...and best viewed large.

ISO100, aperture f/5.6, exposure .002 seconds (1/500) focal length 170mm

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I thought I would end today's posting with a photo of one of the many gulls that are abundant in the area due to the active fishing industry in Gloucester on Cape Ann, which provides a steady and readily available food supply.

The Herring Gull (Larus argentatus), is a large gull which breeds across North America, Europe, and Asia. Some herring gulls, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter, but many are permanent residents, (e.g. those on the lower Great Lakes, on the east coast of North America or at the North Sea shores). Herring Gulls are also abundant around inland garbage dumps, and some have even adapted to life in inland cities.

Gulls are birds in the family Laridae. They are most closely related to terns (family Sternidae) and only distantly related to auks, and skimmers, and more distantly to the waders. Most gulls belong to the large genus Larus.

They are typically medium to large birds, usually grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills, and webbed feet.

ISO200, aperture f/11, exposure 1/4000, focal length 100mm

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The Swift Setwing is reported to be the most widespread of the North American Setwings, of which there are six (6) species. It ranges in the southern United States from Florida west to Arizona, and as far north as southern Missouri and Illinois eastward to North Carolina, but apparently is expanding its range. It can also be found in Mexico and Cuba.

Swift Setwings are often found along ponds, borrow pits, streams, creeks and rivers where it perches high on branches in small trees and shrubs, tall grasses and weedswith the wings depressed forward & downward in the characteristic Setwing position that gives this genus of dragonflies its common name.

ISO800, aperture f/11, exposure .008 seconds (1/125) focal length 300mm

Tags:   Swift Setwing Dythemis velox Setwing dragonfly odonata insect nature wildlife fauna green macro pentax K20D

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Then add a layer of sliced bell pepper and onion on top of the cold cuts/prosciutto, drizzle generously with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning.

ISO400, aperture f/8, exposure 1/6 of a second, focal length 23mm

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Taken and edited by yours truly, which is part of a series called Seashells and other treasures from the deep blue sea.

ISO200, aperture f/5.6, exposure 0.1 seconds (1/10), focal length 43mm

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