13-MAY-2015
My Bride of 54 Years
54 years ago today, I married a sweet young lady who has been a treasure. We enjoyed a morning out and a very nice lunch together, then a quiet evening at home. It has been a good day!
14-MAY-2015
Wood Duck on Wood!
I have never seen Wood Ducks anywhere but in the water or by the water's edge. That is, until I saw this one sitting on a branch in Delta Ponds. And it was pretty high up in this old dead snag at that. Naturally, I had to get a shot of that!
15-MAY-2015
Running On the Pre Trail
I wanted to get a photo of a runner on the Pre Trail where it passes Autzen Stadium. I liked the composition from that point of view. It is a very nice trail for runners and walkers alike, and is kept in such nice condition. I was pleased with the result. For more information about the trail, see -
https://www.eugene-or.gov/index.aspx?NID=1727 By the way, the photo on this web page, of the runners, is one of mine.
I had an interesting experience in regard to that photo. I got an email from a relative of the gentleman in front on the right. He had passed away and the correspondent wanted to use my photo at his memorial service. Of course, I happily agreed!
17-MAY-2015
An Intruder in Our Yard
I looked outside and saw that another heron had landed in our yard. I suspected a plot, and sure enough Carol had ordered another heron for me, for our anniversary. Pretty little thing, don't you think, with those feathers all fluffed up?
18-MAY-2015
Thistle - "The Flower of Scotland"
If we get thorns and thistles in our yard, we are displeased and consider them a nuisance. If we see a thistle in the wild, it can be a real beauty, as I think this one is!
It's interesting that in 1869 Hans Christian Anderson wrote a nice little tale about the thistle, called "The Thistle’s Experiences." In that story, one of the characters calls the thistle, 'the flower of Scotland.' If you would like to read this short story, go here:
http://hca.gilead.org.il/thistles.html
19-MAY-2015
Sturnus vulgaris (The European Starling)
The European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) was first brought to the United States in 1890. It is now common throughout the country and is abundant in many areas. While many view it as a pest, the Starling wins our grudging admiration for its adaptability, toughness, and seeming intelligence. It is commonly found in cities, parks, farms, open groves, and fields. The Starlings have had a negative impact on some native hole-nesting birds, such as bluebirds and Red-headed Woodpeckers, competing with them for nesting sites. (Information from: Audubon Guide to North American Birds -
http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/european-starling )
If you wonder about the red background, it is the side of a pickup. The bird is on a fence in front of it.
20-MAY-2015
Catch The Bus!
I learned that in recent years, the UK has what is called 'Catch The Bus Week'. This year it runs from June 29th through July 5th. In the Eugene/Springfield area, the considerate bus operators hold for a person running to catch the bus. That's what I did back in the day when I was a bus operator. I saw that happen this morning as a young lady ran by me to get to the bus before it left. The kindly driver waited. Bravo!
22-MAY-2015
This Flower Will Grab You!
I just couldn't resist this colorful scene! The vivid pink flower and red background really pop! It added some color to my day. Hope it does for you too! :)
23-MAY-2015
Ready to Ride!
These bike riders met at Alton Baker Park for a group ride along the Riverbank Trail. It's a great place to ride or take a walk, as I do with my camera. Eugene has an excellent network of bike paths and lanes. Bike riding is popular here.
"Eugene's growing bicycle network includes:
42 miles of shared-use paths,
81 miles of on-street bicycle lanes,
35 miles of signed bikeways, and
5 bicycle/pedestrian bridges spanning the Willamette River
2 bicycle/pedestrian bridges spanning major roads or highways"
24-MAY-2015
The Sentinel
A meaning of the word, sentinel, is 'To watch over as a guard'. That surely is fitting for this photo. The bald eagle parent is perched at the top of the tree above its nest, where it can stand guard over the nest and the fledglings in it. I liked its pose and the way the tree top is bent under its weight.