26-Apr-2019
What To Do On A Summer-like Day
We have had some beautiful days with summer-like weather. People were relaxing on benches, the ground or in chairs they brought. But these two came up with a novel thing to do on such a day, and it looks like at least one of them could sleep in a cocoon.
23-Apr-2019
Taking a Break
This gentleman stopped at the boat ramp by Fern Ridge Dam to take in the view of the lake. His pure white hair and beard drew my attention. I guess someone with a bald head might be a bit jealous of all that hair. :) It was a good day for riding, which I enjoyed doing back in the day.
22-Apr-2019
Smooth Sailing?
Well, it looks like it is smooth sailing today. The water is smooth and there was a mild breeze. The day started out sunny but ended up cloudy, a nice day overall. Whenever I have to make an errand run, I try to go home by way of the north side of the lake. That way I can look for good subjects. Today I did see some, and enjoyed seeing the occupants of the sailboat in action on Fern Ridge Lake.
20-Apr-2019
California Scrub Jay
The California Scrub Jay can be found from Washington State to Baja California. These birds are common to dry shrublands, oak woodlands, and backyards of the Pacific Coastal states. They are beautiful in their colors of radiant blue, white and reddish gray.
"Look closely, and you'll see an intriguing difference between the California Scrub-Jay and its close relative, Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay. The bill of a California Scrub-Jay is stout and hooked, giving it extra power and grip as the birds hammer open acorns in their oak woodland habitats. By comparison, Woodhouse's have thinner, more pointed bills that nimbly reach deep into pinyon pine cones to pull out the pine nuts inside."
18-Apr-2019
NO BLOSSOMS YET!
Not sure just what the trees in this orchard are, but I don't see any evidence of blossoms yet. This late in April I would think some would be showing by now. Maybe we haven't had enough sunshine yet. Wait! It does look like a bit of color among the trees. Perhaps some blossoms show after all!
17-Apr-2019
Restored 1950 Chevrolet Pickup
I saw this wonderful old pickup in the BiMart parking lot in Veneta. The 1950 Chevy pickup has been fully restored and is better than new! It has a new, more powerful 305 engine, new undercarriage and running gear, as well as an updated transmission. New wheels and tires add to the improvements, as do new interior upholstery and exterior paint job. The result is impressive for a 69 year old vehicle. I was able to talk a bit with the owner's wife. She loves to drive it, and looks like the dog loves to also!
16-Apr-2019
Magnolia Blossoms
Magnolia trees are so beautiful when in bloom. The blossoms look so much like a tulip that we sometimes called the trees, 'tulip trees'. Feast your eyes on these gorgeous blossoms!
10-Apr-2019
Green Pastures
I found this scene not far from Fern Ridge Lake and felt it has real appeal! A break in the weather made it possible to get some blue in the sky, and the old style fence adds character.
09-Apr-2019
Water, Water Everywhere!
The last week has seen a wet one, with some real downpours. There is standing water in most of the local fields, and rivers have been over flood stage. Fern Ridge Lake is at capacity and all spillways are open. Parks near the lake or local rivers are flooded, as is this one near the Long Tom River, which flows into the lake. I have walked the trails in this park, but not today!
08-Apr-2019
Common Bedfellows
It is interesting how often one will see American White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants together, either in the water or perched together on logs, or in other locations. I saw these companions at Kirk Pond.
A 'Cool Fact' about pelicans and cormorants is found in the "All About Birds" website:
"American White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants are often found together. They sometimes forage together (though they mainly hunt different fish and at different depths). Cormorants even nest individually or in groups within pelican colonies."
VLR4427a
06-Apr-2019
Color in the orchard
Fern View Farms has an attractive produce stand along Territorial Highway that is very popular in the Veneta area. They sell a wide variety of produce there. This is a scene of a small orchard found next to the produce stand. The colors are more beautiful each time I go by.
04-Apr-2019
Coyote Canoe Access
This spot is where one can launch their canoe to explore the ponds in the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. I thought it made a pretty scene. There is also a trail that starts nearby, which I have walked a few times. The debris in the creek was caused by a wind storm we had not too long ago that brought lots of trees down, and also resulted in loss of electricity to many homes.