08-APR-2017
Photographing Along Middle Fork Path
While I was exploring this spot along the Willamette River for photographs, this nice lady came up and shot some pictures with her cell phone and off she went. It has been said that the best camera have is the one you have with you. For many, that's a camera phone. As my friend, Steve, says, it has taken over from the compact P&S cameras. Cell phones are amazing and capable. But I am still a camera guy. I carry a couple with me when out like this, but then the extra baggage never bothers me. I have done it for a long, long time.
09-APR-2017
Early Morning at International Paper
This paper mill in Springfield was for a lot of years owned by Weyerhaeuser Timber Company. Weyerhaeuser built the mill in 1948 and sold it to International Paper in 2008. So it has been here a good long time. Today the mill has about 260 employees. Last year, the mill was given a $100 million upgrade with the installation of two pieces of heavy equipment to replace obsolete machines. It looks more attractive in the dark when all the lights are on, I think.
10-APR-2017
Another Section of the Mill Race Path
The new Mill Race Path in Springfield passes through a variety of surroundings, including a scene like this, downtown industry on one side, pretty natural area on the other. Prior to this, the path bordered a riparian area. Farther out, the path enters wooded areas along streams, including the old mill race. It is three and a half miles of enjoyment and good exercise.
11-APR-2017
A Drop on the Bill
There is the tiniest of drops on the end of this Black-capped Chickadee's bill and it looks impressively sharp. They are such pretty little creatures! And they are smarter than we imagined! Check out the information below, some 'Cool Facts' from "The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds"
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•The Black-Capped Chickadee hides seeds and other food items to eat later. Each item is placed in a different spot and the chickadee can remember thousands of hiding places.
•Every autumn Black-capped Chickadees allow brain neurons containing old information to die, replacing them with new neurons so they can adapt to changes in their social flocks and environment even with their tiny brains.
•Chickadee calls are complex and language-like, communicating information on identity and recognition of other flocks as well as predator alarms and contact calls. The more dee notes in a chickadee-dee-dee call, the higher the threat level.
12-APR-2017
At 5th Street Trailhead of Mill Race Path
The downtown trailhead for the new Mill Race Path is very nice, with a fine parking area, benches and tables and other amenities. The Mill Race Path starts to the left of the picture area. From here one can follow the path past those hills and through varied landscapes before it meets up with the Middle Fork Path that follow the Willamette River. I enjoy everything about the new path provided and cared for by Willamalane Park District. This is just a portion of this excellent trailhead. The building on the right in the scene is part of a mill that my father started working at in the early 1940's when it was first built. I guess that old bridge had something to do with the mill. I don't recall.
13-APR-2017
Mountain Stream
I enjoy a drive in the mountains whenever I can make it. I can get to the high Cascades with a longer drive up the McKenzie Highway, but I am not able to go up there very often. But a drive into the Coburg Hills can be rewarding as was this image.
14-APR-2017
Girl in the Window
While on this morning's walk, I passed the "My Classy Cowgirl" store and saw this girl in the window. What could I do but take a picture of her home with me? I thought it turned out well enough for shooting through glass.
15-APR-2017
You Meet Some Nice People on the Mill Race Path
I went out this afternoon to look for some photo opportunities. It was a beautiful sunny day, one of the nicest we have had yet. So I decided to pay another visit to the Mill Race Path. There were a lot of people out there, including these three young ladies. They were so nice! I just couldn't resist getting some pictures.
16-APR-2017
Green-winged Teal here on its annual visit to our area.
We usually see the Green-winged Teal here in late winter or early spring. This one was seen in Delta Ponds. I think they are pretty with their varied colors. Here we can see a bit of the green wing, often not seen when they are in the water. I wonder where it traveled from?
17-APR-2017
Our oldest daughter, Angie
Our daughter was here today to help us pick up an order at the furniture store. She is such a busy girl, we hated to take up her time. But she came in with her usual smile and bright greeting. So here she is, our beautiful oldest daughter, Angie.
18-APR-2017
Bewick's Wren, I think!
The closest ID I could find in my Birds of Oregon book for this bird is Bewick's Wren. But there are some variations between the picture in the book and this one, so I am not sure. If you have a more positive ID, I would be pleased to get it. Whatever the bird, I loved the pose, even though the background bushes aren't so pretty. It was a very tough shot, with a small opening through which to get the shot.
19-APR-2017
Natural Born Beauty
This Great White Egret flying along the edge of the Junction City Pond looked so beautiful in this natural setting that I just had to stand there and watch it as it flew so gracefully along. A spellbinding sight, only in nature!