24-NOV-2016
Bedded Down
This morning, I came upon a couple deer bedded down as I walked along the Mill Race Path. I stopped and stayed motionless when I saw them until they got comfortable with me there. Then I was able to shoot pictures of them without disturbing them. They merely looked at me curiously. I enjoyed watching and photographing them, then left without disturbing them.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website has this to say about deer bedding areas:
"An area of flattened vegetation 3 to 4 feet long and 2 to 3 feet wide indicates where a deer has bedded down. Deer sleep in dense cover or tall grasses and may return to the same spot over many days. Since deer often travel in small groups, there may be several “deer beds” in the same vicinity. During winter, similarly sized depressions in the snow, often littered with old hairs, characterize bed-sites."
25-NOV-2016
Good Day for a Walk
We have had quite a bit of stormy weather lately, but not on this day (not today)! The sun was shining, the sky was blue. What else could one ask for? I certainly enjoyed the walk on the Mill Race Path.
26-NOV-2016
Catch of the Day!
I just noticed this image again today. I made the shot of the Red-wing Blackbird back in June and forgot all about it. But now I do remember being pleased with my capture, so I decided to share it now. Hope you like it too!
27-NOV-2016
Old Buttermilk Sky
The pretty buttermilk sky in this scene from Clearwater Park reminded me of the old Hoagy Carmichael song, called 'Old Buttermilk Sky'. You can do a search online for the expression ‘buttermilk sky’ and find lots of photos.
You may not remember the song, it's an oldie. But here is a newer version of it that he sang with Crystal Gayle:
Click here
28-NOV-2016
Fooled by Decoys
Spent some enjoyable time in wetlands where I heard shots being fired. I watched for the hunters as I walked along and finally came upon them. One of them began wading into the pond and I thought that he must have got a duck among those nearby. I thought it was strange that none of the ducks took flight when I realized they were all decoys! Fooled me! But it makes a good picture. :)
29-NOV-2016
Is This Where They Got the Design for the Concorde?
I watched this Great Egret for a while this morning as it hunted along the shore of one of the Delta Ponds. When it flew to another spot to hunt I got a couple shots of it with stretched out neck and spread wings. It reminded me of the British Concorde jet plane, a fabulous design. It made me wonder if the egret perhaps influenced that design.
15-NOV-2016
Along the Trail
Results of another morning walk along the Mill Race Path. It feels good to get out there.
01-DEC-2016
Cute Little Dickens
I think this little guy is a ground squirrel, in contrast to the red and gray squirrels commonly found here. This one is colored like the gray squirrel is in some stages. But it has a spotted back, which makes me think of the ground squirrel. Can someone positively ID it for me?
02-DEC-2016
An Eagle Flew Overhead
Enjoyed a walk in Delta Ponds this morning and saw a variety of ducks and some herons and egrets. Then a Bald Eagle flew high overhead, the first I have seen since a pair nested on Skinner Butte. Anytime I see an eagle is a good day!
12-DEC-2016
Heron in the Ponds
This is my first day back on the computer, but it won't be for long. I am still down with the flu but just had to post a shot of my pal, the Great Blue Heron. It makes me feel better. So does the sunny day outside. It's nice out there but we are expecting another cold snap.
14-DEC-2016
Freezing Rain Today
It stayed below freezing today and rained. So we ended up with freezing rain and ice on the trees and utility lines. I shot this earlier in the day. It’s worse out there now. There is a fear that falling limbs may cause downed lines. Let’s hope not.
15-DEC-2016
Icy Curves
Today's photo is another icy subject. Sorry, but that's what is available outside our window and I don't dare go out in that weather. Still getting over the flu bug. Anyway, I liked this curved twig on a bush in our backyard and thought the ice added to its beauty. Hope you do too! It's a lesson in limited DOF at longer focal lengths.