25-JAN-2017
Golden-crowned Sparrow
I love watching for the small birds while walking in Delta Ponds. This time of year they can see you long before you are near, simply because there are no leaves that sometimes help a person keep out of sight while approaching them. In wintertime, the bare bushes do not offer much of a place for them to hide but they can see a person much sooner. I loved the challenge of working up close and then sometimes standing still for a while waiting for them to ignore my presence. On a bright sunny morning, one can get a bit cold. The smaller birds seem to love the wild rose bushes, which now have plenty of rose hips. It can make for a nice colorful shot.
26-JAN-2017
Just a reminder that winter isn't over!
This photo was shot early this month when we had snow fall to cover the ice from our ice storm. Today was another sunny day that we have had the last few days, bringing a bit of warmth to our afternoons. I have seen some buds on bushes and trees. So I thought this photo would be an appropriate warning that winter isn't over!
27-JAN-2017
"Eagle, Eagle, There's an Eagle!"
This morning, I was excited about my first sighting of a bald eagle at Delta Ponds for 2017! They have been showing up every year and nest on the north side of Skinner Butte. One never knows when they might show up at Delta Ponds. I had finished my morning walk and was on my way back to the car when I saw my friend, John. We chatted on the way to the car and stood talking for half an hour. All of a sudden John said, “eagle, eagle, there’s an eagle!” Sure enough, a bald eagle had just landed at the top of a tree overlooking the parking lot. Naturally, we both had to roam the parking lot shooting pictures and looking for the best POV. This is one of my photos.
28-JAN-2017
Dark-Eyed Junco Social Rank
"When flocks of Dark-Eyed Juncos join together for the winter, they use their social rank for protection. Studies show that the dominate birds stay in the center of the flock (about10-30 birds) where they are protected from predators. First are the oldest males, surrounded by the young males, the oldest females, and finally the young females! They keep their place in the flock by using displays of dominance which includes aggressive lunges, and by flashing their white tail feathers."
That's ice on its tail! (There's a bit of noise in the background. Small sensors can be a bit noisy. Here I find it appealing.)
29-JAN-2017
Portrait of Vern
I haven't posted this photo of yours truly because I felt you have seen enough of me. But since the portrait was shot by Carol, my loving wife, I decided I should post it since I don't post enough of her photos. She can make a bad subject look better.
30-JAN-2017
Hummingbird at Delta Ponds
I assume this is an Anna's Hummingbird. I saw it at Delta Ponds and it stayed still long enough for me to get a shot. It was farther away than I wanted but beggars can't be choosers. So I got the images anyway and cropped the result. I like the final photo even if it was cropped a lot. They are such cute little things and are so small! I never get tired of seeing them or lose the thrill.
31-JAN-2017
Morning Sun and Clouds
This is a scene along the new Mill Race Path in Springfield. At first, I was disappointed to see a cloudy sky. It's often not the best for photography. But as I walked along the path, the sun broke through and colored the clouds along the hill. It also highlighted the hair of two other walkers enjoying the path. The result got my attention and made for a pleasing photo, at least I thought so.
01-FEB-2017
Coordinated Cormorant
I loved this cormorant's pose as it balanced on a log in Delta Ponds. The older I get the more of a challenge standing on one leg gets to be, to the point where I can't really do it more than a few seconds. The cormorant did it with ease and was able to extend its neck down toward the water and still remain balanced on the log. I would have been in the water long before. I thought it was pretty graceful.
02-FEB-2017
A Fun Ride on the Mill Race Path
The opening of the new Mill Race Path in Springfield has been a source of enjoyment for local residents. What a fun ride this would be!
03-FEB-2017
Owl in a Window
I just couldn't resist getting a photograph of this owl artwork on display in a store window. I think it is beautiful. Was tempted to buy it. :) It seems to be the only owl I can find. Haven't seen an owl in the wild in a while.
05-FEB-2017
Guard Duty
This Red-wing Blackbird sure looks like it is taking that sign seriously. Some think he needs to. The fantastic lens in the P900 sure makes it a lot of fun to use.
Something to think seriously about is why everyone seems so drawn to nature and its unmatchable beauty. It brings me a great amount of joy to be out in nature but I realize that I can only make mere copies of all of the wildlife and nature scenes I see.
06-FEB-2017
Bewitching Bewick's Wren
I heard this beautiful bird before I could locate it at Delta Ponds. It was singing a lovely song. It took me a minute or more to find the bird in a nearby tree.
An interesting fact about the Bewick's Wren: "The first scientific specimen, collected in Louisiana in 1821, was identified by John James Audubon and named for his friend Thomas Bewick, a talented British wood engraver who wrote and illustrated 'History of British Birds.'" (Quoted from the book, "Birds of Oregon")