01-NOV-2013
River Otter
I got a chance to see some River Otters at Delta Ponds. It was quite a thrill because I don't believe I have seen one before.
North American river otter from Wikipedia -
"The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 31 lb). The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur.
The river otter, a member of the weasel family, is equally versatile in the water and on land. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. Female otters give birth in these underground burrows, producing litters of one to six young.
North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. Fish is a favored food among the otters, but they also consume various amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. Instances of river otters eating small mammals and occasionally birds have been reported as well.
The range of the North American river otter has been significantly reduced by habitat loss, beginning with the European colonization of North America. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their pelts. River otters are very susceptible to environmental pollution, which is a likely factor in the continued decline of their numbers. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help stabilize the reduction in the overall population."
31-OCT-2013
Getting Acquainted
While walking at Delta Ponds this morning, I noticed someone standing at the end of a pedestrian bridge. I walked down to investigate and saw that he had worked up very close to a Great Blue Heron that landed on the bridge railing. It looked like they were getting acquainted. Naturally, I took the opportunity to capture some pictures. This is quite unusual, that such birds stand still long enough to get close. Paul and I walked to a few different spots after this, and all of the herons and egrets we saw flew away if we got very close.
It was great getting acquainted with Paul myself. We exchanged information and will stay in touch. Paul is a fine photographer himself and I look forward seeing more of his photos.
30-OCT-2013
Boater on Dexter Lake
Some of what we call lakes here are actually reservoirs behind flood control dams. This is the case of Dexter Lake which stands behind Dexter Dam on the Willamette River about 25 miles from Eugene. The lake is often used for recreation and as a practice site for the University of Oregon rowing team. I went to school in Lowell which now sits along the shore of Dexter Lake. It wasn't there when I went to school there.
This photo of a boater on Dexter Lake is made more dramatic by the early morning light.
29-OCT-2013
Elephant Ears (Colocasia)
"Colocasia is a genus of 25 or more species of flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to tropical Polynesia and southeastern Asia. Common names include Elephant-ear, Taro, Cocoyam, Dasheen, Chembu, and Eddoe. Elephant-ear and Cocoyam are also used for some other large-leaved genera in the Araceae, notably Xanthosoma and Caladium. The generic name is derived from the ancient Greek word kolokasion which in the Greek botanist Dioscorides (1st century AD) meant the edible roots of both Colocasia esculenta and Nelumbo nucifera. It is thought that the edible roots of Colocasia esculenta have been cultivated in Asia for more than ten thousand years." - (Wikipedia)
28-OCT-2013
The Java Hut!
As you can see, I am heading for an early morning latte! Mmm, mmm good!
27-OCT-2013
Framed!
I talked Carol into posing for me in one of the stalls at the stables. These are the stalls used for Angie's horses. I liked how she is framed. :)
26-OCT-2013
Early Morning at Dexter Dam
Dexter Dam sits on the Willamette River across Hwy 58 from Dexter, OR. The small town of Lowell sits along the shores of Dexter Lake, which is used for University of Oregon rowing team. It's a beautiful recreation area. Above Dexter Dam and Dexter Lake lies the bigger Lookout Point Dam.
25-OCT-2013
Mt. Washington, Oregon Cascades
A view of Mt Washington from the Santiam Pass.
"Mount Washington is a deeply eroded shield volcano in the Cascade Range of Oregon. The mountain dates to the Late Pleistocene. However, it does have a line of basaltic andesite spatter cones on its northeast flank which are approximately 1,330 years old according to carbon dating. The main peak is a volcanic plug that was heavily eroded.." (Wikipedia)
24-OCT-2013
Bike Riding in Eugene
Eugene Oregon is a bicycle friendly city. Notice what the City of Eugene website has to say about provisions for bike riding -
"Eugene's growing bicycle network includes:
•42 miles of shared-use paths,
•81 miles of on-street bicycle lanes,
•35 miles of signed bikeways, and
•5 bicycle/pedestrian bridges spanning the Willamette River
•2 bicycle/pedestrian bridges spanning major roads or highways"
23-OCT-2013
Carol and Cloud
Carol and I went with Angie, our oldest daughter, to the stables where she boards her horses. Cloud, an Arabian/Appaloosa mix and a gorgeous horse, belongs to Carol, with an assist from Angie, who is his trainer. Carol loves to visit him, as you can see here.
Photo shot before I dropped and damaged my 'new' beloved D1x. Pretty much destroyed a Tamron 18-270 VC lens too.
22-OCT-2013
Laughing Tree
I came across this tree while walking along the river. Never could figure out what it was laughing about. :)
21-OCT-2013
Ambitious Spider!
I think the spider here took on a bit too much, and left before finishing. What do you think?