25-SEP-2016
Jewel-Like
I saw this tiny spider on a flower petal on my walk this morning. It was pretty small on the flower which filled most of the picture frame, so I had to crop a lot away. I couldn't get any closer because the yard was fenced and I was right up against the fence. The result of such a big crop was better than I thought it would be for a file from a P&S sized sensor, though far from equal to what I would have got from my DSLR. I was impressed with the jewel-like appearance of the spider.
26-SEP-2016
Looking for Lunch
The osprey (also called fish eagle, sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk) is a fish-eating bird of prey. This one was gliding over Delta Ponds looking for fish.
Type:Bird
Diet:Carnivore
Average life span in the wild:30 years
Size:Body, 21 to 23 in (54 to 58 cm)
wingspan, 5 to 6 ft (1.5 to 1.8 m)
Weight:3.1 to 4.4 lbs (1.4 to 2 kg)
Did you know? The osprey is one of the most widespread birds of prey and can be found on every continent except Antarctica
27-SEP-2016
The Secret of Male House Finch Coloration Exposed
I got a photo of a bird this morning at Delta Ponds that I can't ID. I don't see anything in my "Birds of Oregon" book. Seems I read somewhere about a type of finch that turns greyish with pinkish color on the sides of its head and throat. Now I can't find it. It does seem to have a beak like a finch. Would appreciate help with the ID.
Thanks to the great feedback, it is pretty much confirmed this is a male house finch! Also, I found the inforation I was looking for regarding house finch colors. Also, I found photos of house finches online that were the same.
This is from WIKIPEDIA - "Male coloration varies in intensity with the seasons[5] and is derived from the berries and fruits in its diet.[6] As a result, the colors range from pale straw-yellow through bright orange (both rare) to deep, intense red. Adult females have brown upperparts and streaked underparts."
Too bad I couldn't get a better image of it. Without the extreme zoom of the P900, I could never have got a shot. It was so far away I couldn't see it with my naked eye. I saw it fly in and land is the only reason I saw it. Even with the P900 I had to crop to get the bird at a decent size. As a result, the image is not all that great. But I was excited to see what I got and hope to get a positive ID.
28-SEP-2016
I Learn Something New Every Day!
I have seen the Greater Yellowlegs hunting only for bugs and worms when wading along the shorelines at Delta Ponds. So I was surprised to see this one had caught a fish. On checking the Internet however, I see some sites mention that The Greater Yellowlegs does hunt fish, so I guess it isn't so unusual after all! One way to tell a Greater from a Lesser Yellowlegs is the manner in which they hunt for food. The greater Yellowlegs hunts aggressively, moving rapidly back and forth along the water's edge, while the Lesser Yellowlegs hunts in a more leisure manner.
The water is getting very low in the Ponds and a lot of birds seem to have left for better hunting grounds. A few shorebirds remain, along with the ducks and geese plus my old friends, the Great Blue Herons, who stay here year round.
29-SEP-2016
Poised and Alert
On a brief visit to Delta Ponds this afternoon, I didn't see anything out of the usual inhabitants. Of course, among my favorites are the Great Blue Herons. Even though the waters are low, the herons find the fish. This one was stalking along the shore where the water was low and filled with water plants. Look at its eye! It evidently spots something. I liked the lighting and the colors, another shot to add to my heron collection.
30-SEP-2016
A Great White Egret Stands Out in a Pond
I took a little drive this morning, looking for a variety of photo shots. On the way home I saw this Great Egret in a pond along Jasper/Lowell Road.
I really liked how the dark background made the white egret stand out nicely. The shot was made with camera and lens handheld.
01-OCT-2016
Moving Into Fall
It is always amazing to me how quickly we can go from hot summer weather into fall, with it's cool temperatures and welcome rain. We got some showers today.
02-OCT-2016
Backlit Scarlett Sumac
I enjoy backlit subjects, like this Scarlett Sumac bush in our backyard. To get this nice contrasty result, I often underexpose by a stop or so to darken the background. I like the effect, hope you do too!
03-OCT-2016
Amazing! Wild Fennel Seed Pod
It is amazing how these seeds are tightly wound together in sort of a ball. I was sure it was Teasel, but since I am no expert that could be a wrong assumption. Whatever it is, it is another wonder of nature, which never ceases to amaze me with the superior wisdom displayed.
Laura gave me a link to Shutterstock that convinces me that this is Fennel! See Laura's comment below!
04-OCT-2016
Head For The Hills!
It's that time of year in Oregon, deer hunting season. So in Western Oregon, the Blacktail bucks are off and running, looking for safety. These two beauties were seen off of Fox Hollow Road to the south of Eugene. They look so beautiful and graceful as they bound over fences and through the woods. Much of this area is private land where hunting is not allowed.
05-OCT-2016
Showing Its Age!
This Dogwood blossom is still hanging around, even though most have disappeared during the summer. Even in its old age, the blossom retains its beauty. The dogwood tree is down the street from us and I enjoy seeing it when I walk by. So I decided to capture it before it is gone. Now I can enjoy it all year around.
06-OCT-2016
You're So Fine!
While walking at Delta Ponds this morning, I saw a female Belted Kingfisher fly by. I thought it might land on a depth guage in the pond so headed there. Sure enough, there it was, just waiting for me, or so it seemed. Anyway, I thought she was lovely and a song came to mind, "You're So Fine!" -