The Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata) is a bird species in the tanager family (Thraupidae). It was formerly placed in the Emberizidae and is not very closely related to the cardinals proper (Cardinalidae).

It is found in northern Argentina, Bolivia, southern Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Among others, it is found in southern regions of the Pantanal. It has also been introduced to Hawaii and Puerto Rico. In Brazil, it has been introduced to various places outside its historical range, as in the Tietê Ecological Park in São Paulo, alongside with its close relative, the Red-cowled Cardinal[1].

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and heavily degraded former forest.

(from Wikipedia)

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How many wonders there could be on the small island? From the hanging cliffs on the Na Pali coast to the unimaginable canyons of Waimea, Kauai charms you as nothing else. Just imagine deep canyons, waterfall cascades, beaches, bays, cliffs, corals…And all this on the small island, which can be crossed in one hour but ten days was not enough to explore it completely…

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Quite recently, after a yet another Space Shuttle launch, we were thinking about it was something out of a science fiction novel and were eager to get closer and watch it with our own eyes.

It turned out to be pretty simple, you just drive up to the booth and the tired-looking security guy will check you out with his piercing stare and let you in to your dream…

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Palos Verdes Peninsula was discovered in 1542, at that time the native inhabitants were Tongva people. The did not write, but passed their myths and legends and their vision of the world from generation to generation. They buit thatch houses and wicker boats, hunted deer and squirrels, and believed that dolphins are travelling around the world keeping the peace.

Spanish traders and settlers stain around 1700s, gradually pushing native people out. Quite a lot happened since - US-Mexican war, landowners fighting for the land, until the last owners - Sepulveda family - started selling the property lots for new development.

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Well, maybe not to Africa, somewhere closer to home and fewer pesky mosquitos, but still on safari… Busch Gardens in Florida is a good fit, they have the safari, the zoo, roller-coaster rides, although, there are still quite a few insects flying around… The park name comes not from from the now-current president Bush, but from the beer-producing corporation, well known by  Budweiser, Michelob and other beers, and you can get some for free right there in the park. Well, there is quite a line for free beer, as you can imagine, so we are passing on that and walking straight to the flamingo den, where there is bunch of those gracious birds dancing there special dance.

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During March 1851 fifty seven members of Mariposa Battalion became the first not- Indians entering the Yosemite Valley. The majestic scene, slightly muted by haze as by veil, and clouds shrouded the tops of the mountains, produced the completely indelible impression - some warriors even shed a tear or two…

Since then the constant steam of travelers from the entire world lining up to see this splendid place and photographers are the majority of them… Until today the Yosemite park - one of the most heavily photographed places in the world. Between more than four million visitors per year it is hard to find at least one clutching the camera, everyone feels like being next Ansel Adams…

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