06-Apr-2016
A Cluster of Trilliums in the Forest
I came upon this cluster of trilliums in a little woods near Clearwater Park. It looked unusual to me, so many trillium flowers all together like this. Usually I see only one flower by itself in a cluster of leaves, not a bouquet of them! It was a unique and beautiful sight, and I hope that I conveyed that in the photo.
07-APR-2016
This red headed woodpecker is not a Red-Headed Woodpecker!
This woodpecker definitely has a red head, but it is not at all like the Red-Headed Woodpecker photos I see on the Internet. Those do have red heads and breasts but have an all white breast, which the one in my photo does not have. The only woodpecker like it in my "Birds of Oregon" book is the Red-Breasted Sapsucker. It was spotted at Alton Baker Park.
08-APR-2016
Nest Sitting is Hard Work!
You can surely tell what a hard job nest sitting is from this photo! Look, the Bald Eagle parent has its tongue hanging out! I never realized what a job it is! This was a very difficult shot! Here I am always wishing for a sunny day for my photo shoots and then, when I get one, I realize it is far from the best lighting. The harsh contrasts made getting decent whites almost impossible, without under exposing so much that there would be no detail in the shadows. Oh for a day with softer lighting! I just am never satisfied! :)
09-APR-2016
You Are the Wind Beneath My Wings!
I can't help but think of the beautiful song by Bette Midler, "The Wind Beneath My Wings", when I look at my photo of these two Ospreys in their nest. I love how the one bird has its wing spread over the other, as if in a protective mode.
10-APR-2016
Sunny
Meet Sunny, a beautiful girl who belongs to my son-in-law's father, Bix.
I think she is lovely, and couldn't help thinking of the song by the same name, 'Sunny'.
09-Apr-2016
Two Foot Long Carp in Delta Ponds
I saw several like this big Carp in shallow, murky water in Delta Ponds. They are evidently bottom feeders, and seem to grow to huge size. The ones I saw were two feet long, and more. They were also thrashing around in the water and even jumping. Quite a sight. I never dreamed there were fish that big in the Ponds! Photographing through murky water had a negative effect on sharpness.
Here is some information I found on the Internet about the Carp, from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:
"Invasive Species - Carp, Asian Carp or Silver Carp, Bighead Carp. Asian carp can grow quickly to over 50 pounds, directly competing with native fish for food and space. They consume phytoplankton, increasing algae, detrimentally affecting river systems and decreasing recreational opportunities. The species is native to China."
12-APR-2016
Blue Bells and Elephant Ears
When the bluebells came up in the midst of the elephant ears in our backyard I just had to get a photo. I thought the blue against the green looked very nice.
Some information I found on the Internet about the Bluebell:
"Bluebells (Campanula rotundifolia) grow naturally in wooded areas. In the United States they have become a favorite among wildflower lovers. The bluebell is easy to care for and spreads rapidly under the right conditions. This flower is a favorite of hummingbirds because of the shape of its blooms. The flowers are long and narrow, creating the perfect cup for a hummingbird to take nectar from." - (
http://www.ehow.com/about_5378448_blue-bell-flower.html)
13-APR-2016
Beauty in the Morning Light
The lovely warm light of morning shone on this wonderful Great Blue Heron in the Ponds, and created what was to me a most beautiful scene. I love Delta Ponds. It seems there are endless photo opportunities if one really looks.
14-APR-2016
Adding a Little Color to Their Lives
A 5K run was scheduled at Valley River Center and colored powder was tossed around freely, resulting in a lot of colorful people. This is where the runners got pink powder all over them as they ran through the arch. I believe it was called the Color Me Rad 5K Run. If anything, it was colorful.
15-APR-2016
Personality Plus!
I saw this beautiful little bird at Finley Wildlife Refuge, near Corvallis, and the only birds I could find in my bird books that look similar are Flycatchers. Perhaps it is some kind of flycatcher. Anyway, I am looking for help with the ID. Would appreciate any feedback. Note: the consensus is that the bird is a Black Phoebe.
I believe this is the first photos I have ever got of this bird. So I was pleased. :)
16-APR-2016
A Fern Grows in the Forest
On a trail called Woodpecker Loop in Finley Wildlife Refuge, this fern was bathed in light in the midst of a forest. I liked the lighting and the shadow of the fern on the log.
17-FEB-2016
I think she is just ducky!
Strong directional sunlight makes for great color and contrast in this photo of a female Ring-necked Duck. I seem to prefer strong color and contrast in my photos. :)