We spotted this peacock wandering around the zoo in Pittsburgh. She was alone and don't want to be bothered. My wife was so persistent and wanted to take a picture of her but these are the closest images she captured.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Gazelle
A couple of gazelle at Pittsburgh Zoo.
Here's some facts about gazelle taken from the Jungle Store website. (copied as is).
Gazelles are antelopes of the genus Gazella. They are generally small, delicate herbivores with tawny coloring, white underbellies, and heavily ringed horns. Most of the 19 species of gazelle inhabit Africa, but some can be found in Southwest and Central Asia. The majority of gazelles prefer open, grassy plains, living in herd sizes as small as 8 individuals to hundreds of animals. Their diet of grass, scrub and leaves keeps them constantly grazing and they have little need for water, being able to extract moisture from their food.
The gazelle is a predominant food source for all of the major predators in Africa, including man. Their coloration and the open savannahs in which they live make them rather easy to spot. The gazelle's horns are no protection against attack and they must rely upon agility, speed and their impressive leaping prowess to avoid becoming a meal.
Even with all the predation, the Thomson's Gazelle and Grant's Gazelle thrive with impressive numbers. The Grant's Gazelle inhabits a wider range of territory in Africa while the Thomson's Gazelle has a larger population. Both species share grazing ground and the herds frequently intermingle. Even so, to tell them apart is fairly simple. The Thomson's Gazelle or Tommie, is smaller and has a striking black band, stretching from shoulder to hip, bisecting their tan and white coloring. Tommies are exceptionally alert and rely heavily upon their impressive senses of hearing, sight and smell to detect any threat.
Some gazelles, especially those that live in desert regions, are critically endangered. The Sand Gazelle, Cuvier's Gazelle and Dama Gazelle are among those who have seen their populations drastically decline in the last few decades. Drought, habitat destruction and poaching are all to blame. Laws and regulations have been passed to protect these species, but they are infrequently enforced so these gazelles continue to reduce in number.
Fun Gazelle Facts
- The Sand Gazelle is not a leaper, but instead eludes predators with incredible bursts of speed, sometimes reaching 60 miles/hour.
- Stotting is a specific gait used by gazelles and antelopes when being chased by predators. It involves a high, stiff-legged jump and actually slows the gazelle down, increasing their risk of being caught. Scientists have surmised it may act as a boast or taunt of the gazelle's actual fitness. Whatever the reasoning, it seems to work as most cheetahs will break off a hunt when a gazelle stots.
- Most gazelles give birth to one fawn, but it is not uncommon for the Cuvier's Gazelle to have twins.
- The Dama Gazelle is the largest of the species, weighing about 190lbs and standing about 42" high at the shoulder.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Moody Weather
The Southern Wind Gets Underway
The Southern Wind is headed for Honduras. No, I'm not talking about another tropical storm that is destined to wreak havoc on this beautiful country, I'm talking about a medical team known as the "Floating Doctors" that are bringing health and well-being to the people of Honduras. Floating Doctors utilizes a 76-foot expedition sailboat to deliver medical care around the globe, while minimizing the carbon footprint left behind.
During their four month Honduran expedition, these doctors, along with a skilled medical team, plan to educate the people on good health practices while also treating medical conditions and vitamin deficiencies. They will combat disease and other health-related issues with an arsenal of traditional medicine, cutting-edge technology, and an unstoppable altruistic approach.
To find out more about this expedition, you can visit them at vitaminID.com or go to their facebook page facebook.com/vitaminID. Exciting and informative videos, as well as pictures and articles, will be posted to offer a glimpse into what they are all about. These medical professionals are "taking it to the streets" and you're invited. So come along on a journey of goodwill and learn why helping those in need feels so good.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Autumn Walk
We went for a walk on a chilly afternoon at Dad's neighborhood when we visited him. As usual, I have the camera with me for photo opportunities hehehe. I told hubby and the kids to pose for me because the sun was setting.
Those lawn displays caught my attention, aren't they unique?
Labels:
family bonding
Aqua Mystery
I don't know how you will call this form of water flow because it is inside the PPG aquarium. Aqua Mystery is the title of this post as I don't know how to call this kind of water display hehehe.
I like the bubbles that it creates. Thanks for visiting my husband's blog. We greatly appreciates your time in visiting our pages all the time.
Labels:
watery wednesday entry
Playing Lobsters
Outdoor Adventures for Kids
My family and I love spending time outdoors, especially during the summer months. We really enjoy swimming, hiking, and camping but sometimes finding kids outdoor activities that are suitable for toddlers can be challenging. Most of the campsites in our area offer whitewater rafting, rappelling, rock climbing, hunting, and fishing which are great activities for adults but off limits for the little ones. For this reason, we will stick with hiking and camping until the kids get a little older. Just like the us big kids, the little kids need the same type of gear when taking on the great outdoors. Things like proper footwear and apparel, that are almost impossible to find for kids at local retailers, are available in one convenient location online.
Now with winter right around the corner, we need to start looking at kids winter gear, so that our little ones can take on the heavy snows and cold temperatures in complete comfort and control. Regardless of the season or event, you can find exactly what you're looking for by simply clicking on the helpful link above. Everything from first aid kits to swimsuits, all under one roof. Enjoy browsing their extensive line of outdoor products for kids from the convenience of your computer. The website is super easy to navigate and provides a safe and secure shopping experience for all.
Labels:
kids,
outdoor activities,
outdoor clothing
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Red Shoe
My daughter found a red shoe at my father's closet. I think it's one of Shelby's shoes. She tried it on and wished that the other one is there too lol..
Labels:
ruby tuesday.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Random Sunny Sky Shots
My wife took these shots during my father's 88th birthday. Happy birthday Dad! We are so happy that you are healthy. We hope and pray that you will have many more birthdays to come!
Labels:
birthday celebrations,
Skywatch Friday
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The Life of the Fish
Sunday, October 10, 2010
White tree
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Exhausted.. Mentally
It was raining today so we drove down to school to get our daughter. We made some trips to the post office, to the bank, and visited my father. Coming home, they both fall asleep. They were both exhausted from playing at my Dad's house.
Sometimes when our daughter is very tired from her activities in school, she gets grumpy when she doesn't take a nap. I was also mentally exhausted last week from the brain frying exam I took with my calculus.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Nostalgia # 21 - Fall Foliage
Driving from home to school, I see some of the trees changing its leaves and it reminds me of the Fall foliage in Korea. Below are some of the last shots that my wife took in the land of the morning calm.
This is in the neighborhood inside the base.
Ain't that so pretty?
Thank you everyone once again for coming by. You may join us in Nostalgia, just click the badge above.
Labels:
nostalgia,
photography
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The Celebrant
Our chubby little cheeks is a natural born red-head.
She is very mobile now. She is on the go pretty much all the time.
She can't walk alone yet but she is getting there.
EJ and Rylie had so much fun playing with other kids.
Labels:
birthday celebrations,
my kids
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)