08-JAN-2018
In the right light!
I thought that the unusual pose and the beautiful light on this Great Blue Heron made it stand out nicely. So I shot a picture of it! That's what I do! :) Actually, I shot this photo in Delta Ponds before the first of the year. But since I am recovering from surgery, I had to draw on what I did before.
09-JAN-2018
My First, I think!
Even though the Western Meadowlark is Oregon's State Bird, I don't remember ever getting a photograph of one. So you can understand why I was thrilled to get this image of one in flight! I love my D500! It gets the shots for me!
10-JAN-2018
On The Watch!
We see lots of osprey nests on manmade structures around here, and don't see them in trees as much. Well, I have often seen them perched in a tree, feeding on a fish they caught. But this osprey appears to be perched in a tree, just to enjoy the scenery or, more likely, scouting for fishing opportunities. I was pleased to get a shot of it. That's a dangerous looking beak!
"The Osprey readily builds its nest on manmade structures, such as telephone poles, channel markers, duck blinds, and nest platforms designed especially for it. Such platforms have become an important tool in reestablishing Ospreys in areas where they had disappeared. In some areas nests are placed almost exclusively on artificial structures."
11-JAN-2018
Fern Ridge Sunrise
I thought I would share another pretty morning sky as seen from the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. The landscape there lends itself well to a sky with lots of clouds with the directional light of the sun. It is wonderful to be there at the right time, and it is fun to look for a good spot to view the beautiful scene.
12-JAN-2018
A New Set of Wheels
I saw this colorful little bicycle in a yard while on a walk and couldn't resist a picture. This would attract the eye of any kid, even an old one! :)
13-JAN-2018
One of Angie's Chickens
Our daughter, Angie, has several chickens, which we find very entertaining. She has some that are the beautiful black and white spots, forgot what kind they are. The others are more blondish in color, like this one. Checking online, I found a type called Buff Orpington, named for a town in Southeast England. Angie confirmed that is what these are, and she has given them all personal names. :) I think they are beautiful. The contented clucking of a hen is so pleasant. They come over our way to see what they can find to eat. And Peabody is usually with them. Of course, soft-hearted Carol just has to go out and feed them. It's fun to live in the country, which is where I grew up.
14-JAN-2018
All Eyes Are on Peabody!
Peabody is getting more and more plumage as winter goes by. He will be in his glory by spring. The beautiful 'eyes' are filling in on his tail feathers. He continues to follow the chickens as if he belongs with them. It may be odd behavior but it keeps him here, to Carol's delight. Peabody certainly adds to the entertainment around here. :)
16-JAN-2017
Drama in the Sky
I love it when I can capture a sunlit scene with a dark brooding background, such as this one. What really added to the appeal for me is the low cloud bank in the background. I thought it is a beautiful scene.
18-JAN-2018
Taking Flight!
This osprey sat in a tree momentarily before all of a sudden taking flight! It was a tough image to capture! I figured it must have spotted something that looked like food. If so, they are like the eagle, having tremendous capabilities when it comes to vision.
I couldn't find any information as to how the osprey's vision compares with that of an eagle. If you are aware of any information on this, I would love to know. They are fascinating birds!
20-JAN-2018
A Walk In The Fern Ridge Wildlife Area
I love the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, even when the wildlife is lacking. The migratory birds are all gone and the ducks and geese that stay year round are staying out of sight while hunting has been going on. I liked this scene as it shows how much of the area is wetlands this time of year. Even the dry land surrounding the ponds can be quite wet, making it necessary to wear appropriate footwear. But it is enjoyable to walk there with a camera.
21-JAN-2018
I'm Outa Here!
This female Common Merganser didn't wait around to take its leave! They are quite shy of people, around here anyway, and keep their distance from humans. I spotted several of them together as they swam along, seeming to be unconcerned about safety. But they are ever on the alert and are gone at a moment's notice. I loved how the wings looked as it began liftoff.
22-JAN-2018
Kirk Pond
Since I have a follow up appointment with the surgeon who did emergency surgery on me, I figured I should take a short drive to see how I feel about it. The drive went well and I enjoyed it. I decided to go by Fern Ridge Lake and the dam that created it. Across the road from the dam is Kirk Pond, so I pulled off the road to a spot where I could try a photo of the pond. As we had a cloudy sky with sunbreaks, the result was a scene with clouds and color. I liked it, and it felt good to be out.