ⓒRebecca Bugge, All Rights Reserved

Do not use without permission.

In Japan peonies are very popular - generally they are a late spring flower, but in the Edo period they began cultivating winter varieties too, and to protect them from the possibility of snow they grow under these straw 'huts'.

This shot is from the Ueno Toshogu Peony garden, which is a part of the Ueno Toshogu shrine, but with its own entrance fee and only open when the flowers are in bloom (generally early January - mid February, and mid-April to mid-May, but subject to change due to how good the flowers look (!) so this year they actually had a slightly longer winter season), so it can be a bit hard for a tourist to time it.

And I have to say, I am not all that in to flowers, but it is a place that is well worth a visit because it really is quite lovely - and they even played some beautiful, tranquil music in the background. Never had that in a botanical garden before!

Photographed the male Wood Duck in it's eclipse phase off the Grindstone Marshes Trail boardwalk in the RBG Hendrie Valley Sanctuary located in the City of Burlington Ontario Canada.

By late summer, a male Wood Duck's need for fancy feathers to attract the females has passed. These birds have moulted, and their bright feathers are replaced with mottled brown ones. Subdued colours help camouflage the male ducks, protecting them from predators. Come fall, the male Wood Ducks will moult again and become the colourful beauties we identify with.

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This photograph and all those within my photostream are protected by copyright. They may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written permission.

Pine trees were held by ropes to protect them from heavy snow. Since Nagoya has not so much snow recently, another purpose of this measure is a decoration for winter. A small boat was filled with flowers and berries, also as a winter decoration, In Shirotori Garden, Nagoya, Japan.

冬支度の白鳥庭園（名古屋市）です。

There is also a complex orgami model of this intriguing Shachihoko, but the result is great. ;-))

I folded it from a square of blue/green elephant-hide paper 30x30cm. Final size: width 11cm, height 15cm.

Model: origami Shachihoko

Design by Fumiaki Kawahata

Diagrams in Tanteidan Magazine #101.

""A 'Shachihoko' (鯱鉾) or 'Shachi' (鯱) is an animal in Japanese folklore with the head of a tiger and the body of a carp.

It was believed that this animal could cause the rain to fall, and as such, temples and castles were often adorned with roof ornaments (shibi) crafted in the form of a shachihoko, in order to protect them from fire.

When pronounced 'shachi ', 鯱 also means orca."" - WiKi

Miss Penelope, our female resident Anna's Hummingbird, checking out our heated Humminbird Feeders! This image was taken about four days before our nasty Winter weather returned. We moved the heated feeders to the eves under our upper deck to help protect them from the wind and cold weather. We received over a foot of snow and we have at least 40 mph winds. We only have a couple more days of 22 degree weather at night!

This is an old picture from my photostream, the same flower that in the first comment box:

Pulsatilla vernalis Spring Pasqueflower, arctic violet, lady of the snows.

Woke up at 04 in the morning to the song of a blackbird outside my window.

I decide soon to go to the only place where these beautiful white flowers growing. A relative of Pulsatella.

They are about 5-6 centimeters high, and very delicate. To protect them, has added logs around the place, so no one accidentally stepped on the plants.

I hope for many pictures of this rare flower

Osteospermum is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Calenduleae, one of the smaller tribes of the sunflower/daisy family Asteraceae. They are known as the daisybushes or African daisies. It has been given several common names: African daisy, South African daisy, Cape daisy and blue-eyed daisy. Osteospermum used to belong to the genus Dimorphotheca, but only the annual species remain in that genus; the perennials belong to Osteospermum. It has been given several common names: African daisy, South African daisy, Cape daisy and blue-eyed daisy. There are about 50 species, native to Africa, 35 species in southern Africa, and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. They are half-hardy perennials or sub-shrubs.

Daisy flower opens and closes because it helps them hold on to moisture and protects them from nocturnal insects. 66939

Osteospermum is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Calenduleae, one of the smaller tribes of the sunflower/daisy family Asteraceae. They are known as the daisybushes or African daisies. It has been given several common names: African daisy, South African daisy, Cape daisy and blue-eyed daisy. Osteospermum used to belong to the genus Dimorphotheca, but only the annual species remain in that genus; the perennials belong to Osteospermum. It has been given several common names: African daisy, South African daisy, Cape daisy and blue-eyed daisy. There are about 50 species, native to Africa, 35 species in southern Africa, and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. They are half-hardy perennials or sub-shrubs.

Daisy flower opens and closes because it helps them hold on to moisture and protects them from nocturnal insects. 67234

Osteospermum is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Calenduleae, one of the smaller tribes of the sunflower/daisy family Asteraceae. They are known as the daisybushes or African daisies. It has been given several common names: African daisy, South African daisy, Cape daisy and blue-eyed daisy. Osteospermum used to belong to the genus Dimorphotheca, but only the annual species remain in that genus; the perennials belong to Osteospermum. It has been given several common names: African daisy, South African daisy, Cape daisy and blue-eyed daisy. There are about 50 species, native to Africa, 35 species in southern Africa, and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. They are half-hardy perennials or sub-shrubs. Daisy flower opens and closes because it helps them hold on to moisture and protects them from nocturnal insects. 62988

Porcupines are large rodents with coats of sharp spines, or quills, that protect them against predation. The term covers two families of animals: the Old World porcupines of family Hystricidae, and the New World porcupines of family Erethizontidae. Wikipedia

Length: Indian crested porcupine: 2.5 ft., MORE Encyclopedia of Life

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

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

Looking through rolled up freshly cut glassine hexagons (ready for use, the best way to protect them against unwanted creases) and what do you see…?

I see a big eye staring back at me ;-))

For the Macro Mondays theme: "Holes"

HMM everyone!

Two miles south of the tiny community of Pedee, Oregon, on the Polk-Benton counties border, is a covered bridge that has long been a meeting place for travelers on the Kings Valley Highway. In addition to its original use as a highway crossing over the creek, residents for nearly 80 years have used the Ritner Creek Covered Bridge for weddings, community picnics, dances and as a shelter from the rain.

Although many roofed bridges continue to serve on secondary roads in Oregon, this span was the last to serve on a primary state highway. When in service, locals mounted their mailboxes inside to protect them from the weather. Covered bridges, once numbering more than 450, are disappearing from the Oregon landscape. Today there are fewer than 50 left standing, and luckily, the Ritner Creek Covered Bridge is one of them.

The Museum at Cardiff is at sea level and the walls around the garden protect them. Surrounding hills were snow covered

When I think of Africa, I think of acacia trees. They are huge natural umbrellas for the wildlife protecting them from the elements. They also provide food for many of the very large animals. The animals had not yet started to stir this quiet morning in Amboseli, so it was just the acacias, my guide and me, waiting for the sun to rise.

Osteospermum is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Calenduleae, one of the smaller tribes of the sunflower/daisy family Asteraceae. They are known as the daisybushes or African daisies. It has been given several common names: African daisy, South African daisy, Cape daisy and blue-eyed daisy. Osteospermum used to belong to the genus Dimorphotheca, but only the annual species remain in that genus; the perennials belong to Osteospermum. It has been given several common names: African daisy, South African daisy, Cape daisy and blue-eyed daisy. There are about 50 species, native to Africa, 35 species in southern Africa, and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. They are half-hardy perennials or sub-shrubs.

Daisy flower opens and closes because it helps them hold on to moisture and protects them from nocturnal insects. R_622

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. This turtle is a member of the genus Chrysemys, which is part of the pond turtle family Emydidae.

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. Although they are frequently consumed as eggs or hatchlings by rodents, canines, and snakes, the adult turtles' hard shells protect them from most predators. 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.

While habitat loss and road killings have reduced the turtle's population, its ability to live in human-disturbed settings has helped it remain the most abundant turtle in North America. Adults in the wild can live for more than 55 years. (Wikipedia)

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

This turtle was certainly soaking up the rays during a particuarly beautiful morning.

Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. August 2022.

La Bola del Mundo o alto de las Guarramillas es una montaña de la sierra de Guadarrama, en el sistema Central de la península ibérica. Se ubica en la Comunidad de Madrid, cerca del límite con la provincia de Segovia, en España. Tiene una altitud de 2257 m​ con una prominencia de 103 m, y es la cumbre más occidental del cordal montañoso de Cuerda Larga. Muy cerca de la cumbre, en la cara este, está el Ventisquero de la Condesa, una zona con emanaciones de agua que constituye el nacimiento del río Manzanares, y donde se acumulan grandes espesores de nieve en invierno. En su cima hay unas antenas, cuya función era la emisión de la señal de radio y televisión y su envío hacia las dos mesetas. En 2010, el Gobierno de España decidió cerrar el potente repetidor de televisión de Navacerrada debido al apagón analógico y dejándolo exclusivamente para la emisión de radio en FM de RNE 1 Madrid (104,9 MHz) RNE-CLAS (98,8 MHz), RNE Radio 3 (95,8 MHz) y Onda Madrid (106,0 MHz)

Estas tres grandes antenas están cubiertas por un radomo calentado en forma de cohete para protegerlas del hielo, son visibles desde varios kilómetros a la redonda y constituyen la mayor peculiaridad de esta montaña, la cual es de muy fácil acceso desde el puerto de Navacerrada.

The Ball of the World or Alto de las Guarramillas is a mountain in the Sierra de Guadarrama, in the Central System of the Iberian Peninsula. It is located in the Community of Madrid, near the border with the province of Segovia, in Spain. It has an altitude of 2,257 m with a prominence of 103 m, and is the westernmost summit of the Cuerda Larga mountain range. Very close to the summit, on the east face, is the Ventisquero de la Condesa, an area with water emanations that constitutes the source of the Manzanares river, and where great thicknesses of snow accumulate in winter. At its top there are some antennas, whose function was to broadcast the radio and television signal and send it to the two plateaus. In 2010, the Government of Spain decided to close the powerful Navacerrada television repeater due to the analog blackout and leaving it exclusively for the FM radio broadcast of RNE 1 Madrid (104.9 MHz) RNE-CLAS (98.8 MHz), RNE Radio 3 (95.8 MHz) and Onda Madrid (106.0 MHz)

These three large antennas are covered by a rocket-shaped heated radome to protect them from ice, they are visible from several kilometers around and constitute the greatest peculiarity of this mountain, which is very easily accessible from the port of Navacerrada.

Created September 25, 2015

Being grateful to enjoy watching this eagle and its family on a daily basis, they are such regal, strong, and beautiful birds. I hope that we continue to protect them!!!

Thank you for your kind visit. Have a wonderful and beautiful day! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

www.youtube.com/watch?v=va1oiojnGrA

“I wasn’t given my wings. I had to grow my own. I had to fight for them, protect them, breathe life into them time and time again. They were no gift. They are a sign of my sweat, blood, tears, faith, bravery, beauty, love. But I have made them my gift to the world.”

S.C. Lourie

Osteospermum is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Calenduleae, one of the smaller tribes of the sunflower/daisy family Asteraceae. They are known as the daisybushes or African daisies. It has been given several common names: African daisy, South African daisy, Cape daisy and blue-eyed daisy. Osteospermum used to belong to the genus Dimorphotheca, but only the annual species remain in that genus; the perennials belong to Osteospermum. It has been given several common names: African daisy, South African daisy, Cape daisy and blue-eyed daisy. There are about 50 species, native to Africa, 35 species in southern Africa, and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. They are half-hardy perennials or sub-shrubs.

Daisy flower opens and closes because it helps them hold on to moisture and protects them from nocturnal insects. 45692

Summer look of Kung Wiman beach. It is a popular selfie place with tourrists and locals. Lots o restaurants and souvenier shops with attractive and reasonable prices. You will find this place of worship by the beach as locals believing them to be gods who protect them from natural disasters and bad luck. In Thai culture, all religious images are regarded as sacred no matter how old they are and located at. Old traditions and superstitions play an important role in day to day life in Thailand. Although you are allowed to take photos, please do so respectfully from a kneeling position.

Last Friday was really a wonderful crisp, fresh smelling, blue sky day... it was also a good birding and photography day for me... but this is not about me...

I think this GRAH is just such a incredibly beautiful bird. What a sight... and it just gets me thinking (never good)... I wish more birds and animals were better protected. I hope things continue to improve in that way. We still need to do more to protect them...

Well, sorry... enough said... anyway... a pretty good shot here, I think... a huge shout out to the Jordan Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). We need more folks like them. I have to say Jordan and Jordanians are amazing and wonderful...

I have 4 of red and 2 pink, I must find a way to protect them before they disappear like my other flowers.

Sometimes bygone springs, full of warmth and scents, blossom yet again inside us. And we carry them through the winter, protecting them with our chests. Then, one day, those bygone springs begin protecting our chests from the frost when we find ourselves on the other side of the window, where winter is not just a picture. It is now the ninth winter that I have had such a spring inside me, and it is still keeping me warm. Imagine, in this winter, two such springs touching like the scents of two meadows. That is what we need instead of overcoats. . .

Milorad Pavić

🎼 Que Je T'aime - Johnny Halliday

youtu.be/_lmrVrCT7tQ

Drakolimni (dragon lake in English) of Smolikas mountain is an alpine all season lake situated west of the summit at 2150m of elevation. The lake a 'brother' to the well known Drakolimni of nearby Tymfi, this one although is smaller but deeper. It is heart shaped with red soil bottom, it serves as a perfect campsite with crazy good views of the summit and three trails passing through (around) it.

This lake is home to Alpine Tritons (Triturus alpestris) 10-12cm long lizards that can both swim and walk on land, even tho they aren't under extinction we must protect them.

Mount Smolikas (Greek: Σμόλικας, Aromanian: Smolcu) is a mountain in the Ioannina regional unit, northwestern Greece. At a height of 2,637 metres above sea level, it is the highest of the Pindus Mountains, and the second highest mountain in Greece after Mount Olympus.

I could not wait to share my recent snow-white experience with you!!!! I was at the Château this morning!!! I went , right after I uploaded my previous captures!!! Cause it was bright and sunny out there, and….. WHITE!! And THIS is the ONLY reason I may fall in love with the snow : the magical, joyful brightness it adds to anything it touches ; when it is SUNNY, and the sky bright-blue!!

While I was strolling mesmerized in the snowy-white Château wonderland , I slided and fell twice!! Cause everything was frozen, too. I guess , my camera and my lenses were saved, because the snow protected them when I fell! But I never minded!! I continued walking along my secret path, excited and extra happy!!! I met some nice people with their dogs, too!! Well, I can tell you, I was NOT the only extra happy in there…

Purple Copper Butterfly or Bathurst Copper Butterfly - Paralucia spinifera

It's that time of year again... These beauties are once again making an appearance. They are one of Australia's rarest butterflies.

If you live in the Central Tablelands, keep an eye out for them and please record sightings on iNaturalist to help scientists keep tabs on this endangered species.

They are tiny (approx 2cm from wing to wing) and their wings shimmer rainbow colours in the sun.

They are a really interesting species. They only eat a specific plant (ursaria spinosa subspecies lasiophylla), and in the caterpillar stage, ants protect them in exchange for a secretion from the caterpillars that the ants like.

Here is more information on them:

www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/nati...

Mom and dad together, early in the morning.

He's in the back, bigger and looks a bit better. But that's only because she's a working mom, nursing and taking care of her young babies. (he does his part, by bringing food and also protecting them)

When I had a close look at my RAWs I discovered what an interesting little beetle I had met! This little guy is still covered with dew.

It is a female that has just layed an egg and now wraps it with her hind legs in a ball of about 2 mm ( you can see it if you zoom in!) and leaves it in the vicinity of an anthill. The eggs are taken to the nest by ants, where the larvae make a kind of tube that serves to protect them from ants. They feed on the waste and other detritus left by the ants, on their eggs and on their larvae. The adults usually emerge after about two weeks.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clytra_laeviuscula

I planted colorful Anemones ranging from dark purple to coral red and whites the colours are beautifully displayed in the new flowerbed I made last Autumn,

I had bad luck with the squirrels as the ate most of them,

I need to protect them better with mulch and perhaps planting some daffodils amongst them to deter those pesky critters,

... Unless you’re an Elk

Came across this Cutie while on a 2017 road trip through Oregon. She noticed the California License Plate and expressed her opinion of this tourist messing around in her state : )

As one of the largest mammals in North America, elk are noticeably larger than deer. Female elk, called cows, weigh around 500 pounds; males can weigh over 700 pounds. Males generally lose weight during the intense breeding season, weighing less in the winter than during other times of the year.

The Shawnee name for elk is Wapiti, meaning "white rump" because of the characteristic patch of lighter beige hair on an otherwise copper brown colored body. Their legs and neck are often darker than the rest of their body.

Male elk, or bulls, are the only ones that have antlers. They begin growing in the spring and fall off, or shed, each winter. While growing, the antlers are covered with a soft layer of skin called "velvet," which is shed in the summer. Bull elk can sometimes be seen lowering their heads and knocking antlers, an activity that allows them to compete for the attentions of cows and build strength. This behavior usually occurs during the mating season, or rut, which takes place in the fall. During the rut, bulls experience a dramatic increase in testosterone, making the more aggressive and likely to exhibit dominant behavior.

Cows generally give birth to one calf, though they may upon rare occasions produce twins. Calves are born between May and June each year after a gestation period of roughly 8.5 months. Calves average 35 pounds and birth and stay with their mother until the following spring, when the next cycles of calves are born. They are born both spotted and scentless in order to protect them from predators.

- Wikipedia

(Nikon D7200, 80-400/5.6 @ 400mm, 1/640 @ f/5.6, ISO 320)

Dragonflies are “predatory pest controllers” and are one of the fastest flying insects on the planet.

A slow dragonfly flies around 40km/h while a fast dragonfly can get close to 100km/hr.

climate Change: Dragonfly Are Losing Their Shine And May Slowly Be Lost Forever

People will surely understand and protect them

I’m estimating that these baby Alligators are a few weeks old. Saw them as I was hiking towards an area known for perching Bald Eagles. Not an eagle in sight, but found these babies, as consolation.

Young alligators remain in the area where they are hatched and where their mother protects them. After two to three years, they leave that area in search of food or when driven out by larger alligators.

Alligators measure 6-8” when they hatch, then juveniles grow about a foot in length each year.

After leaving the snake, we came upon a tree with a Sociable weaver birds' nest in it. I took this shot from the road before walking to stand under the nest and take more photos.

The Sociable weavers of Africa build apartment-house nests, in which 100 to 300 pairs have separate flask-shaped chambers entered by tubes at the bottom. The sparrow weavers live in family units that employ cooperative breeding. Most species weave nests that have narrow entrances, facing downward to protect them from most predators, but not snakes.

Ants as social insects live and work in different castes. While the female worker roams around gathering food, the "warriors" among them are much bigger, they protect them and they make sure no invaders intrude. In this moment I was lucky to see one who checked on the females. They "smell" at each other and check that everything is correct, then go their way.

Ameisen als soziale Insekten leben in verschiedenen Kasten. Während die weiblichen Arbeiterinnen herumlaufen und Futter sammeln, bewachen und schützen die Krieger sie. Sie sind viel größer, i.d.R auch noch deutlicher als hier. Hier hatte ich Glück und konnte eine sehen, die die Arbeiterinnen prüfte. Sie "riechen" einander und stellen sicher, dass sie dem gleichen Stamm angehören und dann geht es weiter ...

Personal note:

My sister says she is orange and others and I say she is reddish. They are stunningly beautiful.

This cactus last year:

flic.kr/p/2kaUR6e

***

My Christmas Cactus Red does well in bright and indirect light. These cheery wintertime flowers brighten up indoor spaces and look beautiful when placed in a brightly colored pot. The flowers have brightly colored downward-facing petals. Christmas cactus comes in a variety of different colors including, yellow, red, white, pink, salmon, and bi-color.

Christmas Cactus Red will adapt to low light conditions, but the plant will produce blooms more readily if exposed to bright light. The flowers are bright red and appear prolifically when in these conditions and when exposed to room temperatures, anywhere between 65 - 75 degrees F.

The plants do like to stay on the dryer side. Christmas Cactus Red looks amazing during the holiday season adding the traditional red color with the foliage a bright green. The Christmas Cactus Red is also a cute gift for a hostess when attending a party or gathering. They are a great addition to any household because they are easy to take care of and add a touch of color.

Light Requirement of Red Christmas Cactus:

The best place for your Christmas cactus to flourish is indoors. Christmas Cactus Red does best with bright indirect to bright direct light. Eastern exposure is ideal, a western window with a curtain works as long as the plant does not receive too much direct light. Too much direct sunlight can burn its leaves, so keep the Christmas Cactus in an appropriate area to avoid this. Protect them from cold drafts and extreme temperatures, 65-75 degrees F is recommended.

Watering Red Christmas Cactus:

Water weekly. Remove plants from any decorative foil wrappers if necessary. Place the pot with drainage holes in the sink so it will be able to drain. After watering let it sit for five minutes to drain. Depending on how hot and dry the environment is you may need to water more often. Optimum humidity is 50-60%. Once all flowers are gone withhold water for up to 6 weeks. Begin watering again when new growth appears.

Fertilizing Red Christmas Cactus:

Do not fertilize your Christmas Cactus while it is in bloom, the blooming period is from the beginning of September and runs all the way to February. Once the flowers fade and drop, fertilize with a blooming houseplant fertilizer. New foliage should begin to appear about six weeks after blooming ceases.

Best Growing Soil for Red Christmas Cactus:

Christmas Cactus Red does best in a soil that provides optimum aeration & drainage, with improved moisture retention. Any mix that contains sand is best because it is optimal for drainage. Drainage is key because it helps prevent rotting which is a common concern with cactus plants that are watered too much.

History and introduction of Red Christmas Cactus:

Christmas Cactus, also known as a hybrid Schlumbergera buckleyi, is a member of the family Cactaceae. They are categorized by their flattened stems and are grown for their colorful flowers that bloom indoor. It is native to Brazil and it grows in the rainforest, on top of trees or shrubs, or sometimes in shady places among rocks.

White Admiral interesting fact: the caterpillar and chrysalid of this butterfly look like bird droppings, which protects them from predators.

Osteospermum is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Calenduleae, one of the smaller tribes of the sunflower/daisy family Asteraceae. They are known as the daisybushes or African daisies. It has been given several common names: African daisy, South African daisy, Cape daisy and blue-eyed daisy. Osteospermum used to belong to the genus Dimorphotheca, but only the annual species remain in that genus; the perennials belong to Osteospermum. It has been given several common names: African daisy, South African daisy, Cape daisy and blue-eyed daisy. There are about 50 species, native to Africa, 35 species in southern Africa, and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. They are half-hardy perennials or sub-shrubs.

Daisy flower opens and closes because it helps them hold on to moisture and protects them from nocturnal insects. 44844

....FEBRUARY, 17.....

BUT EVERY DAY IS A SPECIAL DAY FOR THEM IF WE GIVE THEM ALL OUR LOVE...

THEY ARE SWEET, ADORABLE AND LOVE US....

LET US PROTECT THEM AND ALL ANIMALS

ALL OVER THE WORLD....

They were part of Nagykun Folk Group, The leader of this Group were teaching the kids how to protect them self againts witches ! ( had to throw seeds ,wheat and corn seeds on witches ,and draw a circle with crayon around themself !

1800.25.08.22

Black Redstart juvenile.

This year Manchester city centre has had 2 pairs of nesting Black Redstarts and both have double brooded. According to records Black Redstarts have never double brooded here but then again I don't think anyone has watched and protected them as obsessively as me. I have made it my mission over the last few years to try and prevent early chick mortality which in the past I have witnessed all too often. Many people it seems protect raptor nests (I'm one of them) but it seems there is little or no kudos for looking after nesting Black Redstarts which are, as a breeding species in the UK, about 30 times rarer than Peregrine Falcons! The bird in this image can perhaps be likened to a cat having nine lives. The bird has roosted in car and van engines and so I have had to request the vehicle owners to lift the their car bonnets so I could ensure the bird escapes. This bird has two siblings and they are along with the parents the stars in the private street they currently live in. What a joy!

Best viewed @ 2048 pixels.

Alligator hatchlings, like most young in the wild, have to beat the odds to make it to adulthood. I read that about 1% make it. Momma gator will respond immediately to a young one's distress call and is very protective. But she can't protect them against the myriad of other animals that would take one as a snack. While I was watching the area around this nest, all I could see was one hatchling. However, when one called, mom soon arrived and over the course of time the other little hatchlings gathered. I counted as best I could and got to 17. I hope they beat the odds. (Alligator mississippiensis)

• Firethorn berries are not particularly popular with birds, so they usually stay on the plant for a long time - often until winter. Only when the birds run out of food are the berries mainly eaten by blackbirds and thrushes.

• The firethorn's strong thorns make it a defensive plant, especially small songbirds like to hide in the bushes to nest in, because the thorns protect them from cats.

• The thorns also provide natural protection from burglars and vandals. It is not that easy to get through this plant to a window or fence

This boat takes you right up to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls whereby you get totally drenched by the spray from the falls. (That's why everyone is dressed in red attire, something to protect them from the water.)

Located in the Trotternish area, on the northernmost summit of Skye, Quiraing is a magnificent place steeped in both natural beauty and history. Formed by a series of substantial landslips, this area boasts abundant cliffs, rock pinnacles, and captivating plateaus. Small lakes dot the base of the craggy mountains, adding to the area's immense allure and making it one of the top attractions on the Isle of Skye.

This region is in constant motion, which is why the nearby roads require constant repair.

Some say villagers hid their cattle in the Quiraing's hidden nooks and crannies in an effort to protect them from Vikings.

Then she told me something strange.

"If a human ever comes through this door... could you please, please promise something? Watch over them, and protect them, will you not?"

Now, I hate making promises, and this woman, I don't even know her name, but... someone who sincerely likes bad jokes, has an integrity you can't say "no" to.

Do you get what I'm saying?

That promise I made to her... you know what would have happened if she hadn't said anything?

Buddy... You'd be dead where you stand...

Bouboule

3 jours après , leur première sortie sur le gazon, Margarine a donc ramené ses quartes, petits sur la terrasse de la cuisine pour que je les protège...!

Ici sur la photo elle attend déjà des caresses..!

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

3 days later, their first outing on the grass, Margarine brought back her quartes, small on the terrace of the kitchen so that I protect them ...!

Here in the photo she is already waiting for caresses..!

Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot) is a Spring ephemeral that is native to East North America. Plants are found in woodlands and are among the first to flower in Spring. The leaves surround developing flower buds during emergence protecting them from cold.

The beautiful flowers produce no nectar and provide no reward for insect pollinators. Seeds possess specialized fleshy structures that attract ants. The ants carry seeds to their nests aiding dispersal.

The common name of this plant (Bloodroot) is derived from the red colored (and poisonous) sap of the roots.

Quebec, Canada

Camera: Olympus EM5 MkII and 8mm f1,8 lens

P4235220