Images Dated 20th December 2009

Red Squirrel - feeds actively on sunflower seeds

Red Squirrel - feeds actively on sunflower seeds left by people in bird-feeders (Sciurus vulgaris L.). parkland woods near Ekateringburg - Ural Mountains - Russia. ruffles up its fur to keep warm at -35 degrees celsius - loses fear of people due to hunger in freezing weather - Winter - December

© Andrey Zvoznikov / ardea.com

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Shadows from the dead Camel thorn Acacia trees fall onto the ancient clay surface of Deadvlei at sunrise. Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Beautiful shadows from the dead Camel thorn Acacia trees fall onto the ancient clay surface of Deadvlei at sunrise creating a beautiful array of stark contrasts against the red sand dunes towering in the background. The clay pan of Dead Vlei was formed after rainfall when the Tsauchab river flooded creating temporary shallow pools where the abundance of water allowed these camel thorn (Acacia) trees to grow. The climate eventually changed and drought hit the area. The large red sand dunes eventually encroached on the pan which blocked the river from the area eventually causing the trees to die

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Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithful during the Angelus prayer from a windows of his private apartment at the Vatican December 20, 2009. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (VATICAN - Tags: RELIGION)

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