WildCreatures

Sea lions are fascinating to watch as they go about their business along the beaches and rocky shores throughout the Galapagos Islands. They hunt for fish, octopus, eels, and squid. This young sea lion is not full grown and he dares not venture out into the open ocean. Sharks and orcas prey on young sea lions in the deeper waters. Mother sea lions leave their young on the beach when they go out to the sea for their food. They return for a rest and to feed their young milk. Sea lions are at least partially dependent on their mother's milk for 2-3 years. This beach area is used by people on the island of Santa Cruz. They have a healthy respect for the animal life here and they know to avoid close contact with sea lions and other creatures. The sea lions seem to follow the same approach as they avoid getting too close to people as well. But this sea lion casts a curious glance toward the swimmer with the camera who records it probing the tide pools for a meal. Animals on the Galapagos Islands are not fearful of humans because they live in harmony with as little interference as possible. This allows for excellent opportunities to observe the animals from a reasonable distance.

Galapagos Flamingos are wading birds that can be seen feeding in the shallows and mud flats around alkaline or saline lakes. Flamingos are found in tropical and subtropical areas. They have long legs and a long, curved neck. Galapagos Flamingos reside in the salt-water lagoons hidden in the lava fields behind the coast of the Galapagos Islands. These beautiful birds have a unique bill that allows them to filter the mud and extract the brine shrimp, their primary diet. Their beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume. They use their bills in a uniquely used upside-down manner. They filter the mud using hairy structures called lamellae which line the mandibles and the tongue. Flamingos also feed on small crustaceans. The Galapagos Flamingo reaches 140 centimetres (4.5 feet) in length. Males can weigh up to 2.8 kilograms and females are slightly smaller at 2.2 kilograms. Most of their plumage is pink. Their colour is more vivid than that of the European species. Flamingo calls resemble the honking of a goose. These majestic birds are a beautiful sight to see, especially when they gather in large flocks.

Amateur photographers and videographers have been using hobby drones for years, capturing breath taking footage from the air. They have been used to inspect buildings, towers, wind turbines, search remote areas, and even to find lost people and animals. They are used for providing unique perspectives of landscapes, cities, and weddings. They accomplish a lot of amazing things and can be used at a fraction of the cost of aircraft. As drones become more popular and more widely used, their abilities increase dramatically and the cost continues to drop. This drone videographer has purchased the latest DJI Mavic 3 Pro, a drone designed to be affordable to the average consumer at a price that is short of $2,000 for a basic drone and controller package. The drone weighs less than 1kg (2.2lbs) and can be launched in seconds. It flies at nearly 45km/h (27mph) and can stay in the air approximately 45 minutes. But when we look at the capabilities of these drones for seeing things at a distance, it is easy to understand why people are concerned about their privacy. This drone pilot took his camera to a height of 120m (400 feet), in accordance with local regulations. He has registered the drone and he has obtained certification to fly it. Everything about this flight is legal. When he films the cows in a neighbouring field, we can see that they are just specs in the distance, barely recognizable as anything. With the touch of a button, the camera reaches 3x and 7x optical zoom. It is progressively increased to 60x (digital and optical combined). We can now see clearly enough to recognize individual cows and see that they are eating. If the drone had been focused on people, we would have no trouble recognizing a face, yet the drone is far enough away that the person being observed would not hear or see the drone. The ethical considerations have become very complex, with heated debate on all sides about whether there should be tighter laws regarding safety and privacy. Fortunately, as the drones become more sophisticated, the laws have become stricter. But we have to ask ourselves if we are ever going to enjoy full privacy in these times of technological advancement.

Squid are among the most intelligent of all invertebrates on the planet. They have an impressive intellect and display reasoning and memory capabilities that rival that of octopus and cuttlefish. They have complex communication abilities, using colour change and lights on their bodies to convey6 messages to other squid. They are even capable of flashing different messages simultaneously on opposite sides of their bodies. Another unique capability that squid and octopus have is the ability to squirt ink from their bodies to confuse predators and provide them with a means of escape. The ink can sometimes mimic the appearance of the squid, giving a momentary impression that the squid has not moved. The ink in the water will also affect the visibility in the area, lessening a predator's ability to find it. With lightning speed, the squid will dart away, putting distance between it and the aggressor. This squid in Indonesia was hovering in place as a group of scuba divers approached. The dive leader found the squid with his light and the squid reacted quickly. It shot out its inky defence and departed the area more quickly than the eye could see. There is actually a second squid that appears under the first one, just prior to the moment of escape. These animals are fascinating and beautiful. When we understand how complex the animals in the ocean are, it leads us to a more profound respect for them.

Drones allow us to see things from the eyes of a bird. This high resolution drone was sent up to capture the beauty of the Canadian harbor front city, Kingston, Ontario. The footage was surprisingly beautiful and full of colour.

Sea lions dot the coastline on nearly every sandy beach and rocky shore in the Galapagos Islands. These beloved animals amuse and delight locals and tourists alike. Their antics and their personalities remind us so much of our furry companions, the dogs. Sea lions are wild creatures that live in harmony with humans here in the islands. People keep a respectful distance and the sea lions generally do the same. Unless approached too closely, sea lions will ignore humans in most cases. Bull sea lions are formidable animals with large heads and huge teeth. They are powerful and fearless. Surprisingly agile in the water, they are slow and clumsy on land. It is easy to move out of their way if they approach. Sea lions will not expend the energy required to chase human, so getting along with them on the beach is easy. As long as people don't get too close to the females, the males are just as likely to ignore people in the water too. This large bull has barked a warning to a rival male and he has run up the sandy incline to make his threat known. Wisely, the younger male has run off into the sand dunes. He was lucky that he was at the top of the beach, where running is easier and he puts distance between himself and the dominant bull. Having sent his message to the challenger, the boss of the colony is satisfied and he wants to return to the water. But the long distance to the edge of the surf has left him feeling lazy and unmotivated. Instead of waddling his way back down, the bull simply lines himself up parallel to the water and begins a long, slow roll down the hill. Ingenious and hilarious, this bull gives the tourists an amusing show as he coughs and sputters, resting in between attempts to make it to the waves. Caked in sand, he resembles a giant, sugar-coated donut twist by the time he gets close. And to top it all off, he stops to smooch with a female that is basking by the ocean's edge. Then he continues on into the shallows where he can move with ease. The rival bull will not return, at least for a while. Bull sea lions are capable of inflicting serious wounds in their battle for dominance of the colony and the beach. He will wisely wait for another day to challenge this boss.

Moray eels are among the ocean's most misunderstood creatures. Up to 2m (6 feet) long, with large heads and fearsome jaws, these animals are widely feared. They are known to have a second jaw, located in the throat, referred to as a pharyngeal jaw. These jaws move forward to seize prey and pull it deep into the moray eel's throat. Moray eels are the only animals known to use pharyngeal jaws to actively capture and restrain prey. Despite their reputations as ferocious beasts, moray eels rarely bite humans, and in the rare cases where it has happened, the incidents have been related to irresponsible feeding and misunderstanding. Moray eels have poor eyesight and can mistake a hand for food if they are being fed by scuba divers. Hollywood movies that depict these animals as aggressive contribute to the misconceptions. Although the eels are capable of inflicting serious wounds with their large teeth, they demonstrate no desire to bite people. Eels are more intelligent than they are given credit for. They have been found to engage in cooperative hunting with groupers. Groupers will approach the eel and perform a head shaking behaviour, communicating to the eel that they are ready to hunt. The eels can work their heads into crevices where fish hide, flushing out the prey and giving the grouper the opportunity to catch them. For scuba divers who understand these beautiful creatures, they are a welcome sight. This eel was seen swimming in the open. It was as curious about the scuba divers as they were about it.

Life on a farm like this one is a wondrous thing. The miracle of birth is a frequent one and a calf entering the world on a sunny day is something unforgettable. Daisy is a lucky cow who lives on this beautiful farm in Ontario, Canada. It's acres of lush pasture on rolling hills, ponds full of clean water, and trees for shade. The "girls" here graze freely and lie in the sunshine when they are relaxing and chewing their cud. It's as perfect a life as a cow could want. There is even a bull here who does his duty in the natural way and watches over them protectively. Daisy is a seasoned mother who has had a few calves and she knows her time is coming again. She picks a spot on the hill and lies down to let nature take its course. Her herd mates seem to know what's happening and they line up and take a spot in the grass beside her. Their calm presence seems to comfort Daisy as she begins her labour. The other cows look on, unconcerned, but seemingly there for a show of support. They have all given birth a few times themselves and they must understand that a calf is on the way. Daisy begins giving birth and works quickly, with her calf emerging over the course of ten or twelve minutes. A healthy and chunky male, he slides out smoothly and waits patiently as his mother licks him clean. Slowly, he will gain the strength to stand and nurse. The licking and grooming is important for the bonding between the mother and the calf. It is also imperative that Daisy cleans up anything that could attract predators such as wolves or coyotes. Daisy's new baby will need to get to his feet as quickly as possible and stay close to the herd for protection. He will also need to get a dose of the first milk which contains colostrum, the antibodies that will build his immune system and nourish him in the first day. Calves are able to walk within a few minutes of birth and they are highly mobile in a day or two. Nature looks after the healthy and gives them the ability to care for themselves early in life. This young calf gets to his feet and begins drinking with enthusiasm. The birth of a calf is a wonderful part of nature and a true joy to watch.

Olive baboons are large, solid primates that can reach 70cm (28 inches) in height and an impressive weight of 50kg (110lbs). They are one of the largest monkey species and one of the most widely spread. Not surprisingly, their teeth are also among the largest of the monkeys. These two olive baboons engage in a friendly playfight in the sunshine, possibly vying for dominance in the troop. As they do so, they display a fearsome set of teeth that are obviously capable of causing severe damage, if the baboon chooses. They have elongated, dog-like muzzles and powerful jaws. The social structure of these baboons is complex, and fascinating. The troops consist of 15-150 individuals with more females than males. There are dominant males within the troop, and also higher ranking females. The higher ranking females are more likely to reproduce, but the whole process of reproduction involves surprising behaviours. A female who is pregnant is highly likely to be harassed by males in an apparent attempt to cause miscarriage of offspring that do not belong to the male perpetrator. This creates an opportunity for the male to mate with that female earlier, as well as a higher likelihood of passing on his genes. Following delivery of an infant, males in the troop will protect her and the infant, especially those who are allowed to mate with her. This means that the male is better to focus his attention on pregnant females who do not have the protection of their male allies. Male olive baboons are highly aggressive with each other in their attempts to mate with females. Younger males are constantly trying to increase their rank in an effort to gain breeding rights. Baboons will often form alliances and coalitions within the troop, This display could be a matter of complex social interaction for many reasons, but it is clear to see that a fully grown baboon is a force to be reckoned with for any animal.

Sunrise is one of the most beautiful times of the day. Vivid colour spreads across the horizon as the sun greets the world. THe land beneath is bathed in gold and crimson and the dark sky turns blue before our eyes. The colour is even more dramatic when clouds obscure the first rays and the light spills over them. For many, the dawn's first light occurs while they are still asleep, but for the lucky ones who are awake to see this moment, it's enough to take our breath away. This scene was filmed with a drone that was set loose over the countryside in Ontario, Canada as the mist rolled across the hills.

Drones allow us to see the world from a different perspective, high above the ground. The view from above is more beautiful than you might imagine and the colours are more vivid. This high resolution drone is one of the new generations of drone that has far more camera capability than ever. This sunrise was recorded as it unfolded over farmland in Ontario, Canada. As the sun peeks over the horizon, the glow and warmth spreads across the horizon and fills the sky, welcoming another beautiful day. Later, that same night, the drone captured the colour in the west as the sun finished it's day and slipped below the western horizon. These displays of colour at the start and the end of each day are a true gift, reminding us that the morning is full of promise and the night is full of peace. We will never regret the time that we spend watching these spectacles unfold.

Emperor sea urchins are inactive and nearly invisible by the light of day, but when the sun sets, they come out on the coral to to graze on the algae that grows there. Algae would overpower the coral if it were not kept in check by the animals that feed on it, such as sea urchins. These emperor sea urchins were found on a night dive in the waters of Indonesia, near Komodo Island, the land known as the home of the largest and most deadly lizards in the world. The urchins are highly venomous to humans, inflicting a considerable wound and searing pain if they are handled or stepped on. Their light sensitivity allows them to sense a threat and angle their spines defensively. The bright colours and the large size make these urchins very obvious and accidental contact is uncommon. The spines of the sea urchin are used for locomotion, as well as defense. The mouth of the sea urchin is on the underside, centrally located. Five sharp teeth converge in the centre of the mouth, allowing the urchin to scrape surfaces to remove coral. Emperor sea urchins are a sepctacular and welcome sight for scuba divers due to their colour and ornate appearance.

The rains in Kenya, Africa are a welcome sight, especially after months of drought that leave crops wilted and fields parched. But the rains can come on with a vengeance and a river can suddenly swell where only a trickle or a dry gravel bed stood moments before. These people near Kisii Village use this road to travel from the village to schools, places of work, and between homes. Runoff from a torrential rain reached this crossing and washed it out in minutes, leaving people standing on both sides, hesitant to cross. As they stood, considering their options, a few of the more adventurous ones linked arms and waded across. Washouts can erode the dirt beneath very quickly, causing deep depressions that people can fall into. Losing your footing in a fast moving stream like this one could see a person swept away and struggling to get out without injury. The water quickly became faster and the washed out section became deeper. The rain began again, adding to the runoff and making it obvious that things would get worse before they got better. As these people lined up, waiting for things to subside, or contemplating their choices, one of the children headed for school recorded the scene to show his teacher why he was late. The result is fascinating footage that shows the power of nature after one brief, but heavy rain.

Strawberry nudibranchs, are a species of marine gastropod mollusks. These captivating sea slugs are widely distributed throughout Indo-Pacific coral reefs, where they play a unique role in the marine ecosystem. Characterized by their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, strawberry nudibranchs are relatively small, measuring around 1 to 2 centimeters in length. Their name is derived from their striking resemblance to strawberries, as their bodies feature shades of red, pink, and orange, often accompanied by white or yellow markings. This vivid coloration serves as a form of camouflage, helping them blend into their coral reef habitats. The frilly, tassel-like structures on the back of the nudibranch are the gills. These external gills allow them to filter oxygen from the sea water. Nudibranchs are slow moving, can swim or be propelled along either by muscular contraction or by millions of tiny hairs on the bottom of a fleshy "foot". They have a voracious appetite and feed with a rasp like tongue. Strawberry nudibranchs primarily feed on soft corals. Unlike some other nudibranch species that utilize stinging cells (nematocysts) from their prey for defense, strawberry nudibranchs are known to incorporate these nematocysts into their own tissues. This unique adaptation provides them with a level of protection against potential predators. These sea slugs have a fascinating reproductive strategy. They are hermaphroditic, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. During mating, two nudibranchs exchange sperm with each other, and later, each one lays a ribbon-like egg mass on the coral substrate. The eggs develop into veliger larvae, eventually settling onto the coral reef and metamorphosing into the adult nudibranch form. The presence of strawberry nudibranchs in coral reef ecosystems contributes to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance. They play a role in controlling soft coral populations, helping to maintain a healthy coral reef environment. Scientists continue to study these captivating creatures to better understand their behavior, ecology, and the intricate relationships they have with their surroundings. As coral reefs face numerous threats, including climate change and habitat degradation, the study of species like the strawberry nudibranchs becomes crucial in the conservation efforts aimed at preserving these fragile marine ecosystems.

Wind farms are controversial, with heated debate raging over their ability to provide power safely and efficiently. On one side, there are people who argue that there are health concerns surrounding exposure to electromagnetic waves. Others argue that they reduce property values and spoil the view. There are concerns about the effect on migratory birds and bats. Valid questions have been raised about the number of bird deaths due to crashing into the blades. On the other side, it is argued that transporting oil causes a greater impact on wildlife, especially when there are disasters and spills. Pipelines and coal mines affect habitat. We are far from understanding which method of energy production causes the least amount of harm. But these towering giants show how stunning they can look, especially when seen against the golden hue of a spectacular sunset. A drone flying around this wind farm captured the images on a night in late September. Farmers beneath the behemoths hurry to harvest their crop. The fall colours are spreading across the canopy of the forested areas all around. A gentle breeze was blowing. The sky was alive with colour and contrast. Perhaps all we need to do is really look closely to appreciate them. The alternatives to wind farms include fossil fuels and nuclear power, both with an equal amount of controversy and debate. As our need for energy increases, our need to figure out how to harness it without negatively impacting our planet also increases. We cannot continue to affect the animal life and the air quality without paying the price. Meanwhile, these majestic giants tower above us; immense structures that remind us of how small and insignificant we are.

Flamingos are a vibrant and beautiful bird, magnificent in both size and vivid colour. They are a joy to behold and a peaceful sight when they are resting at the edge of a pond or a marsh. But Flamingoes can also be loud when they are disturbed, as we see here. The honking wakes up the sleepy flamingoes. What happens next is a comical brawl involving honking, squabbling and feigned pecking at each other. Aside from a bit of harmless beak rubbing, there is nothing substantial about this episode, but the sound of it suggests that an enthusiastic fight has broken out. Great debates have raged regarding the flamingo's habit of standing on one leg. One theory is that this is to assist with conservation of body heat. When flamingos feed and wade in colder water, they lose heat through their legs. Adopting a sleeping position with one leg out of the water lessens the heat loss while they are sleeping or resting. Sleeping in a mud flat or pond allows them to hear the telltale splashing if a threat approaches while their guard is down. But flamingos in warmer climates and those that feed in warm water adopt the same sleeping position so this theory is contradicted in some cases. Another theory is that the muscular effort to stand on one leg is much less so the position is adopted to reduce energy expenditure required for balance. Studies show that resting flamingos sway less than those that rest on two legs. Flamingos are gorgeous birds and so brightly coloured that we cannot help but admire them. When gathered in a group, they are simply breath taking in their beauty. The beautiful sunshine adds another layer to the scene, casting a golden glow on the pink feathers of the flamingos and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. It's almost like nature's own masterpiece, with the elegant birds engaging in their natural behaviors under the warmth of the sun. Observing flamingos in such moments can be truly captivating, offering a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of their social structure and the beauty of the natural world.

Raven is a beautiful soul who is living her best life. She lives on a sprawling country property where she runs free whenever she steps outside. Her humans also take her for daily hikes in the nearby forest where she explores and sniffs trees until she's had her fill. She has dog beds and couches throughout the house, allowing her to peacefully slumber in the afternoon sun after she tires herself out each day. Raven often enjoys the company of a dog friend or two when family and friends bring their pups to join her on the forest hikes. Raven loves her forest time even more when she has friends along for the fun. After a particularly long hike with a golden retriever named Aurora, Raven climbed up on her couch and fell asleep happily. Likely dreaming of the day's events, Raven thumped her tail happily while she snoozed. Few things are as adorable as a happy dog. To think that Raven was enjoying a dream wonderful enough to make her tail wag is heart warming.

There are many species of filefish, with varied appearances. This fan-bellied leatherjacket is member of the filefish family. It was found in the waters of Indonesia, searching the seabed for worms, tunicates, and shrimp. Like other filefishes, it has the capability of changing its colour and texture to match its surroundings. A master of camouflage, it is often found stationary in sea grass or coral, depending on this ability to blend in as a means of escaping predators. The filefish has a spiky fin on the top of its head which it uses to warn other fish when it feels threatened. Often referred to as a "unicorn filefish" it resembles a unicorn when the spine is erect. They can grow up to 40cm (16inches) in length. These fish are beautiful to see and a delight for scuba divers to encounter.

The beaded sea cucumber is one of the most bizarre animals in the ocean. They resemble giant worms more than they do sea cucumbers. When stretched out, they can reach a length of more than one meter (3 feet). Beaded sea cucumbers move along the ocean floor, extending their 15 feeding tentacles in front of them. The feathery appendages collect their food and pull it into their mouth opening. in the center of the tentacles. They consume algae, aquatic invertebrates like plankton, and waste particles that are found near the bottom. They are omnivores. Sea cucumbers are like mini ocean janitors that clean and filter the waste and debris out of the water. Beaded sea cucumbers have no internal respiratory system. They have no feet or appendages capable of locomotion. They contract and expand muscles on the body wall, moving forward through these actions. Beaded sea cucumbers come in many different shapes and sizes. With their unusual movement and alien looking tentacles, the beaded sea cucumber looks like a creature from another world.

A pair of Canadians tourists in Istanbul, Türkiye came across an old world pomegranate vendor outside a small restaurant on a busy side street. Smiling and happy, this gentleman is surrounded by oranges and pomegranates that are piled almost as high as he is tall. His office work space is the small counter that is barely big enough for his cutting board. At the center of his counter is a press that he uses to wring out all the juice he can from each piece of fruit. With the few words that he knows in English and the few words that the Canadian knows in Turkish, the two enjoy an exchange that is as sweet as the juice itself. The smiles and friendliness are hard to miss as this gentleman serves up the freshest juice possible. This happy man has been serving his juice on this street for more than 50 years. He started with his own cart and then partnered with the restaurant where he now offers orange, pomegranate, pineapple, lemonade, or any combination his customers ask for. Witnessing the fun and seeing how much of a crowd pleaser this vendor is, his business partner comes out and offers a bag of fruit as a gift for the tourists. The Canadians walked away happy with the juice and the gesture. The following day, the Canadians saw the vendor again and the tour guide who was leading them on a tour of the city explained the history behind this juice stand. Imagine 50 years of working at the same profession and showing this level of pride and satisfaction after all those years!

The Galapagos Islands are a remote and isolated part of the world where animals and people have reached an understanding for each other. People here have a healthy respect for the wildlife. The wildlife has also learned to trust the humans. They coexist with an ease and beauty that all the world could learn from. And although the people and even the visitors here do their best to avoid interfering with the animals, the wildlife has learned that they can occasionally find an opportunity for food where humans can be found. These tiny finches have taken up residence at the airport that serves Santa Cruz Island. They find their way in and out at the airport restaurant and they wait patiently for people to leave uneaten food on their tables. As soon as the coast is clear, these daring little birds swoop in and scramble to get their share. They seem to understand very well that time is of the essence as they peck at these pizza crusts. We see the restaurant staff coming to get the table cleared before they've had their fill. But the next meal is only minutes away as the guests constantly come and go, usually leaving something delicious behind.

Mantis shrimp are believed to have the most sophisticated and complex eyes in the animal kingdom. They have the most complex visual system ever discovered. Humans have three photoreceptors that allow us to see red, green, and blue light. In comparison, the mantis shrimp has an astonishing 16 photoreceptors. They are able to see visible light, UV light, and polarized light. They are even capable of detecting circularly polarized light, being the only animal on earth that can do this. Mantis shrimp are capable of depth perception using only one eye, a task that requires two eyes for any other animal to accomplish. The eyes of the mantis shrimp are made up of rows of specialized cells, with each row having unique structure and capabilities. The mantis shrimp is constantly moving its eyes and scanning its surroundings to obtain an accurate picture of what is around them. This movement also gives them a very large field of view. The mantis shrimp is famous for its ability to strike with incredible speed and power. Its strike is the fastest of any marine creature and it happens so fast that it actually cavitates the water around it, creating a second impact that is powerful enough to stun or kill its prey if it misses with the actual strike. But, as astonishing as this is, the visual powers of the mantis shrimp are even more remarkable. Despite the knowledge that these little animals have such amazing visual superpowers, there is surprisingly little research on the matter. This is yet another example of how little we understand the world around us.

Naomy is a hardworking farmer who lives in Kenya, Africa. She rents a small plot of land where she grows corn, beans, carrots and a few other crops. She uses the harvest to feed her family and she sells the extra vegetables at the market to make a few dollars. She also raises a few cows, goats and chickens to put food on the table. This is a good way to use any of the scraps or spoiled vegetables that cannot be eaten by her family. Here, we see what happens when the chickens are set free in the morning and their breakfast is set out. The chickens know the routine and they run for the food to get their share as quickly as they can. They squawk and peck happily at the beans, corn, strawberries and greens that she provides them. Noamy lives with her grandparents who raised her from childhood. She cares for them and also for her adopted son, Emmanuel who helps Naomy with the chores. Ten year old Emmanuel records the sights and the animals around his home with an old phone and his videos are uploaded here, providing the family with a few extra dollars per month. The average wage in Kenya is less than $100 per month and this resourceful family works very hard to stretch each dollar as far as it will go. Emmanuel is currently attending school, which is a luxury in his village because the cost of schooling is unaffordable for most people. Emmanuel's videos have been helping him keep up with the cost of lessons, meaning that this 10 year old is actually running a little videography business to pay his way through school. If anyone would like to assist Naomy and Emmanuel, donations are gratefully accepted through this link. https://gofund.me/2df5dc08 Further info is also available through David McNab at mojo_videos@hotmail.com

Orioles are adorned with beautiful orange and black plumage. The bright orange contrasts sharply with the dark wings and head. The males are brighter orange and starker black than the females. The females have patches that are almost brown. Their beauty makes them a welcome sight at back yard bird feeders. Each year, orioles migrate to warmer climates, returning each spring to the northern climates.

Life in Africa is a complex balance. Each day, the sun rises and paints the landscape with golden sunlight. The dawn brings with it, promise and hope, but also danger. The predators here wake up hungry and ready to chase down their meal in order to survive. If they fail, they may weaken and die of starvation. For the prey animals, the sunrise signals threat and the need to run to survive. If they falter, it may be their last day. Such is life here, and all over the world. Life is never easy or guaranteed. This deer saw its last sunrise as the scene unfolded on the plain. A leopard snuck up close enough to catch the deer unaware and it made the kill with speed and precision. But the leopard cannot waste time, even after securing its meal. Other cats and hyenas smell the blood and close in on the carcass, threatening the leopard in their eagerness to steal the food. The leopard eats as quickly as it can to fill its belly before the predators and scavengers team up to rob it. The leopard knows that the hyenas cannot climb the trees. Even the lions are not as capable of reaching the higher branches. Leopards have adapted for climbing. They are strong cats with muscle attachments designed for puling heavy weights up high in the trees. Here, they will be able to defend the meat more easily, keeping the uneaten portion safe for their next meal. It is a tragic day for the deer, but victory for the leopard. It will possibly be a week or more before the leopard has its next successful hunt. Consuming dozens of kilograms of meat in this feeding is essential to survival between feedings. This incredible footage was captured on a wildlife refuge in Kenya, Africa. Safe from poachers, these animals live as nature intended. But nature does not promise anyone an easy life, as we see here.