animals – Page 16 – Sharon's Iconic Travel Photography Blog

Temple Art

Is it a lion or a dragon? I think it may be a dragon. I looked online and could not find a similar image.

I took this image several years ago when in the Pusan/Busan area of South Korea at one of its lovely Buddhist temples. It was taken on an old Pentax K-1000 as slide film. I recently scanned this image.

Buddhist temples are known for their artwork. Besides statues of Buddha, the temples are like an art museum on the inside and outside. If in Korea or another Asian country, be sure to stop by one. You won’t regret it.

Beacon Barks

In the United States people raise money for many various causes in different ways. Some events that benefit charity include : walk-athons, running races, and dinners. How would one raise money for an animal charity? In Beacon they have an event called Beacon Barks.

Beacon Barks is a parade and street festival. They close down a portion of Main Street from 9D for a few blocks. After a short parade of dogs and their owners, people hang out on the street. Some dogs are rescues and some are not. People mingle on the street, lined with vendors selling canine-related items, charities, and different animal rescues. The animal rescues bring a few dogs each that are up for adoption. and you can interact with the dogs. The vendors carry a variety of gourmet dog biscuits and other doggie treats. Some vendors sell canine attire such as ties, bandanas, and sweaters. There are food vendors as well for humans. Costumes are judged and live music is provided. It is a fun event for dogs and their people.

This dog rides with his owner on his Harley.

This guy carried candy to give out along the parade route.

Several organizations sponsor the event and it has one beneficiary: Safe Haven Animal Shelter and Wildlife Center. Safe Haven has currently started construction on a new building. Besides sheltering dogs, when they finish they will add to their responsibilities rehabilitating birds and other animals such as turtles with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.

One of the dogs that were up for adoption.

To learn more about Safe Haven Animal Shelter and Wildlife Center follow this link: http://www.safehaven4animals.org .

If you are a dog lover, put Beacon Barks on your schedule for next year. Bring your dog or go to see the ones escorting their humans. Besides having a good time, you will be supporting a worthy cause.

NYC Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival

When is a parade not a parade? When you think of a parade what usually comes to mind is people marching in groups on a planned route with floats and bands playing. The New York City Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival does not fit into that definition.

The Easter parade is more of a mingle. Fifth Avenue between 49th and 57th Streets becomes filled with not only parade participants, but also spectators. The participants wearing bonnets amble this way and that stopping for long stretches to pose for selfies with spectators and photographs. Spectators have short conversations with participants about their bonnets and where they are from.

It is not just locals who participate, but tourists from around the world join in. I met a group of women from Australia, I believe they said they were from Brisbane. There was a family group from Norway that also joined in. Some people even bring their canines with hats. You will see all ages participating, young children through seniors.

Attire

One can see a variety of bonnets during this parade. Some fall under traditional Sunday best hats, while other bonnets were constructed with a hot glue gun or even screws. You will see many spring or Easter themed bonnets, but not all fall under those categories.

If you plan to visit New York City during the Easter holidays join in or be a spectator to this long held NYC tradition. Just head to 5th Avenue near St. Patrick’s on Easter morning. It’s an Easter treat!

Just Like Dad

I am posting just a few more eagle pictures. These were taken today. Two babies are in the nest. Soon it will be hard to see the nest as the trees are starting to bud. The nest is along the Hudson River in New York.

Eagles in New York

One of the most recognized symbols of America is the bald eagle. They are in every state except Hawaii according to the DEC-NY. A few decades ago they were on the brink of extiction in New York state. Today they are making a resurgence.

Eagle Population

Eagles were previously on the endangered species list. The population of eagles suffered a major decline starting in the 1960s. Eagles were affected by DDT and other pesticides and pollutants. These chemicals were passed along the food chain. As a result, the eggshells of the eagles were weakened, so the babies did not survive.

In 1976 there was only one pair of nesting eagles in New York state. Efforts were put in place to curb pollution and protect eagle habitats. After DDT was banned, eagles were producing young in greater numbers. By 2010 there were 173 breeding pairs of eagles in New York and now eagles have been moved to the threatened species list.

Eagle fortifying the nest along the Hudson River the day after a storm.

When to See Eagles

The best time I found to see eagles, at least in the Hudson Valley, is between February and April. Earlier during that time period you may see them mate. During that time period they also sit on eggs so you may see the father bring a fish up to the mother. After the egg or eggs hatch, you will see them bring more fish up to the nest to feed the young eagles. It is harder to view them once the leaves grow on the trees, as your view of them will be obscured.

Where to See Eagles

Since eagles mainly eat fish their nests are usually close to bodies of water, such as rivers and lakes. There are nests along the Hudson and Delaware Rivers as well as other bodies of water in the state.

See these websites to find some eagle viewing locations:

https://www.wideopenspaces.com/best-places-see-bald-eagles-new-york/

Special Content One

These only list a few good locations to view them as others may be on private property or in places where locals may not want hoards of people showing up to view them.