A rhinoceros is a large, thick-skinned, hoofed mammal with one or two prominent horns on its snout. Rhino and rhinoceros are used interchangeably because “rhino” is the short, everyday nickname for the Rhinoceros family.
The white rhinoceros here, photographed at the North Carolina Zoo, is the largest living rhinoceros species and the second-largest land mammal after the elephant.
Rhino
A bird is actually a type of animal, as all birds belong to the biological kingdom Animalia. Thus, we will post pictures of birds in animal portraits.
Scarlet macaws have very vibrant plumage. Their coloring is suited to life in Central and South American rainforests, with their green canopies and colorful fruits and flowers. The birds boast large, powerful beaks that easily crack nuts and seeds, while their dry, scaly tongues have a bone inside them that makes them an effective tool for tapping into fruits.
Macaw
American black bear is a medium-sized bear native to North America and is the continent’s smallest and most widely distributed bear species.
Shot (not as well) this one at Grandfather Mountain Zoo, North Carolina.
American Black Bear
Giraffes are the tallest living land mammals on Earth, reaching heights up to 19 feet and native to the savannas and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa.
While I have seen many in East Africa, this one is looking at you at the North Carolina Zoo.
Giraffe
The Cremello is a unique horse and may look similar to an albino, given its blue eyes, pink nose, and light coat. Many people characterize them as albinos because of their light-colored pelage. However, albino horses have no color at all and are pure white with a white mane, while Cremello horses are cream with a pink undertone. The Cremello horse is not a breed. It is simply the result of genetics.
This one was shot at Churchill Downs in Lexington, Kentucky.
Unique Eye of a Horse
Chimpanzees are great apes that live in Africa’s tropical rainforests, from Sudan and Tanzania in the East to Senegal and Angola in the West. Democratic Republic of the Congo has the largest population, although chimpanzees have become extinct in some areas.
Here is one shot of a chimpanzee sleeping at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.
A baby elephant is called a calf. Here is one from Africa.
Baby Elephant Portrait
An African elephant posing to show off its tusks
Elephant Portrait
Photographers shoot portraits of people. Something unusual for us: converting images of animals into portraits.
My favorite animal is an elephant. The Eye of the Elephant is “part adventure story, part wildlife tale,” recounting the struggle to save these innocent animals from decimation, a journey to cultivate support around the globe for the protection of elephants
Eye of the Elephant
Well said about elephants ….
Odysseus by Chad Attie
Along the Watauga River at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, we saw a dog enjoying the clear water and looking towards the photographer.
Dog in the River
Grandfather Vineyard and Winery produces a variety of wines in a relaxing setting beside the Watauga River near the base of Grandfather Mountain. Adirondack chairs line the Watauga River that runs alongside the property.
The vineyard grows Vitis vinifera grapes, which thrive on the terraced land with warm days and cool nights.
Wine by the River
Ready to be Picked
Mast Store
Mast Store Front
Bears are occasionally spotted on Sugar Mountain, even though they are most active at night. Here is a bear sculpture to remind us that bears are in the area.
Bear in the Mountains
A bench to view the scenic mountains near Sugar Mountain, North Carolina
Bench to View the Mountains
Beech Mountain Resort is the highest ski area in the Eastern U.S., with a peak elevation of 5,506 feet.
The resort has 17 trails — including an expansive terrain park — on 95 skiable acres serviced by 10 lifts and conveyors.
Beech Mountain Ski Resort
Ski Lift
Sugar Mountain is a village in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s known for the Sugar Mountain Resort, with its ski slopes, trails, and outdoor ice rink. Posting images from that area.
We end the series of images of Silver Creek Plantation, near Morganton, North Carolina, with a monochrome version of the mountains over the community. The white-roofed home is striking.
Monochrome Mountain Ridges at Silver Creek Plantation
Setting sun paints the mountains and sky at Silver Creek Plantation
Mountains Painted by Sunlight at Silver Creek Plantation
The golden rays of sunset light up a silo and greenery at Silver Creek Plantation
Lighting Up the Silo at Silver Creek Plantation
Setting Sun Light at Silver Creek Plantation
The sun lighting up the clouds at Silver Creek Plantation, near Morganton, North Carolina
Sunset Sky at Silver Creek Plantation