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After a grey Saturday the weather improved significantly so that we used Sunday for an extended trip to locations north of the Wiehengebirge to visit the Große Torfmoor, a wildlife sanctuary between Lübbecke and Minden in East-Westphalia. The area is a mix of moorland, lakes and small forests and performs perfect Autumn colours at the end of October.
An old favorite spiffed up a bit. This was one of the first photos I was halfway happy with when I ventured away from 35mm to digital. Unfortunately I had the camera set for low resolution and there isn't much of a file to work with. I don't normally do much alteration to my photos, besides bright/contrast and a little color correction. What you see is what you get for the most part, but I'm fooling around with a few oldies to improve my rather mediocre Photoshop skills.
Trying to improve upon some of my images from the past, looking for that 'extra' one can 'do' in post processing and having fun at the same time...b.mikic
“I almost wish we were butterflies and liv'd but three summer days - three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain.”
― John Keats, Bright Star: Love Letters and Poems of John Keats to Fanny Brawne
Weather conditions improved in the late afternoon. This is a northwestward view from a hill that used to be the site for Chichijima's weather station.
The island in the left is Nishijima (西島, western island), while those in the right are Hyoutanjima (瓢箪島 gourd island), Anijima (兄島 older brother island), and Hitomarujima (人丸島).
According the climate data provided by Japan Meteorological Agency, average temperature of the coldest month in Chichijima is 18.5 degree Celsius, which means Chichijima has a tropical climate.
Annual precipitation of Chichijima is 1,296 mm, and the precipitation of the driest month is 51.6 mm, which means Chichijima has the tropical monsoon climate (Am) as compared to the humid subtropical climate (Cfa) in the Izu islands and the main island part of Tokyo.
Chichijima's climate is relatively dry judging from the Japanese standard; annual precipitation of downtown Tokyo is 1,530 mm.
Cropped the SOOC to capture just a couple of flowers that caught my eye while looking into the shot (see SOOC in comments). I removed some flowers and grass blades, added a bit of noise and desaturated parts to highlight the flowers but that's about it. I tried plenty to slide further but found I couldn't improve on the look that came from the bokeh.
Made for Sliders Sunday - HSS!
For The Sunday Challange - A place to reflect!
The Brazilian Merganser (Mergus octosetaceus) is one of the most threatened waterfowl in the world and one of the most threatened birds in Americas. Its distribution is restricted to the center-south of Brazil, and parts of Paraguay and Argentina. The species inhabits clean rivers and streams, with rapids and still waters, bordered by forests and with fish abundance. Besides being naturally rare, it has been affected by several human activities that interfere directly or indirectly with its habitats. Until very recently, there was very little available information about Brazilian Merganser. Fortunately, in the last years, intense field studies have improved our knowledge about its habits, ecology and distribution. The information which has been arisen from these studies, although still basic, is helping the species conservation.
In 2006, the Brazilian Ministry of Environment (MMA) published the Action plan for the Brazilian Merganser Conservation, a strategic document with guidelines for conservation actions in long term.
In 2008, the Instituto Terra Brasilis started a project to mark and monitor Brazilian Merganser individuals using colour rings and radio transmitters in the Serra da Canastra region, state of Minas Gerais. We believe the coming results will lead to a major contribution to improve our knowledge about this species, in particular in its territoriality, migration and dispersal.
Picture taken at Serra da Canastra
after 3 consecutive years of expeditions in search of the Brazilian Merganser. Such a joy and sadness at the same time...
Thanks a lot for your visits, comments, faves, invites, etc. Very much appreciated!
© All my images are protected under international authors copyright laws and may not be downloaded, reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written explicit permission. All rights reserved. Please contact me at thelma.gatuzzo@gmail.com if you intend to buy or use any of my images.
My instagram if you like: @thelmag and @thelma_and_cats
Improved version of earlier (way down in time) upload
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Free private and non-commercial use of images on my website www.flowingandglowing.com.
Conditions apply.
Commercial licenses for high resolution images are available
Vanguard, 2 Riflemen, and a female Scout. Comment your favs. Ik they're similar but I think they look much better than some of the originals. Share your Rebel armies too!
🌟Improved image uploaded 13/09/2024 👌
⭐️Thank you in Advance for your kind ‘Faves’ and visits they are so very much appreciated. 👍
I cannot always ‘Thank’ everyone individually, for their visits and ‘Faves’ however, I will always try to respond and thank all those that leave a ‘Comment’. If I do not reply to your 'Comment', it is not because I am ignoring you, it's because I have not seen the 'Comment'.
Your 'Comments' do not always appear in 'Notifications' or Flickr mail, so, I am sorry for any delay in responding. Often your 'Comment' is only spotted 'On the Page' on the day, that I see it. (seen ONLY when replying to someone HAS 'Commented' on the image, and I see a notification)
. . my first image of the new year. 2009 is upon us.
I have once more thoroughly enjoyed Flickr and your pictures all year. I feel my photography continues to improve, thanks to you all for your visits, comments, faves and most of all the inspiration and motivation you provide.
So, here's to a Happy New Year, and all the very best of health, wealth and prosperity to everyone here on Flickr for 2009.
Looking forward to more of your wonderful images.
. . and it's so good to be home to a decent internet connection.
HST measurement train crossing the Ribble at Low Sheriffs Brow on 5/9/2021
Copyright David Price
No unauthorised use
A very new moon and a clearer atmosphere than any of my recent visits to the area. Papalote Rancho Viejo campsite in Big Bend Ranch State Park, Presidio County, Texas.
Still fine tuning my new camera.
I am liking it more and more as I am learning about the new and improved functionalities!
Featuring:
Cynful @ Collabor88
Psycho:Byts @ Mainframe
Axix @ Kinky Event
Pecheresse @ 2much Event
Full Details @ rainbowpixiefarts.blogspot.com/2021/08/new-improved-1156....
To improve my Compositions I am attempting to use the Rule of the Golden Triangle to my Images. My Latest Video on YouTube covers a number of favourite images with before and after comparisons
The Panorama of the Ian McKean Pinetum is one of the few new Subjects in the Video. To see more, use the link below to access the video
Improved my editing process, and I think I can get cleaner IR results from that little 1/2.3-inch sensor. Still some other maintenance to do on the camera, but this came out well enough that I'm going to share it.
This is a Panasonic Lumix ZS6 with the hot mirror removed and a 720nm filter. I then swapped red and blue channels in post to get yellow trees and blue sky instead of the reverse, and did some additional color adjustments.
I really like IR skies. IR reveals quite a bit of detail and drama.
These images are also my fall fix before the leaves have even started to change.
More infrared and full spectrum images
— Theodore Tollefson @thetollart
Got to crash those selfie stick photos. Got myself a selfie as well in the effort to fill their frame and improve the composition.
European hornet closeup (Vespa crabro), 10-2022, Ticino, Switzerland
My best photos are here: www.lacerta-bilineata.com/ticino-best-photos-of-southern-...
European hornet (Vespa crabro), 10-2022, Ticino, Switzerland
If you're interested, you can find my best photos of the WILDLIFE IN TICINO, SWITZERLAND here: fr.lacerta-bilineata.com/l%C3%A9zard-vert-occidental-lace...
THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO:
I guess you can tell by the look on its face that this is not a happy hornet. That's not unusual for hornets - truth be told, variations of "not happy" "angry", or at least "badly irritated" seem to be pretty much their natural state of mind - but what's interesting about the fella above is that he also wasn't exactly sober.
To spell it out more clearly: that was one hammered hornet. It was so drunk in fact, it couldn't fly for two seconds straight without crashing. I shot that photo in my garden last fall, but as with all my pictures, I'll try to give you a bit more context.
Every year at least one hornet queen decides that some crack or hole inside the thick stone walls of my 400-year old house in Ticino is the perfect place to raise her royal family.
That in itself wouldn't pose a problem, but if there's one thing we know about "royals", it's that they're a complicated bunch (though it has to be said for both princes William and Harry that they rarely build little palaces inside the walls of some stranger's house, but I digress).
There is a slight potential for conflict; in my experience, all hornets are born with a sweet tooth and a bad temper, and particularly when there's ripe figs in my garden, tensions can rise.
That is entirely my fault though, because I still sometimes foolishly try to negotiate the human place in the food- (or rather: fruit-) chain, despite knowing perfectly well that fig season isn't the time to want to improve human-hornet relations, as any attempt in that regard will inevitably follow the same frustrating pattern:
Human: "Oh hello there Ms Hornet, how nice to meet you here at the fig tree - isn't the weather just lovely?"
Hornet: "Bzzzzzz. I have a sting. Bzzzzz. Go away. Bzzzzz."
Human: "There is really no need to be so angry, dear Ms Hornet: we're all friends here, and there's enough figs for all of us! How are the kids, I mean... larvae?"
Hornet: "Bzzzzzz. I have a sting. Bzzzzz. Go away. Bzzzzz."
Human: "Jeez, OK - relax! I can see you have a sting, I'm going, all right? You can have all the figs Ms Hornet, see: I'm already leaving!"
Hornet: "Bzzzzz. Yes, I have a sting. Bzzzzz. Don't come back. Bzzzzz."
And that's how THAT conversation goes.
Yet despite our occasional differences (like when I nearly died of smoke inhalation because Her Royal Hornet Majesty had decided my chimney was another suitable place for her nest), I'm happy to report we generally get along quite well, unless... - well, unless the hornets are intoxicated.
It's one of nature's lesser known facts (or perhaps its dirty secret) that many of our friends in the animal kingdom occasionally like to get high, and hornets are no exception. Not on anything illegal, mind; they are law-abiding insects after all, so you won't see them smoke crack or snort cocaine (although with some hornets I wouldn't rule that out completely 😉).
No: their usual drug of choice is alcohol, which my irritable neighbors find - surprise! - in my fig tree. Once some of the overripe fruit start to ferment, their potent juices become a magnet for hornets - and that's when the trouble starts.
It should come as no surprise that "hornets and hooch" are an inherently problematic combination. Because the crux with alcohol is this: it doesn't alter your personality, it only brings out the character traits that are already there without a filter, so you just become a terribly unrestrained version of yourself when you drink too much.
Which with hornets - who aren't the most cheerful bunch even on a good day - is a recipe for disaster. They are MEAN drunks - and I'm not kidding, oh boy. All that bottled-up anger constantly boiling underneath that shiny, chitin surface from the moment they hatch is finally released into the world, and it's not a pleasant sight, let me tell you.
Alcohol REALLY doesn't seem to improve their mood, and the other animals in my garden all agree (and I concur) that the fig tree would be a much happier place if the hornets just smoked weed and listened to Bob Marley instead (if them getting high can't be avoided altogether).
To be fair though, not all hornets have a drinking problem. Most of them behave responsibly and "don't drink and fly" (which I'm sure is a motto that gets taught in hornet school from an early age). And they don't get high all year long: It's only when fall arrives that the hornets like to have a merry get-together in my fig tree to get a good "buzz on".
But you know how it is: just like with any good party, there's always the ONE guy who can't hold his liquor and basically turns into your angry, drunk uncle at Christmas who starts picking fights with every one at the dinner table and insists on letting you know - very loudly - what he thinks about Trump or Biden or the Corona virus once he's had one too many.
Which finally brings me back to the fella in the photo above, because apparently he was THAT guy. That particular "drunk uncle" hornet sat underneath the fig tree on a fallen (and pretty rotten looking) fruit and was deep into its cups. As soon as it saw me, it started to buzz angrily and seemed intent on a confrontation, but it didn't manage to get airborne for more than a second.
After a few more failed attempts to lift off and a few more angry "Bzzzzzz" sounds (I think I actually did hear the words "Trump", "Biden" and "Corona" in there 😉), it just went back to boozing on the juices of the spoiled fig on the ground.
I left it to its own devices, happy that I got this quite expressive shot. 😊
P.S. I think it was actually a crazy, drunk AUNT - not an uncle 😉)
P.P.S. Just to make sure we understand each other (maybe as a disclaimer for readers who come to this gallery for the first time and aren't familiar with my kind of humor): I love the fact that these beautiful insects visit my garden. Watching how these efficient predators hunt wasps, horseflies or other insects is incredibly fascinating (adult hornets themselves mainly feed on sugary plant juices, but they hunt because their young need protein to grow).
Hornets may seem like they're constantly angry (which to me is funny - hence this text), but they're not; they're actually very peaceful towards humans, and even when you compete for a ripe fig with them, their furious buzzing is mostly just a bluff, and I've never been stung (and I don't know anyone who has).
Due to the unfounded fear many people have of hornets, who often get exterminated because they're confused with common wasps, this species is threatened in many countries (in Germany for example, hornets are a protected species). But unless you step (or sit) on them or destroy their nest, hornets don't attack, and even when they're drunk, they are usually so incapacitated that they are completely harmless (just like your uncle/aunt 😉).
So if you have hornets in your garden, just enjoy watching them and please don't harm them! 🙏 🙏 ❤ ❤
With that being said, I hope you like the photo and wish you all a wonderful weekend! Many greetings from Switzerland, and as always: let me know what you think in the comments 🙏 😊 ❤!
Improved the stability (you can hold it with one hand, for example) among other things. Made the top more accurate as well. It's composed of two CNG (compressed natural gas) tanks, a window, a grate for maintenance workers to walk on, and an exhaust pipe.
Sandown pier was opened in 1878. It has been modified a number of times since then, partly to repair from storm, fires, but also to improve its offering to the public.
280/365: 2015
Today we visited Provincetown (called P-town by the locals) which is the northernmost part of Cape Cod where the Pilgrims landed. I'm pleased to say the weather has improved considerably!
After their overnight run from Medley, FL, FEC train 336 switches onto the Cemex City Point lead at CP City Point in Cocoa, FL.
CP City Point was rebuilt from its original configuration a few months prior to this photo. Originally, it was just the single main and the City Point lead with some standard vaders. Now, as you can see, there's a whole new main being built and two tracks that turn west off of the main to head toward Orlando for Brightline.
Updated improved image 20/06/2024
⭐️Thank you in Advance for your kind ‘Faves’ Visits and Comments they are so very much appreciated. 👍
I cannot always ‘Thank’ everyone individually, for their Visits and ‘Faves’ however, I will always try to respond and thank all those that leave a ‘Comment’. If I do not reply to your 'Comment', it is not because I am ignoring you, it's because I have not seen the 'Comment'.
Your 'Comments' do not always appear in 'Notifications' or Flickr mail, so, I am sorry for any delay in responding. Often your 'Comment' is only spotted 'On the Page' on the day, that I see it. (seen ONLY when replying to someone HAS 'Commented' on the image, and I see a notification)
This historic timber trestle bridge is the last of its kind still being used in California along Highway One. In the 1850's a logging operation was developed at the mouth of the Albion River on the Albion Flats. Early settlers crossed the Albion River with wagons and horses via steep narrow dirt tracks that went through the mill site and back up the equally steep opposite slope. Eventually it was decided to improve the difficult crossing and in 1944 the current magnificent timber trestle bridge was built. It was constructed from huge first growth Douglas fir beams. Wood was chosen rather than steel because steel was scarce due to the ongoing war effort.
Today the Albion Flats and beach are a picnic area and campground open to the public year round.
There is an ongoing effort to preserve this bridge from demolition, something the California Transportation Agency is intent on doing. The plan is for a cement bridge. Many locals are hoping this can be prevented given the historic and unique nature of the Albion River Bridge. It remains to be seen what happens.
The Albion River Bridge: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albion_River_Bridge
Another negative that has been rescanned and reprocessed to produce an improved result. The original image, uploaded seven years ago, has been deleted.
The shot was taken at Hartlepool while on a week-long Eastern Region Railrover ticket, and features class 37 unit 37160 hauling a rake of COVHOPS, possibly carrying lime destined for the nearby Steetley Works from Thrislington or Coxhoe Quarry.
Above the loco can be seen the floodlights of the Victoria Ground, home of Hartlepool United FC and, to the left of that, is the dog track - now demolished and replaced by a Morrisons food store. The signal box is just visible through the girders of the barn-like structure on the right.
In the brake van the Guard has his coat hung up, and he's no doubt thinking about the imminent arrival and any tasks he needs to perform before signing off.
The station and surroundings were looking pretty uncared for by this time, hardly unusual for the period. Even so, I suspect there would still be a queue to go back and take a few more snaps, should the opportunity ever come up!
Ilford FP4, rated at 95asa, developed in Acutol.
8th September 1976
For improved visibility on level crossings, NS are fitting the class SNG EMUs with a yellow front. For now, the blue and yellow fronts can be seen together - in this case literally, as the leading unit has the blue front (mostly obscured by the overhead line portal and, of course, the other EMU) and the trailing one is yellow. The pair are on their way on a local service from Amsterdam Centraal to Amersfoort Vathorst. Soest, 05-09-2021.
Trees improve air quality
Forests help purify drinking water
One large tree is a day's worth of oxygen for up to four people!
"A mighty wind blew night and day
It stole the oak tree's leaves away,
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark
Until the oak was tired and stark
But still the oak tree held its ground
While other trees fell all around."
Improved image uploaded 16/09/2023
⭐️Thank you in Advance for your kind ‘Faves’ Visits and Comments they are so very much appreciated. 👍
I cannot always ‘Thank’ everyone individually, for their Visits and ‘Faves’ however, I will always try to respond and thank all those that leave a ‘Comment’. If I do not reply to your 'Comment', it is not because I am ignoring you, it's because I have not seen the 'Comment'.
Your 'Comments' do not always appear in 'Notifications' or Flickr mail, so, I am sorry for any delay in responding. Often your 'Comment' is only spotted 'On the Page' on the day, that I see it. (seen ONLY when replying to someone HAS 'Commented' on the image, and I see a notification)
Force of Nature - Steam Rocket Bike
Steam Rocket Bike
Steam Rocket Bike
'Force of Nature' is a steam powered 'Rocket' motorcycle built for drag racing, record breaking, exhibitions and events. It uses the latent energy of super-heated pressurised water released through De laval nozzles, where it turns to steam and creates the thrust to propel the bike forwards.
The design brief was to create a Rocket bike like no other: Build quality to rival THE BEST, as well as unique green credentials. No proprietary motorcycle parts were to be used unless they were deemed un-improvable! The idea was to build a steam powered Rocket bike with a potential speed of 200+mph, which had never been achieved before.
Chief designer and engineer Graham Sykes has been involved in straight-line motorsport since 1979. Graham has worked on many prestigious projects including six years as race engineer for Vauxhall's championship winning British and European Touring Car Team, engineer and key team member for the 'Firestorm' jet powered dragster and is currently part of the engineering team working on '52 Express', a world land speed record motorcycle.
The other one was so messy, so I redone the whole thing, and I also didn't like his previous owner...
Dopo il reject su 1x.com ho seguito i loro consigli:
1- BW
2- crop
3- eliminare la distorsione della lente
4- piu' contrasto
Alpine Chough / Alpendohle (Pyrrhocorax graculus)
My first sighting of the awesome Alpine Chough! This was one of a pair that I was pleasantly surprised to see hanging out for a few minutes on the rooftop of the solitary "Grubighütte", situated ~1800m up the at the top of the Grubigstein mountain - just next to the famous 3000m Zugspitze.
Other than their chosen environment, they can be told from other crows by their red legs and slim, downturned bills.
Alpine Choughs are high mountain experts, and are thought to nest at a higher altitude than any other bird. Their eggs are adapted to the thin atmospheres, enabling improved oxygen uptake and reduced water loss. (Wiki)