05-SEP-2017
Does This Qualify as a Log Cabin?
This Osprey nest along Delta Ponds seems to be large enough to accommodate a large family with two or three offspring. But can we classify it as a log cabin? Interestingly, across the road from the nest is an apartment complex. Those on the second floor would have a great view of the nest.
06-SEP-2017
Radiant Rose
Roses are among my very favorite flowers. This example shows a reason why. It is so lovely, with gorgeous color that almost seems to glow. Roses do very well in the Willamette Valley.
10-SEP-2017
Heavy Clouds Over Raparian Area Along Mill Race Path
Here is a good view of the nice riparian area along the Mill Race Path in Springfield, OR, a great place to walk or bike. And those are NOT fake clouds!
Definition of 'riparian': "A riparian zone or riparian area is the interface between land and a river or stream. Riparian is also the proper nomenclature for one of the fifteen terrestrial biomes of the earth. Plant habitats and communities along the river margins and banks are called riparian vegetation, characterized by hydrophilic plants." (Quoted from Wikipedia)
18-SEP-2017
Tough Guy Miko
Miko the Magnificent is well on the road to recovery from his injuries. As you can see here, he is tolerating me taking his picture. That look says, "if I were feeling better you wouldn't be doing that!" This photo was shot on the 4th. He is now rid of his collar. That thing would have driven me crazy! His 'onesie' is just what the doctor (vet) ordered to keep him from scratching the stitches where a drain tube had been. I made sure he got a masculine color. :) Anyway, we are very pleased with his progress.
I haven't been active the last four days with a bad cold (virus) and haven't felt like doing anything. I think I am turning the corner today. And I finally found my card reader in one of the packed boxes from moving.
22-SEP-2017
From the Dining Room Window
Our dining room window looks out on a wooded area that lies across a barbed wire fence from us. We often see deer in these woods. This little fawn was feeding the other morning when I looked out the window. You can still see spots on its rump. So it is quite young. It is good to be out in the country where we can enjoy seeing farm animals and wildlife nearby.
23-SEP-2017
Carol at seven and a half decades.
Even though I am still under the weather, I just had to shoot a portrait of my girl, Carol, still a youngster at only seven and a half decades. She is a treasure.
27-SEP-2017
Up Close and Personal
I felt somewhat better this morning, so I thought I would explore the area near our home. Not far away I came across this China Pheasant feeding alongside the road. I turned around and slowly approached it with my SUV. The pheasant hid every time a car went by but eventually came out again, and browsed closer and closer to me. In fact, it got so close that I could no longer get all of it in the picture. Before that I got some nice shots, or so I thought! I didn't realize how badly the windshield needed cleaning. I should have noticed before leaving home. Also, I didn't realize what a huge impact this would have on the images shot through the windshield! Live and learn! The image posted here shows the softness that resulted. But it was so great to see the pheasant that I just had to post a picture.
01-OCT-2017
A Smart Little Cookie!
I love the little Black-capped chickadee. Such a tiny bird, and so busy, they don't stay still for very long. And they are smart little cookies too!
"•Every autumn Black-capped Chickadees allow brain neurons containing old information to die, replacing them with new neurons so they can adapt to changes in their social flocks and environment even with their tiny brains."
"•Chickadee calls are complex and language-like, communicating information on identity and recognition of other flocks as well as predator alarms and contact calls. The more dee notes in a chickadee-dee-dee call, the higher the threat level."
The complexities of nature are amazing! We really should contemplate the wisdom shown there! I would like to be able to do this with my brain every autumn. I would be due for some changes now! :)
03-OCT-2017
Art in the Park
When I paid a visit to the Coyote Creek Wildlife Area, I saw this abstract turtle, (at least that is what I think it is), painted on a stump. I thought it looked pretty neat so I just had to have a photograph of it. And here you go!
04-JOCT-2017
Alike but so different!
One thing I can say about these two birds is they are both birds and do have similar but contrasting poses, the robin is looking right and the owl leans more to the left. Alike but different, as is the fact that one is real and the other is also 'real' but actually a fake. I don't know, there was just something about the juxtaposition of the two that I found eye-catching and appealing.
06-OCT-2017
Below The Dam!
The way the light on this Great Blue Heron, as it flew below the Fern Ridge Dam, I found very striking! :) I thought it called attention to the bird's beautiful wings and also emphasized its long neck.
08-OCT-2017
The Rewards of Photography, Not Always What We Expect!
I got this pear out of the fridge to eat. Carol said, "hey that is pretty, you ought to take a picture of it first." So I set about getting a mouthwatering image. I guess I succeeded, at least partly! Then she said, "it is too pretty to eat now, you can have half of mine!" So I ended up with a picture of it, well I did get half of hers. But I was all ready to bite into that one. If I do, maybe I will shoot a picture of it with a bite out of it, just to make me feel better about it. :)