While walking along the lapidarium of the city museum in Villach (Stadtmuseum Villach), I came across this dog who obviously loved to be among all these ancient pieces.
Category: Animals
Praying mantis vs. Styrian praying lacewing
I am a sucker for wrought ironwork. On a walk through Graz, I discovered this image of a praying mantis (Mantis religiosa) as a decoration on a house entrance. What might have been the motivation for this work of art? [German]
Lipizzaner in Lipica
At the Lipica stud farm, I watched a couple of Lipizzaner dashing around in the wild. Actually, the name of the horse breed originates from this Slovenian stud located near the border to Italy.
Mausoleum in Dessau-Roßlau
The mausoleum once served as a burial ground for the Dukes of Anhalt. It was built in the years 1894/98 according to plans by Franz Schwechten. Today the building is surrounded by a zoological garden. Together with the neighbouring Georgium, it forms a recreational area for the citizens of Dessau-Roßlau. [German]
Aquarium Berlin
This illustration of a Triceratops is one of several animal representations on the outer walls of the Aquarium Berlin. The building on the grounds of the Zoological Garden in the Tiergarten district dates back to 1913. [German]
Struggling oryxes in Salzburg
While walking through the zoo of Salzburg, I came across this pair of struggling oryxes. I love the symmetry of their horns in the depicted situation. You find the Salzburg zoo next to a big rock. That way, guests see some animals in a rugged setting.
Fantail pigeon at Wartburg Castle in Eisenach
This fabulous breed of pigeons lives within the walls of Wartburg Castle in Eisenach. According to legend, this breed was part of the dowry Elisabeth of Hungary brought to the castle after her wedding with Louis IV, Landgrave of Thuringia.
Sundheimer Huhn at Zeche Zollern
In earlier times German miners used to have a small garden for vegetable and animals behind their homes. While strolling around a mining settlement next to the colliery Zeche Zollern I came across this special breed of chickens. In German they are called Sundheimer.
Shropshire sheep in Schlierbach
In Schlierbach, I met the Shropshire sheep the first time. These sheep are known for loving grass but not nibbling at trees. So they are ideal for keeping grass short in fruit farms and Christmas tree plantations. Best lawnmower ever.
Free running piglets in Schlierbach
In Schlierbach I had the chance to speak with the founder of SPES who is also a local organic farmer. While visiting his farm next to my hotel I came across these free running piglets. Well, the operative word is running! As you can see it was pretty difficult to get my camera ready on time.
The cat at the ice cream shop
Cute! A cat observing people in front of an ice cream shop in my native town Graz, Austria. I wonder what it is thinking right at that moment. Any ideas?
Storks in Deutschkreutz
A trip through Burgenland wouldn’t be complete without taking photos of storks. One can see their nests on many roofs in the easternmost state of Austria. Coincidentally, I found the nest with the most storks on top of a house that bore the name Burgenland.