20-OCT-2014
Cruising Dexter Lake
I always enjoy Lowell Park and Dexter Lake on a sunny day. The colors are rich and appealing. And when a boat zips by it adds the perfect icing on the cake. A touch of fall colors spice up the hills. I hope it is a delightful treat for you too.
19-OCT-2014
Snack Time
This squirrel in Alton Baker Park didn't let my presence interrupt its snack. I love the way they hold their food with both paws. Cute little thing!
18-OCT-2014
Gorgeous Goldfinch
The Lesser Goldfinches seem to be leaving Delta Ponds. I have been seeing them in the trees alongside one of the ponds there. That's where I got this picture of a gorgeous goldfinch
"Lesser Goldfinches are small finches with bright yellow undersides. Males have greenish-brown backs, black caps and wings with two white wing-bars, and a white patch on each wing. Their tails are black with white patches on either side, and their undertail coverts are yellow (contrasting with the white undertail coverts of American Goldfinches). Females lack the black cap and wing-bars of the males, are not as brightly colored, and lack the white on the tail; they do have white patches on each wing." -
http://birdweb.org/birdweb/bird/lesser_goldfinch
17-OCT-2014
Blacktail
We can often see blacktail deer in the South Hills of Eugene when we drive there. I try to drive Fox Hollow Road occasionally so I can see them. This is where I got this photo of a doe. I think she is beautiful!
16-OCT-2014
Color in the Backyard
Part of the time, the Pre Trail in Alton Baker Park runs along a canal. In one area, some beautiful homes sit across the canal from the park and trail. This backyard has a red boat dock with bright green canoe alongside. On the dock are two blue chairs. The beautiful green lawn and green/yellow tall grass add to the great scene. Under the trees you see the white egret. However, it isn't a real one, though I was fooled the first time I saw it. Anyway, I love this backyard scene and wanted to share it with you.
15-OCT-2014
Herring Gull On Alton Baker Pond
Usually, when the gulls come inland it means a storm along the coast. I don't know why this solitary gull was at the pond when I walked by in Alton Baker Park, but I was grateful that it posed for me.
14-OCT-2014
Along The Beautiful McKenzie River
The McKenzie River in Western Oregon is well known for its beauty, great fishing and white water rafting. This is one scene from along the River near Finn Rock.
13-OCT-2014
The Path to Dee Wright Observatory
Dee Wright Observatory sits at the summit of the McKenzie Pass (elev 5300). It is unique, constructed of lava. From the observatory, one can view the surrounding mountains through unique portals. In this photo, the edge of the building shows, along with the lava beds beyond the path. In the distance is Belknap, a volcano, on the left, and Little Belknap to the right of it. In the middle is the peak of Mt. Washington, and Mt. Jefferson is located on the extreme right. Unseen in the distance is Three-Fingered Jack. Behind me are the Three Sisters and to my right Black Butte. The lava beds here are pretty big.
12-OCT-2014
Gray Jay (Perisoreus Canadensis)
About the Gray Jay, my 'Birds of Oregon' book says - "Few birds in Oregon rival Gray Jays for boldness. Outwardly unspectacular, they are inquisitive, endearing, gregarious and individualistic by nature, always ready to seize any opportunity. Birds in small family groups glide slowly and unexpectedly out of coastal and mountain coniferous forests, attracted by the slightest commotion or movement and willing to show themselves to any passersby, especially if food is available."
This explains why this bird showed up when my friend, John, got up on a picnic table to get a better view of Scott Lake. It landed on a limb right behind John. I quickly began shooting, calling to John to stay still. He couldn't stand being still any longer and turned to get a shot. That's when the bird flew off.
11-OCT-2014
Color In The Cascades
Fall in Oregon is pretty, and it's more colorful in the mountains. Here's a bit of color along the Old McKenzie Highway, a very scenic route!
10-OCT-2014
North and Middle Sister From McKenzie Pass in Oregon Cascades
My friend, John, and I drove to the top of the McKenzie Pass (elev. 5300 feet) this morning. From the Dee Wright Observatory there, one gets a good view of several nearby mountains, including two of the Three Sisters. In this photo, you see the North and Middle Sisters. It wasn't an ideal day for images of mountains, but I got some passable pictures.
09-OCT-2014
Fishing With The Boys!
When I got to the pond at Alton Baker park, I met this Dad and his two little boys. He caught a fish while I was there, so naturally I had to get a shot of it. Nice catch!