25-MAR-2016
Winter Colors in Delta Ponds
The willows in Delta Ponds turn a beautiful orange in the winter to add a bit of color along the banks. Meanwhile during the winter and spring months the water flows freely, entering the Ponds at the south end of the park and returning to the Willamette River at the north end. In this scene some rocks create small rapids with white water. The other day I saw that beavers appeared to be starting a dam here. We will see how it turns out. Things like this make constant changes in the Ponds; trees may fall and change the appearance, winter water may change the shape or depth of a pond, and of course each season brings its own unique character. As a result, the Ponds are ever changing and always interesting. This keeps me coming back.
26-MAR-2016
Perpetual Motion
I was so happy to see my little hummingbird friend at Delta Ponds, again in the same area of the Ponds as before. It will pause for a moment on a twig, and then zoom high in the air and perhaps make a loop or two and land again in the same spot. So much fun to watch, and an opportunity for photos if I am patient. I am building a nice collection of images of the little entertainer. :)
27-MAR-2016
"Glory of the Snow"
These flowers seem to flourish in just a bed of rocks. They are such a beautiful shade of blue. I am not sure what the flowers are but I do know I really like them. Thanks to a couple friends, I learned what the flower is. To quote one of them, "Quite possibly Chionodoxa Luciliae better known to is amateurs as "glory of the snow"."
28-MAR-2016
Ever Watchful
The Western Scrub Jay is quite common here right now. Nevertheless, I love shooting pictures of them. They are so colorful and beautiful, at least I think so. That gorgeous blue is almost iridescent and they sometimes have a patch of gray along with the blue and white of their feathers. the smaller birds always have to be on the watch, their lives depend on it. This fellow was constantly looking around, and if I were to move too fast as I shot pictures, it would be quickly on its way. I am glad it stayed still long enough for me to get some nice shots.
29-MAR-2016
Morning Sun on the Willamette River
I went to Clearwater Park this morning, which happened to be at just the right time. It was cloudy early but when I got there the sun broke through and kissed the top of the trees on the south side of the river, but it bathed the trees on the north side in golden light. It was such a beautiful sight! I wanted to capture that in the photo.
30-MAR-2016
The Wake Robin
The "Wake Robin" is actually a Trillium. We find them growing wild around in our area. This one was on the slopes of Skinner Butte. Because some trilliums bloom in early spring about the time the robins start appearing, the flower came to be called "wake-robin" by many.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE TRILLIUM:
The Trillium is a perennial herbaceous flowering plants, native to temperate regions of North America and Asia. The name, 'trillium', is quite fitting as it comes from a Latin word for three. The blossoms have three petals, three sepals, six stamens, a three-celled ovary, and a cluster of three leaves. Just days after blooming, the specific type of trillium flowers we have growing wild here change from white to pink.
One thing to keep in mind - a picked Trillium will wilt quickly. Since trilliums do not form seeds for the next year, one ought to let the flowers stay in their natural setting.
31-MAR-2016
Mama Bald Eagle at the Nest
I checked on the bald eagle nest on Skinner Butte and the mama eagle was there. She sat on the eggs for a while, then flew off twice. She didn't stay away long. Each time she came back she would settle gently into the nest and sit on the eggs for a while. Here she is up, perhaps to take a break as specified in the union contract. :)
01-APR-2016
Steller's Jay
I have been anxious to find a Steller's Jay to photograph, but have seen very few over the years. I saw two today on my morning walk. It was a beautiful sunny day, but that can create some harsh lighting. The lighting on the jay wasn't coming from the right direction to highlight the beautiful blue on its back, which was in the shadows. The light does clearly show the black of the head and shoulders. Hopefully, I will see them again in the same area and can get a shot that shows their beautiful colors.
02-APR-2016
Seeing the Heron in Favorable Light
I guess everyone knows that I love herons. They are so big and awkward looking, but can be so graceful in flight. I find them most interesting and never tire of photographing them. I like to see them in different light, and poses or unique views. I was pleased to get this photo of this Great Blue heron's head and that awesome beak in warm morning light.
02-APR-2016
Working Out on Top of Skinner Butte
This group brought their lifting weights with them to the top of Skinner Butte, where they did their workout under the watchful eye of their instructor. I thought it might make a good picture. Below is downtown Eugene with the South Hills in the background.
04-APR-2016
Swift Waters
This rapid stream has just gone over the dam just beyond the bridge and is about to flow into the Willamette River.
The scene is in Alton Baker Park.
05-APR-2016
Osprey With Catch
My visit to Delta Ponds this morning was rewarded with great experience. I went by the nesting platform along Goodpasture Road to see if any Osprey were using the nest. Sure enough, there was one there. While I was shooting some pictures, a lady walked up and said she hoped she wasn't disturbing my picture taking. I assured her that she wasn't and showed her the nest at the top of the pole. We were talking about whether there might be two in the nest, even though I could see only one. Just then, a second bird flew out of the nest and across the water to an island. It landed in a bare tree and I could plainly see it had a fish for lunch. I was able to get quite a few shots of it from different angles as I walked along the path. This is one of those images. It was a fun experience even if I hadn't got any photos.
Here are some interesting facts about the Osprey from the National Geographic website:
Average life span in the wild:30 years
Size: Body, 21 to 23 in (54 to 58 cm);
Wingspan, 5 to 6 ft (1.5 to 1.8 m)
Weight:3.1 to 4.4 lbs (1.4 to 2 kg)
One of the most widespread birds of prey, found on all continents except Antarctica.
