RitchieMichael

Hello friends, AGRICOLA (AGRICultural OnLine Access) is a bibliographic database of citations to the agricultural literature created by the National Agricultural Library and its cooperators. The database covers materials in all formats, including printed works from the 15th century. The records describe publications and resources encompassing all aspects of agriculture and allied disciplines, including animal and veterinary sciences, entomology, plant sciences, forestry, aquaculture and fisheries, farming, agricultural economics, extension and education, food and human nutrition and earth and environmental sciences. Thanks a lot Ritchie Michael Wildlife Photographer

Hello friends, Manta rays are usually found in tropic waters, but they migrate to different places each year. Manta rays are the largest species of ray and are also called the giant ray. However, the manta ray does not have a stinger like other rays. The manta ray's versatile feeding habits help them survive and evolve. Manta rays are filter feeders. Manta rays suck plankton filled water through their mouths, filter it, then lets the water out of their body through their gills. Manta rays also use lobes on either side of their mouth to help get food inside their mouth. Food is kept inside the manta rays mouth by small plates that are part of the rays gills. The food sticks to the plates instead of being flushed out of the rays body with excess water. Thanks and Regards Ritchie Michael

Hello friends, Paper planes range in style and design anywhere from simplistic to complex, from primitive to elegant. The manta paper plane is one of the simplest designs and is among the easiest to make. It is named after the manta ray sea creature, whose shape it resembles. While not all paper planes fly effectively, the spare design of the manta paper plane flies with a graceful glide, much like its namesake glides through the oceans. Thank you Ritchie Michael

Hello friends, Manta rays, the largest ray species, can reach more than 25 feet across at the wingtips and weigh as much as two and a half tons. These bottom feeders are found in tropical waters, usually around coral reefs. Mantas reproduce by laying eggs, which are kept inside the female's body until they hatch and are born, giving the appearance of a live birth. Females have one or two pups per litter and gestation is 13 months. Flattened Body Shape Manta rays, which were derived from stingrays, maintain the same flattened body shape as their earlier ancestors. This shape facilitates bottom feeding on plankton, crustaceans and small fish, and allows the mantas to hide in the sediment along the ocean floor, to avoid being discovered by predators. Wings Often referred to as wings, manta rays have powerful triangular pectoral fins that are wing-like in appearance. Mantas undulate these wings to propel them through the water. These wings enable them to flip and perform somersaults in the water. Cephalic Lobes Also called cephalic fins -- cephalic lobes -- located on either side of a manta's mouth, are extensions of the pectoral fins. They are rolled inward when a manta is swimming, to reduce drag, and flattened outward for eating. Their purpose is to act like a scoop and help move water containing plankton and tiny crustaceans toward the manta's mouth. Cartilaginous Skeleton The skeleton of the manta ray is fully cartilaginous, meaning a ray literally does not have one bone in its entire body. Cartilage is more flexible and less rigid than bone, which provides more freedom of movement for the ray. Thank you Ritchie Michael

Hi all, Best wishes to all Becoming a wildlife photographer takes dedication, a well-developed eye for nature and the ability to catch motion. Individuals looking to become wildlife photographers need a degree in photography or photojournalism. Between 2008 and 2018, photojournalism is expected to experience a 12-percent growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entering the field--which is mostly freelance-based--offers rewarding experiences for aspiring wildlife photographers. Typically earned at a community college, the associate's degree in photography gives aspiring wildlife photographers basic skills that will help them enter the wildlife photography field. Classes teach students how to use camera equipment, film development, photo enhancement, and light and composition. Earning an associate's degree takes about two years. According to World Wide Learn, an associate's degree states that a student has not completed all the required credits necessary to earn a bachelor's degree. However, students with an associate's degree can enroll in a bachelor's degree program to complete the credit hours necessary to earn a bachelor's. An associate's degree in photography signifies to Thanks a lot Ritchie Michael

Hello all, We have done a number of Indonesian dive trips with Reef Wreck and Critter; Komodo a few times and North Sulawesi including Lembeh Strait, Bangka Islands and Bunaken. The logistics of a Reef Wreck and Critter live-aboard trip run like clock-work due to Jeff and Dawn’s preparation and local knowledge (and speaking Indonesian helps). The diving is always spot on, Jeff and Dawn have dived these areas since the early 80’s, they know the dive sites, currents etc. and it’s not unusual for them to be telling the local guides where to dive. I have never had a bad dive with them. When it comes to underwater photographic coaching I’m probably going to tell the same story as most others on here. My first session with Jeff was with a point and shoot camera many years ago and after one short session my photos improved out of sight. I’ve since gone to a DSLR and done further sessions with Jeff and it’s the same story, I just get better and better results each time. On the Reef Wreck and Critter live-aboard trips Jeff’s photographic help never stops, he is always available, always offering advise (even underwater), training Light room late into the night and often fixing gear for people. His experience in underwater photography is vast, and he shares it. Thanks and Regards Ritchie Michael Birth Of a Manta Ray

Hello all, Manta rays, the largest ray species, can reach more than 25 feet across at the wingtips and weigh as much as two and a half tons. These bottom feeders are found in tropical waters, usually around coral reefs. Mantas reproduce by laying eggs, which are kept inside the female's body until they hatch and are born, giving the appearance of a live birth. Females have one or two pups per litter and gestation is 13 months. Manta rays, which were derived from stingrays, maintain the same flattened body shape as their earlier ancestors. This shape facilitates bottom feeding on plankton, crustaceans and small fish, and allows the mantas to hide in the sediment along the ocean floor, to avoid being discovered by predators. Thanks and Regards Ritchie Michael Birth Of a Manta Ray

Best wishes to all, Hello I am Ritchie Michael a newcomer in the forum and looking for some informative discussion and I think the forum is full of stuff that is valuable for me. I am sure that I will learn from this forum. Hope for your cooperation and support. Thanks and Regards Ritchie Michael