The 1920s
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Okay, it's not actually within our backyard, but it's just beyond it. The yard behind our house borders a large park that is just being developed. The park was recently seeded, and the straw was put down as mulch. I took this shot while standing on our backyard deck. I think these Sandhill Cranes must have been eating the grass seed.
I know that there's not a lot going on in this image. But I rather like the repetitive poses of the birds, and I thought it was kind of cool that I could get this shot without leaving home, so I decided to go with it. The abundance of Sandhill Cranes in the area near our new home in Michigan has been one of the pleasant surprises of living here.
The Mute swan actually gets its name from the fact that its is less vocal than other swan species and is one of the heaviest flying birds. A male swan is known as a Cob while the female is known as a Pen and has a lifespan of around 12 years in the wild and can reach 30 years if in an protected environment. One of three species of wild swans to be found in the UK and is the national bird of Denmark. The Mute Swan is unique in making a vibrant throbbing sound with the wings when in flight. A large group of swans can be called, school, ballet and regatta. No swan has ever broken anyone's arm, this is a actually a complete myth.
I was actually hiding behind a wooden kissing gate in a dry stone wall, trying to obtain shots of a Stonechat pair ahead of me on the footpath, when this Robin that had been hanging around on the cliff-side fencing and posts, flew down in front and landed on this isolated, dead bramble stem protruding from the bracken field margin. He was quite distant, so this is a huge crop, but at the time it landed, I was immediately taken with his pose and the bracken background, so fired off a quick burst of shots.
Thank you for your faves and comments
Not the tree actually, but the parasitic birds in the tree, Brown-headed Cowbirds. The dark-colored birds in the picture are the males, light-colored ones are females. More specifically, they are "brood parasites", laying an egg in another bird's nest, leaving the care and feeding of the hatchling to the host bird.
The cowbird eggs often hatch faster than the host bird's, and displace the other hatchlings. One would think that the host bird would recognize that it was feeding a different species in its nest, but I witnessed a Northern Cardinal nesting in my backyard, feeding a cowbird, the only hatchling to survive in the nest. (shown in first picture in the comments below)
but actually a trace of it. No painting or drawing, however naturalist, belongs to its subject in the way that a photograph does :-)
John Berger
HGGT! HFF! Justice Matters! No one is above the law!
prunus mums, japanese flowering apricot, 'Nicholas', j c raulston arboretum, ncsu, raleigh, north carolina
Switzerland, May 2021
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 THE PHOTO:
So this photo is a bit of a novelty for me - at least here on Flickr, but it's also a journey back in time in a sense. I've always loved b/w and sepia photography; already as a very young teenager I would go out into the woods with an old Pentax Spotmatic (which I had nicked from my father) whenever it was a foggy day to shoot b/w compositions of sunbeams cutting through the ghostlike trees.
I used films with a sensitivity of at least 1600 (for those of you who remember what that means 😉 ), and the resulting photos had an incredibly fine grain which I loved; I blew them up to the size of posters and hung them on the walls of my teenage man-cave next to Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Slash.
But then I abandoned photography altogether for 20 years, and when I finally picked up a camera again, it was one of the digital kind. Now neither film nor grain played any role in my photographic endeavours - let alone b/w compositions: because the reason I fell in love with shooting pictures once more was the rare and incredibly colorful lizard species that had chosen my garden as its habitat.
It's this species - the Lacerta bilineata aka the western green lizard - that my photo website www.lacerta-bilineata.com/ and also my Flickr gallery are dedicated to, but I've since expanded that theme a bit so that it now comprises the whole Lacerta bilineata habitat, which is to say my garden and its immediate surroundings and all the flora and fauna I find in it.
I like that my gallery and the website have this clear theme, because in order to rise to the challenge of portraying all aspects of a very specific little eco system (which also happens to be my home of sorts), it forces me to constantly explore it from fresh angles, and I keep discovering fascinating new motives as my photographic journey continues.
Which brings me to the horse pasture you see in this photo. This playground for happy horsies lies just outside my garden, and it normally only interests me insofar as my green reptile friends claim parts of it as their territory, and I very much prefer it to be horseless (which it thankfully often is).
Not that the horses bother the reptiles - the lizards don't mind them one bit, and I've even seen them jump from the safety of the fly honeysuckle shrub which the pasture borders on right between the deadly looking hooves of the horses to forage for snails, without any sign of fear or even respect.
No, the reason I have a very conflicted relationship with those horses is that they are mighty cute and that there's usually also foals. The sight of those beautiful, happy animals jumping around and frolicking (it's a huge pasture and you can tell the horses really love it) is irresistible: and that inevitably attracts what in the entire universe is known as the most destructive anti-matter and ultimate undoing of any nature photographer: other humans.
Unlike with the horses, the lizards ARE indeed very much bothered by specimens of loud, unpredictable Homo sapiens sapiens - which makes those (and by extension also the horses) the cryptonite of this here reptile photographer. It's not the horses' fault, I know that, but that doesn't change a thing. I'm just telling you how it is (and some of you might have read about the traumatic events I had to endure to get a particular photo - if not, read at your own risk here: www.flickr.com/photos/191055893@N07/51405389883/in/datepo... - which clearly demonstrated that even when it's entirely horseless, that pasture is still a threat for artistic endeavours).
But back to the photo. So one morning during my vacation back in May I got up quite early. It had rained all night, and now the fog was creeping up from the valley below to our village just as the sky cleared up and the morning sun started to shine through the trees.
And just as I did when I was a teenager I grabbed my camera and ran out to photograph this beautiful mood of ghostlike trees and sunbeams cutting through the mist. There had already been such a day a week earlier (which is when I took this photo: www.flickr.com/photos/191055893@N07/51543603732/in/datepo... ), but this time, the horses were also there.
Because of our slightly strained relationship I only took this one photo of them (I now wish I had taken more: talk about missed opportunities), and otherwise concentrated on the landscape. It was only later when I went through all the photos on my computer that I realized that I actually really liked those horses, even despite the whole composition being such a cliché. And I realized another thing: when I drained the photo of all the color, I liked it even better - because there was almost a bit of grain in it, like in the photos from my youth.
Since then I have experimented quite a bit with b/w and sepia compositions (some of which I will upload here eventually I guess), but this photo here is the first one that helped me rediscover my old passion. I hope you like it even though it builds quite a stark contrast with the rest of my tiny - and very colorful - gallery. But in the spirit of showing you the whole Lacerta bilineata habitat (and also in the spirit of expanding my gallery a bit beyond lizards and insects), I think it's not such a bad fit.
As always, many greetings to all of you, have a wonderful day and don't hesitate to let me know what you think 😊
I actually got pretty close in the upper field..to try and turn on my camera..my battery was dead. So I went inside and started to charge a completely dead battery. I was able to charge bits at a time and get some shots..but they were further away. Lesson learned :) Make sure battery is always charged!
I will never forget that wind. It was so strong, that if you tried to walk, you would actually stay at the same spot.
This was a walk that had started on a hot, sunny summer day. One and a half hours later, Castle Gamburg (constructed in the 12th century) was the only thing that wasn't moving.
My sincerest thanks for your visit, fave and comment.
Actually it's in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon but I couldn't help but think of that great water storage that kept so many invaders outside the walls of Constantinople. You can see it in that great movie Topkapi
I was actually on my way to the Metolius to get some morning shooting done. But I just had to stop at Foster because I could just see the sunrise was going to be spectacular. It was worth the 15 minute delay.
Foster Lake ( Reservoir) is a reservoir created by Foster Dam on the South Santiam River in the city of Sweethome, Oregon. The reservoir is approximately 5.6 km (3.5 mi) long and covers approximately 494 ha (1,220 acres) when full. Primary use of the reservoir is recreation and irrigation in the summer and flood control in the winter and spring,
A capture of a fullmoon,with another 2 nature shots overlayed,filters,textures etc,this is actually 3 photo's combined.
For:
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TMI December 2015 Contest .. Magical and Exceptional Nights ..
www.flickr.com/groups/impressionists/discuss/721576607809...
This was actually taken a couple of weeks ago during a snow storm as I scurried around the valley floor trying to get as many shots as possible before the storm broke up. I was fortunate enough to set up my tripod at the tunnel that morning at 6 AM next to Willie Huang and Aaron Meyers among several others.
More snow covered Yosemite photos and my top 10 tips for shooting Yosemite in the snow may be found at:
The Resonant Landscape: Tips On Shooting Yosemite In The Snow
I will definitely be missing the snowstorm that's moving in today at Yosemite with a snow level down to almost 2000 feet tonight as I will be with my wonderful family. I wish safe travels to all who are out there tonight, and a very Merry Christmas to all of you!
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I actually worked on this image last year on my return from NZ/Canada. This shot was taken on a wet day re-tracing my steps to my primary school. The tree ferns were all along the pathway and they sheltered me from the rain. I have added the water to this image - i wasn't wading through it!
Posted for Sliders Sunday
Actually not a jungle, but the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
A zoo on the Gold Coast. Queensland, Australia.
I actually have a title in mind for this one, but the theme for this week's Looking Close on Friday group is "Title Wanted."
So have at it. :-)
Also for Our Daily Challenge: "In A Box"
HLCoF
Addendum: Thanks to Ben Edge for the title!
...errr actually a shower. . . . .
i used a spray bottle before i took this picture
a new leaf on the ficus tree was happy to be moist
Actually, I wanted to photograph dew-wetted insects, but at this time of day it doesn't work out so well. At least the lavender is still glittering a little (probably it hadn't moved enough yet as it was fixed with the spider's thread). Happy weekend everybody ☀️
Olympus E-M1 Mark II + Olympus 60mm F2.8 Macro
Thanks to everyone who stopped by to watch or leave a comment or award :)
All my photos are © All Rights Reserved. The pictures are for viewing, not to be downloaded and shared on any other site or for personal use without my explicit permission. And definitely do not post ads in my photos!!! Thank you! :)
- Living Jewels of Nature 14, Precious Living Jewels of Nature 12, Members Choice 11
- Nature's Carousel 10, Nature's Golden Carousel 10, Nature's Platinum CArousel 13
actually - today is not a beautiful day, it's most worse weather this winter, roads and streets are like ice rinks and ice rain instead of snow.
Actually they're two bridges here - the Brooklyn and the Manhattan bridge.
* addition - one more in the comments...
Have a wonderful Friday!
© All rights reserved, don't use my pictures without permission.
Actually, these are love- locks on the Ponte Scaligero - a bridge reconstructed in 1949 after its destruction in WWII. The original bridge dates to 1354.
I'm not so sure about the love locks, but they are now appearing on bridges the world over, even when they are built with bricks.
When I'm not exploring Verona, you can find me on Twitter
Actually, I did see this Snowy owl, but two years earlier at Zoo America in Hershey, Pennsylvania. 😄 My dream of seeing a Snowy on the snow-covered dunes could only be realized through Photoshop😜
Better enjoy it - tomorrow rain will come (actually it is quite literally true, we've been promised 14 mm of rain!).
ⓒRebecca Bugge, All Rights Reserved
Do not use without permission.
This stream links a lake to the ocean. This stream is not always open to the ocean but has been open for quite a while due to heavy rains this year. This photo taken from the north side and I had a long walk to get to this point. It was low tide and the ocean was actually flowing back into the lake. The Back Lake at Merimbula on the Far South Coast of NSW.
Actually between Chapel St Leonards and Anderby Creek there are 3 car parks with fine expansive beaches (not unlike the vast beach in the Time and Tide Bell photo) on one side and reed beds bordering the path behind the dunes and marram grasses on the other and nicely sheltered from the wind coming off the North Sea. The reed beds are a bird watchers paradise actually. The car parks are all named - being Chapel Six Marshes, Wolla Bank and Huttoft Bank (where there is actually a car terrace) facing and level with the beach which gets hundreds of people parking their cars and picnicking with barbeques adjacent to the beautiful beach. We almost always park at the centre car park Wolla Bank for no other reason that I just love that name lol.. The Placard type board at the far end of this small fence says to Keep Dogs Out Of The Reed Beds -just in case you were wondering. Have a wonderful weekend everyone Sue x
Just to make you smile btw…..
Actually, lemon blossom buds.
I had promised myself that I would not post any flower shots on Flickr until spring, but due to a variety of reasons, I have not taken a single photograph during the whole year so far (all 8 days). So here are some more flowers from last year. Atleast, it's not a rose.
I actually wanted to go to sleep, but then the light from outside shone very brightly. I could not resist and took my camera, but since our balcony is currently somewhat crowded, I had no place for the tripod. So this is a freehand capture.
“Actually, they didn't have chocolate in Ancient Greece, but Aphrodite was fond of apples. That was her sacred fruit, maybe because it was pretty and sweet, just like her. ”
― Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson's Greek Gods
Actually, some reflections were supposed to be created on the idyllic, smooth mountain lake, but the strong wind didn't want that. www.gamssteig.de/touren/wildbarren-bichlersee
Actually, it was a quartet -- see the one in the upper left?
Beautiful roses, beautifully colored. Isn't God a great artist?
Thank you for looking.
Actually the fluffy white turned out to be feathers, probably of a night heron, so the young owl was telling the truth😄.
Actually, I do not want to have people in this picture. But this place is a place for everyone to do it, and this man is still sitting quietly. That's a long shutter. The photo was taken, he was sitting still.
The feeling may be similar to this song.
Actually called Carr Head rocks on the maps but you can see where it gets it's name from. You can see the Cement works at Castleton in the background.
Finally a new photograph
This picture actually lived in my camera for about six years it was an edit of an original photo from a photo shoot of a girl I took in Gainesville Florida back in 2014 or 2015 I knew there was something I wanted to do to it but I didn’t know what exactly, so I was going through my camera roll and I found it and I took it out and I played around with it and this is the outcome I hope you like it. 12/16/20
Well, actually it's a little Eastern Amberwing dragonfly. They are very small and like most dragonflies, lightening fast.
There were lots of them zipping about and luckily this tiny branch seemed to be a favorite landing spot. Still not the most accessible spot being way down at the water's edge, but I watched and waited - hoping one would land long enough for me to grab a shot or two.
Seen during a recent visit to a nearby arboretum. *** And yes, it's still facing the wrong way and too far away, but beggars can't be choosers.
I was actually there earlier that day to take pictures but every single spot of this infamous palace which was made more famous by the famed "The Last Emperor" was cramped with local tourists. So I decided to return later that afternoon hoping that people have dwindled as admission closes. Had to find a place where crowd was less and was lucky enough to get a bonus from this setting sun.
Built from 1406 to 1420, The Forbidden City was the home for he Emperors of Ming and Qing Dynasties. For almost five centuries, of course, it was also the home of the Emperors' household and also served as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government.
It consists of 980 surviving buildings with 8,707 bays of rooms that covers 720,000 square meters. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture that influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere.
Hello there! I hope all is well my friends! The Christmas season is really a wonderful time of year. It always inspires me to decorate really glam and over the top spaces. (Which actually is still the norm for me LOL) I am starting off this month and Christmas season Featuring Apple Fall and Jian. Two of my favorite stores! I wanted a lush Christmas space with deep greens and gold everywhere! I added a ton of Gold baubles and ornaments and decor that fit the mood I was going for. It's all about the luxury and holiday feel! This is what I came up with! Full details are on the blog. Feel free to check it out! Thank you so much for the support and have a blessed weekend ahead!! xoxo <3333 Ebony
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Actually looking at this, I see why I *had* to take it - the layout of the folds and her markings and the sheet/comforter markings has fabulous lines to it. And Kitty smile. After I took this she put her paw over her eyes to block light so I’m glad I grabbed the cell pic rather than try to get the camera. Oh, and this hasn't been in Happy Caturday and with the 6 February 2021 theme "A Winter's Nap"... I guess it is now!
Well, actually he didn't make it- it's just the inscription on the front of the Pantheon in Rome that says so. The fountain, Fontana del Pantheon, was made in 1575, designed by Giacomo Della Porta after a commission from Pope Gregory XIII.
It is not even quite true that Agrippa made the Pantheon building we see today. He paid for a temple here, but the only thing that remains seem to be the facade - the rest is later, but there is some debate as to which Roman emperor did what to the building.
HMM-- actually i had a wonderful time choosing, shooting, and experimenting with pics for this theme!! and learned so much about rendering things into b&w and the relative values in sliders.
this is thurman and his smile/face is just under an inch and he's my favorite of the possibles for "back to square one". he's particularly happy to be a part of the macro mondays group's pool for the theme of:
"back to square one" “Center Square B&W”: center composed, black and white image in square format...
ODC "available light"