07-NOV-2017
Fern Ridge Wetlands
An area west of Eugene is preserved as wetlands, particularly that located in the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. In years past, most of the area was wetlands. But in more recent times much of it was drained and is now set aside for industrial use. Back then, there was a huge migration of birds through the valley. We still have birds migrating through and some have taken up residence here. But human population growth does have an effect on the migration routes and bird population. I can remember those days fondly, but I still enjoy the beautiful wetlands we have now and the efforts to maintain them.
11-NOV-2017
Peabody Courts a Chicken
I think Peabody is confused! He strutted around putting on an impressive display, turning around to show both front and back of his beautiful costume. The chicken never looked up from its food, no doubt leaving a very frustrated peacock. I really enjoyed the show myself and saw so many feathers of different colors, blue, black, green, copper, white, red and brown. I might have missed something there too! He would prance around, approaching at times with somewhat of a challenge. All the while, the chicken totally ignored him. But silently I was applauding him, appreciation for his dance welling up in my heart!
12-NOV-2017
Baby Blacktail
We had more visitors to the woods across the fence from us, as a mother and her youngster grazed on the lush green grass. I struggled to get a good shot, first out of the kitchen window, then from the dining room. The young deer wandered close to our back fence, as the mother fed a little farther away. I finally found a way to get a clear shot through the window, and this is the result. Cute little dickens!
13-NOV-2017
Sunlight before the storm!
I needed to run to the pharmacy in Veneta, about five miles from home, to get some of Carol's meds. As I pulled out on the road, the sun broke through and made the landscape jump out in front of the dark storm clouds heading our way. I just had to find a place to pull over to shoot a picture or two. This is what I got. I was pleased.
15-NOV-2017
Peregrine Falcon
"Powerful and fast-flying, the Peregrine Falcon hunts medium-sized birds, dropping down on them from high above in a spectacular stoop. They were virtually eradicated from eastern North America by pesticide poisoning in the middle 20th century. After significant recovery efforts, Peregrine Falcons have made an incredible rebound and are now regularly seen in many large cities and coastal areas."
Cool Fact about the Peregrine Falcon from 'All About Birds' -
"The Peregrine Falcon is a very fast flier, averaging 40-55 km/h (25-34 mph) in traveling flight, and reaching speeds up to 112 km/h (69 mph) in direct pursuit of prey. During its spectacular hunting stoop from heights of over 1 km (0.62 mi), the peregrine may reach speeds of 320 km/h (200 mph) as it drops toward its prey."
It is always a privilege to see such a bird.
17-NOV-2017
Redwing Blackbird in Pretty Fall Setting
I was able to take a walk in the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area this morning and saw quite a number of Red-wing Blackbirds. Most were on wires or trees and the setting was plain. When this one landed in this pretty fire red bush I was happy to see it. I know it is a Red-wing Blackbird because the wing colors are visible in other shots. The bird was singing a lot too. The Red-wing Blackbird seems to show up in our area this time of year and they stay through spring when they nest.
18-NOV-2017
Colorful Morning Sky
I spotted this colorful sunrise as I drove across Beltline Road and exited to a street near a pond. There I found a good view of the sunrise and got a few pictures. This is one of them.
19-NOV-2017
American Kestrel
I think that one of the prettiest of the falcons is the American Kestrel. I would think they are also the smallest of the hawks. They can often be seen close to open fields, either perched on a snag or telephone wire or hovering in search of prey. This one was on a wire. It is a male, identified by the blue-grey on its head and wings. I also caught a shot of it hovering.
20-NOV-2017
Canal in Fern Ridge Wildlife Area
The Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is a beautiful area surrounding Fern Ridge Lake, formed by the building of the Fern Ridge Dam on the Long Tom River. To maintain water levels in the larger ponds making up this wildlife refuge, a few canals like this are found there. On this particular day, this scene looked especially nice because of the sunshine, golden grasses and blue sky. Anyway, I thought so.
Also during this time of the year, they let much of the water out to provide room for buildup during our rainy season. That part of it isn't so pretty, and in the lake it reveals a lot of lake bottom. It probably encourages the birds to make their annual migrations too.
21-NOV-2017
My Walk to Zumwalt County Park
I found a great park today by accident. I pulled off into a small roadside park to check it out and saw a paved road with locked gate but an invitation to walk to what is called Zumwalt Park. So I headed down the nice asphalt drive and saw this pretty scene that promised good things ahead. Sure enough, the drive led to a large park along Fern Ridge Lake. Part of the park is a wooded area that is downright beautiful. I will post some photos I got while walking the woods later. Now I have another great place to walk only a few miles from home.
22-NOV-2017
The Enchanting Forest at Zumwalt Park
I love the woods and forest, to roam the trails and enjoy the overwhelming beauty of nature. It certainly humbles me, and makes me appreciative of the creativity it obviously displays. This is how I felt when I wandered through the woods at Zumwalt Park, which I discovered yesterday. This is a typical scene there.
23-NOV-2017
Red-tailed Hawk, I Presume!
The colors of this hawk look to be that of a red-tailed hawk, according to my bird books. The head and beak look a bit different, and I think this is a youngster. The shot was difficult to get, with all of the jumble of branches and twigs, along with the distance between the bird and me. And I cropped it as well. I probably couldn't have reached it without the fine extreme zoom lens in the P900. But I am pleased I was able to get a nice shot of this beauty.
