This is my entry into the Lens-Artists Challenge, a weekly photography challenge on WordPress. In this week’s challenge, Journeys with Johnbo challenges us to: Pick a Word – choose a word that fits your topic and select three or four appropriate photos to share. (Head’s up, I chose 9 photos. Because I’m a rule breaker that way.)
My word is auspices.
The word auspices comes from the Latin, auspex, meaning, bird-seer. In ancient Rome, priests (sometimes called augurs), based their prophecies on the flight and feeding patterns of birds. The English word, auspice, originally referred to this practice of observing birds to discover omens. Today, the word auspices is more often used to mean patronage or support, or a favorable sign or circumstance.
Could I have just chosen the word, bird? Sure, but then you wouldn’t have had this super fun Sunday morning vocabulary builder.
Anyway, here are some auspices for you:
My entire (work in progress) photography portfolio can be found here.
If you would like to participate in the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here for more info. And don’t forget to link back to the host in your post.
Cheers!
You’ve taught me a new definition for a word I thought I knew. Good word choice, and photo gallery!
Some very nice auspice pictures there 🙂
Thanks, Steve!
A new word and a beautiful set of images, what a great gift you’ve given us! What is the bird in the middle of the bottom image? It’s amazing!
Thank you, Tina! That bird is a black swan. I took that picture in Normandy, France. He was mesmerizing!!
Cool post and I’ve learnt something too! Augurs (augurio) are bad omens in Portuguese, nice to know where the word comes from!
Oh how nice to know a Portuguese tie-in, as well! Cheers!
Great photos. Question. I want to refer your blog in a post I write when I receive my white port in the mail, and make a Porto tonic! I think I understand that you’re not a sommelier (you obviously don’t work in a restaurant) but how do I refer you to readers?
Honestly, easiest way is to say sommelier. I have a Diploma in Wine & Spirits from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust in London. The Diploma certification is roughly equivalent to an Advanced Sommelier under the Court of Master Sommeliers. WSET has an education/teaching focus, whereas CMS has a service (restaurant) focus. I hope that helps??
Thank you for the ‘lesson’ as I only knew the usual meaning of ‘auspices’ ! My favourite of your bird photos is that of the flamingoes – it somehow looks to me as if ‘he is telling her off’ 🙂 ! Yup, have somewhat of an imagination!!!
I took that picture in the south of France. I’ve always loved flamingoes – and they were such a hoot to watch!
Thank you for the clarification of ‘sommelier’ – I would not have been able to differentiate until now either!
Rule breaker. Love it. Go break some more. 😂