Canon Powershot G11
View allAll Photos Tagged responsive
...but the one most responsive to change.
-Charles Darwin
Lizards are part of a group of animals known as reptiles. Many lizards today resemble the ancient reptiles of the dinosaur era. Their ancestors appeared on Earth over 200 million years ago.
The Largest Lizard, the Komodo Dragon is up to 10 feet (3 meters) long and up to 176 pounds (80 kilograms) in weight. The smallest Lizard, the Dwarf Gecko is .6 inches (1.6 centimeters) Long and weighs approximately.004 ounce (120 milligrams).
Lizards can be found in every continent except Antarctica, and they live in all habitats except extremely cold areas and deep oceans. Most lizards live on the ground, but others can be found making their home in a tree, in a burrow, or in the water. Tree dwellers have special toes: long with sharp claws or short and wide. They often have a prehensile tail for grasping thin branches. Those that live in a burrow tend to have smaller legs, or none at all, to help them move underground more easily. Marine iguanas spend much of their lives underwater, although they come to shore to rest on rocks or a sandy beach. Desert dwellers, like the ground gecko, usually sleep during the day underneath the warm sand and then come out when the sun has gone down.
The scales on lizards vary, depending on their habitat. Some lizard species have bony plates, called osteoderms, under their scales for added protection against rough terrain.
Lizards are popular prey for many types of predators, from birds of prey to snakes and carnivorous mammals. Their camouflage and ability to stay still for hours helps keep them safe. Several types of lizards are able to escape from an enemy’s grasp by breaking off part of their own tail. The tail has a weak spot just for this purpose. If a predator grabs the lizard by its tail, the tail easily comes off. It can grow back over time, although the tail won’t look quite the same.
(Nikon D500, 500mm/5.6, 1/1000 @ f/5.6, ISO 800)
Rainbow lorikeets are true parrots, within the Psittacoidea superfamily in the order Psittaciformes. The rainbow lorikeet or lorikeet (common name) is a species of parrot found in Australia. It is common along the eastern seaboard, from northern Queensland to South Australia. Its habitat is rainforest, coastal bush and woodland areas. They are true parrots of medium-size, with the length ranging from 25 to 30 cm, including the tail. The weight varies from 75 to 157 g. The plumage of the nominate race, as with all subspecies, is very bright. The head is deep blue with a greenish-yellow nuchal collar, and the rest of the upper parts (wings, back and tail) are green. The chest is orange/yellow. The belly is deep blue, and the thighs and rump are green. In flight a yellow wing-bar contrasts clearly with the red underwing coverts.
Callistemon is a genus of shrubs in the family Myrtaceae, first described as a genus in 1814. The entire genus is endemic to Australia but widely cultivated in many other regions and naturalised in scattered locations. Callistemon species have commonly been referred to as bottlebrushes because of their cylindrical, brush like flowers resembling a traditional bottle brush. They are mostly found in the more temperate regions of Australia, especially along the east coast and typically favour moist conditions so when planted in gardens thrive on regular watering. Flowering is normally in spring and early summer (October–December), but conditions may cause flowering at other times of the year. The obvious parts of the flower masses are stamens, with the pollen at the tip of the filament; the petals are inconspicuous. Flower heads vary in colour with species; most are red, but some are yellow, green, orange or white. Each flower head produces a profusion of triple-celled seed capsules around a stem which remain on the plant with the seeds enclosed until stimulated to open when the plant dies or fire causes the release of the seeds. R_4246
The Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) is a medium-sized black and white passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. Although once considered to be three separate species, it is now considered to be one, with nine recognised subspecies. A member of the Artamidae, the Australian magpie is placed in its own genus and is most closely related to the black butcherbird (Melloria quoyi). Currawongs have yellow eyes, whereas Magpies have red-brown eyes and Butcherbirds have very dark brown, almost black eyes. It is not, however, closely related to the European magpie, which is a corvid. The adult Australian magpie is a fairly robust bird ranging from 37 to 43 cm in length, with distinctive black and white plumage, gold brown eyes and a solid wedge-shaped bluish-white and black bill. The male and female are similar in appearance, and can be distinguished by differences in back markings. The male has pure white feathers on the back of the head and the female has white blending to grey feathers on the back of the head. With its long legs, the Australian magpie walks rather than waddles or hops and spends much time on the ground. Described as one of Australia's most accomplished songbirds, the Australian magpie has an array of complex vocalisations. It is omnivorous, with the bulk of its varied diet made up of invertebrates. It is generally sedentary and territorial throughout its range. Common and widespread, it has adapted well to human habitation and is a familiar bird of parks, gardens and farmland in Australia and New Guinea. This species is commonly fed by households around the country, but in spring (and occasionally in autumn) a small minority of breeding magpies (almost always males) become aggressive and swoop and attack those who approach their nests. R_3525
A cockatoo is any of the 21 parrot species belonging to the family Cacatuidae, the only family in the superfamily Cacatuoidea. Along with the Psittacoidea (true parrots) and the Strigopoidea (large New Zealand parrots), they make up the order Psittaciformes. The family has a mainly Australasian distribution, ranging from the Philippines and the eastern Indonesian islands of Wallacea to New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Australia. Cockatoos are recognisable by the prominent crests and curved bills. Their plumage is generally less colourful than that of other parrots, being mainly white, grey or black and often with coloured features in the crest, cheeks or tail. On average they are larger than other parrots; however, the cockatiel, the smallest cockatoo species, is a small bird. Cockatoos prefer to eat seeds, tubers, corms, fruit, flowers and insects. They often feed in large flocks, particularly when ground-feeding. Cockatoos are monogamous and nest in tree hollows. Some cockatoo species have been adversely affected by habitat loss, particularly from a shortage of suitable nesting hollows after large mature trees are cleared; conversely, some species have adapted well to human changes and are considered agricultural pests. 60484
A cockatoo is any of the 21 parrot species belonging to the family Cacatuidae, the only family in the superfamily Cacatuoidea. Along with the Psittacoidea (true parrots) and the Strigopoidea (large New Zealand parrots), they make up the order Psittaciformes. The family has a mainly Australasian distribution, ranging from the Philippines and the eastern Indonesian islands of Wallacea to New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Australia. Cockatoos are recognisable by the prominent crests and curved bills. Their plumage is generally less colourful than that of other parrots, being mainly white, grey or black and often with coloured features in the crest, cheeks or tail. On average they are larger than other parrots; however, the cockatiel, the smallest cockatoo species, is a small bird. Cockatoos prefer to eat seeds, tubers, corms, fruit, flowers and insects. They often feed in large flocks, particularly when ground-feeding. Cockatoos are monogamous and nest in tree hollows. Some cockatoo species have been adversely affected by habitat loss, particularly from a shortage of suitable nesting hollows after large mature trees are cleared; conversely, some species have adapted well to human changes and are considered agricultural pests. R_5694
Spoonbills are a genus, Platalea, of large, long-legged wading birds. The spoonbills have a global distribution, being found on every continent except Antarctica. The genus name Platalea derives from Latin and means broad, referring to the distinctive shape of the bill. Six species are recognised, which although usually placed in a single genus have sometimes been split into three genera. All spoonbills have large, flat, spatulate bills and feed by wading through shallow water, sweeping the partly opened bill from side to side. The moment any small aquatic creature touches the inside of the bill—an insect, crustacean, or tiny fish—it is snapped shut. Spoonbills generally prefer fresh water to salt but are found in both environments. They need to feed many hours each day. The spoonbills are most distinct from the ibises in the shape of their bill, which is long and flat and wider at the end. The nostrils are located near the base of the bill so that the bird can breathe while the bill is submerged in water. The eyes are positioned to provide spoonbills with binocular vision, although when foraging tactile senses are important too. Like the ibises the spoonbills have bare patches of skin around the bills and eyes. The six species of spoonbill are distributed over much of the world.
Ibises are a group of long-legged wading birds in the family Threskiornithidae, that inhabit wetlands, forests and plains. Ibises usually feed as a group, probing mud for food items, usually crustaceans. It is widespread across much of Australia. It has a predominantly white plumage with a bare, black head, long down curved bill and black legs. They are monogamous and highly territorial while nesting and feeding. Most nest in trees, often with spoonbills or herons. Due to its increasing presence in the urban environment and its habit of rummaging in garbage, the species has acquired a variety of colloquial names such as tip turkey; and bin chicken, and in recent years has become an icon of popular culture, being regarded with passion, wit, and, in equal measure, affection and disgust. 48963
The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest species among the Felidae and classified in the genus Panthera. It is most recognisable for its dark vertical stripes on orangish-brown fur with a lighter underside. It is an apex predator, primarily preying on ungulates such as deer and wild boar. It is territorial and generally a solitary but social predator, requiring large contiguous areas of habitat, which support its requirements for prey and rearing of its offspring. Tiger cubs stay with their mother for about two years, before they become independent and leave their mother's home range to establish their own. The tiger once ranged widely from the Eastern Anatolia Region in the west to the Amur River basin, and in the south from the foothills of the Himalayas to Bali in the Sunda islands. Since the early 20th century, tiger populations have lost at least 93% of their historic range and have been extirpated in Western and Central Asia, from the islands of Java and Bali, and in large areas of Southeast and South Asia and China. Today's tiger range is fragmented, stretching from Siberian temperate forests to subtropical and tropical forests on the Indian subcontinent and Sumatra. The tiger is listed as endangered. 31544
Pelicans are a genus of large water birds that make up the family Pelecanidae. They are characterised by a long beak and a large throat pouch used for catching prey and draining water from the scooped-up contents before swallowing. They have predominantly pale plumage, the exceptions being the brown and Peruvian pelicans. The bills, pouches, and bare facial skin of all species become brightly coloured before the breeding season. The eight living pelican species have a patchy global distribution, ranging latitudinally from the tropics to the temperate zone, though they are absent from interior South America and from polar regions and the open ocean. Pelicans frequent inland and coastal waters, where they feed principally on fish, catching them at or near the water surface. They are gregarious birds, travelling in flocks, hunting cooperatively, and breeding colonially. Four white-plumaged species tend to nest on the ground, and four brown or grey-plumaged species nest mainly in trees. The relationship between pelicans and people has often been contentious. The birds have been persecuted because of their perceived competition with commercial and recreational fishing. Their populations have fallen through habitat destruction, disturbance, and environmental pollution, and three species are of conservation concern. They also have a long history of cultural significance in mythology, and in Christian and heraldic iconography. R_5507
Gulls or seagulls are seabirds of the family Laridae in the suborder Lari. They are most closely related to the terns (family Sternidae) and only distantly related to auks, skimmers, and more distantly to the waders. Gulls are typically medium to large birds, usually grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They typically have harsh wailing or squawking calls; stout, longish bills; and webbed feet. Most gulls are ground-nesting carnivores which take live food or scavenge opportunistically, particularly the Larus species. Live food often includes crabs and small fish. Gulls have unhinging jaws which allow them to consume large prey. Gulls are typically coastal or inland species, rarely venturing far out to sea, except for the kittiwakes. 53535
Coccinellidae is a widespread family of small beetles ranging in size from 0.8 to 18 mm. The family is commonly known as ladybugs in North America, and ladybirds in Britain and other parts of the English-speaking world. Entomologists prefer the names ladybird beetles or lady beetles as these insects are not classified as true bugs. The majority of coccinellid species are generally considered useful insects, because many species prey on herbivorous homopterans such as aphids or scale insects, which are agricultural pests. Many coccinellids lay their eggs directly in aphid and scale insect colonies in order to ensure their larvae have an immediate food source.Coccinellids are often conspicuously coloured yellow, orange, or red with small black spots on their wing covers, with black legs, heads and antennae. There is, however, great variation in these colour patterns. For example, a minority of species, such as Vibidia duodecimguttata, a twelve-spotted species, have whitish spots on a brown background. Coccinellids are found worldwide, with over 6,000 species described. 6878
Please forgive my goofy titles, but here's a night shot of the art installation called "River Constellation". This responsive sculpture evokes a thicket of light and sound at night. Photographed at Waterworks Park in Des Moines, Iowa.
Developed with Darktable 3.6.0.
Fluorescence Kit: macroscopicsolutions.com/product/excitation-filters-for-f...
Illuminated with: macroscopicsolutions.com/product-category/imaging-product...
Imaged with: macroscopicsolutions.com/product/the-macropod/
Images in this gallery were captured by:
Mark Smith M.S. Geoscientist mark@macroscopicsolutions.com
Annette Evans Ph.D. Student at the University of Connecticut annette@macroscopicsolutions.com
Chad Fagan B.S. Geoscientist
chad@macroscopicsolutions.com
Currawongs are three species of medium-sized passerine birds belonging to the genus Strepera in the family Artamidae native to Australia. These are the grey currawong (Strepera versicolor), pied currawong (S. graculina), and black currawong (S. fuliginosa). The common name comes from the call of the familiar pied currawong of eastern Australia and is onomatopoeic. They were formerly known as crow-shrikes or bell-magpies. Despite their resemblance to crows and ravens, they are only distantly related to the corvidae, instead belonging to an Afro-Asian radiation of birds of superfamily Malaconotoidea. They are not as terrestrial as the magpie and have shorter legs. They are omnivorous, foraging in foliage, on tree trunks and limbs, and on the ground, taking insects and larvae (often dug out from under the bark of trees), fruit, and the nestlings of other birds. They are distinguishable from magpies and crows by their comical flight style in amongst foliage, appearing to almost fall about from branch to branch as if they were inept flyers. 40496
It is a bird in the honeyeater family, and endemic to Australia. It is grey, with a black head, orange-yellow beak and feet, a distinctive yellow patch behind the eye and white tips on the tail feathers. It's a vocal species with a large range of songs, calls, scoldings and alarms, and almost constant vocalisations. They are gregarious and territorial; they forage, bathe, roost, breed and defend territory communally.
The noisy miner is a large honeyeater, 24–28 centimetres (9.4–11.0 in) in length, with a wingspan of 36–45 centimetres (14–18 in), and weighing 70–80 grams (2.5–2.8 oz). Male, female and juvenile birds all have similar plumage: grey on the back, tail and breast, and otherwise white underneath, with white scalloping on the nape and hind-neck, and on the breast; off-white forehead and lores; a black band over the crown, bright orange-yellow bill, and a distinctive patch of yellow skin behind the eye; a prominent white tip to the tail; a narrow olive-yellow panel in the folded wing; and orange-yellow legs and feet. A juvenile can be distinguished by softer plumage, a brownish tinge to the black on its head and the grey on its back, and a duller, greyish-yellow skin-patch behind the eye.
The noisy miner is a gregarious species, and the birds are rarely seen singly or in twos; they forage, move and roost in colonies that can consist of several hundred birds
The noisy miner does not use a stereotyped courtship display; displays can involve 'driving', where the male jumps or flies at the female from 1–2 metres (3.3–6.6 ft) away, and if she moves away he pursues her aggressively.
The noisy miner primarily eats nectar, fruit, and insects, and occasionally it feeds on small reptiles or amphibians.
59888
The genus Pan consists of two extant species: the common chimpanzee and the bonobo. Taxonomically, these two ape species are collectively termed panins; however, both species are more commonly referred to collectively using the generalized term chimpanzees, or chimps. Together with humans, gorillas, and orangutans they are part of the family Hominidae (the great apes, or hominids). Native to sub-Saharan Africa, common chimpanzees and bonobos are currently both found in the Congo jungle, while only the common chimpanzee is also found further north in West Africa. Both species are listed as endangered. Chimpanzees and bonobos are equally humanity's closest living relatives. As such, they are among the largest-brained and most intelligent primates: they use a variety of sophisticated tools and construct elaborate sleeping nests each night from branches and foliage. Their learning abilities have been extensively studied. R_8661
Rainbow lorikeets are true parrots, within the Psittacoidea superfamily in the order Psittaciformes. The rainbow lorikeet or lorikeet (common name) is a species of parrot found in Australia. It is common along the eastern seaboard, from northern Queensland to South Australia. Its habitat is rainforest, coastal bush and woodland areas. They are true parrots of medium-size, with the length ranging from 25 to 30 cm, including the tail. The weight varies from 75 to 157 g. The plumage of the nominate race, as with all subspecies, is very bright. The head is deep blue with a greenish-yellow nuchal collar, and the rest of the upper parts (wings, back and tail) are green. The chest is orange/yellow. The belly is deep blue, and the thighs and rump are green. In flight a yellow wing-bar contrasts clearly with the red underwing coverts.
Camellia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Theaceae. Camellias are evergreen shrubs or small trees up to 20 m tall. They are found in eastern and southern Asia, from the Himalayas east to Japan and Indonesia. There are about 300 species and around 3,000 hybrids. Their flowers are usually large and conspicuous, one to 12 cm in diameter, with five to nine petals in naturally occurring species of camellias. The colors of the flowers vary from white through pink colors to red. Of economic importance in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, leaves of C. sinensis are processed to create the popular beverage tea. The ornamental C. japonica, C. sasanqua and their hybrids are the source of hundreds of garden cultivars. C. oleifera produces tea seed oil, used in cooking and cosmetics. The various species of camellia plants are generally well-adapted to acid soils rich in humus, and most species do not grow well on chalky soil or other calcium-rich soils. Most species of camellias also require a large amount of water, either from natural rainfall or from irrigation, and the plants will not tolerate droughts. However, some of the more unusual camellias – typically species from karst soils in Vietnam – can grow without too much water.
56345
Rainbow lorikeets are true parrots, within the Psittacoidea superfamily in the order Psittaciformes. The rainbow lorikeet or lorikeet (common name) is a species of parrot found in Australia. It is common along the eastern seaboard, from northern Queensland to South Australia. Its habitat is rainforest, coastal bush and woodland areas. They are true parrots of medium-size, with the length ranging from 25 to 30 cm, including the tail. The weight varies from 75 to 157 g. The plumage of the nominate race, as with all subspecies, is very bright. The head is deep blue with a greenish-yellow nuchal collar, and the rest of the upper parts (wings, back and tail) are green. The chest is orange/yellow. The belly is deep blue, and the thighs and rump are green. In flight a yellow wing-bar contrasts clearly with the red underwing coverts. 35087
It is a bird in the honeyeater family, and endemic to Australia. It is grey, with a black head, orange-yellow beak and feet, a distinctive yellow patch behind the eye and white tips on the tail feathers. It's a vocal species with a large range of songs, calls, scoldings and alarms, and almost constant vocalisations. They are gregarious and territorial; they forage, bathe, roost, breed and defend territory communally.
The noisy miner is a large honeyeater, 24–28 centimetres (9.4–11.0 in) in length, with a wingspan of 36–45 centimetres (14–18 in), and weighing 70–80 grams (2.5–2.8 oz). Male, female and juvenile birds all have similar plumage: grey on the back, tail and breast, and otherwise white underneath, with white scalloping on the nape and hind-neck, and on the breast; off-white forehead and lores; a black band over the crown, bright orange-yellow bill, and a distinctive patch of yellow skin behind the eye; a prominent white tip to the tail; a narrow olive-yellow panel in the folded wing; and orange-yellow legs and feet. A juvenile can be distinguished by softer plumage, a brownish tinge to the black on its head and the grey on its back, and a duller, greyish-yellow skin-patch behind the eye.
The noisy miner is a gregarious species, and the birds are rarely seen singly or in twos; they forage, move and roost in colonies that can consist of several hundred birds
The noisy miner does not use a stereotyped courtship display; displays can involve 'driving', where the male jumps or flies at the female from 1–2 metres (3.3–6.6 ft) away, and if she moves away he pursues her aggressively.
The noisy miner primarily eats nectar, fruit, and insects, and occasionally it feeds on small reptiles or amphibians.
60395
The eastern great egret (Ardea alba modesta), a white heron in the genus Ardea, is usually considered a subspecies of the great egret (A. alba). In New Zealand it is known as the white heron or by its Māori name kōtuku. Measuring 83–103 cm in length and weighing 0.7–1.2 kg, the eastern great egret is a large heron with all-white plumage. Its bill is black in the breeding season and yellow at other times, and its long legs are red or black. The colours of the bare parts of the face change to green during the breeding season. The breeding plumage is also marked by long neck plumes and a green facial area. The eastern great egret can be distinguished from other white egrets and herons in Asia and Australia by its very long neck, one and a half times as long as its own body. The eastern great egret has a wide distribution throughout Asia and Oceania, with breeding populations in Australia, Bangladesh, China, Nepal, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Russia (north-eastern), Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The egret breeds across Australia but only rarely in the southwest of the continent or dry interior. The largest colonies within Australia are in the Top End and Channel Country, which can number several thousand pairs. Colonies in the southeast of Australia can number several hundred pairs. The bird is an uncommon autumn and winter visitor to Tasmania. The diet includes vertebrates such as fish, frogs, small reptiles, small birds and rodents, and invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and molluscs. The eastern great egret hunts by wading or standing still in shallow water and spearing prey with its bill. The eastern great egret often breeds in colonies with other herons, egrets, cormorants, spoonbills and ibises. One brood is raised a year, although the breeding season varies within Australia. In the north of the country it is in March to May, in southern and central Queensland December and January, and October to December in the south. Located atop trees at a height of 20 m or more, the nest is a flat wide platform of dry branches and sticks with a shallow basin for eggs and young. The clutch consists of anywhere from two to six pale blue-green eggs, with three or four being the usual number. They are oval in shape and measure 52 x 36 mm. The subspecies is protected in Australia.
Ibises are a group of long-legged wading birds in the family Threskiornithidae, that inhabit wetlands, forests and plains. Ibises usually feed as a group, probing mud for food items, usually crustaceans. It is widespread across much of Australia. It has a predominantly white plumage with a bare, black head, long down curved bill and black legs. They are monogamous and highly territorial while nesting and feeding. Most nest in trees, often with spoonbills or herons. Due to its increasing presence in the urban environment and its habit of rummaging in garbage, the species has acquired a variety of colloquial names such as tip turkey; and bin chicken, and in recent years has become an icon of popular culture, being regarded with passion, wit, and, in equal measure, affection and disgust. 55096
The Sculpture "El Nino" looks so realistic that once a little Boy got worried and called the Police. He told them that there is a Person sitting in the shallowed Water at the Lake of Constance, almost unvested and not responsive!
(Photo of the Day Winner April 2016 - Platinum Hearts Awards Group)
Thank you for visits, comments and favs!
Vielen Dank für Eure Besuche, Kommentare und Sternchen!
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission. © All rights reserved
When the temperatures drop, the Chinese Witch Hazel flowers curl-up tight to prevent freezing. With the ice from yesterday's storm melting in the 50F degree heat today these sweet little yellow buds will cover this little tree like the confetti at the Patriot's Celebration Parade. :)
The Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) is a medium-sized black and white passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. Although once considered to be three separate species, it is now considered to be one, with nine recognised subspecies. A member of the Artamidae, the Australian magpie is placed in its own genus and is most closely related to the black butcherbird (Melloria quoyi). Currawongs have yellow eyes, whereas Magpies have red-brown eyes and Butcherbirds have very dark brown, almost black eyes. It is not, however, closely related to the European magpie, which is a corvid. The adult Australian magpie is a fairly robust bird ranging from 37 to 43 cm in length, with distinctive black and white plumage, gold brown eyes and a solid wedge-shaped bluish-white and black bill. The male and female are similar in appearance, and can be distinguished by differences in back markings. The male has pure white feathers on the back of the head and the female has white blending to grey feathers on the back of the head. With its long legs, the Australian magpie walks rather than waddles or hops and spends much time on the ground. Described as one of Australia's most accomplished songbirds, the Australian magpie has an array of complex vocalisations. It is omnivorous, with the bulk of its varied diet made up of invertebrates. It is generally sedentary and territorial throughout its range. Common and widespread, it has adapted well to human habitation and is a familiar bird of parks, gardens and farmland in Australia and New Guinea. This species is commonly fed by households around the country, but in spring (and occasionally in autumn) a small minority of breeding magpies (almost always males) become aggressive and swoop and attack those who approach their nests. S20N_1015
Gulls or seagulls are seabirds of the family Laridae in the suborder Lari. They are most closely related to the terns (family Sternidae) and only distantly related to auks, skimmers, and more distantly to the waders. Gulls are typically medium to large birds, usually grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They typically have harsh wailing or squawking calls; stout, longish bills; and webbed feet. Most gulls are ground-nesting carnivores which take live food or scavenge opportunistically, particularly the Larus species. Live food often includes crabs and small fish. Gulls have unhinging jaws which allow them to consume large prey. Gulls are typically coastal or inland species, rarely venturing far out to sea, except for the kittiwakes. 22077
Right then, here’s my 3rd round entry. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not that great at recreations so instead I decided to use the Seburo C-X as a base for inspiration. I have also drawn heavily from the stealth pistol in the original Deus Ex.
Ref pic here:
www.flickr.com/photos/67424971@N05/7166477868/in/photostream
VOTING NOW OPEN: Please comment +1 to vote.
Remember to view in Lightbox for full details.
SIA Shirow C-X
The Shirow C-X shares the same frame as the SIA Shirow Combat Pistol but features a modified slide allowing the use of a dedicated compensator module. In addition the C-X features a LAM unit for responsive point-and-shoot capability.
Scottish Industrial Armaments – Fac et Spera©
Credit to Miko for the lettering.
Rainbow lorikeets are true parrots, within the Psittacoidea superfamily in the order Psittaciformes. The rainbow lorikeet or lorikeet (common name) is a species of parrot found in Australia. It is common along the eastern seaboard, from northern Queensland to South Australia. Its habitat is rainforest, coastal bush and woodland areas. They are true parrots of medium-size, with the length ranging from 25 to 30 cm, including the tail. The weight varies from 75 to 157 g. The plumage of the nominate race, as with all subspecies, is very bright. The head is deep blue with a greenish-yellow nuchal collar, and the rest of the upper parts (wings, back and tail) are green. The chest is orange/yellow. The belly is deep blue, and the thighs and rump are green. In flight a yellow wing-bar contrasts clearly with the red underwing coverts. 3292
Prendetevi del tempo per Sognare, ogni scatto racconta una lunga storia...
Meravigliosa Natura!
Privilèges de Montagne...
Inn AMÒR ati della NATURA anche tu!
Il mio tempo in Montagna!
Preoccupiamoci della Natura il nostro futuro dipende da essa!
www.facebook.com/WashiInPuntadiPiedi
La Vallée d'Aoste à ma guise - La Valle d'Aosta a modo mio - Aosta Valley in my own way
Vivre en Montagne, au quotidien, pour satisfaire la Curiosité de la Photographie de la Nature...
Valle d'Aosta - Vallée d'Aoste
(Une Montagne d'émotions...)
Clickalps Photography - Troise Carmine - Washi
I miei Video amatoriali su:
www.youtube.com/user/Washi59/videos
Canon EOS 7D Mark ll / CANON EF 100/400 mm Serie II USM
www.linkedin.com/in/troisecarminewashi?trk=nav_responsive...
Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers of the genus Dacelo native to Australia and New Guinea, which grow to between 28–42 cm in length. The name is a loanword from Wiradjuri guuguubarra, onomatopoeic of its call. The loud distinctive call of the laughing kookaburra is widely used as a stock sound effect in situations that involve an Australian bush setting or tropical jungle, especially in older movies. They are found in habitats ranging from humid forest to arid savanna, as well as in suburban areas with tall trees or near running water. Even though they belong to the larger group known as kingfishers, kookaburras are not closely associated with water. Kookaburras are almost exclusively carnivorous, eating mice, snakes, insects, small reptiles, and the young of other birds; unlike many other kingfishers, they rarely eat fish, although they have been known to take goldfish from garden ponds. In zoos they are usually fed food for birds of prey. 2392
Decide di restare alta, tra Pareti mozzafiato...
Luoghi inaccessibili, aspri...
I suoi luoghi, il suo territorio di caccia...
Mi basta osservarla, sono contento cosi!
Il mio tempo in Montagna!
www.facebook.com/WashiInPuntadiPiedi
La Vallée d'Aoste à ma guise - La Valle d'Aosta a modo mio - Aosta Valley in my own way
Vivre en Montagne, au quotidien, pour satisfaire la Curiosité de la Photographie de la Nature...
Valle d'Aosta - Vallée d'Aoste
(Une Montagne d'émotions...)
Clickalps Photography - Troise Carmine - Washi
I miei Video amatoriali su:
www.youtube.com/user/Washi59/videos
Canon EOS 7D Mark ll
www.linkedin.com/in/troisecarminewashi?trk=nav_responsive...
Arlo is a Shetland Sheepdog, often known as a Sheltie, and is a breed of herding dog that originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. So sweet, so cuddly.
Visiting with his good caregivers, Chester Back Harbour, NS
Gulls or seagulls are seabirds of the family Laridae in the suborder Lari. They are most closely related to the terns (family Sternidae) and only distantly related to auks, skimmers, and more distantly to the waders. Gulls are typically medium to large birds, usually grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They typically have harsh wailing or squawking calls; stout, longish bills; and webbed feet. Most gulls are ground-nesting carnivores which take live food or scavenge opportunistically, particularly the Larus species. Live food often includes crabs and small fish. Gulls have unhinging jaws which allow them to consume large prey. Gulls are typically coastal or inland species, rarely venturing far out to sea, except for the kittiwakes. 55027
Please view more of my photography at the following websites. Totally, I have 24+ million views; 4,000+ followers/subscribers and 15,000+ views daily
*Flickr: www.flickr.com/people/viv_vivekananda/
*Fluidrive www.fluidr.com/photos/viv_vivekananda
*YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCt5wf3DvvWAqgUd9NMUItVw
*500px: 500px.com/p/svive1?view=photos
*Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560235015998
*Instagram www.instagram.com/viv_vivekananda/
You may purchase my images at:
*Shootproof: vivvivekanandaphotography.shootproof.com/
*Getty Images: www.gettyimages.com.au/search/2/image?family=creative&...
A cockatoo is any of the 21 parrot species belonging to the family Cacatuidae, the only family in the superfamily Cacatuoidea. Along with the Psittacoidea (true parrots) and the Strigopoidea (large New Zealand parrots), they make up the order Psittaciformes. The family has a mainly Australasian distribution, ranging from the Philippines and the eastern Indonesian islands of Wallacea to New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Australia. Cockatoos are recognisable by the prominent crests and curved bills. Their plumage is generally less colourful than that of other parrots, being mainly white, grey or black and often with coloured features in the crest, cheeks or tail. On average they are larger than other parrots; however, the cockatiel, the smallest cockatoo species, is a small bird. Cockatoos prefer to eat seeds, tubers, corms, fruit, flowers and insects. They often feed in large flocks, particularly when ground-feeding. Cockatoos are monogamous and nest in tree hollows. Some cockatoo species have been adversely affected by habitat loss, particularly from a shortage of suitable nesting hollows after large mature trees are cleared; conversely, some species have adapted well to human changes and are considered agricultural pests. R_3343
Please visit my YouTube, 500px, Instagram & Facebook channels
www.youtube.com/channel/UCt5wf3DvvWAqgUd9NMUItVw
500px.com/p/svive1?view=photos
www.instagram.com/viv_vivekananda/
Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers of the genus Dacelo native to Australia and New Guinea, which grow to between 28–42 cm in length. The name is a loanword from Wiradjuri guuguubarra, onomatopoeic of its call. The loud distinctive call of the laughing kookaburra is widely used as a stock sound effect in situations that involve an Australian bush setting or tropical jungle, especially in older movies. They are found in habitats ranging from humid forest to arid savanna, as well as in suburban areas with tall trees or near running water. Even though they belong to the larger group known as 'kingfishers', kookaburras are not closely associated with water. Kookaburras are almost exclusively carnivorous, eating mice, snakes, insects, small reptiles, and the young of other birds; unlike many other kingfishers, they rarely eat fish, although they have been known to take goldfish from garden ponds. In zoos they are usually fed food for birds of prey. S_651
Please visit my YouTube, 500px, Instagram & Facebook channels
www.youtube.com/channel/UCt5wf3DvvWAqgUd9NMUItVw
500px.com/p/svive1?view=photos
www.instagram.com/viv_vivekananda/
Alisterus is a genus of medium-sized Australasian parrots, comprising the Australian king parrot (Alisterus scapularis), the Papuan king parrot (A. chloropterus) and the Moluccan king parrot (A. amboinensis). The three species are respectively found in eastern Australia, Papua, the Moluccas and other Indonesian islands. Predominantly of red and green plumage, the long-tailed parrots are related to the genera Aprosmictus and Polytelis. The two subspecies of the Australian king parrot are similar except in size. The male has a red head and neck, red lower parts, blue back and rump, and green wings, each with a pale-green band (resembling a shoulder stripe). In the female, the head is green, the green being continuous over the neck, chest, and back. Red plumage covers the lower abdomen, and the pale-green wing band is small or absent. Juvenile males also have a green neck and head.
Magnolia champaca, known in English as champak, is a large evergreen tree in the family Magnoliaceae. It is known for its fragrant flowers, and its timber used in woodworking. The tree is native to the Indomalaya ecozone, consisting of South Asia, Southeast Asia−Indochina, and southern China. In its native range Magnolia champaca grows to 50 metres or taller. Its trunk can be up to 1.9 metres in diameter. The tree has a narrow umbelliform crown. It has strongly fragrant flowers in varying shades of cream to yellow-orange which bloom during June to September. R_46127
You can download or view Macroscopic Solutions’ images in more detail by selecting any image and clicking the downward facing arrow in the lower-right corner of the image display screen.
Three individuals of Macroscopic Solutions, LLC captured the images in this database collaboratively.
Contact information:
Mark Smith M.S. Geoscientist
mark@macroscopicsolutions.com
Annette Evans Ph.D. Student at the University of Connecticut
annette@macroscopicsolutions.com
Follow me
www.instagram.com/troise_carmine_washi/
ProteggiAMO tutto questo!
PreoccupiAMOci della Natura il nostro futuro dipende da essa!
Osservare tutto questo è un dono, innAMÒRarsene una ricchezza!
Anche su:
e su JuzaPhoto
www.juzaphoto.com/me.php?p=5040&pg=allphotos&srt=...
________________________________________________
Prendetevi del tempo per Sognare, ogni scatto racconta una lunga storia...
Washi
________________________________________________
Meravigliosa Natura!
Privilèges de Montagne...
Inn AMÒR ati della NATURA anche tu!
Il mio tempo in Montagna!
Preoccupiamoci della Natura il nostro futuro dipende da essa!
www.facebook.com/WashiInPuntadiPiedi
La Vallée d'Aoste à ma guise - La Valle d'Aosta a modo mio - Aosta Valley in my own way
Vivre en Montagne, au quotidien, pour satisfaire la Curiosité de la Photographie de la Nature...
Valle d'Aosta - Vallée d'Aoste
(Une Montagne d'émotions...)
Clickalps Photography - Troise Carmine - Washi
I miei Video amatoriali su:
www.youtube.com/user/Washi59/videos
www.linkedin.com/in/troisecarminewashi?trk=nav_responsive...
Fotocamere:
Canon 5D Mark lV
Canon EOS 7D Mark ll
Obiettivi:
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM II
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM II
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Treppiede Manfrotto 190 X Prob
Testa Manfrotto a sfera compact nera con attacco rapido 496RC2 con frizione
Piastra a sgancio rapido 200PL
The lion (Panthera leo) is a species in the family Felidae; it is a muscular, deep-chested cat with a short, rounded head, a reduced neck and round ears, and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; adult male lions have a prominent mane, which is the most recognisable feature of the species. With a typical head-to-body length of 184–208 cm they are larger than females at 160–184 cm. It is a social species, forming groups called prides. A lion pride consists of a few adult males, related females and cubs. Groups of female lions usually hunt together, preying mostly on large ungulates. The lion is an apex and keystone predator, although some lions scavenge when opportunities occur, and have been known to hunt humans, although the species typically does not. Typically, the lion inhabits grasslands and savannas, but is absent in dense forests. It is usually more diurnal than other big cats, but when persecuted it adapts to being active at night and at twilight. African lions live in scattered populations across Sub-Saharan Africa. The lion prefers grassy plains and savannahs, scrub bordering rivers and open woodlands with bushes. It is absent from rainforest and rarely enters closed forest. 26804
Please visit my YouTube, 500px, Instagram & Facebook channels
www.youtube.com/channel/UCt5wf3DvvWAqgUd9NMUItVw
500px.com/p/svive1?view=photos
www.instagram.com/viv_vivekananda/
The goldfish (Carassius auratus) is a freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae of order Cypriniformes. It is one of the most commonly kept aquarium fish. A relatively small member of the carp family (which also includes the Prussian carp and the crucian carp), the goldfish is native to East Asia. It was first selectively bred in ancient China more than 1,000 years ago, and several distinct breeds have since been developed. Goldfish breeds vary greatly in size, body shape, fin configuration and coloration (various combinations of white, yellow, orange, red, brown, and black are known). Goldfish have strong associative learning abilities, as well as social learning skills. Goldfish are gregarious, displaying schooling behavior, as well as displaying the same types of feeding behaviors. 48212
Please visit my YouTube, 500px, Instagram & Facebook channels
www.youtube.com/channel/UCt5wf3DvvWAqgUd9NMUItVw
500px.com/p/svive1?view=photos
www.instagram.com/viv_vivekananda/
The Pacific black duck (Anas superciliosa), commonly known as the PBD, is a dabbling duck found in much of Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, and many islands in the southwestern Pacific, reaching to the Caroline Islands in the north and French Polynesia in the east. It is usually called the grey duck in New Zealand, where it is also known by its Maori name, pārera. This sociable duck is found in a variety of wetland habitats, and its nesting habits are much like those of the mallard, which is encroaching on its range in New Zealand. It feeds by upending, like other Anas ducks. The Pacific Black Duck is mainly vegetarian, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants. This diet is supplemented with small crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic insects. 5268
Ibises are a group of long-legged wading birds in the family Threskiornithidae, that inhabit wetlands, forests and plains. Ibises usually feed as a group, probing mud for food items, usually crustaceans. It is widespread across much of Australia. It has a predominantly white plumage with a bare, black head, long down curved bill and black legs. They are monogamous and highly territorial while nesting and feeding. Most nest in trees, often with spoonbills or herons. Due to its increasing presence in the urban environment and its habit of rummaging in garbage, the species has acquired a variety of colloquial names such as tip turkey; and bin chicken, and in recent years has become an icon of popular culture, being regarded with passion, wit, and, in equal measure, affection and disgust. R_11969
in vendita - on sale - à vendre - zum
Verkauf
Follow me
www.instagram.com/troise_carmine_washi/
Dietro ogni scatto ci sono sempre fatiche e attese!
Zaino carico e pesante (quasi sempre) e, quando trasporti la Fotocamera con obiettivo, la Sera avverti un dolore al collo...
Ma le Passioni, è noto, comportano sempre sacrifici!
In Natura non esistono malintesi esistono solo in ciò che l'uomo chiama ragione!
ProteggiAMO tutto questo!
PreoccupiAMOci della Natura il nostro futuro dipende da essa!
Osservare tutto questo è un dono, innAMÒRarsene una ricchezza!
Anche su:
e su JuzaPhoto
www.juzaphoto.com/me.php?p=5040&pg=allphotos&srt=...
________________________________________________
Prendetevi del tempo per Sognare, ogni scatto racconta una lunga storia...
Washi
________________________________________________
Meravigliosa Natura!
Privilèges de Montagne...
Inn AMÒR ati della NATURA anche tu!
Il mio tempo in Montagna!
www.facebook.com/WashiInPuntadiPiedi
La Vallée d'Aoste à ma guise - La Valle d'Aosta a modo mio - Aosta Valley in my own way
Vivre en Montagne, au quotidien, pour satisfaire la Curiosité de la Photographie de la Nature...
Valle d'Aosta - Vallée d'Aoste
(Une Montagne d'émotions...)
Clickalps Photography - Troise Carmine - Washi
I miei Video amatoriali su:
www.youtube.com/user/Washi59/videos
www.linkedin.com/in/troisecarminewashi?trk=nav_responsive...
se
Fotocamere:
Canon 5D Mark lV
Obiettivi:
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM II
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM II
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Treppiede Manfrotto 190 X Prob
Testa Manfrotto a sfera compact nera con attacco rapido 496RC2 con frizione
Piastra a sgancio rapido 200PL
Telecomando infrarossi Canon RC-6
Telecomando Rollei Schermo LCD e Retroilluminazione
You can download or view Macroscopic Solutions’ images in more detail by selecting any image and clicking the downward facing arrow in the lower-right corner of the image display screen.
The individuals of Macroscopic Solutions, LLC captured the images in this database collaboratively.
Contact information:
Mark Smith M.S. Geoscientist
mark@macroscopicsolutions.com
Annette Evans Ph.D. Student at the University of Connecticut
annette@macroscopicsolutions.com
in vendita - on sale - à vendre - zum Verkauf
credo di non aver mai osservato e Fotografato un esemplare di queste dimensioni con un Trofeo cosi Regale!
con una Nevicata in atto poi...
Follow me
www.instagram.com/troise_carmine_washi/
Dietro ogni scatto ci sono sempre fatiche e attese!
Zaino carico e pesante (quasi sempre) e, quando trasporti la Fotocamera con obiettivo, la Sera avverti un dolore al collo...
Ma le Passioni, è noto, comportano sempre sacrifici!
In Natura non esistono malintesi esistono solo in ciò che l'uomo chiama ragione!
ProteggiAMO tutto questo!
PreoccupiAMOci della Natura il nostro futuro dipende da essa!
Osservare tutto questo è un dono, innAMÒRarsene una ricchezza!
Anche su:
e su JuzaPhoto
www.juzaphoto.com/me.php?p=5040&pg=allphotos&srt=...
________________________________________________
Prendetevi del tempo per Sognare, ogni scatto racconta una lunga storia...
Washi
________________________________________________
Meravigliosa Natura!
Privilèges de Montagne...
Inn AMÒR ati della NATURA anche tu!
Il mio tempo in Montagna!
www.facebook.com/WashiInPuntadiPiedi
La Vallée d'Aoste à ma guise - La Valle d'Aosta a modo mio - Aosta Valley in my own way
Vivre en Montagne, au quotidien, pour satisfaire la Curiosité de la Photographie de la Nature...
Valle d'Aosta - Vallée d'Aoste
(Une Montagne d'émotions...)
Clickalps Photography - Troise Carmine - Washi
I miei Video amatoriali su:
www.youtube.com/user/Washi59/videos
www.linkedin.com/in/troisecarminewashi?trk=nav_responsive...
se
Fotocamere:
Canon 5D Mark lV
Obiettivi:
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM II
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM II
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Treppiede Manfrotto 190 X Prob
Testa Manfrotto a sfera compact nera con attacco rapido 496RC2 con frizione
Piastra a sgancio rapido 200PL
Telecomando infrarossi Canon RC-6
Telecomando Rollei Schermo LCD e Retroilluminazione
Please view more of my photography at the following websites. Totally, I have 24+ million views; 4,000+ followers/subscribers and 15,000+ views daily
*Flickr: www.flickr.com/people/viv_vivekananda/
*Fluidrive www.fluidr.com/photos/viv_vivekananda
*YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCt5wf3DvvWAqgUd9NMUItVw
*500px: 500px.com/p/svive1?view=photos
*Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560235015998
*Instagram www.instagram.com/viv_vivekananda/
You may purchase my images at:
*Shootproof: vivvivekanandaphotography.shootproof.com/
*Getty Images: www.gettyimages.com.au/search/2/image?family=creative&...
The common raven (Corvus corax), also known as the northern raven, is a large all-black passerine bird. Found across the Northern Hemisphere, it is the most widely distributed of all corvids. There are at least eight subspecies with little variation in appearance, although recent research has demonstrated significant genetic differences among populations from various regions. It is one of the two largest corvids, alongside the thick-billed raven, and is possibly the heaviest passerine bird; at maturity, the common raven averages 63 centimetres in length and 1.2 kilograms in mass. Common ravens can live up to 21 years in the wild, a lifespan surpassed among passerines by only a few Australasian species such as the satin bowerbird and probably the lyrebirds. Young birds may travel in flocks but later mate for life, with each mated pair defending a territory. Common ravens have coexisted with humans for thousands of years and in some areas have been so numerous that people have regarded them as pests. Part of their success as a species is due to their omnivorous diet; they are extremely versatile and opportunistic in finding sources of nutrition, feeding on carrion, insects, cereal grains, berries, fruit, small animals, nesting birds, and food waste. Some notable feats of problem-solving provide evidence that the common raven is unusually intelligent. Over the centuries, it has been the subject of mythology, folklore, art, and literature. In many cultures, including the indigenous cultures of Scandinavia, ancient Ireland and Wales, Bhutan, the northwest coast of North America, and Siberia and northeast Asia, the common raven has been revered as a spiritual figure or godlike creature. R_21928
Using 12800 ISO did not help the exposure one bit. I had sat down and had it figured but I left out the cold factor . Both me and the camera were cold as heck by the time we got home. When I got in the house my glasses and the front element of the lens fogged up .
Témoignages...
Il volto di Cristo scolpito nel Tronco di un meraviglioso Larice - Larix decidua
in vendita - on sale - à vendre - zum
Verkauf
Follow me
www.instagram.com/troise_carmine_washi/
Dietro ogni scatto ci sono sempre fatiche e attese!
Zaino carico e pesante (quasi sempre) e, quando trasporti la Fotocamera con obiettivo, la Sera avverti un dolore al collo...
Ma le Passioni, è noto, comportano sempre sacrifici!
In Natura non esistono malintesi esistono solo in ciò che l'uomo chiama ragione!
ProteggiAMO tutto questo!
PreoccupiAMOci della Natura il nostro futuro dipende da essa!
Osservare tutto questo è un dono, innAMÒRarsene una ricchezza!
Anche su:
e su JuzaPhoto
www.juzaphoto.com/me.php?p=5040&pg=allphotos&srt=...
________________________________________________
Prendetevi del tempo per Sognare, ogni scatto racconta una lunga storia...
Washi
________________________________________________
Meravigliosa Natura!
Privilèges de Montagne...
Inn AMÒR ati della NATURA anche tu!
Il mio tempo in Montagna!
www.facebook.com/WashiInPuntadiPiedi
La Vallée d'Aoste à ma guise - La Valle d'Aosta a modo mio - Aosta Valley in my own way
Vivre en Montagne, au quotidien, pour satisfaire la Curiosité de la Photographie de la Nature...
Valle d'Aosta - Vallée d'Aoste
(Une Montagne d'émotions...)
Clickalps Photography - Troise Carmine - Washi
I miei Video amatoriali su:
www.youtube.com/user/Washi59/videos
www.linkedin.com/in/troisecarminewashi?trk=nav_responsive...
se
Fotocamere:
Canon 5D Mark lV
Obiettivi:
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM II
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM II
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Treppiede Manfrotto 190 X Prob
Testa Manfrotto a sfera compact nera con attacco rapido 496RC2 con frizione
Piastra a sgancio rapido 200PL
Telecomando infrarossi Canon RC-6
Telecomando Rollei Schermo LCD e Retroilluminazione
The Chobe River is a vital African waterway, a tributary of the massive Zambezi River, famous for its huge elephant herds and forming borders between Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, with safaris offering unique experiences where the Zambezi's backflow can create impressive seasonal changes, leading to abundant wildlife viewing where they meet. The Zambezi, Africa's fourth-longest river, flows through six countries, including the famous Victoria Falls, eventually emptying into the Indian Ocean, while the Chobe (formerly Cuando/Linyanti) flows into the Zambezi near Kasane, creating a rich ecosystem.
Hippo bulls grunt with their mouths open primarily as a powerful display of dominance and a warning sign to rivals or threats, not because they are tired. This behavior, sometimes called "gaping," allows them to show off their formidable canines and jaws.
The wide-open mouth, which can open up to 150-180 degrees, serves as a clear and aggressive visual threat display. It exposes their long, sharp tusks (canine teeth) which can be up to 20 inches (50 cm) long, a signal for intruders or rival males to back off.
The grunts and bellows are part of a complex communication system used above and below water to signal their presence and intentions, reinforcing the visual threat display.
This behavior is central to defending their territory, which is vital for access to water, safety, and mating rights. Fights can be ferocious and fatal if the display is ignored.
Females use the size of a male's mouth and his ability to defend his territory as a factor in choosing a partner, making this display an important part of the mating ritual for dominant males.
Oxpeckers and hippos share a fascinating symbiotic, mutualistic relationship where the birds clean parasites (like ticks) and dead skin off the hippo's body, providing food for the oxpeckers, while the hippo gets pest control and potential early warnings of danger, a common sight in African rivers where these small birds act as mobile groomers for massive mammals. S_09941