Passer montanus malaccensis

Peter P. Othagoer / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)

Today's image is in recognition of National Bird Day in the United States.  This photo of Passer montanus malaccensis or Eurasian tree sparrow was taken in Kuala Lumpur by Peter P. Othagoer.

A passerine bird in the sparrow family, this bird breeds over most of temperate Eurasia and South East Asia.  Known locally as the tree sparrow, these birds have also been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States.

In the USA it is referred to as the Eurasian tree sparrow or the German sparrow so it will not be confused with the native American tree sparrow.

Discover More

•  Handbook of the Birds of the World
•  The World Bird Database
•  Wikipedia

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The Big Day For Birds 

May 9, 2020 marks the biggest day for bird enthusiasts.  You can make a difference by joining with eBird and sharing the birds you see from around your neighborhood.

In 2019, 35,209 eBirders collected 92,284 checklists.  This year eBird hopes to break through to 100,000 checklists.

Discover how you can participate

Wilkin River New Zealand

Michal Klajban / CC BY-SA

Located in the Otago region of New Zealand, the Wilkin River flows into Lake Wanaka.  Helicopter tours and jet boating excursions are popular activities for exploring the natural beauty of the river and surrounding area.

Jet Boating on the Wilkin River

Discover More

•  Wilkin Jets
•  Wilkin River Fishing
•  Otago, New Zealand

Vienna Austria - Church of the Teutonic Order, Vienna

Uoaei1 [CC BY-SA 4.0 ]

Located in Vienna, Austria The Church of the Teutonic Order is the main church of the Teutonic Order, a German-influenced Roman Catholic Religion which was established in the 12th century.  Also known as the Church of Saint Elisabeth of Hungary, the building is of Gothic influence and was built between 1325 and 1375.

Discover More

•  Wikipedia - Church of the Teutonic Order
•  Official Website
•  Teutonic Knight
•  Teutonic Order

A Visit to the Church of Teutonic Order

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View Southwest from Ben Lawers, Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Michal Klajban [CC BY-SA 4.0]

One of Scotland's most popular peak's for climbers, Ben Lawers is the highest mountain in the Southern Highlands.  The mountain is owned by The National Trust for Scotland and is a National Nature Reserve.

Discover More

• Ben Lawers: Walking Highlands
• Wikipedia
• Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve
• Love of Scotland: Ben Lawers

Walking Ben Lawers

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Cucurbita

George Chernilevsky [Public domain]

Cucurbita, native to the Andes and Mesoamerica is a genus of herbaceous vines grown for their seeds and edible fruits.  Grown as pumpkin or squash, Cucurbita is a good source of vitamin A and C and other nutrients.

Discover More About Cucurbita

•  Wikipedia
•  Domestication History of the Squash Plant
•  Nutrition Review
  

Recipes on YouTube

Pumpkin Soup

Buttercup Squash

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Indian Roller - Coracias benghalensis benghalensis

Charles J Sharp [CC BY-SA 4.0]

This blue beauty is a member of the roller family of birds.  Their habitat includes open grassland and scrub forest across tropical Asia, from Iraq, the Indian Subcontinent, to Indochina.  

Discover More

•  The World Bird Database
•  Wikipedia

Kyoto Station

Martin Falbisoner [CC BY-SA 4.0]

Kyoto Station is a major railway station and hub in Kyoto, Japan.  The station includes one of Japan's largest buildings which houses a shopping mall, department store, hotel, movie theaters, and government offices.

A tour of Kyoto Station with vlogger thisNatasha

Discover More

•  Map & Transportation Guide
•  Kyoto Station at Wikipedia
•  Official Website

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