07-APR-2015
American Crow
According to the Cornell Lab of Orthinology - All About Birds:
"American Crows are familiar over much of the continent: large, intelligent, all-black birds with hoarse, cawing voices. They are common sights in treetops, fields, and roadsides, and in habitats ranging from open woods and empty beaches to town centers. They usually feed on the ground and eat almost anything – typically earthworms, insects and other small animals, seeds, and fruit but also garbage, carrion, and chicks they rob from nests."
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Crow/id
This one landed fairly close to me at Alton Baker Park, looking for food. When one really looks closely they are quite pretty! The Crow is also an intelligent bird!
08-APR-2015
Fall Creek Above the Dam
I well remember this small gorge along Fall Creek about five miles up the creek from where I grew up. It is now at the upper end of Fall Creek Reservoir. The dam itself sits on our old property. I like to revisit the area occasionally. The rocks here are of varied composition and interesting. I hope to post compositions of the rock formations when I can.
09-APR-2015
Dogwood Blossom
Today's photo is a blossom on a Dogwood Tree in Delta Ponds.
Quote from Better Homes and Gardens: "Dogwood (Cornus) -The lovely, butterfly-like blooms of dogwoods herald the beginning of spring, and the show continues into winter with the cheery spectacle of red fruits clinging to bare branches. Dogwoods are versatile trees that do well in full sun and moist soil or shady spots. Most feature fantastic fall color in addition to the attractive blooms." -
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/tree/dogwood/
10-APR-2015
Stopping Traffic
While sitting in the car waiting for Carol, I grabbed a shot of this young lady as she crossed Main Street.
She didn't really stop traffic, the light was red. But I thought it made a catchy title :)
11-APR-2015
Home in the Hills
I have always admired this log home at the base of the Coburg Hills.
Here, I felt the weather, with a bit of early fog, made it look even more attractive.
12-APR-2015
Two's Company, Three's a Crowd!
I suppose these two fishermen at Alton Baker Park realized there was a third fisher hiding in the shadows.
You can be sure that if they get something on their line there will be competition for the catch!
13-APR-2015
Fishing Pro
Yesterday, I posted a photo of a Great Blue Heron waiting for some fishermen to get a fish on their line. I have seen them go for the fish before the fisherman could reel it in! But the GBH is actually an expert fisher. Today's image shows it is quite capable of catching its own fish. :)
14-APR-2015
The Varied and Unique Beauty in Nature
The wonders of nature never cease to amaze me. The varied leaves on this bush are an example.
To me, the beauty and design seen in nature far surpass the creativity of us mere humans! It's the work of a Master Artist. That's why so many of us are fond of nature and wildlife photography. I just can't help loving this image!
15-APR-2015
Light on the Waters
I was on a bridge in Delta Ponds when I saw the sunlight highlight a spot in the ripples below. I thought it made a beautiful abstract.
16-APR-2015
Feeding the Kids
Like all good parents, the bald eagle pair on Skinner Butte take good care of their young. They have hungry mouths to feed! It appears that there are two fuzzy babies in the nest. Here the parent is putting something, perhaps a piece o fish, in one baby's mouth. This is a crop of about half size of a DX frame, using my D800. The scene was very contrasty.
17-APR-2015
Pretty Boy
Well, one turkey vulture is pretty to another one! :) Actually, the body of the bird looks great, a bit like an eagle. But that head is designed for a different purpose, which it fits perfectly. I have heard scavenger birds and animals described as being nature's "sanitation squad." I think they handle that job very well.
This vulture and another one flew over our heads while we were on Skinner Butte looking at the eagle's nest. They landed in trees nearby as if to keep an eye on the nest. I don't know if vultures will take baby birds from nests or not. Of course, one of the parents was in the nest with the fleglings, so we didn't find out.
18-APR-2015
Blossoms on Green
I loved the green background when I spotted these blossoms on a neighborhood tree! I thought it made a pretty picture