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robinwinged · 4 months

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escapism in "the boy and the heron"

Interrupting my regularly scheduled programming of Good Omens brainrot for this attempt to process the wonderful, fantastical, and distinctly discombobulating experience of watching Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron.”

Miyazaki’s films, at least to me, have never been straightforward to follow. Spirited Away, for example, is a beautiful masterpiece whose meaning is difficult to decipher on a first watch, and is only fully unveiled when you dive headfirst into research of Japan’s context and the movie’s many symbolic themes. The Boy and the Heron takes this typical Miyazaki complexity and ineffability and turns it up to eleven. There are so many elements that seem random, so many narrative arcs and characters all warring for attention (what is the tower? why are the parakeets so goddamn bloodthirsty? why is the blue heron such a creepy old man?), that combine to create a whimsical but overall also very strange landscape.

I know that art in general does not have to have “meaning” or “a message” to be deserving of our love and attention. Art can be touching, affecting, disturbing, provoking - any number of things that would give it credit - and damn it if The Boy and the Heron isn’t all of these combined. But.

But.

This is also a Miyazaki movie, and he has proven once and time again why he is the master of hidden meaning, and so here, in no particular order, are my half-formed rambles on what I have personally think each movie detail that I struggled to puzzle out initially is about.

(spoilers below, so proceed with caution!)

The tower, time, and escapism

The tower is the central mystery point of the movie - a literal mystical rock that crashed down from the heavens and later lured Mahito’s grand-grand uncle (let’s call him the Tower Master for convenience’s sake) into its depths. Within the tower is a mirage world filled with magic but no real living beings, controlled by the whims of the Tower Master and nothing else that remotely resembles logic or reality. The tower also contains a series of doors that seem to lead to different points in time, if the ending is to go by and how the 13 blocks are meant to be pieces of worlds the Tower Master has visited. So what is this strange and fantastic realm, and what role does it play in the overarching narrative?

My hypothesis is that the Tower is a pocket free from the influence of time (think like the TVA in Loki) - a separate island running parallel to the fabric of the universe that contains portals to different points of past, present, and future. By itself, the pocket has no life or substance; it must be filled by the imagination - pure imagination, untethered to reality - of its main (human) inhabitant. This is why most of the ships are illusions rather than real objects, why the parakeets are so ridiculously odd and behave nothing like real

birds, why the fish is the size of Kiriko’s damn ship. Anything that is real, has to be brought in from the real world (see: the pelicans, Himi, and Kiriko). This is also why the parakeet king immediately topples the tower: yes, he is not the Tower Master’s descendant, but he is also not inherently a real sentient being, and an imaginary object cannot in itself sustain a further imagination.

So why does the Tower Master choose to sequester himself in this alternate space, where he can only exist alone with his own mysterious creations? I think the Tower Master represents those of us who wish to escape from reality, to inhabit worlds which we can control, where pain doesn’t have to touch us if we don’t wish for it (whether I’m projecting reallyyyyy hard at this point does not matter ok). He is an insanely avid reader, with books literally piled in small mountains throughout his living quarters, and don’t we readers (i.e me, again) always wish for escapism? The Tower Master, then, is an example of those who would rather become entrapped in our own minds rather than deal with the world beyond us - maybe, even in a way, a little like Miyazaki himself, whose imagination is so powerful but is also extremely singular and all-consuming, anchoring him to his creative work without reprieve of retirement until his reserves run dry (not to imply that the man is a hermit or that I want him to retire, quite the opposite in fact, but parallels, no matter how shaky, can still be drawn).

This, too, explains why the Tower Master needs Mahito to control the world for him. It is not because he’s grown old, since he cannot be affected by time in the Tower, but it is because his imagination is stagnating - he is no longer capable of finding new ways to balance the tower, he cannot sustain the fantasy any longer. In itself, this can already serve as a message from Miyazaki - we cannot hope to live only within the confines of our minds if we do not interact at all with the real world, because then at some point we will run out of material, of lived experiences to build on top of, and threaten to crumble the fragile imaginary world we have created.

Himi and her fire powers

Himi is a strange hiccup in the system - a rare occurrence of a living person in this fantasy playland that wasn’t brought into it during Mahito’s own entrance, like Kiriko. This theory is a little bit out there, I can totally appreciate that myself, but remember that one year in which Mahiko disappeared from the real world and then came back completely unchanged? I think she chose to stay there for much longer than a year, knowing that time didn’t work the same in this pocket world and she always had the chance to return to her original timeline through the handy door-portals. I think Himi has stayed there essentially until she met Mahito - so long that she actually grew into a part of the fantasy, developing impossible pyrokinetic powers and becoming a set part of the landscape in exchange for extended youth. But this stay didn’t come without consequences. In the real world, Mahiko passes away in a fire, at a younger age than would be expected. Perhaps this, in itself, is a punishment for cheating time - the universe reclaiming the years that Himi spent in the Tower. It’s also definitely not a coincidence that Himi can control fire in the Tower, and dies by fire in the real world; a form of lethal poetic justice, if you will. Seeing Mahito was the trigger for Himi to leave, to embrace her own destiny, because she could now see and be proud of the outcomes of her life and not have regrets about missing out on the life passing her by. (This interpretation would then necessarily imply a deterministic version of life and time, so it’s probably not everyone’s cup of tea, but I think it makes sense in this version because you see doors way farther down than the present which Mahito steps into.)

The starving pelicans

The pelicans are another anomaly because they, too, are not figments of the Tower Master’s imagination, but instead have been brought into this fantasy world, for one reason or another, likely against their will. And this is where the Tower Master’s escape from reality cracks and burns at the foundation - he creates harm rather than good when he brings in the pelicans, because he does not account for the fact that they cannot exist without a source of food, and they then are forced to eat the Warawara to survive. The movie states that the Warawara are like baby souls, who ascend to become new lives, but I think it’s a little more metaphorical than literal rebirth. For me the Warawara are metaphorical ideas or seedlings of inspiration, the only parts of the Tower Master’s creations which aren’t fully formed, but allowed to grow by themselves and escape into the world - like passing the spark of creation to others outside the Tower. And the pelicans, involuntary prisoners of the Tower Master’s fantasy world, must prey on the Warawara before they have the chance to become real. This can be seen (if you squint real hard and do some violent spins so your vision is hella blurry) as the beginning of the end of the Tower Master’s reign - the forceful inclusion of other sentient beings inside his imagination doesn’t help him enrich his internal realm, but rather snuffs out the genuine inspiration that he could be passing onto others, creating pain where the Tower Master hoped to be spared from it.

Mahito’s rejection of the Tower

So with this central “Tower as escapism” theory, what does Mahito’s rejection to take over for the Tower Master mean? There is a moment that was so subtly powerful in that final exchange between the two, when Mahito stops denying the truth by telling everyone that he got his scar from falling, and instead admits that self-harm was the actual cause. At the beginning of the movie, I viewed that moment of very painful self-harm as Mahito’s wish to withdraw from the challenges of life - to live in isolation away from the grief over losing his mother, the challenges of being the rich new kid in town, the overwhelming discomfort of seeing his father shack up with his aunt. His reality is agonizing for him, and the fantasy land is so beautiful in its strange way that it could become a safe haven away from his trauma. But when Mahito says “no”, he is choosing reality; he is choosing to do the hard work, to face all the hardships life can throw at him, because he feels finally strong enough to not need to use imagination as an escapist crutch. In those final moments, Mahito is choosing to live in a world that he cannot control, because no matter how tough things get, he doesn’t have to do it alone - and that’s what I think Miyazaki is telling us too.

Of course, the movie also deals with themes of class conflict and war profiteering; grief and acceptance; continuing your ancestors’ legacies versus paving your own path, which many have already discussed and I don’t particularly have anything new to add to. Regardless, these themes are masterfully woven into the plot, as per usual, and serve to elevate the movie’s emotional impact into something heart-twisting and truly unforgettable.

Alright, ramble over - back to fandom lurking!

#the boy and the heron #studio ghibli #hayao miyazaki #the boy and the heron spoilers #robin rambles #the kind of movie that makes you think #or perhaps overthink??#the boy and the heron meta

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w3bkinz-t0yb0x · 1 year

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#poptropica #poptrolls #poptropolis games island #polls #2000s nostalgia #webcore #2000s internet #flash games #flash game #nostalgia core #2000s kids #90s kids

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lazyisnthere · 1 year

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I DID IT THIS IS PINK MOON SHE IS FROM ESCAPE FROM PELICAN ROCK ISLAND AND SOMEHOW MANAGED TO RUN OFF WITH HADES CROWN

#poptropica oc #poptropica #poptropica fanart #pink moon #my oc art #gay ocs #krickets oc #my art lol #digital art #fan art #MY ART BITCH

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yumnasfunblog · 8 months

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@thebutterflyoficeandwisteria

#poptropica

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thebibliomancer · 1 year

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Essential Avengers: Avengers #284: BATTLEGROUND: OLYMPUS

October, 1987

Assault on Olympus!

Is this an assault on Olympus? Olympus seemed more idyllic gardens and fancy halls and less craggy rock wasteland.

Maybe they found the back lot?

Anyway, Avengers. What’s going on with them?

Well, last times on this book, Baron Zemo Jr concocted this big plan to destroy the Avengers with a new, bigger and better version of the Masters of Evil.

The plan fell apart.

But his Masters did manage to trash the mansion and beat Hercules into a coma.

Which is causing problems for the Avengers.

Zeus is none to happy about his favorite son being in a coma and he’s decided that the Avengers are 110% at fault. He got his other children to capture the Avengers and had them thrown into Hades. He also had Wasp captured despite being on vacation. Is nothing sacred, Zeus?

The Avengers have broken out of Hades and made their way to Olympus where they’ve allied with Venus, Athena, Hephaestus, and Apollo. Y’know, the Zeus children who aren’t assholes.

The plan was to talk to Zeus with some divine advocates, maybe have Apollo and Dr Druid combine their powers and heal Hercules to help chill Zeus out. But Zeus found them and blew them the fuck up.

And now in this book, Wasp is having one of those orbiting head guilt hallucinations.

With the Avengers begging her to save their asses instead of enjoying her vacation.

Also with a smug Artemis cuing her to flashback to what happened to her off-panel.

So, she was on vacation on a deserted Caribbean island, enjoying some time off from being a superhero and a cool Avenger.

When she saw, of all things, a deer! Just a random deer on this island where the largest wildlife are pelicans!

It was weird enough that she shrank to flying size (which at this point is only a foot smaller than her usual size) and flew after the creature but it vanished into the jungle.

Then someone shot an arrow at her. Wasp managed to shrink down to dodge it but it swerves to try to hit her anyway. So she blows it up with her Sting. Only for the arrow to explode into a paralyzing cloud of dust that knocked her the hell out.

She dimly remembers the approach of another woman -- a powerful woman -- who took her... somewhere. And she recalls a huge bearded man shouting at her... but after that, her memories disintegrate into a jumble.

Okay. I know Artemis is the goddess of the hunt and all but. What use does she have for an arrow that explodes into sleep powder?

It reads like sandbox fight. “Ah ha, I dodge the arrow using shrinking!” “But but but my arrow tracks like a missile!” “Okay so I blow up the arrow with my bio-electric Wasp Sting!” “Yeah but the arrow explodes into chloroform so I win.”

Anyway, Wasp wakes up in a cage slash coffin that isn’t very secure. Wasp just shrinks down, uses her Sting to blow a very tiny hole in the glass, and flies out.

But while Wasp is flying around, trying to figure out where in the Caribbean one would find a bunch of Gercian architecture, Hera pops out from around the corner and asks to speak to Wasp.

Wasp realizes, oh, this is Olympus.

And that the shouty man was then Zeus.

Hera is, at least at this point, pretty chill.

Or maybe she’s just contrary because she still doesn’t like Hercules.

Either way, she’s not thrilled with Zeus throwing the Avengers into Hades or that he’s so mad that they escaped, he’d be willing to level Earth.

Meanwhile, the conscious, not horribly injured Avengers (Captain Marvel, Thor, Namor, She-Hulk) go to fight Zeus and his still loyal children (Ares, Dionysus, and Artemis).

Captain Marvel goes right for Zeus but... geez, the man can backhand her even when she’s in light form.

Geez.

Calling himself the Lord of Lightning just aggros Thor, who pops up to get into a lightning contest with Zeus.

Thor: “Mayhap you’ve more respect for the might of another thunder god, red-beard!”

Zeus: “I respect no god who allies himself with mine enemies, Thor!”

Thor: “‘Tis not the Avengers who are your enemies, Zeus... ‘tis your own madness!”

Zeus: “HOW DARE YOU SMITE THE PERSON OF ZEUS!!”

As Thor hammers Zeus into a building, ‘natch.

Captain Marvel nyooms in to back up Thor but Zeus tells Artemis (and Ares and Dionysus) that they deal with the mortals so he can focus on beating the crap out of Thor.

Artemis discovers though that without a sneak attack, the speed of light is much faster than the speed of arrow.

Between panels, Monica even manages to knock out Artemis, although she notes that it took enough voltage to kill several humans to do it.

Meanwhile, Namor fights Ares.

He’s beaten Ares before but that time they were under the sea. So Cap(tain America) tosses his shield to Namor to even the odds.

Captain America is too injured to join the fight anyway. Also, he vanishes as Ares fights Namor. As Doctor Druid vanished while Thor was fighting Zeus.

Better not be the Collector again!

Black Knight comes to his senses just in time to have to dodge Dionysus flying overhead after a She-Hulk punch.

Interestingly, Black Knight is in good shape after the big Zeus explosion and the reason why is that Captain America jumped in front of him to try to shield him.

So now Cap has both legs broken and Black Knight is gaping in confusion at everything happening.

By the way, Hercules (apparently his bed was untouched by the explosion) also vanishes.

And it transpires that Hermes has been super speed snatching people from the fight scene and bringing them to safety so Mysterious Guy (actually Prometheus!) can treat their wounds.

Hermes is actually freaking out at disobeying Zeus to help Prometheus but then Hera arrives with Wasp and tells Hermes that he’s doing what his queen says and she says they’ve got to end Zeus’ madness.

Meanwhile, Wasp sees how badly Captain America is hurt and worries over him but Cap has a good attitude.

Captain America: “They’ll heal, Jan. I’m glad to see you’re all right! Buck up -- we’ll see this through!”

Doctor Druid: “Captain, I’m in awe of your faith!”

Captain America: “We fought our way back from Hades, Druid. Anything is possible!”

Back at the god fight, Captain Marvel has shocked Artemis unconscious, as earlier discussed. She-Hulk has Dionysus in a full nelson. And while Namor is having trouble using Cap’s shield to its full effect, Captain Marvel zaps Ares’ footing, tumbling him into a pool. And Namor has no problem kicking his ass underwater.

Dionysus manages to slip from the full nelson and picks up a big column to whack She-Hulk with. He comments that even though his party lifestyle has softened his body, he’s still plenty strong.

Dionysus: “I may be the god of joy, She-Hulk -- but I can also cause much sorrow!”

Black Knight and Captain Marvel notices that Hephaestus, Venus, Apollo, and Athena are finally rousing. Way after the Avengers who got hit at the same time. Captain Marvel speculates that Zeus hit them harder than he did the mortals which doesn’t make sense but whatever.

Captain Marvel nyooms off to go look for the missing Avengers.

Over with the missing Avengers, Prometheus has decided to try a Dangerous Technique to try and revive Hercules.

He gets all the squishy mortals to move to one corner for safety and then borrows Hermes’ caduceus.

Prometheus: “Hear me, Gaea, mother of us all... grant me the power, the will, and the way to awaken this one’s mind from the sleep of sleeps! Let Hercules again be whole! Let Hercules live!”

Elsewhere on Olympus, Thor continues to fight Zeus, despite his whole ‘no healing, no dying’ curse causing him terrible pain.

Thor: “Though my body be wracked with pain beyond reckoning, I will not die! Will not? Nay, I cannot! Such is the curse of Hela, that no one can slay the son of Odin... not even a god gone mad!”

Zeus: “Mad?! ‘Tis you who must be mad! Why else would you ally yourself with the mortal curs who betrayed my son’s trust? You see in me but the righteous anger of a father wronged! If that be madness -- I WELCOME IT!”

Thor recognizes that Zeus is going into the warrior madness and unless he can be shocked from it, his anger is going to consume all. Which isn’t ideal.

Speaking of shocked, Zeus hits Thor with a massive lightning bolt.

When Thor gets back up anyway (because of Hela’s curse preventing him from dying), Zeus is aggravated. Thor tries to explain Hela’s curse and tries again to explain that Hercules got his own dumb self injured, Zeus just blasts Thor with more lightning.

Zeus: “You shall suffer for those lies! You shall suffer and you shall die!!”

Thor: ‘Dude, I just said I can’t do that.’

Zeus gives it the ol’ college try though, blasting Thor back and forth and complaining that Thor just won’t die.

Zeus: “Perfidious child! Your very existence sullies the memory of noble Odin! I see now the workings of destiny! I have a sacred duty to rip the life from your bones!”

But Captain Marvel rejoins the fight, letting Zeus have a taste of lightning for a change.

Captain Marvel: “Back off, Zeus -- or I’ll do a lot worse than cut your arm! In the name of the Avengers, I order you to surrender!”

Zeus: “You... order me?”

Man, gods hate being ordered.

Thor tells Monica that this is a god fight and no place for mortals. But she tells him tough. She gonna fight Zeus anyway.

Captain Marvel: “We stand or fall together!”

And, look, if there’s a non-god Avenger that can fight on a god fight level, its definitely Monica. Her power set is pretty bonkers.

Zeus tries to blast her (obviously not game for her demand he surrender) but she’s in hologram form and the lightning goes right through her.

He refuses to bother with her if she’s just going to ghost his attacks so she forces him to take her seriously.

BRAK-KA-TA-KROOM!

Man. Lightning explosions make the best noises in Marvel.

The lightning explosion is so massive that it casts hundreds of yards in blinding light.

Despite being blinded, Prometheus completes his healing of Hercules.

Unfortunately, the first thing the prince of power does after waking up is smack Prometheus away and start yelling “TREACHERY!! ENEMIES... EVERYWHERE!!”

So... maybe double check that his brain is working right.

Double unfortunately, Zeus comes out of the giant lightning explosion still standing.

Zeus: “None can defeat the Lord of Olympus! By mine own will, am I invincible!”

... Didn’t Typhon steal all your tendons once?

Monica used as much energy on that lightning explosion as she’d used to take down the shields of the Sanctuary II when the Avengers were fighting Nebula.

So, yeah, she’s tapped out.

Thor at least whispers to her that she surely hurt Zeus more than any mortal has done before. So that’s worth bragging rights at least.

Namor pops in to rejoin the fight, punching Zeus in the back of the head.

Namor: “As long as one Avenger yet stands, we will prevail!”

Good rejoinder, Zeus.

Zeus: “Mortals have grown stronger and more presumptuous of late! ‘Tis clear I must again make my presence felt upon the Earth... that mankind might learn anew the proper respect for... gods!”

She-Hulk, sneaking up behind for a surprise bear hug: “Is a hug respectful enough, Red?”

He blasts her off his back with electricity and she lands in a heap, smoking.

Oof.

Black Knight watched Namor and She-Hulk get brushed aside by Zeus with little effort and so hesitates to jump in himself. He’s just a dude in armor with an extremely cursed sword, after all.

He also wonders how things could possibly get worse. Because Dane is an idiot who loves to tempt fate.

In fairness though, the immediate response to that question is something that was already ongoing so he can’t really be blamed for it.

Healed from his coma, Hercules has apparently been driven into a berserker rage. Despite Captain America’s fears that Hercules isn’t in his right mind and doesn’t recognize the Avengers, Hercules claims he does know them... AS ENEMIES!

Dammit, Prometheus!

Follow @essential-avengers because. Like and reblog also because. Do it for Cap’s shattered femurs.

#essential avengers #avengers #Olympians #Zeus #Captain Marvel #Monica Rambeau #Thor #namor mckenzie #She Hulk #the Wasp #Captain America #Black Knight #Doctor Druid #for some reason #Hercules #Prometheus #essential marvel liveblogging #drat sky father level gods are so hard to punch out

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kittieshauntedourfantasy · 10 months

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What is your favorite Poptropica Island and Why? Super Villain island, Escape from Pelican Rock and Survival are my top three.

Ghost Story Island. I ADORE it. The characters are interesting, the plot is good, and the overall vibe is really cool (to me). Fiona was a girlboss 🥰

#Poptropica #ask #anonymousfoz #ghost story island

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thecrappyportalmaster · 11 months

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I was today years old when I learned that the Escape From Pelican Rock island in poptropica was based on the VERY REAL 1962 ESCAPE ATTEMPT FROM ALCATRAZ

#like what?!#this is bizarre #poptropica #escape from pelican rock #alcatraz

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lookslikethatsallthetimewehave · 2 months

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For Black History Month, I draw one black Poptropica character a day.

Today is Pat McGonagle from Escape from Pelican Rock Island!

Pat (aka Patches) was arrested for grand theft equine and unlicensed phrenology. They have been in Pelican Rock prison for so long, they are actually the first prisoner there. They found a bird with a broken wing and nursed it back to health.

#poptropica #poptropica fanart #pat mcgonagle #escape from pelican rock island #efpri #fanart #art #black history month #bhm

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neopronouns · 1 year

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mystermopic | timmyfailopic escapeliropic | monkeywropic

mystermopic: a gender related/connected to mystery of the map island from 'poptropica'

timmyfailopic: a gender related/connected to timmy failure island from 'poptropica'

escapeliropic: a gender related/connected to escape from pelican rock island from 'poptropica'

monkeywropic: a gender related/connected to monkey wrench island from 'poptropica'

[pt: mystermopic: a gender related/connected to mystery of the map island from 'poptropica'

timmyfailopic: a gender related/connected to timmy failure island from 'poptropica'

escapeliropic: a gender related/connected to escape from pelican rock island from 'poptropica'

monkeywropic: a gender related/connected to monkey wrench island from 'poptropica'. end pt]

here's the last set of islandopic terms! there's a handful of even newer islands, but i'm stopping here for now. each flag has yellow from the blimp at the top, blue from the poptropica logo at the bottom, and a (desaturated/lightened) color from the map separating those from the rest of the stripes. the inner four stripes are taken from the islands' icons on the map.

the terms are: 'myster' from 'mystery', 'm' from 'map', + 'opic' from 'poptropica'; 'timmy', 'fail' from 'failure', + 'opic'; 'escape', 'peli' from 'pelican', 'ro' from 'rock', + 'opic'; and 'monkey', 'wr' from 'wrench', + 'opic'!

flag id: four flags with 8 stripes, with the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth being much larger than the rest. each flag has the same two top stripes, which are golden yellow and cream, and the same bottom two stripes, which are cream and sky blue.

the top left flag's middle four stripes, in order, are sky blue, faded red, faded brown, and light sandy brown. the top right flag's middle four stripes, in order, are very dark dull sky blue, red, off-white, and faded yellow-green. the bottom left flag's middle four stripes, in order, are dull brown, light yellowish-grey, faded yellow-green, and dark dull golden yellow. the bottom right flag's middle four stripes, in order, are dark dull sky blue, darker golden yellow, caramel brown, and faded green. end id.

banner id: a 1600x200 teal banner with the words ‘please read my dni before interacting. those on my / dni may still use my terms, so do not recoin them.’ in large white text in the center. the text takes up two lines, split at the slash. end id.

dni link

#mystermopic #timmyfailopic #escapeliropic #monkeywropic #poptropicenic #islandopic #fictigender #my flags #my terms #new flag #new term #mogai flag #mogai term #mogai #potential eyestrain

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krabmeat · 2 years

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DDUDUEUUS POPTROPICA WAS MY ENTIRE CHILDHOOD I SWEARRR THAT AND ANIMAL JAM

LETS FUCKINGGGGG GOOOOOOOO DEACY YOU KNOW GOOD SHIT WHEN YOU SEE IT BLESS YOUR HEART OMFG WHAT WERE YOUR FAVORITE ISLANDS I PLAYED ESCAPE FROM PELICAN ROCK, SURVIVAL AND ATLANTIS A LOT IT WAS SOOOO GOOOOODDDD

#krabs kommunicating #tw caps #moot pog

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chocolatedetectivehottub · 2 months

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Best tours in mauritania,

Nestled on the western edge of the African continent, Mauritania is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This enchanting country boasts a rich tapestry of landscapes, from endless stretches of desert to vibrant coastal areas. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Mauritania offers a myriad of unique and unforgettable experiences. Here, we unveil the best tours in Mauritania that promise to immerse you in the country's captivating beauty and culture.

Chinguetti: The Ancient City in the Sands One of Mauritania's most remarkable destinations is Chinguetti, an ancient city situated on the fringes of the Sahara Desert. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chinguetti is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including ancient libraries and mosques. Visitors can explore the narrow, labyrinthine streets, and witness the mesmerizing spectacle of golden sand dunes encroaching upon the city.

Banc d'Arguin National Park: A Haven for Wildlife For nature enthusiasts, Banc d'Arguin National Park is a must-visit. This UNESCO-listed site spans over 12,000 square kilometers, encompassing a diverse range of ecosystems, from coastal wetlands to sandy islands. The park is a crucial habitat for migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and terns. Boat tours offer a unique perspective, allowing visitors to witness the abundant birdlife and possibly spot dolphins and dugongs.

Nouakchott: Capital City Vibes Explore the lively capital city of Nouakchott, where traditional Mauritanian culture meets modern urban life. Visit the bustling markets, such as the Marché Capitale, to experience the vibrant colors and flavors of Mauritanian cuisine. The National Museum and the Presidential Palace are also worth a visit for those interested in the country's history and political landscape.

Adrar Region: Desert Adventures For an authentic desert experience, head to the Adrar Region, known for its stunning landscapes and ancient caravan routes. Take a camel trek into the heart of the Sahara, where you'll be surrounded by towering sand dunes and the silence of the desert. The Ben Amira dune, offering panoramic views, and the mysterious Maaden Ijill, an ancient archaeological site, are highlights of this region.

Terjit Oasis: A Refreshing Respite Escape the desert heat and discover the Terjit Oasis, a hidden paradise nestled in the Adrar Mountains. Surrounded by palm trees and lush vegetation, this oasis is a welcome retreat. Relax by the natural spring pools, surrounded by stunning rock formations, and savor the tranquility of this desert haven.

Conclusion: Mauritania, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences for intrepid travelers. From ancient cities in the desert to vibrant coastal ecosystems, the best tours in Mauritania offer a unique blend of history, nature, and adventure. Embrace the allure of this hidden gem and embark on a journey to discover the wonders that await in this enchanting West African nation.

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petnews2day · 1 year

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Welcoming our winged friends: Bird sanctuaries to visit this winter | Travel

New Post has been published on https://petnews2day.com/pet-news/bird-news/welcoming-our-winged-friends-bird-sanctuaries-to-visit-this-winter-travel/

Welcoming our winged friends: Bird sanctuaries to visit this winter | Travel

Winter brings in the chill and the draught. But it also brings with it a host of the flight beauties who travel from far and wide. Escaping the low temperatures, these birds travel in search of warmer zones. Every year, hundreds of species of birds migrate to India to escape the freezing cold in their breeding regions.

This year marks the 126th birth year of Dr Salim Ali. Known as the Birdman of India, he was responsible for conducting the first bird survey surveys across the country. Ahead of his birth anniversary on November 12, here’s a look at some of the bird watching destinations in India.

A flock of Flamingos is seen at Nal Sarovar bird sanctuary in India, the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

Nal Sarovar bird sanctuary, Gujarat

Nal Sarovar, located 60km from Ahmedabad, is one of the biggest bird sanctuaries in India. It was declared a bird sanctuary in April 1969 and a Ramsar site in 2012. Known for its wetland vegetation, this 120 sq km avifauna sanctuary offers an opportunity to spot numerous seasonal and resident birds and other fauna. Birders and Nature lovers, can hire a boat to roam around the lake and spot different birds.

Birds found here : Rosy pelicans, Flamingoes and Brahminy Ducks

How to reach: The nearest railway station is Viramgam, which is 40 km away.

Entry fee: ₹75 per person

Timing: 6am to 5.30pm

Best time to visit: November to February

(Shutterstock)

Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, Odisha

Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is a part of the Chilika Lake, India’s largest brackish water lagoon. Spanning over an area of 15.53 sq kms it is known for the large green spaces of land that are the refuge points of several migratory birds that flock here every year.The lake was designated as “Wetland of International Importance” in the year 1981. The sanctuary was declared a bird sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 and is 15.53 km sq. Tourism is not allowed in the sanctuary however tourists visiting the Kalijai temple can take a boat ride to the Chilika lake and have a glimpse of the sanctuary. During the monsoon, the entire Nalaban island is submerged. This tiny island supports congregation of about 60% of total migratory birds visiting Chilika lagoon each year

Birds found here: Flamingoes, Goliath Heron, Egrets, Raptors

How to reach :The nearest airport is Bhubaneshwar taht is 105km from Barkul and the nearest railways station is in Balugaonthat is 6km away from Barkul, from there you can take a boat.

Entry fee: Free

Timing: 6am to 6pm

Best time to visit: November to March

The Karnala bird sanctuary in Navi Mumbai, India (Bachchan Kumar/ Hindustan Times)

Karnala bird sanctuary, Maharashtra

Established in 1968 and located in Panvel district, this sanctuary covers an area of 12.11sqkm and is one of three bird sanctuaries in the state. The place gets it name due to the Karnala fort that is present in its midst and from a rock that is in the shape of a loudspeaker or a karn in Marathi. The fort dates back to the early 1400 and was built by the Devagiri Yadavas and the Tughlaq rulers. It has 150 resident and 70 migratory species.

Birds found here: blackbird, blue headed rock thrush, bluethroat, red-breasted flycatcher, blackhead cuckoo, magpie robin, paradise flycatcher,

How to reach: the nearest airport is in Mumbai which is 52 km away. Closest railways station is in panvel

Cost: adult ₹30, and child ₹15

Timing: from 7am to 3pm

Best time to visit: October to February

Birding at the Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan (AFP)

Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan

A former duck-hunting reserve visited by Maharajas and during the british raj, it was it was established in 1850s. this national park is located in bharatpur in rajasthan and is a haven for bird enthusistats previously known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and later changed to the Keoladeo National Park. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. Birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia make their way to this part. There are around 364 species of birds that live in this park that covers 28.73 sq km.

Birds found here: painted stork, Siberian crane. Greater Spotted Eagle and Imperial Eagle, herons, ibis, cormorants, spoonbills, storks

how to reach: nearest airport is situated at Agra, which is 56-kms from Bharatpur. Regular rail services connect Bharatpur with all the major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Agra. The Bharatpur railway station is about 5 Kms from the park/bird sanctuary.

Cost: 75 for Indian tourists and Rs. 500 for foreign visitors

Timing: 6am to 5pm

Best time to visit: November to March.

(Shutterstock)

Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, Andhra pradesh

It is Located near the village of Nelapattu in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. It is made up of a total land area of 458.92 hectares. The farmers of the villages and their feathered friends share a special relationship where their waste matter acts as a natural fertilizer for the crops and the villagers in turn protect the birds.They govt also has a Flamingo Festival every year in order to help boost tourism to the Pulicat Lake which is india’s second largest salt lake and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary. It is home to 189 bird species out of which 50 are migratory species.

Birds found here: black-headed ibis, Asian openbill, black-crowned night heron, and little cormorant, in addition to the spot-billed pelican. Northern pintail, common teal, little grebe, northern shoveler, Eurasian coot, Indian spot-billed duck, grey heron, Oriental darter, black-winged stilt, garganey, and gadwall

how to reach: Nellore to nelapattu distance is 82.4 km

Cost: Adults INR 2 Per Person, For Kids INR 1 and For Foreigners INR 400.

Timing: 8am to 5pm

Best time to visit: October – March

The enterance to the Dr Salim Ali Bird sanctuary (Shutterstock)

Dr Salim Ali bird sanctuary, Goa

Named after famed ornithologist Dr Salim Ali, this sanctuary is located in Charoa Island, goa. It is one of the smaller sanctuaries in the state at 1.8 square kilometers and to visit it, one needs to get prior permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden of the Forest Department, in Panaji. got its first recognition as a national park in 1988 by the Forest Department of Goa. It is an estuarine mangrove habitat and the area is covered by low mangrove forest. Although open throughout the year, it can be not advised to visit the place during the high tides via a boat. There are around 400 species of birds both local and migratory varieties.

Birds found here: Spotted Dove, Wood Sandpiper, Black-headed Ibis,

Indian Golden Oriole, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, purple herons, white egrets, eagles, kingfishers, coots and pintails

how to reach: To reach the island, tourists can take a bus or taxi to the Ribandar ferry wharf, cross the Mandovi River via ferry.

Cost: ₹10 for Indians, ₹100 for Foreign Tourists

Timing: 6am to 6pm

Best time to visit: Dec- Jan

Representational image (Shutterstock)

Sunderban National Park, West Bengal

The largest delta and mangrove forest in the world, the sunderabans is the meeting point of two of india’s largest rivers – ganga and bhramaputra. It is made up for 56 islands of mangrove forests and is unesco world heritage site. This park is known for its tiger population along with the its resident and migratory birds. It is home to over 300 bird species and is 10,000 sq km. the only way to explore the park is via a boat which starts at 8:30pm till 4:00 pm. The Sundarban National Park is a protected area

Birds found here: Lesser whistling duck, Mangrove whistler, Northern pintail, Fulvous-breasted woodpecker, Black-hooded oriole, Black-necked stork, Black-capped kingfisher, brown-winged kingfisher, Common flameback

how to reach: Sunderban National Park is Netaji Subhash International Airport at Dumdum, Kolkata, which is on an average 112 kilometers away from the National Park. The nearest railway station link is Canning. It is approximately 48 kilometers away. Sunderbans are mostly approached by riverine transportation and are adopted as the best way to connect. Motorboats to travel to Sunderbans can be hired from Namkhana, Sagar Island, Sajnekhali, Sonakhali and Raidighi.

Cost: INR 60 for Indians and INR 200 for International Tourists

Timing: 7 am to 5 pm

Best time to visit: dececmber to February

Tips for birding

Inputs by Dr Suman Pratihar, zoologist and assistant professor, Sukumar Sengupta College, West Bengal

1.Begin your day early in the morning, from 5am to 8am, as this the best time for birdwatching and when the movement will be highest.

2.Avoid using bright clothes when going on a bird watching expedition as they will distract the birds. Opt for black, grey, brown, or camoflage.

3. One way to find out if the bird is male is to look at it plummage, especially during mating season when the colours of the feathers will change and become brighter.

4.Carry binoculars, a camera with a good zoom lens, book, and pen with you when you go birding. Also carry a book of bird that are common to the area to help you in its identification.

5.When recording you observations, remember to file this data – area or place, time, season, longitude and latitude, and the total number of birds you have spotted of each species. This information is valuable to create accurate trend reports on the species.

#Bird News

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