in North America. This bird is mainly a permanent resident, but northern birds may move south during harsh weather.
This species has rarely been observed in Europe. The northern mockingbird is known for its mimicking ability, as reflected by the meaning of its scientific name, "many-tongued mimic". The northern mockingbird is an omnivore. It eats both insects and fruits. It is often found in open areas and forest edges but forages in grassy land.
The northern mockingbird breeds in southeastern Canada, the United States, northern Mexico, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and the Greater Antilles. The northern mockingbird is listed as of Least Concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). – Wikipedia
Besides the ability to sooth your throat, quench your thirst, and relief the heat, the drink also provides some health benefits such as improving appetite & digestion and possibly inhibiting the buildup of lactic acid in the body.
The ability of the camel to survive in desert conditions without water for long periods of time is rivalled by none. The many physiological adaptations the dromedary have even earned it the title "ship of the desert". Dromedaries can glean much of their needed water from desert vegetation, and can survive after losing over 40 percent of their body weight in water. When water is available, whether fresh or brackish (salty), camels drink well - up to 57 litres at a time.
The world would be a much better place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog
M.K. Clinton
“Seek out a tree and let it teach you stillness.”
― Eckhart Tolle ―
Wisdom comes with the ability to be still. Just look and just listen. No more is needed. Being still, looking, and listening activates the non-conceptual intelligence within you. Let stillness direct your words and actions.
― Eckhart Tolle ―
❤💕❤❤💕❤ My dear Beautiful friends here, in advance I want to thank you all for your always kindness and support, I appreciate you all immensely. Please Know that I am grateful for each one of you for taking the time to look at my pictures and for all of your kind compliments and comments. You all mean a lot to me, and you make Flickr a lovely place to be and to share pictures.
💕 Best regards and wishes always for you all. 💕 Lori
"No More Honey" | Flower Crab Spider & European Honeybee | Misumena Vatia | Apis Mellifera | Switzerland
My best photos are here: www.lacerta-bilineata.com/ticino-best-photos-of-southern-...
My latest ANIMAL VIDEO (warning, it's a bit shocking): www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T2-Xszz7FI
You find a selection of my 80 BEST PHOTOS (mostly not yet on Flickr) here: www.lacerta-bilineata.com/western-green-lizard-lacerta-bi... (the website exists in ESPAÑOL, FRANÇAIS, ITALIANO, ENGLISH, DEUTSCH)
ABOUT THIS PHOTO:
My garden may look like a peaceful green paradise to humans, but for the little creatures living in it it's a place where death may lurk behind every corner.
From time to time when I'm working in the garden or I'm just reading a book I hear a very distinct, loud buzzing that stands out as somewhat unusual among the many noises and sounds I hear during the day. By now I know what that sound is: it's the panicky, frantic buzzing of a European honeybee (Apis mellifera) that has fallen prey to a very distinguished predator: the flower crab spider (Misumena vatia).
The arachnid usually hides in flowers, patiently waiting for an unsuspecting insect; due to its ability to adapt its color to that of the flowers it hunts in it is almost invisible - and all the more deadly to its prey. This photo here is actually somewhat unusual because this crab spider didn't hunt in a flower but in the leaves of the vines that make up the roof of my veranda.
Once it had caught the bee it let itself fall into the empty space below, safely secured by two threads, to enjoy its meal undisturbed (and probably also in order not to become prey itself, namely of another predator like a lizard that might have been attracted by the victim's frantic buzzing ;-)
This scene may seem cruel to us (and I'm aware that - sadly - many people don't like spiders to begin with), but this is simply nature's way (and that bee didn't suffer long; compared to what we humans do to animals, the spider's way of killing its prey actually seems rather "humane" - even if that word sounds absurd in this context).
ABOUT THE SPECIES (from Wikipedia):
Misumena vatia is a species of crab spider with a holarctic distribution. It is called the goldenrod crab spider or flower (crab) spider, as it is commonly found hunting in goldenrot sprays and milkweed plants. They are called crab spiders because of their unique ability to walk sideways as well as forwards and backwards.
Females can grow up to 10 mm (0.39 in) while males are quite small, reaching 5 mm (0.20 in) at most. Misumena vatia may be yellow or white. This ultimately depends on the flower on which they are hunting. Younger females especially, which may hunt on a variety of flowers such as daisies and sunflowers, have a strong tendency to adapt to the color of the surrounding flower. However, the color-changing process is not instant and can require up to 25 days to complete.
They have a complex visual system, with eight eyes, that they rely on for prey capture and for their color-changing abilities. Sometimes, if Misumena vatia consume colored prey, the spider itself will take on that color.Misumena vatia feed on common insects, often consuming prey much larger than themselves. They use venom to immobilize their prey, though they are harmless to humans. They face threats due to parasites and larger insects.
For Misumena vatia, survival depends on the choice of hunting site. The spiders closely monitor multiple sites to see if others nearby are frequented by greater numbers of potential prey. Females are stationary and choose a flower to settle on while males cover great distances searching for mates. Females do not emit pheromones, rather, they leave "draglines" of silk behind them as they move, which males follow. Females live longer than males, on average. After mating, females guard their nests until the young have hatched, after which they die.
I don't want this text to get even longer, so I'll skip the info about the Eurpean honeybee (Apis Mellifera), but I encourage everyone to look it up or watch the documentary 'More Than Honey' from 2012; bees may seem a very familiar and common sight to us, but they are among the most important and fascinating creatures on the planet.
As I mentioned before, if people like these photos and are interested in other flora and fauna from my private jungle, I'll upload an insect or spider every once in a while between lizards, so let me know in the comments if you're interested in seeing more of these or if I should stick to just reptiles ;-)
As always, thank you so much for your interest and feedback, stay safe - and have a great week everyone!
Lacerta
Back to India in November for meetings with our partners in Bhopal and Bangalore - while in Bhopal we meet with a group working on restoring the Narmada River flood plain. Its a grass roots effort being directed by district government and local NGOs but run totally by local villages mostly without any funding. Seeing stuff like this gives me hope for our ability to tackle our environmental problems. More on this work in future posts but here's a shot of a local fishermen i took from a boat in the Narmada River.
A brief description:
Anhedonia is the inability or reduced ability to feel pleasure. When a person suffers from anhedonia, they lose interest in the activities, hobbies, or experiences they used to love. Anhedonia makes relationships a struggle and a chore, no matter how close the people were before it manifested. It comes in two distinct flavors:
* Social anhedonia - when someone does not want to engage with other people and becomes withdrawn.
* Physical anhedonia - when someone does not derive physical joy from physical actions. For example, a hug can leave them feeling cold or empty.
Anhedonia — Denis Stelmakh
Medium-sized goose with two strikingly different color morphs. White morph generally more common. Adults have black wingtips, pink bill and legs, and often show yellowish staining on the head. Juveniles have dull brownish bill and legs and variable grayish smudging on body and wings. Dark morph adults are dark slaty-gray with a white face; juveniles are entirely dark. Typically found in flocks, sometimes numbering into the thousands, but individuals may be found with other geese species. Occurs in fields, marshes, and lakes during migration and winter; breeds on Arctic tundra. Compare with Ross’s Goose, which is like a cuter miniature version of Snow Goose. Pay attention to the bill: Snow Goose has a longer bill with a more curved border where it meets the face, and a more pronounced dark “grin patch” (but beware, Ross’s can show a small grin patch too!). (eBird)
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The snow geese are gathering in the tens of thousands to make their trek up north. However, for some strange reason, this one was all alone on the other side of the city. It seems to swim okay but I am wondering about his ability to fly, as the wingtips seemed mis-aligned when on land. I'll have to check in shortly to see if it is gone.
UPDATE: The goose was gone today (04/23) so has either joined his friends or found a better place on the creek. Perhaps he just wasn't quite ready to go last week.
Constance Creek, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. April 2023.
Shot from the undulating wall of the Wilson Road Causeway,
North Watuppa Pond, Fall River, Massachusetts
It turns out my ability to predict a good sunrise or sunset is incredibly bad. I thought this morning was going to be another bust, when the solid sheet of gray overhead partially slid away to reveal something interesting before sunrise. Yay!
Filters: Gold-N-Blue polarizer, 2-stop RGND, 6-stop ND
Dipper - Cinclus Cinclus
aka Water Ouzel
Double Click to view
Dippers are members of the genus Cinclus in the bird family Cinclidae, named for their bobbing or dipping movements. They are unique among passerines for their ability to dive and swim underwater.
They have a characteristic bobbing motion when perched beside the water, giving them their name. While under water, they are covered by a thin, silvery film of air, due to small bubbles being trapped on the surface of the plumage.
Dippers are found in suitable freshwater habitats in the highlands of the Americas, Europe and Asia. In Africa they are only found in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. They inhabit the banks of fast-moving upland rivers with cold, clear waters, though, outside the breeding season, they may visit lake shores and sea coasts.
The high haemoglobin concentration in their blood gives them a capacity to store oxygen greater than that of other birds, allowing them to remain underwater for thirty seconds or more, whilst their basal metabolic rate is approximately one-third slower than typical terrestrial passerines of similar mass. One small population wintering at a hot spring in Suntar-Khayata Mountains of Siberia feeds underwater when air temperatures drop below −55 °C (−67 °F).
Dippers are completely dependent on fast-flowing rivers with clear water, accessible food and secure nest-sites. They may be threatened by anything that affects these needs such as water pollution, acidification and turbidity caused by erosion. River regulation through the creation of dams and reservoirs, as well as channelization, can degrade and destroy dipper habitat.
Dippers are also sometimes hunted or otherwise persecuted by humans for various reasons. The Cyprus race of the white-throated dipper is extinct. In the Atlas Mountains dippers are claimed to have aphrodisiacal properties. In parts of Scotland and Germany, until the beginning of the 20th century, bounties were paid for killing dippers because of a misguided perception that they were detrimental to fish stocks through predation on the eggs and fry of salmonids.
Population:
UK breeding:
6,200-18,700 pairs
Mala Mala Game Reserve
Near Kruger National Park
South Africa
Happy Caturday!!
The leopard (Panthera pardus) is one of the five species in the genus Panthera, a member of the Felidae. The leopard occurs in a wide range in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia and is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because leopard populations are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation and are declining in large parts of the global range.
Contemporary records suggest that the leopard occurs in only 25% of its historical global range. Leopards are hunted illegally, and their body parts are smuggled in the wildlife trade for medicinal practices and decoration.
Compared to other wild cats, the leopard has relatively short legs and a long body with a large skull. It is similar in appearance to the jaguar, but generally has a smaller, lighter physique. Its fur is marked with rosettes similar to those of the jaguar, but the leopard's rosettes are smaller and more densely packed, and do not usually have central spots as the jaguar's do. Both leopards and jaguars that are melanistic are known as black panthers.
The leopard is distinguished by its well-camouflaged fur, opportunistic hunting behaviour, broad diet, and strength (which it uses to move heavy carcasses into trees), as well as its ability to adapt to various habitats ranging from rainforest to steppe, including arid and montane areas, and its ability to run at speeds of up to 58 kilometres per hour (36 mph)- Wikipedia
It was whilst taking this photograph that I realised that my camera had lost its ability to change aperture and was stuck in f2/8, hence the shallow dof :( However I thought that it was still worthwhile taking this shot of the river in Pucks Glen running inder a number of fallen trees.
This is one of my favourite photos I've taken this year. There are many brilliant wildlife pictures on Flickr and in terms of image quality this does not compete: it was taken in lowlight well after sunset and was subject to a fairly severe crop. However, it was the first time I'd seen an owl in the wild and I managed to track it over several fields before grabbing this hand held shot. To me, this is a big part of the enjoyment of photography. Finding something new and of interest and capturing it to the best of one's ability. The owl may have been soaring but my heart was too!
Gràcies per les vostres visites i comentaris.
Gracias por vuestras visitas y comentarios.
Thanks for your visits and comments
are smart people with the ability to do incredibly stupid things. They are, in short, a perfect match :-)
Bill Bryson
HFF!!
prunus mume, weeping japanese flowering apricot, 'Bridal veil', j c raulston arboretum, ncsu, raleigh, north carolina
Nothing makes styling more fun and enjoyable than having the ability to independently change the body colors, trims, and patterns within the magic of this beautiful Gossip Guada Dress. The HUD for this Guada Dress comes with 10 solid colors plus 2 patterns for the dress itself, along with 10 complementary solid colors for its stunning lace.
This dress is compatible with Maitreya, Kupra, Reborn, and Juice mesh bodies. It is also Materials enabled.
Please demo this product prior to purchasing.
Available at Main Store
LM: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ferrera/144/56/22
Owner fb: www.facebook.com/yanny.vu.5
Gossip store flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/192969680@N05/
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Gossipwomensl
Blogger manager fb : www.facebook.com/AiramDankworth/
"Ability to control emotions Surfing as dream symbol stands for control of dreamer emotions, because dreamer is surfing on the water. At the same time while surfing the right utilization of the wind is really important, which shows that the mastery of emotions is tempted by dreamer’s intellect."
This tells you of this dreamer's intellect. He is in control even in the sky lol ....b.mikic
Europe, The Netherlands, Zuid Holland, Rottredam, Kop van Zuid, De Rotterdam, Nieuwe Luxor (slightly cut from all sides)
One of the qualities of OMA/Koolhaas’ De Rotterdam 'vertical city' is, notwithstanding the sheer bulk of the edifice, its uncanny ability to be there and kinda not. This is due to its glass facades. And mist always tends to help with this.
Shot from the Veemstraat.
This is number 42 of De Rotterdam.
"Each fall, white-crowned sparrows hop off branches in Alaska and begin journeys toward California, Arizona, New Mexico and west Texas. On their trip of several weeks, flying mostly at night, the tiny songbirds may cut back on their sleep by two-thirds....
Rattenborg and his colleagues wanted to see if the white-crowned sparrows that were sleeping less during migration were punch-drunk while awake, so they set up a test in which birds learned and repeated a three-response sequence of key pecks. The caged birds performed best on the test during fall migration time, when they were getting the least sleep....
When urges to migrate kick in, white-crowned sparrows and other songbirds begin flying perhaps as much as 300 miles at night while staying active during the day. Their ability to navigate, avoid predators and find food in different locations while sleep-deprived is a mystery ..."
Author:
Ned Rozell
Short-eared Owls may travel great distances, with migrations of 1200 miles documented. These migrations may include long distances over water. One Short-eared Owl was recorded landing on a ship in the Pacific Ocean, 653 miles from land. Breeding populations have been found on remote oceanic islands, further demonstrating this ability. Short-eared Owls are one of only two owl species living on the Hawaiian Islands. Arriving naturally, it is believed that they may have traveled down from Alaska.
Although the Eastern Spinebill is sometimes called Australia’s hummingbird due to its ability to hover while gathering nectar - the diminutive Brown Honeyeater is no slouch in this department either!
Hovering behaviour actually occurs more frequently than thought, not only in terms of the range of avian species but also in its occurrence within species. Recent research found that neither the geographical distribution of bird species nor their traits (size, body mass) are a limiting factor for hovering behaviour, but that plant traits are important. Quite simply when perches at the plants are inadequate or lacking, hovering is then more appropriate or necessary
Heliconius (longwing) butterflies) hang all over these sparse, Cheetos-orange blossoms. To understand the attraction, it helps to know that Heliconius butterflies have an unusual ability. They can digest pollen and use the proteins. All adult butterflies get food with a proboscis – a straw-like tube that can only drink liquids. But the Heliconius butterflies produce a fluid that can dissolve the protein in pollen granules and turn it into liquid form. They essentially use their saliva to turn pollen into a nutritious protein drink. Psiguria co-evolved with the Heliconius to meet the butterfly’s pollen needs, while the butterfly meets the plant’s pollination needs.
Heliconius hewitsoni on Psiguria tarasiensis
Wings of the Tropics, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami FL
"Ability is what you're capable of doing;
Motivation determines what you do.
Attitude determines how well you do it."
--Lou Holtz
Johnson Coulee
Village of Holmen, Wisconsin
© Copyright 2021 MEA Images, Merle E. Arbeen, All Rights Reserved. If you would like a copy of this, please feel free to contact me through my FlickrMail, Facebook, or Yahoo email account. Thank you.
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This photograph has achieved the following highest awards:
Groupe Charlie, Level 12, Final Level
Scotch Argus Butterfly:
Despite its name, the Scotch Argus is not only found in Scotland; it is also found at two sites in the north of England. A freshly emerged Scotch Argus is a sight to behold; the dark brown velvety upper sides making the butterfly appear almost jet black from a distance. The butterfly is unmistakable when seen basking with its wings open, when orange bands containing distinctive spots are revealed. This butterfly lives in well-defined colonies that are often very large.
Like the Mountain Ringlet, the ability of this butterfly to survive cool temperatures means that it was probably one of the first species to recolonise the British Isles after the last ice age, over 10,000 years ago. The English colonies, Arnside Knott and Smardale Gill, are both found in Westmorland. Colonies are much more numerous in Scotland, where this butterfly can be found in most of northern, western and southwest Scotland. This butterfly is absent from the lowlands of central Scotland, many of the western isles (including the Outer Hebrides), Orkney and Shetland.
Courtesy of UK Butterflies website
seeing and recording are almost simultaneous. His output is limited only by his ability to see. For this reason it has always been my belief that an experienced photographer, given the means to devote himself entirely to creative expression, should be able to produce a tremendous amount of valuable work.
Edward Weston
HPPT! Kindness Matters!
cercis, smooth redbud, 'Celestial Plum', j c raulston arboretum, ncsu, raleigh, north carolina
fashionmusicmahem.wordpress.com/2020/09/05/fish-out-of-wa...
“A bird will only fall from the sky when it stops believing in its ability to fly, and a fish will only drown in water when it stops believing in its ability to swim.” ~Matshona Dhliwayo
"The Happy Family" is a renowned painting created by the Dutch artist Jan Steen. Painted during the 17th century, Steen was known for his ability to capture scenes of everyday life with a touch of humor and wit. "The Happy Family" exemplifies his style and showcases his talent for storytelling within a single image.
In this painting, Steen depicts a bustling household filled with various members of a family engaged in different activities. The composition is lively and intricate, presenting a chaotic yet harmonious scene. Steen's attention to detail is evident as he portrays each character with unique facial expressions and body language, adding depth and personality to the painting.
At the center of the composition, a jovial couple sits at a table, surrounded by their children and other relatives. The scene is filled with laughter, lively conversation, and playful interactions. The family members engage in various activities, such as eating, drinking, playing music, and engaging in games. Steen's use of vibrant colors and intricate brushwork further enhances the joyful atmosphere of the painting.
Despite the apparent chaos, "The Happy Family" also carries a deeper message. It serves as a reminder of the importance of familial bonds and the joys of shared moments. Steen's portrayal of the diverse characters and their interactions reflects the complexities and dynamics of family life. Through his portrayal, he highlights both the humorous and challenging aspects of domesticity.
"The Happy Family" is a testament to Jan Steen's skill as a painter and his ability to capture the essence of human experience. It continues to be appreciated for its rich storytelling, vibrant imagery, and its ability to evoke a range of emotions from viewers. The painting stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of art that celebrates the joys and challenges of family life.
Island of Madagascar
Off The East Coast Of Africa
Peyrieras Madagascar Exotic Reserve
The globe-horned chameleon or flat-casqued chameleon (Calumma globifer) is a large species of chameleon endemic to isolated pockets of humid primary forest in eastern and south eastern Madagascar. - Wikipedia
Madagascar is home to about half the world's 150 or so species of chameleons.
Chameleons are small to mid-size reptiles that are famous for their ability to dramatically change colors. Contrary to popular belief, a chameleon typically does not change colors to match its surroundings. Instead, color is usually used to convey emotions, defend territories, and communicate with mates. - Wikipedia
The ability to leave marks on paper and other objects gave graphite its name, given in 1789 by German mineralogist Abraham Gottlob Werner. It stems from γράφειν ("graphein"), meaning to write or draw in Ancient Greek.
#MacroMondays #Mediums
(photo with a APO-Rodagon-N 105mm F1:4, Enlarger lens on 3 inch bellows)
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© VanveenJF Photography
Part 3 of 3 of my Ancient Egypt series.
The title is known to be given during the Old Kingdom of Egypt, and was at that point very powerful and prestigious. The mummies of the priestesses testify that they were decorated with a religious tattoo, covering the stomach around the area of the uterus. After the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, the title was often irregularly awarded the women of the royal family, typically princesses.
The rise, fall & extinction of the priestesses of Hathor are seen in ancient Egyptian culture. The women who wanted to become socially powerful usually took refuge in religion & took the charge of priesthood.
Ancient Egyptian society took women's empowerment much more loosely than ancient Greece & ancient Rome. There women were given the right to their own property. However, after becoming a priestess, a woman is seen not only as an important figure in ancient Egyptian society, but also a living symbol of divinity.
The priestesses of Hathor were called hm ntr hthr & they were one of the most respected people in Egypt. But After the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, the title was often irregularly awarded only to the women of the royal family, typically princesses. This includes the daughter of Ramesses II. At one time their names were completely erased from history.
Egyptologysts have shown that in early days only women of aristocratic lineage could be appointed to the priesthood of Hathor. They were called Badak-Purohit or God's Consort (Hmt nTr). They performed dances and songs during the sacred rites. Because of their menstruation and ability to give child-birth, they were considered unholy, which is why they could not perform sacred duties like dressing up the sacred image of deity.
Taken at the amazing Alexandria
Thankyou in advance for your support, faves, comments and awards!
I do appreciate you all ❤️
Come join us tomorrow for our opening event in honor of artist Tresore Prada Hawkins! She will have many new, unposted works she created for the show on display along with several others. All will focus on a magical, fantasy theme along with Autumn :)
Tresore has always enjoyed anything to do with being creative in real life and Second Life. In her own words,
"I would like to touch the heart of people through my impression, thoughts, feelings , and I hope my images make you smile and dream a little".
Tresore has the special ability to create these moods, feelings and emotions in others with the time and thought she puts into each picture. She takes the time she needs to perfect the story, mood and feeling she is trying to portray by choosing the perfect pose, colors, clothing and scene. Then she puts it all together at the location within world she thinks will help achieve this goal. Her use of rich, beautiful color, unique texturing and overall composition is truly stunning and inspirational. Come dream with us and enjoy the great music of DJ Feather while doing so!
once in a grand grand grand while, i find someone that catches my eye just by standing around ....
That happened today.
Razor Cure.
Thank you for your incredible eye to detail and your ability to stay still for me to sneak a picture of you while you were no doubt doing so yourself.
God I hope he doesn't mind.
Jaguars are quiet majestic, and they have the ability to put you in your place with just a Glance !!
Near My Home
Southwest Florida
Florida, USA
A northern mockingbird on the gutter in the front of my house.
The northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is the only mockingbird commonly found in North America. This bird is mainly a permanent resident, but northern birds may move south during harsh weather.
The northern mockingbird is known for its mimicking ability, as reflected by the meaning of its scientific name, "many-tongued mimic".
The northern mockingbird is an omnivore. It eats both insects and fruits. It is often found in open areas and forest edges but forages in grassy land.
The northern mockingbird is listed as of Least Concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). – Wikipedia
The ability (or inability) to associate one idea with another, to find the "big picture"
Relier les points : La capacité (ou l'incapacité ) d'associer une idée à une autre , pour trouver la «grande image»
Montréal, Québec
From the National Park Service website: The saguaro cactus (Carnegia gigantea) is a truly iconic symbol of the Sonoran Desert. Its remarkable size and ability to endure harsh desert conditions has endeared it to many people.
Cristate or “crested” saguaros form when the cells in the growing stem begin to divide outward, rather than in the circular pattern of a normal cactus. This is an unusual mutation which results in the growth of a large fan-shaped crest at the growing tip of a saguaro’s main stem or arms.
The cause for this mutation is unknown; however, there has been some speculation about the presence of a “trigger,” which may initiate the process. One heavily implicated
trigger is frost, as crested saguaros tend to be more common in the northernmost parts of their range. Unfortunately there is not enough evidence to confirm this theory. I took this shot in Saguaro National Park East.
"Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty."
John Ruskin
Geranium sanguine keeps popping up in our perennial flower garden, but I really don't mind. The beauty of each flower is well worth its ability to spread itself into every nook and cranny of available space.
and then they want to be good craftsmen. Then there are people who do it as a passion. They really care about it., and it shows in their photographs :-)
Mike Morse
HGGT! Truth Matters!
Campbell Creek Estuary Natural Area, Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
The challenge calls for "My Favourite Things". I have lots of favourite things to choose from but visiting the Sumatran Tigers at Australia Zoo is really a great pleasure.
"Australia Zoo is home to some of the last surviving Indonesian species of big cat – the Sumatran tiger!
Found throughout the forests and grasslands of Sumatra, these big cats are the smallest of all remaining tiger species. They are an impressive and powerful hunter with the ability to jump up to 5 metres (16 feet) in length! Using their stealthy stalking abilities, they will successfully hunt deer, pigs, jungle fowl and fish. Sumatran tigers have a range of vocalisations and communication tools. Their roar can be heard up to 3 kilometres (1.8 miles) away. Crikey! Like all tiger species, their beautiful orange and black striped coat is unique to every individual, just like our fingerprints!
Sumatran tigers are a critically endangered species. There are fewer than 350 left in the wild. These beautiful animals are victim to the illegal wildlife pet trade, illegal poaching for traditional medicine, illegal hunting for pelts and meat, as well as experiencing rapid deforestation and habitat loss. They are a species that is facing certain extinction without our protection."
"Our ability to perceive quality in nature begins, as in art, with the pretty. It expands through successive stages of the beautiful to values as yet uncaptured by language. "
Aldo Leopold, Marshland Elegy from A Sand County Almanac, 1949
Leopold's short essay is readily available online. It is a very moving commentary on the fate of our great marshlands and the magnificent sandhill cranes. Highly recommended.... here's a version from the Aldo Leopold Foundation, accompanied by a slide show of crane images.
"Progress is man's ability to complicate simplicity."
.....Thor Heyerdahl
Actually it's Seafarers Bridge, Docklands Melbourne, but it really does remind me of a Slinky :))
Green Herons are very secretive creatures with an uncanny ability to blend in to their environment. I have flushed them from under my feet never knowing they were there at all until they skedaddle They will roost in trees with a lot of cover but this is unusual to see one hang out in the open like this. They prefer being at the margin of the shore and having reeds or grass very close by to dart into. They make short hop flights across a pond or from the marsh to a tree but mostly they stay low and hidden. This one flew over and stayed there for a few minutes, preening and looking around and finally flew off not before I added a significant amount of clicks to my shutter count. He was on the same branch my flicker from an earlier post of mine. Popular branch I guess. I will continue my surveillance.
A very very happy Yellow Rumped Warbler has all the berries it can eat at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is the only warbler able to digest the waxes found in bayberries and wax myrtles. Its ability to use these fruits allows it to winter farther north than other warblers, sometimes as far north as Newfoundland.
Yellow-rumped Warblers are perhaps the most versatile foragers of all warblers. They're the warbler you'd most likely to see fluttering out from a tree to catch a flying insect, and they are also quick to switch over to eating berries in the fall.
--- allaboutbirds.org