17-DEC-2016
The Oregon Junco
We have a lot of these little birds in our backyard during the winter months. They have long had the name, Oregon Junco. I wondered why some bird books list only the 'Dark-eyed Junco, and learned the reason why from the website, "The Oregon Encyclopedia" -
Here is what it has to say about the Oregon Junco:
"Juncos have considerable geographic variation, and many North American Juncos once treated as separate species are now known to freely interbreed where their ranges overlap. Thus, the Slate-colored Junco of the East, the Gray-headed Junco of the Southwest, the White-winged Junco of the Black Hills of South Dakota, and the Oregon Junco were combined into a single species and given the name Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)."
"Regardless of the season, Oregon Juncos are one of the most common birds in the state and are fixtures at backyard feeders in winter. In the breeding season, they can be found in the understory of coniferous forests, from ponderosa pine to mountain hemlock and from Douglas-fir to lodgepole pine. Where more open habitats typically support two or three breeding species of sparrows, only the Oregon Junco lives in the deep shade of the dense forests. Unlike many of the state's breeding birds that travel to Mexico or beyond for the winter, Oregon Juncos may spend the cold months in the lower forests in the foothills and in hedgerows on the valley floor."
18-DEC-2016
Sunshine on Ice Covered Trees
We got some sunshine the last couple days. Trouble is that it didn't warm enough to get rid of the ice coating the trees. The ice did begin to drip but not for long as the temperatures stayed below freezing even in the sunshine. We are heading into a warming trend the next few days and rain is predicted. Thank goodness that means that the ice will disappear. There was a lot of damage to trees in the area, some of them falling on vehicles. One tree in our backyard lost a limb, which didn't do any damage. The golden light of the warm sun on the icy trees made for a pretty sight. This is across the street from our house.
19-DEC-2016
Drip, drip! Going Away!
It warmed up today and the ice is pretty much gone, as indicated by this icicle I shot today. There are still residents in the area without power however, after three or four days.
22-DEC-2016
Golden Crowned Sparrow
I belive this is a golden-crowned sparrow in winter coat, sitting in a wild rose bush along the Mill Race Path. I am not sure whether they like the rose hips or if they are too large for them. Anyway, they do seem to hang out in those bushes. I found this to be a pleasing setting.
23-DEC-2016
More Icy Art
Just had to post this image of an ice encrusted bush in our backyard. The ice is all gone now, and only a handful of folks are still without power. It was one of the worst ice storms we ever had! We have had mostly rain since.
24-DEC-2016
Airborne!
I enjoyed watching this cormorant take off at Delta Ponds. It took a little longer to take off than I thought it would. But it was a beautiful sight!
25-DEC-2016
Perhaps It's Time to Head South!
During the recent ice storm, and accompanying flu, the idea of going south for the winter was a very attractive one. Carol commented that now she understands why her aunt and uncle always went every year to Arizona for the winter. Me too! Now we aren't able to. Timing is everything!
26-DEC-2016
Pair of Female Buffleheads Landing
I went for my first photo walk in three weeks today and enjoyed it immensely. It was a brisk morning but actually felt good! I was also pleased to get this capture of two female Buffleheads coming landing at a Springfield pond along the Mill Race Path. The high speed of the D500 makes in-flight photos easier.
27-DEC-2016
Beautiful Red-shouldered Hawk
Thank heavens for the super zoom lens in my P900! I couldn't have got this shot without it. The hawk was way up in a tall tree across the pond from me. I thought the camera and lens did great! I am always thrilled to get photos of hawks, eagles and the other birds of prey. Yet at times they are easier to get shots of than the little birds who are gone in a flash when you try to get close. Birds in the wild is a real challenge for photographers, but oh the joy when you get a good shot!
28-DEC-2016
The Fog Bank
I found this scene to be very attractive. There is something about fog hugging the hills and valleys that draws attention. The different layers of field, trees and tower and the fog enveloped hills all combined to demand that I take their picture. So I did!
29-DEC-2016
Another Time, Another Place
These fancy shoes, wedding gown and wedding photo are on display in the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House, a Victorian home built in 1888 on the hillside of Skinner Butte in Eugene.
There are interesting displays throughout the house and a guided tour provides information about it all. There are events scheduled here too, and the home has an interesting history.
30-DEC-2016
Hummingbird in Winter
I saw this beautiful hummingbird in Delta Ponds this morning and wondered about it being here in wintertime. We are having a cold snap next week with temperatures down in the teens. I sure hope the little fellow can make it through the winter cold air coming down to us from the Arctic. Does anyone know, are they found in colder areas during the winter? The shot is one I probably shouldn't even have attempted. I shot it handheld. And I had to crop the image a good bit, so it isn't as pin sharp as it should be.