31-OCT-2016
Some Sort of Dispute!
I thought that this log in Delta Ponds was a bit overcrowded with three cormorants and two turtles. Then another cormorant, actually the one on the left end, came in and booted the one in the water off the log. Now that one and the one in the middle are giving the one in the water what for! Perhaps he was trying to make time with the other's mate, who knows? But it made for a few interesting moments in my day. :)
28-OCT-2016
Up, Up and Away!
This commercial airliner just left the Eugene Airport for parts unknown, at least to me! I thought I would grab a shot of the sleek looking jet, and could imagine myself winging away to some great photogenic destination. Care to come along? :) Photo was handheld pointed at a sharp angle to the sky.
02-NOV-2016
Millrace At Clearwater Park
This fall scene at Clearwater Park is still beautiful even though I was a bit late in showing the fall colors. Already, some of the leaves have fallen, but there is still lots of color. It made for an enjoyable walk this afternoon.
03-NOV-2016
Just Being Neighborly?
I am trying to decide whether this turtle is just engaged in some neighborly talk, or whether it is registering a complaint. What do you think? Another scene from Delta Ponds.
04-NOV-2016
Steller's Jay is Stellar in My Book!
I think the Steller's Jay is pretty stellar! It qualifies on account of it being a preeminent star in the bird world, at least IMHO!
Definition of 'Stellar":
1. of or relating to the stars; consisting of stars.
2. like a star, as in brilliance, shape, etc.
3. pertaining to a preeminent performer, athlete, etc.
Steller's Jay was captured in Alton Baker Park.
05-NOV-2016
A Path Through the Forest
I have some favorite places to walk in Clearwater Park and this spot is one of them, especially on a sunny day! The golden late afternoon light made the color of the grass stand out. A good day for a walk.
06-NOV-2016
King of the Pond
The elegant stance of this Great Egret seems to say "I am king here!" And I will give the egret its due. It is as regal as royalty and stands in such a stately pose.
The great egret is also known as the common egret, large egret or great white heron, They nest in trees close to water and are found mostly in tropical and warmer temperate regions of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe.
07-NOV-2016
Colorful Feather, a Thing of Beauty
I saw this pretty feather on the ground, but really don't know what bird it might have come from. Does anyone know?
Interesting thing about feathers; according to Wikipedia, "They are considered the most complex integumentary structures found in vertebrates." I agree, it's another of the complex wonders of nature.
08-NOV-2016
Pruning the Old Apple Tree
We have a tree in the back yard that was grafted on by Carol's folks over 50 years ago. so that it now produced three varieties of apples, Gravenstein, Winesap and Yellow Delicious. We love that old tree, and it produces some wonderful apples. We don't want anything bad to happen to the tree.
The tree was in real need of a pruning. So our friend, Izzy, who is skilled at tree maintenance, is doing the work for us. It is quite a project, but he is coming right along with it and should finish up tomorrow. I thought I would get a shot of him on the job.
09-NOV-2016
Northern Shoveler Pair
"All About Birds" says this about the Northern Shoveler -
"Perhaps the most outwardly distinctive of the dabbling ducks, the Northern Shoveler inhabits wetlands across much of North America. Its elongated, spoon-shaped bill has comblike projections along its edges, which filter out food from the water."
I totally concur with this assessment!
A couple cool facts about the Northern Shoveler from 'All About Birds' -
• The bill of the Northern Shoveler is about 6.5 cm (2.5 inches) long. The bill has has about 110 fine projections (called lamellae) along the edges, for straining food from water.
•The oldest recorded Northern Shoveler was a male, and at least 16 years, 7 months old when he was found in Nevada. he had been banded in California.
10-NOV-2016
Backstage at Midtown
After my appointment with the eye doctor, I got Cod Fish and Chips at Newman's Fish Company to take home for Carol and me. Delicious food! While waiting, I noticed this window across the street. So naturally I had to take a shot!
I had no idea what the place was, but the name, 'Backstage', showed up in the photo. I did an Internet search and found it is called 'Backstage at Midtown'. I learned it is a one of the 'Oregon Dancewear Group', and this is their website -
http://oregondancewear.com/about/
So now you know! :)
11-NOV-2016
Web of Pearls
When I took a walk in a wildlife area this morning, The dew decorated the spider webs as it covered them with strings of pearls. It was more satisfying than admiring the gems in a jewelry store! This is just one example of the nice images I got.