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Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) in profile close-up. The hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) is an Old World vulture. It is the only member of the genus Necrosyrtes and is native to sub-Saharan Africa. It typically scavenges on carcasses. Although this is a common species, numbers of these birds are decreasing rapidly. Threats include poisoning, hunting and loss of habitat, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as "critically endangered". It is a small species compared to most vultures.

Submitted: 11/03/2022

Accepted: 15/03/2022

We've noticed there's been a lot of King Fisher pictures uploaded recently., which is great to see

And also something of a relief

Having endured a hideous cold spell at the back end of last winter we began to wonder if these stunningly beautiful birds were about to become something of a rarity

Mortality rates at the time were reportedly high

It's true to say that some 'classic' locations have sadly been without their colourful superstars this summer., but happily the majority still have their little 'fisher birds' in residence., and often with youngsters to boost their number

Let's hope the coming winter is a little kinder

Could you imagine a world without them?!

Thanks for looking, comments and faves. Much appreciated!

The Red-headed Woodpecker is a gorgeous woodpecker bird with a bright red head from which it got its name. This North American species, with its boldly-patterned plumage, is popular among the bird-watchers and is widely spread almost all across the country, and is known in different names like ‘flag bird’ and ‘patriotic bird’. Once a very common bird in the country’s eastern part, this species has been showing long-term declines in a moderately rapid rate, which is primarily because of their degradation and loss of habitat in recent decades.

The red-headed woodpecker was a favorite to celebrated ornithologists like Alexander Wilson and Audubon.

These birds are ‘monomorphic’, which means, the males and females look so similar that, they are practically indistinguishable even when taken in the hand. To know the gender, you actually need to run a DNA test or a dissection of the bird.

This species is the only woodpecker in the eastern part that has a completely red head.

In 1996, the RHW was featured on a United States Postal Service 2-cent stamp.

These are one of the only four woodpecker species that cover their reserved foods with bark or wood. They would even store live stocks like grasshoppers wedged so tightly in a crevice that it is impossible for the insect to escape.

This species of woodpeckers is relatively small compared to others in its family.

The presence of white patches on its wings makes them especially noticeable when they are flying.

In this species, the annual adult survivorship is estimated to be around 62%.

This bird can dig holes that can measure up to 20 to 60 centimeters in depth.

A red-headed woodpecker takes 2-3 weeks or more to excavate one single hole.

I found this one along Joe Overstreet Road in Osceola County, Florida.

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💕Earrings - PopCorn Set by LaGyo @Kustom9

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Enjoy the celebratory 50% sale (March 31st to April 7th)

Caramba !

California quail were first introduced to NZ in 1862 in South Auckland. They spread in most parts of NZ despite a low survival rate in chicks. This year I had a family move into my garden, but unfortunately several of the chicks appear to have not survived. The family now consists of only one remaining chick. They forge in my courtyard and the papa always stands guard on the fence and warns them of any danger. They have become familiar with my presence, that I will bring them no harm.

Chrysolina cerealis is one of the most colorful beetles found in Central Europe. It belongs to the family Chrysomelidae and can reach a size of 5.5 - 10 mm.

Adults can be found from April through September. Both larvae and adults feed on Wild Thyme. The flying abiliity of the species is rather poor and it is rated as "Endangered" in Germany's List of Endangered Species.

— Abraham Maslow

Credits

thecheekycupcake.blogspot.com/2017/11/plateau-loft.html

Kraftwork

Le Plateau Loft

Suspended Cabinet GROUP GIFT

CHEZ MOI

for September Deco(c)rate

Southern Kitchen

Couch New England

dust bunny

camellia chair and stool

junk.

now showing frame

{what next}

House Plant (Rubber Tree)

BAZAR

Toronto-Study carpet

Desk

Cabinet

Black Board

Study armchair

books stack

Zen Creations

Summer Breeze Bed

Night Stand

Vase

ARIA

Elah Tufted Soft Bench

GOOSE

Nordic floor lantern

Ama

@ The Trunk Show

Paper Roses : Bouquet

.random.Matter.

Book of Sorrows

Jeune sauterelle sur un pavot d'Orient (Papaver orientale)

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of someone else."

It was quite the ordeal for this fellow to finely get into position. The female was definitely receptive and flew to different leaves until a suitable one was found.

(01.01.2025)

une autre fois ! MdRrr

IMG_2591c 2023 05 18 file

final 3 from the Mother's Day Bouquet

***Note: Artwork on wall by Thomas Kinkade

Boreal Forest, Finland, June, 2019.

It's 11:30pm, and poor light when this guy showed up. So I upped the ISO and hoped for the best which resulted in a very pleasing image.

Take a look at our website for special rate all inclusive Kenyan Safaris in 2020

Somewhere on the back roads of Southwest Michigan

Ricoh R1s

Agfa Vista 200 exp. 2005 rated at 50

New camera fellas; first time in six years.

Anyways, here's CN L536 taking its window at 16th Street to start down the Chicago Sub towards the South Side. The tower, originally built in 1901 to control the massive junction with the Rock Island, Illinois Central, and Saint Charles Air Line, was in its final days of operation at this point. It is in such a sorry state that allegedly, when the dust storm passed through last week, the tower swayed with the strong winds.

Elephant Bedroom Camp, Samburu, Kenya, 2019.

Take a look at our website for special rate all inclusive Kenyan Safaris in 2019 & 2020.

Just like me :) Peyto Lake, a must see...it was a hike to get up here in the heat but worth it. Judging by my mail i thought it was time I poked my head up. This summer has been quite adventuresome to say the least. Most of the places i explored had no cell service, just the way i like it. Met some really interesting people along the way, Brits being high on the list as the nicest people....needless to say never a dull moment. This is exactly how i saw this lake. If you don't believe me there are plenty of images on google to look at. Couldn't be a more perfect day. The Alberta Rockies stir my soul and make me come undone like no other place on earth. Have a great weekend!!

Israel’s own intelligence suggests that 83 percent of those it has killed in Gaza were civilians. ▪️An titouroù milourel bet dastumet gant Israel a laka ac'hanomp da grediñ e vefe trevourien 83% eus ar re bet lazhet ganti e Gaza. ▪️Mae cudd-ymchwil Israel ei hun yn awgrymu mai sifiliaid oedd 83% o'r rhai a laddwyd ganddi yng Ngasa. www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2025/aug/21/reve...

Female - Wild - Pantanal - Brasil.

The jaguar is a large cat species and the only living member of the genus Panthera native to the Americas. With a body length of up to 1.85 m and a weight of up to 158 kg, it is the largest cat species in the Americas and the third largest in the world.

Jaguars are the only big cat in the Americas and the third biggest in the world after tigers and lions. They look a lot like leopards, which live in Africa and Asia, but jaguars’ spots are more complex and often have a dot in the center.

These powerful cats were worshipped as gods in many ancient South American cultures, and representations of the jaguar show up in the art and archaeology of pre-Columbian cultures across the jaguar’s range.

Jaguars face a number of threats, including habitat fragmentation and illegal killing. South and Central America’s high rates of deforestation—for grazing land, agriculture, and other uses—have not only destroyed jaguars’ habitat but also broken it up. Fragmented forests mean that cats get boxed into patches of forest and can’t travel far to find new mates. That kind of isolation can lead to inbreeding and local extinctions.

Another threat jaguars face is retaliatory killings from ranchers. As grazing land replaces forests, jaguars are more likely to hunt cattle. In response—and sometimes in anticipation—cattle owners kill jaguars.

Poaching is another growing problem for jaguars. They’ve long been hunted for their pelts, and now there’s a growing illegal, international trade in jaguar teeth and jaguar bone products going to China.

Conservation Status: Near Threatened - in Brazil Threatened.

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

Deco(c)rate is back with a bright and airy Spring Edition! This crate will contain 3 Buildings, 7 Animated items, and 5 Decor items.

Pre-sales begin February 15th @ 50%-off!

Designer reveals coming soon!

Charleston's iconic upgrade, the Arthur Ravenel Bridge constructed in 2005. It replaced 2 older bridges constructed in 1929 and 1966. The 1929 Bridge rated a 4 on a scale of 100,while the newer bridge was rated "imminently deficient". Senator Arthur Ravenal was instrumental in getting the Federal funding for this beauty...

I'm not sure what year this truck is but I know that in 1939, Dodge introduced the concept of Job Rated, aimed at getting the customer the truck that fit the job that he was buying it for.

POED at Dover, NH. New Years Day 2012.

Deco(c)rate Special Edition:

Dahlia - Hazel Swing

We're giving you the first FULL reveal from the Spring Special Edition Deco(c)rate. This beautiful Hazel Swing from Dahlia is a sure cure for Spring fever! Add it to your porch or patio for hours of relaxation! Texture change menu allows for 3 wood, 4 metal, 5 blanket, and 10 cushion choices to match your decor. PG & Adult versions both included. Extra links for chains and ceiling caps included for modifiable lengths.

This set is just one of fifteen items in our Special Edition Deco(c)rate that will launch on March 15th. You can order yours NOW through March 14th and save 50%-off! Vendors are set up at the Deco(c)rate Headquarters, MadPea Main Store, and at all participating designer stores.

Do you love to decorate and blog?

Deco(c)rate is a themed mystery box, similar to LootBox and has 15 phenomenal furniture, home and decor designers that are coming together to tantalize you with the most irresistibly exclusive items for Deco(c)rate!

We are looking for 20 amazing home and garden bloggers to help showcase our Designers' items in this round of Deco(c)rate! The deadline for applications is February 21st.

Read more and apply here:

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Zürich or Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zürich. It is located at the northwestern tip of Lake Zürich. The municipality has approximately 400,000 inhabitants, the urban agglomeration 1.315 million, and the Zurich metropolitan area 1.83 million. Zürich is a hub for railways, roads, and air traffic. Zürich is a leading global city and among the world's largest financial centres despite having a relatively low population. The city is home to a large number of financial institutions and banking giants. Most of Switzerland's research and development centres are concentrated in Zürich and the low tax rates attract overseas companies to set up their headquarters there (see Wikipedia)

This snowy egret would stick its beak under the water and jiggle it, creating ripples. Curious fish swim by and become breakfast. Its a small fish, but this guy seemed to have a pretty good hit rate, so I'm sure it got its fill.

Bureau Central, France 2010

American Bird Association rates birds from 1-6 depending on how hard they are to find. 1 being the most common to a 6 birds that are thought to be extinct on extinct. This Bananaquit is a code 4 to give you an idea how tough it is to see it in the United States (Florida may be the only State you can find this bird). Bird is attracted to exotic garden with abundant flowers where it drinks their sweet nectar.

Bananaquit description:

Small and short-tailed with short, decurved black bill. Gray-black above with white throat and yellow belly with bold white stripe over eyes. Continuing rarity found at Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve in Broward County, Florida.

P.S. I have seen this species in Brazil and the Bahamas before but not in the USA.

this photo is a result of yesterday's bad mood

9/10

rate plZ

BIGBULLY ღ TP ღ

Cloud Daybed

hive

macrame hanging plant . charcoal

BackBone

Whatever the Weather - Pouffe (blue)

Whatever the Weather - Entry Rug

Ariskea

[Hustler] Gold Flower

Serenity Style

Mozart Spring Pictures

dust bunny

guiana chestnut tree

KraftWork

Chelsea Rain skybox

1914 Pathfinder Series XIV Model A Touring

Bonhams Auction

Westin Kierland Resort

6902 E. Greenway Road

Scottsdale, AZ 🇺🇸

Mer de Glace glacier is losing around one metre (around 3 ft) each year, a rate which has remained unchanged for 30 years.

The Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France, has been shrinking since the beginning of the 20th century. Since 1900, it has shrunk by about a third of its volume. In total, it has lost around 1.5 cubic kilometers of ice. That’s equivalent to more than half a million Olympic swimming pools of ice. The loss has accelerated over the past two decades.

At the bottom of the glacier, there are marks with different years where you can see how long Mer de Glace used to be in different years, starting with sometime in the 1800s up to our days. It's a lot of walking one has to do on gravel between these marks, a lot of lost glacier surface.

Mont Blanc is heating up more than twice as fast as the rest of the world.

If humans keep emitting greenhouse gases at our current pace, glaciers in the Alps will lose about 90% of their volume by the end of the century. Imagine Europe with no glaciers in 2100.

Animal agriculture emits 60% of the greenhouse gases. Meat production, in particular, emits a lot of carbon dioxide, primarily methane. When a kilogram of beef is produced, 60 kilograms of CO2-equivalents are released, whereas a kilogram of peas emits only 1 kilogram of CO2-equivalents.

We must do everything in our power to reduce our carbon footprint, not just because it is the right thing to do, but also because it is beneficial to our health.

Eating less meat can both reduce carbon footprints and improve our health. So, if you go grocery shopping, be sure to pick up some plant-based foods to help reduce your carbon footprint while also improving your health.

Going Vegan is even better both for your health and for Mer de Glace glacier and all the glaciers on our planet. And, of course, for the animals.

Kentmere 100 rated at 64 ASA, developed in Rodinal 1:25 for 9 minutes. Though I found this development dilution/time for this film, it resulted in severely overdeveloped negatives. Never again, Rodinal. I've come to hate the stuff.

Also, I am getting rid of my remaining stock of Kentmere 120. It lacks sharpness and high value definition, and images from it are difficult to edit. There's a kind of flatness to the results. It's a fine film for students and those who have to stay on-budget, but otherwise it lacks charisma.

Rolleiflex 2.8 E Planar.

Nikon F2 | Kodak Portra 400

View On Black

New England's wintry weather can be bone chilling and raw.

1953 Dodge pick up truck ~ Hyde Park, NY

I've really been falling back in love with some of my color 4x5 images. The emulsions that I usually use haven't been produced in decades (and will never be produced again) (and if they were still in production, there's no way I could afford them).

I do have some left and I'm sure I'll pick up a few more boxes here and there, but I really need to understand that soon I'll have no color sheets left.

Maybe in five years (at the rate I shoot color now, which is slowly) they'll all be gone.

But who knows what will be happening in five years, so (as far as color sheet film goes) I think I'll live for today-ish.

This photo memorializes the yellow flowers I saw for most of my trip. This one in particular is along an abandoned stretch of US Route 20 that was originally (very close to) Goodall's Cutoff of the Oregon Trail.

I don't know what the flowers are, though I remember knowing at the time.

There are flashes of blue on the rocks and I have no idea why. It was noon-ish, so maybe they are reflections that blew out of highlights and this is how the film rendered the blow out. That's my best guess. With normal color film, these might have rendered as white.

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'And Anxious To Go'

Camera: Chamonix 45F-2

Lens: Schneider-Kreuznach Super-Angulon 8/90mm

Film: Kodak Vericolor HC; x-12/1991

Exposure: f/45; 1sec

Process: DIY ECN-2

Idaho

July 2025

Many thanks for your comments, faves, and follows :)

Juan Carlos