13-JAN-2015
De Fence
I just couldn't resist! :) This fence caught my eye while on a neighborhood walk, I thought the lighting made the fence jump out from the background. It's good to always look for interesting light.
14-JAN-2015
Willamette River at Clearwater Park
Took another walk in Clearwater park. I like the variety of things I see there and the park is not far away, one of those closest to me. This is one of the scenes that appealed to me.
15-JAN-2015
One Young Eagle Sitting in a Tree, I hope it was sitting there posing for me!
While walking in Delta Ponds, a gentleman who walked by called my attention to an eagle high in a far off tree. It's a young one that hasn't had its head changed to white as yet. I tried to get as close as I could, but even below the tree it was a long way up there. I liked this pose and the angle of its head.
Lighting conditions were the kind that give me the most trouble, a dark cloudy day with a dark bird against the sky. I did the best I knew how with the exposure and shot some pictures. I had to crop the result considerably. The high resolution of the D800 is proving its value in situations like this because one can crop the file a great deal and still have enough resolution and sharpness for a decent picture.
16-JAN-2015
New Apartments on Goodpasture Road
These new apartments sit across the road from part of Delta Ponds. I imagine that they get a great view of the ponds, especially from the second floor apartments. If I lived there I would have a tripod set up by the window with a long lens on it. The tall pole on the left was placed there for the osprey to use for nesting. They had a nest there last year.
Delta Ponds lies by the Willamette River, and is adjacent to roads, highways, apartments or office buildings. It started out as some gravel pits that were used for the building of the I-5 freeway a few miles to the east. Eugene Parks won an award from the State of Oregon for developing the ponds, and deservedly so. They have done a great job. I remember when all of this land was agricultural. Now that is going back a ways! :)
17-JAN-2015
Willamette River and Canal at Clearwater Park
Early morning at Clearwater Park is an enjoyable experience, especially when there is fog. We have that often at this time of year. Fortunately, the park is not far away so I can head there if the sky looks promising. Then it's a matter of waiting for when the moment is right. I enjoyed this scene!
18-JAN-2015
Varied Thrush Sharing the Sidewalk
Took a walk this afternoon in between showers and came across this bird, which I believe is a Varied Thrush. I was able to take several pictures of the bird and it just stood there. It sure was a beautiful bird!
After walking away, I began to think that maybe there is something wrong with the bird. From one angle it looked like a wing was hanging down somewhat. When I got home I made a few calls to see if I could find someone who knew birds and if help was possible. I got nowhere. I felt guilty about taking pictures but not finding help. But in the end I didn't know of anything that could be done. Hopefully, it just looked like the bird was in trouble.
19-JAN-2015
Running on the Edge
The Pre Trail passes along two sides of this pond in Alton Baker Park. It is quite popular and is used daily by UO runners, as well as many others. It is a pretty pond and popular with fishermen. Sometimes various birds are found on or near the pond. Here, we see a runner on the trail as it courses along the edge of the pond.
I always enjoy6 my walks here.
20-JAN-2015
Really Making Tracks
I am pretty sure this is a Bufflehead. I got a good look at it before it took off. When it saw me coming down the trail by the water at Delta Ponds it made tracks out of there, like a rock skipping across the water! I was fortunate to capture its tracks. :) Now that was fun!
Note for the curious: The image is as shot, with only contrast, color, sharpness, and crop adjustments.
21-JAN-2015
On Golden Pond
I just loved the color tones I found at this pond in Alton Baker Park. The pond has provided me hours of enjoyment and a variety of photo opportunities. It is the destination of many of my walks.
22-JAN-2015
Turtle at Delta Ponds
I didn't expect to see any turtles today. They seem to enjoy a sunny day for being out of water, sitting on a log. We did get a bit of sunshine, enough to bring them out I guess. Anyway, I enjoyed seeing this one and the opportunity to photograph it. Handsome fellow, I think!
Cool Morning Sky
The morning sky over Springfield was full of pretty colors and interesting forms. I found it unusual and eye catching. I hope that you do too!
24-JAN-2015
Windblown
I thought this Great Blue Heron at Delta Ponds looked a bit windblown. Looks good to me! :)