Niagara Falls is the collective name for three waterfalls that straddle the international border between Canada and the United States, more specifically, between the province of Ontario and the state of New York. From largest to smallest, the three waterfalls are the Horseshoe Falls (one on the left side), the American Falls (biggest of the two in the right side) and the Bridal Veil Falls (smallest of the two in the right side of the picture). The Horseshoe Falls lie mostly on the Canadian side and the American Falls entirely on the American side, separated by Goat Island. The smaller Bridal Veil Falls are also on the American side, separated from the other waterfalls by Luna Island.The Niagara Falls are renowned both for their beauty and as a valuable source of hydroelectric power. Balancing recreational, commercial, and industrial uses has been a challenge for the stewards of the falls since the 19th century.

Every evening beginning at dusk, the Falls are lit in the colours of the rainbow. The below video shows the different color change during the night.

Linking to Skywatch Friday

The Ring-Billed Gull spotted with its child

This handsome gray and white gull is the most commonly seen gull in Western NY, spotted as often on the water as it is in fields, refuse dumps or parking lots scavenging for food scraps. This familiar, medium-size gull is an agile flier, and is distinguished from other gulls by the black ring around the end of its slim bill. It has a typical gray colored mantle above and is white below, and the yellow legs it acquires once it becomes an adult help distinguish it from the 19 species of gulls which can be seen in Western NY in numbers over 100,000 individuals. The best time to view a panoply of gull species in Western NY is in the winter, when many arctic and western gulls species can be seen in Lake Ontario and the Niagara River.

"I see skies of blue and clouds of white, and I think to myself, what a wonderful world!" -  Louis Armstrong

Linking to Skywatch Friday

“Even after all this time, the Sun never says to the Earth, "You owe me." Look what happens with a  love like that, It lights the whole sky.” ― Hafiz

Linking to Skywatch Friday

The Turkey Vulture, boasts a wingspan of six feet. It has a red head, a dark brownish black body, and the undersides of its broad wings are a silvery grey. Turkey vultures will defecate on their legs in the summertime to help cool off. They do not have many predators, but if startled or cornered, will vomit if they have eaten recently. Turkey vultures have a keen sense of smell.

The video of the Turkey Vulture flying is interesting to watch:

The Great Falls of the Potomac River are located above the fall line of the Potomac River, 14 miles (23 km) upstream from Washington, D.C. Great Falls Park, operated by the National Park Service, is located on the southern banks in Virginia.The Great Falls area is popular for outdoor activities such as kayaking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking. A beautiful view of the Great Falls can be seen in the below video:

A Great Blue Heron spotted at The Great Falls!! In the spring and summer, Great Blue Herons fish around the falls. Fish are their favorite prey, although these tall birds will eat water snakes when they can catch them.