18-FEB-2016
We'll Leave a Light On For You!
We had downpours today and I got soaked when leaving a doctor appointment. So at home the rest of the day, I had no desire to get wet again. I stayed indoors! But wanting to find something to photograph, I looked around for something to play with, and I spied this lighthouse. So came to life this result. Hey, I had to find something!
19-FEB-2016
Fancy Footwork
I watched this Great Blue Heron for a while until it decided to move from that log to the water, probably because hunting on the log isn't too good! Looks like some fancy footwork to me. Anyway, I was happy to get the leap of faith.
20-FEB-2016
Celebrate The Blue Sky!
Finally, after days of rain, we got some blue sky! Time to celebrate! This was a view from Skinner Butte in Eugene.
21-FEB-2016
Flying Aces at the Ponds
There are lots of Canada Geese at Delta Ponds now. It is entertaining to watch them, fighting among themselves, chasing one another, and flying in unison over the Ponds. I know they are quite common to most of us, but I really love to see them fly and try to get good pictures. It helps to check this old guy's reflexes! :)
22-FEB-2016
The Herons Are Nesting!
There is a nesting tree in Delta Ponds and this one in Alton Baker Park. Each tree has about six nests, and they are big. I zeroed in on one nest, and a heron in it, to show the size. Often, both mates are in the nest at the same time. It looks a bit crowded for two! :)
23-FEB-2016
Well-fed Singer
This roly-poly Song Sparrow was singing up a storm at Alton Baker Park. It was so busy singing that I was able to get close by moving when it looked away. I guess it has its winter fat. They are no doubt fast burners as they are rarely still very long, unless it is to sing. I thought the little critter was really cute!
24-FEB-2016
Enjoying a Private Bath!
I sure hope I didn't intrude on this beauty's bath! The Great Egret seemed to enjoy taking the bath in Delta Ponds. It dipped under the water three times, while I watched at a distance so as to not disturb it. Now I know why they always look so clean and white!
25-FEB-2016
Juvenile Bald Eagle
This handsome youngster was in a tree overlooking the Ponds and seemed to pose nicely for me. It has been hanging around the Ponds recently. The adult bald eagles have been showing their faces around the area too, and are just about to nest again on Skinner Butte.
26-FEB-2016
Hummingbird in Nest
While at Delta Ponds, I met my good friend, John. He asked, "Do you want to see the hummingbird nest?" I said, 'ok', and so off we went. When we got to it, I just couldn't see it because of my old eyes. John pointed out the exact spot and I was able to see it through the camera lens, but it was only a tiny spot otherwise. They are so tiny that the bird, so small itself, hangs over in front and back. But, thanks to John, I was able to get some pictures. This is one of them. Out of focus twigs interfered, so they had to be cloned out, loads of work for me. But I was pleased with the result, and very happy I got to see the hummingbird nest! Thanks, John!
27-FEB-2016
Overlooking Downtown Eugene From Skinner Butte
This group of young people seem to be enjoying themselves on top of Skinner Butte. That is downtown Eugene below, and the peak in the background is Spencer Butte, which I climbed twice in September. Sorry, the sky wasn't so photogenic this day.
28-FEB-2016
About To Take Off!
I was thrilled to spot an Anna's Hummingbird at Delta Ponds again! This one would sit on a willow tree for a moment, fly off and then return. I watched for a while and got some good pictures. This one is a favorite. It is just about to fly off again.
29-FEB-2016
Carrying a Spare!
Just got home from a long day trip to Portland and back (110 miles away) for my 6-month eye exam. They check on the growth in my good eye twice a year. The trip up wasn't too bad, just a quite cloudy day. But the trip back was in the rain, and so not as nice, especially when passing the big trucks. But the trip was worth it to get the news that all looked good in the photographs, and tests. Made my day!
None of the trucks I saw carried a spare like this one!