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

FRUIT OF THE BIRDS

By on March 18, 2013

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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

CACTI

By on March 16, 2013

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Month of March is summer in the Philippines.During summer,work increases and gives me the chance for an outdoor gardening.Since we are now experiencing the direct heat of the sun, perfect time to plant any variety of cacti because it suits the dry area of the garden and surely flourish in equally full sunlight.Most species of cacti have hard spine and I hate the needle-like protruding spines. Preferably, I would like to have the kind with a  white hair growing on the stem and the rounded bearing red,pink and yellow flowers. Although half part of the garden is moist. With careful selection,an original flowering plants may be added so, it would be subdivided into different kinds of plants. Planting some beautiful varieties of flowering plants depends on the climate and the kind of soil where you live.I just hope the drainage will work out well for the new flowering plants.

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

BLUE TONGUE LIZARD

By on March 14, 2013

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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 | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

SCARAB BEETLE

By on February 27, 2013

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Scarab beetle

There are more than 4000,000 types of beetles.Some has colored and shiny outer cases and shiny spots which is very attractive that glows in the dark.Other beetles has powerful jaws and very active at night.Scarab beetle has 2 sets of wings;the uppers wings converted into hard sheathes which protect the lower wings. The lower wings is not as hard and durable as the upper wings,the lower is the real wings and has a shiny and transparent texture.

Last night, I’ve found this adult scarab beetle which is black and shiny. It was very easy to locate the whereabouts of beetles when they make a lot of buzzing sound at night. It was really a strange sound that disrupts the peacefulness of the night. I’ve found it near the indoor plants.It seems restless and sending a midnight message to the same species.

For photography, I picked it up with a piece of stick. I was very cautious not to use my fingers to avoid the big claws getting closer.After,I set it free outside to remain undisturbed.I had probably washed my hands 3 times after that. However,beetles are considered as a beneficial insect that is good and reliable as natural pest control.Having beneficial insects around us is a big help to our gardeners, they don’t need to spray pesticides anymore.Everyone seems to know about the effective solution.

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Travel and Adventure | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Arrival of the Migratory Birds

By on February 21, 2013

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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)

One trip to Manila Bay after a hard work in the afternoon,I spotted a bird flying constantly turning direction and over-speeding.I was curious to know what kind of bird was that?I immediately grabbed my binocular to take a closer look. I was surprised to see egrets wading gracefully.This was already the 2nd time I’ve seen the presence of migratory birds in the Philippines. The first time was during my vacation to my hometown in CagayanValley, Northern part of Luzon. As I can still recall,it was summer of 2010, I saw an egret perched on top of the carabao and some to the grazing ground.How unfortunate that when I brought out my camera,they flew away instantly.

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.”

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Migratory Birds Part 1               Migratory Birds Part 2

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Owl- The Silent Hunters of the Night

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions

HOW TO MAKE A BEAUTIFUL VALENTINE’S CARD

By on February 12, 2013

Here’s Live Life and Love wishing you all, ”Happy Valentine’s day” February is a month of Love. February 14 is Valentine’s day.It was named after the 3rd century old martyr St. Valentine. This day is celebrated with lovely flowers,chocolate cards and any token of love.This is the right time to show,appreciate and thank your loved ones, but, how do you express it?to let them know that you love them?

One way to make someone special on Valentine’s day is to send them a memorable and personalized greetings card.To create your own greetings card is more appreciated than buying the fancy stuffs.A card made on your own is more dedicated that you can put your artistic skills and creativity.Making on your own Valentine’s card will make them feel better knowing you made a bit difference from the rest. This is the best way to inspire your loved ones that will lead to a creative you. Since we are all part of it,let’s work together.

Here’s how to make it a beautiful Valentine’s card

Materials:

Gather all the lovely Valentine related stuffs

heart-shaped boxes

any accessories,(any sizes and shapes)

fancy colored ribbons

rainbow stone charms

small jewelry box

attractive toys

Bond paper or any colored paper or card board

camera

How to make it:

* Spread a bond paper or any colored card board on the table and arrange all the stuffs on it.Arrange them orderly in a creative manner.You can arrange it and disarrange to get a good view.

* Be ready with your camera and photographed it.Make it attractive.Pay attention to color combinations, the more colorful,the better it is.

* Upload pictures to the computer.

* Watermark the images using photoshop. Design a beautiful art, make texts effect and colored texture.

This is a simple Valentine’s card

(Click on image to view larger)

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions

A NEW HOPE,CHINESE NEW YEAR

By on February 11, 2013

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Here’s Live Life and Love wishing you all, ”KUNG HEI FAT CHOI”  It’s the Lunar year of the water snake.A new year to face challenges again. Chinese New Year will start Feb.10.Those born in the year of the Horse,Rat and Ox are the luckiest for this year.Since this is the lucky year for you especially to those superstitious and believers in Chinese Astrology,it is the season to be merry admittedly, everybody is happy and Chinese majority.This year would bring abundance of money,good luck in love and healthy living. This is what life is all about,Full of surprises.

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The Philippine Green Dragon group performed the traditional Dragon and Lion dance during the Chinese new year. The loud sounds of the drums,cymbals and gongs is use to drive away evil spirits. 

Snake characteristics;silent,patient,alert,powerful and dangerous. Influences by, those who were born on this year will inherit the traits of an animal ruling over life. Based on the background, One characteristic of a snake is poisonous. Does it mean? it brings danger to? As we humans do not like to think about the danger part, about the earth’s crust that the world is going to end,disasters,avalaches,devastating floods,droughts and famines. We also hate to think about bad health,accidents,bankruptcy,work irregularity and other frustrations to name a few.Is it a proven scientific concept?

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Animals thought,brings good luck as well as bad luck too ! Is it better to leave animal bad behavior and take only the good ones?Others, they use powerful animals for campaign posters and made animal symbols very popular.I’m not here to question Western culture, however, I still believe in the power of prayers and faith. Much more to consider, the determination to work harder in order to be successful.What if we just work hard and enjoy what life has to bring? I hope this year will be a productive and harmonious year for all of us !  ”Happy Chinese New Year Everyone !

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