17-Jun-2019
Squirrel Kittens
It seems strange to call them that! But according to "All About Squirrels" (
http://www.about-squirrels.com/squirrel-facts.html ), "Baby squirrels are called kittens and kittens are born only twice a year. Once in the spring time and once at the end of the summer."
So here are a couple kittens. There must have been a dozen or more of them running around some burrows in Perkins Peninsula Park. They are fun to watch.
14-Jun-2019
Golden Rod
I saw this beauty when I went to the store. Fortunately the fellow on the left kept the driver occupied long enough for me to get my camera out for a photo. What a great looking hot rod!
11-Jun-2019
Clark's Grebe
My guess is that this is a Clark's Grebe. The reason I say that is the black on the head. On a Western Grebe the black extends below the eye, while on the Clark's Grebe it does not. If right, I think this is my first photo of a Clark's Grebe. At Fern Ridge Lake I see mostly Western Grebes.
10-Jun-2019
Wild Rose
This beautiful rose bush is growing toward the back of our daughter's place. It chose to come up next to the fence bordering the woods next door. I was going to cut it out of there and try replanting it, but it would be too big a project for an old guy. :)
09-Jun-2019
Array of Colors
This beautiful display of colors is in a pot on a bench near our daughter's front door. I can't explain exactly why but when I walk by it I get a smile on my face. Guess it brightens my day!
08-Jun-2019
Trail Along the Lake
I walked the trail that runs along the shoreline of Fern Ridge Lake in Perkins Peninsula Park. As you can see, the trail had a few rough spots. But it is a lovely park that provides pretty scenes of the lake, as well as providing many opportunities for photographs in the park itself. The park is only a couple miles from our home.
07-Jun-2019
The Art of Grass Cutting
Have you ever really watched when a farmer sits on his tractor and cuts a field of grass? The way he guides the tractor and mower around trees and other obstacles takes skill and experience. Our neighbor cut a field for our daughter and I watched with real interest as he covered every inch of that field. I marveled at his skill. It was true artistry.
06-Jun-2019
Western Grebe
The Western Grebe is an elegant bird with its striking colors, and its red eyes, which of course can't be seen in this photo. They breed in lakes and ponds across the American West. So Fern Ridge Lake is a perfect place for them to be seen.
One quite unusual thing about the Western Grebe, as well as the Clark's Grebe, is their courting display which is much like a synchronized dance routine, where both male and female rush across the surface of the water with their long necks extended. Perhaps you have seen this display. I don't believe I have seen that in person.
05-Jun-2019
Plentiful Petunias
Petunias come in a wide variety of colors. They are known for their vast selection of colors and patterns, and the options seem almost endless. In fact, new varieties are being developed every year. Petunias are popular for use in hanging baskets. In fact, those in the photo are in a basket given us by our grandson for our 58th anniversary.
04-Jun-2019
Bee In My Bonnet
I enjoy watching the bees work the flowers. They are so busy, flying around pollinating them so that we have flowers, and lots of other things, to enjoy. This bee would look like a scary creature about to emerge to some and, to tell the truth, lots of people are scared to death of bees. I'm not, I just stand still and let them fly around. If they land on me I know they will soon leave. :)
03-Jun-2019
Western Swallowtail Butterfly
I saw this Swallowtail butterfly at Perkins Peninsula Park. I had to crop the image a good bit to get a closer view. I don't see very many butterflies so really appreciated seeing this one flying around. It landed briefly on a leaf and I grabbed a couple shots before it took off again, no time to move in closer and I was afraid it would take off before I could get anything.
02-Jun-2019
Violet-green Swallow
I noticed some swallows flying to the roof of Angie's tackroom/storeroom and decided to see what they were doing. Right up in the peak there was a small opening and the swallows had built a nest there. They were flying in and out as they brought back insects they caught in flight to feed to their babies. I assumed they were the blue tree swallows until I got a shot of one from the back, which revealed the beautiful green and violet colors. I believe they were the first Violet-green swallows I have seen. Boy, are they difficult to photograph! They don't stay still very long and the way they dart around in the air makes it hard to get a shot. I will keep trying. :)