White Stork

The White Stork

The White Stork is the national bird of Germany and Lithuania. It is also set against a yellow and green background the symbol of the city of The Hague, The Netherlands.

If a white stork nests on top of your house, it's supposed to be good luck, it is viewed as bird of good luck, it is not persecuted. Traditionally old wagon wheels were mounted on the roof of a house to encourage the white storks to nest. The White Stork often nests close to human habitation, it often forms small colonies.  You can see these today on the tops of houses, churches and other buildings in Germany and Eastern Europe. In Germany, 3,000 of the total 3,400 pairs are in the former East Germany.

The White Storks are large birds that rely heavily on energy efficient soaring flight during migration. Soaring requires the presence of thermal air currents that are not found over water. White Storks are therefore reluctant to fly across large bodies of water such as the Mediterranean Sea to reach their wintering grounds in tropical areas. They solve this problem by having the bulk of the European population split into two distinct migratory routes. Western birds cross the Mediterranean at the Straits of Gibraltar, while most of the eastern birds cross the Bosporus and circle around the Mediterranean through the Middle East. Migration is highly synchronized and flocks contain as many as 11,000 individuals. Birds migrating from Denmark to South Africa and back again may cover a total distance of 20,000 km. Small numbers of birds cross the Mediterranean directly by flying south from the southern tips of Italy and Greece. Some western European White Storks join the Asiatic subspecies asiatica to winter in India.

Choosing to visit Germany can be an educational and historically enriching experience for the whole family. Four must see cities in Germany are Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg.

Stopping in Berlin

A famous Berlin landmark is the Berlin Wall. This stop will provide for an education about Germany's history and how the dismantling of the Wall has affected the German people. Other exhibits in Berlin are the Jewish Museum, the Perganon ancient history museum, The Brandenburg Gate monument, the Atlas archaeological museum, The Story of Museum history exhibit and the Klusor Wilhelm Memorial Church ruins from bombings during World War II. The New Synagogue of Berlin features an exhibit of the Berlin Jewish culture. Wintergarten Variete showcases a world famous cabaret show. The Berlin Cathedral is a beautiful Protestant church and will delight architecture lovers visiting Berlin. The art lover will not want to miss the National Gallery featuring eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth century art, and the Tacheles hosting works by trendy German artists.

While in Frankfurt

Visitors to Frankfurt will want to experience the Frankfurt Zoo, St. Leonard Church, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum, the German Architecture Museum, and the Frankfurt Historical Museum. Other popular attractions are the Goethe House, home and museum of the legendary writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Leibieghaus, a unique castle-like art museum located in Frankfurt. 

Memorable Munich

Munich attractions that are popular with tourists are Staatlickes Hofbrauhaus a sixteenth century famous beer hall and the English Garden, a classic scenic park featuring classic English horticulture as well as Greek, Chinese and Japanese exhibits. Don't miss Viktualienmarkt an outdoor marketplace featuring German crafts. The Old Pinakothek art gallery is a popular stop. Religious enthusiasts will enjoy the Church of Our Lady, a fifteenth century cathedral with domed towers as well as St. Peter's Church which offers amazing scenic photo opportunities. Munich is also home to the BMW factory museum, a great stop for the automobile enthusiast. 

Touring Hamburg

Hamburg also offers popular tourists stops in the form of art galleries, historical exhibits and museums. Hamburg is a major transportation hub in Northern Germany and is one of the most affluent cities in Europe. It has become a media and industrial center, with plants and facilities belonging to Airbus, Blohm + Voss and Aurubis. The radio and television broadcaster Norddeutscher Rundfunk and publishers such as Gruner + Jahr and Spiegel-Verlag are pillars of the important media industry in Hamburg. In total there are more than 120,000 enterprises. The city is a major tourist destination both for domestic and overseas visitors, receiving about 7.7 million overnight stays in 2008.
An ideal country to visit with whole family  log on : http://www.germany-tourism.co.uk/ and
 http://ets-frankfurt.com/

Mute Swan

The Mute Swan

The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) is Denmark’s national bird. Chosen by thousands of Danes in 1984 in a national election initiated by Danish Television. This beautiful and majestic bird is the largest bird in Denmark and very common throughout the country.
All Mute Swans are white at maturity, though the feathers (particularly on the head and neck) are often stained orange-brown by iron and tannins in the water.
In the 1920's the Mute Swan was nearly extinct, until in 1926 it became a protected species and has now regained its population and is seen all over Denmark and most of northern Europe.
They breed in colonies all over Denmark and are a magnificent bird to see.
As one of the heaviest flying birds, the Mute Swan can grow to about 65-inches long, have a wingspan of nearly 95 inches and stand nearly 4 feet high, which is quite impressive and scary if confronted by an angry Mute Swan.
The male Mute Swan (known as the cob) is generally larger than the female Mute Swan (known as a pen) and is also distinguished by a larger knob on its beak. The cob weighs on average 25 pounds, while the pen is usually under 20 pounds.
At an early age the Mute Swan or cygnet is not always white and is usually an off-white, grey or brownish tint. Their beaks/bills are black and it is not until after their first year that they turn all white and the beak/bill gets its orange color.
Copenhagen the capital city is one of Denmark’s most popular destinations for tourists. It features the Trivoli Gardens, a combination theme park, amusement park and scenic garden that provides fun and entertainment for the whole family. The Round Tower observation deck is also popular for its panoramic views and spectacular scenery. Glyptotek is an interesting statue of The Little Mermaid erected in 1913, commemorating the Hans Christian Anderson story of the same name. Frederiks Church is also popular with visitors this large marble Baroque church stood unfinished from 1770 until 1874 and was finally completed in 1894.

Visiting Beautiful, Cultural Odense will want to include the Egeskov Castle on their travel itinerary as well as the Odense City Museum, Carl Nielson Museet Museum, The Railway Museum, and Hans Christian Anderson’s Childhood Home. Also popular are the Frydenlund, a beautiful nature center and wildlife park, the inspiring St. Canutis Cathedral, and The Odense Zoo which will provide fun filled hours for everyone in your travelling company. If you still have energy, the Brandts Klaedlfabrik Art Museum, Friluftsbaget Water Park, the Museum of Photographic Art and the ever popular Aquatic World can leave you exhausted and smiling at the end of the day.

While Denmark has many wonderful sights and experiences it is necessary to narrow down a few choices and choose your stops before setting out on your exploration of all that Denmark has to offer. The stops listed here are by no means an all inclusive list of all the attractions available, but is intended as a guide to peak your interest and invite personalized exploration of the attractions in Denmark and help you plan an itinerary that suits your individual tastes and interests.

Denmark has much to offer the bird watcher as well as the extreme thrill seeker and all of us in between.

Places of Interest : The Little Mermaid Statue,  Hans Christen Andersen's Home, The castles, Nyhaven, Tivoli, Funen (Fyn)/Central Isles, Alborg, Århus, Billund and Bornholm.

Find out more on: http://www.visitdenmark.com/uk/en-gb/menu/turist/turistforside.htm

Muscat Festival

muscat festival

The city of Muscat will celebrate the Oman’s traditional arts, culture and heritage while providing people of Oman, fun, adventure, excitement and entertainment, the Muscat Festival has been a key highlight in the social calendar of the Sultanate of Oman more than three million visitors are expected for the Muscat Festival to be held from January 27 to February 24.

The Muscat Municipality has also teamed up with the Ministry of Tourism to create an international advertising campaign to encourage tourists to come and experience the event first hand. The international campaign was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in London on 9 November at the World Travel Market while the local campaign launched in Muscat by His Excellency Eng. Sultan bin Hamdon Al Harthi, Head of Muscat Municipality in early January after Oman’s National Day Celebrations and the Asian Beach Games.

The Oman Ministry of Tourism organised roadshows, focusing on tapping Indian tourists, recognising the huge potential and increasing business opportunities and establishing contacts within the Indian travel trade industry.

Oman's leading carrier Oman Air, along with  Shangri-La's Bar Al Jissah Resort, Grand Hyatt Muscat, National Travel and Tourism, Zahara Tours, Aitken Spence Hotels and Travel Point are some of them participated in the road-shows.

As part of the Road show held in Indian major cities noted singer Sonu Nigam accompanied by Bollywood actor Lara Dutta would stage a performance on February 10, while Shah Rukh Khan, who has a huge fan following in Oman, is expected to perform on February 17.

Currently, Europe and GCC countries constitute a majority of tourist arrivals to Oman, which numbered 1.7 million.

At present, the traffic between India and Oman comprise visiting friends and relatives and those travelling for employment.

The oil-rich Sultanate of Oman has a seven hundred Thousand strong Indian community, as a "safe" country with similar food tastes and people known for their hospitality. 

Oman's tourism ministry intends to capitalise on existing historical ties and similarities with India in culture, music, culinary delights and family values.

Places of Interest/Venue : Qurum Natural Park, Nassem Garden, The Wave and Qurum City Centre.

Follow more on :         http://muscat-festival.com/ ;

                                    http://www.omanvisitors.com/

                                    http://www.mm.gov.om/tabid/303/Default.aspx

Spa at 35,000 feet in the Air

Refresh and Relax in Emirates onboard Shower Spa at 35,000 feet in the Air.

Spas located on the upper deck of the Emirates A380, in front of the First Class cabin are two exquisitely designed onboard Showers for First Class Guests. Arrive at your destination revitalised and refreshed.
Help yourself to signature Timeless Spa products with a choice of two shower kits - The Timeless Spa Revive Kit and The Timeless Spa Relax kit. This range has been designed exclusively for Emirates, using only the finest natural and indigenous ingredients.

Emirates Airlines would like all First Class Emirates A380 Guests to experience onboard Shower Spas. Emirates dedicated Shower assistants will prepare the Shower Spa prior to each appointment onboard.    

For more :

http://www.emirates.com/english/flying/cabin_features/first_class/shower_spa.aspx

Common Loon

The Royal Canadian Mint introduced a beautiful new one-dollar coin in 1987 with the Common Loon on it, the “loonie”. Canada made a good choice with the Common Loon as their national bird.

The Common Loon, is an enchanting bird, a symbol of the country’s rugged wilderness. Common Loons are stunning in their breeding plumage and a joy to watch if you can get close enough.

There are clear and compelling reasons why the Common loon is the logical choice. There is the loonie, flying high at the moment, and the fact that loons, though present throughout the country, are never overabundant. The black bill, the black and white pattern on its back and wings, a white necklace, and its red eyes make it an easy bird to identify, and one that lends itself to graphic representation. Loons also play an important role in the stories and myths of First Nations and Inuit. And finally, loons require water to become airborne, providing a useful reminder to Canadians of the importance of this precious natural resource.
But there is something less definable about the loon that makes it such a strong candidate for Canada’s national bird. The loon’s melancholy call on a still, summer evening evokes a sense of romance and mystery. Though most of us live clustered along the southern border, we have an innate bond with Canada’s vast northern wilderness – the boreal forest that covers 50 per cent of the land mass of the country. The loon is connection to that wilderness.

The ghostly sound of the Common Loon is frequently heard in movies, though sometimes a bit out of place. Their haunting sound is inspiration for music, Loon-calling contests and festivals, and both Minnesota and Ontario claim the Common Loon as theirs.

The Common Loon is a highly devoted bird. Both male and female work to build the nest, share in sitting on eggs, and feeding the young. Parents are also often seen carting chicks on their backs as they swim.  You can imagine the countys’ prosperty with word “devoted bird both male and female work to build” the nation.

Canada has a wide range of attractions for tourists. There are large cosmopolitan cities as well as small isolated settlements in Canada. Canada also offers great facility for water sports and fishing. The natural beauty of Canada is an amalgamation of lakes, rivers, Rocky Mountains, breathtaking scenery, beautiful resorts, and great national parks, rich farming, historical sites and much much more.

Places of Interest : Casa Loma, CN Tower,  Ontario Place, African lion Safari, Paramount Canada's Wonderland, Basilique Notre-Dame,  Beechwood Cemetary, Bruce Peninsula & Fathom Five National Marine Park, Billings Estate Museum, Bytown Museum, Beaver Trails Canada, Canada agricultural museum, Canada Aviation Museum, Canada Science and Technology Museum, Canadian Golf and Country Club, Canadian war museum, Canadian tulip festival, Deer Lake, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Goderich and Lake Huron, Gros Morne National Park, The Gaspé Peninsula, Little Italy, McCord Museum of Canadian History, Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve, Niagara Falls, Parliament Hill, Terra Nova National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park, Writing-on-Stone Provinical Park, 1000 Islands,  and many more, find out in: http://www.greatcanadiantravel.com/home ; http://www.canada.travel/selectCountry.html ;  http://www.destinationcanada.info/  and http://www.rockymountaineer.com/en/ .

The Emu

The Emu that support the shield are the unofficial animal emblems of Australia.  Australia's first national coat of arms was granted in 1908 and displayed the emu and kangaroo supporting the shield, and standing on a grassy mound. The second coat of arms, made in 1912, included the symbols of the states woven together in the central shield with a border symbolizing federation.

Australia itself was represented by the shield's supporters, the emu to the right and the kangaroo to the left. It was the first time, so far as is known, that these two supports, now so familiar on the Australian Arms, were ever used in this way.  Wattle, the official national floral emblem, though the representation of the species is not botanically accurate. The supporters are native Australian animals, the emu and the red kangaroo. It is thought the emu and kangaroo were chosen to symbolise a nation moving forward, reflecting a common belief that neither animal can move backwards easily. It is often claimed these animals were chosen because neither animal can move backward, only forward – i.e.  progress of the nation.

They owe this recognition to the fact that they are native Australian fauna, (found only on that continent), and likely chosen because they are the most well-known native Australian animals large enough to be positioned together in scale holding up the shield. The first official coat of arms of Australia was granted by a Royal Warrant of King Edward VII. This coat of arms was used on some Australian coins even after it was superseded in 1912, and last appeared on the sixpenny piece in 1966.

On nineteen of the thirty-three gorgets in the National Museum of Australia's collections are depicted an emu and a kangaroo acting as supporters to the central inscription.  With the waratah, these two creatures became the earliest icons or 'symbols' of Australia used by European colonists. The emu and kangaroo appeared as supporters on 'the first flag designed and made in Australia.

The Emu is Australia's largest native bird and the second largest bird in the world after the Ostrich. The word Emu comes from the Portuguese word ‘ema' which means large bird. The Emu grows to be about 185 centimetres (6 feet) tall and weighs 65 kilograms (140 pounds). This is bigger than many adult humans! The Emu belongs to a group of flightless running birds with flat breastbones known as ratites.  The Emus have been walking the plains of Australia in something reasonably close to their present form for about 80 million years. The Emu was around when the dinosaurs still walked the plains. They knew Australia when it was covered in rainforest. They saw the McDonald Ranges when they were the height of the Himalayas.
Places of Interest : Taronza Zoo, Blue Mountains, Museum of Sydney, Centrepoint Tower, Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Centennil park, Lamington National Park, Fitzroy, Bondi Beach, Warner Bros Movie World, The Great Barrier Reef, Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, Dream World, Sea World and many more.  Australia a prefect destination for all, find out more:
http://www.emurun.com.au/ ;
 http://www.visitaustralia.com/ ;
 http://www.lawandtourism.com/ and
http://www.adventuretours.com.au/ .

Peacock

The Peacock Throne, called Takht-e Tâvus in Persian, is the name originally given to a Mughal throne of India, which was later adopted and used to describe the thrones of the Persian emperors from Nader Shah Afshari and erroneously to Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi whose throne was a reconstruction of the Achemenid throne.

The name comes from the shape of a throne, having the figures of two Peacocks standing behind it, their tails being expanded and the whole so inlaid with sapphires, rubies, emeralds, pearls and other precious stones of appropriate colors as to represent life, created for the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan of India in the 17th century, which was in his imperial capital Delhi's Public audience hall, the Diwan-i-Aam. Emperor Shah Jahan had the famous Koh-i-noor (186 carats) diamond placed in this throne, among the historical diamonds decorating it were, the Akbar Shah (95 carats), the Shah (88.77 carats), the Jehangir (83 carats) and the second largest spinel ruby in the world, the Timur ruby (283 carats). A-20 couplet poem by the Mughal poet-laureate Qudsi, praising the Emperor, was embedded in the throne in emerald letters.
The French jeweller Tavernier, who saw Delhi in 1665, described the throne as of the shape of a bed (a "takhteh" or platform), 6 ft. by 4 ft., supported by four golden feet, 20 to 25 in. high, from the bars above which rose twelve columns to support the canopy; the bars were decorated with crosses of rubies and emeralds, and also with diamonds and pearls. In all there were 108 large rubies on the throne, and 116 emeralds, but many of the latter had flaws. The twelve columns supporting the canopy were decorated with rows of splendid pearls, and Tavernier considered these to be the most valuable part of the throne. Estimates of its value varied between Rs. 40 million (Bernier) and Rs. 100 million (Tavernier).
Nader Shah invaded the Mughal Empire in 1738, and returned to Persia in 1739 with the original Peacock Throne as well as many other treasures taken from the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah.
Peacock a resident breeder in India. The Peacock is designated as the national bird of India.
The peacock has iridescent blue-green or green colored plumage. The so-called "tail" of the peacock, also termed the "train," is not the tail quill feathers but highly elongated upper tail coverts. The train feathers have a series of eyes that are best seen when the tail is fanned the Peacock have a crest atop at the head.
The Peacock is a forest bird that nest on the ground but roost in trees. They are terrestrial feeders. However, it has been suggested that "females" entering a male Green Peafowl's territory are really his own juvenile or sub-adult young and that Green Peafowl are really monogamous in the wild. The male Peacock flares out its feathers when it is trying to get the female's attention. During the mating season they will often emit a very loud high pitched cry.
India's tourism is defined by the majestic Golden Triangle Tour has it all, which is actually accredited as an unforgettable gift, and unparalleled magnificent view for the eyes of visitors. The North Indian Golden Triangle Tour introduces the tourist's to India's pride in the form of majestic Indian royalty, rich heritage and diverse colorful culture.
The circuit includes journey to Delhi - Indian pride, Agra - House to world's wonder, and Jaipur - Indian Pink Pearl. But, an option of Golden Triangle Tour doubles the joy, excitement, and makes Incredible India's tour a memorable and eternal lifetime experience for holiday makers from every nook and corner of the globe.

New Delhi, part of what is commonly referred to as just Delhi, is the original base of Peacock throne, the city chronicles the history of the various civilizations and dynasties that flourished here for over 3000 years. Their legacy survives in the many ancient monuments left behind is the most ideal base from which to discover the marvels and wonders of India’s ancient subcontinent. Travel to New Delhi to discover India’s capital city, one of the oldest existing cities in the world, Mughal Garden, Jama Masjid(the largest mosque in India built by emperor Shah Jahan), Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Rajpath, Rajiv Chowk, Jantar Mantar, Indira Chowk, Safdarjung’s Tomb, Connaught Place, Rashtrapathi Bhavan, Raisina Hill, Sansad Bhavan, a fascinating walk down Chandni Chowk or the Silver Street takes you back to a bygone era, then journey to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, Agra fort, Sikandra and emperor Akbar’s Tomb,  and then Jaipur the best to travel with Golden Triangle Tour. Experience Agra and Rajasthan in the luxurious train of Maharajas. Surely there is no better way to experience the cultural heartland of north India than by the Palace on Wheel and Fairy Queen, Fairy Queen will take you to a journey of your lifetime. Enjoy the enchanting Rajasthan on the oldest working broad gauge steam locomotive in the world. The train will stop at every major destination and the ambience of it will provide you an excellent opportunity to feel like a maharaja as you travel through the royal land.

Find out more:  http://www.rirtl.com/ and www.tamarindtours.in

Black Parrot

Black Parrot or Kato Nwar in Creolee. Many bird experts treat it as a local form of a species found in Madagascar and Comores, but some think it is a separate species found nowhere but Seychelles. Here, it was once more widespread, but was killed by humans because it likes to eat cultivated fruit including mango, bilimbi and papaya.  It survived on Praslin and is now protected by law. It nests in old hollow trees, which are rare because human cut down trees for timber before they reach old age.

Fortunately, the birds also use special deep nest boxes provided for them as a conservation measure.
Those looking to do a little bird watching in Seychelles will be rewarded with a destination that provides a myriad of exciting opportunities. Migrants, vagrants, sea birds, and land birds are all found inhabiting the Seychelles, which is a sort of African Galapagos in many regards.
A good amount of the Seychelles birds are quite rare, being endemic just to the Seychelles. These are some of the planet's rarest endemic birds, so what Seychelles birding amounts to, more or less, is quality over quantity. One of the best things about bird watching in Seychelles is the fact that you don't necessarily have to arrange a special tour to do so. While you enjoy such renowned reserves as the Vallee de Mai on Praslin Island, and the Veuve Reserve on La Digue, you'll be able to casually spot some unique avian species as you go.
Most folks who are planning Seychelles birding trips start on the main island of Mahe, which is the ideal springboard for island-hopping excursions of all kinds. Mahe itself is an excellent place to do some birdwatching, as are other granitic islands like Praslin and La Digue. Bird Island, which is found relatively close to the main group of granitic islands, has quite a proper name indeed, and many Seychelles bird watching trips based out of Mahe include it. Sooty Terns, Fairy Terns, Saunders Terns, and Terns of other varieties are quite abundant on Bird Island. The granitic islands of the Seychelles are utterly breathtaking, and they are certainly ideal for those for birdwatchers of all ranks. For the most serious birders, trips to the coralline islands of the Seychelles should also be considered.
Some of the best Seychelles birding destinations are the small, granitic islands of Aride and Cousin, which are easy to reach from both Mahe and Praslin. Both of these islands are nature reserves, and there are no overnight accommodations on them, but that doesn't mean you can visit them on day trips. Some of Seychelles birds that you will likely spot on these islands are the Magpie Robin and Seychelles Fody. Aride Island is home to more than a million birds from about 10 different species, and it's the only place in the Seychelles granitic islands where you can spot red-tailed tropicbirds. Cousin Island offers up the Seychelles Warbler, which for a considerable amount of time could only be found here. Not far off on Praslin Island, the Vallee de Mai Reserve is home to the rare Seychelles Black Parrot. And, should you head to the slower-paced La Digue Island, a walk through the Veuve Reserve should reveal at least a few Seychelles Paradise Flycatchers, which are without question among the most rare of Seychelles birds.
Heading further out to the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, among the more interesting birds you will spot are the Frigate Birds, which give name to the country's Fregate Island. These birds are a joy to watch, as they employ some pretty impressive, mid-air acrobatics to steal food away from other sea birds. Frigates can actually be found throughout the Seychelles, much like Grey Plovers.  From the smallest frog to the heaviest land tortoise and the only flightless bird of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles nurtures an amazing array of endemic species within surrounds of exceptional natural beauty. 
Find out more detail.

http://www.seychelles.travel/en/home/index.php;