Beautiful Animals

That tiny bird was not giving way before my superior size. If I had been a cat -

Edgar, I'm often inclined to think that there's something wrong with an animal that behaves uncharacteristically. That bird shoulda flown away. Don't know why it didn't. But it gave you the opportunity to have a good look.

Reuters Pictures 2 hours ago Two St. Bernard puppies play at an enclosure of the St. Bernard Dog Museum in the south-western Swiss town of Martigny February 6, 2011. In 2005 the non-profit Barry Foundation took over the breeding kennel from the Hospice at the Great Saint Bernard mountain pass (2473 metres/8114 ft. altitude) to continue the 300-year-old tradition of breeding the famous dogs, which return to their origin on the mountain pass during the summer months.

Irish, Such gorgeous puppies. I wonder what they weigh now. I have an idea of what they'll weigh when they're grown up.

Black mamba (longest venomous snake in Africa; one of the fastest snakes in the world):

Green anaconda. Not the world's longest snake, but the world's heftiest. I actually have my doubts about the length issue. Anaconda's life where they are rarely seen and where there are relatively few people. It wouldn't surprise me if a few have gotten as long as the reticulated python (the longest).

One of my favorite photos. A falcon and some pigeons:

Terrific photograph, Roberta!

And what a lot of pigeons in one spot, at one time!

Now THATS an ugly dog.

Alpaca or young llama? Whichever, he's adorable!

the daily B & O

Monkeys' "Do Not Disturb" Sign?

Scientists aren't sure exactly what it means, but the rough translation might be "leave me alone."

The mandrills will cover their eyes for more than 30 minutes.

According to the study, "the gesture might have a locally respected meaning," possibly to "inhibit interruptions as a 'do not disturb' sign operates."

Because the gesture emerged naturally, independent of human involvement, and has now lasted a full generation, it could be considered a cultural behavior, the authors say.

Photos courtesy Mark Laidre, University of California, Berkeley

It's an alpaca. There were llamas on one of my last posts...

But, it looks like a show alpaca - wonder if there are alpaca shows.

Pink Meanie

National Geographic reports on a new species of jellyfish that has a taste for other jellies.

That photo is like a painting..

I thought it was pretty, too (in spite of being a meanie).
"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Grizzly bears as pictured by Judith Malloch on Kodiak Island in Alaska. Grandmother of ten, Judith Malloch, 66, of Boynton Beach, Florida, takes photographs only yards away from huge bears. The group of professional wildlife photographers and locals Judith travelled with was armed only with a single can of pepper spray to use in case of attack...
Picture: JUDITH MALLOCH / BARCROFT MEDIA

...She also captured this image of a thoughtful beast looking relaxed - just like Disney's Baloo. The animal seemed like he was forgetting about his 'worries and strife' while resting his chin gently on the palm of his mighty paw.
Picture: JUDITH MALLOCH / BARCROFT MEDIA

The monkey 'do not disturb' thing is interesting..

Yep, there is such a thing as an alpaca show..

http://www.alpacashows.com/

Y'all have gone off the cuteness scale today! I am starting to want bunnies. Bunnies, bears, and jelly fish oh my!

This is Ruth. She is my trainer's mule.