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Predators; Little & Lovable Lookin', Larger & Lethal … on Creative Arts Three Day Weekend

  
By:  A. Macarthur  •  3 years ago  •  164 comments


Predators; Little & Lovable Lookin', Larger & Lethal … on Creative Arts Three Day Weekend
 

Leave a comment to auto-join group 2023~ The CREATIVE ARTS GROUP ON THE NEWSTALKERS

2023~ The CREATIVE ARTS GROUP ON THE NEWSTALKERS


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Red Fox Kits, Little & Lovable Lookin' (Above & Below)

© A. Mac/A.G.

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© A. Mac/A.G.

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Sharp-shinned Hawk, Larger & Lethal

© A. Mac/A.G.


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A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
1  author  A. Macarthur    3 years ago

Here we are again! Show your creativity.

(Top photo, Bald Eagle, © A. Mac/A.G.)

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
1.1  devangelical  replied to  A. Macarthur @1    3 years ago

cool pictures mac. I can watch raptors for hours on end, and since I live in the land of prairie dogs, I have.

 
 
 
Tessylo
Professor Principal
1.1.1  Tessylo  replied to  devangelical @1.1    3 years ago

Is an eagle a raptor?  I remember my dad telling me that he was stopped at a traffic light and an eagle swooped down and grabbed a squirrel.  That would have been a sight to see!

 
 
 
shona1
PhD Quiet
1.1.2  shona1  replied to  Tessylo @1.1.1    3 years ago

Morning..Poor squirrel..Love squirrels, we don't have them here..Hmmm probably as they are not deadly they didn't qualify..🐿️🐿️

 
 
 
Tessylo
Professor Principal
1.1.3  Tessylo  replied to  shona1 @1.1.2    3 years ago

Seeing the eagle swoop - would have been quite the sight to see - right there in front of me - not so much the poor squirrel getting eaten.  

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
1.1.4  devangelical  replied to  shona1 @1.1.2    3 years ago

based upon all of the other animals unique to oz, I would be terrified of any squirrels there.

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
1.1.5  author  A. Macarthur  replied to  Tessylo @1.1.1    3 years ago
  • Raptor (bird)   or bird of prey, a bird that primarily hunts and feeds on vertebrates
 
 
 
shona1
PhD Quiet
1.1.6  shona1  replied to  devangelical @1.1.4    3 years ago

Morning...Our possums are good.. Brush Tails and Ring Tails. About as close to a squirrel as we have got. They do bite scratch etc but don't kill you..but there again could get infected, septis sets in and you are cactus/dead.. not heard of anyone snuffing it/dieing but you never know...

 
 
 
Tessylo
Professor Principal
1.1.7  Tessylo  replied to  A. Macarthur @1.1.5    3 years ago

I remember one time I saw a vulture up close - it was perched on the part of a bridge as I was riding by - almost had an accident.  Not one of the Lord's beautiful creatures.

Another time I saw a bunch of turkey vultures sitting on the roof on top of the condos across the way from my deck - they were all looking my way - it was creepy!

 
 
 
Tessylo
Professor Principal
1.1.8  Tessylo  replied to  Tessylo @1.1.7    3 years ago

Speaking of vultures . . . 

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cjcold
Professor Quiet
1.1.9  cjcold  replied to  devangelical @1.1.4    3 years ago

Barn swallows swoop on me every time I walk out the door. 

Ya gotta love em.

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
1.2  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  A. Macarthur @1    3 years ago

Nice pics.  Just realized I have something in common with that eagle.

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
1.2.1  Kavika   replied to  Buzz of the Orient @1.2    3 years ago

You have talons?

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
1.2.2  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Kavika @1.2.1    3 years ago

No, and I don't have feathers either.  It's a BALD eagle.

 
 
 
Tessylo
Professor Principal
1.2.3  Tessylo  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @1.2.2    3 years ago

You silly goose!

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
1.2.4  devangelical  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @1.2.2    3 years ago

I saw that one coming...

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
1.2.5  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @1.2.2    3 years ago

Actually, there is another similarity.  LOL

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devangelical
Professor Principal
1.2.6  devangelical  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @1.2.5    3 years ago

nice beak...

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
1.2.7  Raven Wing  replied to  devangelical @1.2.6    3 years ago

jrSmiley_91_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
1.2.8  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  devangelical @1.2.6    3 years ago

It is somewhat prominent, I admit.

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
1.2.9  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Raven Wing @1.2.7    3 years ago

As the wolf might have said to Little Red Riding Hood: "The better to smell you with."

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
1.2.10  Raven Wing  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @1.2.9    3 years ago
"The better to smell you with."

That Wolf really had a thing going with L'il Red. jrSmiley_79_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
Dig
Professor Participates
1.3  Dig  replied to  A. Macarthur @1    3 years ago

Great shots, especially of the hawk, and that fox is cute as all get out.

I also got one of a hawk this week, but it's not as clear and sharp as yours. I'm not sure if it's a Cooper's or a sharp-shinned. Again it was too far away and had to be over-zoomed (digitally). I'm already thinking about getting a better camera.

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What size range for lenses do you like for general wildlife photography? Would 300mm be enough, or do I need 500mm or more?

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
1.3.1  author  A. Macarthur  replied to  Dig @1.3    3 years ago

Naturally for wildlife and many sports, the longer lenses give you more reach; but unless you spend a lot of money, most longer lenses are considered slower as the maximum aperture are usually 4.5 or 5.6 so fast shutter speeds won’t be available except in bright situations, or, at high ISO settings. Like life, there are trade offs in photography.

Depending on how a photo will be used, cropping and enlarging can be viable options. A 300mm lens can get you enough reach depending on distance-to/subject. Above all, get the shot and crop and enlarge if needed. No matter the lens, if you don’t get the shot, it won’t matter.

 
 
 
Dig
Professor Participates
1.3.2  Dig  replied to  A. Macarthur @1.3.1    3 years ago

Will a 300mm get good shots of bird-sized subjects out to about 150 ft.?

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
1.3.3  author  A. Macarthur  replied to  Dig @1.3.2    3 years ago

Too many variables to answer definitively, but, song birds, perching birds and birds other than hawks, owls, tall wading birds and large waterfowl, at that distance, they won’t fill much of the frame. But again, get the shot and then see if cropping and enlarging do it justice. 

 
 
 
Dig
Professor Participates
1.3.4  Dig  replied to  A. Macarthur @1.3.3    3 years ago

Thanks for the advice, Mac. 

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
2  Kavika     3 years ago

One of our resident Heron's decided to come into our community pool. He flew in walked around for a while and then flew back out to one of our lakes in the complex. 

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One of our Florida softshell turtles headed back to the lake after a jaunt around the neighborhood.

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Tessylo
Professor Principal
2.1  Tessylo  replied to  Kavika @2    3 years ago

I loved seeing herons on the bay front where I used to live.  

So cute, the turtle was out for a stroll.  

 
 
 
Gsquared
Professor Principal
2.2  Gsquared  replied to  Kavika @2    3 years ago

Nice pictures.  The heron is amazing.

 
 
 
shona1
PhD Quiet
2.3  shona1  replied to  Kavika @2    3 years ago

Morning..Hope you check the pool incase any snappies are sitting on the bottom before you get in..🐊🐊🐊

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
2.3.1  Kavika   replied to  shona1 @2.3    3 years ago

I do check but it's for gators, not snappies. In the US snapping turtles are sometimes referred to as snappies. They can take a finger or toe off quite easily. 

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devangelical
Professor Principal
2.3.2  devangelical  replied to  shona1 @2.3    3 years ago
snappies are sitting on the bottom

ha ha ha, I love it...

 
 
 
shona1
PhD Quiet
2.3.3  shona1  replied to  Kavika @2.3.1    3 years ago

Ummm....does it come in a bigger size?? That would be a croc snack take away... Glad you check, always a worry when they are hanging around...

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
2.3.4  Kavika   replied to  shona1 @2.3.3    3 years ago

The males on average are 13 to 15 feet. The largest in Florida was 17.5 feet. 

We also have crocodiles here in Florida. They can reach 20 feet and weigh around 2,000 lbs but most are in the 11 to 15 foot range. 

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
2.3.5  Kavika   replied to  Kavika @2.3.4    3 years ago

We also have Burmese python in the Everglades this is the largest one ever captured in Florida and one of the largest in the world. 18 feet 3 inches. 

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shona1
PhD Quiet
2.3.6  shona1  replied to  Kavika @2.3.5    3 years ago

Yes pass on those ones...From what I have heard they are introduced and a pest now?? And causing massive damage? Perhaps they should have an open season on them..

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
2.3.7  Kavika   replied to  shona1 @2.3.6    3 years ago

They are not native to North American and they have infested the Everglades and are causing a huge amount of damage to all the other wildlife that inhabit the ''Glades''. There is an open season on them and people are paid to get rid of them. 

They were not introduced. People had them as pets and when they got too big they let them loose in the Everglades and it took years before they were detected now they are out of control and have actually started leaving the Everglades and have been found crossing into neighborhoods close to the glades.

 
 
 
shona1
PhD Quiet
2.3.8  shona1  replied to  Kavika @2.3.7    3 years ago

Hope they manage to cull and control them..well better try and get some sleep. It is nearly 3.30am and I am bright eyed and bushy tailed... enjoy your day.. see you later alligator...after awhile crocodile...

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
2.3.9  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Kavika @2.3.1    3 years ago

At least that wasn't anything I was worried about when we had a swimming pool at our Toronto home.

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
2.3.10  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Kavika @2.3.5    3 years ago

I never thought of Florida as being such a dangerous place.

 
 
 
cjcold
Professor Quiet
2.3.11  cjcold  replied to  shona1 @2.3.3    3 years ago

Pretty sure that all wildlife is much more dangerous down under.

Including that redhead from Sidney I met back in the day.

 
 
 
Hal A. Lujah
Professor Guide
2.4  Hal A. Lujah  replied to  Kavika @2    3 years ago

We had a heron visit the neighborhood storm water retention pond a couple weeks ago after days of heavy rain.  The pond slowly releases runoff over the concrete weir wall, providing the opportunity to snap up little fish and whatnot.  This is the favorite spot for the bird in the back sitting beneath the rail - he wasn’t too happy about having to share food with this big guy.  Anyone know what kind of bird that is beneath the rail?  I think it’s a king fisher.

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GregTx
PhD Guide
2.4.1  GregTx  replied to  Hal A. Lujah @2.4    3 years ago

Looks like a black crowned night heron.

 
 
 
Hal A. Lujah
Professor Guide
2.4.2  Hal A. Lujah  replied to  GregTx @2.4.1    3 years ago

I think you are right.

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
2.4.3  author  A. Macarthur  replied to  GregTx @2.4.1    3 years ago

Good to see youGregTx …

The smaller bird at the top is probably a Black Crowned Night Heron, the long legged bird at the bottom with the yellowish bill is probably a Great Blue Heron.

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
2.4.4  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Hal A. Lujah @2.4    3 years ago

I don't think I appreciated the fact that we had herons on the lake my four-season cottage was on, but what was great and unforgettable were the loon calls early in the morning.

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
3  Buzz of the Orient    3 years ago

Vintage style pics of a vintage village in Sichuan Province

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.A family celebration beside the river

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The National Game - Mah Jong

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Kavika
Professor Principal
3.1  Kavika   replied to  Buzz of the Orient @3    3 years ago

One of the things that I love about China is all the artwork (statues etc) and the brilliant colors that are used in everything.

And all of these photos are B&W, LOL. 

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
3.1.1  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Kavika @3.1    3 years ago

There is a reason they're B&W.  It was my previous camera, and for some reason when I started to take photos there, the colour started fading until it was completely gone.  I wrote to Olympus about it and they told me nothing could be done about it, so I had to get a new camera, not an Olympus.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
3.1.2  Raven Wing  replied to  Kavika @3.1    3 years ago
One of the things that I love about China is all the artwork (statues etc) and the brilliant colors that are used in everything

Same here, Kavika. S. Korea ass well, although, Korea is not quite as colorful as in China. I guess the bright colors of China appeal to my Cherokee blood.

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
3.1.3  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Raven Wing @3.1.2    3 years ago

Okay Raven and Kavika, you want the colours of China?  Here are some samples for you - all of the photos were taken by me over the years I've been here. 

I call this one "Primary Colours", a photo taken at the White Horse Temple in Luoyang.

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TheTemple of Heaven, behind the Forbidden City in Beijing.  A.Mac has previously posted his photo of a replica of it in Disney World.

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The ceiling of a pagoda - does it make you feel dizzy?

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The Buddhas are usually displayed in beautifully decorated settings.

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Inside a cave at Guilin, near the Karst Mountains of Guanxi.

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A building faced with mosaic art at the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute a 5 minute walk from us.

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The kite was invented in China.

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China at night - buildings more colourful than during the day

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And the boats, floating rainbows

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Perhaps it's to make up for the rarity of spectacular sunsets - nature always wins in the end.

 
 
 
Dig
Professor Participates
3.1.4  Dig  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @3.1.3    3 years ago

The pagoda ceiling produces an optical illusion (to my eye) that makes it look like the color wheel is moving back and forth. Cool.

 
 
 
cjcold
Professor Quiet
3.1.5  cjcold  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @3.1.1    3 years ago

Last time I was in China and taking pictures, I was arrested. FUCK the regime!

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
3.1.6  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  cjcold @3.1.5    3 years ago

Tell us about it.  Why were you arrested?  I've been taking thousands of pictures all over China for almost 15 years and never had a problem.  Were you taking photos of army installations or something of that type?  Maybe what happened to you was your own fault, and you're using it as an excuse to hate. 

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
3.1.7  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @3.1.6    3 years ago

Crickets - as expected.  So it's likely my assumption is correct.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
3.1.8  Raven Wing  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @3.1.3    3 years ago

Lots of beautiful colors. Thanks Buzz.

 
 
 
Gsquared
Professor Principal
3.2  Gsquared  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @3    3 years ago

The day we visited the Great Wall, this family was setting up for lunch.   

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 © G. Gam 2021

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
3.2.1  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Gsquared @3.2    3 years ago

Although there were people on the wall hawking souvenirs and snacks I never saw anything like that when I was there at Christmas - it was really cold and windy, as you can see from this...wearing my signature Greek fisherman's cap that I had bought at the Fisherman's Wharf, S.F. and wore during winters for at least 3 decades until it disintigrated. 

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Hal A. Lujah
Professor Guide
4  Hal A. Lujah    3 years ago

original original

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
4.1  Kavika   replied to  Hal A. Lujah @4    3 years ago

Is that a lilac bush, Hal?

 
 
 
Hal A. Lujah
Professor Guide
4.1.1  Hal A. Lujah  replied to  Kavika @4.1    3 years ago

Yes it is.  It really exploded this year and smells amazing.

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
4.2  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Hal A. Lujah @4    3 years ago

Terrific flower images - took about two minutes to fully open.  Where I grew up we had a lilac bush in the back yard - loved the smell.

 
 
 
Gsquared
Professor Principal
4.3  Gsquared  replied to  Hal A. Lujah @4    3 years ago

Very beautiful photos.

 
 
 
Dig
Professor Participates
4.4  Dig  replied to  Hal A. Lujah @4    3 years ago

I have a lilac exactly like that one (same flower color), but it hasn't bloomed for two years in a row now. I've had freaky, unusual weather the past two springs which has apparently affected it. Maybe next year.

 
 
 
cjcold
Professor Quiet
4.4.1  cjcold  replied to  Dig @4.4    3 years ago

I fertilized my lilac a few years back and it hasn't bloomed since.

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
4.4.2  author  A. Macarthur  replied to  cjcold @4.4.1    3 years ago

If a plant "thinks" it not in need of any basic elements its environment provides for its survival, it may not be "induced" to reproduce (to flower in this case). 

I planted milkweed seeds from the Pocono Mountains in my backyard garden in Philadelphia. The plants produced lots of foliage, but, in the first year, NO FLOWERS. I speculate, because the plants that evolved in the shallow, rocky soil of the mountains, upon their seeds germinating in the richer soil of my back yard, "felt" no urgency to flower and reproduce. But now, two years later, they are producing multiple new plants via their underground roots, AND FLOWERING LIKE CRAZY!

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
4.4.3  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  A. Macarthur @4.4.2    3 years ago

Glad to hear it, and are they effectively attracting lots of Monarch butterflies?

 
 
 
Veronica
Professor Guide
6  Veronica    3 years ago

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In the canal behind my father's house in Florida.  I took it in 2015 on the last visit I had with him before he passed away.  

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
6.1  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Veronica @6    3 years ago

Would you like me to enlarge that photo for you?

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
6.1.1  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @6.1    3 years ago

Never mind.  I'm heading to bed now.

 
 
 
shona1
PhD Quiet
6.1.2  shona1  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @6.1.1    3 years ago

Morning. Night Buzz..

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
6.1.3  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @6.1.1    3 years ago

I suggested enlarging because I couldn't tell what was on the rock until I enlarged it in my own picture library, but since no reply, never mind. 

 
 
 
shona1
PhD Quiet
6.2  shona1  replied to  Veronica @6    3 years ago

Morning..oh what a cute little snappy.. looks like he is having a bad colour day..sorry about your dad..hope you have wonderful memories to hold on too.

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
6.2.1  devangelical  replied to  shona1 @6.2    3 years ago
oh what a cute little snappy

LOL

 
 
 
Tessylo
Professor Principal
6.2.2  Tessylo  replied to  shona1 @6.2    3 years ago

Your snappies grow a lot bigger down under eh?

 
 
 
shona1
PhD Quiet
6.2.3  shona1  replied to  Tessylo @6.2.2    3 years ago

Morning Tessylo...just a tad/abit..Some are up to a hundred years old.. Will tackle anything cows, boats, people, dogs..Some poor guys up Darwin a few weeks ago a croc jumped into their boat, they jumped out.

Have been known to chase people up trees and wait days down the bottom. If the people have no way of communication, they are stuck.

They also attack and eat each other. Couple of people a year are usually taken so they are not the nicest of things around.

 
 
 
cjcold
Professor Quiet
6.2.4  cjcold  replied to  shona1 @6.2    3 years ago

No such thing as a "cute" croc. Had to run for my life once.

 
 
 
pat wilson
Professor Participates
6.3  pat wilson  replied to  Veronica @6    3 years ago

Swamp Thing !!!

 
 
 
Gsquared
Professor Principal
7  Gsquared    3 years ago

Being creative with my photos.   

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© G. Gam 2021

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© G. Gam 2021

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© G. Gam 2021

 
 
 
Perrie Halpern R.A.
Professor Principal
7.1  Perrie Halpern R.A.  replied to  Gsquared @7    3 years ago

I love the first one. It's a great triptic. 

 
 
 
Gsquared
Professor Principal
7.1.1  Gsquared  replied to  Perrie Halpern R.A. @7.1    3 years ago

Thanks, Perrie

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
7.1.2  devangelical  replied to  Gsquared @7.1.1    3 years ago

picture #2 - it reminds me of some drug induced nostalgia from the early 70's.

 
 
 
Gsquared
Professor Principal
7.1.3  Gsquared  replied to  devangelical @7.1.2    3 years ago

Hmm... Having a flashback, dev?

 
 
 
devangelical
Professor Principal
7.1.4  devangelical  replied to  Gsquared @7.1.3    3 years ago

summer 1973, windowpane LSD, a pretty accurate depiction of some scenery that was passing by.

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
7.2  author  A. Macarthur  replied to  Gsquared @7    3 years ago

3 WOWS!

WOW!

WOW!

WOW!

 
 
 
Gsquared
Professor Principal
7.2.1  Gsquared  replied to  A. Macarthur @7.2    3 years ago

Thank you so much!

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
7.3  Raven Wing  replied to  Gsquared @7    3 years ago

I love how your artistic skills have grown, G. You are letting your imagination open so many new doors for you and they are awesome. Your talents are growing by the day, and we are so lucky to be able to see them grow. jrSmiley_13_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
Gsquared
Professor Principal
7.3.1  Gsquared  replied to  Raven Wing @7.3    3 years ago

Thank you very much, Raven Wing. 

You art has, of course, inspired me greatly, as has Mac's.

 
 
 
Dig
Professor Participates
7.4  Dig  replied to  Gsquared @7    3 years ago

Nice color combinations, G. Pleasing to the eye.

 
 
 
Gsquared
Professor Principal
7.4.1  Gsquared  replied to  Dig @7.4    3 years ago

Thanks, Dig.

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
7.5  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Gsquared @7    3 years ago

And creative you be....

 
 
 
Gsquared
Professor Principal
7.5.1  Gsquared  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @7.5    3 years ago

Thank you, Buzz.

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
7.6  Kavika   replied to  Gsquared @7    3 years ago

Well done,G.

 
 
 
Gsquared
Professor Principal
7.6.1  Gsquared  replied to  Kavika @7.6    3 years ago

Thank you very much, Kavika.

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
8  Kavika     3 years ago

There are pigeons and there are pigeons. Our version is drab and then you have the ''Rainbow Piegon'' native to parts of SE Asia.

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Those are not Air Jordans on his feet.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
8.1  Raven Wing  replied to  Kavika @8    3 years ago

That bird proves that Mother Nature has a sense of humor, and a great sense of color. Beautiful!

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
8.2  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Kavika @8    3 years ago

LGQBT?

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
9  author  A. Macarthur    3 years ago

Off to a great start … keep it goin'!

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
10  Raven Wing    3 years ago

Hello Fri..day!!

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
10.1  author  A. Macarthur  replied to  Raven Wing @10    3 years ago

Exceptionally beautiful!

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
10.1.1  Raven Wing  replied to  A. Macarthur @10.1    3 years ago

Thank you very much, Mac. I am very glad you like it.

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
10.2  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Raven Wing @10    3 years ago

Raven, you did a fantastic job with that one. 

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
10.2.1  Raven Wing  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @10.2    3 years ago
you did a fantastic job with that one. 

Thanks Buzz. I tested with a few different wood burls, but, the buckeye wood burl seemed to fit best with the primary subject.

 
 
 
Dig
Professor Participates
10.3  Dig  replied to  Raven Wing @10    3 years ago

Nice one, RW.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
10.3.1  Raven Wing  replied to  Dig @10.3    3 years ago

Thank you, Dig. Glad you like it.

 
 
 
Gsquared
Professor Principal
10.4  Gsquared  replied to  Raven Wing @10    3 years ago

That is a very beautiful image, Raven Wing.

 
 
 
Dig
Professor Participates
11  Dig    3 years ago

A black rat snake checking out a couple of empty bird houses. If they were occupied I wouldn't have let the snake mess with them, but as things were I thought I'd let it pose for a few pics.

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A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
11.1  author  A. Macarthur  replied to  Dig @11    3 years ago

A most impressive series!

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
11.2  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Dig @11    3 years ago

That is an uncomparable set of photos.  Slim pickings for that guy.

 
 
 
Dig
Professor Participates
11.2.1  Dig  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @11.2    3 years ago

Thanks. He did leave hungry. Fortunately, he didn't approach any other bird houses that I know have nests in them.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
11.3  Raven Wing  replied to  Dig @11    3 years ago

Very interesting series of photos, Dig. While the snake did not end up with good results of its explorations, you sure did. jrSmiley_13_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
12  Kavika     3 years ago

Great photos Dig. 

Just this AM in the rock garden on the side of the house was a black rat snake, a small one about 3 ft long. 

 
 
 
Dig
Professor Participates
12.1  Dig  replied to  Kavika @12    3 years ago

That's the second time I've caught a snake checking out those particular bird houses. This one seemed to know exactly where it was going, too. Now I'm wondering if that's why they've been unoccupied for the past couple of years. I'm not really sure what to do about that. I don't want to put those ugly cones around any trees in the yard. 

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
12.1.1  Kavika   replied to  Dig @12.1    3 years ago

The snake may have got some bird eggs there in the past so it will keep coming back looking for more. 

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
12.1.2  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Dig @12.1    3 years ago

You must have seen what the vets put on a dog to prevent it from scratching its eyes and face - can you adapt something like that onto the tree trunk below the birdhouse?

OIP.jRb_3PVy9JwHfkPVaMrjyQHaEK?w=310&h=180&c=7&o=5&pid=1.7

 
 
 
Dig
Professor Participates
12.1.3  Dig  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @12.1.2    3 years ago

Yeah, but I think they're ugly and I don't really want them on trees in the yard. I may put one under the bat house that I picked up but haven't hung yet. I'm not going to put it right in the yard, though, so it won't be plainly visible. I won't mind that.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
12.1.4  Raven Wing  replied to  Dig @12.1.3    3 years ago

Might be if there is an aura or traces of a snake on the tree and around and on the bird houses, that might be why they have remained unoccupied for so long.

 
 
 
Dig
Professor Participates
12.1.5  Dig  replied to  Raven Wing @12.1.4    3 years ago

That occurred to me as well. I know I saw a wren checking out the white one a few weeks ago, but it didn't move in. If the snake leaves a smell, that could certainly explain why birds are avoiding them.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
12.1.6  Raven Wing  replied to  Dig @12.1.5    3 years ago

I am not a snake experts by far, but, like many other animals of different species, they tend to leave a scent to mark their 'territory', perhaps claiming right to that tree and the bird house. While it might not have been the same birds that would take up residence in the birdhouses, it is rather unusual for a bird house to go unclaimed by a bird of some sort for such a long time.

It is not unusual for birds to reject a birdhouse if there is the scent of a cat anywhere in the close vicinity of it. I have seen that happen many times. So maybe it is a similar situation with snakes as well.

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
12.1.7  author  A. Macarthur  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @12.1.2    3 years ago

original

A squirrel baffle. Don't know if baffles are made with diameters large enough for tree trunks.

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
12.1.8  author  A. Macarthur  replied to  Raven Wing @12.1.4    3 years ago

In nature, organisms occupy what are called "ecological niches" … which often create conflicts between what humans prefer but what an ecosystem requires to sustain itself. A snake population in a given ecosystem eats birds eggs, or, nestlings, over time, too many snakes will mean " not enough bird eggs, and snake populations will decrease for lack of food ultimately. 

On the other hand, not enough snakes will allow certain bird species populations to become too large, and that bird population will decrease for lack of food, etc. because of inter-species competition.

The point is, NATURE HAS ITS CHECKS AND BALANCES, and when humans mess with that balance, there could be consequences for the humans.

Rat snakes will possibly eat birds eggs and baby birds … BUT THEY ALSO EAT … YUP! … RATS. It's quite possible, that a rat snake looking for birds' eggs, may have reduced a rat population within its ecosystem, and, until the rat population comes back, the snakes that eat them will find other food sources, or, move on to rattier pastures.

If a human population living in a given area doesn't want to see snakes and discourages their natural inclinations, those humans may find an unchecked rat population even less desirable than snakes that will eat bird eggs.

NOTE: The biologist in me survives despite the years.

See everyone on Saturday.

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
14  author  A. Macarthur    3 years ago

original

Good night for now.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
14.1  Raven Wing  replied to  A. Macarthur @14    3 years ago

That is a real beauty, Mac. Very interesting visual effect on the photo gives it a very unique look. It almost looks like a snake in the lower right corner crawling among the rocks along side the stream. The visual effect on the water gives it a rather surreal appearance.

Very well done, Mac. jrSmiley_79_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
14.1.1  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Raven Wing @14.1    3 years ago

I totally agree with your assessment of that photo.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
15  Raven Wing    3 years ago

Saturday....here we come!!

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
15.1  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Raven Wing @15    3 years ago

And we would feel safe if he were there to protect us....

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
15.1.1  Raven Wing  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @15.1    3 years ago

Thanks Buzz. (smile)

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
16  Kavika     3 years ago

G'day from the friendliest animal in the world, the Quokka native to parts of Australia. It's also the world's smallest kangaroo. And yes they do have a pouch to carry their young. 

512

512

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
16.1  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Kavika @16    3 years ago

Aw.  It wants to give me a big hug.

 
 
 
Dig
Professor Participates
16.2  Dig  replied to  Kavika @16    3 years ago

That top photo is pure joy.

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
17  Kavika     3 years ago

Hitching a ride. 

512

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
17.1  Raven Wing  replied to  Kavika @17    3 years ago

How cute!!

Dat turtlay doding a beauties pose fors deh camra. jrSmiley_91_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
17.2  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Kavika @17    3 years ago

That dragonfly needs to be careful it doesn't end up being a meal.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
18  Raven Wing    3 years ago

Hope your Saturday is great!

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
18.1  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Raven Wing @18    3 years ago

You're really good at blending images.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
18.1.1  Raven Wing  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @18.1    3 years ago
You're really good at blending images.

Thank you, Buzz. I am very glad that you like it.

This artwork is to show a Shaman presiding over the the ceremony of a young Brave passing into adulthood. In many Tribes the males are not considered to be adults until they are 25 y/o.

Also, as he becomes an adult he is given a new Spirit Guide, the Falcon, which is also shown. The others shown are lesser Spirits that will also watch over him as he moves into adulthood.

 
 
 
Dig
Professor Participates
19  Dig    3 years ago

Eastern kingbird, watching for insects on the ground from the garden fence.

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Eastern wood peewee. Their call always gives them away.

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Goldfinch and something I'm not sure of. I thought maybe a female house finch, but the beak doesn't look 'finchy' enough to me. Could be wrong about that, though. Does anyone know what it is?

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Northern cardinal and indigo bunting.

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Maybe a female house sparrow? Anyone know?

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Yet another red-headed woodpecker. Definitely different from the one before. This one looks older to me, and also has black splotches on the white part of its wings

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The first time I ever saw one at a feeder. What luck! Hasn't been back since I took this shot, though. At least not that I've noticed.

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A blue jay nesting higher up in the second tree that the snake was checking out in my other photos above. I was all ready to get shots of a confrontation, but the snake didn't go that high. 

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Anyone remember my video of the chickadees moving into this bird house a while back? Well, last week I heard chicks chirping in it, and the adults were busy feeding them, but before I could get any shots of the chicks sticking their heads out they were gone. Maybe chickadee chicks are calmer than wren chicks and don't do that. Shortly after they left, a house wren claimed the bird house and started pulling out the chickadee nest. Shown here is some kind of fur the chickadees used for lining that I couldn't identify. 

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After seeing the wren trying to clean out the box, I decided to help and emptied it out for him (male house wrens build the nest). After it was empty he started bringing in twigs. Below is a hilarious moment I caught when he was trying to figure out how to get a twig through the hole. Just pushing against it doesn't work, lol. He figured it out in no time, though. House wrens are hands down my favorite bird house residents. They are feisty little buggers, and the song they sing while nesting is top-notch. Their wings are high speed and flutter away like a hummingbird's at times, which is neat to watch. They are all-around awesome birds to have in your yard (bug eaters, too). At present I have three hanging bird houses with house wrens in them. Mornings are a cacophony of wren song. It's wonderful.

original

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
19.1  Raven Wing  replied to  Dig @19    3 years ago

Great series of beautiful birds, Dig.

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
19.2  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Dig @19    3 years ago

Welcome to Dig's outdoor aviary - as I've suggested already, you could sell tickets to birdwatchers and photographers.

 
 
 
Gsquared
Professor Principal
19.3  Gsquared  replied to  Dig @19    3 years ago

Wonderful photos.

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
20  author  A. Macarthur    3 years ago

Been on the road but it looks like all is well and we’re looking good.

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
21  author  A. Macarthur    3 years ago

FLAT out looking forward to Sunday.

original

© A. Mac/A.G.

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
21.1  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  A. Macarthur @21    3 years ago

Your flounder, as seen through my eyes and camera lens....

800

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
21.1.1  author  A. Macarthur  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @21.1    3 years ago

But now it's dead.

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
21.1.2  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  A. Macarthur @21.1.1    3 years ago

Sad but true - a flounder that floundered.

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
21.1.3  author  A. Macarthur  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @21.1.2    3 years ago

It is humanity that flounders when it is casual about how it "harvests" … the balance of nature is delicate and so-called "humanity," unlike other animals, often takes more than it needs, not considering anything but the present and the immediate future. It overpopulates, consumes disproportionately -- leaving too many too little and amassing gluts for too few. 

Getting down from my soapbox now.

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
21.1.4  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  A. Macarthur @21.1.3    3 years ago

"Casual"? or dedicated...not only overpopulates and consumes disproportionately, but also wastes.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
22  Raven Wing    3 years ago

Sorry to be running late today.....very busy morning.

So here is one for Sunday..

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
22.1  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Raven Wing @22    3 years ago

Late or not - as nice as usual.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
22.1.1  Raven Wing  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @22.1    3 years ago

Thank you Buzz.

 
 
 
Gsquared
Professor Principal
22.2  Gsquared  replied to  Raven Wing @22    3 years ago

That is fantastic, Raven Wing.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
23  Raven Wing    3 years ago

Hope you all have a great week. See you next Friday!

 
 
 
Gsquared
Professor Principal
23.1  Gsquared  replied to  Raven Wing @23    3 years ago

Very nice, and the framing is an excellent match.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
23.1.1  Raven Wing  replied to  Gsquared @23.1    3 years ago

Thanks G. I am glad you like it. The frame itself is one I created using the Bevel feature in PP. First time I tried it in this manner.

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
23.2  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Raven Wing @23    3 years ago

Is that bird seeking or providing?

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
23.2.1  Raven Wing  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @23.2    3 years ago

It's looking for a sample for its nest. (grin)

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
24  author  A. Macarthur    3 years ago

The bird is a MAGPIE … The magpie totem is a good luck symbol that indicates joy, love, and lasting fortune. It can also signify trickery and deception. The meaning of the magpie can represent good and bad omen, or duality and opposites.

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
24.1  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  A. Macarthur @24    3 years ago

I remember that the magpie was the first bird I saw in China.

800

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
24.2  Raven Wing  replied to  A. Macarthur @24    3 years ago

Very true, Mac. Similar to the Raven as a totem. It is considered very highly by some Tribes, and as a trickster or bad omen by others.

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
24.2.1  author  A. Macarthur  replied to  Raven Wing @24.2    3 years ago

Knowledge of the iconography of various cultures, when adeptly applied to artwork, takes it to levels and dimensions beyond the mundane. You incorporate it at a superior level.

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
25  author  A. Macarthur    3 years ago

original

I have but one Egret … and he is pictured just above.

© A. Mac/A.G.

 
 
 
Dig
Professor Participates
25.1  Dig  replied to  A. Macarthur @25    3 years ago

Lol.

 
 
 
A. Macarthur
Professor Guide
26  author  A. Macarthur    3 years ago

Thanks to all who made this another excellent article. I will close it down on late, Monday morning.

 
 

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