Day 4967: White Storks of Algarve, Portugal & More About Crows.

    

"Prayer": junk collage, drawing, digital.

                                                                       

  

Want music?

    Click: Bruno Mars, Leave the Door Open.

2GN2S

Majestic White Storks Algarve, Portugal

photos by Hasan Jasim

In the serene landscapes of Algarve, Portugal, an awe-inspiring spectacle awaits nature enthusiasts and travelers alike—the colony of white storks gracefully adorning the region’s skies and structures. Known as Cegonha-branca in Portuguese, these magnificent birds have become a captivating fixture in the region, with their massive nests serving as a symbol of nature’s resilience and beauty.

Every year, after their rejuvenating sojourn in central Africa during the winter, the White Storks make a triumphant return to Algarve, each time choosing the same nests they meticulously constructed in previous seasons. These nests, of considerable size and unmistakable design, can be found perched atop chimneys, dead palm trees, and electricity poles, making a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to witness them.

While storks are renowned for their migratory tendencies, over 10,000 of these elegant avian creatures have now chosen to spend their winters in Algarve. The reason behind this unanticipated phenomenon lies in the region’s abundance of food, particularly on garbage dumps, and the steady invasion of Louisiana crayfish in Portugal’s waterways, providing the storks with an irresistible feast.

by Stephen King

Man helps paralyzed dog see the world!

An elderly man has drawn widespread attention after being seen pushing his paralyzed dog through the streets in a handmade pram. 

Photos shared online show the man guiding the cart through neighbourhood paths and parks, allowing his longtime companion to remain part of daily life despite losing the ability to walk. Rather than giving up, he built a simple wheeled pram using basic materials, designed to support the dog’s body while keeping it comfortable and secure. The dog’s legs hang naturally beneath, while the structure allows it to sit upright and observe its surroundings. Witnesses say the pair are regularly seen outside together, moving at a steady pace as the dog takes in the sights and sounds of the world. The images quickly spread across social media, resonating with pet owners who saw in them a powerful example of dedication and care. For many, the story reflects the quiet reality of companionship — where responsibility continues even when circumstances change.

The man’s daily routine has become a symbol of persistence and loyalty, showing how far people are willing to go to ensure their animals continue to live with comfort and dignity.

 

  

 

A 5+ minute video, Cruel World,  here.

 

 

Just because ...

American Kestral 

Tuesday's Smiles ... 

 

Hoping you feel all the good things in your day.

  

 

 

Day 4966: Superbloom in Death Valley & Old Man of Hoy, Scotland.

"Indiana": old photo, collage, digital.

                                                                       

  

Want music?

    Click: Take Six, Overjoyed.

2GN2S

Rare Super-bloom in Death Valley

All images © Dr. Elliott McGucken

Along with its reputation as the driest and lowest national park in the U.S., Death Valley is also one of the hottest places on Earth. It holds the air temperature record of 134 degrees Fahrenheit, recorded in 1913. But in spite of its macabre name, Death Valley is anything but lifeless. And over the past couple of weeks, a rare “superbloom” demonstrates just how vivacious it can be.

For photographer Dr. Elliot McGucken, who focuses on landscapes and nature, the visual cacophony of wildflowers foregrounding the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes or dramatic mountains like Telescope Peak are an endless source of fascination. Death Valley’s predominant flower displays are magenta and yellow—Phacelia and Desert Gold, respectively. There are also Mojave Stars, Brown-eyed Primrose, Five Spot, Sand Verbena, Brittlebush, and the uniquely named Gravel Ghost.

McGucken was photographing at Yellowstone National Park when he learned that Death Valley had experienced record rainfall over the past few months and was primed for a superbloom. Not wanting to miss it, as they only happen occasionally—the last ones occurred in 2016, 2005, and 1998—he drove to California. “As nature photographers, we’re oft waiting for those ‘hell yes’ moments to pack up and move out, and this was a ‘hell yes’ moment!” McGucken says. “I traveled from minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit to over 90 degrees in a day!”

At the beginning of March, Death Valley National Park announced it was experiencing its best superbloom in a decade. At lower elevations, the wildflowers blossom in early March, and depending the weather, can last until mid-month. At higher elevations, wildflowers bloom from April to June, depending on the altitude. 

“While I had photographed a smaller bloom in the Panamint Valley back in 2024, I had never seen so much greenery in the lower parts of the park, from Stovepipe Wells to the Mesquite Dunes to Furnace Creek to Badwater,” McGucken says. “I have been photographing for the last few days, making the most of the once-in-decade event.”

The photos here were taken over the course of several days, including March 16. While the superbloom is now considered past peak, there are still some displays in certain areas of the park. See more on McGucken’s Instagram, and purchase prints on his website.

The balance looks temporary, yet the stack still holds. The Old Man of Hoy in Orkney, Scotland, rises about 137 meters above the Atlantic as a detached sandstone column shaped by erosion. Waves gradually cut it free from the surrounding cliffs, leaving a narrow base supporting layered rock above.

The horizontal strata create the appearance of stacked blocks. Constant wind and surf strike the base, slowly reshaping the lower section while the upper mass remains intact. The isolation is complete, surrounded by open water.

Geologists describe ongoing erosion, not stability. The structure continues to change with every storm. The formation is clear. The moment of collapse remains unknown.

National Pencil Day is celebrated annually on March 30 to honor the invention of the pencil and its impact on creativity and writing. The date commemorates March 30, 1858, when Hymen Lipman patented the first pencil with an attached eraser. It is observed by using, gifting, and appreciating pencils. Thanks you, Robyn Gordan.

*free-motion pencil holder, gift from artist Libby Williamson

 

  

 

A 4+ minute video,  Cobarde,  here.

 

Just because ...

Flame throated Bulbul

Monday's Smiles ... 

 

Hoping you feel all the good things in your day.