Category: Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Cat Playing Peek-a-Boo

By livelifeandlove on August 1, 2013

”Nikki” displaying her naughty tricks. She knows how to hide her face using her left paw and showing up her pinky tongue.

Our cat,”Nikki” knows how to play Peek-A-Boo.It’s a game intended for humans but my our cat does.Nikki is a member of the family,trusted friend and a loyal companion.She’s a jolly playful cat and loves the company of humans. I just love the quiet atmosphere with her as she loves us unconditionally. Somehow,gave me a happy feeling and taught me how to be patient all the time.

Our playful cat. Funny isn’t it?

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Tweet-Tweet Wake Up

By livelifeandlove on May 15, 2013

Gray wagtail bird

Sounds of gray wagtail bird wakes me up,singing and chirping rhythmically outside the window early in the morning.I was trying to figure it out what’s happening outside.It seems they are trying to get me do something for them. Quickly,I get up and run outside,I saw these gray wagtail birds eating and enjoying slices of bread left on the table yesterday.

Originally,The gray wagtail was alone,making some noises calling her mate, and minutes after, her mate has arrived to join her. It’s a bird behavior during food sharing.

What a morning excitement,these is how birds behave when they see something good in the morning.It was just a morning surprise for them. Nevermind, chirping has the power to wake you up, cheer you up, and makes you happy.

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

FRUIT OF THE BIRDS

By livelifeandlove on March 18, 2013

Grey Wagtail bird with a fruit in its beak.

Most gardens has a fruit tree of some kind,or at least the fruit bearing trees that attracts the insects and the birds.Particularly our own garden has some kind; Manzanita fruit which the birds loves,Papaya,Chico and Atis. The grey wagtail and tree sparrows keeps coming back because of this fruits.These fruits are freshy, moist inside and sugary sweet tastes that the birds feast on it. Sometimes the fruit dries up and gradually will open after ripens and others will just naturally fall and it’s up for the birds to pick it up.

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

BLUE TONGUE LIZARD

By livelifeandlove on March 14, 2013

Blue tongue lizard is 9 inches long with a shiny grey spot which is pale in color.

A common sight visiting the garden everyday.I’ve found this Blue tongue lizard inside the rock hole beside the pond.The hole is the main quarter which serves as a good shelter from the sun and a perfect place to hibernate.The pond is cool and moist place which is good for the body temperature.It’s hard to distinguish whether it’s male or female.According to my research, Male lizards are orange or red dotted with black,the female is paler.I guess,it’s a female one because it’s paler in color. Some lizards can regenerate tail if it is lost and shed their skin in several pieces. The house lizard which is common inside the house is one good example. When the tail was cut off, the other part is still moving and seems alive after it’s been cut off.Lizards feed on insects like bees, spiders and worms.Sometimes, climbing the walls,rocks and trees.However,this lizard loves to steal food meant for the dogs.Every time the dog turns away, this reptile comes out to steal it. Food scraps is sometimes a special attraction for this blue tongue lizard.Got lots of dogs around and I hope,lizard bite is not as fatal as the snake.

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

EARLY BEE GETS THE SWEETEST NECTAR

By livelifeandlove on February 22, 2013

Early bees gets the sweetest nectar.Just like the practice of humans,first-come,first served basis. Here’s the lucky ones,the first honeybees to pollinate flowers in the morning.

(Click on images to view larger)

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Travel and Adventure | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Arrival of the Migratory Birds

By livelifeandlove on February 21, 2013

The presence of the Great Egrets in Manila Bay and to some areas in the Philippines is a proof that Philippines has touch of wildlife and a bird watching site.(Click on image to view larger)

After a long afternoon of work, I took a trip to Manila Bay and noticed a bird that was continuously changing direction and flying at high speed. My curiosity was piqued, and I quickly reached for my binoculars to observe it more closely. To my surprise, I discovered that it was a group of egrets wading elegantly in the water. This marked the second occasion I had encountered migratory birds in the Philippines. The first instance occurred during my summer vacation in 2010 when I returned to my hometown in Cagayan Valley, located in the northern part of Luzon. I vividly remember seeing an egret perched atop a carabao, while others were foraging in the grazing area. Unfortunately, when I attempted to capture the moment with my camera, they took flight immediately.

Considering the great number of egrets and some species I’ve seen everywhere near lake,river, swamps and mangrove areas.I believed that Philippines now is just like Malaysia that supports a large number of migratory birds. The reason why birds migrate? What is the purpose of migration?

Occasionally spotted nowadays, It’s quiet observable that most photographers and tourist have shown great interest to photograph the arrival of the migratory birds.It’s an expression that they care to contribute to the beauty of nature, and when you care? People does listen ! It’s just bringing message to some people the conciousness that we are presently in and what we should do to preserve wildlife because soon there would be a generation shift. Indeed,Philippines is now a ”bird watching site.”

You may also like: Previous articles about wildlife

Migratory Birds Part 1 Migratory Birds Part 2

Owl- The Silent Hunters of the Night

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Exceptionally Attractive Muntingia Calabura

By livelifeandlove on January 30, 2013

For the first timers, to see this kind of wildflower Muntingia Calabura would already be a common scene that you’ll see it everywhere or anywhere in the wild. Not even good for flower arrangement and bouquet but, if you see the close-up shots,it would be a different thing,Of my great surprise! Muntingia Calabura flower is exceptionally attractive and superb!

We have it in our own backyard.A tree that can tolerate full sun. Muntingia Calabura tree was indeed a valuable one, source of shade, with the flowers and fruit together serve the insects for their needs. It doesn’t require much care and tall enough that can adapt to any types of soil; moist or dry.After the blooming, a small fruit comes out,a fruit which is also the bird’s favorite. I was inspired to shoot these tiny flowers every time and it’s my favorite summer pastime.I was already doing these for almost a year and suited for my own purpose.It’s nice to share and it seems, I’m now giving an account of my daily work.It’s just a regular work needed to be done.

Here’s my photo collection of Muntingia Calabura or Aratiles Flower

Note: Click on images to view larger

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS

By livelifeandlove on January 24, 2013

(Click on image to view larger)

The sun shot his brilliant rays through,bright sun ray appeared brightly forth! It’s beautiful and much as wonderful day to see the flowers. What appeared here is magical to explain,bright clouds and the striking sun rays favored the scene.I was pretty surprised by the reflections.I guess, it’s more or less I’ve expected. It wasn’t bad as I though.I was delighted by the sight.

In 2 months time,It will be summer time again.well,for now,I’ve only 3 things to look forward to this coming summer.Firstly, I will photograph the stinging insects again for the second time. It’s the honeybees.I guess these stinging insects are more active during summer, as well as the photographer,that’s me! It will be my summer romance with them, LOL ! Secondly, is to buy a new camera so I can go as far as I could to photograph the beauty of nature and wildlife.I don’t know if I ever mentioned these to my previous posts. Thirdly, is to go to the beach with with my family. Ohhh! I just can’t wait.Others idea of perfect summer is different from mine. I was thinking that if the rest of the summer goes like today,I’ll be the best summer ever.

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

ARTIFICIAL BACKGROUND IMAGES

By livelifeandlove on December 10, 2012

Today, An idea hit me! What about using an artificial background ? I learned this idea from a good friend who happens to be a professional photographer of Daily magazines. I just discovered that photos can be taken using techniques too.Previously, I have applied to a tree sparrow and thought it will also works for the honeybees. Using artificial background is just as deceiving your sight too. I’m aware of these. I know it will not come out to be a natural but, I want to try all sorts.It was an easy trick! See if it works, I’m worried what the result would be…..

Check my previous post for more…

BLOGGER AS A PHOTOGRAPHER

How did I do it?

Oh well,Got 3 A’s photography here. 3-A’s stands for Awful, Annoying and amazing photographs. The idea was simple and easy.I tried hanging colored cardboard, some printed piece of magazines and colored art papers just behind the flower. All i have to do is to wait for the proper timing,waiting for the coming of honeybees to pollinate the said flower. It does not take longer since the bees keeps coming back many times to pollinate it again and again.At times, backing off to give ample time for the honeybees to get used to the presence of the light colored board.

The result is good as well as funny and annoying ! What do you think? I was able to get good shots and wasting some too.There’s no harm trying,I can just correct my funny trial and error game! In photography,you can cut major body parts accidentally without even knowing it.You can cut the head, sometimes one arm is missing ,sometimes, head is present without the body. It was all part of learning.

The result of images taken, It works for some, but, not as good as expected. Others are just good to reward my effort. The good thing about this experience,It was easy,no editing needed,no important piece of equipment needed,no interchangeable lenses,no tripod and you can even use a pocked-sized camera which is more lighter to handle to turn quickly fast to the left and right.

(Click on images to view larger)

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Blogger as a Photographer

By livelifeandlove on November 14, 2012

Last summer,It was too hot and it makes me tired to photograph all my scheduled subjects.I took a snap in the morning,just before lunch time and continued to finish all the way through.Everyday is just a practice,being hopeful the sky is clear and the wind will not blow. Bright blue sky gives a brighter color. There were times when the wind blows, the petals of the flowers drifted away,that would be very disappointing for the honeybees to pollinate it.Having these flowers that supplies food in the form of a nectar and pollen is good for the pollinators.I’m glad that our own garden provides the right flowers to attract different kinds of insects such as: honeybees, butterflies,dragonflies, worms,etc.

I’m not a photographer but, I’m one of the persevering few seeking suggestions from pros! I can honestly say that If you love good images of nature and life,no matter if you are a pro or not! We have the same thing in common.We are all interested to give justice and to contribute to the beauty of nature.However, Photography for me is more than a hobby, I need quality images for blogging purposes. What do you think? It would be interesting to read an article with complete illustration,pictures, short texts that will help you understand what I’m talking about.It’s my own way to lessen the words hence, making it shorter and understandable.

Luckily, I’ve collected some good images, hence,giving me more interest to continue my hobby but, I got bored of the same subject and color of my surroundings. I feel like there is something missing, the image itself is not a good result.I got tired of my existing photos and wasn’t happy with it anymore.

(click on images to view larger)

My interesting subject of science, ‘‘The Honeybees as an agent of pollination.‘‘It’ fun to bond with my morning visitors in the garden.I can just simply include myself as an extra here!

Today, An idea hit me! What about using an artificial background? I learned this idea from a good friend who happens to be a professional photographer of Daily magazines. I just discovered that photos can be taken using techniques too.Previously, I have applied to a tree sparrow and thought it will also works for the honeybees. Using artificial background is just as deceiving your sight too. I’m aware of these. I know it will not come out to be a natural but, I want to try all sorts.It was an easy trick! See if it works, I’m worried what the result would be.

How did I do it?

Oh well, Got 3 A’s photography here. 3-A’s stands for Awful,Annoying andamazing photographs. The idea was simple and easy.I tried hanging colored cardboard, some printed piece of magazines and colored art papers just behind the flower. All i have to do is to wait for the proper timing,waiting for the coming of honeybees to pollinate the said flower. It does not take longer since the bees keeps coming back many times to pollinate it again and again.At times, backing off to give ample time for the honeybees to get used to the presence of the light colored board.

Now, let us check the result.If you find it annoying,well, as I’ve said, it’s a part of learning! I want you to know that these website of mine is the right place to comment, you can raise all your concerns and suggestions. You can even criticize it,I swear! I will welcome criticisms as long as you’ll do it dramatically graceful cause it hurts. LOL!

Check the 2 images below.

The Honeybee at sunrise

The Honeybee at sunset

Using artificial background to both images, To compare both photographs of the sunrise and the sunset, Is it noticeable? According to some viewers, it creates a dramatic atmosphere.

This is a dreamy land for the honeybee.I have used a printed material behind the flower for a brighter background.

The start of spring

The garden setting, and again, I have use a garden background from a colorful page of the magazine.

The honeybee together with the dinosaur. Its hard to to position the dinosaur image behind. It looks strange,isn’t it? Note: View more images next post.

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