INDIAN ART -sculpture , painiting and architecture
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SITS UPRIGHT and motionless for long periods on a favored perch, from which it swoops on its insect prey, follows cattle, and bushfires. A real joy to see this one early on at the start of our visit.
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THANK YOU for your visit and friendship, hope you enjoy, keep safe and well, and enjoy the weekend, God Bless. Tomx
Point Abino Lighthouse
Keeping a proud watch over Lake Erie, the Point Abino Lighthouse is one of the greatest of its kind in Canada.
Built in 1917-1918, the lighthouse and keeper’s dwelling are a local, provincial, and federal landmark with a unique history. This light station was one of 40 built during the last period of manned lighthouse construction.
Preservations want this 'keeper's dwelling' for the historic Point Abino Lighthouse kept in public hands.
At the end of Point Abino, a large rocky shelf projects into the lake making it necessary to build the lighthouse at a considerable distance from the shoreline. In stormy weather and at high-water periods, the lighthouse was inaccessible on foot. For that reason, the keeper’s dwelling required a site on the adjoining shore.
The day was raining with brief periods of sun in between, so the greens were quite saturated and made for excellent backdrop. The birds were also wet and some of them were drying out.
There was a large flock of these birds on one of the bare trees and some of them were sort of drying themselves I suppose in the gentle breeze. The hair was standing up in the wind and made for some nice shots.
Thanks in advance for your views and/or feedback. Much appreciated.
Chocim Castle (Хотинська фортеця) - a defensive structure located on the high, rocky shore of the Dniester. Construction of the castle began in 1325, and work on it lasted until 1380.
The history of this castle is turbulent. From the 10th to the 13th century it belonged to the Ruthenian duchies, from the 14th century in various periods to Moldavia, Turkey and Poland.
In the 17th-18th century Turkish border fortress. The place of two great battles of the forces of the Commonwealth with the Turks in 1621 and 1673. In 1812, incorporated into Russia, from 1918 in Romania. In the years 1940-1991 together with northern Bukowina within the boundaries of the Ukrainian SSR.
Since 1991 it belongs to Ukraine.
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Zamek w Chocimiu (Хотинська фортеця) – budowla obronna usytuowana na wysokim, skalistym brzegu Dniestru. Budowa zamku rozpoczęła się w roku 1325, a prace nad nią trwały do 1380 roku.
Dzieje tego zamku są burzliwe. Od X do XIII wieku należał do księstw ruskich, od XIV wieku w różnych okresach do Mołdawii, Turcji i Polski.
W XVII–XVIII wieku turecka twierdza graniczna. Miejsce dwóch wielkich bitew wojsk Rzeczypospolitej z Turkami w 1621 r. i 1673 r. W 1812 r. włączony do Rosji, od 1918 r. w Rumunii. W latach 1940–1991 wraz z północną Bukowiną w granicach Ukraińskiej SSR.
Od 1991 r. należy do Ukrainy.
Picture taken at Zuro Loma - Ecuador.
The Sparkling Violetear is one of the most widely distributed species of hummingbird in the Andes, as it occurs from northern Venezuela south to northwestern Argentina; it also has an outpost on the tepuis of southern Venezuela and adjacent northern Brazil. In common with other species of violetear, it is not a bird of deep forest. Instead it is found at forest edge and open areas with scattered shrubs; it also adapts to nonnative flowering trees such as Eucalyptus. Sparkling Violetears are energetic songsters, and repeat their simple song for long periods of time. Sparkling Violetears are similar to the Green Violetear (Colibri thalassinus), but are larger, and have an extensive blue patch on the belly. Sparkling Violetears also tend to occur at higher elevations than does the Green Violetear; in at least some parts of its range, however, the Sparkling is an elevational migrant, and so is found over a very broad elevational zone. doi.org/10.2173/bow.spvear1.01
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
Museum will be established as a permanent institution with an international scope and mission. It is dedicated to the collection, research, preservation and display of works of art, objects and artifacts of artistic, cultural and historical significance from various periods and geographic areas of the Muslim world
Le martin-pêcheur se nourrit principalement de poissons pris depuis un perchoir au-dessus de l'eau. L'oiseau reste posé pendant de longs moments, regardant attentivement l'eau à la recherche de proies, tournant et inclinant la tête et le corps. Quand la proie est détectée, il plonge à pic et capture le poisson sous l'eau, pouvant aller jusqu'à un mètre de profondeur. Ensuite, utilisant ses ailes, il se propulse vers la surface et s'élève, le bec tendu vers le ciel, et retourne sur son perchoir.
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The kingfisher feeds mainly on fish caught from a perch above the water. The bird remains resting for long periods of time, looking carefully at the water for prey, turning and tilting the head and body. When the prey is detected, it plunges sharply and captures the fish under water, up to one meter deep. Then, using its wings, it propels itself towards the surface and rises, the beak stretched towards the sky, and returns on its perch.
Located at the top of the Troodos mountain range and at an altitude of 1,300 meters, the Throne of the Virgin Mary is dedicated to the Virgin Mary,
The area was the place where, during periods of drought, the monks of the monastery used to have a litany of the icon of the Virgin Mary, and through a path, they climbed up to the top of the mountain to place it on a wooden throne and ask for an end to the drought. The Virgin Mary of Kykkos monastery was known from the years of the Venetian occupation as “Our Lady of Rain”, as it was connected with her rain-giving power and supposedly providing the island with the necessary precipitation.
This photo is at the Gasparino Dam, city of Coronel João Sá, Bahia, Brazil.
Water is blessing, water is life! This sunset on this dam, has the image of my son, we can see that despite the region's climate being extremely dry, a place of caatinga and sertão, we have many lives, many natural and even artificial beauties. A place that is a meeting point for leisure, it is also a place that accumulates water for the survival of the population that, in periods of severe drought, is where people and animals survive. I think we should reflect on seeing this image, heat, water and life, all together in the same place!
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Esta foto é na Barragem do Gasparino, cidade de Coronel João Sá, Bahia, Brasil.
Água é benção, água é vida! Este pôr do sol nesta barragem, tem a imagem do meu filho, podemos ver que apesar do clima da região ser extremamente seco, lugar de caatinga e sertão, temos muitas vidas, muitas belezas naturais e até artificiais. Um lugar que é ponto de encontro para lazer, é também, lugar que acumula água para sobrevivência da população que, nos períodos de muita seca, é daqui que pessoas e animais sobrevivem. Acho que devemos refletir vendo esta imagem, calor, água e vida, tudo junto num mesmo lugar!
Between our four seasons are transitional periods, which are often a farewell to the old and monitoring the phenomenal birth of the new season. Now is the time between winter and spring when it can still snow a lot and on the other hand the old snow melts when new snow falls on top of it. The air is humid and foggy. The view from the river at the beginning of December when winter arrived, in these weeks at the end of March, is the same. I would photograph it again if possible. Fog, soft colors, something is clearly visible and something is completely blurry. Just the way I like it.
ICM photo, one exposure, in post-processing I added some color and Orton effect.
👱♀️🎧 The River ( AURORA ).
Lycoptera (fish fossil) 11x12x.4 cm
Liaoning Prov, China.
Lycoptera were small, freshwater fish that lived from the late Jurassic to Cretaceous periods (125-135 million years ago), in present-day China, Korea, Mongolia, and Siberia. This species is a member of the Jehol Biota, a prehistoric ecosystem known for its early birds and feathered dinosaurs.
Le martin-pêcheur se nourrit principalement de poissons pris depuis un perchoir au-dessus de l'eau. L'oiseau reste posé pendant de longs moments, regardant attentivement l'eau à la recherche de proies, tournant et inclinant la tête et le corps. Quand la proie est détectée, il plonge à pic et capture le poisson sous l'eau, pouvant aller jusqu'à un mètre de profondeur. Ensuite, utilisant ses ailes, il se propulse vers la surface et s'élève, le bec tendu vers le ciel, et retourne sur son perchoir.
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The kingfisher feeds mainly on fish caught from a perch above the water. The bird remains resting for long periods of time, looking carefully at the water for prey, turning and tilting the head and body. When the prey is detected, it plunges sharply and captures the fish under water, up to one meter deep. Then, using its wings, it propels itself towards the surface and rises, the beak stretched towards the sky, and returns on its perch.
After enduring periods of heavy rain, I finally got some nice opportunities of this rare visitor. We waited for long periods of time for him to make returns . Getting somewhat clean captures was the challenge and making sure the white details weren't blown out. Really nice to get this lifer.
Autumn colours at the "étang Grand Chaux", a pond located in Saint-Nizier-le-Désert in the Dombes area, department of Ain, north of Lyon, France.
The Dombes is characterized by the large number of rain-water pools. These pools, artificially created, date in many cases from the 15th century, some to earlier periods, and were formed by landed proprietors who in those disturbed times saw a surer source of revenue in fish-breeding than in agriculture.
From an ornithological point of view, the Dombes is the biogeographic region with the highest species diversity of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region: it has 131 species of nesting birds. It is a wetland of international importance for migratory birds.
Breeding males are unmistakable: brilliant red with black wings and tail. Females and nonbreeding males are dull yellow-olive with dark wings (blacker on males, grayer on females). Compare with female Summer Tanager, which has a longer bill and less contrast between wing and body color. Breeds in mature deciduous forests, usually staying high in the canopy. Migrants are also usually found in mature woodlands. Winters in northern South America. Occasionally visits feeders in the spring, especially after periods of rain or cold weather. Listen for burry song, like an American Robin with a sore throat. (eBird)
Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. May 2022.
Artist's Palette is an area on the face of the Black Mountains noted for a variety of rock colors. These colors are caused by the oxidation of different metals. Called the Artist Drive Formation, the colorful rock is the evidence of the Death Valley area's most violently explosive volcanic periods. It is a 9 miles one-way scenic drive on the way to Badwater, which can be a bit intimidating with all of its twists and dips. It is like a colorful picture right in front of you. Multi-hued volcanic hills made this surreal view…
Have a safe and happy new week!
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The painted turtle is the most widespread native turtle of North America. It lives in slow-moving fresh waters, from southern Canada to northern Mexico, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. They have been shown to prefer large wetlands with long periods of innundation and emergent vegetation. Fossils show that the painted turtle existed 15 million years ago.
The turtle eats aquatic vegetation, algae, and small water creatures including insects, crustaceans, and fish. Painted Turtles primarily feed while in water and are able to locate and subdue prey even in heavily clouded conditions.
Reliant on warmth from its surroundings, the painted turtle is active only during the day when it basks for hours on logs or rocks. During winter, the turtle hibernates, usually in the mud at the bottom of water bodies. (Wikipedia)
Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. May 2022.
May not be around much for the next few days.......very busy plus I am having sciatica issues...so cannot sit at the computer for long periods
Have a great week everyone......
:~)
HBW !!!
Due to my health condition, I am unable to hold or stabilize a camera for extended periods of time. Additionally, using a tripod has never been enjoyable for me, as it would cause pain when trying to position it correctly and constantly bending over to check the viewfinder. Consequently, I have chosen to explore digital AI artwork as an alternative. I understand that this may not be everyone's cup of tea, as it diverges from traditional photography. However, I have always granted myself the freedom to exercise artistic license and pursue whatever brings me joy. Currently, digital AI artwork fulfills that purpose, at least for the time being.
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View of autumn colours at the "étang Grand Chaux", a pond located in Saint-Nizier-le-Désert in the Dombes area, department of Ain, north of Lyon, France.
The Dombes is characterized by the large number of rain-water pools. These pools, artificially created, date in many cases from the 15th century, some to earlier periods, and were formed by landed proprietors who in those disturbed times saw a surer source of revenue in fish-breeding than in agriculture.
From an ornithological point of view, the Dombes is the biogeographic region with the highest species diversity of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region: it has 131 species of nesting birds. It is a wetland of international importance for migratory birds.
The thunderstorm and its cumulonimbus approach, they are behind me. But the first clouds over this field are very esthetic also he seems to me. Before the rain, small last ones bright periods of blue sky disappear.
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L'orage et ses cumulonimbus arrivent, ils sont derrière moi. Mais les premiers nuages au-dessus de ce champ sont très esthétiques aussi il me semble. Avant la pluie, les dernières petites éclaircies de ciel bleu disparaissent.
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Charente, France
Thank you to all for your kind words! I really appreciate each one of them !!!
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Grey Heron - Ardea Cinerea
The grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a long-legged predatory wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn. A bird of wetland areas, it can be seen around lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and on the sea coast. It feeds mostly on aquatic creatures which it catches after standing stationary beside or in the water or stalking its prey through the shallows.
The birds breed colonially in spring in "heronries", usually building their nests high in trees. A clutch of usually three to five bluish-green eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days, and then both feed the chicks, which fledge when seven or eight weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter, but if they do, they can expect to live for about five years.
In Ancient Egypt, the deity Bennu was depicted as a heron in New Kingdom artwork. In Ancient Rome, the heron was a bird of divination. Roast heron was once a specially-prized dish; when George Neville became Archbishop of York in 1465, four hundred herons were served to the guests.
The grey heron has a slow flight, with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills, which extend their necks.
Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings, and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a water rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows, or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill very fast.
Small fish are swallowed head first, and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed, or have hunks of flesh torn off. For prey such as small mammals and birds or ducklings, the prey is held by the neck and either drowned, suffocated, or killed by having its neck snapped with the heron's beak, before being swallowed whole. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the chitinous remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk, but it is also active at other times of day. At night it roosts in trees or on cliffs, where it tends to be gregarious.
Population:
UK breeding:
13,000 nests
UK wintering:
63,000 birds
Thanks to all who take the time to view, Comment or Fav, It is Always Appreciated.
Trieste : Dal Castello di Miramare
This castle belonged until 1918 the imperial Family of Austria who had built for the emperor's broter ,commander of the naval forces Trieste being the most important port and closer to Vienna. In the castle also stayed for longer or shorter periods Emperor Franz Josef and his Wife Sissi .
Questo Castello è appartenuto fino al 1918 alla Famiglia Imperiale d'Austria che l'aveva fatto costruire per il fratello dell'Imperatore ,comandante delle forze navali dell'Impero Asburgico ,essendo Trieste il porto più importante e più vicino a Vienna .Nel Castello soggiornarono per periodi più o meno lunghi l'Imperatore Francesco Giuseppe e Sua moglie Sissi .
Looking like a cross between a huge rabbit and a small deer, the mara is the world’s fourth largest rodent. Mara can walk, hop, gallop and bounce on all four legs. They have been clocked at 45mph!
Mara are strictly monogamous and mate for life, typically having 1-3 offspring a year. Mara babies are very well developed when they are born usually grazing within the first 24 hours of their life.
Patagonian mara display behavioural traits that are very unusual in the rodent family. They are very active during the day, spending long periods of time basking in the sun.
Taken at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park
We may be far apart, we may not see each other for long periods of time, it may take us months to take a picture together, but you are my shining star when it gets dark, my summer in a message.
We are very different, and we have so much in common!
Our birthdays are just a couple of days apart, and, of course, we always want to take a picture together to celebrate, but it's always a great challenge!
We are working on changing that ;)
Love you my churritina <3
Credits in my blog HEREl <3
Please go and see Belen's version it's gooooorgeous 😍😍
PS when we finally get together, focused on the light and for both to get it right... I didn't activate the shadows, antialiasing etc... so yes that was tough! Like on the old days, drawing any shadows I could think of to bring the picture to life *sighs*
"Forests, lakes, and rivers, clouds and winds, stars and flowers, stupendous glaciers and crystal snowflakes - every form of animate or inanimate existence, leaves its impress upon the soul of man."
- Orison Swett Marden
Mist rising from Willow Creek after periods of rain and sun.
This photo was taken in the Superior National Forest on USFS Road 170 ("The Grade") near Lutsen, Minnesota.
Note that Google Maps has the USFS Road number here as being 165, even though quite a few years ago, the Forest Service renumbered the entire length of "The Grade" to be USFS 170.
Sparkling Violetears - at Ensifera Bird Watching - Peru.
The Sparkling Violetear is one of the most widely distributed species of hummingbird in the Andes, as it occurs from northern Venezuela south to northwestern Argentina; it also has an outpost on the tepuis of southern Venezuela and adjacent northern Brazil. In common with other species of violetear, it is not a bird of deep forest. Instead it is found at forest edge and open areas with scattered shrubs; it also adapts to nonnative flowering trees such as Eucalyptus. Sparkling Violetears are energetic songsters, and repeat their simple song for long periods of time. They are also very aggressive but here they are in peace, even if for a short time!
Wishing everyone a Peaceful Blue Monday!!
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
Due to my health condition, I am unable to hold or stabilize a camera for extended periods of time. Additionally, using a tripod has never been enjoyable for me, as it would cause pain when trying to position it correctly and constantly bending over to check the viewfinder. Consequently, I have chosen to explore digital AI artwork as an alternative. I understand that this may not be everyone's cup of tea, as it diverges from traditional photography. However, I have always granted myself the freedom to exercise artistic license and pursue whatever brings me joy. Currently, digital AI artwork fulfills that purpose, at least for the time being.
The day was raining with brief periods of sun in between, so the greens were quite saturated and made for excellent backdrop.
There was a large flock of these birds in the open ground and they were actively looking for insects in the grass. As soon any vehicle or person comes close, they would fly en masse. Grabbed this shot during one such flight.
Thanks in advance for your views and feedback. Much appreciated.
Neshat Bagh (Garden) is one of the historic and traditional gardens of Iran and belongs to the the late Qajar and early Pahlavi periods (19-20th centuries) . In the past many kinds of ornamental and fruit trees were planted in this garden, only a few of them are left now. The central building of Bagh Neshat is decorated with beautiful brickwork. It is said that the famous Iranian painter and artist Kamal al-Mulk lived in this place at the end of his life.
This historical garden is now abandoned
Neshat Bagh mansion is located 22 kilometers west of Neishapur city and in the neighborhood of Taghiabad village - Razavi Khorasan Ostan (Province) - Iran
باغ نشاط یکی از باغ های تاریخی و سنتی ایران و متعلق به اواخر دوره قاجار و اوایل دوره پهلوی (قرن 19-20) است. در گذشته باغ پوشیده از درختان کاج، پسته و… بوده است.. بنای مرکزی باغ نشاط با آجرکاری های زیبایی تزئین شده است. گفته می شود کمال الملک نقاش و هنرمند مشهور ایرانی در اواخر عمر خود در این مکان زندگی می کرد.
این باغ تاریخی اکنون متروکه است
عمارت باغ نشاط در 22 کیلومتری غرب شهر نیشاپور و در همسایگی روستای تقی آباد - استان خراسان رضوی - ایران واقع شده است.
این باغ در صورت توجه و رسیدگی میتواند به یکی از مراکز دیدنی اطراف نیشابور تاریخی تبدیل شود ، امیدوارم میراث فرهنگی شهر نیشابور و استان خراسان رضوی توجه بیشتری به حفظ و مرمت این باغ از خود نشان بدهند تا این باغ برای نسلهای آینده نیز باقی بماند
Due to my health condition, I am unable to hold or stabilize a camera for extended periods of time. Additionally, using a tripod has never been enjoyable for me, as it would cause pain when trying to position it correctly and constantly bending over to check the viewfinder. Consequently, I have chosen to explore digital AI artwork as an alternative. I understand that this may not be everyone's cup of tea, as it diverges from traditional photography. However, I have always granted myself the freedom to exercise artistic license and pursue whatever brings me joy. Currently, digital AI artwork fulfills that purpose, at least for the time being.
The rich history of the castle, of more than seven centuries, boasts glorious periods as well as darker ones. Nowadays, Doorwerth Castle shines in all its 17th century glory, including a gatehouse, coach house and stables. The vegetable garden is managed so beautifully that you’d expect it to still supply the lord’s kitchens with vegetables and flowers.
Source: Doorwerth Castle
Wish you all a very nice weekend
Thanks for your visit and comments, I appreciate that very much!
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit written permission.© all rights reserved.
Regards, Bram van Broekhoven (BraCom)
The Pantanal
Brazil
South America
Although caimans cannot breathe underwater, they are able to hold their breath for long periods of time while submerged. Usually, these creatures are able to hold their breath anywhere from 4 to 15 minutes; however they have been known to remain underwater for longer periods of time if necessary. The longest time a caiman has been known to hold its breath varies from 30 minutes to 2 hours. It has been suggested that they may even be able to hold their breath for longer than an hour or two if needed.
Typically when a caiman goes underwater it does so by submerging itself in the water or sinking to the bottom of the water. Afterwards they generally hold their breath and remain there for 10-15 minutes. When a caiman submerges itself, a flap that the creature is equipped with automatically closes off the caiman’s ears and nostrils.
Another flap closes off the back of the caiman’s throat. This flap blocks water so that it does not enter the creature’s stomach and/or lungs. The caiman also has transparent eyelids that cover its eyes so that they can see under water. When a caiman is not active or when the weather is colder, caiman are able to hold their breath even longer. This enables them to wait for prey to come to them before they even realize that the caiman is there. - Wikipedia
My husband is holding on to a tree with one hand and my backpack attached to me with the other, as I am leaning out over the edge to get this shot.
Blue Pool, also known as Tamolitch Pool, is where the McKenzie River seeps to the surface through underground lava fields that flowed across the landscape eons ago.
The water is so pure that it’s eerily deceptive. When water is that pure, the depth is often misjudged. For anyone who has visited Blue Pool will agree that the water only appears to be, at most, five feet deep. The rocks that rest on the bottom of the pool’s earthen floor seem to be so close that you can almost touch them by merely sticking your arm into the water. The true depth of Blue Pool is 30 feet!
The water from Blue Pool comes from underground where it has been purified by the rocks and sediment underneath the surface of the Earth. It’s constantly in circulation from its underground source. This also explains why the water is so cold; it comes fresh from underground. When water is that cold, it makes it difficult for organisms to survive.
The Tamolitch Falls, now a seasonal waterfall, once had a constant flow on the McKenzie River. In the 1960s, water was diverted for hydroelectric use from the stream above the falls; that section of the stream, as well as the falls, ceased to flow except during periods of heavy runoff or when water was diverted from the dams upstream. When this is not the case, the stream goes underground and now emerges below the falls. At the base of the former falls is the Tamolitch Blue Pool.
I have a photo of the Tamolitch waterfall in my waterfalls album. You only get to see the falls at certain times of the years. It was worth slogging through slush and snow to see the waterfall dropping into the pool.
Grey Heron - Ardea Cinerea with Mirror Carp...
Grey Heron - Ardea Cinerea
Best viewed .....Double click!
The grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a long-legged predatory wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn. A bird of wetland areas, it can be seen around lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and on the sea coast. It feeds mostly on aquatic creatures which it catches after standing stationary beside or in the water or stalking its prey through the shallows.
The birds breed colonially in spring in "heronries", usually building their nests high in trees. A clutch of usually three to five bluish-green eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days, and then both feed the chicks, which fledge when seven or eight weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter, but if they do, they can expect to live for about five years.
In Ancient Egypt, the deity Bennu was depicted as a heron in New Kingdom artwork. In Ancient Rome, the heron was a bird of divination. Roast heron was once a specially-prized dish; when George Neville became Archbishop of York in 1465, four hundred herons were served to the guests.
The grey heron has a slow flight, with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills, which extend their necks.
Fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects are taken in shallow water with the heron's long bill. It has also been observed catching and killing juvenile birds such as ducklings, and occasionally takes birds up to the size of a water rail. It may stand motionless in the shallows, or on a rock or sandbank beside the water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Alternatively, it moves slowly and stealthily through the water with its body less upright than when at rest and its neck curved in an "S". It is able to straighten its neck and strike with its bill very fast.
Small fish are swallowed head first, and larger prey and eels are carried to the shore where they are subdued by being beaten on the ground or stabbed by the bill. They are then swallowed, or have hunks of flesh torn off. For prey such as small mammals and birds or ducklings, the prey is held by the neck and either drowned, suffocated, or killed by having its neck snapped with the heron's beak, before being swallowed whole. The bird regurgitates pellets of indigestible material such as fur, bones and the chitinous remains of insects. The main periods of hunting are around dawn and dusk, but it is also active at other times of day. At night it roosts in trees or on cliffs, where it tends to be gregarious.
Population:
UK breeding:
13,000 nests
UK wintering:
63,000 birds
Thanks to all who take the time to view, Comment or Fav, It is Always Appreciated.
Sometime in January, I started hearing a singular call repeated over and over in the woods for long periods at a time that I could not identify. I listened to audio and just couldn't find a good match. The only constant was that the general vicinity of the calling remained the same. I could not think of a bird that would stay in the same place for weeks on end and make a call that was so loud as to echo across a meadow and up a hill. I was stumped. I called Audubon and they could not identify it either. Time passed.
As nature often reveals itself, weeks after hearing the calls, far downhill at the edge of the woods, I saw a beautiful, brightly colored good-sized bird against the drab field. I instantly knew this must be who was making the calls and the colors were easily identifiable as a Ring-necked pheasant.
I also knew there was no way I was going to get to him without scaring him off.
I bided my time and a few weeks later he was further up the hill foraging in the newly greening hay meadow. As an added bonus to shooting several shots, he threw his chest out, flapped his wings and let out the very loud drawn out squawk/scream that I had become so familiar with. It was dusk and even in poor light, his beautiful feather patterning and colors lifted my spirits during this early period of sheltering in place.
Further reading if interested: portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Fact-Sheets/Ring-necked-Pheasant
As always, thank you for stopping by for visits and conversation!
Altes Rathaus means "Old City Hall".
The old city hall of Regensburg is a conglomerate of various styles, dating to different periods, with the oldest parts in GOthic style dating back to the 13th century. This is the eastern baroque extension, dating from 1660/1662.
The tower to the left is a reconstruction completed in 1363, after the original tower burned down in 1360.
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.
Today has been a heavy rains ... with periods of drizzle in between. Took advantage of those drizzly times out with the macro lens.
The neighbors must really think me nut ;)
…is a few minutes of their time each day
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This morning, I went out to check on the Western Grebe family at a local wildlife preserve. I was surprised to see the mother feeding a feather to one of her young! This behavior is actually quite common among grebes. They often eat their own feathers while preening, which then line their stomachs. This feathery lining can help protect their digestive systems from sharp fish bones. Eventually, they regurgitate the feathers in a pellet along with the bones and other indigestible bits.
Western Grebes are almost always in the water, where they dive for prey or rest on the surface. They can disappear for long periods during dives.
Setting off crisp black-and-white plumage with a yellow bill and red eye, the slender Western Grebe is an elegant presence on lakes and ocean coasts of western North America. Along with its close relative, the Clark’s Grebe, it’s renowned for a ballet-like courtship display in which male and female “run” across the water in synchrony, their long necks curved in an S-shape. These water birds rarely come ashore, instead taking long dives to catch fish and other aquatic animals.
The oldest recorded Western Grebe was a female and at least 11 years old when she was found in Minnesota, where she had been banded.
(Nikon Z8, Nikor 600/6.3, 1/1250 @ f/8.0, ISO 450, edited to taste)
29-May-2019: the Karstic "Ghost Lake" of Cerknica, Cérkniško jézero, has managed to cover almost entirely its basin of 38km2 after 13 months at minimum levels or even empty (except the small artificially embanked part) as, at times, between July 2018 and January 2019: so long dry periods are (or were?) a rarity for the decidely rainy Internal Karst Region that has annual accumulations of 1600l/m2 downstream, while 2000 to 3000l/m2 on the reliefs, especially in the south/east, Snežnik mountain area and in the north/west, Trnovski Gozd/Trnovo Forest.
The sinkholes collect all the water in dry periods, where it persists in the subsoil, turning into resurgences when, with abundant rains, the underground layers have filled up and the water has overflowed, with a typical noise, through these swarming springs.
The rest is done by the 2 main tributaries streams of the lake, namely Stržen or, recently(?), Jezerščica (from Loška Dolina) and Cerkniščica (from Bloke Plateau), which last is the main one.
Due to my health condition, I am unable to hold or stabilize a camera for extended periods of time. Additionally, using a tripod has never been enjoyable for me, as it would cause pain when trying to position it correctly and constantly bending over to check the viewfinder. Consequently, I have chosen to explore digital AI artwork as an alternative. I understand that this may not be everyone's cup of tea, as it diverges from traditional photography. However, I have always granted myself the freedom to exercise artistic license and pursue whatever brings me joy. Currently, digital AI artwork fulfills that purpose, at least for the time being.
Due to my health condition, I am unable to hold or stabilize a camera for extended periods of time. Additionally, using a tripod has never been enjoyable for me, as it would cause pain when trying to position it correctly and constantly bending over to check the viewfinder. Consequently, I have chosen to explore digital AI artwork as an alternative. I understand that this may not be everyone's cup of tea, as it diverges from traditional photography. However, I have always granted myself the freedom to exercise artistic license and pursue whatever brings me joy. Currently, digital AI artwork fulfills that purpose, at least for the time being.
Due to my health condition, I am unable to hold or stabilize a camera for extended periods of time. Additionally, using a tripod has never been enjoyable for me, as it would cause pain when trying to position it correctly and constantly bending over to check the viewfinder. Consequently, I have chosen to explore digital AI artwork as an alternative. I understand that this may not be everyone's cup of tea, as it diverges from traditional photography. However, I have always granted myself the freedom to exercise artistic license and pursue whatever brings me joy. Currently, digital AI artwork fulfills that purpose, at least for the time being.
Due to my health condition, I am unable to hold or stabilize a camera for extended periods of time. Additionally, using a tripod has never been enjoyable for me, as it would cause pain when trying to position it correctly and constantly bending over to check the viewfinder. Consequently, I have chosen to explore digital AI artwork as an alternative. I understand that this may not be everyone's cup of tea, as it diverges from traditional photography. However, I have always granted myself the freedom to exercise artistic license and pursue whatever brings me joy. Currently, digital AI artwork fulfills that purpose, at least for the time being.
Griechenland, Greece - Insel Rhodos, Lindos,
Der hohe, 116 Meter steil aufragende Felsen von Lindos, auf dem sich später die Akropolis erhob, bot sich den Bewohnern aller historischen Perioden wegen der natürlichen Gegebenheiten dafür an, hier ein Heiligtum mit religiöser Bedeutsamkeit und einen Zufluchtsort zu errichten. Wie in anderen griechischen Poleis auch, dürfte die Akropolis von Lindos zunächst eine Festung gewesen sein, in deren Sicherheit man anschließend Heiligtümer für wichtige Stadtgottheiten errichtete.
In mykenischer Zeit soll der Felsen noch mit Olivenbäumen bewachsen gewesen sein und erste Gebäude aus Holz beherbergt haben. Der Legende nach soll Danaos das Heiligtum der Athene Lindia gegründet haben. Mitte des 6. Jahrhunderts v. Chr. soll Kleobulos das Heiligtum durch ein Gebäude aus Stein ersetzt haben. 392 v. Chr. hat ein Feuer den Tempel im Gipfelbereich schwer beschädigt oder zerstört, so dass er wieder errichtet werden musste. Im frühen 3. Jahrhundert v. Chr. wurden das rechtwinkeligen Gebäude verstärkt und die beiden Seitenwände neu errichtet.
The high, 116-metre cliff of Lindos, on which the acropolis later rose, was an ideal place for the inhabitants of all historical periods to build a sanctuary with religious significance and a place of refuge due to the natural conditions. As in other Greek poleis, the acropolis of Lindos was probably initially a fortress, in the safety of which sanctuaries for important city deities were subsequently erected.
In Mycenaean times, the rock is said to have been overgrown with olive trees and to have housed the first wooden buildings. Legend has it that Danaos founded the sanctuary of Athena Lindia. In the middle of the 6th century BC, Cleobulus is said to have replaced the sanctuary with a stone building. In 392 BC, a fire severely damaged or destroyed the temple in the summit area, so that it had to be rebuilt. In the early 3rd century BC, the rectangular building was reinforced and the two side walls were rebuilt.