View allAll Photos Tagged canoneosR6
California State University Fullerton
Biology Greenhouse Complex
Dragon Fruit (Selenicereus undatus) has opened a second set of flowers last night. There will be one more set from this plant. I am planning to get the next set at night with a light source.
Please, no invitations to award groups or to those with large/animated comment codes.
Small hummingbird found in a variety of woodland and brushy habitats. Male distinctive with ruby-red throat and black chin. Female has whitish underparts with almost no buffy tones (perhaps a very light wash on flanks). Readily comes to sugar water feeders and flower gardens. Default summer hummingbird over most of eastern U.S. and Canada. Winters south to Panama. Very difficult to distinguish from Black-chinned Hummingbird, especially females and young males; thankfully limited range overlap. Ruby-throated averages somewhat brighter green above, shorter- and straighter-billed, and has slightly narrower outer wing feathers, but these differences are all extremely subtle. (eBird)
-------------
I had the opportunity to enjoy the perfect birder's garden during a trip to Presqu'ile Provincial Park. There, I could wait and watch the salvia patch, hoping for a visit from the resident hummingbirds. My patience paid off with this shot of a female feeding on the wing. Woo hoo - my first such capture.
Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. September 2024.
Eastern Ontario Birding.
Slender brown cuckoo with extensive fine barring and pale face and underparts. Found in lowland and foothill forests, where, like many cuckoos, it can often be inconspicuous in dense foliage. Listen for its two distinct songs, a high rising “smoke-yer-pep-per!” and a series of rising whistles. (eBird)
-----------------
The one and only time that we found this cuckoo, and I was lucky enough to get a photo. It was distant, but the banding and wing colour is still evident. A great lifer memory. We had a surprising number of cuckoo species while in Singapore.
Kranji Marsh, Singapore. March 2024.
Birding Singapore.
The Small White is a small- to medium-sized butterfly species of the whites-and-yellows family Pieridae. It is known in Europe as the small white, in North America as the cabbage white or cabbage butterfly, on several continents as the small cabbage white, and in New Zealand as the white butterfly. The butterfly is recognizable by its white color with small black dots on its wings, and it can be distinguished from P. brassicae by its larger size and the black band at the tip of its forewings.
The caterpillar of this species, often referred to as the "imported cabbageworm", is a pest to crucifer crops such as cabbage, kale, bok choy and broccoli. It is widespread in Europe and Asia; it is believed to have originated in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Europe, and to have spread across Eurasia thanks to the diversification of brassicaceous crops and the development of human trade routes. Over the past two centuries, it spread to North Africa, North America, New Zealand, and Australia, as a result of accidental introductions. (Wikipedia)
----------------
I was delighted to see this butterfuly in New Zealand, and was then totally shocked to realize that it was the same species that fluttered around my ankles here at home. It appears that people are not the only international travellers in the world.
Pureora Forest, New Zealand. February 2024.
Roadrunner Birding Tours.
A small endemic songbird found only on the North Island of New Zealand. Note distinctive whitish head and underparts. Females and juveniles have cinnamon tinge to crown and nape. Often encountered in small feeding flocks that move quickly and loudly through the canopy with harsh chattering calls, trills, and slurs. Favors tall native forest and shrubs. Although a reluctant flier, the species is agile and acrobatic as it forages for insects, often hanging upside down. Male has a clear canary-like song. Adults can be seen feeding far larger Long-tailed Koel chicks, as this species is a favored host of that nest parasite. (eBird)
--------------
Like their cousins, the Yellowheads, these cute little birds prefer forest canopy. This one was part of a small flock actively feeding through the trees and paused briefly to take a look at us.
Shakspear Regional Park, Auckland, New Zealand. February 2024.
Roadrunner Birding Tours.
California State University
Fullerton
More insects in the Barbados. it was breezy but I like what I got.
My favourite time of the year for jogging and walking along the river Aare, when the path leads you through an enchanted fairytale forest. 🍁🍂🍄
... I've photographed this old ruined pier many times, but not like this. The sea mist came in very quickly today but when it lifted it was a gloriously sunny winter's day
I see the crystal raindrops fall
And the beauty of it all
Is when the sun comes shining through
To make those rainbows in my mind
When I think of you sometime
And I wanna spend some time with you
Just the two of us
We can make it if we try
Bill Withers & Grover Washington, Jr. -
Just The Two Of Us:
California State University
Fullerton
The Sage plants are blooming with vibrant purples and blue all around campus.
This set was shot in full RAW and I'm not sure I can see any difference from cRAW.
At the bosvijver (forest pond) is the Stenen Bank (stone bench) where Queen Wilhelmina still painted.
The bench is made up of, among other things, field boulders that emerged during the excavation of the pond as part of a job creation project during the crisis in the thirties of the twentieth century.
Source (in dutch):
bergenbosapeldoorn.nl/activiteiten/park-en-bosvijver
Queen Wilhelmina (Wilhelmina Helena Pauline Maria; 31 August 1880 – 28 November 1962) was Queen of the Netherlands from 1890 until her abdication in 1948.
Hobbiton - 20240225-24
In 1998, Sir Peter Jackson’s team of location scouts were searching for the iconic rolling hills and lush green pastures of Hobbiton™. An aerial search led them to the Alexander farm, a stunning 1,250 acre sheep farm in the heart of the Waikato. They noted the area’s striking similarity to The Shire™, as described by JRR Tolkien, and quickly realised that the Hobbits™ had found a home.
In one particular part of the farm, a magnificent pine tree towered over a nearby lake, adjacent to a rising hill. Bag End now sits atop that hill, overlooking the Party Tree, as that pine would later be known. The surrounding areas were untouched; no power lines, no buildings and no roads in sight. This meant that Sir Peter Jackson could leave the 20th century behind, and fully submerge himself in the fantasy world of Middle-earth™.
In March 1999 the crew began the nine month quest to bring the ideas for Hobbiton to fruition; help was provided by the New Zealand Army, and soon 39 temporary Hobbit Holes™ were scattered across the 12 acre plot used for the set. Secrecy was key, and strict security measures were put in place by the production company throughout construction and filming. Filming commenced in December 1999, and it took around three months to get a wrap on The Shire.
After an initial attempt at demolition, 17 bare plywood facades remained. These shells would serve as the catalyst that propelled Hobbiton forward into the public eye, with guided tours commencing in 2002.
In 2009, Sir Peter Jackson returned to film The Hobbit trilogy, and he left behind the beautiful movie set you’ll see today; 44 permanently reconstructed Hobbit Holes, in the same fantastic detail seen in the movies. In 2012 The Green Dragon™ Inn was opened as the finale to the journey. Guests now finish their Hobbiton Movie Set experience with a refreshing beverage from the Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ Range. There’s an abundance of movie magic nestled inside the fully operational farm. (www.Hobbitontours.com)
-------------
Beautifully constructed, with meticulous attention to detail. Most of the hobbit holes are just doors and gardens that give the viewer a sense of who lived there. At the end of the tour, though, we were able to go inside a beautifully recreated hobbit hole to see the furniture, fittings, kitchens and more. If you are a fan, then it is well worth taking this meticulously choreograhed tour.
Hobbiton Movie Set, Waikata, New Zealand. February 2024.
One of the most common and widespread warblers; often the core member of mixed warbler flocks during migration, especially early in spring and late in fall. Two main populations: “Audubon’s” breeds mainly in the mountains of the western U.S. and into British Columbia; “Myrtle” breeds from the eastern U.S. across Canada to Alaska. All plumages show a bright yellow rump and yellow on the sides. Most “Audubon’s” have a yellow throat, but dull immature females can be off-white. “Myrtle” Warblers have a white throat that wraps around below the cheek. Both subspecies breed in coniferous or mixed forests, often near clearings or edges. In migration and winter, found in any woodland or open shrubby area, including coastal dunes, fields, parks, and residential areas. Often sallies out from a conspicuous perch to snatch insects. Also eats berries in the winter. Calls frequently: a flat “check” (Myrtle) or rising “chit” (Audubon’s). (eBird)
-------------
Among the first to arrive and the last to leave, the Yellow-rumped warblers keep us busy during warbler season. While the males are very obvious, females and juveniles can be confusingly cryptic, like this youngster here. A few hints of yellow can be the only suggestion of warbler-hood. This young one was enjoying the late summer sun and providing brief views.
Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. August 2023.
Diving duck that favors saltwater in winter and Arctic tundra pools in summer. Males are distinctive with black, white, gray, and brown patterns and long pointed tail. Male plumage changes dramatically from winter to summer. Females and immature males are brownish overall with whiter face and large dark cheek patch. Dives frequently to feed mainly on invertebrates. (eBird)
--------------
A surprise find on the shores of Lake Huron, this lovely male Long-tailed Duck should be up on his Arctic breeding grounds in May. Apparently he had been hanging around Collingwood for at least a week. I rarely get to see the breeding plumage so a nice opportunity for me.
Hen and Chicks Trail, Collingwood, Ontario, Canada. May 2023.
For those of you who enjoy black and white photography, please visit and join my new group www.flickr.com/groups/fabworldinbw/ where a lot of very talented photographers and artists are sharing their extraordinary work.
Tremone Bay, County Donegal, Ireland 🇮🇪
Tremone Bay has a sandy and rocky beach that is a paradise for young explorers in the little coves and rockpools. The beach is small but stunning in a very secluded location between Culdaff and Inishowen Head.
The Bay was the departure point of Thomas D’Arcy McGee when he escaped from Ireland in 1848 after being one of the main organisers of the Young Irelander rebellion. He travelled to America, and then to Canada and became an important political figure there, before being assassinated. There is a memorial to the events beside the beach.
Final day of a 5 day trip to Death Valley. It will stay in my memory for a long time. There was snow, mud, rain, sunshine along with cold and hot weather mixed in. It was intense and relaxing at the same time.
Well-camouflaged chickenlike bird. Intricately patterned plumage varies from cold gray to rich reddish-brown. Look for relatively long, squared tail with dark band near the tip, bold barring on the sides, and small pointed crest. Typically shy and difficult to see well. Often flushed from the forest floor, exploding into the air with a startling burst of wingbeats and then gliding down towards the next hiding place. Sometimes ventures onto roadsides to pick up grit. In spring, males beat their wings to produce a distinctive low-pitched drumming sound. Widespread and locally fairly common across northern North America, from the Appalachians to Alaska. Especially fond of forested areas with dense understory and secondary growth. (eBird)
-----------------
My husband saw this well-camouflaged bird standing quietly in the grasses beside the trail. The bird waited patiently for us to go away, but when it became evident that we were interested in him, he ducked under the log and walked away. Shortly after, we experienced the adrenaline-pumping explosion of a second grouse from the other side of the trail. Quite a shock. It was wonderful to see this handsome bird, though. Usually, my year bird tick is based solely on his almost sub-sonic drumming during the spring.
Bart Thompson Trail, South Porcupine, Ontario, Canada. September 2023.
Small yellowish-brown babbler with striped underparts and a rufous forehead and wings. Rustles about in the undergrowth and middle levels of forested habitats, often joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Strange bouncing song is a long monotone series of hollow pings. Chatters harshly. (eBird)
--------------
For every perfectly lit and seen bird photo, there are probably a thousand like this one. We heard this bird, both in Singapore and in north-eastern India, but this is the one and only shot and view that I had. Hopefully, I will see some of the missing pieces, or maybe even the whole bird, when we go to Thailand.
Bukit Batok Nature Park, Singapore. March 2024.
Birding Singapore.
Small, plump, pale plover; the color of dry sand. In breeding plumage look for thin broken black collar across chest, black stripe across forehead, orange legs, and orange bill with black tip. Nonbreeding and immature birds have black bills and sandy-colored breastbands. White wingstripe visible in flight. Notably paler than other small plovers, with the exception of Snowy, from which Piping is distinguished by thicker bill and orange legs. Sometimes seen near other shorebirds, but rarely ventures far from the high, dry side of the beach. Often quite vocal; gives a sad-sounding two-parted whistle that drops in pitch: "pwee-doo." A species of great conservation concern, due to coastal development and disturbance at nesting sites on beaches. (eBird)
----------------
Another look at this pretty little plover. I never miss a chance to take photos of this endangered little bird that blends so well with the sand. I'm fairly sure this is a female, based on the paler neck band and lack of black on the forehead.
Glace Bay Beach Park Reserve, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. July 2024.
Please, no invitations to award/forced comment groups or to those with large/animated comment codes.
A very widespread small heron, common across much of the globe. Small size and overall gray color separates from most other herons and bitterns. Look for contrasting dark cap, distinct pale edges on wing feathers, and white and rufous stripes on front of neck. Juvenile streakier below than adult. Similar to Green Heron but note mostly gray neck with restricted rufous. Juvenile is much smaller and more slender than juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron, with long streaks on the chest and spotting restricted to the wings. Normally solitary, found standing quietly around wetland habitats such as marshes, agricultural fields, rivers, and lakes. (eBird)
-------------
He was standing there on his perch in the stream, just enjoying the sun. I admired the soft tones of his feathers and the calmness of his being.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore. March 2024.
Birding Singapore.
Please, no invitations to award/forced comment groups or to those with large/animated comment codes.
Adult male is bright yellow with a glossy black head and rusty-orange underparts. Female is dullish yellow overall and can be difficult to distinguish from other female weavers. Look out for Weyns’s Weaver, which has a similar color pattern, but a black back in the male and pale eyes in both sexes. Inhabits wetland areas and builds an oval nest. Native to eastern Africa; established species in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. (eBird)
-----------------
This male weaver is working on his nest. Amazing to think that a bird can weave such a complex nest with just beak and claws. There are other species that build hanging nests but the weavers are the specialsts.
Kranji Marsh, Singapore. March 2024.
Birding Singapore.
The plantain squirrel is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand in a wide range of habitats: forests, mangroves, parks, gardens, and agricultural areas. Fruit farmers consider them to be pests.
It is very quick and agile in trees, able to jump a few metres between trees, and rarely wanders on the ground. Its diet consists mostly of leaves and fruits, but it also eats insects and bird eggs. It is known to break open twigs that contain ant larvae to eat them. It can eat fruits much bigger than itself, such as mangoes, jackfruit, or coconuts. (Wikipedia)
------------------
We saw this very cute species of squirrel in most places that we visited in Singapore. This one was checking us out as we watched the varied wildlife along the boardwalk.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore. March 2024.
Birding Singapore.
A large duck, nearly identical to Mallard in size and shape but with a much darker chocolate-colored body. Bill is yellow with a slight greenish tinge on males, dull grayish-green on females. Note blue wing patch lacks any white borders. Fairly common in northeastern North America, especially along the coast. Large flocks can gather in the winter in saltmarshes and estuaries, but also occurs in smaller numbers on ponds and lakes, often mixed with other duck species. Frequently hybridizes with Mallard. Hybrids usually look darker than typical Mallards and may have an intermediate head pattern; also look for white in the tail or curled feathers above the tail to indicate Mallard genes. (eBird)
--------------
No mallards on PEI! We found a nice little flock of American Black Ducks in Charlottetown, just soaking up the sun by government house. Nice to know that these ducks may avoid the perils of hybridization with the mallards that is occurring elsewhere.
Victoria Park, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada. July 2024.
Laguna Beach, California
I got out of the house and went to the beach to cool off and take some photos.
Stocky heron with neck usually tucked in. Adults overall pale grayish with black cap and back. Red eyes. Juveniles noticeably different, brown and streaky with yellow eyes. Often crouched under overhanging branches during the day. Feeds nocturnally for fish, frogs and other prey. Where it overlaps with Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, note large teardrop-shaped white spots on wing coverts which Yellow-crowned lacks. (eBird)
--------------
Definitely not a lifer. We have seen these wonderful herons many times, but that makes them no less special. This immature picked a shady perch with just a single ray of sunshine to warm him.
Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore. March 2024.
Birding Singapore.
Orange Hawkweek is native to parts of Europe (central, eastern, northern, southeastern and southwestern). It is widely naturalized elsewhere, including other parts of Europe such as Great Britain and Ireland, Central Asia, Canada, many states in the United States, Japan and New South Wales. Invasive hawkweed can replace native vegetation in open, undisturbed natural areas such as meadows, reducing forage and threatening biodiversity. (Wikipedia)
------------------
While not yet considered invasive in Ontario, it does show up in various locations. It always amazes me to discover how many plants that I take for granted around me have been introduced from other countries or continents and are now threatening our native species.
Whitney, Ontario, Canada. July 2023.
The raccoon is a mammal native to North America. It is the largest of the procyonid family, having a body length of 40 to 70 cm (16 to 28 in), and a body weight of 5 to 26 kg (11 to 57 lb). Its grayish coat mostly consists of dense underfur, which insulates it against cold weather. The animal's most distinctive features include its extremely dexterous front paws, its facial mask, and its ringed tail, which are common themes in the mythologies of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas surrounding the species. The raccoon is noted for its intelligence, as studies show that it is able to remember the solution to tasks for at least three years. It is usually nocturnal and omnivorous, eating about 40% invertebrates, 33% plants, and 27% vertebrates.
The original habitats of the raccoon are deciduous and mixed forests, but due to their adaptability, they have extended their range to mountainous areas, coastal marshes, and urban areas, where some homeowners consider them to be pests. As a result of escapes and deliberate introductions in the mid-20th century, raccoons are now also distributed across central Europe, the Caucasus, and Japan. (Wikipedia)
--------------------
This raccoon decided it was time to wake up from his winter hibernation and came out to enjoy an early spring day. We were very surprised to see that he was missing his entire striped tail. The loss did not seem to hamper his agility though as he bounded up this tree.
Petrie island, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. April 2024.