I saw this bird across the Willamette River, a bit far away from where I stood. The image is cropped a bit. From what I have seen, I concluded that it is a Spotted Sandpiper. The reasons? First the short yellow beak and second, the spotted chest and wings. If so, I believe it is the first one I have photographed. What I find interesting is that the Spotted Sandpiper is a shorebird. Yes, it was along the shore of the river, but not in a place where there are shallows. Below the bank it was on, the river was swift moving, not a place that I expected to see one. But hey, I am no expert. Anyway, I was pleased to get this shot.

I just had to add one more photo I made for our anniversary. This is one that Carol liked, the first photo I shot. We are in front of a rhododendron like last year, but this year it is a red one. Last year the rhody was pink. :)

I was able to visit Delta Ponds this morning and, as I walked along one of the ponds, I heard the loudest racket. It was so loud that I thought someone was using a Jackhammer across the river! But when I walked a little further, the sound now came from behind me! I began to suspect what it was then, and I was right! Some kinds of woodpeckers will bang on metal to attract a mate. I had just passed a street light, which are placed along the path for after dark. That's where it seemed the sound was coming from. Sure enough, I saw this Northern Flicker on top of the box-like metal making up the light enclosure.

This wasn't the first time I have seen types of woodpeckers pounding on metal. The same thing happened to me at Alton Baker Park where a Red-headed Woodpecker was banging on the metal direction sign at the top of a wooden post. I found an interesting article on the subject, entitled "Why some woodpeckers peck metal." You will find it here: http://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/naturewatch-why-some-woodpeckers-peck-metal,413397

I certainly enjoyed a rainy day visit to Owens Rose Garden, but evidently another visitor also did. The little squirrel does look like it is enjoying itself. Do you see it? :)

I recently saw this in a store window and loved it! The railroads have always fascinated me, especially steam age equipment. Years ago, I had HO and N gauge model railroad layouts. But, that was then and this is now. I limit my interests to photographs. But that doesn't keep me from dreaming of this pretty steam engine running on an outdoor rail line. :)

Recently I have posted photos of the new Mill Race Path in Springfield. It is a 3.5 mile long trail that follows the old Mill Race dug late in the 19th Century to provide mills with water, etc. "The canal was hand excavated by Elias Briggs, the founder of Springfield. With his son Isaac’s help, he dug the canal in 1852, using an ox-plow and shovels in order to provide power for the first grist and saw mills in the area." See - http://pages.uoregon.edu/ecostudy/elp/millrace/history.html

This is a scene of the beginning of the Mill Race Path at the downtown Booth-Kelly Trailhead at 307 S. 5th St.