Brant/Brent Goose - Branta bernicla

The brant, or brent goose (Branta bernicla), is a species of goose of the genus Branta. The black brant is a pacific North American subspecies.

It used to be a strictly coastal bird in winter, seldom leaving tidal estuaries, where it feeds on eel-grass (Zostera marina) and the seaweed, sea lettuce (Ulva). On the east coast of North America, the inclusion of sea lettuce is a recent change to their diet, brought about by a blight on eelgrass in 1931. This resulted in the near-extirpation of the brant. The few that survived changed their diet to include sea lettuce until the eelgrass eventually began to return. Brants have maintained this diet ever since as a survival strategy. In recent decades, it has started using agricultural land a short distance inland, feeding extensively on grass and winter-sown cereals. This may be behavior learned by following other species of geese. Food resource pressure may also be important in forcing this change, as the world population increased over 10-fold to 400,000-500,000 by the mid-1980s, possibly reaching the carrying capacity of the estuaries. In the breeding season, it uses low-lying wet coastal tundra for both breeding and feeding. The nest is bowl-shaped, lined with grass and down, in an elevated location, often near a small pond.

The brant goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies.

Thanks to all who take the time to Comment/fav etc...Always appreciated.

Dynamic Range Increase (DRI) is similar to HDR. In DRI, the bracketed images are not tone mapped in HDR software. Instead, the images are blended in Photoshop using layers and masks. This is my first one and I like it better than the HDR image.

Taken locally on our walks!

Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita

The common chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita), or simply the chiffchaff, is a common and widespread leaf warbler which breeds in open woodlands throughout northern and temperate Europe and Asia.

It is a migratory passerine which winters in southern and western Europe, southern Asia and north Africa. Greenish-brown above and off-white below, it is named onomatopoeically for its simple chiff-chaff song. It has a number of subspecies, some of which are now treated as full species.

This warbler gets its name from its simple distinctive song, a repetitive cheerful chiff-chaff. This song is one of the first avian signs that spring has returned. Its call is a hweet, less disyllabic than the hooeet of the willow warbler or hu-it of the western Bonelli's warbler.

The common chiffchaff breeds across Europe and Asia east to eastern Siberia and north to about 70°N, with isolated populations in northwest Africa, northern and western Turkey and northwestern Iran. It is migratory, but it is one of the first passerine birds to return to its breeding areas in the spring and among the last to leave in late autumn. When breeding, it is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting purposes. These trees are typically at least 5 metres (16 ft) high, with undergrowth that is an open, poor to medium mix of grasses, bracken, nettles or similar plants. Its breeding habitat is quite specific, and even near relatives do not share it; for example, the willow warbler (P. trochilus) prefers younger trees, while the wood warbler (P. sibilatrix) prefers less undergrowth. In winter, the common chiffchaff uses a wider range of habitats including scrub, and is not so dependent on trees. It is often found near water, unlike the willow warbler which tolerates drier habitats. There is an increasing tendency to winter in western Europe well north of the traditional areas, especially in coastal southern England and the mild urban microclimate of London. These overwintering common chiffchaffs include some visitors of the eastern subspecies abietinus and tristis, so they are certainly not all birds which have bred locally, although some undoubtedly are.

Population:

UK breeding:

1,200,000 territories

UK wintering:

500-1,000 birds

Ávila - city capital of Avila province in central Spain, in the Castillian Mountains at an altitude of 1128 m above sea level. The city was founded by Celtyberów and Christianized in the first century. After three centuries of Moorish rule, won them King Alfonso VI in 1085. After the reconquest, the city re-live the Christian knights. They began work on the most characteristic and representative building in the city - Las Murallas (walls). They have an average height of 3.6 m and 2.7 m thick, and now account for nearly 2.7 km in length, 9 gates led to the city and 90 towers increased the defense walls. The city is linked to St. Teresa of Avila A notable landmark is the Basilica of San Vicente commemorating St. Vincent of Saragossa. It is famous for the unusual tomb placed under a canopy in the oriental style.

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Ávila - stolica prowincji Ávila w środkowej Hiszpanii, w Górach Kastylijskich na wysokości 1128 m n.p.m. Miasto założone zostało przez Celtyberów, a schrystianizowane w I wieku. Po trzech wiekach rządów Maurów, zdobył je król Alfons VI w 1085 r. Po rekonkwiście, w mieście ponownie zamieszkali chrześcijańscy rycerze. Rozpoczęli oni prace nad najbardziej charakterystyczną i reprezentatywną budowlą miasta - Las Murallas (mury obronne). Mają one średnio 3,6 m wysokości i 2,7 m grubości i liczą sobie prawie 2,7 km długości. Do miasta wiodło 9 bram, a 90 wież zwiększało obronność murów. Z miastem jest związana święta Teresa z Ávili

Znaczącym zabytkiem jest Basilica San Vincente upamiętniająca św. Wincentego z Saragossy. Słynie ona z niezwykłego grobowca umieszczonego pod baldachimem w orientalnym stylu.

Glossy Ibis- Plegadis Falcinellus

Flocks of Glossy Ibis forage quite close together, advancing slowly as they probe a muddy area. This activity often attracts Snowy Egrets and other species of waders, which capture minnows and other prey moving away from the feeding ibis flocks.

Glossy Ibises nest in colonies, often among other species of ibis, heron, egret, or spoonbill. Colonial nesters have the advantage of many extra sets of eyes looking out for predators. Colonies might also be places where highly gregarious species like ibises can share information about the most productive foraging areas.

Glossy Ibis is a cosmopolitan species, also found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. In recent decades, its population in Spain has been increasing rapidly, probably helped by increased rice cultivation there. Glossy Ibises banded in Spain have turned up as far away as Barbados, having crossed the Atlantic—a remarkable feat but one that several species of heron and egret have managed as well.

The oldest recorded Glossy Ibis was at least 21 years old and lived in Virginia between 1971 and 1992.

Spotted at Baron's Haugh nature reserve, Motherwell.

This melodic warbler is widely distributed across Britain & Ireland through the breeding season, and increasingly in winter too.

Blackcap breeding numbers have steadily increased in the UK since the late-1970s, and have also expanded their breeding range throughout northern Scotland and the island of Ireland during this time. They are now absent only on the highest Scottish peaks and farthest flung islands. In autumn, these breeding birds depart for southern Europe and are replaced by Blackcaps from central Europe. BTO research has helped show how garden bird feeding led to the evolution of this new migratory route and wintering strategy. Although widespread in winter, Blackcaps tend to be absent from the uplands at this time of year.

Blackcaps have a greyish overall appearance. The eponymous black cap is only found in the males; females and juveniles have a brown cap instead. The song is very similar to that of the Garden Warbler, but can be distinguished with practice. Blackcaps are found in parks, deciduous woodland and scrub, as well as at garden feeding stations.

The Little Owl is not a native species, having been introduced to Britain in the 1870s, but it appears to have occupied a vacant niche without having any detrimental impact on other species. Numbers and breeding distribution increased gradually, reaching an estimated breeding population of between 4,000 and 8,500 pairs at the time of Project Barn Owl. The current distribution extends across England, north to the Scottish borders and west into Wales, where it is largely confined to Anglesey and to eastern parts of the country. There have been very few records from Ireland.

Pairs remain on their breeding territories throughout the year, with territorial calling evident during autumn – when young birds are searching for breeding territories – and again during spring. Small cavities are favoured for breeding, these often located within hedgerow trees or the walls of old agricultural buildings. Favoured nesting chambers tend to be located some distance from the cavity entrance and with little daylight reaching them. The male will often perch close to the nest cavity while his mate is incubating her clutch of eggs.

Little Owls often hunt from a perch, taking small mammals and large invertebrates, including earthworms, cockchafers and other beetles. There is evidence to suggest that breeding success is linked to the availability of small mammals, though some pairs evidently do well on other prey; a pair breeding on the island of Skomer, for example, took a large number of Storm Petrels (Courtesy BTO).

Thanks for viewing my photos and for any favourites and comments, it’s much appreciated 👍

Joy is a marvelous increasing of what exists, a pure addition out of nothingness.

~ Rainer Maria Rilke

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An einem einzigen Abend hatten wir klare Sicht. Auf Sommarøy begann mein erstes Polarlicht - Aurora Boealis. Keine Bange, später am Abend wurde es noch viel viel besser.

We had a clear view in one evening. My first Northern Lights - Aurora Boealis - started on Sommarøy. Don't worry, it got a lot better later in the evening.

Ein Panorma aus 5 Bildern - A panorama from 5 images

Arnside is a village and civil parish in Cumbria, historically part of Westmorland, near the border with Lancashire, England. The Lake District National Park is located a few miles North. Travelling by road, Arnside is 22 miles to the south of Kendal, 25.3 miles to the east of Ulverston, 35.2 miles to the east of Barrow-in-Furness, 15.7 miles to the west of Lancaster and 14.3 miles to the east of Grange-over-Sands. In the 2001 census the parish had a population of 2,301, increasing at the 2011 census to 2,334.

THE FALKIRK WHEEL

I THREW A STONE FOR RIPPLES :-)

explore Oct 20, 2012 #139

Increased the ISO here to get the faster shutter speed in the low light with the light pollution shining on the clouds in night sky just outside Baltimore, Maryland.

Song and title by the Doors - 1967

The art of making charcoal. Many Thai's use charcoal for cooking and with the increase of natural gas prices it's use has only increased. This does not bode well for areas of the country with air pollution problems.

Insanely good hunter cum ultimate bad*ss.

The owl typically has 3 talons pointing forwards and one pointing backwards. It can swivel one of the front toes backwards. This talon arrangement enables the owl to spread the talons out wide to increase the chance of a successful strike, and also to grasp with crushing pressure to make sure that the unfortunate prey can not get free easily.

Cool facts from Google search:

-A Great-horned Owl's talon can exert a pressure from 200 to an incredible 500 pounds per square inch (psi).

-Golden Eagle's talon: 400 to 700 psi.

-German Shepherd's bite force: 240psi.

(Taken on: Feb. 2021, Grey Nuns White Spruce forest, St. Albert, Alberta, Canada)

Thank you all very much for the visits and comments.

Rhinoceros: since 1973 the population has recovered well and increased to 544 animals around the turn of the century. To ensure the survival of the endangered species in case of epidemics animals are translocated annually from Chitwan to the Bardia National Park and the Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve since 1986. However, the population has repeatedly been jeopardized by poaching: in 2002 alone, poachers killed 37 individuals in order to saw off and sell their valuable horns.[6] Chitwan has the largest population of Indian rhinoceros in Nepal, estimated at 605 individuals out of 645 in total in the country.

Der Park ist bekannt für die Population des Panzernashorns, die bis zur Jahrtausendwende auf 544 Tiere und bis zum Frühjahr 2015 auf 645 Nashörner[6] angewachsen war. Seit 1986 werden alljährlich Tiere von Chitwan in den Bardia-Nationalpark und in das Suklaphanta-Wildreservat übersiedelt. Die Population war aber immer wieder durch Wilderei stark gefährdet: allein im Jahre 2002 haben Wilderer 37 Tiere grausam getötet, um das kostbare Horn absägen und verkaufen zu können. Die letzte Zählung im Jahr 2011 ergab insgesamt 503 Nashörner im Park, im selben Zeitraum starben zwei Tiere durch Wilderer. Bei der Zählung im Frühjahr 2015 wurden 645 Tiere in Nepal gefunden[6], davon 605 im Chitwan-Nationalpark[8], während gleichzeitig in den letzten drei Jahren kein Tier durch Wilderer ums Leben kam.

A Purple Finch increases the air flow to his body on a very hot day.

Torbay, NL

Coming out of a very cold period, snowmelt had increased and the water coming over the falls had probably quadrupled. The flow of water near the top is not complex, but in the middle of the falls a jet of water shoots out horizontally to the left from inside the ice. Near the bottom of the falls another forceful jet of water shoots out to the left. Water must be plunging within a conduit of ice.

Increase the ISO and opened the aperture to get the fast shutter speed so that the clouds would be keeping their shape versus being smoothed out with the longer exposure. Their definition in the sky was pretty against the far off Baltimore City lights.

The sharpness of the 14mm Sigma lens even at wider apertures to far edges is impressive.

Autumn Mists - Times Of Uncertainty by Daniel Arrhakis (2021)

With the music : Wordclock - It May Come by Cryo Chamber

A creative mysterious Gothic composition using two photos of mine taken some time ago in Regaleira Palace in Sintra, Portugal.

The ferry could not handle the strongly increased traffic in the 60’s anymore and the need for a good north-south connection grew. That’s why, in 1963, the province of Zeeland finalises the order for the Zeeland bridge between Schouwen-Duiveland and Noord-Beveland to be built. With its 5 kilometres in length, the bridge – then still called the Oosterschelde bridge – becomes the longest in the Netherlands. The Zeeland bridge exists of 54 pillars with spans at intervals of 95 metres. There is also a passageway for ships by making part of the bridge, which is 40 metres wide, moveable.

The bridge is officially opened on 15 December 1965 by Queen Juliana. In April of 1967, the Oosterschelde bridge is renamed Zeeland bridge. Until 1993, users of the bridge had to pay toll, after then the bridge has been toll free. The opening of the Zeeland bridge makes Schouwen-Duiveland a lot more accessible. This leads to mass tourism to Schouwen-Duiveland. Especially the Westhoek with its dunes and 18 kilometres of beach profits from this.

L'aigrette garzette mesure entre 55 et 65 cm avec une envergure de 85 à 95 cm. Elle pèse 500 g en moyenne. Il n'y a pas de dimorphisme sexuel. Elle est entièrement blanche avec un bec noir légèrement gris bleuté à la base et ses pattes sont noires avec des doigts jaunes. En période nuptiale, elle porte sur la nuque deux longues plumes fines de 20 cm environ appelées les aigrettes

Elle est présente en Europe du Sud, sur tout le pourtour méditerranéen jusqu'en Afrique subsaharienne.

L'Aigrette garzette se rencontre dans toutes les zones humides aux eaux peu profondes, lagunes, claires à huîtres, avec une prédilection pour les eaux saumâtres. Elle est aussi fréquente le long des cours d'eau que dans les marais dans certaines régions. Souvent observée en compagnie d'autres ardéidés.

The little egret (Egretta garzetta) is a species of small heron in the family Ardeidae. It is a white bird with a slender black beak, long black legs and, in the western race, yellow feet. As an aquatic bird, it feeds in shallow water and on land, consuming a variety of small creatures. It breeds colonially, often with other species of water birds, making a platform nest of sticks in a tree, bush or reed bed. A clutch of three to five bluish-green eggs is laid and incubated by both parents for about three weeks. The young fledge at about six weeks of age.

Its breeding distribution is in wetlands in warm temperate to tropical parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. A successful colonist, its range has gradually expanded north, with stable and self-sustaining populations now present in the United Kingdom.[2]

In warmer locations, most birds are permanent residents; northern populations, including many European birds, migrate to Africa and southern Asia to over-winter there. The birds may also wander north in late summer after the breeding season, and their tendency to disperse may have assisted in the recent expansion of the bird's range. At one time common in Western Europe, it was hunted extensively in the 19th century to provide plumes for the decoration of hats and became locally extinct in northwestern Europe and scarce in the south. Around 1950, conservation laws were introduced in southern Europe to protect the species and their numbers began to increase. By the beginning of the 21st century the bird was breeding again in France, the Netherlands, Ireland and Britain. Its range is continuing to expand westward, and the species has begun to colonise the New World; it was first seen in Barbados in 1954 and first bred there in 1994. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the bird's global conservation status as being of "least concern". source Wikipédia

A beautiful Lioness we spotted while on a 2023 photo safari in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. She stopped her search for prey just long enough to show me those eyes.

In the savannas of Africa, female lions play a crucial and dynamic role in their familial groups, shaping the social structure and bearing the responsibility for the pride’s survival. Contrary to some common misconceptions, lion prides operate within a matriarchal social structure, where females hold the key roles in decision-making and coordination.

Lionesses are the primary hunters within the pride. Their exceptional teamwork and strategic approach to hunting are essential for the pride’s survival and well-being. Together, they deploy strategic hunting techniques, such as coordinated flanking and ambushing, to outwit their prey. Their synchronized efforts increase the likelihood of a successful hunt to secure food for the entire pride.

Male lions are typically responsible for protecting their pride from other males. However, the females play a vital role in defending the pride’s territory against threats such as leopards, hyenas, neighboring prides, and occasionally other males. The survival of a pride often hinges on the lionesses’ ability to protect their territory.

The lionesses’ strong maternal instincts are at the foundation of the pride’s social bonds. As a group, they are responsible for raising and nurturing the cubs. They teach essential survival skills, including hunting techniques and social behaviors, which ensure the continuity of the pride’s legacy. The pride communicates through vocalizations and body language, fostering a strong sense of community. The bonds formed among females contribute to the overall success and stability of the group.

In the lion pride, females emerge as the unsung heroes, weaving together the threads of survival, protection, and legacy. Their role as huntresses, defenders, nurturers, and leaders is integral to the pride’s success.

(Nikon Z8, 100-400/5.6 @ 340 mm, 1/250 @ f/5.6, ISO 1100, edited to taste)

Little Egret - Egretta garzetta

The little egret (Egretta garzetta) is a species of small heron in the family Ardeidae. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette, egret a diminutive of Aigron, heron. The species epithet garzetta is from the Italian name for this bird, garzetta or sgarzetta.

It is a white bird with a slender black beak, long black legs and, in the western race, yellow feet. As an aquatic bird, it feeds in shallow water and on land, consuming a variety of small creatures. It breeds colonially, often with other species of water birds, making a platform nest of sticks in a tree, bush or reed bed. A clutch of bluish-green eggs is laid and incubated by both parents. The young fledge at about six weeks of age.

Its breeding distribution is in wetlands in warm temperate to tropical parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. A successful colonist, its range has gradually expanded north, with stable and self-sustaining populations now present in the United Kingdom.

It first appeared in the UK in significant numbers in 1989 and first bred in Dorset in 1996

In warmer locations, most birds are permanent residents; northern populations, including many European birds, migrate to Africa and southern Asia to over-winter there. The birds may also wander north in late summer after the breeding season, and their tendency to disperse may have assisted in the recent expansion of the bird's range. At one time common in Western Europe, it was hunted extensively in the 19th century to provide plumes for the decoration of hats and became locally extinct in northwestern Europe and scarce in the south. Around 1950, conservation laws were introduced in southern Europe to protect the species and their numbers began to increase. By the beginning of the 21st century the bird was breeding again in France, the Netherlands, Ireland and Britain. It has also begun to colonise the New World; it was first seen in Barbados in 1954 and first bred there in 1994. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the bird's global conservation status as being of least concern..

The osprey, also called sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey with a cosmopolitan range. It is a large raptor reaching more than 60 cm in length and 180 cm across the wings. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly greyish on the head and underparts. Wikipedia

Conservation status: Least Concern (Population increasing) Encyclopedia of Life

zoom in to appreciate

Thanks to everyone that views and comments on my images - very much appreciated.I

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. On all my images, Use without permission is illegal.

It`s becomming colder,, frost and mist is increasing.

Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala)

The Noisy Miner clan at the Woodville Football Oval continues to increase. This one had swooped me as it thought I had got too close to its offspring, which I hadn't noticed at this point.

Zurriola, San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, País Vasco, España.

La Playa de Zurriola es una de las tres playas de la ciudad de San Sebastián (España). Está situada entre la desembocadura del río Urumea y el monte Ulía, y tiene una longitud aproximada de 800 metros.

En 1994 se llevaron a cabo unas obras de reforma de la playa, anteriormente prácticamente inutilizable dada la virulencia de las aguas. Gracias a dichas reformas, que incluyeron la construcción de un espigón, la playa aumentó su longitud, sus aguas se hicieron aptas para el baño y su uso se multiplicó.

Frente al perfil elegante y tranquilo de las playas de Ondarreta y La Concha, la playa de Zurriola se ha consolidado como una playa de perfil más joven y apropiada para la práctica del surfismo (se trata de la playa más abierta y con más fuerte oleaje de la ciudad) y como escenario de algunos conciertos del Festival de Jazz de San Sebastián y de competiciones de Bodyboarding, surf, skateboarding y eventos similares.

The Zurriola Beach is one of the three beaches in the city of San Sebastián (Spain). It is located between the mouth of the Urumea River and Mount Ulía, and it has an approximate length of 800 meters.

In 1994, some works were carried out to reform the beach, which was previously practically unusable given the virulence of the waters. Thanks to these reforms, which included the construction of a jetty, the beach increased its length, its waters became suitable for bathing and its use multiplied.

Facing the elegant and tranquil profile of the beaches of Ondarreta and La Concha, Zurriola beach has established itself as a beach with a younger profile and suitable for surfing (it is the most open beach with the strongest waves in the the city) and as a stage for some concerts of the San Sebastian Jazz Festival and competitions of Bodyboarding, surfing, skateboarding and similar events.

The numbers of Greater Scaups continues to increase in the Great Lakes with the growing population of zebra mussels which this species has a huge fondness for. Lake Ontario is a winter home for several diving duck species like Redheads, Long-tailed Ducks, Common Goldeneyes and now includes the Greater Scaup.

I am particularly fond of the feathers in the back of the two Scaup species and like the way they are displayed in the image.

Increased the ISO here to get the shutter speed faster to get more of the pattern in the water falling over the rocks.

Captured with just the CPL filter.

Best View On Black and Large (updated on my new Photography Portfolio)

This image along with others on my photostream are now available for purchase.

Please check my interestingness page :: HDR / Digital Blending Set :: France Set :: Seascape Set

Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission. Copyright © 2007-2011 Eric Rousset . All rights reserved.

Best View On Black and Large

Please check my interestingness page :: Digital Blending Set :: Seascape Set

Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission. Copyright © 2007-2011 Eric Rousset . All rights reserved.

of red dressed women ...

;-) ...

ƒ/6.3 24.0 mm 1/500 200

_NYC5500_pt2

Atlas Air, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, is a cargo airline, passenger charter airline, and aircraft lessor based in Purchase in Harrison, New York. The airline was named after Atlas, a Titan in Greek mythology. The symbol on the tail of their aircraft is a golden man carrying a golden world. With a total combined fleet of 55 Boeing 747 aircraft, Atlas is the world's largest operator of this fleet type. In 2019, the airline had 3,587 employees and operates across 425 destinations in 119 countries.

Qantas Airways Limited is the flag carrier of Australia and its largest airline by fleet size, international flights and international destinations. It is the third oldest airline in the world, after KLM and Avianca, having been founded in November 1920. The airline is based in the Sydney suburb of Mascot, adjacent to its main hub at Sydney Airport. As of March 2014, Qantas had a 65% share of the Australian domestic market and carried 14.9% of all passengers travelling in and out of Australia. R_5178

The Robin's red breast and habit of living close to humankind makes it one of our most familiar birds.

Robins are widely distributed in Britain & Ireland throughout the year, from Shetland to the Channel Islands, apart from on the highest mountain tops. Robin breeding numbers increased through the last part of the 20th century and have been fairly stable since, albeit with some fluctuations.

The Robin is both a resident and also a migrant visitor to Britain during the winter months, when birds from northern and eastern Europe help to swell numbers. During particularly cold weather this pugnacious little bird can be seen sharing bird tables with several other Robins, all of them trying to defend the food source they have found.

The Butterfly Palace, Branson, Missouri. Sony A6500 and FE90/2.8 Macro G. This is a wonderful butterfly theater. They allow flash photography, so in the next day or so, I want to return and try my A7II flash rig with larger f/number to increase depth of field.

An old shot I've just got round to processing - (I'm very slow)

This week is the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London so this one seemed appropriate - I've posted a wider shot of this evening before with the old wooden posts in the foreground.

Here I'd zoomed in to 55mm to get more detail in Tower Bridge & the City but had to create a pano to include the Shard & Tower 42.

I particularly liked the burning red reflections in the windows of the Thames Clipper & Tower 42 in this one.

One of those grey overcast days where I wasn't expecting any colour but the Sun broke under the cloud right at the end.

The sky colour was so intense that the raw file was too saturated to need any increase.

The Great Fire of London was started in Pudding Lane by the Royal Baker (inadvertently) in 1666 - so they say.

Luckily very few people were thought to have been hurt & the fire succeeded in sterilising most of the run down slum filled bits of London that had been ravaged by the Great Plague.

For some reason Great Fires, Puddings & Bakers brought 'The Great British Bake Off' to mind.

If you're a fan of the show like my wife - (although I suspect the real reason she watches it is to see the steely eyed scouser - Paul Hollywood) - & you're a serious baker - be sure to turn off the oven before going to bed :))

Thanks to everyone for taking the trouble to view comment or fave.

Das Hafenbecken 1, welches direkt an die Innenstadt angrenzt, wird immer weniger von der Industrie genutzt.

Neue Einrichtungen sollen den Freizeitwert des Hafenbeckens 1 erhöhen und mit einer Brücke das Zusammenwachsen von Hafengebiet und Innenstadt fördern.

The harbor basin 1, which is directly adjacent to the city center, is used less and less by industry.

New facilities are intended to increase the recreational value of the harbor basin 1 and promote the growing together of the harbor area and the city center with a bridge.

Gulf Of Mexico

Southwest Florida

USA

Photographed in the Gulf of Mexico from a pier.

The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a North American bird of the pelican family, Pelecanidae. It is one of three pelican species found in the Americas and one of two that feed by diving in water. It is found on the Atlantic Coast from Nova Scotia to the mouth of the Amazon River, and along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to northern Chile, including the Galapagos Islands.

The brown pelican mainly feeds on fish, but occasionally eats amphibians, crustaceans, and the eggs and nestlings of birds. It nests in colonies in secluded areas, often on islands, vegetated land among sand dunes, thickets of shrubs and trees, and mangroves.

It has been rated as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It was listed under the United States Endangered Species Act from 1970 to 2009, as pesticides such as dieldrin and DDT threatened its future in the Southeastern United States and California. In 1972, the use of DDT was banned in Florida, followed by the rest of the United States. Since then, the brown pelican's population has increased. – Wikipedia

It is completely modifiable.

You can change the "Text Color" you wish, adjust the size into bigger/smaller size

and you can also increase/decrease the "Glow" effect as well.

Available at CheekyWow Event

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Persephone%20Core/51/216/22

to one's distance from the problem ;-)

John Galsworthy (1867 – 1933) an English novelist and playwright

HGGT! Truth Matter! Lies have consequences! Vote!!

Westman Islands, Viking cruise, Iceland

According to Venetian official statistics approximately 16 million people visited the province of Venice in 2011, with increases projected for 2012-13. Most if not all visitors, come to visit the central island Venezia in order to see and be in the heart of the city. Geographically the city center which includes St. Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge, as well as the homes and businesses of Venetians exists on a land mass that is roughly six square miles. These six square miles are criss-crossed by the Grand and the not-so-grand canals which invite tourists to explore the nooks and crannies of a medieval powerhouse that still displays its heritage.

However, as a frame of reference, visitors should do the math. Public access to the six square miles of the central part of Venice is reduced by the areas occupied by private housing, businesses and by canals. Effectively the 80,000 to 100,000 daily visitors and the 40,000 to 60,000 local residents or business employers and employees are competing for approximately one to two square miles of open space. Regardless of the crowds it should be noted that while tourists may travel stem to stern in seemingly endless lines of gondolas, on Venice’s solid ground no car, bus or motor scooter challenges a visitor’s right to live long and prosper. In Venice the trucks, cars, and buses come with keels and rudders. All vie for space on and in the canals. Gondoliers weave their boats and passengers through the Grand Canal water traffic much like carriage driver guide their clip-clopping horse drawn carriages through any busy city’s tourist center. To paraphrase Shakespeare, in Venice all the water’s a stage,

San Francisco, California, USA

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the one-mile-wide (1.6 km) strait connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The structure links the U.S. city of San Francisco, California—the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula—to Marin County, carrying both U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1 across the strait. It also carries pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and is designated as part of U.S. Bicycle Route 95. Recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the Wonders of the Modern World, the bridge is one of the most internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco and California.

The idea of a fixed link between San Francisco and Marin had gained increasing popularity during the late 19th century, but it was not until the early 20th century that such a link became feasible. Joseph Strauss served as chief engineer for the project, with Leon Moisseiff, Irving Morrow and Charles Ellis making significant contributions to its design. The bridge opened to the public in 1937 and has undergone various retrofits and other improvement projects in the decades since.

The Golden Gate Bridge is described in Frommer's travel guide as "possibly the most beautiful, certainly the most photographed, bridge in the world." At the time of its opening in 1937, it was both the longest and the tallest suspension bridge in the world, titles it held until 1964 and 1998 respectively. Its main span is 4,200 feet (1,280 m) and its total height is 746 feet (227 m).

(Wikipedia)

The Theodore Roosevelt Lake Bridge is a vehicular bridge traversing Theodore Roosevelt Lake between Gila County and Maricopa County, Arizona.[2] Prior to its completion, traffic on Arizona SR 188 traveled directly on top of the Theodore Roosevelt Lake Dam. The bridge's completion relieved traffic over the dam. It had been designed to accommodate the width of two Ford Model-T automobiles, but increasing vehicle widths meant that the dam could only support one-way traffic until the new bridge opened.[3]

Per the United States Bureau of Reclamation, in 1995, along with other bridges such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge, the bridge was listed by the American Consulting Engineers Council as one of the top twelve bridge designs in the United States,[3] and is the "longest two-lane, single-span, steel-arch bridge in North America".[3] The build contract was awarded to Edward Kraemer & Sons, Inc. of Plain, Wisconsin,[1] with an overall total cost of $21.3 million USD in 1992.[3] It was initially painted sky blue, but has since turned white.[4]

Steel material for the bridge was originally a part of the Washington Street elevated in Boston, Massachusetts. When the elevated was torn down in 1987, the steel was shipped to Japan and melted into bars, then shipped again as building materials.[5]

This bridge was the beginning or ending of the Apache Trail, a very scenic dirt road all the way to Phoenix depending on which way you were going. It takes several hours to complete. Our monsoons destroyed parts of the trail some years ago and they just got it repaired and reopened it last year. It is a very scenic drive and worth while taking the trip if you love the outdoors in Arizona. It is one of my favorite drives but not for the faint of heart :)

The Apache Trail in Arizona was a stagecoach trail that ran through the Superstition Mountains. It was named the Apache Trail after the Apache Indians who originally used this trail to move through the Superstition Mountains.

The historic Apache Trail linked Apache Junction (33.4152°N 111.5807°W) at the edge of the Greater Phoenix area with Theodore Roosevelt Lake (33.6725°N 111.1531°W), through the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest.

From Apache Junction heading northeast to Tortilla Flat, the Trail - named The E. Apache Trail (Arizona State Rt 88) at this point - is paved, turning into a dirt road a few miles east of Tortilla Flat, and continuing as such for nearly the full remainder of its length. The section east of Apache Junction is known officially as State Route 88. It is also the main traffic corridor through Apache Junction, turning into Main Street as the road passes into Mesa, and regains the Apache name by becoming Apache Boulevard in Tempe, ending at Mill Avenue. Prior to the completion of the Superstition Freeway in 1992, the Apache Junction portion of the Apache Trail was part of US Highway 60, which was rerouted to the Superstition Freeway once it was completed.

The Trail winds steeply through 40 miles (64 km) of rugged desert mountains, past deep reservoir lakes like Canyon Lake and Apache Lake. The narrow, winding road is unpaved from just east of the town of Tortilla Flat to Roosevelt Dam; there are steep cliff drops and few safety barriers. The trail requires caution when driving and it is not recommended for large RVs, SUVs, or caravans. Some large RV rental companies in the US do not allow their vehicles to be taken on this route.

Fires and floods in 2019 resulted in a massive landslide between the Fish Creek Hill Overlook and Apache Lake Marina.[1] This section of road was closed for repairs, and reopened in September 2024.[2]

Some examples of AI generated country music and videos :) What will be next :) Don't know if I am ready for this new AI world :)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtNtsxtFsPg

My Texas Lady - A Country Love Anthem

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOLk_di0igo

Longing for a Cowboy

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lInrWfMIirE

Sippin' Tennessee Gold

October 2, 2021 - October 17, 2021

9th Annual Rock Your Rack Event is on the way!

Breast cancer is one of the leading health crises for women. 12% of women, and an every increasing percentage of men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. There is currently no known cure for breast cancer, and its early diagnosis is critical to survival.

Models Giving Back is pleased to present Rock Your Rack, an annual fundraising event combining the best of SL Music, Art, Dance and Fashion to support the work of breast cancer charities and raise awareness for early detection which is critical to a positive outcome for this devastating disease.

This Year's Sim Sponsor is Digital Farm Systems. Other sponsors include Designs by Soosy, Kultivate Music Management, LOPO District, and Rapture.

Thank you to our Media sponsors as well for getting the word out: BOSL, BOSLArts, E Magazine, Grid Affairs, Kultivate Magazine, M&M Radio, Media SL, ModeLS Magazine, The SL Enquirer, Unity Fashion, Virtual Arts Magazine and XRadio SL.

This year's event will support the National Breast Cancer Foundation which provides free mammograms, education, support and early detection services to anyone in need.

Designers will be providing limited edition creations with 100% of the sales of those items going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation along with a fine selection of the newest, exclusive and most popular designs for your shopping pleasure. And, of course, the very popular 10L hunt will be up and running in the 55+ different designer booths and 35+ different artist booths.

For a complete listing of events and more details on this year's event, please visit the website: rockyourrack.wordpress.com

The event officially opens to the public on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 12:00 am SLT and will close at 11:59 pm SLT on Sunday, October 17, 2021.

Together we can make a difference!

Those who are unable to attend but wish to support the cause, may visit the Model's Giving Back official donation page at fundraise.nbcf.org/MGB2021 where donations can be made directly using a variety of means.

Henån is a locality and the seat of Orust Municipality, Västra Götaland County, Sweden with 1,816 inhabitants in 2010

Henån is home to approximately 2,000 permanent year-round residents with a significant increase of summer residents who come from the nearby towns and cities to stay in their summer cottages, which frequently are passed down for generations.

Ontario (Algonquin Park) - 20191005-02

Established in 1893, it is the oldest provincial park in Canada. Additions since its creation have increased the park to its current size of about 7,653 km2 (2,955 sq mi).

Its size, combined with its proximity to the major urban centres of Toronto and Ottawa, makes Algonquin one of the most popular provincial parks in the province and the country. Highway 60 runs through the south end of the park, while the Trans-Canada Highway bypasses it to the north. Over 2,400 lakes and 1,200 kilometres of streams and rivers are located within the park. Some notable examples include Canoe Lake and the Petawawa, Nipissing, Amable du Fond, Madawaska, and Tim rivers. These were formed by the retreat of the glaciers during the last ice age.

The park is considered part of the "border" between Northern Ontario and Southern Ontario. The park is in an area of transition between northern coniferous forest and southern deciduous forest. This unique mixture of forest types, and the wide variety of environments in the park, allows the park to support an uncommon diversity of plant and animal species. It is also an important site for wildlife research. (Wikipedia)

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We made the trek to Algonquin Park for fall colours a couple of years ago. It seemed that half of the population of Toronto and Ottawa was also there, with hundreds of cars and people filling the parking areas and roadsides as we all tried for the best views of the fall colours. I love this park, but not when it is so full of people. I'll look for less obstructed views of leaves in the future.

Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. October 2019.