25-JUL-2015
The Beautiful Days of Summer
We all look forward to summer when, as they say, the living is easy. I thought this scene along the Willamette River near Delta Ponds typifies summer well. All it needs is some people! And the bench along the shore beckons one to take a seat and quietly contemplate the pleasures of the surroundings.
26-JUL-2015
Eye Popping Poppy!
I just couldn't pass up photographing this raving beauty! I love the black center set off by the bright red petals. Lovely to look at.
27-JUL-2015
Male and Female Ring-Necked Ducks
My Birds of Oregon book says, "Visits to secluded ponds during the colder months will soon reveal Ring-Necked Ducks." These ducks must be confused! It is surely not winter or is it cold! We are having a hot dry spell in Oregon. So I feel fortunate to have seen this group in Alton Baker Park. I don't know where they got the name. I don't really see a ring around their necks.
D3-040415-077-01
28-JUL-2015
A Good reason for Liking Dragonflies!
This Twelve-Spotted Skimmer is the only dragonfly I have seen sitting still this year! Of course, I was out of commission for a while so couldn't visit my favorite haunts where I usually see them. I was pleased that it posed for me long enough to get a picture, even if it was a bit farther away than I wanted, so it's a cropped image.
Something that makes the dragonfly even more appealing: "Many people ask, "What do dragonflies eat?" As adults, dragonflies eat other insects and can consume hundreds of mosquitoes in one day! typically eat mosquitoes and other small insects. They are valued as predators, since they help control populations of harmful insects. Dragonflies are usually found around lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands because their larvae, known as "nymphs", are aquatic. Adult dragonflies do not bite or sting humans, though nymphs are capable of delivering a painful but harmless bite." (
http://dragonflywebsite.com/index.cfm
Anything that consumes hundreds of mosquitoes in one day you just have to like!
30-JUL-2015
Portrait of a Flower
This gorgeous flower posed so nicely for me. The white background set it off so well. I think it makes it stand out magnificently.
How about you?
The image does show that the little Nikon 1 V2 is a very capable camera!
29-JUL-2015
Cheaper by the Dozen
This pair of geese can tell us if the old saying, 'cheaper by the dozen', is really true. I thought they made a nice formation while swimming the canal in Alton Baker Park.
31-JUL-2015
Beauty Along Skinner Butte Trail
The trail up the north side of Skinner Butte is a beautiful hike. There are some tall fir trees and lots of growth beneath them, including flowers like this one. I thought the light on the flower and the green leaves made such a pleasing combination. Couldn't resist a shot.
06-AUG-2015
The Last Laugh
This heron in Delta Ponds certainly looks like it is having the last laugh. But more likely it is complaining, maybe about me taking the picture. Anyway, I thought it made a fine picture. But then I love herons! :)
07-AUG-2015
Seven and Counting
Seven years ago, I photographed Mark and Dorlee's wedding. It was the one time I thought I did a good job of it. We thought that a seven year anniversary photo would be nice. We were able to do it today, a couple weeks past their anniversary (July 25th). They picked my favorite park, Alton Baker, for the setting. I think you can tell they are the nicest folks!
01-AUG-2015
What are they?
I am not sure about this pair. I don't see an exact match in my Birds of Oregon book, but would guess they are some sort of Sandpiper. Right? Sure would appreciate a positive ID.
10-AUG-2015
Bee-uty in the Rose Garden
The flowers were beautiful in the Owens Rose Garden this morning. The bees were busy, the colors delightful and the light was wonderful but contrasty. All this making for a great outing.
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02-AUG-2015
Intense Look
I love these guys. They always have such an intense look about them. I guess being on the lookout for something to eat all the time would give one that kind of look. Though they are great hunters, Bald Eagles are also the worst kind of thieves. :) They love to steal food from other birds of prey. This one was hanging out at Delta Ponds.