25-Feb-2020
The Bow-legged Heron
On the way home from a doctor appointment today, I stopped by Delta Ponds just to see my old favorite hunting grounds, photographically speaking. I was rewarded with some interesting photos that I can share in the days ahead. But for today I just have to share the bow-legged heron. The turtles are trying to keep from laughing.
Interestingly, herons, along with some other birds, have knees that bend the opposite way from the way our knees bend. Our's bend forward, while the heron's knees bend backward. As you can see here, this heron hasn't yet turned one leg, so it has a leg pointing in the opposite direction to the other. This is what makes it appear bow-legged. I had to laugh because it does remind me of some old bow-legged cowboys I have seen.
25-Feb-2020
1957 Ford Fairlane 500
Back when this car was new, I was a young single guy of 21. For me, it was a dream car! And one like this is what I wanted, a 2-door hardtop! Alas, I never got one and I went on to other dream cars too. But I never lost my affection for one like this.
23-Feb-2020
Maddy Wants to Play!
Our granddaughter, Mikayla, does animal rescue and has rescued a number of rabbits, as well as cats and dogs. The rabbit in the photo is one of them. Mikayla's dog, Maddy, is showing real interest in the rabbit. She looks like she wants to play, but I don't think the rabbit is interested.
I think 'Maddy' might be a great name for Mikayla. According to the Urban Dictionary (
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Maddy), among other things, 'Maddy' can be described in this way: "You are lucky if you have a friend named Maddy. She can always put a smile on your face anyday. She is beautiful inside and out! She makes everyone happy, everyday. She loves animals."
20-FEB-2020
On Guard Duty!
Ruger belongs to my son-in-law and daughter. He is a great dog, a boxer. But he is also very protective of the property and his 'people'. I just couldn't resist this shot of him in a familiar spot in front of their front door. A typical guard. LOL
Ruger greets Carol and me every morning, barking at our door for his treat. It's the same thing when I come back from the store, he follows me to the porch expecting another treat. Yes, we spoil him.
16-FEB-2020
Peregrine Falcon, Speed Demon!
I never knew the Peregrine Falcon was so fast until I did some online research. It is a beautiful bird, a rapture that hunts medium sized birds. I have seen very few, and was pleased to see this one at Delta Ponds a while back.
"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."
Now that is fast! I have never seen them dive or go in pursuit of prey, but can imagine that they would be difficult to keep track of at that speed! Impressive! They are built for flying and not by chance!
13-Feb-2020
Great Egret Leaving Its Perch
This egret just took off from its perch in a tall fir tree. I love catching them in flight. There they look so graceful with their 6 foot wingspan and long neck tucked in for flying.
"The Great Egret is the symbol of the National Audubon Society, one of the oldest environmental organizations in North America. Audubon was founded to protect birds from being killed for their feathers."
11-Feb-2020
"When leaves turn bright colors in the fall they make one last effort to compete with the flowers" (Brent M. Jones)
How fitting to use that saying for this photo of a bright leaf against an attractive background. I would say it competes with the beauty of a flower very well!
10-Feb-2020
Curious Cow!
Some cattle were grazing in the woods next door, some red, some black. The black cows had a bit longer horns that looked somewhat intimidating. But they all were curious about that guy looking at them across the fence. Who stands up on two legs anyway?
09-Feb-2020
Ladies in Black
These two ladies walked by me on the path in Delta Ponds and I was struck by the contrast between light and dark in this picture. Seems that black conjures up all kinds of ideas about these 'ladies in black'. Who are they? Where are they going? What are they up to? Probably just two sweet young ladies simply out for a walk!
This Beautiful Little Girl Grew Up to be My Wife!
This is a school picture of Carol when she was in the third grade, about 8 years old! Isn't she beautiful? And she still is after all these years!
05-Feb-2020
River Otter at Delta Ponds
I shot this picture of a river otter the last time I was able to visit Delta Ponds. It was exciting to see it. I even saw it catch and dine on a fish! For a park within the city limits of Eugene and only a mile or two from the center of town, Delta Ponds has a wealth of wildlife, mostly birds but also some animals, such as the otters, beavers and other small animals. It is worth a visit if you haven't been there, and live in the Eugene, Oregon vicinity, of course.
01-Feb-2020
Two Dear Friends, John and Marty
We have known John and Marty for several years, and value their friendship. I was very pleased with this photo, the lighting, their expressions and the colors. The photo was made a few years ago and we all are not what we used to be. I think their endearing qualities show forth in the image.