Taking A Break

One of my favorite animals, the magnificent but sadly endangered, green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), also known as the green turtle, black (sea) turtle, or Pacific green turtle. There are two distinct populations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, but it is also found in the Indian Ocean. The common name comes from the usually green fat found beneath its carapace; these turtles' shells are olive to black.

An Indonesian Nemo 1

Not exactly Nemo, as Nemo lived in the Great Barrier reef, this is certainly an ocellaris clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris), also known as the false percula clownfish or common clownfish. A marine fish belonging to the family Pomacentridae which includes clownfishes and damselfishes. Amphiprion ocellaris are found in different colors, depending on where they are located.

Cuttlefish

Cephalopods (squid, cuttlefish, octopus) are among the most highly advanced of all invertebrate animals. These swift, intelligent predators have well-developed nervous systems complete with relatively large brains and eyes very much like our own.. Cuttlefish communicate with other cuttlefish by their changes in coloration. They are predators eating small molluscs, crabs, shrimp, fish, octopus, worms, and other cuttlefish. Sepia latimanus, also known as the broadclub cuttlefish, is widely distributed from the Andaman Sea, east to Fiji, and south to northern Australia. It is the most common cuttlefish species on coral reefs, living at a depth of up to 30 m. It is the second largest cuttlefish species growing to 50 cm in mantle length and 10 kg in weight. Tentacles are light brown or yellowish with white mottled markings. The arms have longitudinal white bands that appear as broad white blotches when extended. The eyes are yellow around the ventral margins.

Clown Triggerfish

Clown triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum), also known as the bigspotted triggerfish, are demersal marine fish belonging to the family Balistidae, or commonly called triggerfish. Widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean until the western Pacific Ocean they can also be found in the caribbean. It is most commonly found along external reef slopes with clear water until 75 m dept. This triggerfish has a diurnal activity, is solitary and defends a territory. It can be very aggressive with other fish and congeners. The first long dorsal spine when is erected, it is used to impress an opponent or to avoid a predator to pull it out of its refuge.

Yellow and Blue

Pomacanthus xanthometopon is a ray-finned fish in the family Pomacanthidae found in shallow parts of the Indo-Pacific. It is commonly known as the blueface angelfish or the yellowface angelfish because of its striking facial colors. It is found on coral reefs in the eastern part of the tropical Indo-Pacific. Its range includes the Maldive Islands, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, northern Australia and Micronesia.

Moray

The giant moray (Gymnothorax javanicus) is a species of moray eel and a species of marine fish in the family Muraenidae. In terms of body mass, it is the largest moray eel. It is widespread in the Indo-Pacific region living in lagoons and on the outer slopes of coral reefs, during the day it sits sheltered in crevices. The giant moray is carnivorous, it leaves its lair at night to actively hunt its prey along the reef. It mainly feeds on fish and occasionally on crustaceans. Moray eels' habit of keeping their mouth open is sometimes misinterpreted as a threatening posture but they are kind of shy and they would rather flee than fight.

Snack Time

The Moorish idol (Zanclus cornutus), is a marine fish species, the sole extant representative of the family in order Perciformes. A common inhabitant of tropical to subtropical reefs and lagoons, the Moorish idol is notable for its wide distribution throughout the Indo-Pacific. It is considered one of the most beautiful coral reef fishes and a Moorish idol named Gill was one of Nemo's tank-mates. They have a habit of snacking on corals and sponges, as seen here.

Looking For Shelter

The great egret (Ardea alba), also known as the common egret, large egret or great white egret or great white heron is a large, widely distributed egret, across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world. It builds tree nests in colonies close to water. Apart from size (up to 1 mwter/3.3 feet), the great egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet, though the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back as seen in this photograph

Mirror, Mirror, on the Water

Who is the fairest? Certainly this northern pintail duck posed long enough for the reflection in the water to be almost perfect and so he at least deserves some credit for helping me out. I really love capturing perfect bird reflections. They can be hard to pull off because you need a number of things to come together to make the image work: no wind at all, great light and a bird (easily said that done). The northern pintail (Anas acuta) is widespread across North America, Europe, and Asia. Slim and long-necked, it has an elegant appearance both on the water and in flight. Pintails are wary at all seasons, and become very secretive during the flightless stage of their molt in late summer.

Harlequin braving the waters

The harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is a small colorful sea duck. Its name comes from "histrio", in Latin and means actor. They have small bill, short neck, and long tail. Males in breeding plumage are unmistakable with their dark blue color, rufous sides and crown, and striking white patterning on the face, neck, sides, and back. Harlequin Ducks prefer turbulent water, both in their breeding habitat, which is along fast-moving mountain streams, and in their wintering habitat, which is along rocky coastlines.

Majestic Eagle (number 2)

In my mind, there are few animals are majestic as bird of prey and among them the eagles are kings and queens. There are plenty of reasons why all sorts of eagle have been chosen in heraldry. The eagle with its keen eyes symbolized perspicacity, courage, strength and immortality, but is also considered "king of the skies" and messenger of the highest gods. Mythologically, it has been connected with Zeus/Jupiter and with Odin – the most powerful of the gods. This image depicts a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), flying away after capturing a fish

Tiny Is The New Beautiful

Violet-headed hummingbirds are small birds about 8.1 cm (3.2 in) in length with a short, straight bill that averages 13 mm (0.51 in) in length. The head and throat of the male are intense violet or blue with white spots behind each eye that stands out against the dark head. The back is metallic bluish-green and breast is green fading to a grey belly. The tail is green with tiny white-grey tail spots. The wings are black. The female is duller with a blue cap, green back and grey throat, breast and belly. The wings and tail are the same as the male. The female also has the white spot behind the eye.

Taking A Break From Humming 8x12

Perro zompopo

We found this beautiful helmeted iguana (Corytophanes cristatus) or as perro zompopo as it is known locally near Arenal in Costa Rica. I don't know why it would be called perro "dog" but in any case, it is a species of lizard endemic to the New World. It is found from southern Mexico to South America in rainforests. With long limbs, it climbs well, and feeds on insects, spiders, worms, and other lizards. It can change colors too from dark to light or vice versa. Cool, isn't it?

Can Bite!

Oxybelis aeneus, commonly known as the Mexican vine snake or brown vine snake, is a species of colubrid snake, which is endemic to the Americas. In Arizona it is also called "pike-headed tree snake". Even if is a mildly venomous rear-fanged snake and not dangerous to us, it still does look impressive with its mouth opened!

Calla Lily Up, Close and Personal

Zantedeschia aethiopica (known as calla lily and arum lily) is a species in the family Araceae, native to southern Africa in Lesotho, South Africa, and Swaziland. It is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant, evergreen where rainfall and temperatures are adequate, deciduous where there is a dry season. Its preferred habitat is in streams and ponds or on the banks. This flower was shot at the Botanical Gardens in Barcelona

This is my first attempt at capturing a snowflake. And I wanted to shoot it 'in the wild", that is no staged, just as it had fallen. I wanted that level of simplicity. and, although it is not perfect, it's still beautiful. There's beauty in imperfections as long as we know nothing can be totally perfect and that is ok.