13-MAR-2016
Beautiful Belted Kingfisher
I have long wanted to get a good shot of a Belted Kingfisher. They are so shy and elusive, I always had trouble getting close enough. The other day, I was able to get a nice photo of this male Kingfisher with the long zoom on my camera. I was thrilled! The photo was shot at Delta Ponds.
One time, while at Alton Baker Park, I heard a loud crash in the water by the trail. I thought it was a branch from a tree hitting the water. When I looked, out from under the surface came a Belted Kingfisher, flying away. I couldn't tell if it had a fish. It all happened so fast that I just stood there in shock. When I finally recovered, all I got was a shot of its tail as it flew off.
14-MAR-2016
Enjoying the Ponds
This biker is pausing to enjoy Delta Ponds. The bench is a popular spot for the bike riders, walkers, bird watchers and others who enjoy and appreciate the Ponds. And this photographer (so to speak) is one who is grateful it is there, developed from gravel pits by Eugene Parks and Open Spaces. We have a fine park system in Eugene.
15-MAR-2016
Private Drive
Something about this private road and gate appealed to me. Perhaps it was the moss and vegetation and the way it contrasted with the bare road. Or, maybe it was the way the road curves out of sight into the brush. Also, could it be the locked gate that makes one curious as to what lies beyond? Whatever it was, I hope I conveyed some of that to you in the photo.
16-MAR-2016
Delightful Door
To me, this door and porch are quite eye-catching and attractive. The yellow color of the small house also added to the charm. I thought it made a nice photo.
17-MAR-2016
Singing Up a Storm!
While walking in Delta Ponds I heard this beautiful Red-wing Blackbird singing a lovely song! It was so busy with its song that it didn't seem to notice me on the other side of the stream. I must say I appreciated the performance!
18-MAR-2016
Eye To Eye
This duck at Alton Baker Park was sleeping with one eye open to watch me. :) I couldn't resist taking a shot! Love that sharp eye!
20-Mar-2016
Today's Hailstorm
This afternoon about 6:00 PM, my daughter called to tell me to go out and get a photo of the full arc of a rainbow against a dark sky to the east of us. I did so, but it started to rain, a heavy downpour, too wet to go out there! Then it started to hail, good sized hail stones too. From under the porch roof I shot a picture of the hail hitting the hood of my car, shown in pane #1, then I shot a picture looking west where the sun was shining at the same time the hail was pelting the ground, as seen in pane #2. Finally, pane #3 shows the rainbow I originally went out to get. By this time it was covering only part of the sky. Quite an experience! I hope the three-photo panel above gives you an idea of what happened.
21-MAR-2016
Turkey Vulture
The turkey vultures are again at Delta Ponds. I haven't seen them there since last spring. I went to the Ponds this morning to see if anything new was happening and, other than the vultures, the only thing happening was the rain. I soon got rained out, but not before I got a few shots of the vultures.
22-MAR-2016
Just a Little Love Nest
I have seen three trees with Great Blue Heron nests at Delta Ponds. The herons are in the nests now and it won't be too long before it is time for baby herons to hatch. All we humans have to do is to observe nature at work and we can see wonderful things. It is when we interfere with nature that problems come up. When I visit the Ponds I always try to not disturb the wildlife and just be an observer. I will be watching for the new crop of young ones. I saw a Canada Goose with some chicks yesterday, but wasn't able to get a photo.
23-MAR-2016
The Goslings
It seems that it is time for the geese at Delta Ponds to have their little ones. They have been nesting around the Ponds. This morning, I saw a momma Canada Goose with a half dozen babies. They are so cute! It's always a delight to see them. I was across a small pond from them, not up close. There should be a lot of them soon, since the geese seem to come here during the breeding season.
24-MAR-2016
Dodge Pickup, likely a 1938 model
I saw this fine old Dodge pickup while on my morning walk. It's a real beauty. From what I see on the Internet, it looks very much like a 1938 model. Someone has done a great job restoring it.
