15-JUL-2016
Showing Up at the Ponds
It's the time of the year for the shorebirds to make their appearance at Delta Ponds. I saw my first two this morning, Greater Yellowlegs I believe. The water is now low enough for them to browse along the shore for their food. I am always glad to see them.
16-JUL-2016
Among My Souvenirs
Carol has some items from among her Grandmother Miller's keepsakes. She wanted me to take a picture of them for others in the family. So away we go! The items are a cup with her grandmother's name on it, her wedding picture, a glove that perhaps was worn at the wedding and an embroidered handkerchief with her initial. I wanted a white background but had a blue one handy, so used it. This is the result of our work.
A fitting song for the occasion, 'Among My Souvenirs', by Marty Robbins -
17-JUL-2016
Classy Chassis!
The dark, rainy day added to the beauty of this 2000 Pontiac Trans AM. Pretty classy, I think!
I can see myself driving this around as I approach 80! :)
18-JUL-2016
A Good Day!
Like most animals and birds, the Green Heron's existence depends on its daily search for food. This heron had a good day at Delta Ponds! It caught a large fish and, for a relatively small bird, was able to swallow it without any trouble. I am not sure what kind of fish it is, but would guess it is a Carp. The heron still took time to fluff its feathers to dry them after its plunge into the water.
19-JUL-2016
Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella!
I came across this smiling little rock on a fence along the bike path through Delta Ponds It reminded me of the song, perhaps you remember it. "Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella" is still a popular old song that was published in 1927. The music was written by Sammy Fain, the lyrics by Irving Kahal and Francis Wheeler. I don't believe I ever heard of them.
If you watch this video accompanied by the singing of Bing Crosby, I promise it will make you smile -
Press here for Link
20-JUL-2016
Face to Face
Carol photographed her subject face to face at 80.
He's got lots of miles under the belt, a good share of that walking since retirement. It's also been lots of fun.
21-JUL-2016
Indestructible Beauty
A flower that I really love is the lovely day lily. It adds great beauty to any garden spot. The website, www.whiteflowerfarms.com describes it as 'Indestructible beauty.' See the quote below:
"Daylily (Hemerocallis): Indestructible Beauty"
"We'd describe the Daylily as "the backbone of the perennial garden" except that would do a disservice to this most durable plant -- backbones, as every gardener knows, are fragile things, whereas Daylilies are close to indestructible. Thriving in a wide range of soils and in sun or partial shade, these long-lived perennials are sufficiently vigorous to function as a weed-suppressing ground cover. Pests and diseases rarely pose a serious threat if Daylilies are grown in suitable conditions and given minimal care."
22-JUL-2016
Forest Dweller
I was impressed when I learned that Black Tail deer can communicate with each other by means of over 10 different vocalizations. I have always admired them for their beauty. They are gentle animals, wary but curious, which can be used to get their attention. I have talked to them many times when I get close enough and they sometimes appear to stand and listen. Other times they may run off a bit and then stop and turn to look. If I talk more, they have remained for some time seemingly staring at me, as this buck is doing here.
"The Columbia black-tailed deer is primarily located in California, Oregon and British Columbia. The forests that black-tailed deer occupy are characterized by cooler temperatures and a lot of precipitation. Black-tailed deer do not migrate due to seasonal changes, and stay in the same area most of the time."
"Black-tailed deer are herbivores and eat the variety of plants and herbs that are within their habitat. The animal will even eat poison oak without experiencing an allergic reaction. The deer communicate with each over using over 10 vocalizations. When startled, the black-tailed deer, according to International Hunter Education Association, "will run with high, stiff-legged bounce, like mule deer." Common predators of the deer include coyotes, cougars, bears, wolves and golden eagles." (And, of course, humans!)
23-JUL-2016
Practice Run
Upon returning from a walk in Delta Ponds, I came upon a group who had reserved part of the Valley River Center's parking lot and had a practice course set up with orange cones. A couple great looking sports cars were making runs. An orange car that looked something like a 2012 McLaren posted by a fellow Pbaser, Laura, yesterday. The other was this gorgeous black car. Could it be a Ferrari? I don't know sports cars that well.
24-JUL-2016
Dancing on Air
This Great Blue Heron was in the midst of a jump from the pond to the log and looks suspended in space. They can be such awkward looking creatures but are actually quite graceful. I got several shots as it made its move and it was beauty in motion.
25-JUL-2016
Twelve Spot
The dragonflies are appearing in numbers in Delta Ponds. I got this shot of a Twelve-spotted Skimmer this morning on my walk there. Not long after I arrived at the Ponds, I met up with my friend, John. I enjoyed his company on the walk. By the time we completed our walk it was getting hot, a good time to head for home. We saw herons, bullfrogs, osprey, as well as the dragonflies. It was a good walk.
26-JUL-2016
In The Spotlight
I love to see things in the bright sunlight while the surroundings are dark. It gives a nice spotlight effect, drawing attention to what caught my attention and interest. That is what happened here. The brightly lit red berries and lush green leaves created a nice centerpiece for the picture, at least I thought so. Hope you do too! It's my nature's still life. :)