Weekly Photo Challenge: Layers

The Weekly Photo Challenge from the folks on The Daily Post at http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/11/15/weekly-photo-challenge-layers/ is Layers. I was almost tempted to rush out and buy a layer cake for the purposes of illustrating this subject but found it rather difficult to justify the purchase of yet another dessert this week.

Waterbirds have several layers of feathers including the top, contour feathers which form a protection against the water, down feathers which provide insulation and flight feathers found on the bird’s tail and wings.

Layers of herbs growing from a wall in the Children’s Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Layers of petals on a dahlia in the Circle Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Everybody knows you need to dress in plenty of layers to survive a Chicago winter.

Layers of wood stacked and ready for those cold winter days.

The fur of the polar bear has two layers, a thick underfur and a top layer of guard hairs.

Layers of autumn leaves cover the forest floor at River Trails Nature Center.

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Travel Theme: Relaxing

Ailsa’s Travel Theme challenge this week on Where’s My Backpack at http://wheresmybackpack.com/2013/09/27/travel-theme-relaxing/ is Relaxing.

I’m sure that most, if not all, these animals only look as though they’re relaxing. Invade their space or make one false move and they would instantly be on the alert.

These pictures were taken by me at Brookfield Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, Elk Grove, Schaumburg and Chicago, all in Illinois, and in Columbus, Indiana, but not necessarily in that order. Photography, like gardening, is, for me, very relaxing.

The Polar Express

Swimming Freestyle (Blue)