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Increased the ISO some to see if it provided better overall results ... I think the version at ISO 2500 was better. But then that could have also been because the wind was gusting more or less.
The winds were around 20 to 30 MPH last evening ... and bitter cold with temperatures heading towards 15 degrees F.
Had to have the gloves off to manually focus the lens ... brrrrr.
Red Kites:-
This magnificently graceful bird of prey is unmistakable with its reddish-brown body, angled wings and deeply forked tail.
The RSPB is celebrating the "remarkable" comeback of the Red Kite, a bird which had almost become extinct in Britain.
For more than 400 years the bird of prey was killed as vermin and by the 1960s there were just 20 pairs.
But the organisation's 2011 Big Garden Birdwatch survey recorded as many as 2,000 breeding pairs, an increase of over 130% since last year.
Its return began in the 1990s with re-introductions in several areas.
At the turn of the 20th century it was extinct in England and Scotland with just a handful of breeding pairs in the Welsh valleys.
The Welsh birds began to expand slowly in the 1980s with legal protection, reduced persecution and efforts of conservationists, but remained very vulnerable.
Courtesy: RSPB
to report a sharp increase in circles completed :-)
Robert Brault
HBW!! best viewed large :-)
www.flickr.com/photos/itucker/30387137693/in/photostream/...
orange twig littleleaf linden, 'Winter Orange', j c raulston arboretum, ncsu, Raleigh, north carolina
The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), is one of Britains most brightly coloured and interesting birds...Kingfishers are widespread, especially in central and southern England, becoming less common further north, however, following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland.
Kingfishers are found by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may visit suitably sized garden ponds...
Male kingfishers and female kingfishers are are almost identical except for an orange colouration with a black tip on the lower part of the females beak/mandibles. Young kingfishers are similar to the adults in appearance, however, they have duller and greener upperparts, paler underparts, black beak and initially, black legs.
Kingfishers have very keen eyesight...The kingfisher has monocular vision (in which each eye is used separately) in the air and binocular vision (in which both eyes are used together) in water...The underwater vision is not as a sharp as in the air, however, the ability to judge the distance of moving prey is more important than the sharpness of the image..."
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All Of My Photographic Images Are Subject To Copyright ! Each Of My Photographs Remain My Intellectual Property ! All Rights Are Reserved And As Such, Do Not Use, Modify, Copy, Edit, Distribute Or Publish Any Of My Photographs ! If You Wish To Use Any Of My Photographs For Any Reproductive Purposes, Or Other Uses, My Written Permission Is Specifically Required, Contact Me Via Flickr Mail !
The Scarlet Bell or as it is properly known - Bell Rock.
Ah, the color Red and the different emotions it invokes. Red is passion, desire and love. Red is fire, blood and danger. Red enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure.
Red Rock park, Sedona, Arizona.
I love see and hear Canada geese. This is 37 of a huge flock that flew in this morning. They certainly woke up the neighbourhood with their honking. Canada geese fly at an average speed of about 40 miles per hour when migrating, but may increase their speed to 70 miles per hour if they catch a strong tailwind. They typically fly at an altitude of 2,000 to 8,000 feet, although pilots have reported sightings of Canada geese at altitudes of up to 9,000 feet. Amazing birds!
Regno Unito, Kent, Herne Bay, Inverno 2015
Herne Bay è una località balneare nel Kent, Sud Est dell'Inghilterra. La città salì alla ribalta come una località balneare nel corso del 19 ° secolo dopo la costruzione di un molo di intrattenimento e della passeggiata sul lungomare da un gruppo di investitori di Londra, e raggiunse il suo massimo splendore in epoca tardo vittoriana. La sua popolarità come meta di vacanza è diminuita nel corso degli ultimi decenni, a causa dell'aumento dei viaggi all'estero. Durante la seconda guerra mondiale alcune fortificazioni sul mare vennero costruite al largo della costa di Herne Bay e Whitstable, e queste possono ancora essere viste dalla costa.
Herne Bay is a seaside town in Kent, South East England. The town rose to prominence as a seaside resort during the early 19th century after the building of a pleasure pier and promenade by a group of London investors, and reached its heyday in the late Victorian era. Its popularity as a holiday destination has declined over the past decades, due to the increase in foreign travel. During World War II, a sea-fort was built off the coast of Herne Bay and Whitstable, which is still in existence.
The little explorers head out on a adventure…
I wanted to give a big shout out to one of my closest friends, iBi, who brings to life the work that is 8f8!
I'm always inspired by his sublime collections, every design unique, highly detailed, and filled with character. Each element is not only beautiful but also carries with it an uplifting energy and spirit. And each soulful piece comes together to build a story, a thoughtful vision of a world rich with light, love, and hope.
Thank you for making our universe a more wonder-full place, my friend!
Skippy envisioned his universe with the help of the following:
8f8’s Vagabond, By the Old Olive Tree, Old Olive Trees, Signpost, and Meadow Grass, which are all part of the new Cruising with You Collection!
8f8’s Lavender Bushes, which are from the Make Believe Collection!
8f8’s Oak Master, and The Way, which are both part of the The Way of The Oaks Collection!
8f8’s HomeHe.art.h, Lost Fragments, and Guardians, which are all part of the Art of Nature Collection!
And be inspired!
And the little man also created his world with the help of:
Battlescars Daylight Clouds (Windlight)!
Keep smiling.
Keep shining.
Keep blazing trails, my friends!
Fragile fronds press with increasing insistence against frail windowframes.
I suspect that one day they'll win.
1956 the increase in living standards and the focus on education helped to fuel the increase in college education with 1 in 3 high school graduates now going off to college. TV shows included "As The World Turns" and "The Price is Right". Mothers could now buy disposable diapers and tefal non stick Frying Pans. Elvis Presley appears on the Ed Sullivan show and enters the music charts for the first time, with "Heartbreak Hotel".
I was testing the new 800mm with Wiley. It's crazy when you have to increase the distance because your subject is less than 6m away... 😂 ... but it works (Squirrels-2021-3803.jpg)
Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) checks out this blooming Yarrow,
A reminder , as lives begin to increase their pace to take time to smell the flowers .
And once again we end up in Streckenwald in the Bohemian Ore Mountains.
But this time we are not in the forest or orchards, but in an open field, which significantly increases the effect of the thick fog.
A quick look at my historical street map of the town shows me that the "Alte Schänke" inn at number 31 used to stand here on the left side of the path, which already existed back then, but nothing of it can be seen today.
Und wieder einmal verschlägt es uns nach Streckenwald im Böhmischen Erzgebirge.
Doch dieses Mal sind wir nicht im Wald oder Obstgärten, sondern auf freiem Feld unterwegs, was die Wirkung des dichten Nebels nochmals deutlich erhöht.
Ein kurzer Blick auf meinen historischen Strassenplan des Ortes zeigt mir, dass hier auf der linken Seite des Weges, den es damals schon gab, früher einmal das Gasthaus "Alte Schänke" mit der Hausnummer 31 stand, von dem jedoch heute nichts mehr zu erkennen ist.
more of this on my website at: www.shoot-to-catch.de
On the 10th May 2021 Class 37/5 no. 37688 'Great Rocks' passes Cockwood with the 5Z37 Crewe Holding Sidings to Laira Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot ecs. High tide, construction livery and sun. I would have taken that in 1991 let alone 2021!
If rumours are to be believed these coaches are going to be used with spare power cars in Cornwall to increase the number of short sets to cover for the out of service IETS. You just couldn't make it up especially just identifying the faults as long distance passenger service demand should pick up after months in lock down!
After receiving a new crew at Wauhatchie for the trip to Nashville, K442 passes MP139 on the Chattanooga subdivision. This is also where Whiteside Tunnel, or Dang Ole Matt Jones Tunnel, Man!, as the locals call it, sits as it watches the many trains that was it was built to have run through it, but never actually saw due to a new route next to it that diverts it. Leading K442 is SD50-3 8536, at the time one of only 5 SD50 series locomotives active on CSX, or any Class 1 railroad for that matter. 11-27-20
HSS everyone. PP info: Original HDR image of low raking sun behind a cloud. Took exposure down and upped black levels to create the silhouettes.
Processed using Light Room's cross process pre-set to get a moody offset to the colours.
In photoshop increased canvas side stretched 20% wider and added the reflection by flipping the image then transforming it to crush it down. Tweaked the Hue level of the reflection portion then finally added a redfield filter for water ripples.
JARDIN MAJORELLE
Jacques Majorelle,son of celebrated furniture maker LOUIS MAJORELLE,was born in Nancy,France in 1886.It was in 1919 that he first come to Marrakech to continue his career as a painter.
He acquired land in 1924 and began the landscape which is today known as the Majorelle Garden.In 1947 he opened the garden to the public,a tradition that continues to this day.Following a car accident in 1962,Jacques Majorelle reteurned to France and shortly thereafter passed away.
The Majorelle Garden is one of the twentieth cantury`s most mysterious gardens.It is a place of rare individual expression and mystical force.The garden is an abundance of vegtal shapes and forms representing five continents and reflects Jacques Majorelle`s significance as one of the most important plant collectors of his time.
A great capture of the colored and enchanting garden !
And the story goes on in 1980 when Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé bought the Majorelle garden and thus saved it from a hotel project. The new owners decide to live in the villa of the artist, renamed Villa Oasis and undertake important restoration work. The flora of the garden is largely increased today. Died on June 1, 2008 in Paris, Yves Saint Laurent’s ashes were scattered in the rose garden of the villa.
A "must-see" .
To help meet the increasing demand on water supplies, Siblyback Lake was constructed in the late 1960s, with the dam being completed in 1969.
Surrounded by the striking backdrop of Bodmin Moor, Siblyback Lake lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
There is a beautiful 5km round lake circuit, which is perfect for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles. The path runs adjacent to the lake, and passes by the impressive Siblyback Dam and through woodlands.
The water from the spring is believed to have a magical power to increase the fortune. It is a tradition to wash coins and bills with the water to effectuate the magic.
It is a folk belief rather than Shintoism.
Sarasvati is originally an Indian goddess of water but other roles were attached later such as music, art, war and speech. Benzaiten comes from its Chinese translation meaning the "goddess of eloquence (弁才天)." It was wrongly or intentionally written as Benzaiten (弁"財"天) in Japan due to the same pronunciation, which means the goddess of speech and fortune.
I suppose this makes the background of money laundering practice.
The shrine's priests may be embarrassed to see it so widespread globally.
The shrine also enshrines Ugajin (宇賀神) that is a god or a spectre that looks like a snake with human head, which is also believed to bring good fortune.
It is an interesting place of religious syncretism.
Seemingly freshly minted Hoover, 50008 'Thunderer', lives up to its name as she makes a spirited start from Totnes station up the infamous Rattery Bank - one of the three significant inclines on the route between Exeter and Plymouth collectively known as the South Devon Banks.
While it's not particularly visible in this view Rattery Bank starts almost at the end of the platform and lasts for just over 4 miles varying between 1 in 45 and 1 in 80, before easing to 1 in 90 and then increasing to 1 in 65.
The route was such a challenge in steam days that an extra loco was required for the heavy expresses, and later even the diesels wouldn't treat this route lightly with any weakness potentially a source of delay, or worse, an embarrassing failure. It wouldn't be the first time I've ridden up where, even under clear signals, the train was barely doing 10 mph over the top.
Given the apparently relaxed ambience of the driver looking out of the side window, I'm presuming on this occasion 50008 was as good 'under the bonnet' as she looked externally. Or maybe he was just waiting for the right-hand curve a few hundred yards up the track to look back and check he still had eleven on!
Despite being withdrawn from BR service in 1992, 50008 has lived on under private ownership and has even hauled a few freight trains around the network over the last 12 months.
I'm guessing I took this from Malt Hill over-bridge before the A381 'Western Bypass' was built impeding the view looking the other way.
Agfa CT18
31st July 1979
Red Deer - Cervus elaphus
Double click image....
The red deer (Cervus elaphus) is one of the largest deer species. The red deer inhabits most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Asia Minor, Iran, parts of western Asia, and central Asia. It also inhabits the Atlas Mountains region between Morocco and Tunisia in northwestern Africa, being the only species of deer to inhabit Africa. Red deer have been introduced to other areas, including Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, Peru, Uruguay, Chile and Argentina. In many parts of the world, the meat (venison) from red deer is used as a food source.
The red deer is the fourth-largest deer species behind moose, elk and sambar deer. It is a ruminant, eating its food in two stages and having an even number of toes on each hoof, like camels, goats and cattle. European red deer have a relatively long tail compared to their Asian and North American relatives. Subtle differences in appearance are noted between the various subspecies of red deer, primarily in size and antlers, with the smallest being the Corsican red deer found on the islands of Corsica and Sardinia and the largest being the Caspian red deer (or maral) of Asia Minor and the Caucasus Region to the west of the Caspian Sea. The deer of central and western Europe vary greatly in size, with some of the largest deer found in the Carpathian Mountains in Central Europe.Western European red deer, historically, grew to large size given ample food supply (including people's crops), and descendants of introduced populations living in New Zealand and Argentina have grown quite large in both body and antler size. Large red deer stags, like the Caspian red deer or those of the Carpathian Mountains, may rival the wapiti in size. Female red deer are much smaller than their male counterparts.
The European red deer is found in southwestern Asia (Asia Minor and Caucasus regions), North Africa and Europe. The red deer is the largest non-domesticated land mammal still existing in Ireland. The Barbary stag (which resembles the western European red deer) is the only member of the deer family represented in Africa, with the population centred in the northwestern region of the continent in the Atlas Mountains. As of the mid-1990s, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria were the only African countries known to have red deer.
In the Netherlands, a large herd (ca. 3000 animals counted in late 2012) lives in the Oostvaarders Plassen, a nature reserve. Ireland has its own unique subspecies. In France the population is thriving, having multiplied fivefold in the last half-century, increasing from 30,000 in 1970 to approximately 160,000 in 2014. The deer has particularly expanded its footprint into forests at higher altitudes than before. In the UK, indigenous populations occur in Scotland, the Lake District, and the South West of England (principally on Exmoor). Not all of these are of entirely pure bloodlines, as some of these populations have been supplemented with deliberate releases of deer from parks, such as Warnham or Woburn Abbey, in an attempt to increase antler sizes and body weights. The University of Edinburgh found that, in Scotland, there has been extensive hybridisation with the closely related sika deer.
Several other populations have originated either with "carted" deer kept for stag hunts being left out at the end of the hunt, escapes from deer farms, or deliberate releases. Carted deer were kept by stag hunts with no wild red deer in the locality and were normally recaptured after the hunt and used again; although the hunts are called "stag hunts", the Norwich Staghounds only hunted hinds (female red deer), and in 1950, at least eight hinds (some of which may have been pregnant) were known to be at large near Kimberley and West Harling; they formed the basis of a new population based in Thetford Forest in Norfolk. Further substantial red deer herds originated from escapes or deliberate releases in the New Forest, the Peak District, Suffolk, Lancashire, Brecon Beacons, and North Yorkshire, as well as many other smaller populations scattered throughout England and Wales, and they are all generally increasing in numbers and range. A census of deer populations in 2007 and again in 2011 coordinated by the British Deer Society records the red deer as having continued to expand their range in England and Wales since 2000, with expansion most notable in the Midlands and East Anglia.
The widowhood effect is the increase in the probability of a person dying during a relatively short period of time after their long-time spouse has died.
The pattern indicates a sharp increase in risk of death for the widower particularly, but not exclusively, in the three months after the death of their spouse. This process has also been called "dying of a broken heart".
Being widowed leads to an increased likelihood of developing severe mental disorder. This can be partially attributed to the unanticipated decisions widows have to make with regards to the death of their spouse. Responses of grief and bereavement due to the loss of a spouse increases vulnerability to psychological and physical illnesses.
Knowing you are not alone doesn't seem to make it any easier. Life does seem to loose a purpose and the feeling of being surplus to requirements is not helped by retirement.
I can see why some widowers "just give up".
Where to go for support, and suggestions for helping yourself and others through grief.
www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and...
Candid shot at the Mid Devon show 2022.
A morning walk in the Spring in Mississippi. Storms a possibility yet again this afternoon with a higher increase of severe storms tonight and tomorrow. The Spring colors will not last much longer.
Cette photo montre la majestueuse galaxie d’Andromède (M31), notre voisine cosmique située à environ 2,5 millions d’années-lumière de la Terre.
Pour accentuer l’effet de grandeur et souligner son immensité, j’ai volontairement augmenté la taille du rendu de la galaxie lors du traitement. On distingue aussi ses galaxies satellites, M32 et M110.
This photo shows the majestic Andromeda Galaxy (M31), our cosmic neighbor located about 2.5 million light-years from Earth.
To accentuate the effect of grandeur and emphasize its immensity, I deliberately increased the size of the galaxy's rendering during processing. Its satellite galaxies, M32 and M110, are also visible.
Miss Anhi seems to be getting increasingly annoyed by us photographing her. If only we had some more birds around this week!
The Morgan Plus 8 is a sports car built by British car maker Morgan from 1968 to 2004 and again in revised form between 2012 and 2018. Its instant and enduring popularity has been credited with saving the company and keeping the company famous during the 36 years of its manufacture. Among Morgan enthusiasts, it is deeply associated with Peter Morgan, the owner-chairman behind its design.
Design
The development of the Plus 8 was led by Maurice Owen, an engineer taken on specifically for the role. The Plus 8 prototype was based on a modified chassis from the Plus 4, altered to accept the Rover alloy block 215 cu in (3.5 L) V8, purchased from GM-Buick in 1967. Plus 4's Moss gearbox was carried over and the Salisbury 7HA axle was uprated with a limited-slip differential. The chassis was developed in stages to accommodate gearbox changes in 1973 and 1976, 1995 the body widened in 1976 to accommodate the widened chassis and the wings widened to accommodate larger tires to handle the increasing power and trend for lower profile and wider tires. The original 1968 Plus 8 was 57 inches (1,400 mm) wide and the last was 64 inches (1,600 mm) (with an optional "widebody" at 67 inches (1,700 mm)) From the 1960s and (according to all auto magazines) through the 1980s for acceleration between 20-80mph, the Plus Eight was the fastest-accelerating UK production car. To this day, early Plus 8s are frequently the winners in the 1960-1970 class in the UK.
In 2002, Morgan created a "LeMans Edition" with similar exterior feature to the 1960s Plus 4 LeMans winner. In 2003, Morgan created a 35th year "Anniversary Edition" of the Plus 8. The 35th Anniversary model was built in 100 examples and has a walnut dashboard, mesh behind the grille bars, a "LeMans style" gear knob, and a badge on the rear panel. The original brochure also referenced the fact that the Plus 8 was to be discontinued the following year.
Following the discontinuation of the Rover V8, production of Plus 8 ended in 2004. A revised Aero, powered by a 4.8-litre BMW V8 engine, was placed on an Aero chassis, with Aero 8 suspension, axles, brakes, steering, gearbox, and altered wings was introduced in 2012, They also called this model "Plus 8" and it was sold concurrently with the Aero 8 from that date until the elimination of the Aero line-up in 2020.
In 2014, Morgan created another edition called the Plus 8 'Speedster' models based on the later Aero configuration noted above. It began as a limited edition, but production was not limited to the originally advertised 60 examples. This limited run forwent the traditional roof in favor of a small fly screen and hidden roll bars behind the front seats. Pitched as an entry-level Plus 8 model, they went on sale for £69,999.
With the increased free time on my hands I have decided to return back to blogging c:
.｡ﾟ+..｡.｡ﾟ+..｡ sponsored by:
୨୧ Loki
.｡ﾟ+..｡.｡ﾟ+..｡ wearing:
༺｡° anatomy° ｡༻
｡ Ebody - Reborn
｡ Lelutka - Ceylon
｡ Doux - Cintia
｡ Aii - Demonic Touch
༺｡° clothing° ｡༻
｡ Loki - Marie Wrap Top @Anthem Event
｡ Triggered - Evy Skirt
｡ Sour - Milky Glasses
｡ Random Matter - Potioneer Set - Alchemy Book
༺｡° cosmetics ° ｡༻
｡ eerie - Star Eyeshadow
｡ eerie - Scratches
｡ eerie - Curtana
｡ eerie - Smol Names (sneak peek)
｡ eerie - Cross Lipgloss
｡ eerie - Face Cuts
Later in the cold day of January 4, 1986, the snow increased, and I went back to Butler Yard to photograph the set of Chicago & North Western power I saw earlier that day helping rerail some coal gons. Now waiting out another Wisconsin snowstorm, are two C&NW Alco C628s and a pair of EMD SD40-2s.
Cowling prey and calling to adult
Falco tinnunculus
The chicks fledge gradually when they are around four weeks old. They explore increasing distances from the nest, but return to it to roost for another couple of weeks. Adults continue to feed the young for a month after fledging, during which time they will learn to catch their own food.
In the autumn, kestrels readjust their territories to make best use of winter food supply.
Snow covered pathway track at the Estuary with views.
Talsarnau is a village and community in the Ardudwy area of Gwynedd in Wales. Its population was 525 in 2001,[1] and had increased to 550 at the 2011 Census.[2]
The village of Talsarnau is situated on the A496 coastal road between Maentwrog and Harlech, close to the hamlets of Eisingrug and Llandecwyn. It has one primary school and one pub, "The Ship Aground", which starts serving food from 18:00 (6pm).
Talsarnau railway station on the Cambrian Line serves the village. The community also includes Ynys Gifftan and Soar, Gwynedd.
2009 wurde das Design aller Mustangs geändert, so auch der Shelby GT500 und die Leistung auf die 397 kW (540 PS) des GT500KR erhöht, auch das Design der seitlichen Streifen wurde geändert.
For 2009, all Mustangs were redesigned, including the Shelby GT500, and increased power to the GT500KR's 397 kW (540 hp) and changed the design of the side stripes.
We made a short stop at the Saguaro National Park East. It is an awesome place.
Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saguaro_National_Park
Saguaro National Park is a national park of the United States in southeastern Arizona. The 92,000-acre (37,000 ha) park consists of two separate areas—the Tucson Mountain District (TMD), about 10 miles (16 km) west of Tucson, and the Rincon Mountain District (RMD), about 10 miles (16 km) east of the city. Both districts preserve Sonoran Desert landscapes, fauna, and flora, including the giant saguaro cactus.
The saguaro (/səˈ(ɡ)wɑːroʊ/ sə-(G)WAR-oh,[5] Spanish: [saˈɣwaɾo]; Carnegiea gigantea) is a tree-like cactus species in the monotypic genus Carnegiea that can grow to be over 12 meters (40 feet) tall. It is native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, the Mexican state of Sonora, and the Whipple Mountains and Imperial County areas of California. Saguaro typically grow at elevations ranging from sea level to 4,500', although they may be found at up to 5,000'.[6] The saguaro blossom is the state wildflower of Arizona. Its scientific name is given in honor of Andrew Carnegie. In 1933, Saguaro National Park, near Tucson, Arizona, was designated to help protect this species and its habitat.
Saguaros have a relatively long lifespan, often exceeding 150 years. They may grow their first side arm around 75–100 years of age, but some never grow any arms. Arms are developed to increase the plant's reproductive capacity, as more apices lead to more flowers and fruit. A saguaro can absorb and store considerable amounts of rainwater, visibly expanding in the process, while slowly using the stored water as needed. This characteristic enables the saguaro to survive during periods of drought. It is a keystone species, and provides food and habitat to a large number of species.
Southern Arizona Adventure 2025
William Fortnum was a footman in the household of Queen Anne. The royal family's insistence on having new candles every night resulted in large amounts of half-used wax, which Fortnum promptly resold. Fortnum also had a side business as a grocer. He convinced his landlord, Hugh Mason, to be his associate, and they founded the first Fortnum & Mason store in Mason's small shop at St James's Market in 1707. In 1761, William Fortnum's grandson Charles went into the service of Queen Charlotte, and the connection with the royal court led to an increase in business. Fortnum & Mason claims to have invented the Scotch egg, in 1738. The store began to stock speciality items, namely ready-to-eat luxury meals such as poultry or game served in aspic jelly.
In 1886, after having bought the entire stock of five cases of a new product made by H. J. Heinz, Fortnum & Mason became the first store in Britain to stock tins of baked beans.
The shop at 181–184 Piccadilly was rebuilt between 1926 and 1927 to a Neo-Georgian design by the architects Wimperis, Simpson and Guthrie.
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100x: The 2024 Edition
89/100 London landmarks by night
Panorama stitched vertically from two camera jpegs shot in landscape orientation.
Red Deer - Cervus elaphus
In Rut!
The red deer (Cervus elaphus) is one of the largest deer species. The red deer inhabits most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Asia Minor, Iran, parts of western Asia, and central Asia. It also inhabits the Atlas Mountains region between Morocco and Tunisia in northwestern Africa, being the only species of deer to inhabit Africa. Red deer have been introduced to other areas, including Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, Peru, Uruguay, Chile and Argentina. In many parts of the world, the meat (venison) from red deer is used as a food source.
The red deer is the fourth-largest deer species behind moose, elk and sambar deer. It is a ruminant, eating its food in two stages and having an even number of toes on each hoof, like camels, goats and cattle. European red deer have a relatively long tail compared to their Asian and North American relatives. Subtle differences in appearance are noted between the various subspecies of red deer, primarily in size and antlers, with the smallest being the Corsican red deer found on the islands of Corsica and Sardinia and the largest being the Caspian red deer (or maral) of Asia Minor and the Caucasus Region to the west of the Caspian Sea. The deer of central and western Europe vary greatly in size, with some of the largest deer found in the Carpathian Mountains in Central Europe.Western European red deer, historically, grew to large size given ample food supply (including people's crops), and descendants of introduced populations living in New Zealand and Argentina have grown quite large in both body and antler size. Large red deer stags, like the Caspian red deer or those of the Carpathian Mountains, may rival the wapiti in size. Female red deer are much smaller than their male counterparts.
The European red deer is found in southwestern Asia (Asia Minor and Caucasus regions), North Africa and Europe. The red deer is the largest non-domesticated land mammal still existing in Ireland. The Barbary stag (which resembles the western European red deer) is the only member of the deer family represented in Africa, with the population centred in the northwestern region of the continent in the Atlas Mountains. As of the mid-1990s, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria were the only African countries known to have red deer.
In the Netherlands, a large herd (ca. 3000 animals counted in late 2012) lives in the Oostvaarders Plassen, a nature reserve. Ireland has its own unique subspecies. In France the population is thriving, having multiplied fivefold in the last half-century, increasing from 30,000 in 1970 to approximately 160,000 in 2014. The deer has particularly expanded its footprint into forests at higher altitudes than before. In the UK, indigenous populations occur in Scotland, the Lake District, and the South West of England (principally on Exmoor). Not all of these are of entirely pure bloodlines, as some of these populations have been supplemented with deliberate releases of deer from parks, such as Warnham or Woburn Abbey, in an attempt to increase antler sizes and body weights. The University of Edinburgh found that, in Scotland, there has been extensive hybridisation with the closely related sika deer.
Several other populations have originated either with "carted" deer kept for stag hunts being left out at the end of the hunt, escapes from deer farms, or deliberate releases. Carted deer were kept by stag hunts with no wild red deer in the locality and were normally recaptured after the hunt and used again; although the hunts are called "stag hunts", the Norwich Staghounds only hunted hinds (female red deer), and in 1950, at least eight hinds (some of which may have been pregnant) were known to be at large near Kimberley and West Harling; they formed the basis of a new population based in Thetford Forest in Norfolk. Further substantial red deer herds originated from escapes or deliberate releases in the New Forest, the Peak District, Suffolk, Lancashire, Brecon Beacons, and North Yorkshire, as well as many other smaller populations scattered throughout England and Wales, and they are all generally increasing in numbers and range. A census of deer populations in 2007 and again in 2011 coordinated by the British Deer Society records the red deer as having continued to expand their range in England and Wales since 2000, with expansion most notable in the Midlands and East Anglia.
Due to the increased number of passengers towards/from the Black sea coast, in the summer season BDZ adds more carriages to express train 8601/8602, especially during the weekends.
In the past years the train was hauled by the red Skoda's or the blue and yellow class 46 200, but since the arriving of the Smartrons, the train is served only by them. On the photo - the latest arrived Smartron locomotive - 80 051, named to the rullers Tsar Asen and Tsar Petar IV is pulling the 10-car train towards between Stamboliyski and Ognyanovo stations.
A seductive play of highlights and shadows and to increase the dynamics of the shadows a sheet of white paper is used as a reflector or better as a reflecting panel illuminated with an adjustable LED flashlight: then everything became abstract as Wassily Kandinsky says: “Form itself, even if completely abstract ... has its own inner sound.”
Un gioco seducente di alte luci e ombre e per aumentare la dinamica delle ombre usato un foglio di carta bianca come riflettore o meglio come pannello riflettente illuminato con una torcia LED regolabile: poi tutto divenne astratto come dice Wassily Kandinsky: “La forma stessa, anche se completamente astratta... ha un suo suono interiore.”
Un jeu séduisant de reflets, d'ombres, et pour augmenter la dynamique, une feuille de papier blanc est utilisée comme réflecteur ou mieux comme panneau réfléchissant éclairé par une lampe de poche DEL réglable: puis tout est devenu abstrait comme le dit Wassily Kandinsky : “La forme elle-même, même si elle est complètement abstraite... a son propre son intérieur.”
photo rights reserved by Ben
The stone sculptures in Sno, a small village in the Kazbegi region of Georgia, are part of a remarkable art project in the Caucasus. These sculptures consist of impressive stone artworks depicting giant faces, often with a melancholic or mysterious expression. They were created by local artist Merab Piranishvili, who is renowned for his unique ability to bring faces and emotions to life in natural stone. Working primarily with local stones, he carves expressive facial features that tell stories about life, the soul, and the deep connection with nature. The sculptures symbolize the ancient wisdom of the mountain dwellers and the spirit of the past. The faces sometimes appear sad or contemplative, reflecting both the challenges and the beauty of life in the Caucasus. Fully integrated into the surrounding landscape, the sculptures stand among the mountains, hills, and rugged grasslands, blending seamlessly with their natural environment. This is what makes Piranishvili’s work so unique: he respects the natural shapes of the stones and subtly adds human characteristics without compromising their raw, natural beauty. Piranishvili often works directly in the field, selecting local stones and carving them with a hammer and chisel. He carefully considers the natural form of each stone, adapting his designs to create a result that looks organic and harmonizes with the surrounding environment.
Sno is located near the breathtaking Stepantsminda area and the imposing Mount Kazbegi. The stone sculptures are a hidden gem in this region, attracting an increasing number of art enthusiasts and travelers. The site exudes a serene, almost meditative atmosphere—perfect for those seeking something unique off the beaten path. If you ever find yourself near Kazbegi, these sculptures are well worth a visit. They offer a truly unique experience where art and nature come together in perfect harmony.
De stenen sculpturen in Sno, een klein dorpje in de Kazbegi-regio van Georgië, maken deel uit van een bijzonder kunstproject in de Kaukasus. De sculpturen bestaan uit indrukwekkende stenen kunstwerken van gigantische gezichten, die vaak een melancholische of mysterieuze uitstraling hebben. Ze zijn gecreëerd door de lokale kunstenaar Merab Piranishvili, die bekendstaat om zijn unieke vaardigheid om gezichten en emoties tot leven te brengen in natuursteen. Hij werkt voornamelijk met lokale stenen en geeft ze expressieve gezichtsuitdrukkingen die verhalen vertellen over het leven, de ziel en de diepe verbondenheid met de natuur. De sculpturen symboliseren de oude wijsheid van de bergbewoners en de geest van het verleden. De gezichten tonen soms een droevige of reflectieve uitdrukking, wat de uitdagingen én de schoonheid van het leven in de Kaukasus weerspiegelt. De beelden zijn volledig geïntegreerd in het omringende landschap: ze staan tussen de bergen, heuvels en het ruige grasland, waardoor ze naadloos opgaan in hun natuurlijke omgeving. Dit maakt het werk van Piranishvili zo uniek: hij respecteert de oorspronkelijke vormen van de stenen en voegt subtiel menselijke kenmerken toe, zonder hun ruwe, natuurlijke schoonheid aan te tasten. Sno ligt vlakbij het adembenemende berggebied Stepantsminda en de imposante Kazbegi-berg. De stenen sculpturen zijn een verborgen juweel in deze regio en trekken steeds meer kunstliefhebbers en reizigers aan. De plek straalt een rustige, bijna meditatieve sfeer uit, ideaal voor wie op zoek is naar iets unieks buiten de gebaande paden. Piranishvili werkt meestal direct in het veld, waarbij hij natuursteen uit de regio selecteert en met hamer en beitel bewerkt. Hij houdt rekening met de oorspronkelijke vormen van de steen en past zijn ontwerpen hierop aan, zodat het eindresultaat natuurlijk oogt en harmonieert met de omgeving. Als je ooit in de buurt van Kazbegi bent, mag je deze sculpturen zeker niet missen. Ze bieden een bijzondere ervaring waarin kunst en natuur op een unieke manier samensmelten!
You can see the gradual increasing of the first Caucasian ridge on the north area of this great montane area - the Pasture (Pastbishchnyy in transliterated Russian) one, namely one of its parts - Jinal one. In the left corner the laccolithic mounts Beshtau and Mashuk are visible
Boulders Beach is a sheltered beach made up of inlets between granite boulders, from which the name originated. It is located on the Cape Peninsula, in Simon's Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is also commonly known as Boulders Bay. It is a popular tourist spot because of a colony of African penguins which settled there in 1982. Boulders Beach forms part of the Table Mountain National Park.
These African penguins are only found on the coastlines of Southern Africa (South Africa and Namibia). These penguins are currently endangered. As a result, the penguins are under the protection of the Cape Nature Conservation.
Although set in a residential area, it is one of the few sites where this vulnerable bird (Spheniscus demersus) can be observed at close range, wandering freely in a protected natural environment. From just two breeding pairs in 1982, the penguin colony has grown to about 3000 birds in recent years. This is partly due to the prohibition of commercial pelagic trawling in False Bay, which has increased the supply of sardines and anchovies, which form part of the penguins' diet. as well as the help from former SANDF naval officer, Van the Penguin Man
Bordered mainly by indigenous bush above the high-water mark on the one side, and the clear water of False Bay on the other, the area comprises several small sheltered bays, partially enclosed by granite boulders that are 540 million years old.
The most popular recreational spot is Boulders Beach, but the penguins are best viewed from Foxy Beach, where newly constructed boardwalks take visitors to within a few metres of the birds. It is also a famous swimming beach, although people are restricted to beaches adjacent to the penguin colony.