There's quite a population of Canada Geese...

Schloss Blutenburg (Blutenburg Castle) was first mentioned in 1432 though it's origins reach back to a moated castle from the 13th century.

In the years 1438–39 Duke Albert III, Duke of Bavaria rebuild the castle as a hunting-lodge.

Nowadays it houses the International Youth Library (Internationale Jugendbibliothek) and the library of the Michael Ende Museum.

© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.

Fergus (2011 population 19,126)[1] is the largest community in Centre Wellington, a township within Wellington County in Ontario, Canada. It lies on the Grand River about 25 km north of Guelph

Heritage Small Town

Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus scirpaceus

The Reed Warbler is a medium-sized warbler of reedbeds. A summer visitor to the UK, it weaves its nest as a sling between two or three reed stems, and lays three to five eggs in it. Forming monogamous pairs, both parents raise the chicks.

Reed Warblers are common victims of brood-parasitism by Cuckoos.

It is migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa.

Population:

UK breeding:

130,000 pairs

Gouldian Finch, sometimes called Rainbow Finch, is endemic to Australia, but is found in many aviaries, like the Toledo Zoo Aviary, Toledo, Ohio.

Like the familiar story of declining populations of wildlife, the Gouldian Finch has been the victim of habitat destruction, "collecting" for cages/aviaries, and being an easy target for predators.

There are many color variations of Gouldian Finches, especially in captive populations.

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

Pico Island’s population (just 15k inhabitants) live scattered along the coastline. In the interior of the island you can’t find a soul. Just happy cows grazing and enjoying an easy life from abundant pasture.

That’s a pity (or a blessing…) because you can find there beautiful spots with an endless number of volcanoes, craters, lakes (crater lakes) and views to the sea and nearby islands. And green, a lot of green!

One of the lakes I’ve found there is this “pearl”. An awesome view! The couple of white spots you see in the image aren’t hot pixels. No, they are just cows calmly grazing and enjoying the view…!

*****

Pico Island, Azores, Portugal

© All rights reserved Rui Baptista. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission.

Inowrocław is a city with a population of almost 75,000. residents. One of the oldest Polish cities, founded in the years 1231–1267. Already in the 11th century, this area was quite a dense settlement complex, probably associated with the oldest salt works.

The strict city center is typical of towns founded in the Middle Ages. The central square is a rectangular market square with streets diverging from it. Most of the tenement houses existing at them date back to the 19th century. On the developed market square there is a modern fountain and a figure of Queen Jadwiga, the patron of Inowrocław.

-

Inowrocław jest miastem, które liczy prawie 75 tys. mieszkańców. Jedno z najstarszych miast polskich lokowane w latach 1231–1267. Już w XI wieku teren ten stanowił dość zwarty kompleks osadniczy, związany prawdopodobnie z najstarszą warzelnią soli.

Ścisłe centrum miasta jest typowe dla założonych w okresie średniowiecza miast. Centralnym placem jest prostokątny rynek, od którego odchodzą uliczki. Istniejące przy nich obecnie kamienice w większości pochodzą z XIX wieku. Na zagospodarowanej płycie rynku znajduje się nowoczesna fontanna oraz figura Królowej Jadwigi, która jest patronką Inowrocławia.

Pine Marten - Martes martes

Pine martens are found in the Scottish Highlands and Grampians, with isolated populations in southern Scotland. In England and North Wales pine martens seem to be on the verge of extinction. They are widespread and relatively common in Ireland. Although they occur in a wide range of habitats, pine martens prefer well-wooded areas with plenty of cover.

Diet: Pine martens are generalist predators, feeding on small rodents, birds, beetles, carrion, eggs and fungi. In autumn, berries are a staple.

General Ecology: Marten dens are commonly found in hollow trees or the fallen root masses of Scots pines, an association that probably earned pine martens their name; cairns and cliffs covered with scrub are frequently used as alternative den sites. Martens have territories that vary in size according to habitat and food availability. For males, these are about 10-25 square kilometres and for females about 5-15 square kilometres. They mark their territories with faeces (known as scats) deposited in places where they are conspicuous to other martens; they are frequently left along forestry trails.

Breeding: Young martens are born blind and hairless, in litters of 1-5, in early spring and stay with their mothers for about six weeks. Their eyes open at the end of May and by mid-June they begin to emerge from their den. Male martens play no direct part in rearing the young.

Conservation Status: Martens and their dens are fully protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981); martens must not be trapped, sold or disturbed except under licence from Scottish Natural Heritage, the Countryside Council for Wales or Natural England. Despite this legal protection, poisoned baits and traps, often set for hooded crows and foxes, still probably account for many marten deaths each year. Others are also shot at hen houses, and some are killed when mistaken for mink.

Until the 19th Century, pine martens were found throughout much of mainland Britain, the Isle of Wight and some of the Scottish islands. Habitat fragmentation, persecution by gamekeepers and martens being killed for their fur, drastically reduced this distribution. By 1926, the main pine marten population in Britain was restricted to a small area of north-west Scotland, with small numbers in N Wales and the Lake District. They have now increased their range in Scotland, and now occur throughout the Highlands, N of the Central Belt but remains one of the rarest native mammals in Great Britain, with a total population of around 3-4,000, but Ireland probably also has as many.

Okavango Delta

Botswana

Southern Africa

Happy Caturday!

Lions are commonly seen in most parts of Botswana. Even though lions don't like water, sightings of lions in the northern Okavango Delta are spectacular. The lions have learned to thrive there - mainly due to the large buffalo population.

The Lions of Botswana have torn up the rule book as we know it. Lions don't like water, lions seldom, if ever, hunt elephants, hippos and lions need water to survive - these are some of the ideas that we have learnt over the years. In Botswana lions take to the water regularly, lions do hunt elephant and hippo and in some areas of the country lions can go for months without drinking water.

Home ranges of the lions vary in size for the same reasons - availability of food. In the arid areas the home ranges will be much larger and a great deal of overlapping with neighbouring prides occurs.

Lions in the Okavango Delta are adept at negotiating the channels and floodplains in order to hunt. Prey moves between the islands and lions have to cross the water to follow. Because of this water activity the front quarters of the Okavango Delta lions are more developed than those of other lions. From buffalo to hippo and even adult elephant. there are prides that have adapted to preying on all. – Internet

This camel was at the Caversham Wildlife Park

Australian feral camels are feral populations of dromedaries. Imported into Australia from British India and Afghanistan during the 19th century for transport and construction during the colonisation of the central and western parts of Australia, many were released into the wild after motorised transport replaced the use of camels in the early 20th century

With a population of just over 300 Reine has to be one of the most stunning villages in the world. Located over 100 km above the Arctic Circle this villiage has so much activities to offer such as kayaking, biking, and skiing. The traditional red and white fishermen’s cabins sit beautifully along the shoreline and the enormous peaks of granite dominate the skyline.

We had lovely golden light the morning we visited it and for a few minutes were lucky enough to take advantage of the calm morning by shooting the beautiful reflection in the water. You can not go to Lofoten without making a stop at this incredible location.

Please feel free to favourite and follow.

Facebook | Instagram | Website

Stonechat - Saxicola Torquata (F)

Double click to view

The stonechat is 11.5–13 cm long and weighs 13–17 g, slightly smaller than the European robin. Both sexes have distinctively short wings, shorter than those of the more migratory whinchat and Siberian stonechat.

The summer male has black upperparts, a black head, an orange throat and breast, and a white belly and vent. It also has a white half-collar on the sides of its neck, a small white scapular patch on the wings, and a very small white patch on the rump often streaked with black. The female has brown upperparts and head, and no white neck patches, rump or belly, these areas being streaked dark brown on paler brown, the only white being the scapular patch on the wings and even this often being buffy-white.

European stonechats breed in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. They are short-distance migrants or non-migratory, with part of the population (particularly from northeastern parts of the range, where winters are colder) moving south to winter further south in Europe and more widely in north Africa.

Population:

UK breeding:

59,000 pairs

Any finite number divided by infinity is as near to nothing as makes no odds, so the average population of all the planets in the Universe can be said to be zero. From this it follows that the population of the whole Universe is also zero, and that any people you may meet from time to time are merely the products of a deranged imagination :-)

Douglas Adams, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe

HFF!! a little statistical humor for these infinitely unusual times ;-)

narcissus, 'Sweet Smiles', j c raulston arboretum, ncsu, raleigh, north carolina

Krabi, Thailand

Order : Lepidoptera

Family : Nymphalidae

Sub-Family : Heliconiinae

Genus : Cepora

Species : Dryas iulia

This beautiful longwing species is not native to Thailand and originates from the Americas. However, it is believed to have originated from a butterfly farm in Phuket and there is now a healthy wild population found in a number of places in southern Thailand and peninsular Malaysia.

My website - bugs-alive.blogspot.com

All my insect pics are one shot, hand-held macros of live insects in the wild.

Valley of the Moon

In the language of the native populations, the name “Ischigualasto” means “The place where the moon shines”. In Spanish the place is commonly known as “Valle de la Luna” (Valley of the Moon), and consists basically of badlands, with almost no vegetation.

During the Triassic period, on the west side of the former continent Pangea, some valleys were formed where sediments mixed with animals and plants remains.

As if a chest were opened, Ischigualasto provides a complete representation of the Triassic Period of geological history (c.250-200 million years before present), revealing the evolution of flora and vertebrate life.

It is considered one of the most important fossil deposits on earth and has been declared world heritage. Some of the oldest dinosaur fossils were found there (the “Eoraptor” is an example).

There is a limit for the number of the people that can visit the place, and the company of one the Park’s rangers is mandatory.

------------------------------------

Valle de la Luna

En la lengua de los pueblos originarios, el nombre “Ischigualasto” significa “El lugar donde brilla la luna”. En castellano, hoy se conoce al lugar como el “Valle de la Luna”.

Se trata de un sitio casi sin vegetación y básicamente formado por “tierras malas” (el término geológico es “badlands”).

Durante el período triásico, en el oeste del antiguo continente Pangea, se formaron valles en los que los sedimentos fueron cubriendo a los animales y flora del lugar.

Como si se abriera un arcón, Ischigualasto muestra una representación completa del Triásico (un período que va de 200 a 250 millones de años en el pasado), revelando la evolución animal y vegetal de ese período.

Se lo considera uno de los depósitos de fósiles más importantes en el planeta y ha sido declarado “Patrimonio de la Humanidad” hace años. Algunos de los fósiles de dinosaurios más antiguos han sido encontrado allí (como el “Eoraptor”).

Hay un límite para el número de gente que puede visitar el parque cada día, y es obligatorio hacerlo en compañía de un guía.

Shot in St Anne, Illinois population 1,161

.

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

Nieuwpoort

municipality of Liesveld (population approx. 9,585)

The name Nieuwpoort is derived from the Latin ‘Nova Portus’, freely translated as the ‘New Harbour’. Nieuwpoort is one of the smallest Dutch fortified towns and was founded around 1200 by the Lords of Liesveld and Langerak. Nieuwpoort had a part to play in the functioning of the old Hollandse Waterlinie. In the 17th century, on the recommendation of Prince William of Orange, Nieuwpoort was given ramparts and canals in a fortress with six bastions. A pleasant walk along the fortifications can be combined with a visit to the Oudheidkamer [Antiquities Room] in the town hall, where the history of Nieuwpoort is relived. Nieuwpoort, with its protected townscape, is a part of the municipality of Liesveld, together with Groot-Ammers, Langerak and Streefkerk.

a fantastic little place with a big history. Nice for a photograper. I hope you like this shot here.

The Siberian tiger or Amur tiger is a population of the tiger subspecies Panthera tigris tigris native to the Russian Far East, Northeast China[ and possibly North Korea. It once ranged throughout the Korean Peninsula, but currently inhabits mainly the Sikhote-Alin mountain region in southwest Primorye Province in the Russian Far East. In 2005, there were 331–393 adult and subadult Siberian tigers in this region, with a breeding adult population of about 250 individuals. The population had been stable for more than a decade because of intensive conservation efforts, but partial surveys conducted after 2005 indicate that the Russian tiger population was declining. An initial census held in 2015 indicated that the Siberian tiger population had increased to 480–540 individuals in the Russian Far East, including 100 cubs. This was followed up by a more detailed census which revealed there was a total population of 562 wild Siberian tigers in Russia. As of 2014, about 35 individuals were estimated to range in the international border area between Russia and China.

The Siberian tiger is genetically close to the now-extinct Caspian tiger. Results of a phylogeographic study comparing mitochondrial DNA from Caspian tigers and living tiger populations indicate that the common ancestor of the Siberian and Caspian tigers colonized Central Asia from eastern China, via the Gansu−Silk Road corridor, and then subsequently traversed Siberia eastward to establish the Siberian tiger population in the Russian Far East. The Caspian and Siberian tiger populations were the northernmost in mainland Asia.

The Siberian tiger was also called "Amur tiger", "Manchurian tiger", "Korean tiger", and "Ussurian tiger", depending on the region where individuals were observed.

The population of birds at The Ocean City Welcome center in New jersey has really shifted this year. There were way more Egret Nests, White Ibis have taken over the place, at least 50 juvs. The Night Herons were few and far between.

Milford, Illinois - population 1,230

Nieuwpoort

municipality of Liesveld (population approx. 9,585)

The name Nieuwpoort is derived from the Latin ‘Nova Portus’, freely translated as the ‘New Harbour’. Nieuwpoort is one of the smallest Dutch fortified towns and was founded around 1200 by the Lords of Liesveld and Langerak. Nieuwpoort had a part to play in the functioning of the old Hollandse Waterlinie. In the 17th century, on the recommendation of Prince William of Orange, Nieuwpoort was given ramparts and canals in a fortress with six bastions. A pleasant walk along the fortifications can be combined with a visit to the Oudheidkamer [Antiquities Room] in the town hall, where the history of Nieuwpoort is relived. Nieuwpoort, with its protected townscape, is a part of the municipality of Liesveld, together with Groot-Ammers, Langerak and Streefkerk.

a fantastic little place with a big history. Nice for a photographer. I hope you like this shot here.

Blue Ridge Mountain Clouds just off the Parkway at a scenic spot some rain clouds are blowing in, you can see some sparse population in this remote area.

Male - Near Threatened (Population stable) - Wild - at Serra do Espinhaço - MG - Brasil.

Have a nice Friday! Stay home, stay safe!

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.

Located in Devonport, building architecture is impressive. Devonport is a city in northern Tasmania, Australia. It is situated at the mouth of the Mersey River. Devonport had an urban population of 23,046 at the 2016 Australian census. A larger urban area, including Latrobe has a population of 30,297 at June 2018, having grown at an average annual rate of 0.17% year-on-year over the preceding five years. The main CBD is on the west side of the Mersey River and includes a pedestrian mall, cinema, speciality stores, chain stores such as IGA and hotels. There are several local restaurants and cafes. 29419

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.

The birdie population in SoCal is just exploding everywhere. It was another May Gray day at the pond today, but just delightful. There were lots of scurrying little shorebirds, turf interactions, etc. not to mention some mating amongst friends. Here an American Avocet with one of her chicks. Check it large!

These magnificent birds are eye-catching thanks to their 6 – 7.5 foot wingspan, large white tail, white head and contrasting dark body. Their hooked beak and feet are yellow.

Unlike other large soaring birds such as vultures or ospreys, the bald eagle flies with its wings held flat, flapping infrequently.

Here are some other facts you may not know about our national symbol:As our national symbol, the bald eagle is linked to its 1782 landing on the Great Seal of the United States. Considered a sign of strength, the eagle was used by Roman legions as their standard.

Female bald eagles are larger than males by as much as 25 percent.

With populations on the rise since the 1970s, an estimated 1,500 nesting pairs now reside in Florida. Their habitats are forested areas near expanses of shallow fresh or salt water.

The bald eagle is a conservation success story. While no longer listed under the federal Endangered Species Act or state imperiled species rule, bald eagles remain protected by both state and federal law.

I found this one in Osceola County, Florida.

Elkhart is a small village (population 450 at the 2020 census) in Logan County that is located 20 miles northwest of Springfield, the state capital. This view shows the north side of Elkhart's business district on Governor Oglesby Street.

Richard Oglesby (1824-1899) lived in Elkhart and served as governor of Illinois from 1865 to 1869, 1873, and 1885 to 1889 making him the first man in Illinois history to serve three times as governor. He also represented Illinois in the United States Senator from 1873 until 1879.

During his tenure as governor, the Republican advocated improving the quality of care of the mentally ill and for other groups of disabled citizens. He also signed legislation expanding the State Hospital system from one campus to three. After his retirement, Oglesby spent his remaining years in retirement and died in 1899 at his "Oglehurst" estate in Elkhart. Governor Oglesby is buried in Elkhart Cemetery.

Sources: "Elkhart, Illinois" and "Richard J. Oglesby" on Wikipedia

Bei unseren heimischen Rotfüchsen ist es nicht immer der Fall, dass man so viele gesunde Tiere antrifft, wie dieses Jahr.

Die heimtückische Fuchsräude geht immer mal wieder um und so werden oft ganze Familienbestände ausgelöscht.

Newman, Douglas County, Illinois. Population 778. Within its city limits you'll find all the ingredients for a quintessential Illinois hamlet. Quiet brick-and-mortar mainstreet, grain elevator complex, railroad splicing through the center. An unerring formula for small towns all across the Prairie State. The corn and soy crops encroaching on Newman's borders serve as the primary economic driver, as they do for a wide majority of Illinois' 58k square miles. Watco's aptly-named Decatur and Eastern Illinois Railroad earns its keep transporting the region's farm product to market, utilizing former B&O rails spun off from CSX in 2018 to forward large quantities of agricultural goods east from the processing epicenter of Decatur. The rails through Newman are hot on this unseasonably warm winter morning with DREI's eastbound road train #101, its pair of flares moving another 9 carloads towards points east via the CSX interchange at Terre Haute, IN.

Hobart is the capital and most populous city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. With a population of approximately 240,342 (over 45% of Tasmania's population), it is the least populated Australian state capital city, and second smallest if territories are taken into account (after Darwin, Northern Territory). The city is located in the state's south-east on the estuary of the River Derwent, making it the most southern of Australia's capital cities. Its skyline is dominated by the 1,271-metre Mount Wellington, and its harbour forms the second-deepest natural port in the world, with much of the city's waterfront consisting of reclaimed land. The metropolitan area is often referred to as Greater Hobart, to differentiate it from the City of Hobart, one of the five local government areas that cover the city. Founded in 1804 as a British penal colony, Hobart is Australia's second oldest capital city after Sydney, New South Wales. 30122

Population: 1380

The medieval castle ruin rises 255 meters above sea level surrounded with the small village.

Castle of Nógrád - The Hungarian history millennial silent witness - old tower of the castle visible from far distant waiting for curious visitors.

Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus (M)

(Double click)

The common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a bird of prey species belonging to the kestrel group of the falcon family Falconidae. It is also known as the European kestrel, Eurasian kestrel, or Old World kestrel. In Britain, where no other kestrel species occurs, it is generally just called "the kestrel".

This species occurs over a large range. It is widespread in Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as occasionally reaching the east coast of North America.

Kestrels can hover in still air, even indoors in barns. Because they face towards any slight wind when hovering, the common kestrel is called a "windhover" in some areas.

Unusual for falcons, plumage often differs between male and female, although as is usual with monogamous raptors the female is slightly larger than the male. This allows a pair to fill different feeding niches over their home range. Kestrels are bold and have adapted well to human encroachment, nesting in buildings and hunting by major roads. Kestrels do not build their own nests, but use nests built by other species.

Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside; the remiges are also blackish. Unlike most raptors, they display sexual colour dimorphism with the male having fewer black spots and streaks, as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females, and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. All common kestrels have a prominent black malar stripe like their closest relatives.

The cere, feet, and a narrow ring around the eye are bright yellow; the toenails, bill and iris are dark. Juveniles look like adult females, but the underside streaks are wider; the yellow of their bare parts is paler. Hatchlings are covered in white down feathers, changing to a buff-grey second down coat before they grow their first true plumage.

Data from Britain shows nesting pairs bringing up about 2–3 chicks on average, though this includes a considerable rate of total brood failures; actually, few pairs that do manage to fledge offspring raise less than 3 or 4. Compared to their siblings, first-hatched chicks have greater survival and recruitment probability, thought to be due to the first-hatched chicks obtaining a higher body condition when in the nest. Population cycles of prey, particularly voles, have a considerable influence on breeding success. Most common kestrels die before they reach 2 years of age; mortality up until the first birthday may be as high as 70%. At least females generally breed at one year of age; possibly, some males take a year longer to maturity as they do in related species. The biological lifespan to death from senescence can be 16 years or more, however; one was recorded to have lived almost 24 years.

Population:

UK breeding:

46,000 pairs

Réalisé le 4 octobre 2012 au parc national de Ranomafana, Madagascar, Afrique.

Les populations de cette galidie souffrent de la réduction de son habitat traditionnel : ses effectifs ont baissé de 20 % en 10 ans (entre 2005 et 2015). Elles souffrent également de la compétition avec la Petite civette indienne qui a été introduite à Madagascar, mais aussi les chats sauvages et les chiens. / The populations of this mongoose are suffering from the reduction of their traditional habitat: their numbers have fallen by 20% in 10 years (between 2005 and 2015). They also suffer from competition with the Indian civet, which was introduced to Madagascar, as well as wild cats and dogs.

Taken on October, 4th / 2012 inside the Ranomafana National Park in Madagascar, Africa.

In particularly harsh winters, Wren populations can deplete significantly by up to as much as 25%. Despite this startling statistic, this is often countered by the large broods created throughout the breeding season. I hope this little guy is one of the lucky ones their fantastic little birds and only weigh as much as a 2p coin .

La Sauceda is a dispersed population center belonging to the municipality of Cortes de la Frontera (Málaga province,

Spain). It is located in the natural park of Los Alcornocales.

The area had special importance during the Spanish civil war. At that time, La Sauceda surpassed Cortes de la Frontera in population. Many people from the entire province of Cádiz (especially the countryside of Jerez) took refuge in it, fleeing the repression of the Francoist army. Due to the steep terrain, it was a brake on the advance of Francoist troops from the Strait towards Seville and Madrid. When these troops finally managed to penetrate the area of La Sauceda, they carried out innumerable murders of men, women and children who had taken refuge there. In the vicinity of La Sauceda, in the Cortijo de El Marrufo, a one of the largest mass graves in Spain, where hundreds of Spaniards tortured and executed by Franco's troops may be buried.

In the 21st century, a House of Memory was installed for the victims in Jimena de la Frontera.

Lewa Downs

Northern Kenya

East Africa

Grevy's zebra photographed in Lewa Downs in Kenya. Found within the 65,000-acre wildlife conservancy of the Lewa Wilderness Trust, the conservancy is home to the single largest population of Grevy’s zebra in the world.

It also contains about 10% of Kenya’s Black Rhino population. Because of extremely strict anti-poaching measures, there has been no poaching in Lewa Downs for years.

The Grévy's zebra (Equus grevyi), also known as the imperial zebra, is the largest extant wild equid and the largest and most endangered of the three species of zebra, the other two being the plains zebra and the mountain zebra.

Named after Jules Grévy, it is the sole extant member of the subgenus Dolichohippus. The Grévy's zebra is found in Kenya and Ethiopia. Compared with other zebras, it is tall, has large ears, and its stripes are narrower. Wikipedia

Australia's immigration policy and no housing

When I went out looking for a Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher in the foothills of Tubac what I found was a 'population explosion' of Cassin's Kingbirds...they were Everywhere!

My thoughts and prayers are with the state of Florida and my friends and contacts that live there.

Thank you for your visit and comments.

Ornella (population: 67) was the unexpected gem that highlighted our return trip on a otherwise dull and overcast Sunday. The colors here were just incredible but it started to rain right after i shot a few frames, then low clouds and strong cold winds forced us to leave. We'll be back....

Thank you for your kind visit.

This lizard was basking in the sunshine, Arne RSPB reserve Dorset. It's a male in its breeding colours.

According to Wildlife Trust website:

The sand lizard is extremely rare due to the loss of its sandy heath and dune habitats. Reintroduction programmes have helped establish new populations.

Restricted to a few isolated areas in Dorset (my home county), Hampshire, Surrey and Merseyside. Reintroduced into other areas in the South East, South West and Wales.

Statistics

Length: 20cm

Weight: 15g

Average lifespan: up to 20 years

Conservation status

Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. Listed as a European Protected Species under Annex IV of the European Habitats Directive.

When to see

April to October

A large, dark grayish brown kiwi with brownish streaking, often showing white patches on face. Restricted to native forest near Okarito in New Zealand, with small populations on predator-free Mana, Blumine, and Motuara islands. Often heard at night foraging as it sniffs loudly, tapping the ground for invertebrates. Male call is a series of clear rising whistles. Female call is a harsh throaty wail. Both sexes repeat their call many times, and sometimes call simultaneously. Could be confused with Weka by voice and shape; look for the kiwi’s much longer bill and lack of tail, and listen for its multisyllabic call. (eBird)

---------------

On the ferry to Blumine Island were two conservation officers who were taking two kiwis to a nearby island for release into the wild. During the trip, they brought out one of the kiwis and showed the fascinated passengers how the birds were banded and tagged with electronic trackers. The kiwi wasn't really impressed by all this handling, but the bander knew what she was doing and the job was quickly done. Before returning him to his travel box, the conservation officer showed him off to the enthralled passengers, most of whom had probably never seen a kiwi close up and in the daylight. I was absolutely thrilled!

A few days later, we heard a female calling at a mainland location, but did not see her so this was the only sighting that we had.

Ferry to Blumine Island, Marlborough, New Zealand. March 2024.

Roadrunner Birding Tours.

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

Hobart is the capital and most populous city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. With a population of approximately 240,342 (over 45% of Tasmania's population), it is the least populated Australian state capital city, and second smallest if territories are taken into account (after Darwin, Northern Territory). The city is located in the state's south-east on the estuary of the River Derwent, making it the most southern of Australia's capital cities. Its skyline is dominated by the 1,271-metre Mount Wellington, and its harbour forms the second-deepest natural port in the world, with much of the city's waterfront consisting of reclaimed land. The metropolitan area is often referred to as Greater Hobart, to differentiate it from the City of Hobart, one of the five local government areas that cover the city. Founded in 1804 as a British penal colony, Hobart is Australia's second oldest capital city after Sydney, New South Wales. 30931

This little guy was singing his heart out on his little perch looking very pleased with himself !! In particularly harsh winters, Wren populations can deplete significantly by up to as much as 25%. Despite this startling statistic, this is often countered by the large broods created throughout the breeding season. I hope this little guy is one of the lucky ones their fantastic little birds and only weigh as much as a 2p coin .

Please do not use my images in any way without my permission they are copyright protected !!

Please take A look in Large !! press L

Thanks to everyone that takes the time and makes the effort to comment and fave my pics its very much appreciated

Regards Clive

With a population of 653 (as of 2019) the small rural town of Cove is located in Union County, Oregon. I really liked the character of this tiny library. Built in 1923.

If You're Curious: coveoregon.org/cove-library/

Jimmy Buffet: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdCQBoMamJM

Make the appearance of the face and body more horrific.

Population in einem Park in Berlin

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for your visits, messages, comments and faves!

Please don't use and don't link this images on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission. © www.fhmedien.de. All rights reserved.

DSC_0047DS2

Yellow-crested Cockatoo is considered a highly endangered species. They are native to Indonesia & East Timor although Hong Kong Island hosts the largest population outside of their native habitat. They seem to be happy immigrants in Hong Kong Island & can often be seen at Hong Kong Park.