17-JUL-2017
A Quick Get-a-way!
I saw this Green Heron along one of the Delta Ponds this morning. They are back again. I have seen them for about a month or so. The heron was quite skittish and didn't seem to be used to human observers. As it suddenly flew off, I was able to grab a couple quick shots. This is one of them. They are quite fast, so it is always a fun challenge to try catching them in flight or almost there. The image isn't perfect, but I am glad I got it.
18-JUL-2017
Osprey On Deck!
I Thought 'Osprey on deck', used to describe this osprey standing in a huge nest, was quite fitting. It is definitely 'Ready for Action.' 'On deck' is a phrase that means "ready for action." It is used in baseball to designate the next member of a team to come to bat.
19-JUL-2017
You Light Up My Life
Carol loves unique and interesting light switch plates. Switch plates can be quite decorative, some elegant, some eye-catching. She lights up my life! :)
This is one example of what she has put in around the house. Maybe I will photograph more of them, who knows? :) I like this one because of the musical theme.
20-JUL-2017
"Carol's Prince Charming!"
Those are Carol's words, not mine! That is her description of this photo she made of me today. All I have to say is that he is sure old! 81! They say you are only as old as you feel. Don't know how good that is! You can see the bandage on my head where I had to have skin cancer removed a week ago today. Only they didn't get it all so now have to do it again. And it is just healing up! Oh well! They tell me it is from getting too much sun as a youth, and it's true that I never wore a hat and was out in the sun all the time. So were most other kids.
22-JUL-2017
Descent to the Runway!
This airliner has circled the field and is beginning its descent to the runway. No idea where it came from or where it is going, only that it is about to land at the Eugene Airport.
23-JUL-2017
Dove in Analogous Color Scheme
I think this Mourning Dove looks beautiful sitting there in that little tree. The brown leaves add to the picture, I think. :) The colors can be described as "analogous". 'Analogous color schemes use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. They are often found in nature and are harmonious and pleasing to the eye.' Source -
http://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/color-harmonies.htm
Some information about the Mourning Dove from 'All About Birds' -
Color Pattern
"Mourning Doves often match their open-country surroundings. They’re delicate brown to buffy-tan overall, with black spots on the wings and black-bordered white tips to the tail feathers."
Cool Facts
"The Mourning Dove is the most widespread and abundant game bird in North America. Every year hunters harvest more than 20 million, but the Mourning Dove remains one of our most abundant birds with a U.S. population estimated at 350 million."
"The oldest known Mourning Dove was a male, and at least 30 years, 4 months old when he was shot in Florida in 1998. He had been banded in Georgia in 1968."
25-JUL-2017
'In Her Own Right!"
The female Red-winged Blackbird looks little like the male. Where the male is black with red and yellow patches, the female is brown with lighter and darker streaks. The female is beautiful in her own right, but being so markedly different from the male wasn't something I expected the first I ever saw one. I thought "in her own right" summed it up well. It means she doesn't have to depend on the male for her beauty and distinction. More evidence of intelligence in nature!
Red-wing Blackbird Color Pattern (from All About Birds, The Cornell Lab of Orthinology)
"Male Red-winged Blackbirds are hard to mistake. They're an even glossy black with red-and-yellow shoulder badges. Females are crisply streaked and dark brownish overall, paler on the breast and often show a whitish eyebrow."
27-JUL-2017
Clouds Over the Mill Race Path
I have certainly enjoyed the Mill Race Path since it opened last fall. Here is a reason why, the beautiful scenery one can see all along the trail. I loved the pretty clouds above the Georgie Pacific Pond, which lies between the butte beyond and the path in the foreground.
28-JUL-2017
Pure Eye Candy!
My shooting buddy, John, has this gorgeous Stargazer Lily by his front door. Wow, it is so pretty, and the plant is just full of flowers! It is definitely eye candy!
Information about the Stargazer Lily for Wikipedia - "Lilium 'Stargazer' is a hybrid lily of the 'Oriental group'. Oriental lilies are known for their fragrant perfume, blooming mid-to-late summer. Stargazers are easy to grow and do best in full sunlight."
29-JUL-2017
What Lure Do You Use?
I learned something new about the beautiful little Green Heron. They remind me of devoted human fishermen. Did you know that they also make lures? They do! You can read about it below.
Now, that is a pretty smart fisher, I would say! Where did it get its knowledge?
30-JUL-2017
Willamette River Along Middle Fork Path
My walk along the Middle Fork Path on a sunny morning was a real pleasure, and where I could get to the river the views were just beautiful. I especially enjoyed this one. The sunlit scene backed by the clouds caused me to pause a bit to drink in the beauty. I found it so relaxing.