18-FEB-2015
My Walk Along The River
I enjoyed my walk along the McKenzie River on the trail that borders Armitage Park. The grass and the moss covered rocks along the trail were vivid green and stood out against the browns and reds of the vegetation and fallen leaves. The day was a bit gloomy but the landscape added most welcome color. It was a good walk.
19-FEB-2015
Taking Off!
While I was watching this cormorant, it decided to take off. Since I had the camera ready I was able to capture lift off. I really like the appearance of the wing, the color and the detail.
20-FEB-2015
I Heard a Bird Singing!
I heard a bird singing and wondered what it had to say.
That little bird was wishing me a nice sunny day.
I thanked it for its song and went upon my way,
knowing the little bird would keep singing come what may!
Now I hope that you hear the bird sing without any pay.
He has a song in his heart, he's just made that way.
(Poem by Vern Rogers)
"Spotted Towhees have a fairly simple song,,,,,,It lasts about 1.5 seconds. The song starts with one or two (up to eight) short introductory notes and then a fast trill that can sound like a taut rubber band being plucked, or a piece of paper stuck into a fan. Some Spotted Towhee songs have just the trill phrase only." (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds) To hear their song -
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/spotted_towhee/sounds
21-FEB-2015
A Peach of a Pair!
Bald Eagle pair at Delta Ponds. This is likely the pair that nests on Skinner Butte. The nest, on top of a tree, is huge! Here is a video about the nest there -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nq061p10rU Check it out, worth watching!
Below is some information about eagle life history and reproduction:
"Bald eagles are solitary, but monogamous animals. Although they spend winters and migrations alone, bald eagles maintain the same breeding pair year after year. A mated eagle pair finds a nesting site and produces offspring each year. If one of the pair dies, the surviving bald eagle will look for a new mate in the next breeding season. The nests are built on the tops of trees. The pair uses sticks and twigs to construct a platform nest. Some pairs return to the same nest the following year. Bald eagles normally lay two or three eggs. The eggs are incubated for about 35 days. Depending on the location, the eggs are laid in the winter or spring." - (Quoted from National Wildlife Federation website -
https://www.nwf.org/wildlife/wildlife-library/birds/bald-eagle.aspx)
22-FEB-2015
Moon Slice +
A couple nights ago, on the 20th, I saw a slice of the moon showing in the evening sky. It was beautiful, but what also caught my attention were the two other objects to the left of the moon. I believe on is a planet, not sure just what the other is. The newspaper the next day had a shot of the same scene. and told what the two other objects were. I noted it and then forgot about it. Now I can't find it, and I am upset with myself. Does anyone know the identities of the other two objects? Note: I learned the lower larger body is Venus and the small upper one is Mars! Thanks to Andy, Steve and Ken!
The photograph was made handheld with my Nikon 1 V2 and Nikon 1 70-300mm VR lens. The small sensor did a good job, but one of my larger cameras with long lens on a tripod would likely have done better with more detail. But still, the scene is just what I saw.
23-FEB-2015
Professional Hunter
Today's photo is an image of the master hunter, the Great Blue Heron, with its prey, a bullfrog, at Delta Ponds. I could see that the heron was quite involved with its task along the edge if a pond. Patience has its rewards. I had to wait on the ready for a while before anything happened. But then so did the heron!
24-FEB-2015
Ferns in the Forest
The forest at Dorris Ranch is a beautiful place to walk. It lies between the filbert (hazelnut) orchards and the Willamette River! It is so quiet (one sees few other hikers), a place where a person can get lost in their thoughts, an opportunity to reflect on the wonders of nature. I find the remarkable balance and design in nature very humbling to contemplate.I very much enjoyed this scene.
25-FEB-2015
String of Pearls
The water drops on this spider web at Alton Baker park looked so beautiful. To me, they looked like a string of pearls.
26-FEB-2015
Morning Along the Willamette River
Clearwater Park is a good place for morning views of the Willamette River, especially when there is some fog. I thought the colors in this scene were quite pleasing.
Clearwater Park has been around for 50 years. It is maintained by Willamalane Park District in Springfield, and is a great for photo walks. For some information about the park, go here -
http://willamalane.org/park/clearwater-park/
27-FEB-2015
Eagle Eye
I've seen eagles at Delta Ponds more this year, which is great! This one appears to be intently watching something below. It is a real compliment to say someone is as sharp-eyed as an eagle. Their eyesight is amazing. They can spot prey from high in the air and at a good distance. There is an eagle's nest on Skinner Butte and I imagine they will soon be nesting in it.
28-FEB-2015
Wild Flowers at Delta Ponds
These wild flowers looked especially pretty on a sunny day. I would appreciate knowing the ID if anyone can help me out.
Ah, THANKS so much to those who identified the plant as a wild flowering Currant!
01-MAR-2015
Water Trough
When American Coots take off they may appear to be running on water. At other times these fast birds move so quickly that they leave a trough of water behind. I was able to capture this interesting occurrence at Delta Ponds.