01-NOV-2014
Off The Launch Pad!
I visited Delta Ponds and saw several kinds of birds. Occasionally we see a few Great Egrets. I came upon one below a footbridge and worked my way up to the end of the bridge to get some pictures. All of a sudden, the egret flew up on the bridge itself, perching on the handrail! I was able to capture this shot as it took off. What a beauty it is!
31-OCT-2014
Teasel Dried Head (Dipsacus)
I loved the lighting on this teasel head. It seems to make each spine stand out and the graceful curve of the bracts adds to the beauty. It may be a dried head, but I think it is beautiful.
FROM WIKIPEDIA:
"The genus name is derived from the word for thirst and refers to the cup-like formation made where sessile leaves merge at the stem. Rain water can collect in this receptacle; this may perform the function of preventing sap-sucking insects such as aphids from climbing the stem. A recent experiment has shown that adding dead insects to these cups increases the seedset of teasels (but not their height), implying partial carnivory."
"The seeds are an important winter food resource for some birds, notably the European Goldfinch. Teasels are often grown in gardens and encouraged on some nature reserves to attract them. Teasel is also considered an invasive species in the United States."
30-OCT-2014
Well, I Thought I Saw A Fish!
This Great Blue Heron was fishing in the Alton Baker Pond. It never caught anything while I was there watching it. Here it has just made a strike and came up with nothing. I wish it well!
29-OCT-2014
Source of Power
I thought it was interesting that these power poles seem to go right to the source of real power, the Sun!
In truth, solar energy seems to have been underdeveloped. It is an unlimited source of power. Anyway, in this shot I saw the power line drawing its energy from the sun. Sorry, I got carried away. :)
28-OCT-2014
The American Wigeon Is Here!
The American Wigeons are back in Delta Ponds. My 'Birds of Oregon' book says they are herefrom Fall till Spring. I look forward to seeing them for a while. There are quite a few here already. I think they are such pretty birds. The stripe that goes from the eye to the back and down the head is bright green on some, different shades on others, as seen in this photo.
27-OCT-2014
Foggy in the Valley
This is a view east toward the Cascades from Fox Hollow Road. It's foggy in the valley. :)
26-OCT-2014
Luscious Yellow
I thought this day lily growing along the sidewalk was such a beauty, just luscious! We still seem to have some coming out, even in October. I even saw a rhododendron with blossoms on it. I am delighted when I find one in great light like this one.
25-OCT-2014
Wait, There's Supposed to be Four in This Sculpture!
This sculpture in downtown Eugene is a tribute to author, Ken Kesey, who grew up on Eugene. There are four figures in the sculpture, three children and the storyteller, Ken Kesey. As I came on the scene, I recognized there was an extra figure. So I approached and shot the picture. I felt a bit sad for the homeless person. There were others back behind me and I figured they were all together. So I quietly walked away.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCULPTURE:
The Storyteller - Ken Kesey Memorial, 2003
Broadway Plaza, Eugene, Oregon
24-OCT-2014
Kailey
Kailey is one of our granddaughters. She has done some modeling, one shoot for a TV ad for Coca Cola. In this shot I think we got a Marilyn Monroe type look, IMHO. Her hair color is part of her modeling persona.
23-OCT-2014
(Greyhound) Bus
This Greyhound Bus station sits locked up and deserted in the early morning hours. I don't think we even have Greyhound Bus service any more. The windows in the bus terminal are all papered over. Alone in the dark it looks a bit appealing to me.
22-OCT-2014
Scary Store Window
I saw this in downtown Eugene in a store window. Gotta love that spider!
21-OCT-2014
Out On A Limb
I was pleased to see a couple Great Egrets at Delta Ponds this morning! This one posed for me on a branch of this old tree! So I tipped my hat and slowly walked away! :)
