Images Dated 11th August 2011

A six meter whale shark swims just outside Hanifaru Bay of Maldives remote Baa Atoll

A six meter whale shark swims just outside Hanifaru Bay of Maldives remote Baa Atoll, August 10, 2011. Every year, hundreds of whale sharks and giant manta rays gather for their annual feeding frenzy of plankton in July and August, in the geologically unique Hanifaru Bay. For reasons of conservation, Maldives is likely to shut down Hanifaru Bay to divers, making this the last season divers can see this one-of-a-kind phenomenon. Photo taken August 10, 2011. REUTERS/David Loh (MALDIVES - Tags: ANIMALS SOCIETY ENVIRONMENT IMAGES OF THE DAY)

New York Tiny Planet

An abstract city scene captured from atop the Empire State Building in New York City. The Iconic Flatiron Building stands prominently at the intersection of Broadway and 5th Avenue. Illuminated urban buildings circle around as if to pay homage to the recognizable Flatiron. A touch of whimsy for an otherwise serious city of the world

Snowdrop Galanthus nivalis plant illustration 1880

Steel engraving Galanthus nivalis, the snowdrop or common snowdrop, is the best-known and most widespread of the 20 species in its genus, Galanthus. Snowdrops are among the first bulbs to bloom in spring and can form impressive carpets of white in areas where they are native or have been naturalised
Original edition from my own archives
Source : Handbuch der Botanik 1880

© by Ralf Hettler