Man takes his drone to the skies, what it captures is breathtaking
Drone enthusiasts are able to see the world from a vantage point that few people can. The world is beautiful face on, but it's absolutely breath taking when viewed from above. The horizon extends forever, the sunsets seems more magnificent, and the planet is a rich mixture of blues, greens, and browns when seen from the sky.
This amateur drone pilot has been capturing these images for several years but the amazement is no less now than it was at the beginning.
Tiny, lightweight, but powerful in their ability to film high resolution images, these drones are a marvel of technology. Miniature cameras are propelled upwards to record almost anything the imagination can think of.
This video starts with a high speed, low level flight over a well tended lawn, a meadow filled with grazing cows, followed by a banking turn with a tapestry of colour as the sun sets low over the countryside. Next, the drone parallels a huge construction crane, almost one hundred metres in the air. The sky in the backdrop is ablaze with orange as the sun rises to meet the dawn. A steep dive brings us from high above the forest, through a train bridge and out onto a backwoods trail. Dipping down low to skim over a creek, we see Canada geese feeding on the water below. The drone squeezes through a narrow space beneath the bridge over the creek. Windmills turn as the camera gives us a look at them from their level, 150 metres above the earth. The camera skims over cows again, this time so low that we can see one happily chewing her meal. The resolution is so sharp that the drone pilot actually recognizes this cow as "Pam", one of the matriarchs in this familiar herd. We return to the creek for a low level skim so close to the water's surface that the ripples beneath are visible.
The drone takes us around a country garden and through the trees on "sport mode", an insanely fast way to fly these new drones. A water spout in Peterborough creates a vivid rainbow. The camera then circles the "Arenui", one of the most beautiful liveaboard dive boats in existence, as the boat drifts in the bay in Indonesia near Komodo Island. The rice fields of Bali are next. They are one of the most iconic panoramas on the island of Bali. Another view of the giant wind turbines at sunset provides us with a glimpse of that distant horizon, aglow in the late evening.
Circling around Darwin's Arch, we are able to see one of the most spectacular sights of the Galapagos Islands. No longer standing, this arch was a sight that brought tears to the eyes of many explorers and adventure seekers. The arch fell in May 2021, due to erosion, and scuba divers around the world mourned its loss. Rarely filmed from above, this view is breath taking.
The drone takes us on a slow flight through snow laden branches that hang heavy after a winter storm in Canada. We follow a herd of horses galloping free in their meadow. Their joy at running on a sunny day is heart warming. The video finishes with another look at the Arenui at full sail, a sight to behold.
Taking a camera to the sky provides images and sights that are beautiful beyond belief. Our fascination with this world we live in makes us want to see it from all angles. This vantage allows us to see the world the way a bird would see it.
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Boat races to beat storm to the safety of the harbour at sunset
Storms are incredibly powerful and beautiful at the same time. This lightning show closed in on the shore of Cobourg on Lake Ontario, one of the five largest lakes in the world. As the ominous thunderclouds rolled towards the marina harbour, a drone circled and recorded, catching the contrast between a peaceful sky with a setting sun and a black pillar of rain. From the middle of the lake, under the storm, a small boat appeared, racing at full speed for the safety and security of the break water. Cutting it close, a few drops of rain were falling as the boat reached the entrance.
The crimson line on the horizon as the sun dipped out of sight was breath taking. The booming thunder and increasing wind from the south suggested that the peacefulness was about to be broken. Geese frantically flew along the shore to find a place for shelter. They also knew that the weather was going to turn foul momentarily. They dipped low and found refuge in the trees.
Minutes after the drone finished filming and returned to the shore, the skies opened and rain poured down in a deluge. Thunder cracked and the ground shook. The fishermen in the boat had beaten the storm by only minutes.
Nature can be magnificent, beautiful, peaceful, and terrifying all at the same time. The beauty of these storms along the shore is incredible, but those caught in weather like this would not appreciate the colours and the splendour.
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Young hawksbill sea turtle follows scuba diver over the coral reef
Scuba divers in the Cayman Islands explore the waters gazing at beautiful coral and enjoying a peacefulness that is beyond description. Occasionally, they see spectacular animal life as well, such as fish, eels, sharks, and sea turtles. A close look at these animals is always an unforgettable experience. This diver was drifting along looking below him at the sea fans and corals when he noticed a curious hawksbill sea turtle tagging along just behind him.
Hawksbill turtles are critically endangered and a rare sight, especially so close. But this prolonged encounter went on for more than ten minutes. The diver turned his camera around and continued to swim. The turtle seems to be keeping an eye out for sponges, one of their favourite foods, but he also seems to enjoy the companionship. Perhaps he was curious about the awkward human making his way over the reef, or maybe he was thinking it was safer to stay close to avoid predators. This is a young hawksbill and a large shark would make an easy meal of it.
Hawksbill sea turtles are one of the most beautiful turtles. It is their beauty that brought them top the brink of extinction as their shells were collected for ornate brushes and jewelry. Their numbers plummeted as they were over harvested for shells, meat and eggs. Eggs on the beaches were dug up for consumption for centuries while their numbers dipped almost to the point of terminal population decline. Due to conservation efforts, changing laws, education, and changing attitudes, the hawksbill sea turtles are starting to make a comeback.
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Majestic horses run free in the meadow on a sunny day
Few things are as breath taking as a herd of horses running free and happy in the sunshine. These are no ordinary horses and it is no ordinary meadow. Many of these beautiful animals have found their way here after a life of hard work, and in a few cases, a life with care that was less than they deserved. But the wait was worth it as their new life is one of freedom and happiness.
The Mane Intent is a horse farm that helps the horses by providing them with a carefree life and the best treatment possible. But more importantly, there is also a beautiful purpose for the horses here. This farm provides equine therapy and a chance for people who have suffered trauma, abuse, or challenge to connect with powerful, yet gentle beasts that help with healing and learning. Many also come here to learn about leadership, establishing boundaries, building teams, and many other aspects of life in a complex world.
For the horses, their life is built around a natural existence with very little stress and a dramatic change from their earlier life. They graze contentedly, run when they choose, snooze in the sunshine and socialize with others in the herd. The horses develop bonds and friendships that run deep. Life here is all that these kind souls deserve.
This farm provides a unique experience for first responders as they navigate a world full of hurt and pain. Horses can provide an outlet ad a means to process the things that humans were not meant to deal with. For those who come here, the experience is very different and very beneficial. We don't fully understand the reasons that equine therapy is so effective, but few people will deny the healing power of horses.
Enjoy the happiness that we see in this beautiful herd as they greet the morning sunshine in their little paradise.
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Beautiful barred owl demonstrates amazing head turning ability
Owls are amazing birds that appear to be wise and all knowing. Their huge eyes look at us with curiosity and a leave us wondering what they are thinking. This beautiful barred owl swooped down to look curiously at two people at the side of a meadow. It landed in a tree
Barred owls are less timid than some owls and they will often watch people curiously, but this one seemed completely unconcerned as the photographers slowly approached. They walked up as close as they dared and watched it, fascinated. As they zoomed in with their camera on the owl's face, they were amazed with the stunningly detailed look at its eyes, beak and feathers. These birds are incredibly beautiful and its beautiful face and intelligent gaze left Dave and Kristy in complete wonder. The owl's ability to turn its head almost completely around kept them mesmerized.
Their incredible close up encounter with the owl was a complete thrill for these two nature lovers and the images that they captured will help them to remember the experience for years to come.
Owl experts have been very excited by the increase in sightings of these beautiful animals throughout Ontario and the rest of Canada during this winter. Bird watchers are eager to gather and photograph one of nature's most photogenic creatures too. But we are reminded that these owls cannot store fat and that harsh winter weather creates a need to hunt for food that is nearly constant. With them being perilously close to starvation each day, one or two missed meals could have serious consequences for the owls. Some bird experts suggest that the owls we see are only one or two feedings away from death at any given time. If we are not careful enough, our presence might distract the owls and cause them to miss a feeding opportunity. We can help the birds by keeping our distance, making our interactions extremely brief, and limiting the effect that we have on their focus and attention. Not only are these birds beautiful, but they are crucial for keeping rodent populations in balance.
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Chasing your dream can lead you where you never imagined
Almost everyone has a dream, but not everyone has the courage to chase them. When you set out after your dreams, almost anything can happen. Sometimes the dream changes or leads you in a direction that you never dared to go, or a direction you had never expected. Sometimes the dream seems to be leading you to something you'd never have thought of. And sometimes they simply vanish or evaporate as if they don't want to be caught. But if you don't chase your dreams, you'll never catch up with them.
This story tells us of a man who had a childhood dream that was always, unclear, elusive, and mysterious. He knew where he wanted to go, but not how to get there. Life took him on a path that seemed to be leading in a completely different direction, yet it was a life of adventure and experiences like you would see on a television documentary. He followed blindly, accepting the direction, the challenge, and the rewards of the risks. He saw amazing things and had experiences that he felt compelled to document and share.
And then one day, he was shocked as he realized exactly where he was. He hadn't caught up with the dream that he was chasing. The dream had caught up with him. It felt like it had snuck up behind him and appeared without warning. Maybe he had always been on the path that led to the realization of a lifelong goal, but didn't realize it. He didn't know that there might be more than one way to meet the dream in the end.
David is a videographer who has been learning how to tell his story through visual means. He uses his GoPro, camcorder, and other cameras to capture the images as he explores remote and beautiful places. He takes us out over stunning landscapes and shores with his drones. He invites us along with him as he explores beneath the waves and meets the animals of the ocean in their own world, on their own terms. It's a life of adventure that has brought him joy for being able to share it, and he has found that uploading his videos makes him enough money to finance future trips. It's partly through these videos that the next adventures are possible.
And now, David has shared a very personal and surprising story. He shares with us the story of how he suddenly pieced it all together and understood that he was already doing what he had dreamed of doing since he was a child. The lesson for him, and for all of us is that chasing your dreams won't always turn out as you expected. It will most likely be different. And it might even be better.
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Gray tree frog calls warning to rival frog outside of his cave
This gray tree frog has found a little cave beside a pond in a forested area of Ontario, Canada. It calls to a rival male that can be heard in the background, answering his calls. They both call back and forth, possibly arranging a meeting later in the day to sort out whose territory this is.
Gray tree frogs vary in colour. They are able to change their colour from green to gray or brown to match their surroundings. They have a striking orange or yellow patch under their forelimbs. They are beautiful frogs, often being a vivid emerald green. Their call rates are temperature determined with the average rate being 16 to 34 pulse per second. This tree frog is a male. The females do not vocalize.
Tree frogs can often be seen around windowsills and porch lights. They gather there due to the lights that attract insects, which they prey upon. They eat spiders, mites, insect larvae, and occasionally, other frogs. Gray treefrogs are often found in the open, in direct sunlight. Due to their superb camouflage, they are well disguised from predators.
Male tree frogs use their call to announce their territory, but also to attract females. The chorus of competing calls can be confusing to females. When the aggression threshold is reached, a male treefrog with change from a mating call to an aggressive call that signals conflict. Physical aggression is rare as most disagreements are settled with vocalizations.
Gray tree fogs can be found in the central and eastern United States and south eastern Canada.
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Lion brothers meet affectionately on the African Plain
These two lions are young males, born in the same litter. They are growing quickly and learning how to hunt and survive in this beautiful, but harsh environment. They greet each other with playful affection but there is also a subtle test of the other's resolve as they engage in dominant behaviour. They will soon have to compete with the alpha lion, and each other, or else leave the pride and begin their own pride.
Life here in Kenya, and elsewhere in Africa is complex, and it follows a pattern. As the lions grow old enough to challenge the leader of their pride, he will chase them out. But for now, playing in the sunshine and enjoying the companionship of the brotherhood is all that matters.
Few things are as majestic as powerful lions, the apex predators on these plains. These lions roam freely on a large swath of land that is protected from hunters and poachers, one of the few threats to a full grown lion. Hyenas will challenge a sick or solitary lion, but even they know that they must be great in number and ready for a ferocious battle to take down one of these big cats.
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Daisy the bunny munches noisily on a treat and it's too cute!
Daisy is happy bunny who has just arrived at her new home after being rescued. She had been dumped in an industrial area near a business. There are no homes in this area and it seems impossible that she had simply escaped or wandered off. She seemed to be in need of help and she was wandering around the business and looking for discarded food.
One of the workers there, a young man with a soft heart decided to feed her. She eagerly ate the vegetables that he left out for her and she came back daily looking for more. Although she was a little wary, she seemed comfortable enough with humans that it was obvious she had been a pet.
With a little food and some time, the young man gained Daisy's trust and he was able to catch her. He took her home and she quickly adapted to her new family.
Daisy can be seen here enjoying a carrot treat as she gets settled in. It looks like she is more than happy with the new arrangement. The close up footage of her eating is possibly one of the cutest things you will see today. There are a lot of carrots in Daisy's future!
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Drone captures breath taking beauty from above at the harborfront
Lake Ontario is one of the Great Lakes that lies on the Canada/U.S.A. border. It is the 13th largest lake in the world and home to Niagara Falls. To stand on the shore and gaze out to the horizon gives one the impression that they are on the ocean. You cannot see the shore on the far side.
This drone took to the skies as the sun was setting and it captured the beauty of the harbour in the small town of Cobourg, Ontario. Ships come and go here, protected by the breakwaters and peninsulas. The water can become rough and unforgiving with little notice, however, and those who venture far from shore must calculate the risks.
The sailboats moor for the night, some being a summer home for the owners who sail around the shoreline in the summer months. As expected, restaurants and ice cream shops invite the people who walk the pathways and the trails along the shore. Swans inhabit the bays, geese graze on the grassy areas, and ducks dabble in the shallows. It's a beautiful and peaceful scene that touches the hearts of those who take the time to experience it.
A "whiting effect" caused by suspended calcium carbonate particles reflecting the blue light gives the lake its beautiful blue colour. Strikingly beautiful from the ground, the lake is even more beautiful from the air, as we see from these images taken 100m above the water.
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Fiji as you've never seen it before
Fiji is a land of immense beauty, mystery, and magical sights. These islands were created by fire and lava as volcanoes erupted millions of years ago, spewing rock, ash, and steam into the air. The debris settled and formed immense piles that became the islands that we see today. Eons of rain, erosion, wind, and other forces created a soil that sustained life. Birds settled here. Animals drifted on the ocean currents and found their way ashore. The animal life thrived and people followed.
The islands are dotted with lakes and waterfalls. Spectacular, roaring water falls from great heights, creating mist and lush stands of vegetation.
The world underwater is equally breath taking. Corals, fish, turtles, and other wildlife thrive in the domain beneath the waves. Sharks of all kinds patrol these waters, keeping populations in check and preserving the delicate balance that is needed in this realm. Dolphins dance on the surface, delighting those fortunate to catch a glimpse of their antics.
The people in Fiji are welcoming and warm, extending their hospitality and their kindness to visitors who venture to these islands to experience the beauty and adventure that awaits.
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Breath taking colours of autumn leaves as seen on the wings of a bird
The seasons in North America provide us with beauty that is unrivaled. For many, the most beautiful time of year is autumn, when the leaves change colour and the warm weather is still with us. Walking in the forest at this time conjures up some of our happiest memories from childhood when the changes signaled the end of another blissful summer and months of memories. The fall weather brings frosty mornings and hot chocolate, wood fires and cozy blankets, fall sweaters and pumpkin pie.
The leaves of the trees create a canvas of reds, golds, greens, and oranges that are a visual delight unlike anything else. And, as beautiful as the fall colours are from ground level, they are even more spectacular when seen from above. We get a glimpse of this when we go to a high hill to overlook a valley of changing leaves. Imagine seeing the world beneath from the vantage point of a bird in flight. This drone takes us on a swift flight over the canopy, swooping and diving through gaps in the trees as the coloured leaves whiz past. We skim just over the treetops, and then dip to the creek that runs through the countryside, just inches above the water as the reeds and bull rushes fly past. The drone takes us under a small bridge, out through more trees, and over farmland.
The world around us is a gorgeous one and especially so when we find ourselves able to see it from a different perspective.
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Ground squirrel calls for her babies in the most adorable way
Ground squirrels are one of the most adorable rodents in the world. They resemble gophers, but they are much smaller. They are in the same family as gophers and are often referred to as gophers, along with many other species of rodent that are closely related.
But more precisely, this is a Columbian ground squirrel, common to Southwestern United States and certain regions in Canada. This is a female living in British Columbia, Canada. She has made her den in the ground beside a log cabin, beneath a majestic mountain near the town of Fernie.
She is a proud mother to two babies that play in the sun near the den during the day. They are tiny little balls of fur that are completely adorable. But when anyone or anything appears near the den, the babies quickly dash for cover. The mother comes out in the day to explore and graze. She will need lots of food so that she can produce a constant supply of milk for her babies.
These ground squirrels spend 8-9 months hibernating. They emerge in the summer months, emaciated from many months with no food. The mother's fat stores will carry her through this long sleep. Her young will be born during this hibernation and they will emerge with their mother in the late spring.
Ground squirrels build impressive burrows, consisting of a nest and another chamber for toilet activities. In constructing a burrow, the ground squirrel will excavate 4-12kg (9-27 lbs) of soil. Expansion of these burrows in later years will result in an even greater amount of soil being excavated. The nests are lined with grasses and other vegetation.
Social animals, they will often greet each other with prolonged touching of their mouths and noses. This behaviour resembles kissing.
This dedicated mother keeps a close eye on her babies throughout the day. When they are out of sight, she will chirp until they answer her or come back to the burrow. The babies eventually wandered back within a close range and she went back to nibbling on grass quietly. They often stand at attention for long periods of time, enabling them to better see their surroundings and any potential threat.
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Sleepy Pacific green sea turtle enjoys a good belly scratch in the coral
This is a Pacific green sea turtle, one of the larger sea turtles in the oceans. It spends a good part of its day eating the aquatic vegetation that grows around the corals. But they also spend a good part of their day sleeping. They descend to the bottom in shallow areas, approximately 10-15 metres (30-45 feet) in depth where they seek a good place to rest. They can hold their breath and slow their oxygen consumption, allowing them to stay down more than 30 minutes before they rise to the surface for a few breaths of air.
Often, before settling down for a snooze, green turtles will scratch their shells and their belly on the coral. They can be found under ledges or on coral protrusions, rocking back and forth, scraping their hard shells or leathery armpits as if they are itchy. It's very tempting to go up to the sea turtles and give them a little scratch, like you would do for your itchy dog, but touching the marine animals is strictly forbidden. This turtle lives on the reef near Komodo Island in Indonesia. Scuba diving here requires that all people keep a respectful distance away from the animals. A responsible scuba diver will avoid startling or affecting any of the creatures in the ocean.
The largest recorded green turtle reached a weight of 395kg (871 lbs). The females of the species nest in the sand on beaches along many coasts in tropical and subtropical waters. They venture ashore during the night, dig a deep hole, deposit their eggs and then make their way to the sea, never seeing the hatchlings when they emerge. Baby turtles dig their way out of the nest after several months incubation. Only a few survive the treacherous trek to the water, and many more are eaten by predators before they reach shelter in the ocean. Sea turtles are among the most beloved of all the creatures in the ocean. Truly gentle creatures, they are a beautiful sight to see
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Injured farmer uses drone "cowscan" technology to check newborn calves in pasture
When Farmer Dave badly injured his foot in a farming accident, he needed to check his cows and calves several times each day. But walking was difficult while he was on the mend. A large piece of machinery had shattered the bones in his foot and he needed several surgeries to put things back in place. He could see the pasture and the cows from his porch, but walking around and giving them the proper attention took more walking than he was able to do.
But Farmer Dave has a drone and he started using it to watch his cows while they were in calving season. He could fly around and look at each heifer and each calf and he could make sure that none of them were in distress as they gave birth. He could tell when a new calf was born and he would know exactly where to find it without making laps around the meadow.
Farmer Dave was able to recuperate and rest while still giving the cows the proper care. The drone camera resolution is shockingly clear and he can even read the ear tags from his seat on the porch. But in the name of fun, a little editing turned the regular video into a little spoof of something you might see in a science fiction movie. Special effects create the illusion that Farmer Dave is scanning the udders with a sensor to detect milk content and match full cows with thirsty calves. Although this is all in jest in this case, that technology won't be too far in the future as we see the advances in tech and everyday work saving devices.
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Scuba diver finds herself in a pack of intimidating bull sharks
Bull sharks are large, powerful sharks that have little fear of anything. They are known for their aggressive nature. They are one of the few species that can thrive in both salt water and fresh water. They are believed to be responsible for the majority of near shore attacks on humans. The average length of a female bull shark is 2.4m (8 feet) with the largest recorded being 4m (13 feet). Typically, the maximum weight can reach 600kg (1300lbs). With a bite force up to 5,914 newtons, they rank among the most capable biters of all fish.
Bull sharks inhabit many coastal waters and inland rivers, with several sightings in flooded canals and streets in Australia. There are even a few bull sharks in a golf course lake in Carbook, Logan City, Queensland, Australia.
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Snorkeling in the darkness reveals a world of beautiful creatures
This dive boat in the Maldives had moored for the night near the coast of one of the many islands. Awaiting dawn to press on to a new location, the boat was silent and still. But the world beneath the boat was anything but still. The lights of the boat attracted krill, plankton, and small fish that fed on the abundance of nutrients. Larger predators were attracted by the smaller animals and the water was alive with action.
Slipping quietly into the water, these tourists floated and watched the spectacle beneath them. Mobula rays danced, played, and fed on the plankton. Gigantic manta rays performed loops as they inhaled and filtered their meal from the water around the lights. Nurse sharks cruised through, hoping to scavenge anything they could. A playful dolphin appeared and checked out the swimmers, as well as the chance of catching one of the fish that had come for a meal.
For almost thirty minutes, this breath taking sight continued for these lucky tourists. The ocean is a world full of mystery and wonder. It is a world that has barely been explored or understood.
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The world is stunning as seen from a bird's eye perspective
The world around us is full of beauty and colour that can take our breath away. But the world is even more beautiful when viewed from the air, like a bird's eye view. This drone has captured the stunning scenery of The Gorge near Fernie, British Columbia. It takes us to the shores of Komodo Island, Indonesia and then shows us the sails being raised aboard the Arenui live aboard.
The drone captures the lines in a freight train yard in Toronto, Canada and then skims over the mighty Fraser River near Chilliwack in British Columbia. It gives us a look from above at Hell's Gate, takes us through the trees in a redwood forest, up to the peak of Bridal Veil Falls and out through the treetops. It brings us back to an Ontario farm as the farmer cuts his summer hay. We circle a corner church in Kingston and then glide over the Kingston shoreline at sunset.
Drones provide a unique perspective, unobstructed by the trees, power lines, and buildings that block our view at ground level. Drones allow us to see the horizon in the distance. It is the closest thing to seeing the world as a bird would.
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Giant manta rays give scuba divers beautiful close up experience
Manta rays are beautiful and graceful creatures that create a sense of awe and wonder among those fortunate enough to get a close look at them!
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Baby elephant drinks water at the river in the most adorable way
This baby elephant roams freely on the plain in Kenya, Africa. His home is a vast, protected grassland where he can wander in safety from poachers. The animals here are still wary of predators, especially the crocodiles in the rivers. An unwary baby elephant would be grabbed and dragged into the water if he doesn't keep an eye out for approaching crocs.
This happy little fellow drinks his fill and then plays with the water, spraying it from his trunk. The adults in the herd keep a watchful eye on this young calf.
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The beauty of Canada from one coast to the other
Canada is a vast country with some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. The landscape is very different as you move from one coast to the other. Everything in between is unique and beautiful too.
These images were captured as a team of Canadians drove from one side to the other in a Lamborghini to raise funds for a small child fighting cancer. Stopping briefly to rest and plan, they launched a drone at various points to record the beauty of this incredible country. From Cape Spear on the easternmost point of North America to Vancouver Island, this journey spanned the country from one ocean to the other and 7,500km (nearly 4,700 miles) in between. Historic lighthouses, salt flats, rock cuts, mountains, prairie, pronghorn bucks, waterfalls, deep river gorges, towering trees, horses, and much more. Just a tiny fraction of Canada's beauty is recorded here.
Enjoy the scenic wonder as seen by this team of adventurers on a trip that will never be forgotten.
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This steel safe killed one of America's most famous men
Jack Daniels is known throughout the world as one of the greatest whiskey producers to have ever lived. His life is the stuff of legends, and and it is also filled with mystery and intrigue. His legacy was passed down to two of his nephews when he died in October of 1911 and they continued the tradition of making Jack Daniel's whiskey according to the original recipe and in the traditional methods.
Most people in North America, and in most countries around the world have sampled this whiskey, or have at least seen it served. But few people know the incredible story behind Jack's final years, ad his death in 1911.
The Jack Daniels distillery is set on a beautiful piece of property in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Jack arrived for work before anyone else on a morning in 1909, or 1910. There are conflicting stories about the date and poorly kept written records in that era have made it difficult to be precise. But Jack needed documents from his steel combination safe in his office. He struggled with the combination and could not open the safe. Frustrated, he kicked the safe and broke his big toe. Infection set in and Jack was forced to have his toe amputated. But the infection had spread and gangrene began to form in his foot. The foot was removed, followed by a leg amputation and it was eventually clear that Jack was losing the battle with gangrene. Beyond the full leg amputation, there was nothing that could be done. Blood poisoning set in and Jack knew he was dying.
Legend has it that Jack led the life of a ladies man, with love and romance at every turn, but he had never married or had children. With no heirs, Jack passed on his distillery and his fortune to two nephews who continued the business as Jack would have wanted.
Tours of the property are conducted, showing guests the operation and the method for producing this beloved whiskey. There are few secrets here, and guests can see the entire process. Grain is ground and fermented. Maple is charred precisely to create the charcoal pellets that are used for the filtration process. Storage buildings are open, and samples are provided. A knowledgeable tour guide explains the entire operation and shows guests the different steps.
The tour is a fascinating one, full of interesting sights, smells, and facts. The legend behind this distillery, and behind the man who created it is well worth the time. Jack Daniels died because he didn't have the right combination for the safe, but he sure had the right combination of ingredients to create a whiskey that lives on, more than 100 years after he was gone.
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Wild chickens find the most ironic place to look for food
The last place anyone would expect a wild chicken to go is on the grill of a BBQ. But that is exactly where these chickens can be found each morning. They roost in the trees each night near a family home on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. At sunrise, the chickens and the rooster emerge from the trees and wander, looking for compost, bugs on the ground, and any food scraps that have been dropped.
These chickens have also learned that the food left stuck to the grill from last night's dinner is a tasty treat. They hop up on the BBQ to peck at the remaining scraps of food to the delight of the family that lives there.
Wild chickens roam freely on Santa Cruz Island. Many find their way onto the BBQ when it is hot. The chickens are an important source of food for many families here. But these chickens have captured the hearts of the two young girls who live at this home. They have named the chickens and they have made their father promise not to turn them into dinner. The names of the chickens are as amusing as their habit of climbing onto the BBQ. They are called Chicken With Rice, Chicken Soup, Chicken Stew, Chicken Nugget, Chicken Drumstick, and other food related names. The chickens will never understand the irony of their names or the good fortune they enjoy.
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Solar powered nudibranchs feed in highly unusual way
The solar powered nudibranch (Phyllodesmium longicirrum) is the largest sea slug in the ocean. The large surface area allows it to make use of a feeding technique that is unusual for animals, although most plants use this technique with ease. The solar powered sea slug anchors in light rich areas and waves its appendages to capture energy from the sun. It cannot do this without help though.
Inside the sea slug lives an organism, that performs the photosynthesis using chlorophyll. These little guests are zooxanthellae, single celled organisms that create the yellowish brown colour that we see on the sea slug's exterior. The zooxanthellae are an algae that receive carbon dioxide and the benefit of being positioned well for sun exposure. They would never be so mobile on their own. They also thrive, producing far more food than they need for themselves. The host, the slug in this case, receives energy from the zooxanthellae. The end product is sugar, which powers the sea slug. It's one of the rare cases of true symbiosis in nature. The solar powered sea slug could be mistaken for a plant due to its appearance and the very slow movement. The solar powered sea slug also feeds to a lesser extent on soft corals. This is the manner in which they collect and store the algae. They are able to absorb it intact from the surface of the corals as they feed. Because the algae breed and multiply within the sea slug, it is actually a form of farming. Their large surface areas that are spread out, then function akin to solar panels, benefiting both creatures.
The wonders of nature are limitless. Scuba divers are able to witness animals and plants that are unlike anything that we see on the surface. This one was filmed in Indonesia, near Komodo Island.
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Flight around Canada's highest water fountain reveals dramatic rainbows
The Centennial Fountain in Peterborough is an iconic sight that is visible from almost any location the central part of the city. It is the highest water fountain in the country, powered by three jets that shoot water 76m (250 feet) in the air. It was constructed in 1967 and it operated during summer months every year.
On a sunny day, the spray from the fountain creates a rainbow that can be seen from certain vantage points in the city. But this drone operator flew a small FPV drone past the fountain from various angles and the camera reveals a rainbow that follows the flight of the drone as it passes near the mist. The result is beautiful and only visible through the lens of a tiny aircraft that cam circle the fountain in close proximity.
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