15-MAR-2017
Spread Your Wings!
This little hummingbird was doing something at Delta Ponds that many of us who enjoy the park feel like doing, it spread its wings in a seeming jump for joy over the beauty of the park and its abundant wildlife. It's a place that makes a person want to jump for joy, to spread their wings!
16-MAR-2017
Nutria
I saw this nutria this afternoon in a small canal not far from home. Nutria are considered to be an invasive species, and as a result have taken over the area with no natural enemies here.
Information about the nutria from Wikipedia:
"The coypu (from Spanish coipú, from Mapudungun kóypu, Myocastor coypus), also known as the river rat or nutria, is a large, omnivorous, semiaquatic rodent and the only member of the family Myocastoridae. Originally native to subtropical and temperate South America, it has since been introduced to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, primarily by fur ranchers. Although it is still valued for its fur in some regions, its destructive feeding and burrowing behaviors make this invasive species a pest throughout most of its range. Coypus live in burrows alongside stretches of water. They feed on river plant stems."
17-MAR-2017
Snow Scene, Clearwater Park
I haven't got around to posting this photo from our last snow. Though it wasn't much, I thought that it beautified the park. I don't know why I didn't post it sooner. I just couldn't help one more view of snow, even though I know that others have seen too much of it. Around here, spring is beginning to display more and more evidence of its appearance. One thing we have plenty of is lots of rain. So seeing some snow is a nice change. For the rest of you, things should be starting to change very soon.
18-MAR-2017
California Visitors at Delta Ponds
A couple friends, Steve and Cindy, stopped by Eugene on their way to Washington to visit family. It was so nice that they could take time to take a look at Delta Ponds with me and then have breakfast together. It was great to see them, the breakfast was great, and the visit to Delta Ponds was wet! But it was fun anyway! Then they were anxious to get on the road to see their little grandson; well, to see daughter and son-in-law too. :)
19-MAR-2017
The Beautiful Bewick's Wren
The only Bewick's Wrens I have seen have been at Delta Ponds. I think they are such pretty birds. But they are hard to get close to for a photograph. I spotted this one in a tree and was fortunate enough to get some pictures. Also, I found some good information about the Bewick's Wren in the 'All About Birds' website:
"If you come across a noisy, hyperactive little bird with bold white eyebrows, flicking its long tail as it hops from branch to branch, you may have spotted a Bewick’s Wren. These master vocalists belt out a string of short whistles, warbles, burrs, and trills to attract mates and defend their territory, or scold visitors with raspy calls. Bewick’s Wrens are still fairly common in much of western North America, but they have virtually disappeared from the East."
"The severe declines of Bewick's Wren in the eastern United States coincided with range expansion in the House Wren. It is suspected that the House Wren, which frequently removes eggs from nests in cavities, was directly responsible for the decline. The increased availability of nest boxes may have helped the spread of the House Wren, and therefore the decline of the Bewick's Wren."
20-MAR-2017
In The Headlights
I was out at dawn this morning and decided to get a photo of this pond with my headlights highlighting the plants in the foreground. I liked the effect, but then it doesn't always take a lot to please me. LOL
21-MAR-2017
Cascading Waters
It's been a rainy winter. Lots of water in the streams, with beautiful falls where little water will flow this summer. This is part of what is now an impressive cascade along Jasper/Lowell Road. Runoff from upstream has colored the water nicely.
22-MAR-2017
Northern Flicker
I have seen one or two Northern Flickers lately, so evidently they are back in the area. They are among the few woodpeckers that generally migrate. Flickers leave the northern parts of their range to winter in the southern U.S., although a few stay in the same area year round.
I have wondered why I have seen flickers and other woodpeckers drumming on even metal objects, resulting in a loud banging sound. I figured it wasn't because they were musicians. So I found the following information interesting, from 'All About Birds':
"Like most woodpeckers, Northern Flickers drum on objects as a form of communication and territory defense. In such cases, the object is to make as loud a noise as possible, and that’s why woodpeckers sometimes drum on metal objects. One Northern Flicker in Wyoming could be heard drumming on an abandoned tractor from a half-mile away."
23-MAR-2017
Herring Gull, second winter?
My conclusion was that this is a Herring Gull because of the coloring. It appears that this is the coloration of these gulls during their second winter.
Here is some things I learned about the Herring Gull online: Second winter - "Large, long-billed gull, Mostly white head with faint streaks and yellow eye, Pinkish legs, Mottled brown body with patches of pale gray on back" (
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Herring_Gull/id)
24-MAR-2017
American White Pelican
I was pleased to see American White Pelicans at Fern Ridge Lake this morning. Since it rained from the time I left home, heading to Delta Ponds for a walk, I decided to take a drive and as I got to the lake I was fortunate to see a bunch of pelicans there. This one was just coming in for a smooth landing.
Some interesting facts about the White Pelican from 'All About Birds':
"One of the largest North American birds, the American White Pelican is majestic in the air. The birds soar with incredible steadiness on broad, white-and-black wings. Their large heads and huge, heavy bills give them a prehistoric look. On the water they dip their pouched bills to scoop up fish, or tip-up like an oversized dabbling duck. Sometimes, groups of pelicans work together to herd fish into the shallows for easy feeding. Look for them on inland lakes in summer and near coastlines in winter."
"Contrary to cartoon portrayals and common misconceptions, pelicans never carry food in their bill pouches. They use them to scoop up food but swallow their catch before flying off."
25-MAR-2017
Gobble, Gobble!
I stopped by my daughter and son-in-law's place for a brief visit and a cup of coffee. I hoped I would also find something worthwhile to photograph. They live in the country, so some forms of wildlife do visit their place. They have had deer and even elk appear out in the field with the horses. Also a flock of wild turkeys regularly visits for handouts. Our son in law, Mike, has fed them and they have come to recognize his voice. I wanted to get a photo of a male showing his feathers. So Mike called to one of them and it replied by gobbling at him and displaying its feathers. It would do that any time he called to it. I couldn't believe it! They have got to know him well. He must be the turkey whisperer!
26-MAR-2017
Bald Eagle at Delta Ponds
Even though they are appearing in greater numbers here, we still don't get enough views of bald eagles so that we consider them ordinary. That is why I was thrilled to get another photograph of one at Delta Ponds. I don't know why they seem to perch where twigs and branches are in the way, but it happens often.