28-Dec-2020
Jogging the Pre Trail on a Frosty Morning.
Pre's Trail runs through Alton Baker Park to Springfield and is a popular jogging path for many runners. It is also used by many others who enjoy walking the path, often with friends or with their dogs at their side. The trail was originally suggested by former Oregon track star and Olympian, Steve Fontaine. Occasionally, one can spot wildlife in the stream or ponds that are found along the trail.
24-Dec-2020
Double-crested Cormorant
These two cormorants were sunbathing on a log in Kirk Pond. I believe they are double crested cormorants based on the information below. The one on the right would be a juvenile, having a paler neck and breast.
09-Jul-2020
'Ole Buttermilk Sky!'
Likely, not too many recognize this song sung many years ago by Hoagy Carmichael. (See link below) It was nominated for an Academy Award in 1947. Me? I was 11 at the time. I think my photo for today is a 'buttermilk sky' (also called a 'mackerel sky).
(Wikipedia) - "A mackerel sky is a common term for clouds made up of rows of cirrocumulus or altocumulus clouds displaying an undulating, rippling pattern similar in appearance to fish scales; this is caused by high altitude atmospheric waves."
"It is sometimes known as a buttermilk sky, particularly when in the early cirrocumulus stage, in reference to the clouds' "curdled" appearance."
09-Dec-2020
Sun Rays in the Forest
"Aug 27, 2018 The best times to capture sun rays is when the trees have leaves, or in a pine forest in the winter. There needs to be something that scatters the sunlight (in a sky you can only see sun rays if they are scattered by clouds). You can only see the sunbeams in one direction, more or less towards the sun."
07-Dec-2020
Cutting A Rug!
Well, the rug survived undamaged! 🤪 But Carol and I always had great fun dancing together. I like this photo because I had hair. 👨 The photo was taken at our first daughter's wedding in 1984. Those were the days!
06-Dec-2020
Something To Brighten Your Day!
We had some nice sunshine today, but it is only 4:00 PM and we are losing it already. It gets pretty dark now at 5 PM. So just maybe this will add a little brightness and color. I forgot the name of the flower. I am bad about that, you could tell me now and I would still forget it. No matter, it is a thing of beauty.
04-Dec-2020
Cape Arago Lighthouse
This lighthouse along the Southern Oregon Coast is located near Charleston and about 12 miles southwest of Coos Bay. It was first built in 1866. Then in 1908 damaged in some bad weather by waves. The present lighthouse had a unique Turnique foghorn added in 1934 . At the time of our visit, no public road goes to it, so only views like this one and at a few other spots are possible. In 2008, it was acquired by the Confederated Tribes.
01-Dec-2020
Ears On Alert
The deer, who spend a lot of time here during spring, summer and fall, are pretty much gone now. I suppose a big reason is the end of the apples falling from our trees. Where they go now I am not sure, will have to check into that. While they were here, we got to watch them as young ones grew from little ones like this wonderful fawn into full grown does or bucks in one season. This little one in the woods next door was a joy to behold.
30-Nov-2020
An Oregon Sunset!
This photograph was made on a trip along Hwy. 38 to the Oregon Coast. We were coming home and I saw this scene in the rear view mirror, so had to stop along the highway to record the scene. I thought it was an awesome sky.
07-Mar-2009
Angie and Sarah in the Woods
I remember when Carol and I helped Angie get Sarah. It seems so long ago! Sarah is gone now, but was such a fine horse, and a real beauty! I liked this picture of them taken when Carol and I were out with them for a ride.
26-Oct-2020
Gotta Stay Focused
In many things we do in life, we need to stay focused. In some cases, distractions make it difficult. In all cases, practice makes perfect, well almost perfect anyway. This is so true in photography. Getting a sharp picture of a bird in flight is not an easy task, more difficult with some cameras than others. My Nikon Z 6 is not near as easy for that as my D500, so I took the Z 6. Seagulls make excellent subjects for BIF photos. They are difficult to stay with as they swoop and swerve. I was pleased with this shot.
Quiz For The Day
This old photo of the 4th grade class at Lowell Elementary contains someone you may know. Can you find him? Hint - he has changed a little. 😃
13-Jul-2019
Painting With Light
As I walked by Angie's porch, I saw these three canvases leaning against the wall waiting for Mikayla to add a painting. The bright sunlight reflected an interesting image of a lawn chair with some colors for a background. Well, I figured I got something for her, and was pleased with my light painting. 😎
15-Mar-2018
Male Anna's Hummingbird
I love hummingbirds. Interestingly, even though it is relative easy to invite them to your yard with feeders, just about all of the photos I have are from wildlife areas, such as Delta Ponds. I knew just the trees where I would see them anytime I went there. It is great fun to capture them in wildlife areas like that. This one was at the top of a small tree.
12-Mar-2009
A Path Through the Woods
This is the kind of walk that I dream about, in the kind of light that is magical. A walk I truly thrived on. I would love to find such a walk out here in the country where we live now. I know they must be out there!
19-Jun-2018
Dive Right In!
This bee seems intent on the meal ahead as it dives in for a landing on the flower. I love trying to capture birds and insects in flight, a nice challenge.
19-Oct-2020
Backlit Deer
Backlight shots are a challenge, not so easy to get right! I was so glad I got this one set to get just the effect I was looking for. The deer continued to visit the place during October and sometimes hid in the woods next door. This young one was interested in what I was doing so stood there watching me. They are such neat animals.
28-Jul-2020
Queen Anne's Lace
This wild flower, that grows abundantly here along road sides, etc, is really closer to 'wild carrot', according to the official name. But I prefer to call it by the commonly used name here. It is a more beautiful name.
Here is the Wikipedia description - "Daucus carota, whose common names include wild carrot, bird's nest, bishop's lace, and Queen Anne's lace, is a white, flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to temperate regions of Europe and southwest Asia, and naturalized to North America and Australia."
Carol's 'Spanish Lady'
Carol did this sometime in 1971. It was given as a gift to my older sister, who died in 2002. What happened to it since we don't know. Makes me sad because it was one of my favorites. If we had it now it would be on the wall along with her 'English Lady.'
20-Oct-2020
Colorful Contrasts!
I not sure what this wild flower is called, but it is beautiful. It is also attractive, especially to bees. I thought they made such a nice, colorful contrast.
26-Apr-2019
Boating in Black and White
I felt like seeing in black and white today, even if it was a sunny day. I liked this image from last year better in B&W than in color. The heeling sailboat made for a more graceful posing and the trees and hills beyond created some nice layers for me.
13-Nov-2007
Looking For Fall Colors
I am hoping for some nice fall colors this year. We had some rain today, and could use a lot more. But the rain we have had recently has helped the fields to turn green again. So we don't have to look at brownish yellow country, thankfully. But this is what I love to see!
Our fall colors have come later in the month in recent years, or even in November. I am waiting, but not patiently. 🙂
28-Sep-2020
About Time to Dry Dock the Boat
Last year we had a great summer for boating on Fern Ridge Lake. I like this quiet dock in Orchard Point park.
I don't know about this year. I haven't got out and around very much. But the weather here is beginning to change. We had a nice foggy morning today, which should help the fire situation. And next week is supposed to bring cooler weather. For the rest of the year, not much action on the lake then, I am sure.
23-Sep-2020
My Sweetheart at 78
It's about time I took some more pictures, especially one of Carol. The years go by so fast! And this year so far has forced too many other things on our minds. But I am able to stop and count my blessings. For many years I have enjoyed sharing life with my lovely wife. And we also share a wonderful hope for the future.
09-Jul-2020
We Called Them Skippers When I Was a Kid
I learn something every day. What we called skippers when I was a kid, is a insect of the Gerridae family. They are commonly called water striders, water skeeters, water scooters, water bugs, pond skaters, water skippers, Jesus bugs, or water skimmers. They have retractable claws, elongated legs and body, and are covered with more than one thousand microhairs per milimeter. These tiny hairs provide the water strider with resistance to splashes or drops of water. These hairs repel the water, preventing drops from weighing down the body.
25-Feb-2020
Miss My Friends
It has been a while since I have seen my friends, the Great Blue Herons. I was looking through some shots from earlier this year, in February, when I visited Delta Ponds and saw this guy after a successful catch. I liked the result.
13-Jul-2019
Not The Only Ones In Danger!
Just heard on the news that Oregon has the worst air quality in the world right now. It is dangerous air. We are staying indoors as we should be.
But we aren't the only ones in danger. Yesterday saw the third visit to the farm of a coyote that has already killed two chickens. Our daughter ran out into the dark at 3:00 am yelling at the coyote, which had a chicken in its mouth. It dropped the chicken and ran into the woods next door. The chicken is ok. I don't know how it is getting into the chicken coop. Perhaps the chickens are getting out. The coyote seems to go for ones like this one.
Recently, before the fires, there has been bear droppings on the place too. We live in the country, so wildlife does roam the area.
05-Sep-2020
Heavy Smoke, No Lights, Hazardous Air!
It was Tuesday morning about 6:00 am. It was just getting light outside. The electricity had been turned off last night because of fire danger. I needed a cup of coffee, but had to do without. Hmm, what to do? I saw this dawn light come through the window, and there was something to do. Shoot a picture. Not the best conditions for a photo since it was still dark inside. But I just had to try! I think I got the feel. Now I can sit down with my tablet and play solitaire. 👀 But I will be keeping an eye on the fire situation.
09-Sep-2020
Day Lily of My Dreams
I always wanted to get a single day lily flower with a bud alongside against a green background and finally got my favorite shot. This one was close by, in my daughter's yard. So now I have it! But next year I will probably be looking for something better. 😎
28-Aug-2020
Our Neighbor, The Cutup!
Our neighbor does the harvesting of hay for others in the area, and keeps busy a good part of the summer this way. He has the equipment needed for mowing, raking and baling the hay.
Following are the steps taken in a standard haying:
Cutting - commonly used with a rotary mower.
Tedding - a process to fluff up the hay once cut.
Raking - pulls the hay into windrows for baling
Baling - 2 types of balers, for square or round bales.
Storage - best stored in barns or sheds to to keep dry.
For more detail about the steps of harvesting hay, you will need to consult a farmer. My experience with harvesting hay is limited to that of a youngster on our small farm. My father used a tractor built from an old car, pulled a blade mower, and a rake with at least four foot looped tines. To me they looked like six or seven feet tall. 🙂 I was too young to ride the rake. One rode on a tractor seat above the tines. I remember my mother riding on the rake at least once. Modern equipment, especially on big farms, is quite advanced in technology, and beyond me. Some tractors are quite advanced and even have air conditioning, necessary in some of the hot weather they work in.
26-Aug-2019
A Mixed Bag!
It would be difficult to explain any reason for this combination of shelf items. They are there for a resting place for each, not that they really relate to each other. Still the arrangement does get attention and is pleasing to my eye. But I really can't say why? What do you see?
20-Aug-2020
If You Want To Live A Dream, Plant One!
This great watering can belongs to our daughter, and I found quite attractive as the sunlight gave shape to it. And I love the thought because Carol and I take it literally. Flowers can add so much to one's yard and home. We enjoy the flowers we have planted here, though the dry conditions of the last several years make it difficult to have many.
18-Aug-2020
Is This What They Mean By "Loving It To Death"?
I saw this at one of my favorite wildlife hangouts, Delta Ponds. The area abounds in birds of a wide variety, along with a few animals such as river otters, mink, pond turtles and a few others. The encroachment of humans into some of the sensitive areas where different species nest and breed has left its mark. This is a more glaring example.
I have seen campsites, worn paths, garbage and other evidence of human presence in restricted areas. This is sad because it affects the reproduction rate of important native creatures. The Eugene Parks dept does a commendable job of caring for the local parks and working to keep them free of these transgressions. But ignorance and lack of respect for rules continues.
17-Aug-2020
Not a Wild One!
I am so used to photographing wild turkeys that visit the place that the more domestic kind seem unusual to me. I saw this one on a recent walk. It really stood out to me!
13-Aug-2020
Purple Moon Calla Lily
Calla is a Greek word meaning 'beauty'. As far as the meaning of the word goes, 'beauty' really fits this beautiful purple flower. I learned that Calla lilies are native to South Africa and Malawi.
The first person to catalog the calla in the 18th century was a Swedish botanist in the 18th century. But it isn't really a calla lily. Rather it is in the same family as the philodendron. A German botanist tried to correct the mistake. But the name remained. It may not be accurate but the definition of the word fits anyway.
06-Aug-2020
Neighborly Horses
On a recent walk along a side road near home, these horses hurried to the fence to greet me. At least that is what I would like to think! Wouldn't you expect such from neigh-borly horses? :) But honesty forces me to also consider the possibility that they were really looking for a handout. Anyway, I appreciated the attention. 🕵️♀️
05-Aug-2020
Carol's Accommodations
Carol had an appointment with her doctor yesterday. When they checked her condition they told me to take her to ER as she was in A-fib, again! In ER, they did a number of tests and gave her the option of treating it with meds or cardio version. Since she has had cardio version twice in 7 months, she chose to try meds to see if they could help. They gave her two types of injections and then waited for the results. She showed improvement in her pulse rate, which was very high. After about five hours they got the pulse rate down to 100 and it was safe to bring her home where she could be more comfortable and rest. She has needed much rest today and could feel more comfortable at home. She took her first med at home and the readings were high. An hour after taking the med her pulse rate had dropped by 25. We are so hopeful that the medicine does the trick. I am trying to see that she can relax and rest this evening, though I can't be as good as the nurse and doctor that worked with her.
28-Jul-2020
A Beautiful Chick!
I don't know what type of chicken this is, but whatever I think it is a beauty. I love the colors. I will have to show this to our daughter, Angie. Maybe she will get one or two. 😎
27-Jul-2020
Bambi In The Woods!
A while back I posted a shot of a doe that was expecting and I hoped that she would bring her fawn back to the farm. I think she did, or else another doe did. Lately a doe and spotted fawn have been visiting, almost every day. We have some apple trees so that is part of the attraction. As apples fall from the tree, I toss some of them over the fence into the woods next door. Each day the apples disappear. And I often see the doe and fawn there and sometimes they stay there eating apples while I throw more over the fence. I got this shot of the fawn, which made me think of Bambi in the Disney movie.
28-Jul-2020
Tansy Ragwort
Whenever Tansy shows up on the farm, Angie tries to quickly get rid of it. It is a noxious weed that is poisonous for her horses, as well as other animals. Even though the flower is pretty, it is best to get rid of it.
About Tansy Ragwort, the King County, WA, website says this, "Tansy ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris), a regulated Class B noxious weed, is a toxic biennial found throughout King County, especially on open, sunny sites such as in pastures and on roadsides. Eating it can sicken or even kill cattle, horses, some goats, pets, and people. Young plants appear as basal rosettes with ruffled leaves. Mature plants grow 2-4 feet tall; their leaves are dark green on top, whitish-green below, with deeply cut, blunt-toothed lobes and a ragged, ruffled look. In June-October, clusters of daisy-like flowers with 13 yellow ray petals and yellow-orange centers appear at stem ends. Reproduces via abundant seeds that persist in soil more than 10 years." -(
https://www.kingcounty.gov/
/weed-identi
/tansy-ragwort.aspx)
09-Jul-2020
Pond and Boat Ramp
This small pond is within walking distance of our place. The walk there and back is a mile and a half to two miles, plenty for an old guy like me. It gives me a chance to get a nice walk in and also I see photo opportunities along the way. Unfortunately, the pond is on private property with 'No Trespassing' signs posted along the road. So I had to shoot from there. Also foliage can get in the way for an overall view of the pond, so I chose to 'focus' on the portion with the dock.
25-May-2020
Not Red Yet!
I remember that my dear mother always had red hot pokers in the yard. After the flower turns bright red, it really stands out. It's a fascinating beautiful plant. Red Hot Poker is the common name for 'Kniphofia', native to South Africa. The plant can be 2-5 feet tall. The flowers can be red, orange, yellow, cream or pink. I have never seen any but red ones. This one, photographed toward the end of May, hasn't yet turned red.
About the red hot poker, 'American Meadows' has this to say: "Growth Habit: Red hot poker plants are specimens in the garden. The sword-shaped, pointy leaves grow in a round clump and the bottlebrush-like flower stalks emerge from the center of the clump in succession starting in early summer. At the end of the flower stalks are tube-shaped, colorful flower clusters that are tapered, resembling a torch. Hence, the common name torch lily." -
https://www.americanmeadows.com/
/unique-perennials/how-to-
20-Jul-2020
Sensational Sunflower
Sunflowers are really so beautiful! They are wonderful flowers! I love to photograph them. I thought this was an especially nice specimen.
According to National Sunflower Association: "The story of sunflower (Helianthus Annuus ) is indeed amazing. The wild sunflower is native to North America but commercialization of the plant took place in Russia. It was only recently that the sunflower plant returned to North America to become a cultivated crop. But it was the American Indian who first domesticated the plant into a single headed plant with a variety of seed colors including black, white, red, and black/white striped." -
https://www.sunflowernsa.com/all-about/history/
09-Jul-2020
Finding Beauty in a Leaf
I saw this leaf in the driveway and thought I would try to bring out the beauty in an aging leaf. Leaves go through an amazing process after coming on the trees. I learned that leaves change colors due to a process called "Photoperiodism." Talk about a name!
What is photoperiodism? According to www.smokymountains.com, "In the forests of eastern North America though, of the trees that change color in the autumn, most are responding to photoperiodism. The processes induced by photoperiodism are called "senescence", which is a term for the collective process that lead to the aging and death of a plant or plant part, like a leaf."
So then the leaf reminds me of humans, it goes through being pretty green as a youngster, and becomes more beautiful with age, before dying. Wait a minute here! What happened? I certainly am not as pretty as I used to be, as a kid. :) Oh well, forget that comparison. Could it be that humans weren't meant to die?
10-Jun-2020
Zinnias!
These beauties are in our daughter's front yard. I thought the colors were really eye-catching. I learned that Zinnias are annuals, so they'll grow for one season, but the original plant will not come back the next year. They do attract butterflies.
16-Mar-2020
When It's Not a Good Idea to Hide in the Grass!
If it hadn't been for the bright colors, I might not have noticed this wild turkey quite so easily. :) My son-in-law enjoys the turkeys, so we see them regularly. Like some other birds, they used to be a more rare sight, but now you can see them often, in town as well as out here in the country. They seem to have such beautiful colors, in comparison with the domestic turkey.
20-Jun-2020
The Center of a Daylily's World
I tried to get some close up shots with my Nikon V2 and CX 70-300 lens, not really a subject matter for a long lens. I did like this shot, which shows the heart of things for a daylily. The bright sunlight shining through petals adds to the beauty and color.
19-Jul-2019
Great Blue Heron Near Fern Ridge Lake
I like to capture wildlife in their environment. This setting is a natural for the heron, providing all of the characteristics they need. The tall grass in the foreground is by some water where they can find fish and the field beyond borders the lake which provides another fine source of food. One doesn't have to look for long to locate herons.
30-Jun-2019
Good Vantage Point
Normally, turkey vultures are seen roosting in trees and spend their time searching for carrion, soaring overhead in circles with wings upraised. This one was in a tree during the day, perhaps having spotted something below.
"If youve gone looking for raptors on a clear day, your heart has probably leaped at the sight of a large, soaring bird in the distance perhaps an eagle or osprey. But if it's soaring with its wings raised in a V and making wobbly circles, it's likely a Turkey Vulture. These birds ride thermals in the sky and use their keen sense of smell to find fresh carcasses. They are a consummate scavenger, cleaning up the countryside one bite of their sharply hooked bill at a time, and never mussing a feather on their bald heads."
04-Jul-2020
Not a Snake in the Grass
I have never posted this photo I shot in the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area back before I broke my hip. As I walked a trail through part of the wildlife area, I almost stepped on this turtle. It was a complete surprise to see it a ways away from any water. You can tell that my presence didn't seem to alarm it. Even when I got down for a closer shot, it just sat there. Quite an unexpected treat!
02-Jul-2020
Let's See You Stand on One Leg Like that and Stare!
The power of concentration that a Great Blue Heron displays when stalking a fish is impressive. You can see it in its eyes! The heron is quite successful at fishing too, I have watched them many times stand still at length until diving into the water and coming up with a fish. At times, the fish was so big that I didn't think they would get it down. But they succeeded. A huge bird that never fails to impress me!
20-Jun-2020
Daylily In Bright Sun
Daylilies are wonderful flowers, among my favorites. They seem to be easy to grow, and can be seen growing wild along roadsides and in meadows. They also have an interesting history.
The American Daylily Society has this to say about the daylily - "The scientific name for daylily is Hemerocallis, most recently considered to belong in the plant family Asphodelaceae. Notice that the preferred spelling is daylily as one word. Many dictionaries spell it as two words. The word Hemerocallis is derived from two Greek words meaning beauty and day, referring to the fact that each flower lasts only one day. To make up for this, there are many flower buds on each daylily flower stalk, and many stalks in each clump of plants, so, the flowering period of a clump is usually several weeks long. And, many cultivars have more than one flowering period."
https://daylilies.org/daylilies/faq/
28-Jun-2020
Barn Swallow
The Barn Swallow is one of two types of swallows I have seen, if I haven't forgotten any. According to the 'All About Birds' website, "the barn swallow is the most abundant and widely distributed swallow species in the world." It is distinguished by its cobalt blue and orange-brown colors. It normally has a white chest and white spots on its wings. Another distinguishing feature is its long forked tail. For some reason this one seems to have some orange on its chest.
26-Jun-2020
English Lady
Back in the 1960's Carol did this pastel chalk painting of a art piece on a postcard sent to her. She believes the picture on the card was of a painting in a San Francisco museum. Perhaps someone is familiar with that painting. About the same time, she also did a Spanish lady she copied from a box a perfume bottle came in. I love that one too! She used to draw quite a bit and also wrote. She even wrote a story based on the life of one of her grandmothers.
The pastel sticks are not round like a color crayon but instead are square. Carol still has some. She doesn't do much artwork any more, which is a shame because she is very talented, IMHO.
20-Jun-2020
Country Living
It really is quieter in the country, away from the busy streets and the noise of the city. It can be restful and calming if one takes time to relax once in a while, sitting on the porch and rocking in the swing. I love this pretty setting on my daughter's porch.
11-Jun-2020
Carol's Beautiful Rose
Carol love rose, and who doesn't? Most people enjoy them in their yard or garden. Carol's favorite is the yellow rose, which she used in our wedding so many years ago. I will have to ask her why she didn't plant a yellow rose when we moved out here in the country. Oh well, a rose of any color is pretty!
10-Jun-2020
Landing Pads
Now, this is the kind of landing area we should be using. The flyers that land here won't miss the airport because they couldn't see it! 😉 It was nice to catch one in midair and one already landed. I saw this scene along the road out in front of the farm.
17-JUN-2020
Caught In The Act!
I just happened to walk by when one of Angie's hens tried out the porch carpet. 👣👣 I didn't tattle.
25-May-2020
RADIANT RHODY!
There are a few rhododendrons on the place here, this one greets visitors to the farm. Rhodies love shaded areas and that is where this one is, in the shade of a large tree. I love the radiant pink color.
10-Jun-2020
LORQUIN'S ADMIRAL BUTTERFLY
At first, the hairy body of this butterfly threw me and I wondered if it was a type of moth. Some of them too have colorful wings. But I did find the identity, and it is a butterfly.
I learned some interesting information on Wikipedia (
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorquin's_admiral), "Lorquin's admiral (Limenitis lorquini) is a butterfly in the Nymphalinae subfamily. The butterfly is named after Pierre Joseph Michel Lorquin, a French naturalist who came to California from France during the Gold Rush, and made important discoveries on the natural history of the terrain." Who would have known?
About the description, the website says, "The Lorquin's admiral has brown-black wings, each with a row of white spots across it. Its forewings have orange tips. Wingspan: 47 to 71 mm; females are generally larger than males."
09-Jun-2020
Miko Is Still Magnificent!
Our little dog, a Pekinese/Chihuahua mix, is showing the signs of aging, along with us. Yet, he is still Miko the Magnificent! He has quite the personality. The rest of the family will testify to that! 👺 Around here, Carol is his queen and I am his slave. Just ask him!
28-May-2019
The Lovely Lupine
Fortunately for us in the Pacific Northwest, lupines thrive here. A field full of wild lupine is something to behold. I haven't got to see any this year as yet. I am not getting out and around as I usually do. This photo from last year shows a lupine as it is getting its start in the spring.
"While lupines are easy to start from seed, these short-lived perennials are difficult to over-winter when not grown in their ideal settings. Regions with cool summers such as the West Coast, Pacific Northwest, northern United States, southern Canada, and New England see lupines thrive."
03-Jun-2020
Captivating Calla
I can't help being impressed with the beautiful Calla, often called a calla lily. Our daughter has several of them in the yard and they have been in their glory, but a few are beginning to fade. I really liked this group of flowers.
"Some Interesting Facts about Calla lilies"
"The Calla lily is a perennial bulb.
Though called a lily, Calla lilies are not really lilies.
Calla is a flowering genus of twenty-eight species originating in Africa and growing mostly in marshy areas.
Calla lilies are grown from bulbous roots with finger-like growths. These are known as tubers.
The blooming time of Calla lilies is late spring.
The word Calla comes from the Greek term for beautiful.
The Calla lily roots are poisonous."
02-Jun-2020
Some Kind of Spider
I feel sure that this is a spider. It has eight legs and is quite small. What was most noticeable to me is the large white stripe down the back. I couldn't find anything online quite like it. I am also curious as to whether the brown coloring is accurate or if it was more a green cast. If anyone has any information that would help, I would appreciate it.
Also, since I don't have a macro lens I made do but one would sure come in handy and do a better job.
01-Jun-2020
Campion, A Wonderful Plant and Flower
These long stemmed flowers and tall plant are beautiful additions to a yard, and make excellent ground cover too. I photographed this the other day, and went to look at it again yesterday. The pink highlights were gone and the flower is now all white. I got it at a good time!
About them, the 'Better Homes and Gardens' website has this to say:
"Grown as much for its silver-gray foliage as for its neon-color flowers, campion provides excellent color and contrast in perennial borders and beds. Once the flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, the stems can be cut back and the foliage forms a groundcover for the remainder of the growing season. Campion is also at home in rock gardens, wildflower meadows, and cottage gardens."
30-May-2020
Look Who's Expecting!
This Blacktail doe visited the ranch recently and it was evident that she was pregnant. I love to see the little spotted fawns and look forward to her bringing them here when the apples come on.
06-Aug-2019
Picnic at the Lake - Last Summer
Little did we know last summer what lie ahead for the whole world a year later! People are social creatures and love to have fellowship, so the desire to get back to normal is natural.
But now, as states open up in different ways across the country, we have to be aware of an unseen enemy out there. We will see what this summer holds for us as the country passes 100,000 deaths from the pandemic. If one deals in numbers, the percentage may seem small. But families of all of those people don't care about percentages. That is a lot of people to lose in a matter of a few months. Compare that with the average of 70,000 deaths from the flu during a whole year, and you can see the significance. If we care about people, one death is one too many.
25-May-2020
Calla Lily - Natural Beauty
Some view the calla lily positively, as used in weddings, others view it negatively, associating it with death. I think of the calla lily differently, as a natural beauty, part of the many beautiful things to be seen in nature.
Matter of fact, flowers brighten our day and bring good cheer. We use them to decorate our house, our garden, our landscape. Just think how much a display of flowers can beautify the cold concrete of a city, if the residents just add flowers to the scene. Yet flowers decorate the natural world without us even lending a hand. No wonder the natural beauty of parks and wilderness areas, beaches, lush valleys and all the other varied features of the earth draw us away when we need refreshment.
09-Nov-2019
Curious Little Dickens
This fawn was looking at me through the fence between our place and the woods next door. Deer can be very curious animals, sometimes to their undoing. In the wild, when the see a human they will take off fast, but then often stop after a short distance to look back curiously. When being hunted, this brief stop often gives the hunter a chance at a clear shot.
Once the deer start showing up here, especially when the apples start showing up on the trees, they can get quite used to me. I have had three or four on the other side of the fence chomping on apples as I threw them over the fence for them. This youngster came right up to the fence to look at me.
22-MAY-2020
Showcase of Elegant Ladies
Carol has quite a collection of small figurines, some elegant ladies, some Hummels, among others. This is only a part of it!
I was looking for something in the house to focus attention and my camera on, so this got my attention. It reminds me of a four story apartment building with the ladies on display. Yes, I have a vivid imagination. 🤷♂️ Yes, I should have used fill-in flash but I didn't have one handy. And no, I am not sorry. 😊
19-May-2020
Some Color on a Dark Day
One of the good things about a cloudy day happens when there is a break in the clouds near sunset. This winter scene over Fern Ridge Lake is brightened by a lovely band of orange and layers of different tones and colors. I also was pleased with the nice reflection in the lake.
18-May-2020
Visitors to the Farm
This morning, I saw the first deer to visit our daughter and son-in-law's farm this year. There were three of them and it was obvious that one was expecting. We will see them from time to time from now on through the summer, one of the benefits of country living. 👨🌾
15-May-2020
FLOWERING BUSH OR TREE, WHAT IS IT?
Our daughter has this large bush or tree with these gorgeous blossoms on it. She will be cutting it back this summer because it is getting too big, big enough to look like a tree. I thought I knew what it is, but searching online did't find it for me. Help me out with the identity. Thanks!
Just learned it is a Hawthorn tree.
13-May-2020
Portrait By Angie
Our daughter, Angie, came over for a brief photo shoot to get a picture of Carol and me for our 59th anniversary today, May 13th. 1961 seems so long ago but the memories of our wedding and honeymoon remain strong. We have had a lot of fun together and still are!
25-Feb-2020
A BIG SMILE - BIKE RIDERS B.C. (before COVID-19)
While walking at Delta Ponds,I met this nice group of bicyclists. One of them gave me a big smile. It's so nice to get a friendly greeting!
09-May-2020
Blue Bells
I love it when the bluebells begin to appear. They certainly add delicate color to a yard or wooded area. In the wild they are protected in England by an act of Parliament. To me, that is the way it should be. They are little gems in any setting. These are in our daughter's yard.
06-May-2020
Geraniums
Carol has these flowers sitting on our porch railing. They are so pretty, adding color to any setting.
"A truly classic garden plant, geraniums have been a gardener's favorite for well over a century. The old-fashioned standard for beds, borders, and containers, geranium is still one of the most popular plants today. Traditional bedding types love hot weather and hold up well in dry conditions." - (
https://www.bhg.com/garden
/plant-dictionary/annual/geranium)
03-May-2020
Firstborns
We have this tri-frame of three photos of our three daughters and their firstborn children that I thought I would try to get a photo of. On the left is our oldest daughter, Angela Dawn, and her baby, Mikayla. In the middle is our middle daughter, Cynthia Marie, and her baby, Kendahl. On the right is our youngest daughter, Laura Kathleen, and her baby, Breanne. The granddaughters all grown up now, and we have grown old. But we have nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren to enjoy now.
The three photos are color film prints and the contrast and colors were so different that it was not practical to try harmonizing them in my photo. So I thought I would try it in B&W. Carol really likes the result. If a mom and grandmother likes something it is good enough for me. :)
03-Jul-2019
Evening Sky
Have you ever thought about how viewing the evening sky makes you feel? Before you is a rich tapestry that is only transitory. So briefly the show lasts as the colors grow richer and bold and then fade away. How often we stand spellbound as we admire the spectacle.
Appreciating such natural beauty that surrounds us is rewarding, if only we stop and take the time to enjoy the show.
27-Apr-2020
Cottage in the Country
Since we moved from town in 2017, we have enjoyed the simple life in the country. We have a nice cottage in the country that we are quite proud of. How do you like it? It is quite cozy.
24-Apr-2020
A Lofty Perch
The first time I saw a Great Blue Heron in a tree, I was amazed that the big bird didn't weigh down the branch. Then I learned how little they weigh. But that was long ago. I have seen them in trees many times, and also we have nesting trees here where the nests are huge. As you probably know the heron is one of my very favorite birds. I can't resist shooting pictures of them, even though I have quite a few. This one was near Kirk Pond.
22-Apr-2020
Something to Brighten Your Day
Flowers always seem to make a person feel good. I guess that is why a welcome gift can be a bouquet of flowers. I was cheered by this patch of periwinkles in our daughter's yard, a splash of color on a rainy day.
25-Feb-2020
Leatherneck
This is a Western Pond Turtle seen at Delta Ponds. It sure has a leathery neck! Unfortunately, their population is being reduced. This is caused by people who tire of pet turtles (red-eared sliders) and release them at the ponds. These turtles grow bigger than pond turtles and their population increases rapidly, resulting in loss of enough food for the pond turtles. Just a few years ago, there were only pond turtles at Delta Ponds. Now the red eared sliders have taken over.
15-Apr-2020
Shade Through the Window
I took another walk around the farm and saw this shade through the window of our daughter and son-in-law's house. I thought it looked good against that dark background.
14-Apr-2020
Some of My Friends
These are some of my friends who keep me company at my desk. They came to live with me following trips to the hospital, gifts from family. I looked at them and liked the shadows on the wall, so I took the picture. Maybe it is a result of being sheltered at home, but I like to think of it as reminders of family love.
11-Apr-2020
A Lone Periwinkle
Our daughter has a patch of Periwinkles as ground cover in her backyard. I think we will get a start from it to plant some in our yard. I think they are so beautiful!
09-Apr-2020
Golden-crowned Sparrow
This is a non-breeding adult golden-crowned sparrow. Its breast is a mottled grayish brown and the yellow crown stripe is smaller and more dull. Still it is a pretty little thing. For identity and photos, see "All About Birds" online. (This photo has been cropped a great deal)
08-Mar-2020
Horse Crossing
Our daughter, Angie, put up this sign along the road in front of the place. She has lost one horse that broke loose during a thunderstorm, ran into the road and was hit by a truck. It was a very sad time.
People drive pretty fast on the road and need to slow down. The sign is a great idea but probably won't slow anyone down. The white horse is Cloud and the other is Goldie. They have lots of pasture to graze.
05-Apr-2020
They Say That A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush
But I say that the bird in the bush is so much prettier. We see it in it's natural environment. I loved this shot I got last year of a sparrow among the rose hips. I believe it is a Golden Crowned Sparrow.
03-Apr-2020
Posing With The Catch
I love to watch the Great Blue Herons while they fish. It is all about timing. They intently watch for fish below the surface of the water, poised to strike. When they do strike their head and long neck disappear under water and they often come up with their prey. They surely are among the world's best experts at fishing!
31-Mar-2020
Missing That Personal Touch!
Even though we live on our son-in-law and daughter's place in a second house, they are staying away, not coming any closer than six feet from our door. It is funny how one feels, even though they are right there! You just want to touch them. :) And I know that many are isolated even more than that! My heart goes out to all who are isolated and may not have the contact we have on the farm and with others online. Stay safe!
30-Mar-2020
Violet-green Swallow
It is difficult to see here, but this is a violet-green swallow. I have another shot of it that clearly shows the colors. It is the first of these I have seen around here and it had a nest here on the farm. In fact, there were youngsters in a nest. The nest was where I would not have expected. But I saw the swallows flying back and forth from it last spring to a small opening at the very peak of Angie's tack-room. I will watch for them again this spring. The image has been cropped some.
28-Mar-2020
Wishing The Coronavirus Would Fly Away!
Hoping you are safe and hunkered down. It has been good to be in touch with others to know how they are.
26-Mar-2020
Cloud Giving Me The Eye!
On a recent sunny day I got out for a walk around the place and down the road a piece. When I approached the fence, Carol and Angie's horse, Cloud, came to the fence for a snack. Sure, I gave him a handout of hay! With his eye condition, Cloud has limited vision, so he tried a close up look at me. He dropped his head and went back to eating hay. I just wasn't interesting enough!
23-Mar-2020
Low Clouds Over the Lake
I love this recent view of Fern Ridge Lake with beautiful clouds hanging low over the horizon. Imagine you are sitting in your living room in front of a large window, staying home as directed, and enjoying the scene.
20-Mar-2020
Stormy Days Upon Us!
The weather lately has been pretty good, days getting warmer with cold mornings. We have had periods of sunshine and then clouds. Rain is predicted for a day or two now.
On the world pandemic front, the days are stormy and, instead of running it's course, COVID-19 is spreading widely. Everyone needs to follow the recommendations and restrictions imposed, and some need to please stop hoarding so that the rest of us can have what we need. 'Pestilence is one of the foretold marks of the 'last days', as is 'no natural affection'.
Instead of selfishness, we need to show love and consideration for others. And It is so good to see the kindnesses that are being shown!
17-Mar-2020
Leaves of Autumn!
This is a photo from September and reflects the beauty of autumn. The rich colors, the briskness of the breeze, the comfortable days and the peaceful surroundings I miss as I sit at home seeking protection from the spread of a pandemic.
The beautiful leaf relates well to this autumn quote - " "The one red leaf, the last of its clan, That dances as often as dance it can, Hanging so light, and hanging so high, On the topmost twig that looks up at the sky." Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Another feel good quote about my favorite time of year is this one - I loved autumn, the one season of the year that God seemed to have put there just for the beauty of it. Lee Maynard
I hope the photo and thoughts might bring some comfort and cheer during this concerning period.
15-Mar-2020
Member of Nature's Sanitation Squad!
The Turkey Vulture may not have such a pretty head, but it is is still an impressive bird. And that head is perfectly designed for its duty, that of cleaning up the carrion it finds. And, unlike most other birds, the vulture has a keen sense of smell it uses to locate carrion.
11-Mar-2020
Periwinkle (Vinka)
The Vinca is a native of Europe, northwest Africa and southwest Asia. In the US it is usually called Periwinkle and makes an excellent ground cover.
The website, 'The Spruce', says about it, "Vinca minor vines stay short, sprawling out over the ground. They typically stand only 3 to 6 inches off the ground, but their trailing stems can reach 18 inches in length. The stems of these plants root at their joints as they creep along the ground and spread rapidly to become a pretty flowering ground cover able to fill in a large area and keep weeds down."
https://www.thespruce.com/vinca-minor-vines-2132217
10-Mar-2020
The Fascinating Western Grebe
There are several different types of Grebes. One that I think is particularly fascinating is the Western Grebe. This one was at Fern Ridge Lake.
'All about Birds' has this to say about the Western Grebe color pattern "Western Grebes are crisp black and white, with a sharp transition between black and white extending down the neck. The head and most of the face are black, with white below the eye. The bill is yellowish or greenish yellow and the eye is red at close range." (
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Western_Grebe/id)
08-Mar-2019
Let's Have a Picnic!
Don't tell me that you will let a little moisture stop you! :) I think someone has been up to a bit of mischief! Hey, it wasn't me!
03-Mar-2020
Female Hooded Merganser
I am pretty sure that this is a female hooded merganser, though immature and non-breeding males can look similar. The reason? This merganser was paired with a male with white hood displayed at Delta Ponds.
Adult male Hooded Mergansers are black above, with a white breast and rich chestnut flanks. The black head has a large white patch that varies in size when the crest is raised or lowered, but is always prominent. Females and immatures are gray and brown, with warm tawny-cinnamon tones on the head."
02-Mar-2020
Some Kind of Sea Shell
We have this shell on the porch and I have no idea what kind it is! I went online to see if I could find some way to ID it. I came away simply amazed and in awe of the wonderful variety of shells to be found in the sea! They come in such beautiful shapes, colors and designs. To say I am impressed is an understatement! No matter where one looks they will find design and order on earth and in the universe. That is a fact that we must personally contemplate. Order and design calls for a designer!
01-Mar-2020
Seeing Signs of Spring
Lately, we have had some nice sunny days, even though mornings were a bit too cool, except for the last two days that is! It poured yesterday and is cloudy today. But we are seeing signs of spring in the yard, daffodils, periwinkles, and other tiny flowers I couldn't identify.
The coming of spring gives a boost to one's spirit. After the dark, cold days of winter, which can also be beautiful, it is good to see the new growth and beauty of our natural world. The seasons provide us with a delightful variety to capture our attention and appreciation for what has been provided for us on earth.
28-Feb-2020
In The Blink of an Eye!
I saw this Great Blue Heron at Delta Ponds all poised and ready to strike. I knew it had a fish in focus. In a blink of an eye the bird was in the water and completely under except for the wings. Just as quickly it was out of the water with prey held fast in its beak. Herons are among the world's best fishers, despite all the gear that human fishers collect. I can't say I have ever seen a heron go hungry.
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.
29-Jan-2020
Pastoral Scene Near Where We Live.
This scene is about a mile from our home, on another road. The countryside in this area is beautiful. This is my first post since getting out of the hospital with viral pneumonia. I am still not feeling all that well but it cheered me to post a photo just to show I am still around and kicking, though not so high. The photo was made on October 31, 2019.
Best wishes,
Vern
07-Jan-2020
Earth, Water and Sky
This view has always caught my eye whenever I drive on Clear Lake Road. This particular time the light and colors were right, and I got what I wanted. I thought it made a good landscape shot.
06-Jan-2020
My Friend, The Hawk!
Well, it seems like we must be on friendly terms by now. For the last couple years, I have seen a Red-shouldered Hawk on power lines alongside a road about a mile from home. It is there mostly during fall and winter months here in Oregon. I don't see them during the summer months, but that doesn't necessarily mean they aren't here.
This little fellow seemed comfortable having me nearby, but I was shooting from my car so i wouldn't alarm it. We should always be considerate of giving wildlife their comfort zone, just as we ought to do with fellow humans.