10-JUN-2017
The Bearded One
I saw this Nutria on a log at Delta Ponds and was really impressed with its mustache. It is quite an attention-getter! LOL On the other hand, I wouldn't want mine to look like that! It was about the handsomest Nutria I have ever seen, even though the nutria is sometimes called the River Rat.
The spread of the nutria to natural areas around the country has result in a fight that science in some places is winning, according to this report in Science Daily: "A 10-pound rodent pest called nutria ravaging southern wetlands in the US, which has been especially damaging to the marshland ecology in the Mississippi Delta following Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, may have finally met its match thanks to molecular science." SEE -
14-JUN-2017
Enchanted Forest, The Woods at Dorris Ranch
Dorris Ranch is a hazelnut producing farm that is now a part of Willamalane Park District, the park system in Springfield. There are fine trails to walk through the park and this scene in in the woods where one path comes near the Willamette River. I think it is so pretty in there, so lush and green.
16-JUN-2017
The Kind of Baby Anyone Could Love!
I saw this gosling along with several others at Delta Ponds and just couldn't resist its charm. I love its raised foot.
What a great story!
31-MAR-2017
Big Leaf Maple Bud
I like to make a nice shot of the big leaf maple buds each year, as I think they are so fascinating and pretty. I thought this one was an especially nice one.
18-JUN-2017
Flaps Were Down for a Water Landing
I enjoyed watching this goose making a water landing at one of the Delta Ponds. It made an interesting trough in the water as it landed. I loved the detail in the outstretched wings.
Seeing this goose land so easily and gracefully roused my curiosity about the abilities of birds to fly and to make perfect takeoffs and landings, on land or water. Being a curious soul, I searched online for information and found a very informative book listed at Google Books entitled, "Avian Cognition: Exploring the Intelligence, Behavior, and Individuality of Birds" by Debra S. Herrmann. Unfortunately, the book is quite expensive. But the link below shows an interesting chart listing "Ideas and Inventions Appropriated by Humans from Canada Geese and Mallard Ducks." Note item three, which refers to raising and lowering aircraft landing gear when landing and taking off.
Press here for Link
So what you see in my photo is an example of what humans have copied from nature's acquired wisdom for application in human inventions. Now, the vital question is where did natural creation get this display of wisdom beyond what humans knew?
19-JUN-2017
Lush Beauty Along the Mill Race Path
The Mill Race Path is not far from home, so sometimes I have time to walk there when I don't have time to go anywhere else. This new Willamalane Park District path is turning out to be a popular route for a good number of bike riders and walkers. Scenes like this one contribute to a very pleasant walk.
Here is what Willamalane Park and Recreation District has to say about its paths and trails: "The views from Willamalane’s 29 miles of biking and walking trails range from riverside vistas to wildflower-studded woodlands. The Middle Fork and Mill Race paths allow people to travel from Clearwater Park in the east all the way to downtown Springfield. On-street connections pave the way to Eugene’s network of paths. In addition to the trails shown here, Lively Park features a nature walk through the woods, and Willamalane is in the process of building trails at Thurston Hills Natural Area. Keep an eye out as you wander along, and you just might spy a spotted towhee, rough-skinned newt or Western pond turtle." -
I would love to walk all 29 miles of the paths and trails, perhaps I could with enough time. Hmmm, it would have to be a good amount of time. :)
21-JUN-2017
Photo Buddies
Here is a photo I haven't posted till now. My friend, Steve and his wife, Cindy, visited Eugene on the way to Washington. I was going to show them a bit of Delta Ponds, but we were soon rained out. As we approach high temperatures on the coming weekend, the rain that day doesn't seem so bad now. Cindy shot this photo of Steve and me! :) I enjoyed seeing them and having breakfast together. The occasion is made more memorable as they now prepare to move from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic
22-JUN-2017
Cleaner Fish
While waiting for Carol at the heart doctor's office, I had time to watch the fish tank activity. The busiest fish was a cleaner fish. I don't know the name of this fish, but it sure was an interesting one! It sure has the mouth for the job. Looks something like a vacuum cleaner. :)
I found out that the fish is a "Hypostomus plecostomus", called by some the 'suckermouth catfish'.
Press here for Link
23-JUN-2017
Someone you can invite as guest to your home!
When I first saw this Spotted Towhee in the top of a tree at Delta Ponds, the sunlight was coming from behind it. I had to move around the tree to get better light on the subject. The tree was on the edge of a bank that dropped down to the pond. Since I didn't want to go down there unexpectedly I moved with caution. But I did get better lighting on the Towhee. Shot was made handheld.
Backyard Tips - "Spotted Towhees are likely to visit – or perhaps live in – your yard if you’ve got brushy, shrubby, or overgrown borders. If your feeders are near a vegetated edge, towhees may venture out to eat fallen seed. If you want to attract towhees to your feeders, consider sprinkling some seed on the ground, as this is where towhees prefer to feed."
24-JUN-2017
Memories
I like the small lamp that sits on a cabinet in our living room. Along with it is a photo of our three girls. The centerpiece of flowers completes it. I always find it pleasant to look at. Memories come flooding back.
26-JUN-2017
Blame It On Shakespeare! :)
When you really look at them, Starlings are quite beautiful. Also, to use the words of Audubon Guide to North American Birds, "the Starling wins our grudging admiration for its adaptability, toughness, and seeming intelligence".
And yes, indirectly Shakespeare was responsible for them appearing in North America (See All About Birds, below)
"•All the European Starlings in North America descended from 100 birds set loose in New York's Central Park in the early 1890s. The birds were intentionally released by a group who wanted America to have all the birds that Shakespeare ever mentioned. It took several tries, but eventually the population took off. Today, more than 200 million European Starlings range from Alaska to Mexico, and many people consider them pests.
•Starlings are strong fliers that can get up to speeds of 48 mph.
•Starlings are great vocal mimics: individuals can learn the calls of up to 20 different species. Birds whose songs starlings often copy include the Eastern Wood-Pewee, Killdeer, meadowlarks, Northern Bobwhite, Wood Thrush, Red-tailed Hawk, American Robin, Northern Flicker, and many others."
27-JUN-2017
A Bit of Mystery by the River
I started out with a nice scene along the Willamette River and got carried away while trying out a new program, Smart Photo Editor Studio. The purpose is for you to come up with a story of your own explain the image. Don't ask me! I don't know what is going on. LOL