Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 22 November 2020

Sunday Selections #508

 

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
 
Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.

The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life.  Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle. 
 
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen. 
 
I usually run with a theme. This week I am returning to the zoo.  My owl encounter took place relatively late on a hot day when I was not at my best.  Just the same I reveled in both my treat and some of the other animals.



I adore otters, and they were much more active than most of the other animals that hot afternoon.








In the past there were a number of peacocks and peahens wandering freely through the zoo.  Sadly they don't seem to have a strong sense of self preservation and after visitors watched several of the chicks being devoured the decision was made to relocate the peahens.  The remaining males still strut their stuff, but cannot reproduce.


 
Most of the animals were totally 'laxed weren't they?  
 
My treats for the day continued, and the sunset that evening was particularly vivid.
 



I hope your week is bright, colourful and treat filled.
 


131 comments:

  1. Peacocks are stunning animals. I love otters too, but I read somewhere they can cause loads of damage, but then most animals can. I wouldn't mind basking in the sun right now.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: I don't think I have ever heard of any otter damage - but you are right. Most animals (including us) can and do cause quite a lot. You are more than welcome to our sunny days. I would swap weather with you in a heart beat.

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  2. Truly the peacock is a most beautiful creature. What beauty and precision in the pattern of it's feathers. It just take my breath away. The Creator must have been pleased with this creation.

    Too bad that they can't be allowed to reproduce at the zoo as they are most spectacular birds. Poor peahens.
    The other big cats are spectacular as well. Thanks for sharing your visit to the zoo with us.
    Hugs, Julia

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    1. Julia: India's national bird is spectacular isn't it? I so often am awed and delighted by nature's display.
      The peacocks bred very happily. Sadly the chicks had a habit of wandering into the big cats' enclosures - and didn't wander out again.

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  3. Dear EC
    It is such a privilege to share our space with these wonderful creatures. I love to see the big cats in particular. That sunset is amazing.
    Best wishes and have a good week
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: I have a huge weakness for the big cats. Jazz tells me that he is one.
      Skyscapes float my boat too. Have a wonderful week.

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  4. Wonderful photos! So many awesome cats, too. And the gorgeous sunset to end your day was icing on the cake. I'm glad you got to have such a treat... and survived the heat. The otters have the right idea. Go swimming. :) Hugs and stay safe out there.

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    1. River Fairchild: I have a huge weakness for the big cats and on any visit to the zoo ensure I go to admire them. Jake and Mischa (the white lions) are particular favourites.
      And yes, the otters definitely did have the right idea. The lions and tigers couldn't be arsed wandering down to their water holes...

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  5. You got some very good of animals in the zoo. The site leon is wonderful.
    And I love also the sunset.
    Hugs

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    1. orvokki: Thank you very much. I so often admire your photography and today's reflection in a puddle is no exception.

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  6. Wonderful pictures of the other residents at the zoo, EC. I'm sorry to hear of the peahens' fates. It must have been somewhat traumatic for zoo staff to see that happen. I'm sure the otters' opportunity to stay cool in the water helped them feel more energetic than everyone else. Thank you for sharing the beauty, as always.

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    1. jenny_o: It wasn't so much the peahens but the chicks. I understand that visitors to the zoo were distressed to see them become tasty mouthfuls. Sadly (as is so often the case) the peahens were moved rather than the peacocks. I hope their new environment is equally lovely.

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  7. In a word..."beautiful"!

    Have a good week, EC...cuddles to Jazz..I hope he is being more sociable...and all is well in your household. :)

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    1. Lee: It is a wonderful place. Jazz is his usual difficult self, but is eating well today which is a plus.
      I hope you and your furry overlords have a wonderful week.

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  8. What beauty you have, I love them. The Otters and Lions are fantastic.

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  9. I haven't been to the zoo in a while. I otter go.

    https://neurosciencenews.com/multiple-sclerosis-immune-gut-17296/

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    1. Mike: You most definitely otter go.
      Thanks for the link. There is a lot of research under way and I am hopeful. However I do think that we need to find a cause before we can find a cure. At the moment most of the research seems to focus on treating the symptoms - which vary from individual to individual and from day to day.

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  10. I am also impressed that even in hot weather lions and tigers can look so regal. I'd be hunkered down somewhere dark and cool. And I too love the peacocks but don't think I'd be too happy watching chicks being devoured, either. I guess it was by the males?

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    1. DJan: The cats do majestic well don't they? Even when they are totally 'laxed. It wasn't the peacocks but the big cats (lions and tigers) which devoured the chicks. I suspect the leopards would too given half a chance.

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  11. The big cats are so majestic and beautiful, and I love the otters too. I have never seen white lions in a zoo - they do look lovely, so calm and cool.
    I hope you are feeling better, EC, and that you have an enjoyable week ahead.

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    1. Alexia: Thank you. Both of the zoos closest to us have white lions. Jake and Mischka are favourites of mine.
      Hot weather is a problem for me, as is very changeable weather. This too will pass. I hope that your husband's health continues to improved and that as a consequence you both have a better time.

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  12. This MUST be one of your best! How thrilling to see all these creatures accompanied by you

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    1. Cloudia: Many thanks. It is an excellent zoo and devotes a significant amount of money each year to preserving and protecting wildlife.

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  13. I love otters, they have a special area in a conservation area not far from me and I love how they play and frolic and pretend they are rafts for other otters. I love their curiosity also for humans watching them.
    XO
    WWW

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    1. Wisewebwoman: Otters are supple, agile and enchanting aren't they? I particularly like the sea otters hammering open sea urchins with a rock (and replacing that rock with a smaller one if its size limits the numbers they can collect).

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  14. Some good photos; and the sunset looks almost "sean_esque".
    As for peacocks: Only recently I read that in New Zealand they have become a plague.

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    1. Sean Jeating. Thank you for that compliment. I spend time each and every day at dawn and at dusk admiring the sky.
      Peacocks have populated a suburb not far from me and are getting a mixed reception. Some locals love them, and others would happily see them gone. Their call is decidedly not musical.

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  15. White lion and lioness!! Tigers! I so wish I were there. Photos are awesome.

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    1. Susan Kane: It is a lovely zoo. I am definitely ambivalent about zoos but this is a good one.

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  16. Lions and tigers, oh my, as is said. All the animals certainly look chill, as is also said, currently. I have been in love with otters since I read Wind in the Willows, in the beginning of time.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: Definitely oh my - and I share your love of otters. Completely.

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  17. That sunset is stunning and I love the big cats. I could watch otters for hours and would probably be just as active if I lived in a swimming pool. Well, as active as one can be at my age.

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    1. River: It was a lovely sunset wasn't it? A perfect end to an excellent day.

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  18. Looks a good zoo with wonderful creatures in it.
    Peacocks are rather a pretty bird..
    Take care.

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    1. Margaret D: It is an excellent zoo. They go to great lengths to ensure the comfort and the stimulation of the animals. Mind you the cats I showed in this post had definitely taken the comfort option.
      I am taking care and hope you are.

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  19. Wonderful photos. The cats are great and hey, Kimba the White Lion. I haven't seen otters for years and I could watch them for hours.

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    1. Andrew: Thank you. Kimba is called Jake - but isn't he beautiful? It seems that there are a LOT of otter lovers. Which is right and proper.

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  20. I haven't gone to a zoo for quite some time...
    All the animals looked very relaxed... some were having Zen moments.
    Take care, EC.

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    1. Caterina: The animals seemed to be very happy indeed - which is lovely. Zoos are a far cry from the concrete prisons I remember as a child. And so they should be.

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  21. As always I love your photos. Now that I think of it,I only see peacocks at our local zoo. You have given me something to think about and to look for the next time I visit.

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: I will have to get off my fundament and take a trip to the suburb in my city which the peacocks have claimed as their own. No-one knows quite how they got there, but they have thrived.

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  22. Lovely to see all those healthy animals relaxing in the sun but the sunset sky blows my soaks away. FABULOUS

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    1. Margaret Birding For Pleasure: That sunset was special wasn't it? I loved it too.

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  23. Gorgeous pictures, especially the big cats. They are so majestic.

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    1. Olga Godim: I have a big, big weakness for the large cats (well all cats). And yes, even totally relaxed they are majestic.

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  24. Stunning photos. I love visiting the zoo. I've always wanted pandas to reside in our zoo but alas, that is not meant to be Nevertheless, I will see pandas one day, up close and personal. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures.

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    1. Yvonne: Pandas are gorgeous aren't they? My partner saw them (definitely up close and personal) on a visit to China. I was very, very jealous.

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  25. Both sets of pictures are superb! When I first got to your page I thought the leopard was on your back porch! ANyway, delightful post. And I love the word, "embiggen"! I don't think I've seen or heard it used here in the US. The orange clown coined "bigly". Thanks for this great entry!

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    1. Bill: I would LOVE the leopard to take up residence on my back porch. Neighbours and parent's of small children would probably disagree.
      I stole embiggen (years ago) from another blogger. Australian. I don't know where she got it from but it has a great deal more class than anything I have heard come from the orange monstrosity's mouth. I concede would be an act of class...

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  26. It's been many, many years since I visited a zoo, but I'm always partial to the beauty of cats in any form, and adore these wonderful pics so very much! Hugs, RO

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    1. RO: This particular zoo is very close to home. One of my brothers is a volunteer there, and its has a huge commitment to animal conservation. We don't visit it enough, but enjoy each and every trip. Hugs to you too - and I hope you are safe.

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  27. WOW, such beautiful photos! I love how the otters posed for the shots, looking directly into the lens!😉
    And the peacocks are really stunning. I have always liked peacocks, but had no idea they ate their young! Does make you wonder how the species survives, doesn't it?😕
    I'm so glad you captured that sunset...it is fantastic!!

    Have a lovely day, my dear friend.

    Sending much love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

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    1. Ygraine: I am sorry. I didn't make myself clear. The chicks had a tendency to wander into the big cat's territory and were quickly gobbled up. The decision to move the peahens was so that no more chicks were born.
      It really was a wonderful outing.
      I hope your day is bright and beautiful.

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  28. You know, some people rail against zoos, and in a perfect world we would not need them, but they are a last bastion for some species, and perhaps if we ever come to our senses, may constitute the foundation for reintroduction to a restored natural habitat, if we don't keep taking more of it for our own uses, that is. Thanks for sharing your visit, Sue, and some of the wonderful creatures you saw. I am sure you had a wonderful day there.

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    1. David M. Gascoigne: I am more than a little ambivalent about zoos. I wish that we didn't have them and that the animals could fun free. Sadly (often because of us) that is simply not possible and the zoos are as you safe a last bastion for too many animals. I am however very, very glad that most zoos are no longer concrete prisons.

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  29. Gracias por compartir tu visita por el zoológico, ya que hace muchos años que no visito ninguno. Aunque no me gusta ver a los animales en cautividad, pienso, que los zoológicos son necesarios para la conservación de algunas especies que están en peligro de extinción.
    Observo en tu excelente reportaje, que has llegado en un momento en que los animales ya habían comido, y por eso mismo están todos tan relajados. Además, también me ha llamado la atención ver esa pareja de leones albinos, porque hay quien dice que ver felinos albinos trae muy buena suerte. Ojalá sea así y tengamos, por lo menos, una bonita y agradable semana.
    Un fuerte abrazo, amiga.

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    1. Manuel: I share your feelings about zoos. I love the white lions and it is always a lucky day to see them - so perhaps that saying has merit.
      I hope your day and week are safe, healthy and happy.

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  30. I'm not sure pea hens and cocks are very bright. Good move to limit their numbers there because its not particularly enjoyable for visitors to watch a lion tear one apart. Nice photos of those lions!

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    1. Strayer: The chicks at least apparently had no sense of self preservation and didn't survive. As you say, seeing the big cats munching on them (while totally natural) would be disconcerting and even depressing. Aren't the lions lovely?

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  31. Love otters too. We were thrilled to see their larger ocean cousins last summer snacking on urchins in the Pacific

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: I would have been thrilled to see the ocean otters too. Really thrilled.

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  32. Love these shots of such exotic-to-me creatures. And who doesn’t enjoy a great sunset? Great photos, EC. Take care.

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    1. Marie Smith: Most of them are exotic to me too. The koalas aren't but are a rare treat.
      Thank you - and you take care too please.

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  33. Hi EC - wonderful animals at the zoo ... love seeing the jaguar - handsome beast, the white lions, as too the male one, the tiger and then as you say the frisky otters. Gorgeous sunset ... lovely selections for us - stay safe - Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you. I am glad that you enjoyed my treat and hope that you are safe and well.

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  34. We were adopted by a peacock we named Ivan. Some people across the field moved away and left him. He was a beautiful boy and I loved remembering him and seeing these photos...well all the photos of course.

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    1. Granny Annie: You were adopted by a peacock? Lucky you. And shame on the people who moved away and left him.

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  35. Totally they were indeed, you have brought us such lovely peace in this ever confusing world right now again. Stepping out to observe these simple pleasures in life are so vital right now. Thank you for bring this comfort across the way to us too!

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    1. 21 Wits: I so often find beauty and solace in the natural world and am very glad to share it.

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  36. Oh, what wonderful photos! Your animals are all so healthy and well fed. Beautiful sunset.

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    1. gigi-hawaii: It is lovely to see healthy animals isn't it? Thank you.

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  37. There's nothing like a visit to the zoo. While i hope that someday zoos will not be needed and all animals can be preserved in their natural habitat, meanwnile, i am glad we can preserve them somehow.

    My selections are over here

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    1. messymimi: I loved your selections. And echo your feelings about zoos.

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  38. The lions, the otters and sunsets, oh my!
    Seriously, those white lions are very neat. I'm so glad you shared your trip with all of us.
    Thank you. I loved it.

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    1. Dragonquillca: Aren't Jake and Mishka lovely? I make a point of visiting them each and every time I go to the zoo. I am so glad that you enjoyed my selections.

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  39. The animals are beautiful and amazing, but that sunset was awesome. Hope you have a great week, my friend. Be safe and take care.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Thank you. I am a huge fan of skyscapes. I hope that you too are safe and well.

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  40. I've always been too allergic to visit zoos, but I enjoy photos from them (and photos from the wild) that depict mighty beasts like lions and tigers sprawled out like house cats in a sun beam. Thanks for sharing, EC!

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    1. John Wiswell: Of the ten most common allergens the only ones I don't have problems with are dog and cat hair. I feel for you and yes, I too delight in the mighty beasts blissed out like any domestic cat.

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  41. Glad to view these wonderful creatures am sure you do enjoy yourself and looking forward to more views. Do have a great week!

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    1. Steve: Thank you. I did have a wonderful time. I hope your week (and all the weeks to come) is healthy and happy.

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  42. Such gorgeous animals. We have not been able to visit a zoo in such a long time.

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    1. Hena Tayeb: They are very, very beautiful aren't they? My country took some radical approaches early which seem to have paid off. I do hope that you and your family can get out and about again soon.

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    1. e: I thought so. I hope that you and Lukas are safe and happy.

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  44. The big cats are impressive, especially one of the lion. Thanks for taking me on this visit with the animals. Love the sunset as well.

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    1. Glenda Beall: I do love the big cats - though tigers are perhaps my favourites. The white lions are gorgeous though.

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  45. Aauuww ... the male lion was so handsome. Moreover, he is a rare white lion.

    I do like lions and want to take pictures with them but I don't have the courage to do it .... ��.

    Regards.

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    1. Himawan Sant: Isn't Jake gorgeous. I make a point of visiting him and his sister Mischka each time I go to the zoo. No courage required though. There is a fence AND water between us.

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    2. Himawan Sant: At the moment I cannot get to your site. I am not ignoring you, I simply cannot open your posts.

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  46. Lovely photos. I'm not sure which I like best – your pictures or the word 'embiggen'!

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    1. Patsy: Welcome and thank you. Embiggen is an excellent word isn't it? I borrowed/stole it from another blogger years ago.

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  47. You clicked on two of my favorite things - animals and sunsets. Loved these.
    Have a peaceful, healthy week.

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    1. Myrna R.: Thank you. They are two of my favourite things as well. I hope your week is peaceful, healthy and happy.

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  48. Wow, it's like they posed just for you! So lovely, and the big cats, awesome. Sunset was out of this world!

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    1. Yolanda Renee: They were remarkably obliging weren't they? Happy Thanksgiving to you and to yours.

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  49. The spread of the Peafowls is quite spectacular. Happy holidays everyone.

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    1. Spacer Guy: The peacock does indeed have a wonderful (and impressive) display.

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  50. What fun to see the zoo critters, and your sunsets are breathtaking! Your comment about peacocks having no sense of self-preservation made me chuckle. Down the road from us is a farm that keeps exotic birds... although 'keeps' isn't a perfectly accurate term. Every now and then the peacocks get out to wander regally (and stupidly) on the road, heedless of passing cars. They're fun to see, but I don't know how often they've had to replace their peacocks. ;-)

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    1. Diane Henders: There is a suburb in my city which has been taken over by peacocks. There are now warning signs on a number of the roads that they commonly saunter across. They seem to have trained the humans well.

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  51. Buen lugar, para hacer toma de animales...yo hace tiempo que no voy a visitarlos.

    Me encanta las tomas que has hecho de los animales.

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    1. VENTANA DE FOTO: Thank you. We haven't visited the zoo in a very long time either. I hope that you and your family are safe.

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  52. Delícia de imagem. Natureza
    no seu esplendor.
    Desculpa, mas sou obrigado
    SEGUIR O SEU BLOG. Peço a
    Deus que você SIGA O MEU.
    Beijos e beijos, muitos.

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    1. silvioafonso: Welcome and thank you. I will be over to visit you in a minute.

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  53. Fabulous sunset shots. Animals in zoos always make me feel sad.

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    1. Lady Fi: They make me sad too, but I am even sadder when I realise that the zoo is the only place that many of them can survive.

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  54. Thanks for the treat. Peacocks are so pretty and all the other aniomals very impressing.

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    1. Charlotte (MotherOwl): Peacocks are very pretty (though their voices are not).

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  55. Super photos from the zoo :) That white lion looks very majestic. Sad to hear about the peacocks and peahens but I really enjoyed all the lovely animal photos, and your pretty sunset skies.

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    1. DeniseinVA: Thank you. Jake (the white lion) does look majestic doesn't he. Even when he is just sitting there. I suspect he would have gobbled up the peachicks given half a chance though.

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  56. The Lion was indeed a King and the peacock colours incredible. Sometimes I wonder how nature can mix such bright colours together and come out right. I can imagine myself in the same peacock colours and looking like a clown 🤡

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    1. kestrel: I agree with you about nature's amazing colour palette and her dexterity. Birds, fish and insects are often beautifully garbed in colour combinations which would look ludicrous in clothing.

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  57. It must've been pretty warm the day you visited the zoo. The animals look summertime-hot lethargic. I love the otters, too. They're so playful, and it's adorable when two of them float on their backs... holding hands.

    Such a gorgeous sunset! A beautiful ending to a beautiful day.

    Take care, sweet lady.

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    1. Susan: It was warm. Too warm. If I had seen the otters holding hand (in the flesh rather than on the screen) my heart would have melted and I would have dissolved into a sticky puddle.
      You take care too dear friend. I am still holding you in my heart.

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  58. Your zoo pictures are adorable. I like otters, too - we have river otters at the lake and sea otters in the ocean further down the coast. Both are wonderful. The big cats certainly are quite relaxed.

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    1. Carola Bartz: We have no native otters, so I can only dream of seeing river or ocean otters outside of captivity. And dream I do.
      The big cats, like the smaller versions that share our homes relax superbly. I would like a fraction of either their flexibility or their relaxation skills to call my own. Another dream.

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  59. I did enjoy seeing all of your zoo photographs, a lovely selection here.

    Your sunset pictures are amazing, the colours breath-taking.

    Hope you are having a good week, I can't believe it's Friday already!

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member: That sunset was a beauty wasn't it? And yes, where does the week go?
      I hope that you and Eddie are having a wonderful week as well.

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  60. Ah... Are we also in a zoo, I wonder?

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    1. Andrew R. Scott: We are. What gave it away?

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    2. The visitors (or keepers?) get momentarily caught on the fly sometimes?

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    3. Andrew R. Scott: Without question. My brother volunteers at that zoo and tells me that the (very cute) meerkats have sharp teeth and often catch their keepers and send them hopping.

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  61. One of my little grandies (just turned two)recently saw a peacock displaying its tail feathers. She was amazed and kept repeating 'big hair, big hair, big hair'

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    1. Kim: Out of the mouth of babes... She wasn't wrong and I suspect I will always think 'big hair' when I see a peacock displaying from now on. Thank you - and her.

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  62. I love otters. They are so darn cute- I could watch them for hours Looks like a lovely visit to the zoo. :) And those stunning sky photos are a real treat! :)
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: I love them too, and was surprised at how vocal they are - particularly if they think that there might be food. Thank you.

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  63. Oh I could watch otters all day! They are so playful. You took a spectacular photo of that lion...how regal! The peacocks too, I love those colours! Beautiful sky shots!!!

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    1. Rain: We live in a beautiful, beautiful world don't we?

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  64. That sunset is gorgeous! Wow! I love otters too! When I was in Alaska, it was fun seeing them in the water! That was sad about the chicks! Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: I would really, really like to see otters in their natural habitat. Huge hugs to you.

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