“Photo Blogs” showcases some of my carefully picked photographs from years of collections that to an extent match fine art photography. Blogs have more than 50 posts, often being updated, consist of more than 1000 images with apt titles, image / products ids, interesting facts, information and a clearly crafted message and story behind each and every photo blogs / Photo stories.
The house crow comes under the family, called Corvids, and is further grouped under the genus Corvus comprising rooks, crows and ravens. Corvus is now placed at the highest pinnacle of the bird classification order, not surprising considering the known intelligence of this group of birds.
They are known for their problem-solving skills and amazing communication skills. For example, when a crow encounters a mean human, it will teach other crows how to identify the human. In fact, research shows that crows don’t forget a face or, suddenly, swooping down from the tree to give a peck on a street walker’s head for the heck of it!
People have recorded the incidence of the crows dropping hard nuts that they can’t crack on the center of the road, get it crushed by the fast moving vehicles and keep track of spraying fragments and pick them up later when the road becomes empty.
Crow’s are really one of the challenging subject to photograph as to bring out correct dark shades or the mix of bluish black, gray colors with top quality details requires lots of practice and patience as crows are swift movers.
Like many well known people the Indian famous cartoonist R.K.Laxman’s favorite bird is Crow. I have lots in my birds category collection of these most Intelligent bird.
Verbal spar over lunch meeting of crows.
Crow by the side of a small garden pond waiting for me get out of the sight before he can quench his thirst.
The Danaid Eggfly, Mimic, or Diadem (Hypolimnas misippus) is a widespread species of Nymphalid butterfly. It is well known for polymorphism and mimicry i.e. the resemblance of an animal species to another species or to natural objects; provides concealment and protection from predators. Males are blackish with distinctive white spots that are fringed in blue. Females are in multiple forms that include male like forms while others appear like the toxic Danaus chrysippus and Danaus plexippus butterfles. They are found across Africa, Asia, and Australia.
The Great Eggfly (Hypolimnas bolina), also called Blue Moon Butterfly in New Zealand or Common Eggfly, is a species of Nymphalid butterfly.The upper sides of the wings are jet black, offset with three pairs of white spots &two on the forewing and one on the hind. These white spots are surrounded by purple iridescence. In addition, the upper side of the hind wing bears a series of small white dots.
The Golden Shower Tree’s scientific name (The Cassia Fistula) is derived from words Cassia, meaning aromatic bark (like Cinnamon) and fistula, indicating tubular or pipe-like shape, which describes the pods. It is a popular ornamental tree worldwide and has multiple medicinal properties.
It is called ‘Aragvadha’ which means ‘disease killer’ in Ayurveda, and is used to treat several dermal, gastrointestinal and cardiac problems. The Golden Shower tree is a beautiful flowering tree with unusual, interesting fruit and significant cultural relevance. Apart from its various uses, when in full bloom in May and June months, it is one of the most beautiful trees in the dry deciduous forests and street sides of India.
The flowers are of ritual importance in the state of Kerala, where they are part of the ‘Vishukkani’ during the festival of Vishu. Its leaves are also used as offerings during religious ceremonies. Besides this, it is the floral emblem of the state of Kerala and the national flower of Thailand.
The tree is native to India and other countries in South and Southeast Asia. A variety of local names in different Indian languages demonstrates its widespread occurrence across the country. Common names range from Amaltas in Hindi, Bahava in Marathi and Vishu Konnai in Malayalam. Interestingly, in West Bengal, the Golden Shower Tree’s local name – Bandar Lathi (meaning monkey’s stick) is derived from the supposition that monkeys are particularly fond of the sweet pulp around the seeds and by eating them, help in dispersing them. The Golden Shower Tree is also mentioned in various Sanskrit scriptures and literary works by different names like Karikara, Suvarnaka, Kritmala, etc.
Aster flowers are known for Love & symbol of patience. The Aster Tall Matsumoto, ‘Callistephus chinensis’, is a florist quality cut flower variety with tall, strong stems and an unusual bi-color flower with a yellow center. This Aster has a very long vase life. With their wildflower beauty and lush texture, asters have long been considered an enchanted flower. In ancient times, it was thought that the perfume from their burning leaves could drive away evil serpents.
Today, they’re known as a talisman of love and a symbol of patience. Also known as starworts, Michaelmas daisies or Frost flowers, the name aster is derived from the Greek word for “star,” and its star-like flowers can be found in a rainbow of colors – white, red, pink, purple, lavender and blue, with mostly yellow centers.
The September birth flower, asters also hold the honor of being the Flower of 20th wedding anniversary.
A French tradition places aster flowers on the grave of a French soldier, as a tribute to his bravery. Aster flowers were used to make medicines that cure upset stomachs.
Scientific Name: Sedum Morganianum-succulent family
The donkey’s tail succulent (Sedum Morganianum) is a popular and easy-to-grow trailing succulent with rows of fleshy, tear-drop shaped leaves. This plant is also commonly known as lamb’s tail, burro’s tail, or horse’s tail. Some other closely related Sedum varieties may also be known by any of these names. These succulents make excellent hanging plants or they can be used as trailers (a plant with only one root that creeps along the surface) in small pots.
Growing burro’s tail provides fascinating texture as a graceful houseplant or lush green exterior plant in many landscape situations.
A mature specimen might have branches up to 2 feet (60 cm) long, with dozens of grey-green, plump leaves lined up like droplets. Flowers readily emerge in late summer in hanging clusters of small blossoms in red, yellow or white.
The Lemon Pansy – Butterfly: Scientific Name : Junonia lemonias
The Lemon Pansy butterfly (Junonia lemonias) the most common of the 6 pansies, found in parks and gardens in most parts of the India.
The Lemon Pansy butterfly (Junonia lemonias) feeds on yellow Cosmos flower field.
Pansy butterfly on staircase wall and another on ground sucking moisture and salt for living.
Patterns & designs on inner and outer wings of Pansy Butterfly.
Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is a species of antelope native to the Indian subcontinent. Photos captured at Bannargatta National park.
This species is the only living species of the genus Antilope, and has been introduced in Texas and Argentina. It is one of the fastest of all terrestrial animals reaching to speeds of up to 80 km/h and is one of the few antelopes where males and females have distinctive coloration, as the male bucks are a distinctive black and white and have long twisted horns, while females are fawn coloured with no horns. In its scientific name Antilope cervicapra, ‘Antilope’ from ‘anthalops’ (Greek) a horned animal; ‘cervicapra’ from ‘cervus’ (Latin) a deer and ‘capra’ (Latin) a she-goat.
Blackbuck male (Juvenile)
Blackbuck male (Adult)
Blackbuck Female (Juvenile)
Blackbuck Female (Adult)
Fruits Special post – Basket of assorted fruits.
Colors galore, inviting and mouth watery; Fresh Orange, Mango, pomegranates, grapes and musk melon fruit stack at a fruit market in Chennai, India.
Distinguished by their large, beautiful blooms and wide assortment of vibrant colors, gerbera daisies have become a favorite flower choice for expressing cheerful sentiments. Gerbera flowers are photographers delight and truly enchanting and picturesque. Gerbera daisy means beauty and innocence.
