365

That Is What It Sounds Like When Doves Cry

August 3, 2015 — 18 Comments

Mourning Dove

F/6.3, 1/160, ISO 1600.

Mourning Dove

Day 215 / 365

What art style is loved by doves?

 

The Coo-bist Period.

Interesting Fact: During the breeding season, you might see three Mourning Doves flying in tight formation, one after another. This is a form of social display. Typically the bird in the lead is the male of a mated pair. The second bird is an unmated male chasing his rival from the area where he hopes to nest. The third is the female of the mated pair, which seems to go along for the ride. ( http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mourning_Dove/lifehistory )

 

 

He’s On My Tail! It’s Time For Some Maneuvers!

August 2, 2015 — 12 Comments

attack from above 1

F/ 7.1, 1/800, ISO 200.

Day 214 / 365

Where do clouds go to the bathroom?

Anywhere they want

Interesting Fact: Mobbing in animals is an antipredator behavior which occurs when individuals of a certain species mob a predator by cooperatively attacking or harassing it, usually to protect their offspring. A simple definition of mobbing is an assemblage of individuals around a potentially dangerous predator.[1] This is most frequently seen in avian species, though it is also known to occur in many other animals such as the meerkat. While mobbing has evolved independently in many species, it only tends to be present in those whose young are frequently preyed upon. This behavior may complement cryptic adaptations in the offspring themselves, such as camouflage and hiding. Mobbing calls may be used to summon nearby individuals to cooperate in the attack. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobbing_(animal_behavior) )

 

Got Milk?

August 1, 2015 — 18 Comments

gabriela

F/5.6, 1/60, ISO 800.

Day 213 / 365

Why don’t cows have any money?
Because farmers milk them dry

Interesting Fact: Babies typically need 210 mg. of calcium a day to develop healthy bones and teeth. ( http://www.milkunleashed.com/whats-happening/milk-facts.html )

Buzzing Around!

July 31, 2015 — 16 Comments

Bumblebee

F/6.3, 1/800, ISO 800.

Bumblebee

Day 212 / 365

Who is the bees favorite singer?

Sting!

Interesting Fact: Bumblebees produce buzzing sound as a result of vibration of muscles used for flying. These muscles increase temperature of the body and facilitate gathering of pollen. ( http://www.softschools.com/facts/animals/bumblebee_facts/582/ )

 

Every Flower Must Grow Through Dirt.

July 30, 2015 — 16 Comments

Light Pink Gladiolas

F/14.0, 1/60, ISO 160.

Light Pink Gladiolus

Day 211 / 365

What did the old flower say to the younger flower?

What’s up, bud?

Interesting Fact: The British and Mediterranean gladiolus plants were often used for medicinal purposes. For example, the English used the plant’s corms (stem base) as a bandage and to extract thorns or splinters. The corms were also powdered and mixed with goat’s milk to soothe symptoms of colic. Parts of the gladiolus, however, are poisonous if eaten, and certain species cause irritation or allergic reaction when handled. Today we primarily use the gladiolus as a decorative flower in gardens and bouquets. ( http://www.nanzandkraft.com/blog/5-fun-facts-gladiolus-augusts-official-flower/ )

I Can See You From Here!!!

July 29, 2015 — 25 Comments

Northern Cardinal 2

F/6.0, 1/500, ISO 1400.

Northern Cardinal

Day 210 / 365

The early bird gets the worm, but of course the early worm gets eaten. So it’s kind of a mixed message.

Interesting Fact: Only a few female North American songbirds sing, but the female Northern Cardinal does, and often while sitting on the nest. This may give the male information about when to bring food to the nest. A mated pair shares song phrases, but the female may sing a longer and slightly more complex song than the male. ( http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Cardinal/lifehistory )

 

I Got 99 Problems But An ITCH Ain’t One

July 28, 2015 — 22 Comments

Green Heron

F/6.3, 1/250, ISO 500.

Green Heron

Day 209 / 365

Why did the heron cross the road?

The chicken was on vacation.

Interesting Fact: The Green Heron is one of the world’s few tool-using bird species. It creates fishing lures with bread crusts, insects, earthworms, twigs, feathers, and other objects, dropping them on the surface of the water to entice small fish. ( http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Green_Heron/lifehistory )

Keep Calm And Swim On!

July 27, 2015 — 10 Comments

Common Loon Juvenile

F/6.3, 1/1000, ISO 560.

Common Loon ( Juvenile )

Day 208 /365

How do people swimming in the ocean say HI to each other?

They Wave!

Interesting Fact: Loons are well equipped for their submarine maneuvers to catch fish. Unlike most birds, loons have solid bones that make them less buoyant and better at diving. They can quickly blow air out of their lungs and flatten their feathers to expel air within their plumage, so they can dive quickly and swim fast underwater. Once below the surface, the loon’s heart slows down to conserve oxygen. ( http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/common_loon/lifehistory )

Let It Grow!

July 26, 2015 — 18 Comments

Sunflower

F/5.6, 1/250, ISO 400.

Sunflower

Day 207 / 365

Why does a farmer have to wear dark sunglasses?

Because he grows sunflowers.

Interesting Fact: Sunflowers are very fast growing plants, in the right conditions they can grow 8-12 feet (2.4 m – 3.7 m) tall in six months. As of 2012, the Guinness World Record for the tallest sunflower is 8.23 m (27 ft) for a sunflower grown in Germany. ( http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/plants/sunflowers.html )

Let The Spectacular Begin.

July 25, 2015 — 14 Comments

Radio City

F/6.3, 1/60, ISO 200.

Day 206 / 365

“Here in New York City they are converting telephone booths into Wi-Fi hot spots. Because we have very few phone booths left, Clark Kent — Superman — has to use the men’s room at Starbucks.” –David Letterman

Interesting Fact: Its originally planned name was International Music Hall.[3] The names “Radio City” and “Radio City Music Hall” derive from one of the complex’s first tenants, the Radio Corporation of America. Radio City Music Hall was a project of Rockefeller; Samuel Roxy Rothafel, who previously opened the Roxy Theatre in 1927; and RCA chairman David Sarnoff. RCA had developed numerous studios for NBC at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, just to the south of the Music Hall, and the radio-TV complex that lent the Music Hall its name is still known as the NBC Radio City Studios.  ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_City_Music_Hall#History )