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.
9.03K
views
5
comments
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.
7.44K
views
7
comments
Beautiful hawksbill sea turtles circle each other on the coral reef
Hawksbill sea turtles are the most ornate and beautiful of the sea turtles. So beautiful that they have been hunted for their shells, they came perilously close to extinction in the past century.
Hawksbills feed on soft corals, sponges, and the algae that grows on them. They cruise over the reefs looking for places to feed. They are carnivores, unlike many other sea turtles.
These scuba divers were lucky enough to see two of these beautiful animals in one spot. The turtles slowly circle each other before one swims off in search of another area to graze.
Scuba divers are delighted to see one of these endangered species on a dive, and even more so when they see more than one.
8K
views
4
comments
Beautiful mist enshrouds farmland at sunrise, captured from the air
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.
5.91K
views
3
comments
Wind turbines at sunset reveal the majestic beauty of wind farms
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.
4.83K
views
64
comments
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.
6.76K
views
14
comments
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.
7.14K
views
7
comments
Sunset is stunning when see from above the earth
Sunsets is one of the most breath taking times of day. The sun creates spectacular lines and a horizon that seems alive with changing colour and light.
9.51K
views
12
comments
Zoom ability of hobby drones is shocking and disturbing
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.
6.8K
views
13
comments
Stargazer fish in Indonesia is a small "monster" of the deep
Stargazers are bizarre fish with heads that look more like frogs than they do fish. Their eyes and their mouths are pointed upwards due to the way that they capture their prey. They have a row of formidable looking teeth on each jaw that are pointed and razor sharp. They bury themselves in the loose sand with only their eyes protruding. They watch until the smaller fish swim unwittingly over their mouth. Then they lunge forward and upwards, inhaling their prey.
There are about 51 species of stargazers. Some have ribbon-like pieces of flesh that they can wiggle like a lure to attract prey. Stargazers range in size from 18-90 cm. (8-35 inches). A few species have organs that are adapted to deliver an electric shock as a means of defense. These fish do not possess electroreceptors like fish that use electric sensory organs to locate prey. They are all venomous with several venomous spines located on their back and pectoral fin area.
Stargazers are a delicacy in some cultures. The venom is not poisonous when eaten. Stargazers can deliver both venom and electric shocks. This, together with their appearance has caused them to be referred to as "the meanest things in creation". But in reality, they are fascinating animals that use the gifts and abilities that they were given for survival.
9.62K
views
31
comments
Vividly colored sea anemone is a beautiful sight in Indonesia
A night dive in Indonesia reveals a side of the ocean that is not seen in daylight. It's a mysterious world where some of the creatures come alive, or come out ion the open to hunt. Sea anemones are often more active in the darkness as they wave their venomous tentacles in the hope of stinging and devouring unwary prey. They feed on small fish and other creatures that carelessly venture too close. This brilliant blue anemone caught the eye of some biologists conducting an underwater exploration in Indonesia near Komodo Island.
Anemones are related to the jellyfish. They are all predatory invertebrates. They are a single polyp that attaches to hard surfaces like rocks or coral. They wave their tentacles and feed the central mouth with anything that they catch. Touching a sea anemone will result in the triggering of a harpoon like barb that injects venom into the animal that touched it. The venom is made of neurotoxins that paralyze the prey.
The majority of sea anemones are harmless to humans, but a rare few can cause severe illness or even death.
8.42K
views
8
comments
Vividly colored giant blue clam beautifies the reef in Indonesia
There are many species of giant clams, with some specimens growing well over 1.5m (4.5 feet) across. They can weigh over 200kg (440lbs). Their shells and mantles can range from green or brown, to iridescent blues and purples. They are magnificent in their appearance but their ability to thrive and find nutrients is equally impressive.
The giant clams are the largest of the bivalve mollusks on the planet. They are filter feeders, straining the ocean water for zooplankton, yet they get most of their energy through a symbiotic relationship with algae. The clams cultivate algae in a special circulatory system, providing it with energy derived from sunlight, as well as oxygen from the photosynthesis. This symbiotic relationship is a relatively rare phenomenon in the animal kingdom.
Clams are hermaphrodites, allowing them to reproduce with any other clams, giving both individuals the opportunity for reproduction. Clams cannot self fertilize. They release sperm and eggs into the surrounding water, but amazingly this process is synchronized with other clams in the area through the release of a transmitter substance, called "spawning induced substance". Many clams will synchronize their contractions with other nearby clams to maximize fertilization. The contractions occur every 2-3 minutes over a period of a few hours. A single clam may release as many as 500 million eggs in one episode.
Clams have photoreceptors in their mantles that allow them to detect changes in light above. This signals them that a predator is near and they close to avoid their flesh being eaten. They have no true eyes and they are unlikely to respond to threats that do not involve sudden changes in water currents or light. A scuba diver passing over a clam will cause it to close.
These clams have been the victims of misunderstanding and fear, being dubbed "killer clams" or "man-eating clams". Legends tell of people being trapped by these clams and drowning. The clams are not capable of aggression and they close simply for defense. The shells close so slowly that it would take severe negligence to become trapped by one. The largest of the clams are not capable of fully closing their shells. It is highly unlikely that any clam has ever caused the death of a human.
Extensive harvest for aquarium trade and food have decreased the clam populations in the past few decades. They are considered a delicacy in Japan, France, and some Pacific islands.
These clams are a delightful sight for scuba divers and underwater explorers. This beauty was filmed near Komodo Island in Indonesia.
9.91K
views
8
comments
Baby shark rolls over in the sand for a back scratch
These nurse sharks in the Maldives are menacing looking creatures, but they are gentle, curious, playful, and even adorable. This young shark was swimming around scuba divers exploring a sandy area near Komodo Island. It decided to roll over and rub its head and back on the sand. It's possible this was to relieve an itch and it could also be a way of ridding itself of parasites.
Sharks are among the most misunderstood creatures on the planet. They are vilified by Hollywood in order to sell horror movies, but the truth is that they are rarely a threat to humans. Nurse sharks, such as this one are scavengers that eat dead or dying fish. They could rarely catch a healthy fish. They also have no reason to bite humans as they do not see humans as a food source.
Sharks are essential to the health of the reefs and oceans because they eliminate unhealthy animals, keeping the other species in check and encouraging the survival of the fittest. Without sharks, the effect of the ocean ecosystems would be disastrous. All life is interconnected. We need to do what we can to understand and preserve these magnificent animals.
9.89K
views
14
comments
Squid demonstrates ink squirting capability in Indonesia
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.
6.13K
views
3
comments
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.
7.25K
views
6
comments
Mantis shrimp is a deceptively capable predator
The mantis shrimp is one of the largest in the shrimp family, with some species growing to as long as 38cm (15 inches). They are beautiful and surprisingly capable in their ability to defend themselves. Unlike other shrimps, their forelimbs are appendages that pack a serious punch. Divided into two categories: slashers and smashers, their forelimbs may have calcified clubs or barbed spears. They strike with blinding speed, causing cavitation of the water around their strike, often stunning their prey, even if they miss. In this way, each strike delivers two blows. The mantis shrimp are nicknamed "thumb splitters" by scuba divers due to their ability to slice a hand or cause a painful bruise.
They are thought to have the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom and have the most complex visual system ever discovered. Compared with the three types of photoreceptor cell that humans possess in their eyes, the eyes of a mantis shrimp have between 12 and 16 types of photoreceptor cells. Some of these shrimp can tune the sensitivity of their colour vision to adapt to their environment. Their eye construction allows them to see colour in wider ranges, detect polarized light, and perceive depth with greater detail. These abilities help with mating, communication, prey detection, and in combat with other shrimp.
The mantis shrimp is a beautiful sight for scuba divers who appreciate their colour as well as their fascinating characteristics.
9.17K
views
10
comments
Scuba diver finds herself in the path of incoming giant manta rays
The waters of Indonesia are home to magnificent creatures. Perhaps, the most magnificent are the giant manta rays. These two mantas were drifting along on the current, skimming over the coral. Kristy, a seasoned scuba diver was coming the other way and she saw the shadows of these immense beasts in the distance. She raised her camera in time to film the approach as they met her face to face.
At the last moment, the manta rays veered to their left and went over Kristy, barely out of reach. Mantas have little fear of people. At this size, they have few predators and they don't have reason to fear scuba divers. They are known for their intellectual capacity and their curiosity. To see a manta ray this close is something that only the luckiest of scuba divers ever experience.
9.76K
views
17
comments
Scuba diver finds herself surrounded by giant manta rays in the Maldives
For many scuba divers, manta rays are the most beautiful and sought after of all the sights in the ocean. They are majestic animals that glide through the water with a magnificence and grace that is unrivaled. This reef in the Maldives is a favourite location for the mantas to come and hover in the current. They seek the help of the smaller fish that clean parasites off the mantas.
These locations are referred to as cleaning stations. Many species of smaller fish wait here and the larger fish come in on the current for their assistance. The scuba divers know that this is also their opportunity to swim among these great beasts. The divers fix themselves to a rock or section of dead coral with a small reef hook and a rope. This allows them to hover above the bottom in one place. Because they are still, the mantas quickly become comfortable with the divers' presence. They drift past and over the divers curiously as they position themselves at the cleaning stations.
Manta rays are highly intelligent, self aware, and capable of impressive feats of memory and reasoning. Studies show that they understand their own reflections and that they study themselves in a mirror if they are given the opportunity. These mantas understand that the small scuba divers represent no threat to them. They swim around with no concern. One of them skims directly over the head of the videographer, so close that she could have reached up and touched it. Such a close encounter with one of nature's most beautiful creatures is an experience that will never be forgotten.
6.3K
views
8
comments
Sea lion hunting in swimming area catches a fish in Galapagos Islands
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.
6.64K
views
10
comments
Baby sea lions adorably call for mom to come back with their milk
The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most diverse and fascinating animals on the planet. Among them are the sea lions that inhabit almost every beach and rocky shore around the islands. The colonies are complex and interesting to observe.
Here, these babies wait in the tide pools and on the beach, enjoying safety from predators such as sharks and orcas. Their mothers give them mil several times each day as they sleep in the sun. The mothers venture out into the ocean at least twice per day to hunt for octopus, fish, squid, and eels. They eat their fill and then return to the beach where their babies are waiting. The babies are constantly hungry and they call out to the ocean in hopes that their mothers will hear them and hurry back.
A full grown sea lion male is the alpha in the colony and he wanders among the tide pools, barking a challenge to any other males within hearing range.
Baby sea lions are naturally curious and they eagerly approach anyone who gets close. The danger in touching them or getting too close is that the mothers will reject them and they will die a slow death due to starvation and dehydration. The law prohibits coming within 2m of a sea lion or other animal in the Galapagos Islands. The animals here have learned no fear of humans. Mutual respect allows people and wildlife to coexist in a beautiful way.
8.92K
views
8
comments
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.
6.91K
views
13
comments
Goat schmurgle is the most fun way ever to spend time with the "kids"
This is Haute Goat Farm in Kendall, Ontario. They have a herd of friendly goats who accompany the guests on a walk around the farm, a stroll through a clover meadow, and then a session in a goat playground with the babies. The goats love the interaction, the sights as they stroll, and the fresh clover to eat.
Guests pet the goats, take pictures, learn about the animals and their different personalities, as well as enjoy a relaxing stroll in the sunshine.
People come here for a variety of reasons. Curiosity, relaxation, animal interaction, stress relief, fun with the kids - human or otherwise. No matter what your reason, the goats are delightful and a lot of fun to spend time with.
7.3K
views
22
comments
Drone footage of Kingston reveals surprising beauty all around the harbor front
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.
5.96K
views
21
comments
Splendid sunrise & sunset captured by drone shows beautiful color
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.
5.64K
views
6
comments
Cuddly Baby Goat Adorably Captures Woman's Heart
This lucky woman is visiting a very unique goat farm in Ontario, Canada, called Haute Goat. The guests here are treated to a wonderful experience as they stroll around the farm with a herd of friendly goats. The goats follow and munch happily on grass and clover while guests pet them and take pictures. After they get their fill of clover, the stroll takes them back the barn area where the babies are brought to an enclosure with climbing structures and toys. The goats climb and frolic as guests take turns cuddling with them.
This happy little baby too a liking to Kristy who sat on a bench to watch the goats. The baby repeatedly jumps onto the bench and climbs into her arms to be cuddled.
Goats are curious and affectionate creatures that enjoy the contact with the people who come here to visit. The goats here are all named and treated like family.
10.9K
views
15
comments