Central Florida

USA

Anoney,s,are still Blooming, if you look.

The old man cactus (Cephalocereus senilis probably? It is definitely Cephalocereus sp.). To see both flowers and matured fruit body at the same time was quite interesting and unusual I'd think. Excellent park with many exotic species of cacti and succulents but labels are not always there, so a bit of guessing what species is. Cactualdea, the Cactus Park, near Tocodoman, San Nicolas de Tolentino, Gran Canaria. The Canary Islands, Spain.

Bamboo is obviously not native to Ireland but it does grow well (perhaps too well) and the leaves are especially beautiful when the sun shines through them. They are translucent. The background bokeh is a herd of sheep grazing.

Inside the Ulugh Bek Madrassa in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. I know the polarized sky looks a bit funky. Happy new week to everyone.

woman Pixabay

A gorgeous detailed macro, best viewed large!

Die Mandarinente (Aix galericulata) ist eine auffallend bunte Entenart, die ursprünglich aus Ostasien stammt. Sie wurde jedoch in vielen Teilen der Welt, einschließlich Deutschland, eingebürgert. Seit den 1960er Jahren sind freilebende Mandarinenten in Deutschland zu beobachten, insbesondere in Parkanlagen und an Seen.

Die Männchen sind durch ihr prächtiges Gefieder leicht zu erkennen: Sie besitzen leuchtend orangefarbene "Segel" an den Flügeln, ein schillerndes Brustgefieder und einen auffälligen, roten Schnabel. Die Weibchen sind dezenter gefärbt, mit braun-grauen Tönen und weißen Flecken um die Augen.

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The mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) is a strikingly colorful duck species originally from East Asia. However, it has been naturalized in many parts of the world, including Germany. Since the 1960s, free-living mandarin ducks have been observed in Germany, especially in parks and lakes.

The males are easily recognized by their magnificent plumage: They have bright orange "sails" on their wings, iridescent breast plumage and a striking red beak. The females are more subtly colored, with brown-grey tones and white spots around the eyes.

I'm not a person after all. I'm simply this exotic being for people to observe and investigate.

Model: Queentoy Cyberstar

Photographer: Leonardo Patanè

Australian King Parrot surveying the prospect of a free lunch. Flies away disappointed.

Sony ILCE-7RM4

FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS

ƒ/6.3 297.0 mm 1/2000 ISO 1250

All bird photos in this set were taken on the grounds of the Castle at Bonville. The hosts and owners, Don and Shan, feed the birds on a regular basis and that's always a good way to invite exotic wild life. The Castle is a lovely B&B with interior and exterior designed in regal setting off the beaten track and located half way between Brisbane and Sydney. (I am hoping this free advertisement for them will be rewarded with ... oh say ... 50% discount in the regular charge. Oh well .. it was worth a try :).

cows get everywhere in India

i think she was waiting for some scraps

www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0b90YppquE

In service on Portland & Western's Harbor Turn, SDP40F DLMX 644 rolls through Bowers Jct., Oregon during January 2007. In July 2025, the locomotive was donated to the Illinois Railway Museum.

Side note: in my current collection of WPRR/PNWR images, this is the last one shot on slide film. It was likely Fuji Provia F. Everything after this was digital.

Meet Lark, the Pied Crow, from the CLAWS wildlife and exotic animal rescue and rehabilitation organization here in the Triangle.

I met Lark on September 24th at Starrlight Mead's 2022 Meadfest in Pittsboro, North Carolina. This was Lark's first public event and he did great.

nc-claws.org/

Well, those are two words that I wouldn’t normally use in the same sentence but the wonderful colours of the male Bullfinch certainly gives the impression of an exotic bird. As for the use of the term Barnsley, this photo was taken at the reserve of Old Moor which was built on the site of two former coal mines, extensive rail marshalling yards and coke ovens of Wath. Wath is located within the borough of Barnsley.

How about this rather exotic bloom?

For a brief moment this tree turns to Gold. It looks as if on fire from a distance. One of many exotic trees in Syon Gardens.

Sobald man genau hinschaut, tun sich in unseren Wäldern geradezu exotische Anblicke auf. So wie hier die Pilze auf einem Buchenstamm.

Sunset from the beach of Canaletto

Ringed neck Parakeet at Fishers Green. Exotic or noisy pests?

Award for the group Exotic touch

www.flickr.com/groups/2180338@N20/

Stars in background Norma Frances

Madeira, Portugal

Summer

A large bird with striking black and white feathers and a bright red beak strides gracefully across a grassy area.

Bioparc Valencia

(on Explore - April 19, 2025)

Heydar Aliyev Centre, Baku, Azerbaijan

I'm pretty sure that everyone who reads this will have their own bucket list of goals and objectives, whether it be personal milestones or achievements, or a simple wish list of exotic places to visit... I'm sure you'll all have one tucked away somewhere. Anyone who hasn't or says they've completed theirs simply lacks imagination or isn't trying hard enough!

My own list is forever changing and growing and admittedly travel features heavily throughout it. One of my earliest ambitions was to fly on a jumbo jet, fly all the way around the world and visit Australia. I was lucky enough to do all three when I married Mrs R some 22 years ago... we still want to repeat those tick box items all over again... and some day hopefully we will!

I always wanted to go to Sydney to see the bridge and the Opera House. But like most things to see on the telly or in glossy travel magazines, nothing compares to seeing it for yourself and both have fuelled my interest in bridges and architecture ever since. I've always regarded the Sydney Opera House as the greatest 20th century architectural icon, so recognisable throughout the world and the benchmark for modern design. I'm sure architects will disagree and point out plenty of other icons but for me it's my icon.

But like I said, my list is forever changing and growing and there's a new kid on the block now - the Heydar Aliyev Centre. It's been on the list for six years and my sole reason for visiting Baku this year, which exceeded all expectations as well. I've plenty more to write about this building but for now I hope it's stirred a little interest.

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Libentia/209/149/39

Outfit: RebelsSpirit Darina Full Outfit

Bundle includes skirt & top, heels, necklace and earrings

marketplace.secondlife.com/p/RebelsSpirit-DARINA-FULL-OUT...

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sass [kati set] @ the mainstore

[L$90 for WOW Weekend Only]

Compatible with the following bodies:

♥ Legacy

♥ Maitreya

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Included:

♥ Mesh top, panties, & socks in sizes listed above.

♥ 10 color options sold separately

Explore 58! Thanks!

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I came to London to shop so I haven't done much photography; this bird was in my hotel car park this morning ... I really don't think this bird is native to Britain ...

Longwood Gardens Pa.

Many thanks to all who take the time to view, comment and favoring my images. Enjoy the day.

These showy irises growing in my garden, did really well this Spring, that is, until all the non-stop rain!!!

When I came home,after having enjoyed one of the most beautiful mornings this year, and went to the kitchen to make me a nice cup of coffee I saw this green visitor in the back of my garden. Turns out he had two friends with him. Young ones I think

Longwood Gardens Pa.

Many thanks to all who take the time to view, comment and fave my images. Enjoy the day.

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