Haiku Heights: Innocence

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Innocence born...a

world of possibilities

the birthright of all...

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Jules 1971

J.J. 1978

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As this week's prompt on Haiku Heights is "Innocence", I thought to illustrate the word with photos of my sons as babies. These were taken back in the days of Kodak Instamatic cameras that used flash cubes, 126 cartridges, and produced square photos of questionable quality. Thank goodness for progress and digital photography!

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For more poetry, do check out this link...

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http://haiku-heights.blogspot.com/

The A - Z April Challenge: Z...and Reflective Weekend & Camera Critters

You may know by now that a very special corner of my heart is reserved for Africa alone. This challenge has allowed me to share with you just a few of the reasons I love it so.....

I'm going to miss my daily visit.

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Z is for Zebra

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The distinctive black and white stripes that characterize zebras come in patterns unique to each individual. Unlike their closest relatives, the horse and the ass, zebras have not been fully domesticated, though humans continue to try, capturing them for display in zoos all over the world.

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Plains Zebra

Africa is home to three species. The Plains or Burchell's Zebra, and the Grevy's Zebra are found in East Africa, while the Mountain Zebra is native to southern Africa. 

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The Mountain and Grevy's Zebras are on the endangered list,

 as over time, their numbers have been drastically depleted by drought, poaching and competition from livestock. 

 On the other hand, the Plains Zebras shown here are so plentiful that permits are freely sold to hunt them. The Zebra skin you see in furniture and rugs generally comes from this species. Nonetheless, one subspecies, the Quagga, has already faced slaughter to the point of extinction and poaching for meat and hide is an ongoing threat to their numbers.

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Although adjusted to semi-arid conditions, these grazers are in constant search of green pastures, joining in the Great Migration north come dry season. We frequently came across zebras at waterholes, especially in the morning and evening when they're most active.
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Zebras are highly social, living in groups comprised of a stallion with a number of females and their foals. Foals develop as strong a bond with their fathers as they do their mothers.

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These family groups remain close over many years, mutually grooming and nibbling each other's necks as a form of bonding. Family members look out for each other, even adjusting the herd's pace to accommodate the old and the weak.

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When one of their number is hurt, the group encircles the injured animal to keep it safe and will defend it to the death. The earth would lose much were these intelligent equids to be wiped out..
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Grevy's Zebra

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 For more A - Z posts, be sure to pop by Arlee Bird's site and see what others have done with the letter Z...
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http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting

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I'm linking this post to Weekend Reflections, hosted by James at Newton Daily Photo. Drop by for a visit...you'll be glad you did...

http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/
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I'm also linking to Misty Dawns's Camera Critters, always a page worth checking out!
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http://camera-critters.blogspot.com/

The A - Z April Challenge: Y

For today's letter, I offer two more extraordinary East African birds...

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Y is for Yellow-billed Hornbill

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The Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill inhabits the dry and semi-arid regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. This bird prefers to forage on the ground, but builds nests in tree holes. 

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On our way to Lake Nakuru, I was delighted to see this fellow posed sedately at eye level, completely unconcerned when we stopped to snap his picture.

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The hornbill lives on a diet of fruit, seeds and insects, using its powerful curved beak to probe termite mounds. It is in most peril from eagles, leopards, chimpanzees, and of course, humans.

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Y is also for Yellow-necked Spurfowl

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The brightly-marked Spurfowl lives in open bush and light savannah, preferring the edge of flood plains that are rich in the sedge that is his food staple.

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This is a noisy bird, most active at dawn and dusk, and is commonly seen alongside the road in reserves and conservation areas. Unfortunately, considerable numbers of spurfowl are found only in protected areas as they are a favourite of poachers.

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For more A - Z posts, be sure to pop by Arlee Bird's site and see what others have done with the letter Y...
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http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting

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The A - Z April Challenge: X

X is for Xerus Rutilus

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The Unstriped Ground Squirrel is a species of rodent native to East Africa.

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Inhabiting open woodlands, this ground squirrel lives in colonies similar to those of North American prarie dogs and exhibits much the same behaviour.

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While considered pests by local farmers, these little charmers are often kept as pets and given free run of the house.

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For more A - Z posts, be sure to pop by Arlee Bird's site and see what others have done with the letter X...
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http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting

The A - Z April Challenge: W

W is for Warthog

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Common Warthogs are not considered the most aesthetically pleasing animals in Africa. Mostly bald, they have large flat heads sporting “warts”, which are actually four large bumps serving as protection. Along with their two sets of tusks -one set curved, one straight- wart-hogs are ferocious-looking creatures indeed.

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Despite their appearance, these fellows are herbivores, spending their days grazing on the savannah, and choosing to flee rather than fight if a situation arises. Nonetheless, they are capable of inflicting great damage with those tusks when they choose to take a stand.

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Their main predators are humans, lions, leopards and crocodiles. Current warthog numbers insure they’re not on the endangered list but human hunting continues to do great damage to scattered groups.

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W is also for Wildebeest

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The Blue Wildebeest, also known as the Gnu, inhabits plains and open woodlands, and can be found in great numbers in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve.

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The Serengeti herds are migratory and abandon the plains after the rainy season has ended to seek fresh grass in wetter areas. Beginning in May, more than a million wildebeest migrate over 800 miles north from the Serengeti, across the Mara River, and onto the open grasslands of the Masai Mara to feed until November, at which time they head south again.

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Wildebeest numbers remain high, but thousands die each year during the long migration, and their many predators definitely keep the herds in check.

 We were much taken with the wildebeests. Given their large size and stern demeanor, these animals surprised us with their boisterous natures, seeming to run and frolic for the simple joy of it as they kicked up dust and barked loudly to one another.
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 I suspect some of it was to impress females, and some to establish dominance in the herd, but there seemed such celebration in their antics that it left us grinning for hours afterwards
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For more A - Z posts, be sure to pop by Arlee Bird's site and see what others have done with the letter W...

http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting

The A - Z April Challenge: V

V is for Vulturine Guinea Fowl

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 Vulturine Guinea fowl are the largest living guinea fowl. Found in southern Ethiopia, through Kenya and into northern Tanzania, these gregarious birds form large flocks, feeding on seeds and small invertebrates.

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Terrestrial birds, they will run, rather than fly, when alarmed, and are often tamed by humans who are drawn to their beautiful cobalt colour.

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V is also for Vervet Monkey

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Vervet Monkeys are the cheeky pests of East Africa. Always quick to scavenge for food left by humans, they are ever-present at rest stops and park entrances.

As we were checking into Serengeti National Park, we looked over to see this fellow clamber into our truck and take off with the banana bread that had been sent along in our luncheon bags.

 When we laughingly approached, he scolded us loudly and scampered off to the side where he could keep a watchful eye on us, and eat his snack in peace.

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For more A - Z posts, be sure to pop by Arlee Bird's site and see what others have done with the letter V...

http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting

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The A - Z April Challenge: U

U is for Ungulate

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Wildebeest and Zebra

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“Ungulate” refers to any animal with hooves. Ungulates are the grazers and browsers of the world, accounting for the majority of herbivores currently on earth. Africa’s list of ungulates is longer than in any other continent and East Africa is particularly noted for its diversity and abundance of these mammals. Unfortunately, a fair number of these species are also threatened or endangered.

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  In areas where rainfall is scattered and seasonal,  animals must travel great distances to satisfy their nutritional needs....Zebra with Impala

Zebra foal with Cape Buffalo

 The end of the rainy season in May results in the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and other herbivores, as great herds of animals cross north from the parched Serengeti, across the Mara River and into the Masai Mara Reserve in search of food and water.  It is thought that one-and-a-half million wildebeest take part in this migration along with hundreds-of-thousands of zebra and gazelle.

Complementary grazers preferring different parts of the same grass, Plains zebra and wildebeest often travel together. Zebras, with their superior vision and hearing, serve as an early warning system for the wildebeest…and given the choice, predators prefer wildebeest meat to zebra, so zebras  can find safety in their midst.

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Ungulates have always been important to humans all over the world. We've hunted them...domesticated them to provide us with food, fibre, transportation and a variety of other things. In many cases, we've also pushed them to the point of extinction.

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This puts more at risk than the animals. Locals depend on the tourism that drives the economy in East Africa. Studies reveal that 60% of the large mammals in protected areas- lions, cheetahs, leopards, zebras, rhinos, and wildebeest - have been lost in the last two to three decades alone. Quite simply,

there is no more time to lose...

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For more A - Z posts, be sure to pop by Arlee Bird's site and see what others have done with the letter U...

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http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting

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The A - Z April Challenge: T...and Camera Critters

I'm afraid I've been unwell for a few days, and am remiss in returning visits. I appreciate the kind comments and will pop over to see each of you  soon. In the meantime, here is today's brief offering...

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T is for Topi

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 The Topi is a handsome antelope that inhabits the flood plains and open savannahs of East Africa from southern Sudan to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Though smaller in stature than his cousin the Hartebeest, there is a definite resemblance between the two.

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Topis have an amazing glossy coat that seems iridescent in the sunlight. They are a rich reddish-brown colour, mixed with patches of purple. Dark masks mark their faces, and their pale lower legs resemble stockings.

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Among the most socially advanced of the antelopes, Topis live in herds of 15 to 20, with both males and females defending their territory. They are in greatest danger from lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas.

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The gregarious Topi spends a good part of his life alongside zebras, ostriches, and other antelopes. Although not in any immediate threat of extinction, populations are scattered and isolated as a result of human encroachment and hunting.

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For more A - Z posts, be sure to pop by Arlee Bird's site and see what others have done with the letter T...
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http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting
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I am also linking to Misty Mawn's Camera Critters...do stop by and have a look at the super entries...
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.http://camera-critters.blogspot.com/

The A - Z April Challenge: S

For today's letter S, I offer more amazing African birds...

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S is for Secretary Bird

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The Secretary bird is a large terrestrial predator, with an eagle-like body on crane-like legs. It is one of the few birds who prey on foot, feeding on insects, lizards, snakes and small birds. These birds do not hunt larger herbivores, although there have been reports of them killing young gazelles.

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In mongamous pairs, they prowl for food on the savannah most of the day, covering as much as twenty miles. Just before dark, they return to the safety of their roosts high in the thorny acacia trees.

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The Secretary bird has traditionally been admired for its striking appearance and ability to deal with pests. In South Africa, they are sometimes kept in captivity to destroy snakes and rats. As a result of this tolerance, they are in little threat from humans but are adversely impacted by deforestation and loss of habitat. 

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The Secretary Bird is the National Emblem of Sudan and is prominently featured on the South African Coat of Arms.

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S is also for Superb Starling

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Also not threatened with extinction are the Superb Starlings, found in great numbers in East Africa, especially in Kenya. Glossy and bright with distinctive white eyes, they are easy fellows to spot.

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These photos were taken just outside our cabin at the Samburu National Reserve, an altogether fine thing to see first thing in the morning as they come down to bathe in the ornamental pools.

Though it has a most discordant call, its wonderful colours and ease of training makes this Starling a popular bird for home aviaries. The white bands you see around the chest, indicate that they are adults.

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Superb Starlings generally inhabit wooded areas and grasslands, but have clearly adapted well to human settlement.

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For more A - Z posts, be sure to pop by Arlee Bird's site and see what others have done with the letter S...

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http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting

The A - Z April Challenge: R

Today’s entry in the A – Z Challenge is a study in African contrast…from a small, swift bird to a large and lumbering mammal.

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R is for Roller Bird

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 The beautiful Lilac Breasted Roller Bird is Kenya's National Bird.

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It is named for the impressive aerial acrobatics it performs as part of courtship, twisting 
and diving
dramatically
to the accompaniment of
 its own racous call.

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These are not easy birds to photograph. They spend their days on the top of tall acacia trees, the better to spot their prey of insects, lizards, rodents and small amphibians, swooping down fiercely to make their capture on the ground.
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The Roller bird's pretty looks contradict its fierce behaviour. This is a territorial bird who can best be described as a warrior. It is not surprising that this species is flourishing in East Africa.
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R is also for Rhinocerous

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The African Black Rhinoceros is a large, primitive looking mammal that dates from the Miocene era millions of years ago. Slow moving and often solitary, these are herbivores who roam the grasslands eating plants from the ground or nibbling at low branches in trees.

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Rhinos rank among the most endangered species on Earth. Valued for their horns, they face a serious threat of extinction. Some cultures believe that powdered rhino horn will cure everything from fever to food poisoning and will enhance sexual stamina.

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During the latter half of the 20th century the numbers of African Black Rhinos were severely reduced from an estimated 70,000 to a mere 2,000. Since 1970, the world rhino population has declined by 90%, and of the five species remaining in the world today, all are endangered.

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Man is the cause of the demise of the rhino. In the wild, it has no natural predators and, despite its size and antagonistic reputation, is an extremely easy animal for man to kill. With organized gangs of poachers who sell rhino horn to black market syndicates the threat to their species remains great .

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The Masai Mara holds one of the last unfenced rhino populations in Africa. The Mara population declined from 150 animals to less than 15 in under two decades.
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When we visited in 2006, our guide told us there were only two rhinos left in the vast reserve...a mother and her calf, born after a male wandered into the park from another area.
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While a few more have been added to the herd, the rhino's future looks bleak. I came to love their pacid ways and grave sense of dignity. It breaks my heart to think that future generations will not get to appreciate this magnificent beast unless stringent conservation measures are taken immediately...
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For more A - Z posts, be sure to pop by Arlee Bird's site and see what others have done with the letter R...
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http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting

The A - Z April Challenge: Q

Q is for Equus Quagga

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 Equus quagga is the binomial name for the Plains zebra. This zebra is also known as the Common or Burchell’s zebra.

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These beautiful creatures have always fascinated people. They have been the subject of African Folk tales, they appear in films and art, and of course their stripes show up in furniture, carpets and fashion.

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Thought to attract good fortune, the zebra is also popular as a mascot and is even featured on the Botswana coat of arms.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

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Q is also for Equus Quagga Quagga

The Quagga is a recently extinct mammal, closely related to zebras and horses. It was brown in colour with white stripes only on its head, neck and forebody, with the hind end being a solid colour.

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Quaggas lived in the desert areas of the African continent but were exterminated from the wild in the 1870s, with the last captive quagga dying in Europe a decade later.

Photo by Google

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For more A - Z posts, be sure to pop by Arlee Bird's site and see what others have done with the letter Q...
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http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting