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Redish Egrets are skilled hunters and use a variety of techniques to catch their prey, including standing motionless and waiting for prey to come within striking distance, or using a "herding" technique to drive fish into shallow water where they can be more easily caught.
Least Tern chick feeding time. There are actually two chicks here, the second is just under the adult on the right and can see its back.
Question.. can anyone ID the male or female? Their behaviors were quite different while I was watching these owls. The one on the right was very watchful constantly scanning the surroundings for threats. The one on the left was much more relaxed, preening and napping without much worry about what was going on.
The majestic Grizzly bear! 🐻 Known for their immense size and strength, Grizzlies are one of the most iconic symbols of the wilderness. Found primarily in the western regions of North America, these magnificent creatures are characterized by their distinctive hump on their shoulders and their fearsome set of sharp claws. Despite their powerful appearance, Grizzly bears are typically peaceful and prefer to avoid human interaction. They primarily feed on vegetation, berries, and fish, and their role as apex predators helps maintain the ecological balance of their habitats. Let's cherish and respect these incredible animals and their natural habitats.
Kudu, also known as the Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), is a magnificent antelope species found in various parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a large and majestic animal, renowned for its unique and striking appearance.
Physical Characteristics:
The Kudu is one of the largest antelope species, with males, known as bulls, weighing up to 600 kg (1,300 lbs) and standing around 1.5 to 1.7 meters (5 to 5.5 feet) tall at the shoulder. Females, known as cows, are smaller and lighter.
Both males and females have long, spiral-shaped horns. The horns can grow up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) in length in males, while in females, they are shorter and slimmer.
Appearance:
Kudus have a beautiful coat with distinctive white stripes along their sides. These stripes are believed to act as a form of camouflage in their woodland habitats, helping them blend in among dappled sunlight and shadow.
The coat coloration varies, but they are generally reddish-brown with a tinge of blue-grey in some areas. The undersides are usually pale.
Habitat and Behavior:
Kudus are found in a range of habitats, including woodlands, savannas, and dense bush areas. They are adaptable animals but prefer regions with enough vegetation for cover.
These antelopes are mainly browsers, feeding on leaves, fruits, and shoots. They have the ability to reach high branches to access food that other herbivores might not reach.
Kudus are predominantly nocturnal, which means they are most active during the night, helping them avoid predators and the heat of the day.
Males are typically solitary or found in small bachelor groups, while females form small herds, often accompanied by one dominant male.
Conservation Status:
The Kudu population is generally considered stable, but some local populations face threats due to habitat loss and hunting for their meat, hides, and horns.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving their natural habitats, implementing anti-poaching measures, and promoting responsible tourism to protect this iconic African species.
Kudus are not only remarkable creatures for their physical beauty but also for their role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats. As such, efforts to safeguard their existence are crucial for the overall health of Africa's biodiversity.
The Roseate Spoonbill is the “spoonbill of the Americas.” There are five other spoonbill species in the world, all of them white-plumaged. They occur in Eurasia, Africa, and on Australia, New Zealand, and some other islands in Oceania. Fossil records of spoonbills date as far back as around 50 million years ago. ~ abcbirds.org
Under the pines, near the murmuring brook,
I know the wild orchids grow,
Fair and pure in their shady nook,
A page in God's own wonderful book
With a message for me to know.
So breathtakingly beautiful so adorned ,
Captured upon a stem scent shared adored .
breath of an angel poured.
Saving flora and fauna is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Here are some ways we can contribute to this cause:
Protect natural habitats: Natural habitats such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands are crucial for the survival of many species. We need to protect these habitats by preventing deforestation, preserving wetlands, and restoring degraded lands.
Reduce pollution: Pollution is a significant threat to flora and fauna. We can reduce pollution by using eco-friendly products, reducing the use of plastic, and properly disposing of waste.
Conserve water: Water is essential for the survival of plants and animals. We can conserve water by fixing leaky faucets, using water-efficient appliances, and reducing water usage.
Support sustainable agriculture: Agriculture practices such as monoculture and excessive use of pesticides can harm the environment. We can support sustainable agriculture by buying locally grown produce and supporting farmers who use sustainable practices.
Reduce carbon footprint: Climate change is a significant threat to flora and fauna. We can reduce our carbon footprint by using public transport, walking or cycling instead of driving, and reducing energy consumption at home.
Educate others: Educating others about the importance of flora and fauna conservation is crucial. We can raise awareness by sharing information on social media, volunteering at conservation organizations, and supporting conservation initiatives.
The name of this species could be misleading: it is 'short-billed' only by comparison to the Long-billed Dowitcher, and longer-billed than the average shorebird. Flocks of Short-billed Dowitchers wade in shallow water over coastal mudflats. They often seem rather tame, allowing a close approach when they are busy feeding. ~ Audubon.org
You are sitting in an open jeep, on the way out for a night drive, waiting for the sun to set. You have become accustomed to the sights and smells over the last 8 days, even though quite confronting at first. But ahhh, it's the sounds that make the night. The remarkable song of the insects, an elephant somewhere trumpeting, the call of an impala sometimes followed by a scream and the growl of a leopard. But it is the hyenas who make the night. The ever-present hyenas with their haunting cackles and wails. These magnificent and unfairly maligned animals with a strong sense of family & social connections. As a thick silence settles over the plains the hyenas' chatter to each other is magnified. It is that sound that remain as my strongest memory of the night. I hope I hear it again one day.
Happy Friday out there !