Stunningly colored flamingos fill this garden pond
Flamingos are one of the most spectacular birds in the world. Enormous on their long stilt legs, they are magnificent birds. The name is derived from the Spanish or Portuguese word "flamengo" which means flame coloured.
The colour of the birds is due to the beta-carotene their diet, which is often a result of heavy consumption of shrimp as well as other insects and crustaceans. They can reach a height of 1.2 to 1.4m (roughly 4 feet). Travelling in colonies that can reach thousands in number, a flock of flamingos is a breath taking sight. This colony of flamingos has filled a small garden pond and has decided it is time for an after noon nap. Usually, sleep involves pulling one leg up and tucking the head into the wings. This stance is believed to be about energy conservation due to the low requirement for muscle exertion to stand on one leg. Tucking the neck and head into the body can also conserve heat.
Interestingly, both male and female flamingos produce a kind of crop milk, and both contribute to defending and feeding the chicks.
A group of flamingos at rest, like this colony, provides a perfect opportunity for colourful photos and video.
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Hungry hyena demonstrates his powerful jaws as he eats his meal
Hyenas are formidable animals that have been viewed as frightening and ominous, but their role in the ecosystems across most of Africa is a very crucial one. Most closely related to felines, they share many of their characteristics with the cat family. But they share many behavioural characteristics with canines, or the dog family.
Hyenas are ground dwellers, never venturing into trees for shelter or to sleep. They also catch pursued prey using their jaws, as a canine would, instead of their claws as felines do. Agile and powerful, they are very capable hunters. Their ability to work in packs increases their efficiency greatly.
During evolution, 10-14 million years ago, the hyena split off into two groups, one being the dog-like hyena and the other being the bone-crushing hyenas. Climate changes and the arrival of other dog species forced the dog-like hyenas into extinction while the bone-crushing hyenas survived and became the dominant scavengers. Their primary food source was large herbivore carcasses that were taken down by the large sabre-toothed cats. Originally, these hyenas were enormous, growing to over 200kg (440lbs) and having sufficient jaw strength to splinter elephant bones. The hyenas that roam the plains today have the ability to kill large dogs with a single bite to the neck. It is no wonder that even a full grown lion respects a pack of hyenas enough to leave a kill if there are enough of them.
This hyena lives at the Toronto zoo in Canada. He has been given some meat for lunch and he bites and tears at it with great efficiency. The large teeth and strong jaws make short work of any carcass.
Paleontologists have studied fossils and have found evidence that hyenas readily attacked and killed humans. Human remains found in Alaska coincide with the extinction of the cave hyenas in Siberia, suggesting that predation by hyenas was what caused humans to be unable to cross the Bering Strait earlier. Although hyena attacks on humans is rare now, it was not always the case.
Primarily scavengers, hyenas occupy a critical niche in nature, feeding on rotting flesh of the kills of other animals, as well as the dying and the weak.
Gorilla baby and mother share adorably loving moments together
Gorillas are among the most intelligent creatures in the animal kingdom. They possess the ability to reason, problem solve, remember complex events, and they are capable of highly developed communication. They are even capable of emotion, as we seem to be seeing here between this gorilla baby and his mother. As he lies on his back and plays with his hands and feet, his mother touches him and strokes his feet in a very loving way.
Gorillas possess the ability to fashion natural materials into tools to aid in gathering food. They will adjust sticks to length to fit in holes to retrieve food. A gorilla named Koko became famous in the 1970s when researchers taught her sign language. She mastered over 1,000 signs and was able to string these "words" together to form complex expressions of her wants and feelings. Even gorillas in the wild have been taught to communicate with humans and to exchange objects for food.
Lowland gorillas are dwindling in number due to habitat loss and illegal poaching. It is beyond tragic to see such complex and intelligent creatures facing extinction.
These gorillas live at the Toronto Zoo in Canada. This zoo is highly regarded for their care and habitat quality, as well as their impressive commitment to conservation efforts around the world.
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Cottage toad carries out crucial role in the ecosystem
Toads are masters at camouflage with their colour and texture allowing them to mimic the forest floor where they live. But what they do for the ecosystem is something you should definitely know about!
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Drowsy Sumatran tiger drifts off to sleep in the morning sunshine
Sumatran tigers are large cats, but the smallest of the subspecies, weighing up to 140kg (308lb) with a body length of 2.5m (7.5 ft). They are majestic animals that have no reason to fear any other creature, except man. hey live exclusively on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. They are adapted for life in tropical rainforest, mountain, and lowland forests. They feed on deer, wild pigs, reptiles, birds and fish. They will even eat berries.
Habitat loss and poaching have brought the population of the Sumatran tiger to the point of being critically endangered. Many zoos and conservation organizations are working to limit the human impact on the animals and to increase the populations through captive breeding and studies that increase our understanding of how to help these magnificent animals.
The Toronto Zoo is on of the highest rated zoos in the world and they are committed to helping animals all across the planet. Their conditions and care far exceed minimum standards and they provide excellent health care for their animal family. They also provide people with the opportunity to learn about and connect with the animals who share our planet and who depend on our increased respect for their survival. To come to a facility like the Toronto Zoo and to fall in love with the animals here will encourage us all to think more about our consumption, and our impact on habitat. After such wonderful experiences and gaining newfound respect and understanding, it is more likely that we will educate ourselves about the food that we buy and the clothing we wear so that we can support ethical companies that do not destroy crucial habitat. One example of such a practice is the deforestation of palm trees for oil that goes into baked goods like cookies, cakes, and crackers. The palm oil industry is pushing orangutans closer to extinction to meet the demand for palm oil that comes from all over the world.
When we take a close look at these beautiful creatures, and then look at ourselves, we can't help but feel responsible for ensuring their survival through better choices.
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Stunning footage of colorful blue jay enjoying bath time at backyard pond
Blue jays are one of the most vividly coloured and beautiful birds in North America. Their vibrant blue feathers contrast dramatically with their white and black markings. Loud and bold in their vocalizations, they often outnumber other birds at the back yard feeders and they are often the easiest ones to hear. They love seeds and nuts and they are easily attracted for all who wish to enjoy their beauty and their antics.
Blue jays also love water baths and a small pond or bird bath will keep them delighted as well.
Like other birds, this blue jay is bathing to help maintain a preferable amount of oil on his feathers. It will also help discourage mites and other parasites of the skin. It is also believed that some birds simply like the sensation of cool water under their feathers.
When frightened or excited, the blue jay raises its crest feathers, much like cockatiels. Blue jays are often watched by other birds to detect a threat. The blue jays are confident and early to the feeder or any other source of food. They are usually accompanied by others of their kind and they are sure to sound an alarm if all is not as it should be. More cautious and intelligent birds like crows will follow blue jays and let them test out a source of food before they take a chance themselves.
Because it is a slow flier, blue jays are easy prey for hawks and other predatory birds. They are easily plucked from the air when they venture out in the open, and occasionally, a hawk or owl will watch the back yard feeders for a meal of their own. Blue jays have a specific vocal call for such dangers and birds of other species can learn to recognize and react to these calls. In great enough numbers, blue jays will even chase hawks or owls from their territory, screaming at them as they do so.
The blue color of a blue jay is more complex than people might realize. The feathers are not perceived as blue due to pigment, but rather due to structure and the ability to reflect light on the wavelength that corresponds with the blue color. If the structure of the feather is damaged, the blue color will no longer be visible.
Blue jays are intelligent birds and are capable of mimicking human speech as well as the calls of other birds. Their skill at communication between other members of their own species makes them much more able to deal with predators.
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Grumpy looking robin has a great time bathing in backyard pond
Robins are beautiful birds that inhabit most areas of North America and even Mexico. Here we see one bathing in a backyard pond. Although it looks very angry, it's clear it is having a very good time! As it splashes and dips into the water, the facial features and markings over the eyes make it appear to be holding a serious frown.
These birds are called "American Robins" because they are native to North America, and because they have a red breast, similar to the European robin. But the European robin is flycatcher and is in a completely different family. The American robin is actually a thrush, and a songbird. They are abundantly found in all types of habitat.
Robins are significant carriers and spreaders of the dangerous West Nile Virus. Although we typically blame crows and jays for this spread, because we see the die from it early and in larger numbers, the robin is just as capable of contracting the virus and then living longer, promoting a greater spread to humans through the mosquitos which are the intermediary hosts.
Robins have keen eyesight to help them find their prey; grubs, insects and earthworms, but they actually use their hearing to find food as well. The robin listens carefully for the sound of an earthworm moving just beneath the surface of the ground. It can detect the worm and pounce, pulling it from its hole. They use smell and even detect vibration to find their food.
It is believed that birds like the robin bathe in water or in dust to maintain the preferred amount of oil on their feathers and to discourage mites and other parasites.
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Calves have an adorably curious reaction to a Gopro left in the grass
Calves are incredibly curious animals, and more inquisitive than we give them credit for. When these ones saw a GoPro camera for the first time, they were fascinated. They followed the visitor in their meadow, trying to get a close look. It was obvious that the camera had caught their attention and he stopped and held it out to them. They were reluctant to come close enough to sniff, but they lined up in hilarious fashion and stared, eager to come closer, but fearful enough to keep their distance.
When the GoPro was placed on the ground and left on its own, the calves couldn't resist coming up to check out the strange object. They cautiously sniffed and licked at the camera, backing away and taking turns, as if they expected that it might jump up at them at any moment. Their reaction is simply adorable as they create close up footage of their noses and eyes.
These calves live on what is referred to as an "ethical beef farm" in Millbrook, Ontario. The cows are treated extremely well, with an emphasis on herd health over profits. The cows here have hundreds of acres of pasture and meadow where they graze and wander freely. There are ponds full of fresh water, woods to explore and rolling hills with lush, green grass. Even the bull is a happy member of the herd and he watches over his cows protectively.
While the nature of farming means that the animals will ultimately end up as food, these cows are happy and enjoy a long and healthy life on this farm. It is as close as possible to what nature intended for these gentle souls. While living a vegan lifestyle is commendable, many will always choose to eat meat. Obtaining that meat from farms like this one will go a long way to ensuring more humane treatment of animals, as well as supporting the farmers who are dedicated and committed to doing things right.
Ethical farms are easy to find in most places. The cost of supporting these farms is well worth it for the peace of mind that comes with giving the animals a much better life.
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Gigantic moose walks past shocked hikers on woodland trail
Moose are the second largest wild animals in North America. They reach a height of more than 2.5m (7 feet) at the shoulder and can tip the scales at a whopping 640kg (1400lbs). When full grown, they fear few animals, and only a large pack of determined wolves, or a very hungry grizzly bear would try to prey on one. For this reason, they wander the woods with confidence, although they shy away from contact with humans whenever possible.
These hikers were exploring the woods in Parry Sound, in Ontario, Canada when they heard the approaching footsteps of a large animal. They could see the figure of a large moose walking toward them so they moved off the trail to avoid a direct confrontation. The moose came closer and then sensed their presence. It stopped to have a look and then it decided that they were no threat.
They remained quiet and moved slowly, partly to avoid startling the moose and partly to prolong the close encounter. A large moose is an awe inspiring sight close up and they marveled at the beauty of this magnificent animal. Walking beside the trail, the hikers kept pace with the moose which seemed unconcerned with their presence. It stopped in a marshy area to drink water and the hikers stood nearby, taking the sight in very happily. The moose was aware of their presence and it cast them a curious glance now and then but it obviously was not worried. For safety, the hikers maintained a respectful distance and also kept a few trees between themselves and the moose.
Despite the fact that moose seemed unthreatened, it is still a wild animal and a large one at that. Animals can be unpredictable and being too close is often unwise. A slow and cautious approach is always best.
Unfortunately, moose populations are declining in North America. One of the biggest reasons for this is that the development of roads and other human encroachments on habitat has provided some advantages for deer populations. With deer, come brain worm and liver flukes, two problems for which the moose have no immunity. These parasites have a much less significant effect on the deer, but they can be fatal to moose. Any increase in deer population will adversely affect the moose. Excrement of infected deer is eaten by snails, which then become infected. Moose graze on aquatic vegetation and inadvertently eat the snails, becoming infected themselves. Moose eat leaves and tree shoots, but they also eat the plants that grow under the surface in marshes and bogs.
Moose must also live where the climate suits their ability to find food as well as avoid predators. In areas with deep snow, they find mobility difficult and outrunning wolves leads to exhaustion and vulnerability. In areas with no snow, the wolves are equally at an advantage. They prefer areas where the snow is deep enough to allow the advantage of their longer legs to prevail.
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Beautiful but venomous caterpillar caused widespread terror after social media post
The hickory tussock moth caterpillar, also known as the hickory tiger moth caterpillar is a beautiful creature that looks soft and furry. It's appearance almost invites one to pick it up or to touch it to see if it is as soft as it looks. But doing so can cause a severe reaction due to the venom and barbs at the end of its hairs.
The long black hair tufts at the ends of the caterpillar are connected to venom glands that secrete poison when the hairs are touched. Unsuspecting people who come in contact with the caterpillar will usually experience a rash like poison ivy or nettle stings. This can cause a burning sensation, swelling and pain. In extreme cases, a serious allergic reaction and nausea may occur. Medical attention may also be required, if the reaction persists.
The hickory tussock moth caterpillar concentrates toxins from the host plants that it eats, allowing it to develop this chemical defense. Nature will often provide small, or otherwise vulnerable creatures with a means of discouraging predators. The tussock moth caterpillar is one of those creatures.
The caterpillars eat oak, ash, hickory, walnut, and elm leaves, and although they can be found in large numbers, the caterpillars are not likely to defoliate a plant enough to cause an issue for the plant.
In fact, the caterpillar's venom is not sufficient to be a serious threat to most people, and even in extreme cases, the effects are not long lasting or life-threatening. This did not stop the spread of "caterpillar terror" in Ohio in 2016, however. A well-meaning mother posted on social media about her experience with the caterpillars when her daughter licked one of them in 2016 and suffered a painful reaction. Her point was to warn other parents so that they would educate their children about the hazards of touching the creatures. But the result was an over reaction that caused widespread concern, and even fear.
The caterpillars are actually an essential part of the diet for chickadees and other songbirds that inhabit Canada and the eastern United States of America. They have been around far longer than humans and they are an important part of our ecosystem.
As with all animals, avoiding unnecessary contact is always wise, for our own health, as well as for the animal's health. There is a saying that if we leave them alone, they will leave us alone. This is certainly true for the hickory tussock moth, or any other caterpillar. All they want to do is eat, avoid being eaten themselves, and turn into a cocoon for the winter. Enjoy them from a respectful distance. They are a beautiful and fascinating little animal.
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Bizarre & ferocious looking caterpillar emerges as gigantic & beautiful moth
There is a garden "monster", known as the tomato hornworm. They are gigantic caterpillars that devour tomatoes and potatoes in record time. A few hornworms can strip a tomato plant of leaves entirely, killing the plant, and they will even eat the tomatoes. These beasts are so large that you can hear their jaws clicking as they eat. When threatened, the worms will click their jaws as a warning. Capable of actually biting, they are intimidating when full grown. The worms have a formidable spike at the end of their bodies that serves as a deterrent for predators, but they don't have the ability to inflict any actual injury.
They blend in perfectly with tomato leaves. Amazingly, the hornworms glow brightly when illuminated in the dark with a black light. These caterpillar pupate and burrow into the ground, preferring soft dirt to make the burrowing easier. When they emerge, a gigantic moth, called the five-spotted hawk moth is their new form. These moths are one of the largest of all moth species in North America. They will live for 7-10 days but they are not equipped to eat during this stage of their life.
The moths will mate and then lay eggs on tomato, potato, and eggplants so that the cycle can repeat all over again.
The eggs will natch into tiny caterpillars that grow at an astonishing rate, eating constantly and molting several times as they grow.
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Puppies play and fight in order to resist nap time
These golden retriever puppies are just three weeks old. Although they are growing very rapidly, they are still adorably tiny. Watch as they fight and play in order to avoid nap time. Cuteness overload!
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Incredible closeup of yellowjacket wasp cleaning windshield of bug splatter
Yellowjacket wasps are a very common sight in North America, and although they are feared due to their nasty sting and aggressive nature, they play an important ecological role. Many are crucial for biological pest control, as well as pollination, much like bees.
This wasp made a sudden appearance when a car was parked near a forested area. The car windshield had a streak of very fresh bug splatter running up it on the outside. The wasp appeared to have smelled an opportunity for a meal as it landed within a few seconds and began searching the glass for the fluid streak.
The view from inside the car provides us with a unique perspective as the wasp finds the bug juice and begins to eat it with great enthusiasm. Perhaps the wasp is ever conscious of the fact that she is not the only predator in the area. She eats hurriedly and devours a significant amount of the fluid before cleaning her face and antennae and then flying away.
Yellowjackets look very similar to paper wasps and both species build nests by chewing wood fiber to create a paper-like pulp. They also create dwellings in soil cavities and animal burrows. The females in the nest hunt for food, such as meat or fruit and they return to the nest to regurgitate some of this food to feed the larvae. The larvae produce a sugary substance which the adult wasps eat.
Wasps work furiously to build large nests and colonies throughout the summer and autumn, often having 4,000 to 5,000 individuals in a single nest.
Many of the insects that the wasp eats are harmful to agriculture so the wasp is considered beneficial to humans.
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Golden Retriever puppies settle down for a nap in big, fluffy pile
Golden retriever puppies are among the cutest creatures on earth. These puppies are 8 weeks old and they have been playing and climbing on each other for several hours. They are now exhausted and it is nap time. They have all settled into the corner in their enclosure to make the most adorable pile of cuteness imaginable. Sleep has found some of them while others struggle to stay awake a little longer. A few restless ones are climbing on the others, looking for a comfortable position to lie in to have a rest. In about an hour they will spring to life and start playing all over again.
Aside from playing and climbing on each other, these puppies also get excited for meal times. When their mother comes in to check on them, they will swarm her and try to latch on fro a drink of milk.
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Baby sea lion puts on his best begging performance at Galapagos fish market
Sea lions are adorable animals with personalities and charm that capture our hearts. They look and behave much like our beloved dog companions and they are often called sea dogs. They inhabit almost every beach and rocky shore ion the Galapagos Islands and they are a delight for the tourists and the residents to watch. Their comical antics often have us in stitches.
Playful and curious, sea lions have learned to coexists with humans and they will often venture inland to look for scraps of food in shoreline villages. They are regular customers at these fish markets, pleading with their huge eyes and pitiful cries, hoping for a stray piece of fish to fall in front of them. While it is frowned upon to interfere with nature and feed these animals, even the most hardened fisherman cannot completely resist their begging.
This kind man has been cleaning fish as fast as the boats bring it in. He is watched carefully by an adult sea lion and also by a baby, both of which have great hopes for some generosity. They can see the enormous tuna and smell the delicious aroma of a fresh dinner as they are carried past the noses of the hungry sea lions. The sea lions know that they will be chased away from the fish if they try to grab one. They also know that the fish are far too large to swallow. They must wait patiently for a scrap or a slice to "accidentally" fall. Their fisherman friend has been known to have an occasional slip and a chunk will leave the table.
As predicted, the skin of a red snapper drops to the floor right in front of the hungry baby. He eagerly grabs the fish skin before the herons, pelicans, or other sea lions can move in. The trouble he has is that he is unable to rip the fish skin, and he is unable to swallow it unless part of it reaches the back of his throat. In the most comical fashion, the baby sea lion repeatedly tosses the fish skin in the air until he can work enough of it into his mouth to swallow it. The tourists watching this cheer him on and laugh at his adorable attempts to eat such a big meal.
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Imaginative scuba driver mimes a comical explanation of a historic shipwreck
Cameron is a seasoned scuba diver with a very seasoned imagination. While on a recent dive trip with his family in Tobermory, Ontario, he decided to give his rendition of the events from a stormy night almost a century ago. But communicating underwater with a regulator in your mouth and a mask on your face is difficult. Scuba divers are quite good at overcoming this through the use of gestures and hand motions.
Cameron's family is exploring the wreckage of a wooden tugboat that had been bashed against the rocks near the shore during a violent storm. At least, that's what the records indicate. But Cameron's investigation of the wreck, and his vivid imagination, present a different set of circumstances.
According to Cameron, the captain of the boat was drinking a little alcohol and had become inebriated. He drove the boat. He drank some booze, and he drove the boat even faster. His incredulous father asked if this was accurate and verified. Cameron insisted that it was. And he continued the Captain was as "sauced as a squid" and he piled the ship up on the rocks due to miscalculation and altered judgement. Motioning with his mask, he seems to be telling us that the Captain was drinking doubles and seeing double. As the ship sank, the Captain went down with the ship. And that's the real version of the events that took place in Georgian Bay on Lake Huron almost 100 years earlier.
Of course, Cameron's version of the events is purely fictional and complete speculation. He's simply making an attempt at scuba humour and his dad, who has an equally vivid imagination is playing along just for fun. Without a doubt, this wreck was caused by the extreme and unpredictable weather that the Great Lakes are famous for.
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Massive whale shark amazingly swims around boaters
Whale sharks are magnificent creatures that take our breath away. To see one up close is a life changing experience. At almost 17m (55 feet) in length, they are enormous and intimidating animals, yet they are incredibly gentle. They are completely harmless to humans and cannot bite. They glide through the water, filtering it for fish eggs, plankton, krill and small fish.
Surprisingly little is known about these mysterious giants. They inhabit almost all tropical waters around the globe and they migrate great distances, yet biologists still don't understand where they have their young. They swim seemingly effortlessly with their mouths open, capturing food in the combs in their gills. They allow water to flow out of their massive gill sots as they feed.
These Canadian tourists embarked ona boat tour with Searious Diving near Isla Mujeres, in Mexico. This is an ethical tour company that works hard to protect the whale sharks through conservation efforts and working with government agencies to share information. It is this data that is used to establish regulations and laws that protect the animals from improper human behaviour.
The tourists have been swimming in the water and photographing the whale sharks as they feed in their natural environment. The captain of the boat had just made the decision to move farther from the feeding area to prevent crowding of the sharks. When they parked the boat at a distance, they were surprised and delighted to see that a whale shark was headed toward them. Apparently curious about the boat, the gigantic shark swam around them and gave them a show they would not forget. It swam past the back of the boat and then it turned, heading straight toward the bow. Just below the surface, the whale shark was clearly visible gulping water and food as it came close. It gently nudged the boat as it swan underneath. It continued on its way, unharmed and even swam around the tourists a few more times before heading off into the distance.
Illegal harvest and entanglement in commercial fishing nets are a serious threat to these whale sharks. To lose them forever would be beyond tragic.
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Canadian tourist tries to communicate with bilingual dog in Galapagos Islands
Brownie is a handsome dog who lives on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. He lives with a wonderful family who adore him and treat him like a true family member. They mostly speak to him in Spanish but he is also responsive to some English commands. His actual name is Bruno but he answers to the English translation; Brownie.
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Pelican lifts off gracefully from Galapagos Island fish market counter top
Pelicans are huge and fascinating birds with impressive wing spans. They are heavy compared with most birds, spending a lot of their time on the surface of the water. Despite weighing up to 3kg (7lb), this brown pelican is a strong flier due to a massive 2m (6 feet) wingspan. But lifting off from a perch or the surface of the water takes great effort and gaining altitude is often a slow process.
Famous for their ability to use small updrafts from the wind on the waves, the pelican glides smoothly along shorelines with what appears to be minimal effort. They also fly upwards and then suddenly turn and dive bomb schools of fish near surface of the ocean. Using their enormous beak pouches, they scoop up water containing small fish and then squeeze the water out of their beaks to leave them with a mouthful of food. It is this unique feature that is most widely thought of when we talk about pelicans.
The pelican's unique adaptation to capture food in this manner is a true wonder of nature. Fossil records show us that birds such as pelicans evolved as long as 30 million years ago in some parts of the world. Here, in the Galapagos Islands, these birds are common sights along almost any shore. Comfortable with humans, they are often seen around docks and piers, swimming areas, and even wandering on inland streets.
This large male is a regular fixture at the fish market on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. The animals here have learned that residents and tourists have a healthy respect for the wildlife and that they will not be harmed. Intelligent enough to understand what a fish market is all about, this bright fellow has been greeting the fisherman each morning as they return with their catch. Patiently he waits as the fish are cleaned and sorted. There is always a lineup of sea lions, pelicans, herons, and even marine iguanas and there is usually a fish skin or piece of meat that falls to the floor. Occasionally, an unattended fish becomes a meal for these sneaky birds and they can snatch and swallow a fish faster that a fisherman's hand can prevent it.
While in the Galapagos Islands, a visit to the fish market is always a memorable and fascinating experience.
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Young calf is very curious about a new ball in her meadow
Cows are much more inquisitive and intelligent than we give them credit for. Calves are much like puppies with their playful and fun loving approach to anything new. This calf shows us that she is adorably curious about her first glimpse of a ball in her meadow.
Hope is a one month old calf who was born on a warm, spring day on a farm in Millbrook, Ontario. It's a beautiful place to live with rolling hills, vast expanses of lush, green grass and ponds to drink from. The cows spend most of the year outside, enjoying the freedom of this huge farm.
Fiona is a dedicated mother who watches over her baby protectively. Fiona is especially affectionate and fond of people so it was no surprise when Hope was also fond of being petted and played with. The two are part of a herd of about 40 cows and a huge bull named Gus. Gus also watched protectively over his herd.
The farmers here treat their cows more like pets and even Gus enjoys a head scratch and a few slices of bread as a treat. He's a very laid back bull who enjoys life on this beautiful farm.
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Majestic rhinoceros grazes casually beside the road on safari
The rhinoceros is the second largest land animal in the world. Reaching weights of over 2,300kg (5,000lbs), only elephants are heavier. These massive animals appear ferocious with their thick, armour-like skin and formidable horns. But they are actually gentle herbivores that wander and eat grass and plants, posing no threat to other animals, or even people who maintain a respectful distance.
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Great Dane puppy is very excited to find an avocado pit to play with
Raven is a gigantic eleven month old Great Dane who is still very much a puppy. She spends a lot of her day napping, like most Great Danes, but she wakes up with energy to spare and tears around the yard with the zoomies in between naps.
Raven has just arrived at the family cottage on a remote island. She has been let loose and she has discovered a way to get into the compost pile. She quickly found an avocado pit and she has decided that it is her new toy. But her owners are well aware that avocado pits can upset a dog's stomach so they would like to get it back from her. The problem is that Raven is one of those puppies who will run away with anything that her owners want. This is the age old game of "chase me and try to get it. They pretend that they are not very eager, hoping that Raven will either get distracted and drop it, or else they can get close enough to grab her collar.
Raven knows their tricks and she jumps and throws the pit, picking it up and running just out of reach. She is having a great time and she loves being chased. Raven has also recently discovered that she is as fast a small horse. She gallops around the cottage and through the trees with incredible speed.
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Golden Retriever puppies are adorably unsure of their first water experience
Golden retriever puppies might be the cutest animals on earth. They are fluffy, playful, happy, and curious every minute of the day. Their faces seem to be fixed with a permanent smile and they approach almost every new experience with enthusiasm and an awkward clumsiness that melts our hearts. They grow into the one of the most lovable and loyal breeds known, and they make excellent family companions.
These 12 beautiful balls of fur are a litter from a wonderful breeding facility in Ontario, Canada, know as "As Good As Gold". They put tremendous care into breeding and raising their pups for optimal health and disposition. Even more importantly, they put just as much care into selecting the perfect forever homes for their babies. They treat these dogs like their own family and they place the dogs after careful screening. Each pup deserves nothing but the best home. As Good as Gold will also provide excellent support, aftercare, and training assistance to make sure that the pups and their families have the best chance at success.
These pups are almost eight weeks old and they are being introduced to water in their new pool. It is a beautiful, warm, summer day and the pups are curious as they watch Karel fill the pool with cool water. They aren't so sure about the splashes of water that are bouncing out all around them but they watch him with rapt attention. Eventually, they are coaxed into the water for some wading and fun. Unsure, they drink and climb out, tails wagging the whole time.
Golden retrievers are known for their love of water and their enthusiasm for jumping in lakes, ponds, rivers, and backyard pools. They eagerly fetch sticks, and some dive for submerged toys. These pups might not love the water yet, but it will soon be a big part of their summer fun to splash and play with their new families. As they approach eight weeks of age, they get closer to that big day.
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Friendly sea turtle approaches scuba diver for a handshake
Hawksbill sea turtles are as adorable as they are beautiful. Watch as this one swims up to a diver for a handshake. So cool!
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Beautiful oriole enjoys an orange at this ingeniously simple bird feeder
Orioles are one of the most vividly coloured birds in North America. They are also very simple to attract to any back yard. They adore brightly coloured fruit such as mango, oranges, and red grapes. This ingenious feeder is as simple as slicing an orange in half and sticking it on a tree branch. Orioles will seek out the best places to feed and they will even bring their young to the same spots.
Orioles have a unique and interesting method of feeding, referred to as "gaping". Although they do eat by closing their beaks around food, they also use their beaks in the opposite direction, inserting the tip into soft food such as a orange and then opening their beaks to create a trough or "gape". This gape fills with juice which they slurp up or eat by using their beaks in typical fashion.
Orioles are also very fond of grape jelly, which can be used to lure them to a back yard feeder. With just a little research, the right foods can be found for each bird species and a feeder can be used to attract a person's favourite birds. Watching beautifully coloured birds so close up can provide hours of joy for any nature lover.
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