Toronto's Old City Hall
In 1899 Toronto’s third city hall was built, a gorgeous building in grays and browns. When the present city hall, number four, was built, the old city hall might have been torn down. The Eatons Mall is behind it, and there were plans to demolish the old building. With the help of concerned citizens, it was declared a National Historic Site in 1989, and is presently used as a courthouse.
Toronto's Old City Hall
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Red-vented Bulbul
Originally from south Asia, the Red-vented Bulbul, Pycnonotus cafer, is one of two bulbul species that has been introduced into Hawaii. It was first seen in the islands in the mid 1950’s after being brought in as a cage bird.
It is a very destructive bird for agriculture and spreads seeds from invasive plants. It is widespread on Oahu, uncommon on the big island, and at this point rare or absent on other islands. Government agencies are taking strong measures to halt further expansion.
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Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto
In downtown Toronto, the Hockey Hall of Fame can be found at the corner of Yonge and Front Streets, at the site of a former bank building. It receives over 300,000 visitors per year.
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Diamond Head Light, Oahu
This view is from the top of Diamond Head, the famous volcanic cone which is prominent on the skyline of Honolulu. There is a trail to the top which receives huge numbers of visitors, and gives an excellent view of the city as well as this Lighthouse.
Diamond Head Light, Oahu
The original structure was built in 1899 and was renovated in 1917. It is still operational and is automated.
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Red-crested Cardinal, Paroaria coronata
The Red-crested Cardinal, Paroaria coronata, is a resident of Tropical and sub-tropical woodlands of South America and has also been introduced to Hawaii and Puerto Rico. It has been classified in the Bunting Family but recently suggested that it is a better fit in the Tanagers.
 Red-crested Cardinal, Paroaria coronata |
 Red-crested Cardinal, Paroaria coronata |
 Red-crested Cardinal, Paroaria coronata |
 Red-crested Cardinal, Paroaria coronata |
This pair found a pool of water in a lava formation and made the most of it.
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The Crystal by Michael Lee-Chin
An addition to the Royal Ontario Museum (The ROM) in Toronto, called the Crystal was designed by Michael Lee-Chin. It has been very controversial with critics objecting to the modern design which has been added to building which is otherwise very classic looking. When you get in close to the addition, even underneath it, it can be very beautiful, with interesting lines, color and reflections. From a distance, I find it less appealing with the new portion looking a bit jammed on and out of place with the older structure.
The Crystal
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Hawaiian Goose, Nene, Branta sandvicensis
Description:
It is likely that the Nene, or Hawaiian Goose evolved from a long ago Canada Goose to which it shows obvious similarities. It has been estimated that this ancestor arrived in the Hawaiian Islands some 500,000 years ago, shortly after the islands had formed.
Range:
The species inhabits the islands of Maui, Kauai and Hawaii although released birds are found on other islands as well.
Status:
At one time the numbers of this species had been reduced to about 30 in 1952, but it is currently estimated at 600 in the wild and another 1,000 in breeding programs and collections around the world. The wild population numbers are frequently supplemented by captive stock being released and without these added numbers, the population might well decline. Birdlife lists it as Vulnerable.
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Morning in Toronto
A couple of times a year, I like to make a trip to the center of Toronto to photograph some cityscapes. I try to go early on a Sunday, when there are less people, cars, and noise. In fact, instead of thousands of people, that part of the city can be almost deserted at that time.
Sometimes less is more with an image as well. I liked this image of a fountain in Toronto with the glass towers in the background but parts of it were too detailed and a distraction. There was a great amount of detail in the concrete, ripples in the water, small details that gave a busy look to the image. By processing the image to reduce this detail, I think it gave it a more peaceful atmosphere which I preferred.
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Rose-ringed Parakeet, Psittacula krameri
The Rose-ringed Parakeet, Psittacula krameri, resident in Tropical Africa and India has been a popular caged bird. It has a long history as a pet, having been kept by both the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Due to escaped birds, breeding populations of feral birds have become established in many areas of the world, including Hawaii. Ironically its popularity as a cag bird has caused a serious decline in its natural habitat. If you would like to be informed of future Nature posts, Click Here.
I spent the day in Toronto photographing buildings in the city center. Its amazing how devoid of people it is in the early Sunday morning. This image is from a wonderful shopping arcade on Front St. beside the Hockey Hall of Fame.
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