Water Thick-knee, Burhinus vermiculatus
Found in Southern Africa, not surprisingly near water, the Water Thick-knee, Burhinus vermiculatus, was known as the Water Dikkop or Waterdikkop from the Afrikaans. It is a bird of beautifuly fine markings.
If you would like to be informed of future Nature posts, Click Here.
Grand Canyon at Dusk
I first visited the Grand Canyon with my children and it is one of their favorite travel memories. At that time you could drive yourself around to the various lookouts, while the pressure of large crowds has meant the institution of a shuttle nowadays. The massive crowds even outside of the summer months has made the experience more frustrating but it is still a place you should visit if you can. The views will still stop you in your tracks.
Grand Canyon at Dusk
If you would like to be informed of future Nature posts, Click Here.
American Bison twin calves
One of my neighbors has a captive herd of American Bison,Bison bison. I often have a look at them as they are kept in a large pasture. It was interesting to see that they had three new calves. Two stuck together with one cow and I assume they are twins. They are considerably lighter in color than the adults and I see they have beginnings of horns. In reading various accounts of the species, it seems that twins are a rare ovvurence.
If you would like to be informed of future Nature posts, Click Here.
Ring of Brodgar
The Ring of Brodgar is a wonderful stone monument from Neolithic Orkney. It is part of a wider series of nearby standing stones. Much about this complex set of stone circles, tombs and standing stones is not fully understood including close dating of its manufacture. It is thought to have been built 4,000 to 4,500 years ago. It is difficult to grasp that perhaps 20,000 generations of man have lived and died since it’s construction.
Ring of Brodgar
If you would like to be informed of future Nature posts, Click Here.
Common Cat's Ear, Hypochaeris radicata
The Common Cat’s Ear, Hypochaeris radicata , is native to Europe, parts of Asia and North Africa. It has been introduced in other parts of the world where it is often considered a noxious weed. It is often mistaken for the Common Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, but usually flowers later.
If you would like to be informed of future Nature posts, Click Here.
Wild Turkey with chicks
At one time Wild Turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, were very uncommon in Ontario, as they had problems withstanding the cold winters. As our winters have gotten milder in the last few years, there numbers are increasing and I often see them now, including large flocks in the winter. This adult with five chicks is the first time I have seen young birds and they were not far from my residence. So even if the bright sun was not the best for photography, I had to stop the car for a few shots.
Wild Turkey with chicks
If you would like to be informed of future Nature posts, Click Here.
Castle of Yesnaby, Orkney Islands
The Castle of Yesnaby is a famous sea stack off the main island of the Orkney Islands. It was first climbed in 1967 and has become a favorite of rock climbers. Its crumbling weed covered rock makes it a challenge.There is an amphitheater like coastline with a trail along the top which curves around it, providing the walker with spectacular views. It would be an amazing sight in a heavy sea, I hope to see it on a future visit.
Castle of Yesnaby, Orkney Islands
If you would like to be informed of future Nature posts, Click Here.
Double-crested Cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus
Hamilton harbor in Ontario is a breeding area for a large number of Double-crested Cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus. One of their nesting trees is beide a highway which makes it easy to observe them. The image above shows an adult with four chicks while the one below shows a chick being fed.
 Double-crested Cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus |
 Double-crested Cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus |
If you would like to be informed of future Nature posts, Click Here.
Toronto Skyline
There are three Ferrys which make the short trip to the Toronto Islands and they are an excellent platform to photograph the Toronto Skyline as they pull away. This view shows the CN Tower on the left and the financial towers of the city center near the right. Most of the front buildings lining the shore are condominiums.
If you would like to be informed of future Nature posts, Click Here.
Sandhill Cranes, Grus canadensis
A few miles from my house is an area called Grass Lake, which has been a breeding spot for Sandhill Cranes, Grus canadensis. After their chicks are born, they can often be seen in family groups foraging for food. This group had two young birds with the parents, which is very often the case. Incidentally, young birds are known as “colts”
Sandhill Cranes, Grus canadensis
If you would like to be informed of future Nature posts, Click Here.
Powered by WordPress
