SITS UPRIGHT and motionless for long periods on a favored perch, from which it swoops on its insect prey, follows cattle, and bushfires. A real joy to see this one early on at the start of our visit.

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THANK YOU for your visit and friendship, hope you enjoy, keep safe and well, and enjoy the weekend, God Bless. Tomx

SITS MOTIONLESS for long periods on a favored perch, this one waiting for a herd of cattle to approach, bringing with them loads of flying insects to swoop on,. You can with a very slow approach get fairly close, we left it in place with an ear-to-ear grin.

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THANK YOU for your visit, friendship, and kind comments, enjoy your new week, and stay safe and well, God bless you.. ...............Tomx

FORTY-TWO centimeters including tail streamers, with head and body a beautiful azure blue, one of my favorite birds. With time and very slow approach, these birds can become very trusting, as it sits for sometimes long periods on a favored perch,

always on the lookout for large flying insects for prey

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THANK YOU, for your friendship and comments, hope you all in the UK came through the storm without too much damage, as I did. Enjoy the weekend, stay safe and well.

God bless........................Tomx

KESTREL can be found in all kinds of open, grassy places and as a consequence, it occurs in almost the whole of the region. Favored habitats include meadows and commons, roadside verges, coastal grassland and moors, seen at Sandwich bay Kent.

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Thank you for your friendship and following, will look forward to commenting on your latest posting as soon as I can.

Stay well and safe, God bless.

................Tomx

DELIGHTFUL long-tailed bird, The Yellow Wagtail sometimes perches on posts and on barbed wire fences as above, in its favored wetland habitats; it searches for insects on the ground, sometimes feeding at the feet of grazing animals. Seen at Elmley Marshes Nature Reserve.

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THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND, love reading your comments, which I always appreciate and find encouraging.

Hope your all well and staying safe, enjoy the Lords day, God bless.............................Tomx

RESIDENT all year round, in most regions, favored habitats include lakes, reservoirs, and flooded gravel pits with plenty of marginal vegetation. In winter numbers are boosted by an influx of birds from Europe, these were seen at the Scrap at sandwich Bay Kent, quite a while ago, as still without a working camera..

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THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND, love reading your comments, they are always appreciated and find encouraging.

Enjoy the Lord's day, keep well and safe, God bless you..

..................Tomx.

"Forages by watching for prey from exposed perch, then sallying out to capture flying insects in the air, also by hovering and dropping to the ground for small insects. If beehives are placed close to favored foraging sites, sometimes consumes many bees. Indigestible parts of insects are coughed up later as pellets." National Audubon Society

Photographed in the wild, Colima, Mexico

Da vedere in Alta Risoluzione - To see in High Resolution

www.flickr.com/photos/155221830@N02/32812446068/sizes/o/

Ero su un isolotto in mezzo ad un fiume abruzzese sotto un telo mimetico e vicino ad una zona fangosa prediletta da alcuni limicoli per la loro alimentazione. Abruzzo

Kentish Plover. I was on a small island in the middle of an abruzzese river under a camouflage cloth and near a limaceous area favored by some shorebirds for their feeding. Abruzzo

This little warbler is never happier than when it sees man culling the forests since their favored habitat is second growth and new forest edges.

They construct their cup shaped nests low in shrubs or saplings where they incubate normally 4 eggs for 11 or 12 days. Both parents tend the young chicks.

Occasionally they will feed on seeds and berries but mostly forage on insects and insect larvae.

This species is one of the easier warblers to spot for they tend to spend a lot of time at our eye level and they do get quite curious about us if we can be relatively quiet near them.

This immature bird is feeding in a staging area preparing to continue its southerly migration across Lake Ontario when conditions are right.

Of course nothing is quite "forever" - but when you look at this photo, don't you feel like it's almost endless?

The background is one of my most favored lighthouses: Annisquam Light. These days it's a popular destination for beachgoing and swimming. Some interesting clouds yesterday.

Happy Sunday all!

While out with my wife for a fair weather day walk I grabbed this image by this quite spot favored by local fisherman.

"You came;" said the sunflower.

"I came," said the sun

"Only for me;"

"Only for you" replied the sun

"Come".

The sunflower felt light, as light as if its root had not tied it to the soil.

It was as if its leaves became wings, it was allowed to rise .. And it was rising, everything was rising ..

The sky was so enchanting, so bright, it does not become brighter ..

And it came close to the sun. And from there it saw all the seas, and all the meadows, it saw lakes, it saw meadows,

it saw forests, it saw roses and magical lands and secret peaks and islands that traveled on the sea and green rivers that fluttered and all-white birds above the silver mountains...

"Το ηλιοτρόπιο", Eugenios Trivizas

🎧'Ηλιε μου, ήλιε μου, βασιλιά μου

A unique instrumental by Manos Hadjidakis, my most favored Greek composer

"EGO / ΕΓΩ" exhibition, ART KORNER, December 2021

This image participated in a show locally and was awarded first place by the public. It seems many of you agree since its the most favored here as well. Thank you all, Merci beaucoup à tous.

IDENTIFICATION not a problem here, a awesome beauty, and this one was seen in the same area most days, and most days we clicked away, well it would be rude not to!! lol.

Habits dry open grassland and tracks with telegraph wires. Often solitary, attracted to bush fires, and sits up-right and motionless for long periods on a favored perch, from which it swoops on its prey, insects and termite mounds.

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THANK YOU for your support, and comments, they are very appreciated and find encouraging, do stay warm and safe, God bless................... ......................Tomx

Bennington County is a county in the U.S. state of Vermont. As of the 2020 census, the population was 37,347. The shire towns (county seats) are jointly Bennington ("The Southshire") and Manchester ("The Northshire"), and the largest municipality is Bennington. The county was created in 1778.

Bennington is the oldest county in Vermont still in existence, created by the first general assembly on March 17, 1778. Vermont was organized into two original counties, with Bennington in the west and Unity (a few days later renamed Cumberland) in the east.On February 16, 1781 Rutland County was created from Bennington County. On April 13, 1781, Bennington gained the gore east of the town of Bromley (now Peru) from Windham and Windsor Counties.

From 26 June 1781 until 23 February 1782, Vermont attempted to annex part of New York east of the Hudson River (the so-called West Union); inhabitants in the area favored Vermont's township form of government, while Vermont hoped to gain bargaining power through expansion. New York did not lose control of the area. For almost seven months Bennington County overlapped part of Albany County, New York.

On February 27, 1787, Windham County gained the town of Stratton from Bennington County, On 25 October 1805 Rutland County gained from the county when the town of Mount Tabor gained from the town of Peru. The county gained from Rutland County when the town of Dorset gained a small area from the town of Mount Tabor on November 17, 1825.

Bleeding Heart Vine, also called Bleeding Glory - Bower, is native to tropical west Africa. It is a favored houseplant throughout much of the world, but it can be grown outdoors in zones 9 and higher. Outdoors, it loves morning sun and afternoon shade, and regular watering. Bleeding Heart Vine is a hungry plant, needing regular fertilization to flower well, especially when grown indoors. (Note: Clerodendrum thomsoniae should not be confused with another plant often called "Bleeding Heart."

Part of what makes the flowers of this plant plant so spectacular are the red petals (corolla) set off by the white calyx behind. The white calyx is made of up five sepals, which in most plants serve to protect the flower in bud and support the flower in bloom.

Taken at Centennial Park Conservatory

Thank you for your visits, kind comments, awards and faves. Always greatly appreciated.

Copyright 2021 ©️ Gloria Sanvicente

NO MULTIPLE INVITATIONS PLEASE Thank you!

Paon du jour.

A défaut de voir ses ailes rouges et noires, j'ai privilégié son profil et sa position hasardeuse.

Failing to see its red and black wings, I favored its profile and its hazardous position.

A winter view south across Utah's Emigration Canyon to the higher Wasatch beyond. The canyon was first traversed by the Donner Party in 1846, and then, a year later by the Mormon pioneers who settled the Salt Lake Valley below. This became a favored route through the imposing Wasatch Mountains to the far west.

Texture: Topaz.

That perfect winter storm light..

Number 5 was about an hour and 40 minutes behind at Fort Morgan today. I was on my heels trying to work this all time favorite spot in full flock this year I’ve favored since I was in my 20’s. Sparkling snow in that perfect angle this time of year and add the intensity of a heavy flock of mountain spring time powder and it’s a match made in rail-fan heaven. In and out sun pockets; the sun glistens off the fresh 10” of snow. Fast evaporating snow is condensing into clouds along the Flatirons and here in Coal Creek Canyon, sauce for the goose.

Thursday February 25, 2021

AMTK 5 at Coal Creek Canyon.

this little guy pretty much favored this branch and was constantly checking the 'airspace', it soon became apparent he was waiting 'mom'.......little ones are fed for about a week after leaving the nest and mature in about a month.

Those are really very small, lilliputian mauve flowers. They're Common Corn Salad or Lamb's Lettuce, with a variety of other names. Down through the centuries used as a salad stuff for commoners and royalty alike. Especially favored by Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie (1626-1688), Potager du roi and director of the kitchen gardens of Louis XIV.

Olymp complained: 'The flowers are too small for me to catch them properly...' But I: 'Do your best!, and he did.

The National Park also has an important recreational function. Certain creeks will stay navigable and recreational facilities have been created. Quiet forms of recreation that are nature-oriented will be

favored above others types of recreation.

Because the recreation had to make way for the development of nature zones, not open to the public, in the Biesbosch National Park, the Aakvlaai area was rearranged as compensation. It is a kind of Biesbosch on

a small scale. An active promotion of the Biesbosch as a recreation area is avoided to prevent a further increase of visitors to the Biesbosch.

The number of sightseeing boats is regulated by permits. Some of the shipping compagnies use environmentally friendly electric ‘whisper boats’ for their trips.

01-May-2023

A heat T-storm, in the late afternoon, poured 34mm or l/m2 of rain into this area which the setting sun was unable to dry, therefore keeping the humidity close to saturation.

The Babno basin/polje is known for the strong nocturnal thermal inversion due to factors that enhance it such as the calcareous bottom and the open-air meadow area, which favor the rapid loss of heat from the ground towards space and a rapid decrease in temperatures from sunset.

The decrease in the evening temperature therefore favored the condensation of an already saturated water vapour.

In a short time, the entire basin will be covered by dense fog of low height.

This species tends to be the favored bird to be used in advertisements geared toward conserving wetlands and promoting wildlife.

They nest in tree cavities where they are physically adept to perch in trees given the sharp claws they have on their feet. Man-made nesting boxes are readily accepted by these birds as well. This is the only species of duck that raises two broods in one breeding season.

Most often we find this member of the "Dabbling Duck" family feeding on the surface of the water gleaning seeds or tipping up to feed on aquatic plants.

This male is quietly enjoying a short rest between feeding times and has a female nearby.

MoselleEifel is called the area between Wittlich and Trier because it is similar to the Moselle itself favored by the climate and in addition to agriculture also wine cultivation takes place.

Als MoselEifel nennt man die Gegend zwischen Wittlich und Trier, weil sie ähnlich wie die Mosel selbst vom Klima begünstigt ist und neben Ackerbau auch Weinanbau erfolgt.

Danke für deinen Besuch! Thanks for visiting!

bitte beachte/ please respect Copyright © All rights reserved

Ontario is a common breeding ground for this little migrant. Most often found on farmland that has become overgrown or in second growth bushland where they can forage in thickets and low in trees. Edges of bushland is one of their favored habitats.

They build their nests on the ground under small saplings, ferns or under shrubby cover. The female will lay 4 - 5 eggs which will be incubated for 11 - 12 days.

They forage in the green foliage for insects like caterpillars, spiders, flies and aphids.

One of their more distinguishable features is their bold white eye ring.

Island of Madagascar

Off The East Coast Of Africa

Akanin'ny Nofy

Palmarium Reserve

The black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) is a Critically Endangered species of ruffed lemur, the more endangered one of two which are endemic to the island of Madagascar. Despite having a larger range than the red ruffed lemur, it has a much smaller population that is spread out, living in lower population densities and reproductively isolated. It also has less coverage and protection in large national parks than the red ruffed lemur. Three subspecies of black-and-white ruffed lemur have been recognized since the red ruffed lemur was elevated to species status in 2001.

Together with the red ruffed lemur, they are the largest extant members of the family Lemuridae, ranging in length from 100 to 120 cm (3.3 to 3.9 ft) and weighing between 3.1 and 4.1 kg (6.8 and 9.0 lb). They are arboreal, spending most of their time in the high canopy of the seasonal rainforests on the eastern side of the island. They are also diurnal, active exclusively in daylight hours.

Quadrupedal locomotion is preferred in the trees and on the ground, and suspensory behavior is seen during feeding. As the most frugivorous of lemurs, the diet consists mainly of fruit, although nectar and flowers are also favored, followed by leaves and some seeds.

The black-and-white ruffed lemur has a complex social structure and is known for its loud, raucous calls. It is unusual in that it exhibits several reproductive traits typically found in small, nocturnal lemurs, such as a short gestation period, large litters and rapid maturation. – Wikipedia

The North American river otter is a semiaquatic mammal that only lives on the North American continent, along its waterways and coasts. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur.

North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. Fish is a favored food among the otters, but they also consume various amphibians, freshwater clams, mussels, snails, small turtles and crayfish. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. Occasional reports also show the river otter eating other small animals, such as mice, squirrels, birds, and even dogs that they've attacked and drowned.

The range of the North American river otter has been significantly reduced by habitat loss, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. North American river otters are very susceptible to the effects of environmental pollution, which is a likely factor in the continued decline of their numbers. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. (Wikipedia)

Lake Apopka Clay Island trail, Florida, USA. December 2017.

This species forages on insects, flower petals and sap but is most commonly found in its favored habitat of a location where there is lots of fruit so they can glean lots of berries. They certainly harvest a lot of flying insects during the summer but like to flock where there is a supply of ripe berries.

They have a tendency to nest late ensuring a supply of ripe berries when needed for the growing chicks.

Their favored breeding habitat is woodland near streams and clearings where the female will lay 3 - 5 eggs in a cup shaped nest made of twigs, grass, moss and lichens which they incubate for 12 - 16 days.

This adult bird is one of a flock of about 30 birds feeding on flying insects over a small stream.

DELIGHTFUL, long-tailed bird. The yellow wagtail sometimes perches on prominent high spots in its favored wetland habitats, it searches for insects on the ground sometimes feeding at the feet of grazing animals.

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP, please leave a comment, and I will look forward to doing the same on your lastest posting.

Keep safe and well, on this long Bank Holiday weekend in the U.K enjoy, God Bless...............................Tomx

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I can do ALL THINGS through CHRIST who gives me STRENGTH. Philippians4:13

The National Park also has an important recreational function. Certain creeks will stay navigable and recreational facilities have been created. Quiet forms of recreation that are nature-oriented will be

favored above others types of recreation.

Because the recreation had to make way for the development of nature zones, not open to the public, in the Biesbosch National Park, the Aakvlaai area was rearranged as compensation. It is a kind of Biesbosch on

a small scale. An active promotion of the Biesbosch as a recreation area is avoided to prevent a further increase of visitors to the Biesbosch.

The number of sightseeing boats is regulated by permits. Some of the shipping compagnies use environmentally friendly electric ‘whisper boats’ for their trips.

An ayu is a delicious fish favored by Japanese. In the autumn, they are taken by yana (a traditional apparatus) made of bamboo. A part of river water is led to flow to yana. In Gujo, Gifu, Japan.

郡上のやなで捕らえられた鮎です。

Finally here we were, in front of the lighthouse of Gythio. Long night that night, but we made it through. Gods of Photography once again had favored us with the joys of accomplishment. We made it to Cape Tenaro, got back for Dimitrios shipwreck and finally we were at Gythio, to see if we could get that starry sky in all three places, at the same night. Not that it mattered really, not anymore...

It was 3:30am and the town was sleeping by now. The Milky Way was in its way to set. Half an hour was left. There was lots of light pollution in the town itself, so this was one more thing to take into account. Yet I was standing in front of that lighthouse and I knew I couldn't leave without even trying. We were told there was a lighthouse guardian inside, sleeping at that point I guess.

I moved in as close I could, but not too close. I could hear my steps on the soil and I swear, ohh God, they were so loud. I set my tripod and camera looking at the sea, the opposite way of the town. Light pollution was at its worse the other direction. This way I could get me some decent darkness to work with. I also knew that I would not get the center of Via Lactea where its core lies, but it didn't matter to me at that point. After all, what I really was after that night, I already had gotten it and been feeling it. Inside!

At that point I knew in my heart that Photography was not just a means of communicating things, thoughts and feelings. It was not only about expressing myself. It can be a way to relief and redemption. And sometimes it can be just the excuse, the pretense if you will. To go after what your mind dictates and your heart desires. To go after yourself and push further...

So one last shot for that night. One last shot and we could call it a day. And what a day that was! Or should I better say what a night!?

Click...

Things change and I find that as I am growing older, I really don't like change, even though it can be the herald of new and better things. This deserted and abandoned house evokes vestiges of a rural, farmland community that is giving way to a small city favored by retirees. I don't want to let go of the quiet times in my little world.

"Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn't stop for anybody." ~ Stephen Chbosky

"All changes, even the most longed for, have their own melancholy: for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another."

~ Anatole France

The Greek philosopher Metrodorus.

In the background can be seen the bust of Polemon (Πολέμων), a master of rhetoric, favored by several Roman Emperors.

National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Athens, Greece.

Parian marble. Found in Athens. Metrodorus of Lampsacus in Asia Minor (c. 331 – 278 B.C.) was a pupil and friend of the philosopher Epicurus. The bust is a copy dating from the period of Hadrian (A.D. 117-138) of a Hellenistic original dated probably 280-250 B.C.

Metrodorus of Lampsacus (Μητρόδωρος ο Λαμψακηνός) was one of the four καθηγεμόνες (‘founders’) of Epicureanism, and the most important after Epicurus; Epicurus dedicated to him his Eurylochus and his Metrodorus, besides writing letters to him and mentioning him often in his works. Philodemus, a Greek poet and Epicurean philosopher who did much to spread Epicureanism to Rome, cites Metrodorus as the author of the view that Cynic poverty was to be rejected in favour of a more affluent way of life, although wealth in no way contributes to happiness.

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“It’s not necessary to try to save Greece or to get from her crowns of wisdom; what is needed is to eat and to drink, Timocrates, without harming the belly while we bring it joy”. – Metrodorus’ Epistle to Timocrates.

“As you grow old you are such as I urge you to be, and you have recognized the difference between studying philosophy for yourself and studying it for Greece. I rejoice with you”. – Vatican Saying 76

“Besides, they would not buy for a penny the lot of all the virtues (if they’re) cut off from pleasure”. – Metrodorus’ Epistle to Timocrates.

Kastellet is a fortress (or citadel) in the center of Copenhagen, located not far from the little mermaid statue. What you see is the actual moat. The defense bastion was built around 1624. Nowadays, it's quite a popular green area and favored for a walk.

Happy Monday all!

The tanager family is such a vividly coloured family and Central and South America boast of having over 200 different tanager species within their boundaries while in Ontario we have only one - the Scarlet Tanager.

The colouring in the males of this species can vary from orange rather than scarlet to some members having a reddish wing bar.

Their favored habitat is a fairly well matured upland deciduous and/or mixed forest where they can glean insects up in the upper branches by taking them out of the air or by hovering.

This male is searching the branches for insects at a lower level than normal because of the cooler temperatures.

Native bugs and flowers in God's garden. I am blessed and highly favored!

The National Park also has an important recreational function. Certain creeks will stay navigable and recreational facilities have been created. Quiet forms of recreation that are nature-oriented will be

favored above others types of recreation.

Because the recreation had to make way for the development of nature zones, not open to the public, in the Biesbosch National Park, the Aakvlaai area was rearranged as compensation. It is a kind of Biesbosch on

a small scale. An active promotion of the Biesbosch as a recreation area is avoided to prevent a further increase of visitors to the Biesbosch.

The number of sightseeing boats is regulated by permits. Some of the shipping compagnies use environmentally friendly electric ‘whisper boats’ for their trips.

Petra Jordan - RAW Cont. Tiff Nk Tc BiClr dn ad21 fl dn psdR sk PNG 21.5 MB. 2RP.

Hi-resolution Full-Frame image.

THANKS to all VIEWERS and to those who FAVORED this image.

This is Bobo. He as old as I am (72 years old). I can't tell you how sad this photo has made me. Pretty much displays how I feel after four cancer battles, and this last one during a pandemic.

Anyway, took lots of photos, but staying with the first one, sad as it is. I am blessed and highly favored to still be here with my kitties! Thank You, Jesus. Maranatha!

Happy Smile on Saturday! :-)

We were very lucky to have several Northern Parulas visit the North Bay this year. They are a rare Warbler in our parts. I spent several occasions photographing this adult male that stayed for a month plus! I favored the morning overcast light but wanted to try the evening light. In this shot I was waiting for this fella to come down. He stayed high mostly that late afternoon. About seven o'clock he perched right in this small pocket of light point blank eye level! I was looking at the back of my camera when he appeared there. He sat quietly and just posed. I thought I'd start my series with one of many close up shots :)

Sunset on the Thames Estuary

I cannot help but stop and look at the near sundown.

Now nearly is just the thing,

To get me wondering if the sundown is good.

I saw the the blessed expose of my generation destroyed,

How I mourned the sun.

Are you upset by how fortunate it is?

Does it tear you apart to see the sun so favored?

A nighttime, however hard it tries,

Will always be zany.

Down, down, down into the darkness of the nighttime,

Gently it goes - the goofy, the silly, the unreasonable

A pair vulturine guinea fowl on the march. They're endemic to northern Kenya, in Samburu National Reserve, and they're a plentiful snack favored by eagles and the larger owls. ©2022 John M. Hudson | jmhudson1.com

UNMISTAKABLE dark kingfisher with a massive black bill, this male with a white chin and throat, and rich coppery-brown belly. Often encountered sitting out on a telegraph wire over a coastal inlet, so to have one land within 10 metres from the hotel at Kotu and to photograph is amazing , it was indeed a great start to day one of your Gambia tour. BUT luck did not follow me for long.

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SEEN many great birds, taken many images, but got a bacterial bug, and was vomiting and diarrhoea for five days, had to call a Doctor to the hotel, and had a injection to stop me being sick, and stronger tablets for the other end, could not face eating anything, but finely recovered in the last couple of days. The temp was a good 37 c most days which is far higher than normal, and for me too hot for spending hours out in the open with not much shade , also had more mosquito bits this year, than all the other years added together. And to add to it all in the last few days our much favored river creek became blocked and flooded, causing most the birds to look for alternative feeding spots. But that is enough of my moaning, still had many good things to remember, and would return again.

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Sorry but still will be a couple of days, before I start commenting and catching up on your images, while it start deleting and editing the Gambia images .

God bless and keep you, its good to be back............Tomx

Back on May 23/22 I posted a photo of an adult Piping Plover wearing yellow socks which I have learned since designates that adult as a female that hatched in Darlington, Ontario in the spring last year and they call her "Darling".

The Piping Plovers favored habitat is sandy shores and open beaches where they will nest on the bare sand along open shorelines.

A mating pair will incubate 3 or 4 eggs for 26 - 28 days.

Darling mated with a male they call "Saga" since he was hatched in Wasaga, Ontario also in the spring of 2021. His heritage is designated by the blue socks he wears.

This pairing hatched 3 eggs and raised all 3 chicks which have now fledged and hopefully will return to raise families of their own in 2023.

After the fall of Brienza we were on the road early the next day on our way to Moliterno, so with no hurry we could just take out time and enjoy the countryside maybe visiting some villages along the way trying to recover from the previous days pitfalls. This shot captures the morning coming over the mountains across the village of Marsico Nuovo one of the many we passed by and enjoyed from a distance without spending any time there but giving us a reason to return.

Perched high above the Val D’Agri at 850m this village has some prime views of the valley and we enjoyed them immensely as we approached from the backside, I avoid the highways whenever I can taking the roads less traveled by tourists and more traveled by Nonna with her trusty Panda. Nobody is quite sure if they named the city after the original residents the Marsi which settled here around the 4th century BC or because of the swamps originally found in the valley that are called Mariscus in Latin.

What can be said about the city is that it was always coveted by somebody else first by the Romans then the Ostrogoths followed by the Byzantines, the Longobards, the Normans, finally the Swabians I guess the idyllic view over the valley enticed many. Despite being favored by so many different peoples it did not keep away misfortune and the city was decimated by the plague in the 17th century halving the population as well in 1857 a severe earthquake that leveled most villages in the area struck damaging a large portion of the city.

I took this on Sept 26, 2018 with my D750 and Nikon 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 Lens at 85mm 1/40s f`11 ISO 100 processed in LR, PS +Lumenzia, Topaz , and DXO

Disclaimer: My style is a study of romantic realism as well as a work in progress

This is not the most common view of Arches, however it was one that I really wanted to capture. Delicate Arch is undoubtedly the favored attraction, but this was the one I really wanted to see. This beautiful arch is hidden away in a slot canyon and shows off a beautiful red/orange hue that truly stands out. This was my favorite part of Utah and it is somewhere I want to visit again! I still cannot even fathom how God made all of this!

Begünstigt durch das Blau des Himmels und dessen Widerspiegelung im Wasser steht Blau in Literatur und Grafik für Ferne, Sehnsucht und Klarheit. Daraus folgend wird dem Blau eine emotional ausgleichende, beruhigende und mäßigende Wirkung zugeschrieben.

In der „endlosen“ Ausdehnung des blauen Himmels findet sich auch Beständigkeit, daraus folgend Harmonie, Sympathie und Zufriedenheit.

Favored by the blue of the sky and its reflection in the water, blue in literature and graphics stands for distance, longing and clarity. As a result, an emotionally balancing, calming and moderating effect is attributed to blue.

In the "endless" expanse of the blue sky there is also permanence, resulting in harmony, sympathy and contentment.

(Wikipedia)

In the winter season in south and central Ontario we see small and large flocks of Snow Buntings searching across our open croplands, fields and pastures scratching and digging for seeds and grains both on bare ground and in the snow. Often they will be in mixed flocks of Horned Larks, Lapland Longspurs and Snow Buntings all in attendance. They fly together, land together and flush together as one fleeting unit. Roadsides are commonplace for them as well where they pick up grains of sand or gravel to assist in the digestion of the abundance of hard seed they consume.

The Snow Bunting is one of the toughest little breeders traveling further north to their breeding grounds than any other songbird species. Some of the males show up in early April to establish and defend their favored territory prior to the females arrival.

This bird is gleaning seeds in a farm yard while wintering locally.