07-Nov-2019
River Otter With Catch
I saw this River Otter on a log at Delta Ponds and got several good shots of it. It went into the water and came up with this fish. It took it a while to chew it up so it could swallow it. All this time I was still getting pictures. A few times it looked directly at me, probably hearing the (very quiet) shutter release. It was great seeing it.
04-Nov-2019
Tree at Orchard Point Marina Entrance
I was impressed with these colorful trees so had to back up to get a good shot, The shape of the evergreen tree, a cedar, is striking and eye catching, I think. With the background of the yellow of the maple and the blue of the sky, we have a beautiful color palette to enjoy.
01-NOV-2019
A Good Looking Buck!
I saw this beautiful buck in the South Hills, within the city limits of Eugene! He is just crossing a driveway to a home, so likely feels safe there. There were a couple does with him as well. I enjoy the deer. They are actually quite gentle and would tame easily if one were to continually provide food for them. I have thrown fallen apples from our yard across the fence to the woods beyond, and the deer show up often to eat them.
I remember the old days of my youth when I lived along Big Fall Creek about 25-35 miles from Eugene toward the mountains. We lived in a narrow valley with beautifully timbered hills surrounding us. Today those hills are bare and a dam sits on our old property. Next to our place was a large field owned by the next neighbor up the road. He pastured cattle in the field. Sometimes I would get up in the morning to look out at that field and would see as many deer grazing with the herd as there were cows. The hills around us had coyotes, cougar, bear and other wildlife in abundance. It was a great place to grow up. I can't return to see the old home now, just drive by the dam and remember the old days.
31-Oct-2019
(King) David
I had to run to town for an appointment and met this nice fellow in a city park. It was a beautiful sunny day and was warming up some. He said his name was David, but that some of his friends call him 'king David'. We visited briefly and he was willing to have me take his picture. I like how his eyes are looking directly at the viewer, indicating trust and friendliness.
29-Oct-2019
Tree Swallow in Flight
Have you tried to photograph a tree swallow in flight? They feed on small, aerial insects that they catch in their mouths during acrobatic flight. And that kind of flight makes getting good shots of them difficult. I was pleased to capture this little bullet as it flew about feeding. I am not sure of the top speed a tree swallow can attain, but it isn't so much speed that makes it difficult to capture them in flight as it is their acrobatic maneuvering.
26-Oct-2019
The Dragonflies Are All But Gone!
Through the summer I saw lots of dragonflies along the ponds, by the lake and even here at home. Lately, I have seen only one. I liked how this one was posed on the angles of a fork in the tree.
We had a pretty sunny day today, but it was the first morning that caused a bit of ice on the windshield. So it got below freezing, for a short time anyway. That isn't unusual for this time of year.
25-Oct-2019
Great Egret at Delta Ponds
If you have watched Great Egrets or Great Blue Herons, you probably noticed that their flight is slow but powerful. An interesting fact is that their wingbeats can be timed at about two per second and they cruise along at about 25 MPH. They are a dazzling sight in many wetlands in North America.
We can be glad that we have the Great Egret among us today, as they were hunted nearly to extinction for their plumes in the late nineteenth century. This brought about some of the first laws to protect birds.
23-Oct-2019
Bridge At Orchard Point Park
In the summer this bridge has water under it. 😊 I always thought it to be a very attractive all-wood bridge. But, even though I shot other nice photos of it, I wanted one that stood out. I think the fall colors at their best made it my favorite of all so far. The park closes for the winter, as do all county parks, sometime in October. But one can still go there and walk and enjoy the park. I sometimes go there to exercise my hip. I was glad I went today! Already, some trees are losing their leaves. Some I have seen are now half bare, where last week they were in full color.
22-Oct-2019
Our Favorite Barista
After both of us finished up with dentist appointments, we rewarded ourselves with a latte (me) and a mocha (Carol). We were glad to see my favorite Barista, Jessica. She is such a sweet girl and has become a friend. 😀 Plus we get great service. Jessica gave me permission to post her beautiful picture as my photo for today.
19-Oct-2019
Group Shots Are Not Easy!
The problem with group shots is coordinating the individuals in the group. Invariably, one or more of them will be looking the wrong way, making a face, closing their eyes or doing something else that upsets the composition. This group was especially difficult. I couldn't seem to get any cooperation. I don't know, perhaps the pay wasn't good enough, or they didn't like the photographer. Whatever the case, I had to be satisfied with this result.
18-Oct-2019
Found Some Fall Colors
There are some nice fall colors on the north side of Fern Ridge Lake. I guess we did end up with some colors here and there. I liked this variety of trees on a hillside. It seems that the most colorful tree we have is the sugar maple, which seems to erupt in oranges and reds during the fall.