01-JAN-2017
Beaver Dam in Delta Ponds
02-JAN-2017
Snow In The Coburg Hills
The forecast for this morning was that we might get a dusting of snow here in the valley. I was disappointed that it didn't happen. We get perhaps one instance a year where we get snow here at the lower elevations. Since I wanted to see some snow, I thought I would head for the hills, the Coburg Hills, where I knew there was some to see. I went up to where the snow was several inches deep. On the way up and back down, I got some nice shots of enough snow on the trees to make an appealing sight. It was a fun drive, but not so good for the exercise I should be getting.
03-JAN-2017
The Coburg Hills as Seen From Springfield
By tomorrow the Coburg Hills will be whiter as it is supposed to snow quite a bit at that elevation, which is up to 2000 feet. We might get up to an inch here at 500 feet elevation, but I am not counting on it. We were expecting the same yesterday. I enjoy the Coburg Hills every season of the year. The forest and stream are beautiful and the view is wonderful. The view of the Hills from the valley is also pretty, as you can see here.
It is sometimes exciting to drive up there when the snow is deeper. I remember backing down a hillside when I found the road completely covered at the top. The road was on the side of a hill and I had to back down around a corner, with hill on the right and open space on the left. Thank heavens I have done a bit of backing in my life so it was not a problem. That time the snow was fairly deep and, even though I have four wheel drive, I wasn't ready to break trail when the road was completely covered. I figured it was easier to back down. I was alone too, so didn't want to get stuck.
04-JAN-2017
Snow Comes to the Valley
Snow is getting deeper in the mountains and hills, but till now we haven't had any in the valley (elevation 500 feet), until today. It snowed overnight, a couple inches. Hey, any amount at this elevation is fun to see, especially for the kids. We got enough to make the backyard pretty. As you can see, it was still snowing at 10:30 AM.
The problem facing us now is that the temperature will drop into the teens tonight and any snow that melted will turn to ice, making the morning commute a problem for working people. Schools will likely delay their opening. Some routes are on narrow hilly roads that can be dangerous.
05-JAN-2017
Is More of This Coming?
Our recent ice storm was quite destructive. Many trees and power lines came down, thousands were without power for a week or more, there were accidents and injuries on icy streets, and many others stayed in for the duration of it. Now they are predicting more of the same for Saturday, with up to an inch of ice covering surfaces. It won't last as long this time, as Sunday will bring warming and rain, which will take care of the ice. This is what our bushes looked like after the first night of our last storm, and it got worse. I am sure it was hard for this little Junco too!
06-JAN-2017
Our LIttle Fox
Well, he sort of looks like one! :) It's Miko The Magnificent, our little Pekinese\Chihuahua mix. He is a pretty fellow with a real personality, and that huge tail! He pranced around in the snow for a little while and was ready to come inside.
07-JAN-2016
Mischievous Mikayla
Our granddaughter, Mikayla, stayed overnight with us last night. She works in town and it was too icy to head for home in the country. Here she is ready to head for work again. I wanted a picture, of course, so she showed her mischievous self. I got two pictures and liked them both, so decided to combine them for viewing. Sweet kid!
08-JAN-2017
A Little Bit of Ice!
It snowed again yesterday morning, then in the afternoon the freezing rain began. That continued until this afternoon. In the afternoon some melting occurred but the freezing rain continued. It stopped sometime between 3-4 PM. Since then it has been raining, so the ice and snow will melt slowly. But that leads to warnings about flooding. What a winter already! This is how my SUV looked this afternoon.
09-JAN-2017
Let's Have a Picnic
It thawed enough overnight so that I thought I would get out of my driveway so I could check what condition the streets are in. Turns out our street is among those still having ice, as are other streets not used much. I thought I would check out the river, it's only a short drive away. I enjoyed this view. More ice and snow predicted for Tuesday night.
10-JAN-2017
Making Tracks
I liked the curved lines made by these tracks in the snow covering a parking lot. So of course I had to make a picture of it.
11-JAN-2017
Ice Sculpture
I thought that this ice encrusted blackberry vine looked pretty as an ice sculpture. I found it on my visit to Clearwater Park. The ice and snow is disappearing, a bit remains in shaded spots and on the north side of homes. Crazy winter so far!
12-DEC-2016
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
This tiny cutie came for a meal at one of our backyard feeders. I think Chickadees are such pretty little birds, so was pleased to see this one join the Junco's in our yard. It doesn't have the markings and colors of what I usually see, the Black-capped Chickadee. My trusty Birds of Oregon book identifies it as a Chestnut-backed Chickadee, the first one I have seen. But they are shown to be found throughout Western Oregon. It is said to be the smallest of North American Chickadees and normally likes the denser forests of the Pacific Northwest. The book says that the Chestnut-backed Chickadee is less regular at bird feeders than are other Chickadees, preferring denser cover. But it also says that in severe winters, small parties may join other wintering songbirds in urban areas. This explains why I saw it at our feeder. What a treat!
13-JAN-2017
A Frozen Perch
It was very cold this morning when I paid a visit to Delta Ponds, and never did get above freezing all day. There was still a lot of snow at the Ponds, even though we have only a few spots of it in shaded areas at home. I saw this female Hooded Merganser posed nicely while sitting on a log in Delta Ponds. It seemed to me that it would be an uncomfortable place to sit, as it is covered with ice. Maybe it was stuck to the log! :)
14-JAN-2017
Beauty in the Coburg Hills
The Coburg Hills are just a short drive away. They are located just northeast of Eugene, between the Mohawk Valley and Willamette Valley. They are included in the foothills of the western Cascade Range. Logging is done there as it is BLM land. I enjoy the drive there whenever there is a little snow blanketing the area. It makes for a pretty winter scene.
15-JAN-2017
Running Lights
Saw this boat in a front yard on Old Marcola Road and had to smile about those lights for decoration. I can picture that boat going down the river all lit up. :)
16-JAN-2017
Golden Light of Morning on the Willamette
I loved the golden light the morning sun cast on the Willamette River when I walked in Clearwater Park today. It was cool and crisp but the sun certainly gave a warm cast to everything. Great time to be out there! This is one of my favorite views.
17-JAN-2017
S Curve
Enjoyed a morning walk on the beautiful new Mill Race Path. As you may know, I love curves and this is a graceful one. I just couldn't resist photographing it.
18-JAN-2017
Leaf on Snow
Just trying to be a bit artistic! Did I succeed? Couldn't resist this colorful leaf and how it contrasted with the snow.
19-JAN-2017
Ribbon Cutting for the New Mill Race Path
A new biking/pedestrian path had its grand opening today. It's the Mill Race Path that runs from downtown Springfield for three miles to where it joins the Middle Fork Path that runs along the Willamette River to Dorris Ranch. The Mill Race Path is a worthy addition to the great places to walk and bike in Springfield. It is a part of the Willamalane Park system and it is beautiful.
See this video presentation by Willamalane Park District called 'Welcome to the Mill Race Path' -
20-JAN-2017
Sno foolin......around!
Don't worry, this railroad siding is not often used. It is used only when the mill needs cars to load. I stopped long enough to get a photo and then went merrily on my way. As foolish as it might look, there was no danger involved. :)
21-JAN-2017
The Colors of Winter
Winter can mean dark gray days to many, days that can bring a feeling of melancholy. For some, winter can be depressing and they wait for spring to bring relief. Personally, I find beauty in winter too. I see in this scene in Delta Ponds the orange of a type of willow found there and the deep reds or purples of other bushes as the colors of winter. It can be beautiful in the ponds in winter.
22-JAN-2017
After an Early Morning Rain
The sun came out while I was on an early morning walk today and as I crossed the Mohawk bridge over I-205, I was blessed with this view of traffic below, the results of the rain on the roadway creating a mist behind each vehicle. I liked the effect.
23-JAN-2017
Cormorant in the Spotlight
The morning sun spotlighted this cormorant as it flew overhead at the Georgia Pond along the new Mill Race Path. Even though the lighting on the bird is contrasty, there is something about it grabs me. It's not perfect, but I like it. :)
24-JAN-2017
Goldfinch, I Presume!
What a nice morning, sunny but cold, a fine day for a walk in Delta Ponds. While there I saw several birds, including this Goldfinch. I am guessing, with the assistance of my Birds of Oregon book, that it is an American Goldfinch. They are shy birds and difficult to get close to. This one stayed hidden in a bush. I managed to maneuver around a bit so I could get a clear shot, one that I really like.
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")
22-JAN-2017
Donkey and Robins
One never knows what might be seen on a morning walk. I spotted this burro with wagon decorating a yard and then saw the two robins nearby. I thought they added a nice touch of color to the scene. Nothing earthshaking but I liked the scene. The poor donkey looks like it has stood there for some time.
08-FEB-2017
"Hey, I am trying to quit!"
I got a kick out of this seagull. It picked up a cigarette and held it in its beak long enough for me to get a picture. Surely does look like it's a smoker! You should see the huge Sigma 150-600 C on my tiny Nikon 1 V2! :)
09-FEB-2017
Patrolling the Mill Race Path
It was good to see this motorcycle policeman patrolling the Mill Race Path. The officers help to keep the illegal camping and graffiti under control. I was coming back to the path from a side trail when I saw two officers on bikes riding along the path. This one gave me a serious once over as he rode by, probably because I had a camera pointed at him. I didn't have time to wave, I was too busy taking pictures. :)
10-FEB-2017
Adding Grace and Beauty to the Ponds
I think the Great Egret is such a graceful and beautiful creature! We don't see them at Delta Ponds all year round, so it was good to see one this morning. Don't you think it adds grace and beauty to the Ponds?
11-FEB-2017
Trail Along the Pond
The sun broke through as I walked the trail alongside the north pond at Delta Ponds. I thought it made for an attractive picture. Here I am on my way back to the car, but I still have a ways to go, probably about a mile. I have already walked over a mile and a half to get to this point. Of course there were stops along the way for pictures. The sunbreak deserted me on the way back to the car and I had to walk in a downpour for a half mile. I was soaked to the skin, but the morning walk was worth it. For the walk, I had my usual two cameras, the D500 with Sigma 150-600 C, and the D800 with Nikkor AF-S 24-120 f/4 VR.
12-FEB-2017
Goldfinch Takeoff
The little Lesser Goldfinch is such a pretty thing. I believe this bird is a female. The problem with the Goldfinch is that they are so active, seldom staying still for long. They say that they come to feeders, but I haven't seen any yet. This one taking flight was seen at Delta Ponds.
Coloration
"Males are bright yellow below with a glossy black cap and white patches in the wings; their backs can be glossy black or dull green (particularly on the West Coast). They have a black tail with large, white corners. Females and immatures have olive backs, dull yellow underparts, and black wings marked by two whitish wingbars." (Quoted from 'Allaboutbirds.com' -
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lesser_Goldfinch/id
13-FEB-2017
After the Rain!
Don't you enjoy the outdoors after a rain? The air is crisp and clear, there is blue in the sky, though clouds may be hanging around. And the landscape looks clean and fresh. My problem here was the water soaked sidewalk! I wasn't keen about walking on water but the grass on the lawn was soaking wet and one would sink and leave prints. What did I do? Both, I walked just a bit on the grass and when I saw it was so wet I decided the sidewalk wouldn't suffer as much.
I loved this song by the Ink Spots, “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall.” Don’t know if you remember them. Give a listen -
Press here for Link Makes me feel like dancing.
14-FEB-2017
The Redwing Blackbirds Are Back, and Singing Up a Storm!
The Red-Wing Blackbirds are back! I heard them singing at Delta Ponds when I took my walk this morning. The red and yellow patch on the shoulder of the male makes them easier to spot. I don't know where they go during late fall and early winter but I saw several today.
Behavior
Male Red-winged Blackbirds do everything they can to get noticed, sitting on high perches and belting out their conk-la-ree! song all day long. Females stay lower, skulking through vegetation for food and quietly weaving together their remarkable nests.
Coloration
While the male Red-winged Blackbird is a glossy black with red-and-yellow shoulder badges, the female is crisply streaked and dark brownish overall, paler on the breast and often show a whitish eyebrow.
15-FEB-2017
The Great Blue Herons are nesting!
I saw the biggest group of herons I have seen fly over Delta Ponds on my walk. Then I saw a couple nesting trees where they were already claiming nests from last year. Six or eight of them were in each tree. This one is landing where the branches and twigs seem to be not able to hold them up. Yet they make a graceful landing. I guess it's because they are incredibly lightweight. Despite being up to four feet tall, with a wingspan of six feet, these huge birds weigh only 5 lbs! Amazing!
16-FEB-2017
Early Morning Sky Over Delta Ponds
I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy Eugene Parks, and especially the wildlife at Delta Ponds. But there are also wonderful landscape scenes and sometimes they are special. That was the way I felt about this scene. Everyone should appreciate the scenes of the earth's natural beauty found in parks, both here and across the country, as well as around the world! The earth is a wonderful home that we humans have not taken the best care of.
17-FEB-2017
Robbery In Progress!
Newsflash! A robber was caught in the act by an alert citizen, who got this picture of the suspect! Unfortunately, the thief got away! Resident birds are grateful that not all of their food supply was stolen. The robber seemed quite brazen, not wanting to leave anything behind despite having this picture taken. He/she remains at large!
18-FEB-2017
Aerial Combat
At times, birds engage in aerial combat. Issues usually rise over protecting their territory. That surely wouldn't seem to be the case with these seagulls, they are only inland because of storms on the Coast. I guess one gull decided it wanted the perch being used by the other. Anyway, it chased it away. No blood was shed, as we see in human conflicts.
19-FEB-2017
Our First Rhody of the Year!
We have one rhododendron bush in the front yard that always blooms in February, the first one of our several rhododendrons to bloom. The blossoms could have been there a few days before I even noticed them. This one will fully bloom any day now. There have been years when the bush blossomed out during the first days of the month. I am always pleased that this occurs so early in the year. It gives me hope that spring is almost here.
20-FEB-2017
Mother, Daughter and Granddaughter
We had visitors over the weekend, our granddaughter and her family from Idaho, and our daughter from Nevada. I like triangles, this is a quick grab. There is something about a mother's loving arms!
21-FEB-2017
Squirrels Grow Big in Springfield!
Meet Springs the squirrel, Willamalane Park District mascot. Springs attends grand openings and dedications of parks, and other events. Here you can see him in a video having a good time with the talented members of AcroYoga:
Press here for Link
22-FEB-2017
Pretty Redhead
Bet I got your attention with that title! :) Well, this striking Downy Woodpecker is a redhead, and he is a pretty little fellow. He graciously posed for me at Delta Ponds.
Even though Downy Woodpeckers can be attracted to bird feeders, they can be difficult to photograph in the wild. We can spot them best in winter when the trees and shrubs are bare. But even then, they are not conspicuous. At the slightest movement, they can quickly disappear behind branches or fly away. And as they feed in the trees, they are constantly on the move, making it difficult to get one to stay in one position as this one did for me.
27-JAN-2017
Quit Your Bellyaching!
It looks like this Great Blue Heron in Delta Ponds is complaining about something. It couldn't be me, I wasn't that close! I liked the lighting and they golden bushes in the scene.
24-FEB-2017
"Celebrate Hummingbirds"
Hummingbirds are such charming little birds! I love to see and watch them wherever I can find them. I saw this one a Delta Ponds this morning and was thrilled all over again. The thrill never goes away.
I found this Audubon link to "Celebrate Hummingbirds - Learn more about these birds and how you can help them." According to the information there, hummingbirds are in need of your help. It's an interesting site:
25-FEB-2017
Willamette River on a Cold Morning
It was cold and frosty when I visited Clearwater Park to shoot this view of the Willamette River at sunrise. There was a slight touch of fog over the river. I found the colors pleasing and the chill in the air invigorated me. Of course, it didn't take me long to wish for the warmth of home and a hot cup of coffee. :)
26-FEB-2017
Threatening!
As I took my morning walk I noticed this huge cloud building up to the east. Notice the nice blue sky and sunshine on the left in the photo. It was pretty nice when I left home and I thought it would be a pleasant walk. However, I did get rained on before I got home. I was only a little over halfway through my loop so had a ways to go on a two mile walk. You can see how dark it is in the lower right hand of the photo. Still, it was a good walk. And hey, I wouldn't have got this picture if I hadn't gone out. :)
27-FEB-2017
Eagle Sightings
There have been several sightings of Bald Eagles during the past month or so. So they are back, and I am sure they will be nesting before too long. The eagle is such a magnificent bird! And to think that Benjamin Franklin's choice for national bird of the USA was the turkey! Of course, a tom turkey in full display can be impressive. :) But the Bald Eagle really stands out for its regal beauty.
28-FEB-2017
1931 Graham-Paige Sedan
I took a rainy day drive on Territorial Road west of Eugene this morning. I had plans for a good energetic walk, which I need, but got sidetracked. It turned out to be a good thing because of the rain. Anyway, on my drive I came across this old 1931 Graham-Paige model 620, according to what I can find online. I had a fine visit with the homeowner who said it was a 1931 model. He plans on restoring it, said a fellow stopped by and offered him $3000 cash for it, which he refused.
"In August 1930 production began on the first series 1931 models, continuations of the current line plus some leftover 621's. When the "real" 1931 models appeared in January, the line was sharply reduced: Standard and Special Sixes remained, but the top-line Custom 834 was merely a reworked 1930 Special Eight. New was the Special 820, with the smallest eight Graham had yet offered: 3 1/8 x 4-inch bore and stroke, 245.4 cubic inches, 85 bhp, an engine that would serve as the basic eight through 1935. Prices were reduced all round: the most expensive car was the Custom 834 limousine at $2095, versus $4055 for 1930's Custom Eight 137 Lebaron town car. A new synchro-silent four-speed transmission was offered, with helically geared third and silent engagement of third and fourth. Freewheeling, that automotive fad of the early Thirties, was available later in the year. Styling refinements included a vee'd vertical bar chrome grille and single bar bumpers. Word of the new series was sent over the air waves by the Columbia Broadcasting System every Sunday evening, when one could hear poet Edgar Guest and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on the Graham Radio Hour."
"Like everyone else, the Grahams attempted at first to reply to the Depression with a less expensive car, introducing their new "Prosperity Six" in the spring of' 1931. Except for a two-inch shorter wheelbase and a smaller, 70 bhp six, the new car was identical to the Standard Six. But at $785 for the coupe, Prosperity Six was the cheapest car ever offered by Graham-Paige. It made little difference, production continued to fall, totaling only 20,428 for 1931."
01-MAR-2017
Standoff?
When I first saw the Great Egret below Fern Ridge Dam, I didn't see the Great Blue Heron. I really liked the big rock the egret perched on so that drew my attention. Then I saw the heron across the water. I thought they were likely at a standoff over that spot. From what I usually see at Delta Ponds, the herons usually chase the egrets away if they get into the area where the heron usually hunts for prey. But this is normally unclaimed territory. Eventually, while I was looking elsewhere, it was the heron that flew away. Maybe they were friends after all. :)
02-MAR-2017
Yard Decoration
Believe it or not, this realistic cow is in front of a house about ten blocks from us. I pass it occasionally when on a neighborhood walk. This time I stopped to get a shot of "Bessie" (that's my name for her). She is a good cow, no trouble at all to feed and doesn't leave a mess, the perfect pet! They don't even have to tie her up, though to be safe they did put a bell on her. :)
03-MAR-2017
Spotted Towhee
I have always loved seeing the Spotted Towhee, to me a most beautiful bird. So when I saw this one at Delta Ponds this morning I was delighted. It posed for me for a brief time and then was on its way. They don't seem to stay still very long. I have attracted only a very few to our feeders at home. But I enjoy seeing the birds in the wild a lot more anyway.
"The Spotted Towhee is a large, striking sparrow of sun-baked thickets of the West. When you catch sight of one, they’re gleaming black above (females are grayish), spotted and striped with brilliant white. Their warm rufous flanks match the dry leaves they spend their time hopping around in. The birds can be hard to see in the leaf litter, so your best chance for an unobstructed look at this handsome bird may be in the spring, when males climb into the shrub tops to sing their buzzy songs."
"Early in the breeding season, male Spotted Towhees spend their mornings singing their hearts out, trying to attract a mate. Male towhees have been recorded spending 70 percent to 90 percent of their mornings singing. Almost as soon as they attract a mate, their attention shifts to other things, and they spend only about 5 percent of their time singing."
04-MAR-2017
Harbinger of Spring!
Although the rhododendron in our front yard blooms each year in February, other flowers are already in bloom. Among the earliest flowers to appear, even while snow is still on the ground, is the beautiful crocus. At the time when you wonder if winter will never end, the crocus puts on its colorful showing. The appearance of this early arrival is always a delight.
05-FEB-2017
Black-Capped Chickadee
I saw this little cutie at Delta Ponds. Here is something to think about: the Black-Capped Chickadee is smarter than one might think, certainly having a memory better than mine! It hides its food to eat later, each item in a different place. And get this, the chickadee can remember thousands of hiding places! Can you do that?
Here is what "All About Birds" says about the Black-Capped Chickadee:
"A bird almost universally considered “cute” thanks to its oversized round head, tiny body, and curiosity about everything, including humans. The chickadee’s black cap and bib; white cheeks; gray back, wings, and tail; and whitish underside with buffy sides are distinctive. Its habit of investigating people and everything else in its home territory, and quickness to discover bird feeders, make it one of the first birds most people learn." - (
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-capped_Chickadee/lifehistory)
06-MAR-2017
My Easy Chair
What a rainy day we had today. I started out to get some photos of the dusting of snow we got. That fizzled and it started raining harder, so guess where I headed? Home to my easy chair and a cup of coffee. :) But I didn't get my exercise! :(
07-MAR-2017
Big Fall Creek Near Where I Grew Up
I grew up about 25 miles from here along Big Fall Creek. My father had nine acres there where he raised cows, pigs and chickens. We also had a small orchard along with grapes, also a huge garden. It was a great place to grow up! Today that property sits beneath Fall Creek Dam. So when I pay a visit, as I did today, things are much different now. But this scene of Fall Creek at a spot just below where our property was hasn't changed all that much. It was so beautiful there and still is along the creek just below the dam. Seeing the young fellows there on the rocks brought back memories of days when I roamed the banks of Fall Creek.
08-MAR-2017
Mt. Zion With a Dusting of Snow
This is a scene looking south from Lowell State Park at Lowell Oregon. The body of water is Dexter Lake, and across the lake is Highway 58. The elevation of Mt. Zion is 2625 feet. So it is more like a butte than a mountain, but it does tower over the surrounding hills.
As you can see in the photo, there is a marina at the park and the lake is kept full year round. Sail boaters, water skiers, anglers, paddlers and rowers take advantage of the park. The University of Oregon and Oregon Association of Rowers have boathouses there, and host Regattas (rowing races) in the spring. There are also drag boat races in the summer. There are also areas for recreation and picnicking in the park. For more information about the park, go here -
http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=177
09-MAR-2017
Just a Bit More of Winter
I think we are experiencing the last gasps of winter. We have a huge snow pack in the Cascades, 110 inches of roadside snow at the top of the Santiam Pass, which has an elevation of 4817 feet above sea level. We have had a few recent snow squalls down here at 500 feet elevation. But things are looking up. Hopefully, winter weather is slowly changing. Seems like it has been a long winter. Perhaps this is the last bit of snow we get. In the meantime, let's put on a happy face! -
10-MAR-2017
Children on Field Trip in Delta Ponds
Believe it or not, we saw some sunshine today. It was a good day for outings and an opportunity to see some blue sky. I look forward to more days like this as spring breaks out. Gray skies are not the best background for photographs. On such days a good thing to do is try to eliminate as much sky as you can. Anyway, the parks in Eugene are popular for school field trips and other outings. Bird watching groups have regular scheduled walks in Delta Ponds. And guys like me find it a most pleasant place for photo walks.
11-MAR-2017
A Perfect Perch
While I was walking in Delta Ponds, enjoying a sunny day, this robin landed on a perfect perch, allowing me to get a nice photo of it. I love the pose, it's what I would have asked for if I knew Robin language!
12-FEB-2017
Riparian Pond Beside the Mill Race Path
In January a 3-mile path along the old Springfield Mill Race was opened for public use. It connects downtown Springfield to the 4-mile Middle Fork Path that runs along the Willamette River. It provides a route for bicycle commuters to get across town. Along the way, you just might see deer, birds and native plants. It's a good way to get out into nature without leaving town. Near the 5th Street trailhead you will walk along this beautiful riparian area with ponds and wetlands. Panorama made from four separate images.
13-MAR-2017
Blowing in the Wind
A backyard ornament in a bit of a wind.
14-MAR-2017
Water Everywhere
Due to a lot of recent rain, we have had full streams throughout the valley. We had a day or two with a bit of sunshine, but now more rain is expected. In the meantime, the water has receded some. The foreground in this scene has been under water. I took advantage of the opportunity to get out there with my old D1x for a few photos.
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.
27-MAR-2017
Take to the Sky!
I love to see the birds flying above, as is this wonderful Great Blue Heron. It takes me to the sky, wishing I could get a bird's eye view. Interestingly, the Bible invites us to "observe intently the birds of the heavens". How true! To study the birds is to learn about Creation.
For some outstanding scenes and a beautiful song, please watch this Film Footage From Original Motion Picture 'Legend of the Guardians The Owls of Ga'Hoole'. The song is "To The Sky". I think it is beautiful, as are the scenes from the movie:
Press here for Link
28-MAR-2017
Teasel and Reeds
I liked the way the Tall reeds in the background looked in this image of the teasel. The light was right and it all fit together in a manner that appealed to me.
29-MAR-2017
Don't Worry, It's Just Water Over the Dam!
This little dam on a canal running through Alton Baker Park can be a pretty sight. I think it is in this photo. Interestingly, 'water over the dam' has the same connotation as 'water under the bridge'. Both terms are "used to refer to events or situations that are in the past and consequently no longer to be regarded as important or as a source of concern."
So, don't worry, be happy. Sing along with that song here:
30-MAR-2017
Waiting For Your Call
The cordless phone in the dark caught my eye, so I had to get a photograph of it. Photography is always all about the light! Without it, of course, there would be nothing of interest here!
(The D3 still sets the standard for the rest of my digital cameras when it comes to low noise at high ISO's. The photo sites are huge and deep.)
31-MAR-2017
First Osprey Sighting of the Year!
I saw my first osprey of the year at Delta Ponds this morning. It was good to see them back. I suppose they will be nesting before long.
A cool fact about birds from 'All About Birds':
"An Osprey may log more than 160,000 migration miles during its 15-to-20-year lifetime. Scientists track Ospreys by strapping lightweight satellite transmitters to the birds’ backs. The devices pinpoint an Osprey's location to within a few hundred yards and last for 2-3 years. During 13 days in 2008, one Osprey flew 2,700 miles—from Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, to French Guiana, South America."
01-APR-2017
Willow Tree Catkins
Along the edges of the ponds of Delta Ponds, the willows are blooming with beautiful yellow blossoms called 'catkins'. I believe this is a Pacific Willow.
Here is a photo of catkins, just like those in my photo:
More information about willow blooms:
"Willow trees' blooming phase begins in February in warm areas, and it continues until June in colder climates. The trees' long, tube-shaped flower clusters called catkins make their appearance just before leaves reappear on the branches. The flower clusters are filled with nectar, which insects carry for pollination. Within 45 to 60 days after pollination, willow seeds are ripe and ready to begin another reproduction cycle."
02-APR-2017
North End of Delta Ponds
Along the north end of Delta Ponds are apartments that surely have a nice view of a large pond and the wild birds that come there. Just below those apartments is a trail along that north bank that I love to explore. At certain times of year, when the foliage hides them better, small birds seem to find plenty to eat there. Currently, the water is high because of all of the rain we have had in the past couple months. As a result, many birds that frequent the Ponds haven't shown up yet. We had a beautiful sunny day today, which will help to lower water levels.
03-APR-2017
Caught in Mid-air!
I was thrilled to capture this beautiful little bird in mid-air. It had been on that shoot behind it, but now you can see the feet hanging on air! My conclusion was that it is a type of finch, but I wasn't positive, and wanted feedback from anyone who knows what it is for sure. Friend Laura ID'd the bird as a Yellow Warbler. Check out this link and the second photo on the page -
http://biology.csusb.edu/birds/species/Setophaga_petechia.php I got feedback from two others who say the bird is instead an Orange-Crowned Warbler. I do see a lot of similarity there too. Identifying birds can be so difficult!
These little bundles of energy almost never stay still. I did get some nice photos of it on that shoot, but this one is my favorite. It was the most difficult! We can learn a lot from the birds. In the Bible, Jesus said "Observe intently the birds of heaven; they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they are?” The bird in my photo has plenty to eat in Delta Ponds.
04-APR-2017
Across the Pond
I went to Junction City Pond this morning and saw two or three Great Egrets there. I tried to get a bit closer to them, but they would move away so I was not in their safety zone. So I was forced to get shots across the pond. This image was cropped just a bit. I liked the way the feathers seemed to be used for brakes in landing.
05-APR-2017
Today's Catch!
This female Hooded Merganser dived and came up with this small fish. I have no idea what kind it is, seems yellowish to me. Anyway, it seems big enough for a good lunch for the merganser. I feel fortunate to capture this shot as I had my Coolpix 900 today instead of my super-fast D500, and the P900 is not an action camera. I got a lucky break! Or rather, time and chance were in my favor today.
Eloine, whose comment is found below, makes a point that brings up something really interesting! Her comment gives me an answer raised by two other shots I got of this incident. I have a shot where the bird has the fish in its beak, but then one where it is looking down at a wave ring in the water. I can only guess that the merganser came up with the fish, then lost it. The shot posted would be the second one where it has lost hold of the fish, and the one of it looking at the ring in the water would be the third shot. I can’t think of any other explanation, because the bird's beak is closed and the fish is on the other side of it, as Eloine noted. Wow!
ADDENDUM: Matthew made an interesting point in his comment below. The reason I say this is because when I checked the three shots I have of this, the last one shows the merganser swimming away with the fish in its beak! So it somehow got it without losing it. If the bird had the fish by the fin it would mean it managed to hang onto it! That's the conclusion I have to come to because of that last photo.
06-APR-2017
Kiosk on Mill Race Path, which includes several of my photos.
I shot a good number of photos of the new Mill Race Path for Willamalane Parks District. They have installed several new kiosks along the path. This one is at the trailhead at 32nd St. and Jasper Road. I was pleased that they used several of my photos in the kiosks.
The 3 1/2 mile path is wonderful for walking or biking. I usually walk it in sections rather than walk the whole length at one time. That would mean another 3 1/2 miles return trip, a little bit much for an old guy.
07-APR-2017
Yellow billed White-Crowned Sparrow.
I love the White Crowned Sparrows, they are easy to identify. :) Also, their beautiful black-and-white head, yellow beak (found on those who breed along the Pacific Coast), and gray breast with tan sides make them look quite sporty.
Cool Fact from 'All About Birds':
"•A migrating White-crowned Sparrow was once tracked moving 300 miles in a single night. Alaskan White-crowned Sparrows migrate about 2,600 miles to winter in Southern California.
•The oldest recorded White-crowned Sparrow lived in California and was at least 13 years, 4 months old."
Regional Differences
"White-crowned Sparrows that breed along the Pacific Coast tend to have yellow bills and duller white head stripes. Birds that breed from Alaska to Hudson Bay tend to have orange bills and white or gray lores. Birds that breed east of Hudson Bay and in the Rockies tend to have pink bills with black lores that merge with the black head stripes."
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"
Press here for Link
•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!
20-APR-2017
The Beguiling Bushtit
I saw this female Coastal Bushtit in Delta Ponds and felt fortunate to capture it with my camera. They are very active and are not still for long. You will see them moving about in low branches of vegetation in woodlands, pond edges, and parks, where they search for insects and some seeds.
"•Bushtits are social birds that live year-round in flocks of 10 to 40 birds. They range widely in winter, sometimes moving considerable distances to escape cold weather. When nesting, a pair usually tolerates other flock members near the nest.
•The oldest known Bushtit was a female, and at least 9 years, 1 month old when it was recaptured and rereleased during banding operations in California."
21-APR-2017
Log Rolling Contest
A very crowded log in Delta Ponds. It looks like they are having a log rolling contest. I think all of the turtles are Red-eared Sliders, which seem to be taking the ponds over from the native Pond Turtles.
According to USGS - "The Red-eared Slider's indigenous range broadly covers the midwestern states and extending as far east as West Virginia and a disjunct (relict) population in southern Ohio, as far west as eastern New Mexico, and as far south as south of the Rio Grande River into northeastern Mexico."
Release of pets has caused their increased presence in other areas.
22-APR-2017
Approaching Eagle Creek Recreation Area
We went along our with daughter, Angie, to keep her company when she drove to Pendleton, close to 320 miles away, to look at a horse she saw on the Internet. And we came back today. On the way up the Columbia River Gorge from Portland, we went through this tunnel. This area of the Gorge is lush and beautiful. I grabbed a couple shots through the windshield as we went through the tunnel, but I liked best this one as we came out of it. Forgive the gray sky, but it was raining. Oh, and Angie was driving. :)
23-APR-2017
Angie and Goldie
This is a photo of Angie with Goldie, the horse we went to Milton-Freewater to meet. Goldie is a Quarter Horse/Arabian and is palomino colors. She still has her winter coat and will turn darker gold by summer.
Angie and Goldie got along just fine and we also met Dale McKain, who has had her for several years. We really enjoyed our visit with both! It was a great trip. Angie will be bringing Goldie here to live in June. She is real sweetie and a beauty.
24-APR-2017
The Eye of Goldie!
I shot a number of pictures of the beautiful Arabian/Quarter Horse that our daughter, Angie, is getting. I just loved her eyelashes. So here is the Eye of Goldie! I felt like reaching out to remove that eyelash in the corner of her eye, but didn't dare to. She didn't know me yet.
25-APR-2017
Was It Something I Said?
Goldie expressing herself. Perhaps that is what she thought about me taking her picture! :) By the way, that's one of her sons in the background.
26-APR--2017
Great Egret Starting to Show Breeding Plumage
This beautiful Great Egret, seen at Delta Ponds, is beginning to show its breeding plumage. They "were hunted nearly to extinction for their plumes in the late nineteenth century, sparking conservation movements and some of the first laws to protect birds."
Above quote from 'All About Birds' More COOL FACT -
"The pristinely white Great Egret gets even more dressed up for the breeding season. A patch of skin on its face turns neon green, and long plumes grow from its back. Called aigrettes, those plumes were the bane of egrets in the late nineteenth century, when such adornments were prized for ladies’ hats."
27-APR--2017
Not So Gently Flows the Water
We are having a record year for rainfall, as evidenced in today's photo. But brighter days are ahead. Tomorrow is supposed to be a sunny day, can you believe it? And Saturday too. I don't know about after that, but for the next few days I am going to soak in the sun if I can.
28-APR--2017
Close Encounter of an Unusual Kind
We had wonderful weather this morning, so I headed for Delta Ponds, where I spend a lot of time. While on my morning walk to four of the Ponds, I had a most unusual meeting. I was on a high bank overlooking the north pond when a turkey vulture landed on the bank just below me. It was about 10-15 feet away. I thought, hey it couldn't be after me, though in the photo it is looking right at me! Sure enough there was a dead bird just below, which I finally saw it picking at. But it was still quite a surprise to have the vulture swoop down and land so close by. I had to back off to 200mm to get it in the picture.
29-APR-2017
Not a Snake in the Grass!
While enjoying a walk on the Pre Trail, I flushed a pheasant. Leave it to me to usually see the back end of a bird as it exits. This time, the pheasant flew into some tall grass a short distance away. I was able to zoom in on it with my P900 and get to see most if him. They are such pretty birds and I don't get to see many of these colorful subjects.
Interesting fact about the China Pheasant. Of course, they were imported to the US from China. But what is really interesting to me is that the first place to which they were brought was right here in the Eugene/Springfield area. It was a judge from the local area who did so, and his farm was located on Game Farm Road.
30-APR-2017
Path and Bridge in Delta Ponds
Delta Ponds is a special place for one to enjoy nature in the midst of Eugene. One sees a variety of wildlife, particularly birds. And there are trails throughout for exploring the large area and to get exercise. Here is an example of the pretty scenes one can delight in while there. It was good to get back out there to enjoy it all. We have had a few nice days after a long stretch of lots of rain.
01-MAY-2017
My Little Trooper is at it again!
Carol has been having some problems during the last week or so and it got bad today. So I took her to ER and she is in the hospital for at least a couple days. They are getting fluid off her lungs tonight and will work to get her heart back in rhythm in the morning. Our daughter, Angie, took this picture of the two of us in her room in the heart center. She is a real trooper, having so much to deal with. Not a good way to start May off.
02-MAY-2017
Sleeping Beauty in the Land of Technology
I grabbed this shot of Carol sleeping in her high tech hospital bed with the vital signs monitor above her. It is simply amazing what they can discover with the new medical technology. They could easily watch her heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level in the blood, and lots of other vital signs. She is being well cared for in the heart center at McKenzie/Willamette Hospital. They did a cardio version on her to get her heart back into rhythm, and are working to get fluid out of her lungs. The difference we saw in her after the heart procedure was impressive and positive.
03-MAY-2017
Yellow Rumped Warbler
I saw this Warbler at a good distance away in Delta Ponds last month. They are such pretty creatures! It was posed so nicely on that stalk that I just had to try to get some shots of it. This result is cropped a good bit.
Some COOL FACTS about Yellow-rumped Warblers from "All About Birds" (
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Yellow-rumped_Warbler/lifehistory}
"•Yellow-rumped Warblers are perhaps the most versatile foragers of all warblers. They're the warbler you're most likely to see fluttering out from a tree to catch a flying insect, and they're also quick to switch over to eating berries in fall. Other places Yellow-rumped Warblers have been spotted foraging include picking at insects on washed-up seaweed at the beach, skimming insects from the surface of rivers and the ocean, picking them out of spiderwebs, and grabbing them off piles of manure."
04-MAY-2017
Happy to Be Going Home
Carol is resting at home today. It's difficult to get any rest in a hospital. I shot this picture of her as we were getting ready to bring her home. Sharing the picture is her new buddy that I got to keep her company in the hospital. Now we can look forward to our 56th wedding anniversary on the 13th.
So, at least that is over! Now Carol has to have some tests to check her Mitral valve to see if it has become less efficient. She spent over a year in bed with Rheumatic Fever when a girl and it was touch and go as to her recovery. The illness left her heart valves damaged. She had the Aortic valve replaced with an artificial one in 2003. Through it all, she maintains a positive, happy outlook though she endures much. What a girl!
05-MAY-2017
Big Mouth!
This American White Pelican could have been yawning. I didn't hear anything, but I was a little ways away. Whatever the reason, I was able to catch it with its mouth open wide. I even got one shot with its head up and mouth open and pouch fully extended. The bedded down pelican simply ignores it. I saw quite a few pelicans at Fern Ridge Lake recently. They aren't here long and only show up once or twice a year.
"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."
06-MAY-2017
I think Goldie was a hit with Angie and Carol
Going back to our jaunt to meet Goldie. It is pretty evident that she made a hit with Angie and Carol. This was a good day, a couple weeks before Carol's stay in the hospital.
07-MAY2017
Wild Rose at Clearwater Park
I got a chance to take a short walk at Clearwater Park the other day and came upon this pretty wild rose. It brightened my day. Hope it does yours too!
08-MAY-2017
Moon Over the Willamette River
I liked this early morning view of the Willamette River beneath a silvery moon, as it passed by Clearwater Park.
09-MAY-2017
An Important Fixture in the Hospital
While Carol was in the hospital, I amused myself with a few diversion, such as a photograph here and there of anything that got my attention. At last I found an important fixture at the hospital, one that anyone there can't do without. Ok, I was a little bored from sitting all day. :)
10-APR-2017
Flying Low Over the Ponds
The cormorants, of a couple different varieties, have been in Delta Ponds for a while this spring. They seem to stop by each year in the spring and again in the fall, when they migrate. I believe this might be a Double-crested Cormorant.
From a distance the cormorant may look black, but up closer lighter colors can be seen. This is what is said in a Cool Fact from 'All About Birds' - "•From a distance, Double-crested Cormorants are dark birds with snaky necks, but up-close they’re quite colorful—with orange-yellow skin on their face and throat, striking aquamarine eyes that sparkle like jewels, and a mouth that is bright blue on the inside." (
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Double-crested_Cormorant/lifehistory)
11-MAY-2017
"I Saw You Looking at that Egret!"
This Canada Goose pair seem to have some difference going on. And I can just imagine what was said, one saying to its mate, "I saw you looking at that egret back there!" :) Now, what do you think it is?
12-MAY-2017
Rainbow Over Springfield
I had to run to the pharmacy to get a couple prescriptions for Carol and was greeted with this view when I came out of the store. The image is a two shot panorama done with my smart phone, the only camera I had with me. It was definitely a case of 'your best camera is the one you have with you!'
13-MAY-2017
Waiting for Dinner, 56th Anniversary
Carol was able to go out for our 56th anniversary dinner today. We had a very nice meal and the service was great. While we were waiting for the meal, I decided to play with the camera a bit I set it on the edge of the table pointed at us, hoping I could get both of us in the picture, if we leaned in that is! I thought it came out pretty good considering the circumstances. At least it shows us having a good time.
14-MAY-2017
Me With 'Shorty'. :)
This is another shot I set up of Carol and me for our 56th anniversary. I would set the timer and try to get in position before the shutter clicked. I had only 10 seconds, the limit for this particular camera. I also tried to lean down a bit so I didn't tower over Carol, with limited success. :) It's just a fun thing we do on our anniversary.
15-MAY-2017
Spotted Sandpiper?
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.
16-MAY-2017
Well, I Tried!
I thought I would get to go walking on a photo shoot this morning. Well, I tried! The rain got heavier. I ended up on Skinner Butte to see if I could at least get a view of the city. But rain kept me in the car and shots through the rain spattered windshield left everything in a blur. So did this shot of a lone tree in one viewing area. I thought it explained my situation well.
17-MAY-2017
Just Had to Add One More
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. :)
18-MAY-2017
Black-Headed Grosbeak
I was pleased to get this image! As I walked the Riverbank Path in Springfield, I spotted this bird in the gravel along the path. At first, I thought it was a Spotted Towhee. But the white on its wings wasn't spots, it was more like patches, and the beak was broader than the towhee. Funny that the name, 'Grosbeak', came to mind. So when I got home I checked my bird books and sure enough it matches the description of the Black-headed Grosbeak!
I don't remember ever seeing one before, but the books show it to be common to the Western US. Maybe this is my first one! But it is possible that I have seen one and thought it to be a towhee, not getting close enough to see the difference. It was a thrill, nevertheless!
19-MAY-2017
Creating Quite a Racket!
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.
20-MAY-2017
I'll bet the hummingbirds love this flower!
I don't remember the name of this flower, but from the look of it I would say it would be a favorite of hummingbirds. Anyway, it is sure a beautiful flower! Ah, thanks to those who ID'd this as a Crimson (Red) Columbine! Now I remember! :)
Isn't it interesting how there is such a balance in nature? The Columbine is designed with such a shape that the hummingbird, with its long somewhat curved beak, can draw nector from the flower. Don't tell me that the Columbine or the hummingbird were smart enough to design all this themselves! That just doesn't compute!
21-MAY-2017
Enjoying the beauty of Owens Rose Garden
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? :)
22-MAY-2017
Visitor From South Africa
The Calla Lily is often seen in gardens and landscaped areas. It was originally native to South Africa but has found its way to many locations in the earth. Because of superstition, the Calla Lily is viewed by some as associated with death, but to me it is a beautiful design of creation, and is full of life, brightening a yard or garden. This one looks like it has served a meal to some insect or snail.
"Calla lilies are one of the most beautiful flowers with a unique flower form. Calla lilies come in a wide array of colors viz., shades of green, pink, purple, yellow and orange. Callas are also known by such other common names viz., arum lily, trumpet lily, Pig lily, or Miniature Calla Lily. Calla lilies are native to Southern Africa. Calla lilies are easy to grow and are generally grown from a bulb or rhizome."
25-MAY-2017
Do I want this? :)
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. :)
26-MAY-2017
Bright Eyes
This pretty Spotted Towhee paused in a tree in Delta Ponds. I loved its nice pose and its bright eyes. The Towhee forages for its food on the ground where it scratches the ground with both feet to find it. Diet is mostly seeds, berries, insects and spiders. It must have been taking a break in the tree.
28-MAY-2017
Where the trail begins!
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.
29-MAY-2017
Long Distance Traveler
Fern Ridge Wildlife Area west of Eugene sees a variety of birds and other wildlife. It seems to be along the migratory route of some species of birds. I was fortunate to locate some American White Pelicans on a recent visit. Pelicans are large birds, capable of traveling long distances.
I found this information from 'All About Birds' helpful - "Though American White Pelicans breed at fewer than 60 colonies in total, their large size and propensity to travel large distances, even when breeding, make finding them fairly straightforward. Finding them depends on where you are and what time of the year it is, so check a range map to find out whether you should be looking in inland sites in the north or coastal spots in the south of the continent." (
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_White_Pelican/id)
30-MAY-2017
Sitting Still For a Moment
I saw this beauty along the Mill Race Path in a riparian area. There was a number of them zooming back and forth above the water, too fast for this old guy to catch them. But then I didn't have my Nikon D500 DSLR, which could stop them in their tracks. Still, they are very fast. I think they were swallows, but this one confused me. Whatever it is, I enjoyed the antics. A friend ID'd the bird, a Northern Rough-winged Swallow. See -
http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/northern-rough-winged-swallow
31-MAY-2017
The Art of Preening
This Red-wing Blackbird stopped in the top of a small fir tree along the Mill Race Path to preen. The beautiful green of the new growth. along with a green background, really set the bird apart. As it preened, the bird struck this nice pose. If you look closely, you will see that those small black spots are insects buzzing around the bird.
Why do birds preen? Note this comment from 'thespruce.com': "Birds have up to 25,000 feathers, and regular preening keeps each one of those feathers in top condition. Second only to feeding, preening is a common bird behavior easily observed in a backyard, out in the field or even among captive birds or pets. Understanding why and how birds preen can help birders better appreciate their beautiful avian friends."
01-JUN-2017
Soaking in the Morning Light
This Cormorant I saw at Delta Ponds looked quite comfortable on the small tree branch. I imagine it was enjoying the warm golden light of a sunny morning. I know I was, though I wasn't up in a tree. :)
02-JUN-2017
Enjoying the View
Three bicyclists riding the Riverbank Path pause in Delta Ponds to enjoy the view of one of the ponds. It was a great day for a bike ride, with warm sunshine. And it was also a good day for walking through the Ponds on a photo walk. The sunshine came a little later. :)
Below you will find some information about Eugene's bike paths from Eugene Parks.
Eugene's growing bicycle network includes: •46 miles of shared-use paths,
•187 miles of on-street bicycle lanes,
•71 miles of signed bikeways, and
•5 bicycle/pedestrian bridges spanning the Willamette River
•2 bicycle/pedestrian bridges spanning major roads or highways
03-JUN-2017
Out in the Sticks
Enjoyed a visit to Delta Ponds where I saw this gorgeous bird, a Cedar Waxwing. It was perched on a bare twig in among a lot of twigs, truly "out in the sticks." For anyone unfamiliar with this phrase, it is an American term meaning "a rural area considered remote or backward"
EXAMPLES:
"I was the country bumpkin from the sticks."
"I haven't lived in the sticks all my life."
"Warren admits he couldn't live right out in the sticks."
"It's out in the sticks, about two miles from the nearest shop."
"He lived out in the sticks somewhere."
(From Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers)
04-JUN-2017
Perfectly Arranged
I saw these ferns along the Middle Fork Path in Springfield and thought the natural arrangement was perfect.
"Fern is a vascular, seedless plant that belongs to the group Pteridophyta. There are around 12 000 types of ferns that differ in size, morphology and type of habitat. Ferns can be found throughout the world. They live in shady places that provide enough moisture, such as forests, fields, swamps and areas near the streams. Fern can survive in various climates and on different altitudes. These plants are among the oldest living organisms on the planet."
There is so much we can learn from nature. There is even a field of science where they steal designs from nature for ‘new’ inventions. I feel I am getting a real education from what the Bible calls “the book of nature”.
05-JUN-2017
Awesome Aerial Acrobat
According to "All About Birds - The Cornell Lab of Ornithology", "Violet-green Swallows are graceful aerial acrobats that fly at various heights, often over water bodies, in search of flying insects. When not foraging Violet-green Swallows perch on wires or exposed tree branches. They are social songbirds and occur in groups with other swallows and swifts." I saw this Violet-green Swallow flying with other kinds of swallows above the waters of a Riparian Area along Springfield's Mill Race Path. I believe it is the first of this variety of swallows that I have been able to photograph. They are swift little things.
More information from "All About Birds" - "These aerial insectivores perform acrobatic stunts over lakes and streams high in the sky in search of flying insects. Violet-green Swallows can look dark at first, but their true colors come to life when sunlight illuminates their metallic green backs and iridescent purple rumps. They are a common sight in the West in spring and summer, but they vanish to Mexico and Central America for the winter. They can be distinguished from other swallows by the white patches on the sides of their rump and their white cheeks." -
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Violet-green_Swallow/id
06-JUN-2017
Double Exposure
It was a beautiful morning at Delta Ponds. The water is high for this time of year, so wildlife isn't as plentiful as last year. Still, I was treated to some photos of a variety of birds. Besides this, the turtles were out in numbers sunning themselves on logs in the ponds. I call this image Double Exposure because the reflection is almost as realistic as the real turtles.
07-JUN-2017
A Buddy of Mine :)
Just can't help it, the Great Blue Heron is a favorite of mine. I am so impressed with this huge bird, so gangly looking when walking, but oh so graceful in flight! I love to watch them hunt and quickly strike at prey, also to see them with outstretched wings as they glide through the air.
I really appreciated these comments from 'The Cornell Lab of Orthinology - All About Birds' - "Whether poised at a river bend or cruising the coastline with slow, deep wingbeats, the Great Blue Heron is a majestic sight. This stately heron with its subtle blue-gray plumage often stands motionless as it scans for prey or wades belly deep with long, deliberate steps. They may move slowly, but Great Blue Herons can strike like lightning to grab a fish or snap up a gopher. In flight, look for this widespread heron’s tucked-in neck and long legs trailing out behind."
08-JUN-2017
My First Sighting of a Green Heron This Year.
I saw my first Green Heron this year while at Delta Ponds this morning. It was very skittish and I had a difficult time getting a shot of it. I suppose that's because it just arrived at the Ponds where quite a few people walk each day. If it stays long enough perhaps it will get used to us.
In previous years it has been a little easier to get close enough for photos. But the Green Herons in those years arrived earlier and stayed longer than we will probably see this year. The waters in the Ponds have been high all spring, and they are still a little high even now. So I am not seeing as much wildlife yet, like I have in previous years. Perhaps this will help you to understand why I was thrilled at seeing the Green Heron back again.
09-JUN-2017
Framed!
I saw this cute little bird in a tree along one of the Delta Ponds. Its size, shape and bill are like a Chick-a-dee or a Bushtit. My guess would be a Bushtit. I loved how the branches created a wonderful frame for the bird.
Following is a link that leads me to believe the bird to be a Bushtit. It mentions that they are often seen with other birds as they forage. That was the case with this one. It was with a Bewick's Wren and perhaps another kind of bird. This quote is from 'The Cornell Lab of Orthinology - All About Birds': "Bushtits are sprightly, social songbirds that twitter as they fly weakly between shrubs and thickets in western North America. Almost always found in lively flocks, they move constantly, often hanging upside down to pick at insects or spiders on the undersides of leaves. Flocks of Bushtits mix with similar small songbirds like warblers, chickadees, and kinglets while foraging. Bushtits weave a very unusual hanging nest, shaped like a soft pouch or sock, from moss, spider webs, and grasses." See the photo at this link, which does look like the bird I saw -
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bushtit/id
10-JUN-2017
The Bearded One
I saw this Nutria on a log at Delta Ponds and was really impressed with its mustache. It is quite an attention-getter! LOL On the other hand, I wouldn't want mine to look like that! It was about the handsomest Nutria I have ever seen, even though the nutria is sometimes called the River Rat.
The spread of the nutria to natural areas around the country has result in a fight that science in some places is winning, according to this report in Science Daily: "A 10-pound rodent pest called nutria ravaging southern wetlands in the US, which has been especially damaging to the marshland ecology in the Mississippi Delta following Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, may have finally met its match thanks to molecular science." SEE -
14-JUN-2017
Enchanted Forest, The Woods at Dorris Ranch
Dorris Ranch is a hazelnut producing farm that is now a part of Willamalane Park District, the park system in Springfield. There are fine trails to walk through the park and this scene in in the woods where one path comes near the Willamette River. I think it is so pretty in there, so lush and green.
16-JUN-2017
The Kind of Baby Anyone Could Love!
I saw this gosling along with several others at Delta Ponds and just couldn't resist its charm. I love its raised foot.
What a great story!
31-MAR-2017
Big Leaf Maple Bud
I like to make a nice shot of the big leaf maple buds each year, as I think they are so fascinating and pretty. I thought this one was an especially nice one.
18-JUN-2017
Flaps Were Down for a Water Landing
I enjoyed watching this goose making a water landing at one of the Delta Ponds. It made an interesting trough in the water as it landed. I loved the detail in the outstretched wings.
Seeing this goose land so easily and gracefully roused my curiosity about the abilities of birds to fly and to make perfect takeoffs and landings, on land or water. Being a curious soul, I searched online for information and found a very informative book listed at Google Books entitled, "Avian Cognition: Exploring the Intelligence, Behavior, and Individuality of Birds" by Debra S. Herrmann. Unfortunately, the book is quite expensive. But the link below shows an interesting chart listing "Ideas and Inventions Appropriated by Humans from Canada Geese and Mallard Ducks." Note item three, which refers to raising and lowering aircraft landing gear when landing and taking off.
Press here for Link
So what you see in my photo is an example of what humans have copied from nature's acquired wisdom for application in human inventions. Now, the vital question is where did natural creation get this display of wisdom beyond what humans knew?
19-JUN-2017
Lush Beauty Along the Mill Race Path
The Mill Race Path is not far from home, so sometimes I have time to walk there when I don't have time to go anywhere else. This new Willamalane Park District path is turning out to be a popular route for a good number of bike riders and walkers. Scenes like this one contribute to a very pleasant walk.
Here is what Willamalane Park and Recreation District has to say about its paths and trails: "The views from Willamalane’s 29 miles of biking and walking trails range from riverside vistas to wildflower-studded woodlands. The Middle Fork and Mill Race paths allow people to travel from Clearwater Park in the east all the way to downtown Springfield. On-street connections pave the way to Eugene’s network of paths. In addition to the trails shown here, Lively Park features a nature walk through the woods, and Willamalane is in the process of building trails at Thurston Hills Natural Area. Keep an eye out as you wander along, and you just might spy a spotted towhee, rough-skinned newt or Western pond turtle." -
I would love to walk all 29 miles of the paths and trails, perhaps I could with enough time. Hmmm, it would have to be a good amount of time. :)
21-JUN-2017
Photo Buddies
Here is a photo I haven't posted till now. My friend, Steve and his wife, Cindy, visited Eugene on the way to Washington. I was going to show them a bit of Delta Ponds, but we were soon rained out. As we approach high temperatures on the coming weekend, the rain that day doesn't seem so bad now. Cindy shot this photo of Steve and me! :) I enjoyed seeing them and having breakfast together. The occasion is made more memorable as they now prepare to move from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic
22-JUN-2017
Cleaner Fish
While waiting for Carol at the heart doctor's office, I had time to watch the fish tank activity. The busiest fish was a cleaner fish. I don't know the name of this fish, but it sure was an interesting one! It sure has the mouth for the job. Looks something like a vacuum cleaner. :)
I found out that the fish is a "Hypostomus plecostomus", called by some the 'suckermouth catfish'.
Press here for Link
23-JUN-2017
Someone you can invite as guest to your home!
When I first saw this Spotted Towhee in the top of a tree at Delta Ponds, the sunlight was coming from behind it. I had to move around the tree to get better light on the subject. The tree was on the edge of a bank that dropped down to the pond. Since I didn't want to go down there unexpectedly I moved with caution. But I did get better lighting on the Towhee. Shot was made handheld.
Backyard Tips - "Spotted Towhees are likely to visit – or perhaps live in – your yard if you’ve got brushy, shrubby, or overgrown borders. If your feeders are near a vegetated edge, towhees may venture out to eat fallen seed. If you want to attract towhees to your feeders, consider sprinkling some seed on the ground, as this is where towhees prefer to feed."
24-JUN-2017
Memories
I like the small lamp that sits on a cabinet in our living room. Along with it is a photo of our three girls. The centerpiece of flowers completes it. I always find it pleasant to look at. Memories come flooding back.
26-JUN-2017
Blame It On Shakespeare! :)
When you really look at them, Starlings are quite beautiful. Also, to use the words of Audubon Guide to North American Birds, "the Starling wins our grudging admiration for its adaptability, toughness, and seeming intelligence".
And yes, indirectly Shakespeare was responsible for them appearing in North America (See All About Birds, below)
"•All the European Starlings in North America descended from 100 birds set loose in New York's Central Park in the early 1890s. The birds were intentionally released by a group who wanted America to have all the birds that Shakespeare ever mentioned. It took several tries, but eventually the population took off. Today, more than 200 million European Starlings range from Alaska to Mexico, and many people consider them pests.
•Starlings are strong fliers that can get up to speeds of 48 mph.
•Starlings are great vocal mimics: individuals can learn the calls of up to 20 different species. Birds whose songs starlings often copy include the Eastern Wood-Pewee, Killdeer, meadowlarks, Northern Bobwhite, Wood Thrush, Red-tailed Hawk, American Robin, Northern Flicker, and many others."
27-JUN-2017
A Bit of Mystery by the River
I started out with a nice scene along the Willamette River and got carried away while trying out a new program, Smart Photo Editor Studio. The purpose is for you to come up with a story of your own explain the image. Don't ask me! I don't know what is going on. LOL
29-JUN-2017
Framed By a Pergola
This is a scene from Owen Rose Garden in Eugene, which is part of Eugene's park system. One feature of the park is a "pergola lined paved walkway" that is quite pretty. A 'pergola' is "an archway in a garden or park consisting of a framework covered with trained climbing or trailing plants." Here it frames a tree with beautiful pink blossoms.
There is much to see in Owens Rose Garden and it has an interesting history. See what the City of Eugene has to say about it in their website:
Press here for Link
30-JUN-2017
In The Tree Tops
If you scan the trees this time of year, you just might see an Osprey. They often perch in a high spot above a waterway, alert for a tasty meal of fish. This beautiful adult was perched in a tree above Delta Ponds.
Cool Facts (from 'All About Birds):
"An Osprey may log more than 160,000 migration miles during its 15-to-20-year lifetime. Scientists track Ospreys by strapping lightweight satellite transmitters to the birds’ backs. The devices pinpoint an Osprey's location to within a few hundred yards and last for 2-3 years. During 13 days in 2008, one Osprey flew 2,700 miles—from Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, to French Guiana, South America."
"The name "Osprey" made its first appearance around 1460, via the Medieval Latin phrase for "bird of prey" (avis prede). Some wordsmiths trace the name even further back, to the Latin for "bone-breaker"—ossifragus."
01-JUL-2017
Magnificent Masquerade
I think perhaps that the Masquerade Climbing Rose is my favorite variety of the wonderful rose family. We have some beauties in our yard but I got this picture in a neighborhood yard on my morning walk. I love to capture flowers in sunlight against a shady background.
02-JUL-2017
Watering the Lawn
When I take a walk at Delta Ponds I pass some condo's. As I passed a fenced in lawn behind a large complex, this umbrella and sprinkler caught my eye. I liked this composition with the fence serving as a frame.
03-JUL-2017
Delightful, But Can Be a Nuisance
I saw this beautiful Morning Glory decorating a railing on a walkway at Delta Ponds. I thought it was delightful.
Growing wild, the Morning Glory can add beauty to a landscape. But Morning Glory is a vine and can grow quickly, with roots that spread widely. All Morning Glories produce typical funnel-shaped blossoms in white, red, blue, purple and yellow. At first, I thought the Morning Glory only came in white, which is what we see around here growing wild. But I have seen gorgeous blue and purple flowers growing in flower gardens around the area. They are fine, as long as one keeps them under control. I have found that isn't always easy.
03-JUL-2017
The Study of Aerodynamics
I never cease to be amazed at the ability of birds, large and small, to fly so gracefully through the sky and perform all kinds of wonderful aerobatics. They are marvelously designed to do so. So marvelous are these designs that Humans have studied them for a basis for our flying machines. There is wisdom greater than human's in evidence there! Just look at this wonderful Great Blue Heron as it makes use of feathers and flaps to glide to a landing in Delta Ponds!
Here are some interesting facts about "What Is Aerodynamics?" in the NASA website:
"Aerodynamics is the way objects move through air. The rules of aerodynamics explain how an airplane is able to fly. Anything that moves through air is affected by aerodynamics, from a rocket blasting off, to a kite flying. Since they are surrounded by air, even cars are affected by aerodynamics."
Press here for Link
05-JUL-2017
Don't Fence Me In!
I think that flowers and fences just seem to go together, like pie and ice cream. :) A neighborhood yard has some flowers that are quite pretty this time of year, including this one. I am guessing it is a type of Lily.
Yellow is said to be associated with optimism and pleasure. Maybe that is because sunny days are considered to feature yellow. A bright sunny day does lift the spirits and give a good feeling. Hopefully that is what this flower evokes.
06-JUL-2017
My Guess is a Female Hooded Merganser!
I have other shots of this beauty that are more convincing to lead me to the conclusion that this is a female Hooded Merganser. But that bright golden eye threw me. So I wondered, could it be some sort of Goldeneye? The bill and the body coloration are more of the Merganser, so I am going with that, unless someone has a better idea, that is! :) I liked the colors and the light in the scene at Alton Baker Park.
08-JUL-2017
Morning Sun at Dorris Ranch
Dorris Ranch, a working hazelnut farm, is part of Springfield's Willamalane Park system. It's a beautiful place to walk and enjoy the ranch setting, as well as other assets. Plus the nearby Willamette River also makes it a great place to have so close to home. This scene is one of the reasons I find it a delight.
10-JUL-2017
Rocking Robin
Everybody loves Robins, even rock and roll singers, like Bobby Day! Back in my younger days (1957), the song, 'Rocking Robin', was very popular. I still like the song, and it makes me think of an American Robin, singing so beautifully in the tree tops.
11-JUL-2017
Observing an Artist at Work!
Spider webs are marvels of creation, showing expert design and strength. Those busy little spiders are fine artists, creating so many wonderful and varied webs. Where did they get this marvelous ability? Here is a spider poem by Emily Dickenson, published in 1896:
The Spider as an Artist
Has never been employed --
Though his surpassing Merit
Is freely certified
By every Broom and Bridget
Throughout a Christian Land --
Neglected Son of Genius
I take thee by the Hand --
Emily Dickinson
16-JUL-2017
New Wing, McKenzie/Willamette Hospital
Springfield's local hospital, McKenzie/Whillamette, recently completed a new wing, essentially doubling the size of the hospital. It is here that I had my heart surgery in 2014 in the Heart Center. The heart center will relocate to the new wing. It was also in this hospital that all three of our daughters were born. The expanded hospital is to open this month. The building in the right rear is a doctor clinic. I went through cardiac rehab on the third floor of that building, and our heart doctor is located there. Lots of memories here.
17-JUL-2017
A Quick Get-a-way!
I saw this Green Heron along one of the Delta Ponds this morning. They are back again. I have seen them for about a month or so. The heron was quite skittish and didn't seem to be used to human observers. As it suddenly flew off, I was able to grab a couple quick shots. This is one of them. They are quite fast, so it is always a fun challenge to try catching them in flight or almost there. The image isn't perfect, but I am glad I got it.
18-JUL-2017
Osprey On Deck!
I Thought 'Osprey on deck', used to describe this osprey standing in a huge nest, was quite fitting. It is definitely 'Ready for Action.' 'On deck' is a phrase that means "ready for action." It is used in baseball to designate the next member of a team to come to bat.
19-JUL-2017
You Light Up My Life
Carol loves unique and interesting light switch plates. Switch plates can be quite decorative, some elegant, some eye-catching. She lights up my life! :)
This is one example of what she has put in around the house. Maybe I will photograph more of them, who knows? :) I like this one because of the musical theme.
20-JUL-2017
"Carol's Prince Charming!"
Those are Carol's words, not mine! That is her description of this photo she made of me today. All I have to say is that he is sure old! 81! They say you are only as old as you feel. Don't know how good that is! You can see the bandage on my head where I had to have skin cancer removed a week ago today. Only they didn't get it all so now have to do it again. And it is just healing up! Oh well! They tell me it is from getting too much sun as a youth, and it's true that I never wore a hat and was out in the sun all the time. So were most other kids.
22-JUL-2017
Descent to the Runway!
This airliner has circled the field and is beginning its descent to the runway. No idea where it came from or where it is going, only that it is about to land at the Eugene Airport.
23-JUL-2017
Dove in Analogous Color Scheme
I think this Mourning Dove looks beautiful sitting there in that little tree. The brown leaves add to the picture, I think. :) The colors can be described as "analogous". 'Analogous color schemes use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. They are often found in nature and are harmonious and pleasing to the eye.' Source -
http://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/color-harmonies.htm
Some information about the Mourning Dove from 'All About Birds' -
Color Pattern
"Mourning Doves often match their open-country surroundings. They’re delicate brown to buffy-tan overall, with black spots on the wings and black-bordered white tips to the tail feathers."
Cool Facts
"The Mourning Dove is the most widespread and abundant game bird in North America. Every year hunters harvest more than 20 million, but the Mourning Dove remains one of our most abundant birds with a U.S. population estimated at 350 million."
"The oldest known Mourning Dove was a male, and at least 30 years, 4 months old when he was shot in Florida in 1998. He had been banded in Georgia in 1968."
25-JUL-2017
'In Her Own Right!"
The female Red-winged Blackbird looks little like the male. Where the male is black with red and yellow patches, the female is brown with lighter and darker streaks. The female is beautiful in her own right, but being so markedly different from the male wasn't something I expected the first I ever saw one. I thought "in her own right" summed it up well. It means she doesn't have to depend on the male for her beauty and distinction. More evidence of intelligence in nature!
Red-wing Blackbird Color Pattern (from All About Birds, The Cornell Lab of Orthinology)
"Male Red-winged Blackbirds are hard to mistake. They're an even glossy black with red-and-yellow shoulder badges. Females are crisply streaked and dark brownish overall, paler on the breast and often show a whitish eyebrow."
26-JUL-2017
Lush Green
One of the definitions for 'lush', when applied to vegetation, is "abounding in lavish growth". I would say that defines this brightly lit plant seen at Delta Ponds very well. I forgot the name of this kind of plant, a problem I have with lots of names. :( The plant has been identified as Giant Hogweed. I found this link that seems to help a lot to ID the plant -
http://www.ssisc.info/blog/entry/1983673/giant-hogweed-vs-native-cow-parsnip
27-JUL-2017
Clouds Over the Mill Race Path
I have certainly enjoyed the Mill Race Path since it opened last fall. Here is a reason why, the beautiful scenery one can see all along the trail. I loved the pretty clouds above the Georgie Pacific Pond, which lies between the butte beyond and the path in the foreground.
28-JUL-2017
Pure Eye Candy!
My shooting buddy, John, has this gorgeous Stargazer Lily by his front door. Wow, it is so pretty, and the plant is just full of flowers! It is definitely eye candy!
Information about the Stargazer Lily for Wikipedia - "Lilium 'Stargazer' is a hybrid lily of the 'Oriental group'. Oriental lilies are known for their fragrant perfume, blooming mid-to-late summer. Stargazers are easy to grow and do best in full sunlight."
29-JUL-2017
What Lure Do You Use?
I learned something new about the beautiful little Green Heron. They remind me of devoted human fishermen. Did you know that they also make lures? They do! You can read about it below.
Now, that is a pretty smart fisher, I would say! Where did it get its knowledge?
30-JUL-2017
Willamette River Along Middle Fork Path
My walk along the Middle Fork Path on a sunny morning was a real pleasure, and where I could get to the river the views were just beautiful. I especially enjoyed this one. The sunlit scene backed by the clouds caused me to pause a bit to drink in the beauty. I found it so relaxing.
31-JUL-2017
What Caught My Eye!
As I walked along Goodpasture Road paralleling Delta Ponds, I noticed this manhole cover surrounded by lines and angles. The unusual graphic look could have been an artist's work, although I would say that the white painted lines around the cover were likely put there by workers, Still, the result grabbed my attention and brought forth all kinds of mental images, so I called it "Street Art". The manhole cover almost looks like a face.
01-AUG-2017
Elegant Beauty
I find lilies of all kinds simply gorgeous. So I do photograph a variety of them. These orange lilies against a dark background are breathtakingly beautiful. I learned that Lilies are the fourth most popular flower around the world.
"Globally, Lilies rank fourth among flowers in popularity."
"Lilies of different kinds are commonly found all across the globe. Lilies come in different shapes, sizes and colors."
"Lilies are really excellent plants for beds and borders. Lilies are suitable for use in a shrub border, as accent plants, a formal or naturalized pool planting. Even some of the small species would fit perfectly in an alpine rock garden."
04-AUG-2017
Winning the courship contest
This bright eyed little Song Sparrow looked so alert and poised as it clung to the moss covered branch. An interesting thing I learned about them is that the males who show more ability to learn their song are often the ones who win the female being courted.
Cool Fact about Song Sparrows from 'All About Birds':
"Like many other songbirds, the male Song Sparrow uses its song to attract mates as well as defend its territory. Laboratory studies have shown that the female Song Sparrow is attracted not just to the song itself, but to how well it reflects the ability of the male to learn. Males that used more learned components in their songs and that better matched their song tutors (the adult bird they learned their songs from) were preferred."
"The Song Sparrow is found throughout most of North America, but the birds of different areas can look surprisingly different. Song Sparrows of the Desert Southwest are pale, while those in the Pacific Northwest are dark and heavily streaked. Song Sparrows of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands chain are even darker, and they’re huge: one-third longer than the eastern birds, and weighing twice as much." -
11-AUG-2017
Wait For Me!
Have you ever dropped behind when out with friends? Actually, we photographers tend to do that. We get lost in photo opportunities and soon find ourselves alone and way behind. Ever have to run to catch up? I don't know what this goose's excuse was but it was running like mad trying to catch up with the rest of the flock. Now I wonder why it didn't just take off flying? It surely could have caught up then.
I was a lot like this goose the last week or so, so much to do and running to catch up. Needless to say, I didn't really get caught up. So that's my excuse for not posting pictures. I have been otherwise occupied. :) And, I can't fly!
12-AUG-2017
My monthly dose of Heron!
Addiction is not good for one! Some are addicted to bad drugs, others to less harmful stuff. I just love to photograph herons, especially the Great Blue Herons that hang around Delta Ponds. It's good medicine for me! In this shot, I loved the watery background.
14-AUG-2017
You think you are the only one who works hard?
So you worked hard today to provide food and shelter for the family? You aren't the only one who works hard! Consider the spider and how hard it works to get its food for the day, spinning webs of silk, an engineering feat! The following quote shows what a remarkable little creature the spider can be.
"So why do spiders spin webs? When you need food, you go to the grocery store. When a spider is hungry, it heads to the web. The main reason spiders spin webs is to catch their dinner. When an insect, such as a fly, flies into a spider's web, it gets stuck on the sticky threads."
"Instead of boards, spiders produce silk threads to build their webs. The silk is produced in silk glands with the help of the spider's spinnerets. Spinnerets are special organs that allow the spider to decide what type of thread it needs for the web." -
https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-do-spiders-spin-webs
Point to ponder - so that little tiny spider is able to make such wise decisions, able to decide what type of thread it needs? Where did it get such wisdom? Too often we are more than willing to give credit to the creature, but fail to consider that wisdom doesn't come from blind chance. Could it be that it had a Creator?
14-AUG-2017
Bridge Over The Mill Race
I have very much enjoyed the Mill Race Path since it opened late last year. It's a beautiful walk through a varied landscape. Just beyond this old bridge over the mill race is a riparian area with ponds and grassy wetlands. A variety of birds can be seen here throughout the year. As the seasons change, the landscape changes with it, offering differing beauty at any time of year.
20-JUL-2017
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Beauville Station Wagon
This beautiful Chevy wagon was sitting at this shop when I drove by. Fortunately, a red light gave me barely enough time to get one shot at it. It looked really mint!
I checked online for information and found this one up for auction, estimated going price at $60,000 - $80,000. That's a bit more than the original selling price of about $3300. The online info is fairly old now, being dated in 2012. So it is long sold now. Anyway, we get some idea of how much the one I saw might be worth. -
http://56classicchevy.com/1956-chevrolet-station-wagons
15-AUG-2017
Carol's Little Fountain
Carol and I put in this little fountain some time ago and it has always made her happy. It bubbles continually by means of recirculating water, making a pleasant sound. I wanted to capture the circle of bubbles it created, so here it is.
22-AUG-2017
Carol's Peacock, and a surprise visitor, for real!
Can you guess what Carol's favorite bird is? Yep, the Peacock! She has peacock pillows, figurines, paintings, puzzles and outdoor decoration. This one is in the backyard.
Now, I want to tell you an amazing story. We are moving to a house on our oldest daughter's property near Veneta. She and our son in law bought the four acre place with a second house a year ago, with us in mind. They came to us, suggesting it was time to move there. We are in the process now and will be moved by the end of the month. They have had wildlife make an appearance on their property, including deer, elk and wild turkeys. But since we have started moving our belongings to the new house, what do you think all of a sudden has also moved in in the last couple weeks? You got it, a Peacock! Totally amazing and a source of pure joy to Carol. :) We have no idea where it came from, but it has become attached to my daughter's chickens and follows them when they are out. When my daughter puts them in their pen for the night, the peacock flies up to the tree overhead and roosts there. We think we are going to like it out there. LOL
25-AUG-2017
Like a Fireworks Display
I don't know what this flower is. Carol doesn't remember the name, but says this is purple when in bloom. Then it dries out like this. I think even the dried flower is beautiful, a marvelous design in nature! Let me know if you have the ID. Thanks to Bea who ID'd the flower as Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus)
I will be offline for a few days or more, as we get new Internet connections set up and complete our move. Look forward to hearing from all my friends, (I hope I have some), when I get back online, and checking out the photos I have missed.
01-SEP-2017
A Walk in the Woods
I truly enjoy a walk in the woods. Trouble is we have been moving, so no walks for me! This trail I enjoyed on a previous walk along the Mill Race Path. It's a perfect place for deer, but also for humans! :)
05-SEP-2017
Does This Qualify as a Log Cabin?
This Osprey nest along Delta Ponds seems to be large enough to accommodate a large family with two or three offspring. But can we classify it as a log cabin? Interestingly, across the road from the nest is an apartment complex. Those on the second floor would have a great view of the nest.
06-SEP-2017
Radiant Rose
Roses are among my very favorite flowers. This example shows a reason why. It is so lovely, with gorgeous color that almost seems to glow. Roses do very well in the Willamette Valley.
10-SEP-2017
Heavy Clouds Over Raparian Area Along Mill Race Path
Here is a good view of the nice riparian area along the Mill Race Path in Springfield, OR, a great place to walk or bike. And those are NOT fake clouds!
Definition of 'riparian': "A riparian zone or riparian area is the interface between land and a river or stream. Riparian is also the proper nomenclature for one of the fifteen terrestrial biomes of the earth. Plant habitats and communities along the river margins and banks are called riparian vegetation, characterized by hydrophilic plants." (Quoted from Wikipedia)
18-SEP-2017
Tough Guy Miko
Miko the Magnificent is well on the road to recovery from his injuries. As you can see here, he is tolerating me taking his picture. That look says, "if I were feeling better you wouldn't be doing that!" This photo was shot on the 4th. He is now rid of his collar. That thing would have driven me crazy! His 'onesie' is just what the doctor (vet) ordered to keep him from scratching the stitches where a drain tube had been. I made sure he got a masculine color. :) Anyway, we are very pleased with his progress.
I haven't been active the last four days with a bad cold (virus) and haven't felt like doing anything. I think I am turning the corner today. And I finally found my card reader in one of the packed boxes from moving.
22-SEP-2017
From the Dining Room Window
Our dining room window looks out on a wooded area that lies across a barbed wire fence from us. We often see deer in these woods. This little fawn was feeding the other morning when I looked out the window. You can still see spots on its rump. So it is quite young. It is good to be out in the country where we can enjoy seeing farm animals and wildlife nearby.
23-SEP-2017
Carol at seven and a half decades.
Even though I am still under the weather, I just had to shoot a portrait of my girl, Carol, still a youngster at only seven and a half decades. She is a treasure.
27-SEP-2017
Up Close and Personal
I felt somewhat better this morning, so I thought I would explore the area near our home. Not far away I came across this China Pheasant feeding alongside the road. I turned around and slowly approached it with my SUV. The pheasant hid every time a car went by but eventually came out again, and browsed closer and closer to me. In fact, it got so close that I could no longer get all of it in the picture. Before that I got some nice shots, or so I thought! I didn't realize how badly the windshield needed cleaning. I should have noticed before leaving home. Also, I didn't realize what a huge impact this would have on the images shot through the windshield! Live and learn! The image posted here shows the softness that resulted. But it was so great to see the pheasant that I just had to post a picture.
01-OCT-2017
A Smart Little Cookie!
I love the little Black-capped chickadee. Such a tiny bird, and so busy, they don't stay still for very long. And they are smart little cookies too!
"•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."
The complexities of nature are amazing! We really should contemplate the wisdom shown there! I would like to be able to do this with my brain every autumn. I would be due for some changes now! :)
03-OCT-2017
Art in the Park
When I paid a visit to the Coyote Creek Wildlife Area, I saw this abstract turtle, (at least that is what I think it is), painted on a stump. I thought it looked pretty neat so I just had to have a photograph of it. And here you go!
04-JOCT-2017
Alike but so different!
One thing I can say about these two birds is they are both birds and do have similar but contrasting poses, the robin is looking right and the owl leans more to the left. Alike but different, as is the fact that one is real and the other is also 'real' but actually a fake. I don't know, there was just something about the juxtaposition of the two that I found eye-catching and appealing.
06-OCT-2017
Below The Dam!
The way the light on this Great Blue Heron, as it flew below the Fern Ridge Dam, I found very striking! :) I thought it called attention to the bird's beautiful wings and also emphasized its long neck.
08-OCT-2017
The Rewards of Photography, Not Always What We Expect!
I got this pear out of the fridge to eat. Carol said, "hey that is pretty, you ought to take a picture of it first." So I set about getting a mouthwatering image. I guess I succeeded, at least partly! Then she said, "it is too pretty to eat now, you can have half of mine!" So I ended up with a picture of it, well I did get half of hers. But I was all ready to bite into that one. If I do, maybe I will shoot a picture of it with a bite out of it, just to make me feel better about it. :)
10-OCT-2017
Three Good Reasons For All The Lights!
When I left home this morning it was still a bit dark, due to heavy clouds. The flashing lights on the school bus ahead got me to thinking about the precious cargo it carries. Big brother was watching very closely over his siblings as they crossed the road to the bus, three good reasons for all those lights and for making us all aware of their presence.
11-OCT-2017
In Its Wake!
Whenever I see a Wood Duck I just have to get a picture of it. They are so beautiful, and being able to photograph one is like getting a gift from God! This one was in a pond not far from the road. Getting this photo was well worth the effort it took to find a way to the pond so that I could walk there. I really liked the ripples left in its wake as it swam along.
12-OCT-2017
Peabody!
A few weeks ago, I related how a peacock showed at our new home and took up residence with our daughter's chickens. This overjoyed Carol, as the peacock is her favorite bird! Well, he is still here and Carol and Angie have named him, Peabody! Carol got him to come up close by throwing some chicken feed out for him. I grabbed a quick shot just to show you Carol's new friend!
14-OCT-2017
My Dear Mother, before and after!
I tried my best to save a picture of my dear mother that was duplicated on a plate. The plate was broken and then glued back together, except for the missing piece in the upper right hand corner. On top of this, beside being off color and contrasty, the picture was very grainy, the sort of picture I would just delete in normal circumstances. After all, it suffered through being duplicated on a plate, and then had scratches and cracks to repair!
The condition it was in was actually well beyond my capabilities to restore. But I made a gallant effort anyway, since it is the only copy of a picture that is special to my sister and me. I know the result would not be acceptable to most photographers, but to us it priceless! It is the wonderful mother that it brings back to our memories, and that makes it valuable. Mom died in 1970 at the age of 68, and we still miss her!
16-OCT-2017
Hunting in Classic Fashion
"The elegant Great Egret is a dazzling sight in many a North American wetland. Slightly smaller and more svelte than a Great Blue Heron, these are still large birds with impressive wingspans. They hunt in classic heron fashion, standing immobile or wading through wetlands to capture fish with a deadly jab of their yellow bill." (
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/great_egret/id)
I love to watch the egret and heron as they hunt for food. They are programmed to be masters of the hunt. This egret swiftly captured it's meal quick as a flash, and then swallowed it in one gulp. Not my style of eating but whatever works for it! :)
17-OCT-2017
The Eye of Katrina
Katrina is a beautiful little mare that our daughter, Angie, got a while back. She is a sweetheart of a horse with lovely eyes. Just look at those lashes!
18-OCT-2017
The Red Barn
This barn is on a nice farm about a half mile from our new home. It is down the hill from their house.
I think about photographing it every time I drive by. Today I stopped!
19-OCT-2017
Running for the Fun of it!
Poor Cloud has lost much of his vision to some disease affecting horses. To protect his eyes, Angie has Cloud wear some sort of see-through mask. His vision problems do not prevent Cloud from being in the pasture with the other two horses, nor do they keep him from kicking up his heels and galloping across the field, seemingly just for the fun of it! He is a handsome fellow!
20-OCT-2017
Beauty Below the Dam
I went for a walk in the Meadowlark Prairie section of West Eugene Wetlands this morning. It truly was a wetlands today, and a downpour started after I got about a half mile from my car. It started right when I got to a small dam where I wanted to get some photographs. I shot the pictures anyway, put the camera away and began the walk back. By the time I got to the car, I was soaked through and I had a light jacket plus photo vest on. I got wet clear through all my clothes. Nothing to do but head back home for some dry clothes. That's where I stayed, because the wet conditions aren't expected to improve till tomorrow. Still I got some of the pictures I wanted, including this one of water detail as it came from the dam. Some would blur the water, but not me! I wanted that detail! :)
21-OCT-2017
Grace in Motion
I liked the light on this gull as it flew over Fern Ridge Lake. I wanted to get a shot of it in good light by follow focus, panning as it flew by. I was satisfied with the result.
22-OCT-2017
The Great Blue Heron, a Wonder of Nature!
I am in awe of the wonderful Great Blue Heron. The more I learn about them, the more I see the wisdom involved in their design and capabilities. Now, where did they get that wisdom? Good question that deserves an answer!
"Great blue herons are remarkably adaptable birds, capable of living in almost any wetland environment found in their range. They can be found in mangrove swamps, flooded meadows, lake edges, riverbanks, ocean shorelines, and fresh & saltwater marshes. They are shy birds, but may be found in heavily developed areas which hold bodies of water containing fish".
"•The feathers on the chest of the great blue heron are highly specialized and will continually grow and fray, kind of like a powdery down.
•Herons will use their chest feathers to remove slime and oils from their other feathers as they preen.
•Great blue herons near the ocean will often sit on floating kelp and plant materials and wait for fish to float by.
•There is a form of great blue heron in Florida, the Caribbean, and the Yucatan Peninsula that is solid white, known as the 'Great White Heron'. White herons and blue herons may interbreed, and the offspring are known as "Wurdemann's herons'.
•Some herons are migratory, and will travel day and night while migrating.
•Great blue herons will hunt both during the day and the night. They have specially adapted eyes which help them to see in the dark.
•A heron will typically live for around 15 years.
•The oldest recorded great blue heron lived to be 24 yars old."
23-OCT-2017
Perhaps You Should Reconsider This Decision!
As I walked in Fern Ridge Wildlife Area this morning, I spotted these geese preparing to land in one of the ponds there. Considering that this is hunting season and I heard gun shots earlier while walking there, I am not so sure the decision was a wise one. But I hadn't seen any hunters nearby where I walked, so perhaps they will escape to live another day. :)
There are lots of geese and ducks that pass through the area and some are even found here year-round. Hunting helps to control the population and lasts for two or three months of the year. Of course, it also affects other birds who are spooked by the commotion. As a result, I didn't see many birds today.
28-OCT-2017
Bumpy Take Off!
Cormorants are quite fast taking off from a body of water. This one went from the water in the spot on the left through two splashes to airborne, something like skipping a rock across the surface of the water. It was fascinating to watch, and interesting to see how quickly they are in the air from sitting in the water. I love to capture such images.
29-OCT-2017
The Beguiling Bewick's Wren
The Bewick's Wren is a pretty little bird, active and often breaking into song. Unfortunately, Bewick's Wren populations has declined dramatically. The North American Breeding Bird Survey estimated that it has dropped by about 39% between 1966 and 2015. It has just about disappeared east of the Mississippi River, and appears to be declining in the West too. That is a shame because I love to see and photograph them.
According to 'All About Birds' - "The House Wren is a likely culprit. Drawn to the same nesting sites as Bewick’s, this widespread wren doesn’t hesitate to appropriate the other birds’ real estate, ejecting eggs and destroying nests..... Bewick’s Wren populations may also be falling prey to agricultural pesticide use, and to competition with the European Starling, House Sparrow, Carolina Wren, and Song Sparrow." (
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bewicks_Wren/lifehistory
31-OCT-2017
Keeping the Local Residents fed during the winter.
After an annual checkup on the growth in my eye, Carol and I spent the night with my sister, Marian, and her husband, Ken. They have two hummingbird feeders that are daily visited by several hummingbirds. I had to shoot through the screen covered window to get any photos at all of them. This is one I got.
I learned something interesting from my brother-in-law. He told me that if one feeds the hummingbirds through the summer and fall, it is important to continue feeding them during the winter. Sometimes hummingbirds will not migrate if they have a ready supply of nourishment at one's feeder. If they aren't also fed in the winter, they could die. It can get cold in the Portland area, so it is important that the liquid is kept thawed out. So my brother-in-law has two feeders out and brings one inside to thaw when he takes a fresh one out. That is really showing kindness to strangers! :)
01-NOV-2017
The Country Life!
Since moving out to the country, after over 50 years in town, we have come to enjoy the country life! It is beautiful out here and common to see an unobstructed scene like this one.
Interestingly, I was sitting in the parking lot of a veterinary clinic and across the street from BiMart when I shot this picture. But it is easy to go just a little ways to be completely away from areas like that. We have two small towns close by, where we can find the necessities of life, and we are only 8-10 miles from Eugene/Springfield. So our home in the country has many advantages over the place in town we had. It is so peaceful and quiet out here! And you can see the stars in the heavens! What a joy! :)
02-NOV-2017
Some Fall Color
We are well into 'fall', very fitting name because of all the leaves falling. The colors are beautiful, though as Steve said, colors may perhaps be a bit duller this year. But there is still lots of color to enjoy.
03-NOV-2017
NOT a Good Camouflage!
Pheasants have such distinctive coloring and feather design. I am pleased to spot them when I can. This one was trying to stay hidden in the grass, but I still got a shot of it.
04-NOV-2017
Oh Deer, Youngsters Are Always Hungry!
These two young blacktail deer were feeding alongside the road. I gently rolled closer and shot pictures from the car. They are ever on the alert. But they were not unsupervised, their mother was not far away.
05-NOV-2017
Marian's Horses
Carol and I loved the busts of horses my sister has in her home. They sit on top of a china cabinet. I thought I would try my hand at photographing them. I think they are beautiful.
06-NOV-2017
Living on the Edge
Cormorants are great fishers. I watched this one as it caught a fish and seemed to almost lose it before getting a good hold on it. Couldn't help feeling at this moment that the poor fish was living on the edge, and didn't make it. I have often seen cormorants dive for fish and come up with a catch, then throw the fish into the air and swallow it as it came down. I concluded that cormorants can't turn a fish with their beaks in order to swallow it, like the herons do. So they toss it into the air. The fish always come down head first, the heaviest end, and the cormorant is master at catching and swallowing. It is an interesting process to watch.
07-NOV-2017
Northern Shrike
I was excited about the little white bird I captured today in the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. I felt it wasn't a type I had captured before but wasn't sure. So I did a lot of checking in my several bird books at home and references online to find something with similar coloring and type of beak. What I found was that the Loggerhead Shrike closely resembled the bird. I found one that looked like it -
So I am sticking with this ID, unless someone can prove to me otherwise. :)
Ah shucks. Just heard from my Audubon Society friend and he recommends “Northern Shrike”, which are more common here in Oregon. Here is a photo of one that looks just like the bird I saw -
Press here for Link
Just goes to show you who the experts are. LOL Still it was the first one I have seen, that I can recall. So it was exciting to get a nice photo of one. I am changing the ID. Didn’t take long, did it?
08-NOV-2017
Delta Ponds on a very rainy day
Delta Ponds from the north end looking south toward Spencer Butte. The varied views one can see from different vantage points in Delta Ponds are appealing to me, a wonderful park and wildlife area, surrounded by the city of Eugene. The award given to Eugene Parks and Open Spaces by the State of Oregon for this was most deserving, considering they started out with some gravel pits and built it into this!
09-NOV-2017
Power On The Pole
I sure wouldn't want to sit myself there with so many wires and the energy they may contain, but this hawk doesn't seem to care. It was sitting on a power pole not far from the road. I think it is either a Red-shouldered or Red-tailed Hawk. It is true, there is power up there on the pole, but this danger is in the beak and claws of this predator! Small prey be wary! Even so, I thought the pose looked regal.
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.
24-NOV-2017
Still Fall Colors at Zumwalt Park
It's getting late in November and colors seem to be fading as leaves drop and the trees begin to turn to brown. But in this bright splash of sunlight this scene at Zumwalt Park looked really colorful. The trees still have plenty of color here. And it is a scene that demanded my attention. It seems that spots of sunshine against a dark cloudy background are eye candy, at least to me!
26-NOV-2017
The Exquisite Great Egret.
The Great Egret is certainly a beauty in the world of nature, found most often in North American wetlands. The egret is a bit smaller than a Great Blue Heron, but is a big bird with a beautiful wingspan. You will often see egrets standing still or wading through wetlands to hunt fish or other prey.
"Food":
"The Great Egret eats mainly small fish but also eats amphibians, reptiles, birds, small mammals and invertebrates such as crayfish, prawns, shrimp, polychaete worms, isopods, dragonflies and damselflies, whirligig beetles, giant water bugs, and grasshoppers. It hunts in belly-deep or shallower water in marine, brackish, and freshwater wetlands, alone or in groups. It wades as it searches for prey, or simply stands still to wait for prey to approach."
"*Though it mainly hunts while wading, the Great Egret occasionally swims to capture prey or hovers (somewhat laboriously) over the water and dips for fish.
The oldest known Great Egret was 22 years, 10 months old and was banded in Ohio."
27-NOV-2017
Pied-billed Grebe
I was able to walk at Delta Ponds this morning and, even though the water was really high there I did get to see some birds, including this Pied-billed Grebe in non-breeding rich brown plumage. They seem to favor ponds and reservoirs with dense aquatic vegetation, which is at present found in Delta Ponds. The bird was cleaning itself and then rose out of the water to flap its wings a bit. Since it was always moving, the wings and body are not tack sharp. But It was great to watch it, as I had never seen one take a bath before. :)
29-NOV-2017
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Saw this pretty little guy at Delta Ponds. I think they could now be gone for the season.
Found this interesting tidbit at "All About Birds" -
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Yellow-rumped_Warbler/id# - "Yellow-rumped Warblers typically forage in the outer tree canopies at middle heights. They're active, and you'll often see them sally out to catch insects in midair, sometimes on long flights. In winter they spend lots of time eating berries from shrubs, and they often travel in large flocks."
30-NOV-2017
The Beautiful Fern Ridge Wildlife Area
The Fern Ridge Wildlife area is only a couple miles from home, so it is now among favorite places to go.
There is a lot beautiful scenery here, as well as wildlife. I enjoy taking photo walks there, lots to see.
01-DEC-2017
A Glorious Morning!
Once again, I was able to take a walk this morning in the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. It was quite foggy to start with and I figured that the sunrise would be a pretty one. I wasn't disappointed! We had a fantastic sunrise! And I watched as it started as a sliver of light and grew into a fantastic combination of clouds, fog and bright sunlight breaking through. I hope I conveyed the beauty I saw.
02-DEC-2017
The Elusive Kingfisher
I find the Kingfisher to be a most shy bird. They always seem to be so wary of humans and see you before you ever see them. Fortunately, I saw this female Kingfisher at Delta Pond where it seemed to have a favorite place. It would move from one tree to another, the same two trees back and forth. I grabbed a shot of it when it landed in one of them. I am always happy to get a photo of one.
03-DEC-2017
Long Distance Traveler
I forgot about this photo I made a few months ago, so decided to post it now.
The Yellow Warblers have migrated already, traveling long distances. They breed in central and northern North America and head south to spend the winter in Central America and northern South America. Yellow Warblers from eastern North America fly across the Gulf of Mexico to their destination nonstop, while some take an overland route around the Gulf. Amazing journey for such a little bird.
•"Life can be dangerous for a small bird. Yellow Warblers have occasionally been found caught in the strands of an orb weaver spider’s web."
Life is dangerous for little birds like the Yellow Warbler.
06-DEC-2017
In The Fern Ridge Wildlife Area
I am getting opportunity to shoot landscape scenes since the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is so close now that we have moved out of town. Not much wildlife to be seen this time of year, so I concentrate on enjoying the scenery. It's been a while since I did much landscape photography so this is good for me.
08-DEC-2017
Fern Ridge Wildlife Area - The Barn
I always look at this barn when I visit the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area to see if it contributes to the scene. I liked this view with the nice reflection in the pond. The morning light was just right, making for a golden glow.
09-DEC-2017
Where The Trail Begins!
The sun started to break through and melt the fog that enveloped the wildlife area as I began my walk on the trail there. I looked back and saw this scene that delighted me. The low fog and dark clouds topped by the blue sky and sunshine made for a pretty picture to me. So, of course, I had to make it into a photograph.
11-DEC-2017
Golden-crowned Sparrow, I think!
This appears to be a Golden-crowned Sparrow, even though it doesn't have the black on its head that I see in photos online. Perhaps it is a female or has a winter coat, I don't know. But it sure has that nice golden tough on the top of its head. I think I got it in a nice pose while at the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area.
Habitat
"The Golden-crowned Sparrow breeds in shrubby tundra habitats near the coast or in the mountains in Alaska and northwestern Canada. It tends to live near willows, short conifers, and alders, and it gravitates toward moving or standing water. During migration and winter this sparrow spends time in brush, riparian thickets, chaparral, and gardens. It winters from southern British Columbia to northern Baja California, mostly west of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada. Golden-crowned Sparrows may wander widely, sometimes showing up all the way on the eastern edge of the continent."
12-DEC-2017
Tree Removal Outfit
We had a tree at our new home that leaned toward the south end of the house where two bedrooms are located. I could just picture a high wind storm, which we do have, coming along and causing the tree to fall, or else an ice storm that would bring limbs or the whole tree down on the house. Problem solved! I had the tree removed. It was fun to watch the pro's at work. This is the truck that was used for the job. A great looking truck and a big investment for the owner, Chris. I have known Chris for several years, and he does top notch work. He and his crew (two other guys) got the tree down in short order! Well done, guys!
13-DEC-2017
Tree in the Wetlands
I couldn't help but photograph this lonely tree out in the wetlands of Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. I think the layers of land, water, hills and sky add an element of interest. But the little tree dominates the scene resulting in a nice composition, to my way of thinking anyway. If you look closely you can see a flock of geese in the sky.
16-DEC-2017
Some of my photos of Mill Race Path
During this fall I spent time shooting pictures of newly opened Mill Race Path in Springfield. Here are some of the photos as they appear on an information sign along the trail. There are lots of opportunities for pictures on Mill Race Path.
17-DEC-2017
White-breasted Nuthatch
This bird looks very much like the pictures of the Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher I have in bird books. But I learned it is a White-breasted Nuthatch, which my book does not have a good picture for. Thanks for the help with the ID! The P900 did a pretty good job capturing it.
18-DEC-2017
A Hole in the Sky!
I had time for a short walk in the wildlife area this morning and saw this break in the clouds. I liked the colors that appeared. Up to then it was a dreary, cloudy morning. This change brightened my day. It really did look like a hole in the sky. :)
19-DEC-2017
When Angie Bought Goldie
I haven't posted this photo of Goldie shot when Angie bought her. With Angie and Goldie here is Dale, the really nice guy that Angie got her from. Dale came west to Oregon because of his love for horses and the western way. Along with Angie, we are enjoying beautiful Goldie very much and we now get to see her every day, Thank you, Dale, for letting her go!
20-DEC-2017
Light Streak Over Fern Ridge Wildlife Area
It rained over an inch yesterday and we had a good amount today. But there is one benefit from the rainy mornings we have been having, that is the lovely sunrises with sunbreaks in a dark cloudy sky. I was quite attracted to this sliver of light that broke through during my visit. If you look closely, you will see trees on top of a low hill in the wide patch on the right end of the light streak. I got three or so nice shots of it and had a difficult time picking one. Carol helped me settle on this one. :)
23-DEC-2017
Clouds Over the Wetlands
In the absence of wildlife sightings, I am enjoying so much the magnificent wetlands scenery in the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area and the opportunity to photograph some landscape pictures. Those wonderful clouds over the wetlands and green walkway I found overwhelmingly beautiful. Hope you like them too!
24-DEC-2017
A Beautiful Yellow-rumped Warbler
This is a pretty little Yellow-rumped Warbler seen at Delta Ponds earlier this year. I always enjoy capturing the small active birds. They are so difficult to find and then get a shot when they are not moving! I was pleased to get this photo.
25-DEC-2017
Early Light
This view of the wildlife area looked better in early light. Colors stood out more, as did the trees. Thankfully, the day was still dark, due to short days of winter and low position of the sun. I think the directional light made the scene look much better. It was worth the trip out there.
27-DEC-2017
My Favorite Girl, 3rd grade picture!
I had to work a while to resurrect this old photograph of Carol. It had some of the marks that comes from years of use and abuse. It was her third grade picture. Of course, that was long before I knew her. Well, it was actually only about seven years before I first met her, but I didn't really get to know her then either, at 15. That was in about 1957. It was three years later, in 1960 that I really took notice and we started dating. We were married the next year, May 13, 1961. And I think I would have noticed that cute little girl in the third grade back then too, but only as a cute kid. :)
28-DEC-2017
True love!
There is a special bond between Carol and her dog, Miko! Just don't get between them! He might bite you! :) I say Carol is his queen, and I am his slave! :) Actually, he is really a good companion for us both, filling our lives with enjoyment. He is my little traveling buddy, anytime I put my hat on to go somewhere in the car, he is dancing at my feet wanting to go!
30-DEC-2017
Seeing Double!
I had a chance to make a quick trip to the wildlife area and was rewarded with this view. The beautiful sky and its reflection in the ponds was like seeing double. The day had turned out to be sunny. So I figured I might get some nice clouds. Yes, I really am glad I went!