30-APR-2016
Dainty Delight
I feel fortunate to see, and capture, this little beauty. I believe it is a female Ruby-crowned Kinglet. The name derives from the red patch on the male's head. They are described as having that white ring around the eye, with a tiny bill. The female lays such a large number of eggs for such a little bird, usually incubating from 5-9 eggs for 13 or 14 days. They are very active and difficult to catch still long enough for a photo. My Birds of Oregon book says that they are sometimes seen in streamside willows, and that is where I captured this photo, in Delta Ponds.
01-MAY-2016
Big and Small
These two Pond Turtles were enjoying a log in Delta Ponds, hopefully a parent and offspring. Pond Turtles are native to the area and one of the goals set for Delta Ponds by Eugene Parks was to improve in-stream and riparian habitat for a wide variety of species including the western pond turtle. One problem that has arisen is that some individuals evidently have released red-eared slider turtles in the Ponds, and these have multiplied to the point where they compete with the pond turtles for food sources. The red-eared slider is one of the most popular turtles sold in pet stores. It is sad when buyers can no longer keep them or tire of them, and turn them loose where they shouldn't be. Hopefully, these pond turtles will flourish at the ponds.
02-MAY-2016
Take Your Pick!
There is a small stove shop not far from our home that I passed on my walk this morning. It's an interesting place, with neat paintings on the windows, but what always stands out to me is the chimney display on the roof. So I decided to show it to you! :)
I forgot to reset the camera setting from those I use for wildlife. I wasn't afraid the chimneys would fly away! Ha!
03-MAY-2016
The Beauty of Clearwater Park
For the most part, I often go to Eugene to visit the fine parks for my photo walks. But this gem is in Springfield and I love my walks there too. This is one of many lovely scenes you can find if you look for them. You just have to explore a little bit to see the beauty of Clearwater Park, and then the satisfaction of capturing them is the reward. May you see beauty in the wonders of creation.
04-MAY-2016
Stilled Wings
I just can't get enough of those marvelous tiny creatures, the hummingbirds! They are so full of energy and perpetual motion. I feel a sense of accomplishment for having stilled the wings in this image of a beautiful Anna's Hummingbird! I know just where to go to find this one, having seen it at the same spot over a period of time. It is something I always look forward to when I walk at Delta Ponds.
05-MAY-2016
Bushtit Dining Out
This pretty little bird was in the middle of a bush, with its next meal in its beak. It is difficult to see, but it is clear that it is an insect of some kind. The lighting condition was not the best. Thanks to those who helped with the ID, I now know that this pretty bird is a Bushtit. I appreciate the feedback very much! I feel fortunate to get a picture of it considering its location.
06-MAY-2016
Looks Delicious!
The only way I could think of to describe this wild rose soaking in the sunlight is "delicious"! Somehow I find them more beautiful that a lot of domestic roses. Research on the Net revealed that this wild pink rose is the 'Wood's Rose', or sometimes called Western Wild Rose, or Mountain Rose.
These roses are edible – "All parts of the plant are edible except for the highly irritating hairs around the seeds, however the petals and fruit are most often used. The ripe rose hips are tart, flavorful, and a good source of vitamin C. The flower petals can be added to salads, but the bitter, white base of the petals should be removed first. Tea can be made with the dried fruit, bark, young stems, or leaves." (
http://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/3214/rosa-woodsii-woods-rose/)
All in all, a wonderful part of our landscape. Locally, they are now in full bloom in Delta Ponds, as well as elsewhere in the Willamette Valley and the mountains.
07-APR-2016
Flower in the Forest
I took a walk in the forest at Dorris Ranch and came across this flower, actually an abundance of them. From what I gathered from the National Park Service, it is called "False Solomon's Seal."
"False Solomon's Seal (Smilacina racemosa) - "Broad leaves alternate along the stem of this plant, with flowers clustered at the terminal of the stem. Flowers give way to red berries. Fairly common in lower elevations, up to 5,000 feet (1,500 meters), in moist woods and along stream banks." -
08-MAY-2016
I Decided Not to Go There!
I came upon this scene while exploring roads in the area. Looks like fair warning to me! :) I didn't go there! It is great fun to roam the area and see what I come across. One never knows what to expect!
AUG-1960
Carol - 1960
This is a photo of my wife, Carol, perhaps in 1959 or 1960. The picture was taken by my buddy, Eddie, who took her for a ride in this wonderful 1952 Jaguar XK120 that belonged to his father. I remember what a neat car that was!
Those were the days! That reminds me of a song by that name.
10-MAY-2016
A Professional Flyer Takes Off
The Great Blue Heron is such an amazing creature, so graceful in flight. But watching them take flight, especially from water is a wonderful sight to see! They are so skilled at it and can lift off in such a short distance. I am in awe of them!
11-MAY-2016
Vintage Coleman Self-heating Iron
I saw this old iron in a store window downtown and just had to learn more about it. An Internet search led to all sorts of pictures of irons just like this one, and it was identified as a Gas-powered Coleman Self-heating iron from the 1930's. I also found some for sale on eBay.