Photo of the Month of November 2022
Back in the woods after a mile or so hike, if you don't count the extra couple miles getting lost, you will find this Tri-State marker that lets you set foot in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island all by dancing around this pole. It was one of the last few states that I had not set foot in. Now, to complete my lower 48 journey, I must touch Texas and New Mexico.
Back in the woods after a mile or so hike, if you don't count the extra couple miles getting lost, you will find this Tri-State marker that lets you set foot in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island all by dancing around this pole. It was one of the last few states that I had not set foot in. Now, to complete my lower 48 journey, I must touch Texas and New Mexico.
Photo of the Month of October 2022
A view from the cliffs surrounding the Atlantic Ocean at Acadia Park in Maine. This rugged coastline is so much different than the usual sandy beaches that I see here at home in Florida. Same ocean, same rocks, just a lot smaller. It was the first few days after Hurricane Ian had gone through the area, so everyone was enjoying the sun for a change.
A view from the cliffs surrounding the Atlantic Ocean at Acadia Park in Maine. This rugged coastline is so much different than the usual sandy beaches that I see here at home in Florida. Same ocean, same rocks, just a lot smaller. It was the first few days after Hurricane Ian had gone through the area, so everyone was enjoying the sun for a change.
Photo of the Month of September 2022
In St. Francisville, IL, you will find the other end of this one lane wooden bridge. You'll also find a toll keeper who wants a dollar or so to let you off the bridge.
It is said that this bridge is haunted, and it is the first of two sections. It passes over the Wabash River and appropriately named the Wabash Cannonball Bridge even though no such train ever went over it. It can be reached from Vincennes, IN, but you have to look for it.
In St. Francisville, IL, you will find the other end of this one lane wooden bridge. You'll also find a toll keeper who wants a dollar or so to let you off the bridge.
It is said that this bridge is haunted, and it is the first of two sections. It passes over the Wabash River and appropriately named the Wabash Cannonball Bridge even though no such train ever went over it. It can be reached from Vincennes, IN, but you have to look for it.
Photo of the Month of August 2022
After living in Florida for decades, I finally took a day and went to the local zoo where I found this furry face. To say that the giraffes are spoiled is an understatement. They stand along the edge of a platform and wait for you to buy leaves to feed them.
I am not sure that they even bother to get their own leaves any more. It was a hot day, but lots of fun. The Brevard Zoo is a great place to visit and they help to conserve the Florida native plants and animals.
After living in Florida for decades, I finally took a day and went to the local zoo where I found this furry face. To say that the giraffes are spoiled is an understatement. They stand along the edge of a platform and wait for you to buy leaves to feed them.
I am not sure that they even bother to get their own leaves any more. It was a hot day, but lots of fun. The Brevard Zoo is a great place to visit and they help to conserve the Florida native plants and animals.
Photo of the Month of July 2022
I don't know what strange things were going on in the hibiscus when this one bloomed, but first, it's on an orange bush, and second, my red bush is way, way, way far away from the plant, and third, I don't even have a yellow hibiscus!
Wild and beautiful all at once.
I don't know what strange things were going on in the hibiscus when this one bloomed, but first, it's on an orange bush, and second, my red bush is way, way, way far away from the plant, and third, I don't even have a yellow hibiscus!
Wild and beautiful all at once.
Photo of the Month of June 2022
This is a long story, but it's going to have to be a blog post because it's still ongoing. Here on the end of that leaf is a tiny (like a quarter of an inch) Monarch caterpillar.
It's on a milkweed plant that I had a lot of trouble keeping, and this little guy was the first caterpillar that I had seen on the plant since it was chopped down and revived. It had become infested with milkweed beetles and aphids.
For the moment, I felt a small yay of triumph when I saw this guy. The story continues ...
Start reading the four-part series here.
This is a long story, but it's going to have to be a blog post because it's still ongoing. Here on the end of that leaf is a tiny (like a quarter of an inch) Monarch caterpillar.
It's on a milkweed plant that I had a lot of trouble keeping, and this little guy was the first caterpillar that I had seen on the plant since it was chopped down and revived. It had become infested with milkweed beetles and aphids.
For the moment, I felt a small yay of triumph when I saw this guy. The story continues ...
Start reading the four-part series here.
Photo of the Month of May 2022
I could only hope that this was not another one of those hateful, poison-filled caterpillars that crawls all over the porch and my flowers because the face was too cute to be dangerous.
Sure. Sure. The saddleback is a delightfully colorful caterpillar, too. However, this guy seems to be a moth caterpillar.
It is called a Laugher Moth Caterpillar because the adult moth appears to have a man laughing on the wings. I have seen the adults around, but I don't see anything remotely close to a laughing man on the wings. They are more marbled in muted tones than anything.
I could only hope that this was not another one of those hateful, poison-filled caterpillars that crawls all over the porch and my flowers because the face was too cute to be dangerous.
Sure. Sure. The saddleback is a delightfully colorful caterpillar, too. However, this guy seems to be a moth caterpillar.
It is called a Laugher Moth Caterpillar because the adult moth appears to have a man laughing on the wings. I have seen the adults around, but I don't see anything remotely close to a laughing man on the wings. They are more marbled in muted tones than anything.
Photo of the Month of April 2022
Grown from seed, these Black Eyed Susans are more of a midwestern plant, but if you do it just right, you can get some nice flowers down here for at least a little while. I don't know how long these will last; summer is brutal on all things alive, but maybe they will last into the late fall.
Grown from seed, these Black Eyed Susans are more of a midwestern plant, but if you do it just right, you can get some nice flowers down here for at least a little while. I don't know how long these will last; summer is brutal on all things alive, but maybe they will last into the late fall.
Photo of the Month of March 2022
This is my crepe myrtle bush / tree that I was late to trim back this year. So, when it should have been doing some serious leaf pushups, it was wiling away the time letting the lichen grow on it. I was so entranced with this display of colors, textures and dimension that I took several photos of it. I don't know what I'll do with it, but being the artist that I am, I am sure I will figure something out.
This is my crepe myrtle bush / tree that I was late to trim back this year. So, when it should have been doing some serious leaf pushups, it was wiling away the time letting the lichen grow on it. I was so entranced with this display of colors, textures and dimension that I took several photos of it. I don't know what I'll do with it, but being the artist that I am, I am sure I will figure something out.
Photo of the Month of February 2022
In addition to the daffodils, I also bought tulips, hyacinths and irises. All of the "up north" flowers that I miss in the springtime. These purple tulips were a wonderful and colorful addition to my back porch, and while they didn't last, I did try to salvage all of the bulbs in hopes that I could recreate my little garden next spring.
In addition to the daffodils, I also bought tulips, hyacinths and irises. All of the "up north" flowers that I miss in the springtime. These purple tulips were a wonderful and colorful addition to my back porch, and while they didn't last, I did try to salvage all of the bulbs in hopes that I could recreate my little garden next spring.
Photo of the Month of January 2022
You know we don't have cold enough winters to plant perennials like daffodils, but I found some bulbs on sale down here that I couldn't resist. I planted a dozen small daffodil bulbs around my magnolia tree. While they didn't last long, for a short-time I was reminded of the spring I spent at the Tulipfest in Skagit County, Washington. It's been a long time, but the flowers were just as colorful.
You know we don't have cold enough winters to plant perennials like daffodils, but I found some bulbs on sale down here that I couldn't resist. I planted a dozen small daffodil bulbs around my magnolia tree. While they didn't last long, for a short-time I was reminded of the spring I spent at the Tulipfest in Skagit County, Washington. It's been a long time, but the flowers were just as colorful.
Photo of the Month of December 2021
It was a foggy morning on my way to the office, and I took a shortcut due to traffic. I am glad that I did because the sun was rising on the other side of the bridge, and the fog made it glow.
It was a foggy morning on my way to the office, and I took a shortcut due to traffic. I am glad that I did because the sun was rising on the other side of the bridge, and the fog made it glow.
Photo of the Month of November 2021
A quick trip to Savannah, Georgia was in order for a holiday getaway. We were only there a day due to rain and a marathon, so we did not get to visit many of the places we had planned. Harry came along and was wowed by the fact he could eat at the sidewalk cafes while we had lunch. This is the fountain in the middle of Forsyth Park. There are so many pretty parks to see.
A quick trip to Savannah, Georgia was in order for a holiday getaway. We were only there a day due to rain and a marathon, so we did not get to visit many of the places we had planned. Harry came along and was wowed by the fact he could eat at the sidewalk cafes while we had lunch. This is the fountain in the middle of Forsyth Park. There are so many pretty parks to see.
Photo of the Month of October 2021
The parking lot was full when we went to Grandfather Mountain, so we parked down the mountain and hiked up. This fun little path was well worth the walk and gave me another view of the mountain that I had never seen before. It comes out under the bridge, so you can see just how low the bridge actually is to the bottom. Fun hike!
Photo of the Month of September 2021
This guy has been hanging around lately looking for birdseed, birds or whatever he can find. We have chickens in the neighbor's backyard, so I suppose he snacks on eggs now and again. He looks fairly healthy, so I will say he's probably getting enough to fill his belly and keep his coat smooth and silky. Check out that tail.
This guy has been hanging around lately looking for birdseed, birds or whatever he can find. We have chickens in the neighbor's backyard, so I suppose he snacks on eggs now and again. He looks fairly healthy, so I will say he's probably getting enough to fill his belly and keep his coat smooth and silky. Check out that tail.
Photo of the Month of August 2021
The beginning of a beautiful Monarch butterfly is happily munching on my aphid filled milkweed plant. We did a number of milkweed plants - both red, yellow and the Florida pink milkweed - in an effort to increase the Monarchs that will find their way to our yard this winter. So far, my milkweeds have done well and we have planted more and more seedlings, so our garden is always filled with butterflies.
The beginning of a beautiful Monarch butterfly is happily munching on my aphid filled milkweed plant. We did a number of milkweed plants - both red, yellow and the Florida pink milkweed - in an effort to increase the Monarchs that will find their way to our yard this winter. So far, my milkweeds have done well and we have planted more and more seedlings, so our garden is always filled with butterflies.
Photo of the Month of July 2021
All the years we've worked to make our yard butterfly, bee and bird friendly is working. We enjoy a lot of Swallowtail butterflies flitting about like this big black Swallowtail on the honeysuckle plants.
All the years we've worked to make our yard butterfly, bee and bird friendly is working. We enjoy a lot of Swallowtail butterflies flitting about like this big black Swallowtail on the honeysuckle plants.
Photo of the Month of June 2021
Well, I don't know when this happened, but we became home to two little Titmouses - Titmice - not sure what the plural of Titmouse is. We were surprised to see them sitting in the feeder one summer morning.
I got a cool app for my phone. Merlin bird identifier, so if you have sounds in the yard you don't recognize, this little app will help you figure out what birds are using your yard for their social activities. I have discovered a worm eater warbler, a Cooper hawk and a hoot owl all have been chatting amongst themselves in the morning. The hardest part has been isolating the cicada noise, so morning is the best time to listen for birds.
Well, I don't know when this happened, but we became home to two little Titmouses - Titmice - not sure what the plural of Titmouse is. We were surprised to see them sitting in the feeder one summer morning.
I got a cool app for my phone. Merlin bird identifier, so if you have sounds in the yard you don't recognize, this little app will help you figure out what birds are using your yard for their social activities. I have discovered a worm eater warbler, a Cooper hawk and a hoot owl all have been chatting amongst themselves in the morning. The hardest part has been isolating the cicada noise, so morning is the best time to listen for birds.
Photo of the Month of May 2021
I finally got around to visiting the Don Garlits drag racing museum in Gainesville, Florida. I have passed the museum many, many times in the 35 years I have lived here, and this is the first time I stopped. If you love drag racing or collectibles of any kind, check out his museum the next time you're in Florida. I thought I kept a lot of things, but I am unashamed now that I have seen Don's collectibles. Well worth spending several hours wandering around in his two big museums. Lots of Cha Cha Muldowney memorabilia, too.
I finally got around to visiting the Don Garlits drag racing museum in Gainesville, Florida. I have passed the museum many, many times in the 35 years I have lived here, and this is the first time I stopped. If you love drag racing or collectibles of any kind, check out his museum the next time you're in Florida. I thought I kept a lot of things, but I am unashamed now that I have seen Don's collectibles. Well worth spending several hours wandering around in his two big museums. Lots of Cha Cha Muldowney memorabilia, too.
Photo of the Month of April 2021
After wandering around in the Wildlife Preserve looking for the painted bunting and not seeing one, it was rather exciting to find out that he was sitting in my front yard feeder all along. We had a pair that spent a few months with us. There must have been something very yummy in the seed mix.
Now, they have flown off to spend a season breeding, and hopefully, they will remember the birdfeeder when next winter rolls around.
After wandering around in the Wildlife Preserve looking for the painted bunting and not seeing one, it was rather exciting to find out that he was sitting in my front yard feeder all along. We had a pair that spent a few months with us. There must have been something very yummy in the seed mix.
Now, they have flown off to spend a season breeding, and hopefully, they will remember the birdfeeder when next winter rolls around.
Photo of the Month of March 2021
I don't know what was going through the mind of this rat snake or even what it could have been chasing up the wall, but I found this way beyond hysterical. It was well worth taking a photo of.
This is the side of our garage and a very silly yellow rat snake.
I don't know what was going through the mind of this rat snake or even what it could have been chasing up the wall, but I found this way beyond hysterical. It was well worth taking a photo of.
This is the side of our garage and a very silly yellow rat snake.
Photo of the Month of February 2021
A trip to the Canaveral Seashore and Wildlife Preserve offered a glimpse into the swamps of Florida from the mosquito-free safety of my car. While there were bald eagles, kingfishers, egrets, alligators, wild hogs and more, my day was complete when I saw a flock of spoonbills lounging around in the muck and mire.
I have seen these funny pink birds flying over or gathering in drainage ditches, but I wanted to see them in the wild. Now, I have. I also saw some scrub jays - very endangered - but they were hanging out on telephone wires in the neighborhood. Not quite the same.
A trip to the Canaveral Seashore and Wildlife Preserve offered a glimpse into the swamps of Florida from the mosquito-free safety of my car. While there were bald eagles, kingfishers, egrets, alligators, wild hogs and more, my day was complete when I saw a flock of spoonbills lounging around in the muck and mire.
I have seen these funny pink birds flying over or gathering in drainage ditches, but I wanted to see them in the wild. Now, I have. I also saw some scrub jays - very endangered - but they were hanging out on telephone wires in the neighborhood. Not quite the same.
Photo of the Month of January 2021
If you have ever seen the movie "Little Shop of Horrors", you might mistake this plant as the basis for that movie. In fact, it has a lot in common with the horrors of that movie.
I smelled something dead in the yard for better than a week. We have a big yard, but dead is dead, and you should be able to find the dead thing, especially by smell, within a few feet.
Nope. Looked for a long time for the dead thing.
This horrific thing started to grow in my mulch. It was rising up out of the mulch and stinking dead all around it. I didn't know what it was, so I had to do some searching. It is a stinkhorn. Stink, it does.
If you have ever seen the movie "Little Shop of Horrors", you might mistake this plant as the basis for that movie. In fact, it has a lot in common with the horrors of that movie.
I smelled something dead in the yard for better than a week. We have a big yard, but dead is dead, and you should be able to find the dead thing, especially by smell, within a few feet.
Nope. Looked for a long time for the dead thing.
This horrific thing started to grow in my mulch. It was rising up out of the mulch and stinking dead all around it. I didn't know what it was, so I had to do some searching. It is a stinkhorn. Stink, it does.
Photo of the Month of December 2020
The mating of a oakworm moth. Once upon a time, I found a striped caterpillar on my screen. I couldn't figure out what it was and no amount of search engine combinations brought me an answer. Every time I searched for green caterpillar with red stripe, I got all kinds of images that did not match the worm I was looking at.
When I searched for these two love birds, that worm came up. It is an oakworm moth, and it's only fitting that they are right next to my oak tree. So, eventually, I got the answer that I wanted about the strange little worm.
The mating of a oakworm moth. Once upon a time, I found a striped caterpillar on my screen. I couldn't figure out what it was and no amount of search engine combinations brought me an answer. Every time I searched for green caterpillar with red stripe, I got all kinds of images that did not match the worm I was looking at.
When I searched for these two love birds, that worm came up. It is an oakworm moth, and it's only fitting that they are right next to my oak tree. So, eventually, I got the answer that I wanted about the strange little worm.
Photo of the Month of December 2020
While this little guy is adorable and fuzzy, it is also one of the most dangerous little guys to touch. Remember my run in with the Saddleback? This one is worse. This is a puss caterpillar. They are so pretty, but so darn lethal. Each of those pretty, furry pieces of the caterpillar offers a potent sting that is excruciating.
Cute as he was, once I looked up what he was, he became dead immediately following. Sorry all lovers of the asp moth.
While this little guy is adorable and fuzzy, it is also one of the most dangerous little guys to touch. Remember my run in with the Saddleback? This one is worse. This is a puss caterpillar. They are so pretty, but so darn lethal. Each of those pretty, furry pieces of the caterpillar offers a potent sting that is excruciating.
Cute as he was, once I looked up what he was, he became dead immediately following. Sorry all lovers of the asp moth.
Photo of the Month of November 2020
Apparently, it is hard work to be a squirrel. This little guy was up in the railing at the top of our front porch. Maybe he just got tired of eating all the birdseed, or maybe he was tuckered out from scampering with his friends. No matter which one it is, he was in for a nap. He spent several hours like that.
Apparently, it is hard work to be a squirrel. This little guy was up in the railing at the top of our front porch. Maybe he just got tired of eating all the birdseed, or maybe he was tuckered out from scampering with his friends. No matter which one it is, he was in for a nap. He spent several hours like that.
Photo of the Month of October 2020
Deep into the pandemic, we finally broke free and got in the car. After 30 plus years of saying "we're going to see the leaves change in the Smokies", we finally did it.
This colorful landscape is the wildly popular and overly photographed Linville Viaduct.
We also did a little hiking - well, we had to walk up the path to Grandfather Mountain rather than park at the top and walk up. No matter which peak we visited, we found people so very happy to be out in the open. With the wind blowing and no close contact, we went all in for some outside time.
Deep into the pandemic, we finally broke free and got in the car. After 30 plus years of saying "we're going to see the leaves change in the Smokies", we finally did it.
This colorful landscape is the wildly popular and overly photographed Linville Viaduct.
We also did a little hiking - well, we had to walk up the path to Grandfather Mountain rather than park at the top and walk up. No matter which peak we visited, we found people so very happy to be out in the open. With the wind blowing and no close contact, we went all in for some outside time.
Photo of the Month of September 2020
While not exactly a standoff, it was a moment of zen for someone. The little fox had been busy wandering around the front yard looking for something to eat. He spent a lot of time just staring at the birdfeeder as if his stares would make birds magically appear.
Then he set to strolling around the rest of the yard. In the meantime, a very nervous squirrel was hanging down to either see what that orange animal was or doing a death defying balancing act.
Apparently, my yard squirrels are not acquainted with the bouncing and leaping that foxes are known for. In the end, the fox wandered off and the squirrel went back to foraging under the birdfeeder.
While not exactly a standoff, it was a moment of zen for someone. The little fox had been busy wandering around the front yard looking for something to eat. He spent a lot of time just staring at the birdfeeder as if his stares would make birds magically appear.
Then he set to strolling around the rest of the yard. In the meantime, a very nervous squirrel was hanging down to either see what that orange animal was or doing a death defying balancing act.
Apparently, my yard squirrels are not acquainted with the bouncing and leaping that foxes are known for. In the end, the fox wandered off and the squirrel went back to foraging under the birdfeeder.
Photo of the Month of August 2020
My milkweed garden is filled with pretty blooms in yellow, orange and red. It is also filled with tiny aphids who seem to be enjoying eating everything on the plant.
While a good soaking for soap and water will rid the plants of the aphids, so will a happy Ladybug. She is moving along eating those aphids like Pacman and dots. All of this, and I don't see one Monarch caterpillar.
My milkweed garden is filled with pretty blooms in yellow, orange and red. It is also filled with tiny aphids who seem to be enjoying eating everything on the plant.
While a good soaking for soap and water will rid the plants of the aphids, so will a happy Ladybug. She is moving along eating those aphids like Pacman and dots. All of this, and I don't see one Monarch caterpillar.
Photo of the Month of July 2020
Well, we are on our way to Mars! Check out the view of the launch from my own personal launch patio in the backyard.
I don't care how many launches I see, I am always still amazed at the idea that we can send these things with precision into space.
I also saw the neowise comet, but sadly, I was unable to get any photos of that to share, so you will just have to enjoy my Mars mission launch.
Well, we are on our way to Mars! Check out the view of the launch from my own personal launch patio in the backyard.
I don't care how many launches I see, I am always still amazed at the idea that we can send these things with precision into space.
I also saw the neowise comet, but sadly, I was unable to get any photos of that to share, so you will just have to enjoy my Mars mission launch.
Photo of the Month of June 2020
Okay, it was taken in 2019, but I have not been anywhere since we all have been in lock down, so I pulled one from this time last year. This is a fascinating rock formation from The Garden of the Gods in Southern Illinois.
Since I love fractals, this reminded me a lot of a fractal found in nature. Hopefully, we will one day be set free from our homes, and I can explore this park more.
Okay, it was taken in 2019, but I have not been anywhere since we all have been in lock down, so I pulled one from this time last year. This is a fascinating rock formation from The Garden of the Gods in Southern Illinois.
Since I love fractals, this reminded me a lot of a fractal found in nature. Hopefully, we will one day be set free from our homes, and I can explore this park more.
Photo of the Month of May 2020
This Pilates Woodpecker has found the old Hickory tree to be a smorgasbord of good eats. My idea of good eats and his are probably very different.
We have a pair that hangs out around our home eating up old trees and searching for goodies in rotted limbs.
Their call and response is fun to listen to even if their constant rat-ta-tat-tat can be a distraction while trying to work.
This Pilates Woodpecker has found the old Hickory tree to be a smorgasbord of good eats. My idea of good eats and his are probably very different.
We have a pair that hangs out around our home eating up old trees and searching for goodies in rotted limbs.
Their call and response is fun to listen to even if their constant rat-ta-tat-tat can be a distraction while trying to work.
Photo of the Month of April 2020
I dropped the top of one of my pineapples in the ground a couple years ago, and this is the fruit that it is trying to produce for me now.
I had no idea that pineapples flowered, so I was very delighted to see these pretty purple blooms on the little spikes of the fruit.
I read that it takes around three years to produce a pineapple, and then the plant creates offshoots that you can plant or runners that you and remove. Then the plant dies. I would never be a good pineapple farmer; I do not have that kind of patience.
I dropped the top of one of my pineapples in the ground a couple years ago, and this is the fruit that it is trying to produce for me now.
I had no idea that pineapples flowered, so I was very delighted to see these pretty purple blooms on the little spikes of the fruit.
I read that it takes around three years to produce a pineapple, and then the plant creates offshoots that you can plant or runners that you and remove. Then the plant dies. I would never be a good pineapple farmer; I do not have that kind of patience.
Photo of the Month of March 2020
This is a first for our little feeder. We have yellow-bellied sapsucker, and I do not think I have ever seen this little guy in our yard before. We get a variety, but many do not eat the bird seed that I put out, so it is always fun to see something different munching in the feeder.
This is a first for our little feeder. We have yellow-bellied sapsucker, and I do not think I have ever seen this little guy in our yard before. We get a variety, but many do not eat the bird seed that I put out, so it is always fun to see something different munching in the feeder.
Photo of the Month of February 2020
The doves try to dominate the flat feeder, and this red-headed woodpecker is having none of it. He has crouched down and prepared to take a bite out of the dove that is trying to push him out.
These little skirmishes go on day in and day out. Doves sit and eat rather than perch and eat, so they will camp out in the feeder and not let anyone in unless I shoo them away.
Since their behavior is so obnoxious, I wish they would take their voracious appetites elsewhere.
The doves try to dominate the flat feeder, and this red-headed woodpecker is having none of it. He has crouched down and prepared to take a bite out of the dove that is trying to push him out.
These little skirmishes go on day in and day out. Doves sit and eat rather than perch and eat, so they will camp out in the feeder and not let anyone in unless I shoo them away.
Since their behavior is so obnoxious, I wish they would take their voracious appetites elsewhere.
Photo of the Month of January 2020
Just a wisp of a moon still hanging around in the afternoon sky. I found it to be intriguing as it was framed between the fronts of the palm tree.
Just a simple moon in the sky on a bright winter afternoon in Florida.
Just a wisp of a moon still hanging around in the afternoon sky. I found it to be intriguing as it was framed between the fronts of the palm tree.
Just a simple moon in the sky on a bright winter afternoon in Florida.
Photo of the Month of December 2019
It might be hard to see this photo, but there is a very, very ambitious little anole lizard thinking that he can eat that large month that was attracted to a light on my desk. I am thinking, no.
As it turned out, the little anole thought "no", too. He really gave it a go though and chased after that month with really big eyes before giving up and eating something much smaller and probably less tasty.
It might be hard to see this photo, but there is a very, very ambitious little anole lizard thinking that he can eat that large month that was attracted to a light on my desk. I am thinking, no.
As it turned out, the little anole thought "no", too. He really gave it a go though and chased after that month with really big eyes before giving up and eating something much smaller and probably less tasty.
Photo of the Month of November 2019
Here is a closeup of a flower cluster on the ixora bush that is planted in front of my office window. These brilliant orange bushes will explode with color and make a nice orange hedge along the front of the house.
There are 562 species of the Rubiaceae family that the ixora belongs to, and they consist of evergreen tropical leaves. They come from Tropical Asia, and they thrive well in Florida, so we use them for hedging and accent plants.
Here is a closeup of a flower cluster on the ixora bush that is planted in front of my office window. These brilliant orange bushes will explode with color and make a nice orange hedge along the front of the house.
There are 562 species of the Rubiaceae family that the ixora belongs to, and they consist of evergreen tropical leaves. They come from Tropical Asia, and they thrive well in Florida, so we use them for hedging and accent plants.
Photo of the Month of October 2019
We get a visit from the local ibis that have found a number of reasons to rid our yard of things only they can see.
More power to them and bon appetit.
We get a visit from the local ibis that have found a number of reasons to rid our yard of things only they can see.
More power to them and bon appetit.
Photo of the Month of September 2019
The air was filled with the whirring sounds of little dragonfly wings. This only served to let me know that there were a lot of mosquitoes lurking about if this many dragonflies were busy trying to find them.
The air was filled with the whirring sounds of little dragonfly wings. This only served to let me know that there were a lot of mosquitoes lurking about if this many dragonflies were busy trying to find them.
Photo of the Month of August 2019
He thinks he is invisible because he blends in with the tree. I see you trying to swipe the bird seed from the bird feeder.
This guy hangs around outside the bay window trying to get our attention and aggravate the dog.
He thinks he is invisible because he blends in with the tree. I see you trying to swipe the bird seed from the bird feeder.
This guy hangs around outside the bay window trying to get our attention and aggravate the dog.
Photo of the month of July 2019
There was a wedding in our family.
There was a wedding in our family.
Photo of the month June 2019
Happy birthday Harry who turns one this month.Stalking me with toys stuffed in his mouth.
Happy birthday Harry who turns one this month.Stalking me with toys stuffed in his mouth.
Photo of the month May 2019
It's been one year since the new Cyprus tree was planted. It has grown and flourished along with the park-like back yard.
It's been one year since the new Cyprus tree was planted. It has grown and flourished along with the park-like back yard.
Photo of month April 2019
One more from the air show. This warbird was doing all types of aerobatics to show off its ability to maneuver.
One more from the air show. This warbird was doing all types of aerobatics to show off its ability to maneuver.
Photo of the month March 2019
We hopped over to a local air show and were treated to the first glimpse of the new Lockheed Martin F-35a. These two were doing flyovers and maneuvers while we all oo'd and ahh'd.
We hopped over to a local air show and were treated to the first glimpse of the new Lockheed Martin F-35a. These two were doing flyovers and maneuvers while we all oo'd and ahh'd.
Photo of the Month February 2019
Oh hail! It is not very often that we get a lot of hail. This spring storm dumped quite a bit on us and managed to pile up along the bottom of our bamboo. It was gone as quickly as it showed up.
Oh hail! It is not very often that we get a lot of hail. This spring storm dumped quite a bit on us and managed to pile up along the bottom of our bamboo. It was gone as quickly as it showed up.
Photo of the Month of January 2019
We took a quick jaunt across the state a few days ago, and when we got there, we were treated to the mating dance of the male sandhill crane.
He was quite proud of his plumage, and she was so disinterested in his antics. It was great to see him this close.
We took a quick jaunt across the state a few days ago, and when we got there, we were treated to the mating dance of the male sandhill crane.
He was quite proud of his plumage, and she was so disinterested in his antics. It was great to see him this close.
Photo of the Month of December 2018
This is the monkey at his first Christmas.
I promise that I will get back to adding more bird, bug and flower photos, but for the moment, I had to add a baby picture of Harry.
This is the monkey at his first Christmas.
I promise that I will get back to adding more bird, bug and flower photos, but for the moment, I had to add a baby picture of Harry.
Photo of the Month of November 2018
When you live somewhere that sees so few season changes, you grab a hold of anything that reminds you of the passage of time.
It is always a treat to see a brilliant red and orange maple losing its leaves for the winter. This tree is in bright display.
When you live somewhere that sees so few season changes, you grab a hold of anything that reminds you of the passage of time.
It is always a treat to see a brilliant red and orange maple losing its leaves for the winter. This tree is in bright display.
Photo of the Month of October 2018
We have a lot of protected gopher tortoises that live around our little plot of land, but sometimes they stop by to say "hey" and sun themselves on the porch.
That is what this guy was doing one afternoon, and he stayed there for quite awhile before "scampering" off.
We have a lot of protected gopher tortoises that live around our little plot of land, but sometimes they stop by to say "hey" and sun themselves on the porch.
That is what this guy was doing one afternoon, and he stayed there for quite awhile before "scampering" off.
Photo of the Month of September 2018
The best that I can tell, this is a sphinx moth larvae. It was quite large and looked a lot like the photos I found of them, but they didn't quite look like this, so I have assume that it is one of the species, but not quite the ones that I saw on the internet.
It is a moth, though, so that much is true. It was about 4-inches in length and as fat as my little finger, so it was good sized. As late in the year this is, I was surprised to see a caterpillar.
The best that I can tell, this is a sphinx moth larvae. It was quite large and looked a lot like the photos I found of them, but they didn't quite look like this, so I have assume that it is one of the species, but not quite the ones that I saw on the internet.
It is a moth, though, so that much is true. It was about 4-inches in length and as fat as my little finger, so it was good sized. As late in the year this is, I was surprised to see a caterpillar.
Photo of the Month of August 2018
We got a monkey.
This is Harry, the monkey. Nuff said.
We got a monkey.
This is Harry, the monkey. Nuff said.
Photo of the Month of July 2018
This beauty was unfurling one afternoon on the porch rail. I have a series of photos of him as his wings were drying and he was slowing becoming the moth that you see here.
At another point, I found a large caterpillar crawling along the sidewalk that would become another one of these moths.
This beauty was unfurling one afternoon on the porch rail. I have a series of photos of him as his wings were drying and he was slowing becoming the moth that you see here.
At another point, I found a large caterpillar crawling along the sidewalk that would become another one of these moths.
Photo of the Month of June 2018
This black and white warbler is a new addition to the yard of birds. I do have other things besides birds that wander through, like a red fox or a Florida panther, but birds seem to sit still long enough for me to get photos of them.
This black and white warbler is a new addition to the yard of birds. I do have other things besides birds that wander through, like a red fox or a Florida panther, but birds seem to sit still long enough for me to get photos of them.
Photo of the Month of May 2018
Our annual female turkey sighting. I don't know where she lives of why she comes by our yard every year, but we see her once in the spring and then never again until next year.
Our annual female turkey sighting. I don't know where she lives of why she comes by our yard every year, but we see her once in the spring and then never again until next year.
Photo of the Month of April 2018
I had NO idea that we had cedar waxwings in Florida until a pair of them started stripping all of the berries off of the ornamental plants around or pond. This was shot through the bedroom window screen with a 300 just because I was afraid that if I went outside, they would fly off before I could get a photo.
I had NO idea that we had cedar waxwings in Florida until a pair of them started stripping all of the berries off of the ornamental plants around or pond. This was shot through the bedroom window screen with a 300 just because I was afraid that if I went outside, they would fly off before I could get a photo.
Photo of the Month of March 2018
Whatever was in that water was surely inviting. All of these and hundreds more robins stopped by one afternoon to have a drink at Squirrel Pub. It was proceeded by a morning of berry eating, so they may have already been a bit on the drunk side!
Whatever was in that water was surely inviting. All of these and hundreds more robins stopped by one afternoon to have a drink at Squirrel Pub. It was proceeded by a morning of berry eating, so they may have already been a bit on the drunk side!
Photo of the Month of February 2018
A little jousting is good for an exciting afternoon at the Ren Faire. We enjoyed four horsemen, several wenches, a melodic band, a number of birds of prey and a cup of mead. It was a fun day and we said "yay".
A little jousting is good for an exciting afternoon at the Ren Faire. We enjoyed four horsemen, several wenches, a melodic band, a number of birds of prey and a cup of mead. It was a fun day and we said "yay".
Photo of the Month of January 2018
While he is not really very visible, this little goldfinch stood still long enough for me to take his photo. I don't recall ever having one in our feeder before, so this was great treat.
While he is not really very visible, this little goldfinch stood still long enough for me to take his photo. I don't recall ever having one in our feeder before, so this was great treat.
Photo of the Month December 2017
There must have been a lot of really great bugs in this poor old oak because this woodpecker and its mate spent almost an entire day putting holes in it. They either got tired of beating on it or they got all of the bugs because eventually, they flew off to better bugs.
There must have been a lot of really great bugs in this poor old oak because this woodpecker and its mate spent almost an entire day putting holes in it. They either got tired of beating on it or they got all of the bugs because eventually, they flew off to better bugs.
Photo of the Month November 2017
While this does not do these guys justice, it captures their faces. We have a large old, gnarly pine tree in the front yard, and on every limb, there were a couple of these buzzards. I tried to capture the entire tree filled with them, but just couldn't get them all in one shot. It was going to be our Christmas cards! Anyway, they hung around for awhile scaring the squirrels before taking off for parts unknown.
While this does not do these guys justice, it captures their faces. We have a large old, gnarly pine tree in the front yard, and on every limb, there were a couple of these buzzards. I tried to capture the entire tree filled with them, but just couldn't get them all in one shot. It was going to be our Christmas cards! Anyway, they hung around for awhile scaring the squirrels before taking off for parts unknown.
Photo of the Month October 2017
We had a lot of rain this summer, and because of that, there is a lot of standing water in our pond, a lot of flooding along the back of the yard and water puddles everywhere. There do not seem to be a lot of mosquitoes because we have hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of dragonflies everywhere! This one was hanging off the rail outside my office window, so I shot him with a 300 mm lens. He is not photoshopped in this picture; he was naturally sepia colored. The water is still with us from Hurricane Irma.
We had a lot of rain this summer, and because of that, there is a lot of standing water in our pond, a lot of flooding along the back of the yard and water puddles everywhere. There do not seem to be a lot of mosquitoes because we have hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of dragonflies everywhere! This one was hanging off the rail outside my office window, so I shot him with a 300 mm lens. He is not photoshopped in this picture; he was naturally sepia colored. The water is still with us from Hurricane Irma.
Photo of the Month September 2017
This is my helper gecko who decided to stop by my desk and help me work on whatever project it was that day. He refused to be caught and ran all over the desk, all over the laptop and up and down the wall before coming to rest between my coffee cup and my desk scale.
I am not sure where he is now, since he wandered off.
Photo of the Month of August 2017
This is not a very clear photo, but it expresses how hot it was one August afternoon. As I was working, this squirrel, who lives in our oak tree, sprawled out on the railing on the front porch and just laid there. He was not the least bit interested in me or anything else. Just grabbing some cool shade for a few moments before sprinting off to try and raid the bird feeder.
Photo of the Month of July 2017
I finally left my front yard for a short trip up the east coast, and while I enjoyed many sights along the way, this one was a "must see" on my list. Along with that green lady standing in the harbor.
This was as close to the city as I wanted to be, but it was certainly impressive to say the least, and because you know my yard is filled with birds, flowers and bugs that I don't see big buildings, cars or people very often. It's best to see them from across the Hudson. :) Thank you New York City for this awesome photo.
I finally left my front yard for a short trip up the east coast, and while I enjoyed many sights along the way, this one was a "must see" on my list. Along with that green lady standing in the harbor.
This was as close to the city as I wanted to be, but it was certainly impressive to say the least, and because you know my yard is filled with birds, flowers and bugs that I don't see big buildings, cars or people very often. It's best to see them from across the Hudson. :) Thank you New York City for this awesome photo.
Photo of the Month of June 2017
I was watering my flowers and heard these tiny voices chattering in the tree beside me. Then they were really still because mom told them to shut up. There are 5 baby wrens piled up here and just as sweet as can be.
I finished watering the flowers, grabbed the camera and made them all sit as still as stones while I walked around them taking their picture.
I was watering my flowers and heard these tiny voices chattering in the tree beside me. Then they were really still because mom told them to shut up. There are 5 baby wrens piled up here and just as sweet as can be.
I finished watering the flowers, grabbed the camera and made them all sit as still as stones while I walked around them taking their picture.
Photo of the Month of May 2017
I was sitting at my desk working, and all of a sudden, my front yard turned into a circus show with four peacocks and a big white egret strolling through the yard.
Here are three of the peacocks, who were very tame. I went out to take photos and got some video of them. They came closer and closer and closer, apparently looking for food!
Have not seen them since, but the egret is a regular visitor.
I was sitting at my desk working, and all of a sudden, my front yard turned into a circus show with four peacocks and a big white egret strolling through the yard.
Here are three of the peacocks, who were very tame. I went out to take photos and got some video of them. They came closer and closer and closer, apparently looking for food!
Have not seen them since, but the egret is a regular visitor.
Photo of the Month of April 2017
Since I put in the flat bird feeder, there have been a wide variety of birds visiting every day. The jays have enjoyed the feeder, but not as much as they enjoy the bird bath. They hop into that water and bathe with enthusiasm! They throw water everywhere!
They eat like that too come to think of it. Along with the jays, we have had ravens, blackbirds, doves, cardinals and woodpeckers enjoying a rather simple seed mix. None the less, they are fun to watch and keep the feeder and the bath filled for everyone. The squirrel even enjoy the bath and the doves seem to think that they should just sit in the water.
Hopefully, they will stick around the rest of the summer.
Photo of the Month of March 2017
This ibis seems to be posing on the top of my Norfolk pine as if he is practicing to be a Christmas angel. He spent quite a bit of time balanced on the top of the tree as it swayed in the light tropical breeze.
Eventually, he decided that he needed to eat some of the bugs in the yard. He brought along four of his friends, and they spent the afternoon poking their nose into the ground.
He looks pretty against the blue sky.
Photo of the Month of February 2017
This overrunning of the bird feeder may not seem like a photo opportunity, but in fact, it was not just the bird feeder that was being overrun. There were hundreds of starlings in the yard, dozens of robins and a garden variety of sparrows, cardinals, doves, woodpeckers and blue jays. ALL AT ONCE. It was like a scene out of The Birds where they just converged screaming and fighting among themselves while grabbing at berries, seeds and each other.
Then it poured down rain and they all headed to the trees where they sat out the storm. They squawked and called and screeched and sang as it poured on them. It immediately stopped raining, and they flew away. My neighbor is convinced these birds were sent by her husband as he was dying to let her know it will all be okay. Who am I to say? This invasion only lasted a few minutes and they have never come back.
This overrunning of the bird feeder may not seem like a photo opportunity, but in fact, it was not just the bird feeder that was being overrun. There were hundreds of starlings in the yard, dozens of robins and a garden variety of sparrows, cardinals, doves, woodpeckers and blue jays. ALL AT ONCE. It was like a scene out of The Birds where they just converged screaming and fighting among themselves while grabbing at berries, seeds and each other.
Then it poured down rain and they all headed to the trees where they sat out the storm. They squawked and called and screeched and sang as it poured on them. It immediately stopped raining, and they flew away. My neighbor is convinced these birds were sent by her husband as he was dying to let her know it will all be okay. Who am I to say? This invasion only lasted a few minutes and they have never come back.
Photo of the Month of January 2017
I cannot take credit for this photo, but I can say that this is the little creature that I found hanging off the underside of a leaf on my jatropha. I can also tell you that it was not because I didn't have a camera when I discovered this jewel. I could not take photos and kill it fast enough after it stung me.
I do admit that the photo for this post was the first thing that popped into my mind. However, once the poison started screaming through my finger, all good thoughts were off. All those cute fuzzy hairs are poison tipped darts that have to be removed by using a sticky piece of tape and then wrapping the wound in baking soda paste. The saddleback caterpillar had to die after that. Hopefully, it was a painful death.
I cannot take credit for this photo, but I can say that this is the little creature that I found hanging off the underside of a leaf on my jatropha. I can also tell you that it was not because I didn't have a camera when I discovered this jewel. I could not take photos and kill it fast enough after it stung me.
I do admit that the photo for this post was the first thing that popped into my mind. However, once the poison started screaming through my finger, all good thoughts were off. All those cute fuzzy hairs are poison tipped darts that have to be removed by using a sticky piece of tape and then wrapping the wound in baking soda paste. The saddleback caterpillar had to die after that. Hopefully, it was a painful death.
Photo of the Month of December 2016
Will you be filling the feeder with squirrels anytime soon?
Our red shouldered hawk found a great place to park himself when he waited to see if any of the squirrels would be nosing around the bottom of the feeder. He is an oportunist if nothing else. He spent the morning watching all of the oak trees for squirrel activity. Funny thing is, not a single squirrel was to be found!
Photo of the Month of November 2016
Winter is here! The big woodpeckers have returned to demolish some of our more insect ridden tree branches. This is a pileated woodpecker, and we have a pair of them that come visit every year. She is in this photo, but hidden around one of the stalks of bamboo. They are large and love our rotten jacaranda tree.
They have a very distinct and very loud call that echos through the yard and we all know when they have returned to roost.
Photo of the Month of October 2016
I took a day off and went to McKee Gardens, which is a tropical jungle and botanical garden park with footpaths weaving throughout a lot of ponds and vegetation. They are particularly known for their amazing amount of lilypad species.
They also have an abundance of orchids and other tropical flowers that we typically find growing in Florida. At one time in their history (like 60 years or so), they were filled with parrots and wild monkeys that were still around in the 1980s. It is a fragile garden that is subject to storms and other things that are always threatening it.
I took a day off and went to McKee Gardens, which is a tropical jungle and botanical garden park with footpaths weaving throughout a lot of ponds and vegetation. They are particularly known for their amazing amount of lilypad species.
They also have an abundance of orchids and other tropical flowers that we typically find growing in Florida. At one time in their history (like 60 years or so), they were filled with parrots and wild monkeys that were still around in the 1980s. It is a fragile garden that is subject to storms and other things that are always threatening it.
Photo of the Month of September 2016
These are called beautyberries and are native to South America, but they grow wild all over our yard where we have left some of the natural vegetation grow. They are quite edible and make a great jelly according to prominent gardening sites.
They are a favored treat of the mockingbird, but I have yet to see one come down and snatch the berries away. I usually just see them rot on the vine. We also have tons of Muscadine grapes that will overtake the yard if you let them. They also just stay on the vine.
I thought this gradient of ripening beautyberries were pretty cool, so I took the shot.
These are called beautyberries and are native to South America, but they grow wild all over our yard where we have left some of the natural vegetation grow. They are quite edible and make a great jelly according to prominent gardening sites.
They are a favored treat of the mockingbird, but I have yet to see one come down and snatch the berries away. I usually just see them rot on the vine. We also have tons of Muscadine grapes that will overtake the yard if you let them. They also just stay on the vine.
I thought this gradient of ripening beautyberries were pretty cool, so I took the shot.
Photo of the Month of August 2016
I had a little bit of birthday money to spend this summer, and this plumeria is the one thing that I could think of that I have always wanted to plant in my yard. The nursery that I get a lot of my plants from had about a dozem of these plants in a large assortment of colors. I finally decided on the more traditional yellow and white. I did find out that when it produces seeds, the new plants are not necessarily the same as the old plants. I am looking forward growing some plumerias of a range of colors next spring.
I had a little bit of birthday money to spend this summer, and this plumeria is the one thing that I could think of that I have always wanted to plant in my yard. The nursery that I get a lot of my plants from had about a dozem of these plants in a large assortment of colors. I finally decided on the more traditional yellow and white. I did find out that when it produces seeds, the new plants are not necessarily the same as the old plants. I am looking forward growing some plumerias of a range of colors next spring.
Photo of the Month of July 2016
Normally, there is a blizzard of activity in the yard as squirrels scurry about pestering the cardinals at the bird feeder and digging in my plants. One afternoon, the movement all stopped and one little squirrel suddenly froze on the side of the oak tree. So, I went to see what was going on.
Here is what was going on. Apparently, this guy stopped in for a break and terrified the squirrels. He sat in the tree for about a half an hour, and that frozen squirrel never moved the whole time.
Normally, there is a blizzard of activity in the yard as squirrels scurry about pestering the cardinals at the bird feeder and digging in my plants. One afternoon, the movement all stopped and one little squirrel suddenly froze on the side of the oak tree. So, I went to see what was going on.
Here is what was going on. Apparently, this guy stopped in for a break and terrified the squirrels. He sat in the tree for about a half an hour, and that frozen squirrel never moved the whole time.
Photo of the Month of June 2016
Just when I thought I had seen all the birds I was going to see, I happened to look up from my desk and watch a female turkey wander past the front of the house. So, I snatched up my camera and went out to take her photo. She was freakishly fast, and I ended up almost chasing her down the lane. I have a lot of photos like this that may make a great little animated short. I don't know where she came from, but I know she was hightailing it out of my yard!
Just when I thought I had seen all the birds I was going to see, I happened to look up from my desk and watch a female turkey wander past the front of the house. So, I snatched up my camera and went out to take her photo. She was freakishly fast, and I ended up almost chasing her down the lane. I have a lot of photos like this that may make a great little animated short. I don't know where she came from, but I know she was hightailing it out of my yard!
Photo of the Month of May 2016
This is a juvie ibis poking around in the yard. He decided to help me plant flowers by poking holes in the yard. He spent a few days at my house ridding my yard of whatever it was that he was eating. Every now and then, the rest of his family would join him, and I would have a yard full of ibis wandering around. Eventually, they got tired of my yard and left.
This is a juvie ibis poking around in the yard. He decided to help me plant flowers by poking holes in the yard. He spent a few days at my house ridding my yard of whatever it was that he was eating. Every now and then, the rest of his family would join him, and I would have a yard full of ibis wandering around. Eventually, they got tired of my yard and left.
Photo of the Month April 2016
This guy was so much bigger than he appears. He settled in on a limb of my lemon tree and gave me the opportunity to take his photo a number of times. Check out the crazy pattern on his back. It almost looks like a face.
I am glad that he has decided to rid my yard of mosquitoes since they seem to think that I am lunch. There are some days when the yard is just filled with them flitting about, and all I can think about is that there must be a whole lot of mosquitoes that I cannot see.
This guy was so much bigger than he appears. He settled in on a limb of my lemon tree and gave me the opportunity to take his photo a number of times. Check out the crazy pattern on his back. It almost looks like a face.
I am glad that he has decided to rid my yard of mosquitoes since they seem to think that I am lunch. There are some days when the yard is just filled with them flitting about, and all I can think about is that there must be a whole lot of mosquitoes that I cannot see.
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Photo of the Month of March, 2016
You have to look really close, but in my azalea flowers is a black swallowtail.He is busy gathering all the nectar he can from these fleeting flowers, so it was really hard to get a shot of him. The flowers are usually there less than a day or two at the most, so anyone who wants to have some of their sweetness needs to move fast! |
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Photo of the Month of February, 2016
This little green tree frog thought it would be great fun to play hide and seek with us in the kitchen. He went from counter to stove top and then off onto the ceiling. At one point, he was hiding behind the china cabinet. His hop to the ceiling required me to grab a chair and climb up after him. I put my hand over him, he peed on me, I let him go in a hurry and he skidded under the front of the refrigerator. I jumped off the chair and chased him around the kitchen on my hands and knees. Then he made the mistake of jumping onto the wall. I got him! I slid a piece of cardboard between him and the wall and set him free! He's on my stove top in this photo. |
Photo of the Month of January, 2016
Apparently, I did not go out much in January, but the birds did. This is just a small group of the hundreds of blackbirds that descended upon my backyard in a feeding frenzy. I am not sure what they are eating, but I am going to guess that they were picking up berries from the nasty old pepper trees. The ground was blanketed in some areas with birds, but this was as quick as I could point and shoot at that moment. Not very spectacular. Those are lemons on the ground.
Apparently, I did not go out much in January, but the birds did. This is just a small group of the hundreds of blackbirds that descended upon my backyard in a feeding frenzy. I am not sure what they are eating, but I am going to guess that they were picking up berries from the nasty old pepper trees. The ground was blanketed in some areas with birds, but this was as quick as I could point and shoot at that moment. Not very spectacular. Those are lemons on the ground.
Photo of the Month of December, 2015
I don't know what was going on or why they were doing this, but there was a great event going on in the sky one afternoon. As you can see, it was a clear, blue afternoon when all of these white pelicans suddenly decided to flock across the sky. There were a lot more, but I could only get so many of them into the shot. Now, I do live a block off the Sebastian River on the Sebastian Inlet where Pelican Island is located, so we do get a lot of these birds on a normal basis. Normally, they do not look like this; they usually fly in a long train formation. They must have been on their way to a dip in the river.
I don't know what was going on or why they were doing this, but there was a great event going on in the sky one afternoon. As you can see, it was a clear, blue afternoon when all of these white pelicans suddenly decided to flock across the sky. There were a lot more, but I could only get so many of them into the shot. Now, I do live a block off the Sebastian River on the Sebastian Inlet where Pelican Island is located, so we do get a lot of these birds on a normal basis. Normally, they do not look like this; they usually fly in a long train formation. They must have been on their way to a dip in the river.
Photo of the Month of November, 2015
High up in one of the trees along side our empty pond was this beautiful luna month in all of its glory. It had been resting in the grass, but as soon as I went in, got the camera and got back out, it was flying into the trees. It is in same place as the monarch landed last month. Must be something about that plant/tree that intrigues the butterflies and months enough to land in it.
Photo of the Month of October, 2015
I spent this spring working really hard to plant and cultivate a butterfly rich garden area in order to attract Monarchs and other of these wonderful fruit bearers. I even planted a single stalk of milkweed as a special treat for my Monarch friends. That one stalk now has six or seven offspring, and one of them has started to bloom already. While this beauty was not on my milkweed, he was busy flitting about in the late autumn sun. It was great to see him, and he is not alone, and that means that my garden has attracted them.
I spent this spring working really hard to plant and cultivate a butterfly rich garden area in order to attract Monarchs and other of these wonderful fruit bearers. I even planted a single stalk of milkweed as a special treat for my Monarch friends. That one stalk now has six or seven offspring, and one of them has started to bloom already. While this beauty was not on my milkweed, he was busy flitting about in the late autumn sun. It was great to see him, and he is not alone, and that means that my garden has attracted them.
Photo of the Month of September, 2015
When I stopped by my Australian fern, this guy was busy sunning himself. I didn't think he would stay still long enough for me to get any photos of him, but he stuck around for quite a while. In fact, while I was busy taking his photo, he was busy posing for me. The one thing that you are unable to see is that his little mouth was chewing and chewing. It was as if he was trying to tell me something. Such a beautiful creature, and he and all of his friends are more than welcome to come and live in my yard.
Photo of the Month of August, 2015
I was busy doing something in the yard, like maybe watering my hibiscus, and as I was puttering around, this little guy popped his head up and wanted to know why I was upsetting his morning by moving his leaves around. He posed for me quite a few times, and I took a lot of photos of him, but this is one of my favs.
Photo of the Month of July, 2015
This guy caught my attention as he crawled all over one of the garden
chairs. I had never seen anything like him, and in some ways, he reminded me of the big tomato worms with those big eyes on his back. Come to find out, he is a large click beetle. He was about two inches long and had big spotted wings. His claim to fame is if he falls on his back, he clicks his wings together in an effort to right himself. That way he makes a lot of noise. Those big, extra eyes don't hurt him in his quest for safety from becoming some bird's meal.
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Photo the Month of June, 2015
As if it wasn't enough that we had a visiting peacock last month, this month we had a pair of armadillos that were wandering through the yard poking holes in the ground doing only what I can assume is their method of hunting. They were busy and did not seem the least bit perturbed that I stalked them all over the yard taking their picture. Here is one of them that managed to almost step on me. Photo of the Month of May, 2015 You have to look closely, but there is a peacock strolling across my front yard. One day, I am sitting at my desk working and suddenly, there I look up and there is a peacock staring at me. He is about 4 feet from the window and by the time I grab the camera, he is moving across the yard. Not my peacock, but a random neighborhood peacock. I have heard him for months since I have been home, but this is the first time I have seen him. He wandered from my yard, hopped the fence and headed to the neighbor's pond. Haven't seen him since. Photo of the Month of April, 2015 Boy, you can tell I am back home because no more photos of snow mountains, but there are a lot of pretty photos of flowers. This is a new lily bud from one of my lilies in the garden. I didn't plant this one; it's just kinda been around for many years, but it still offers us these beautiful blooms every year. It has been blooming off and on for the last couple of weeks, and it will continue to bloom all summer long. Now, to get my planted lilies to bloom! Photo of the Month of March, 2015 I got back home just in time for the azaleas to start blooming, so I enjoyed the few bushes that I had while I waited on the rest of my flowers to start blooming. I forgot how colorful Florida really is, and I truly appreciate all the colors. Photo of the Month of February, 2015 This osprey thinks that my antenna is the best place on the block to both watch the river for fish and eat them when he has them. He goes from our antenna to the neighbor's antenna. Neither one of us use the antenna for anything other than a handy ladder to climb onto the roof. Photo of the Month of January, 2015 Even from 100 miles away in Kansas, Pike's Peak is still an impressive piece of landscape. We were headed home, and we stopped to take this photo as we left Colorado and entered into Kansas. From there we did a Dodge City stop before continuing our trek to the south; always staying one step ahead of the winter storms. Photo of the Month December 2014 As my journey and adventures in Montana ended, the last hurrah was this baldy who was kind enough to pose for me as a good-bye present. We left the day after Christmas in between two very cold and windy storms, and our trip home took us several days due to driving conditions. I will forever hold Montana as the Treasure State, and I already miss it something fierce. But, Florida sun is nice in the middle of winter! Plus, it is good to be back home where ospreys and dozens of white pelicans have been here to greet me. Photo of the Month November, 2014 You never know what will come to the pond to drink, and with pheasant season in full swing, this guy was looking for a drink before being shot at again by someone. He was quite colorful and didn't stay long, but it is good to know that he and his mate are living comfortably in the thicket by the cabin. Good luck to you, Mr. Pheasant. |
Photo of the Month of October, 2014
It's fall. The sunrises are brilliant and the leaves are all disappearing. The grass still needs mowed, but the colors are richer now, and the air is cooler. I love the way the aspens are golden against the green grass. Add a little orange, red, yellow and blue and you have a perfect fall day.
It's fall. The sunrises are brilliant and the leaves are all disappearing. The grass still needs mowed, but the colors are richer now, and the air is cooler. I love the way the aspens are golden against the green grass. Add a little orange, red, yellow and blue and you have a perfect fall day.
Photo of the Month of September, 2014
We had another visitor on the pond this month. He has been around for awhile, but normally, he is stalking through the reeds or weeds, and I cannot get a good photo.
Today, he was stalking and then flying. I just managed to capture him on take-off.
We had another visitor on the pond this month. He has been around for awhile, but normally, he is stalking through the reeds or weeds, and I cannot get a good photo.
Today, he was stalking and then flying. I just managed to capture him on take-off.
Photo of the Month of August, 2014
The last of the purple sage as it grows on the side of the hill and spills over into the yard. This is when it is at its most brilliant. It does not have the same scent as those sage brushes found in the Sierra Nevadas, but you can get a good whiff of this if you stick your nose into the bush. It may look silly, but the scent is very nice.
The last of the purple sage as it grows on the side of the hill and spills over into the yard. This is when it is at its most brilliant. It does not have the same scent as those sage brushes found in the Sierra Nevadas, but you can get a good whiff of this if you stick your nose into the bush. It may look silly, but the scent is very nice.
Photo for the Month of July, 2014
After a few years of chasing these elusive birds, I finally manged to get a lot of photos of this one magpie who had taken up a sentinel position on the fence post. He was guarding something he wanted to eat, and I was stalking him from around trees and the corner of the cabin.
Finally, a magpie photo I could be proud of. He is also now a cross stitch pattern.
After a few years of chasing these elusive birds, I finally manged to get a lot of photos of this one magpie who had taken up a sentinel position on the fence post. He was guarding something he wanted to eat, and I was stalking him from around trees and the corner of the cabin.
Finally, a magpie photo I could be proud of. He is also now a cross stitch pattern.
Photo for the Month of June, 2014
After spending several months squawking and flocking, the geese finally decided to get down to the business of making more little geese. While you can only see a couple of these little ones, there were a dozen or better in this brood.
There were more baby geese than there were ducks this year. This family stopped by long enough to swim around the pond, poke in the ground for goodies and then sail on down the stream to other great adventures.
After spending several months squawking and flocking, the geese finally decided to get down to the business of making more little geese. While you can only see a couple of these little ones, there were a dozen or better in this brood.
There were more baby geese than there were ducks this year. This family stopped by long enough to swim around the pond, poke in the ground for goodies and then sail on down the stream to other great adventures.
Photo of the Month of May, 2014
Vacation took me to the tulipfest this year. I spent a few days wandering around Washington State looking at all the beautiful flowers. Of course, I also made it to Seattle where I enjoyed a coffee at the original Starbucks, and I went to the top of the Space Needle. I ate at Ivars on the pier, and I wandered through the Jimi Hendrix museum. It was an overcast day, so the photos from the top of the needle were not as exciting as I would have like them to be; instead, there were a lot of photos of the cloud draped sound.
Regardless, it was a fun trip, and I enjoyed the flowers and the visit. My flower photos are for sale on my website.
Vacation took me to the tulipfest this year. I spent a few days wandering around Washington State looking at all the beautiful flowers. Of course, I also made it to Seattle where I enjoyed a coffee at the original Starbucks, and I went to the top of the Space Needle. I ate at Ivars on the pier, and I wandered through the Jimi Hendrix museum. It was an overcast day, so the photos from the top of the needle were not as exciting as I would have like them to be; instead, there were a lot of photos of the cloud draped sound.
Regardless, it was a fun trip, and I enjoyed the flowers and the visit. My flower photos are for sale on my website.
Photo of the Month of April, 2014
Spring in the fields. These little calves were playing in the pasture next to the cabin. There were at least a dozen of these little ones playing with each other and pestering their mothers. They were all peacefully standing along the fence line when I walked over to take their photos, but they saw Blu and the stampede was on. I never did get a good photo of them, and since they grow so quickly, they are all bigger now. They tend to lose their cuteness the older they get. Kinda like the rest of us. Another group of calves and another spring has come and gone.
Spring in the fields. These little calves were playing in the pasture next to the cabin. There were at least a dozen of these little ones playing with each other and pestering their mothers. They were all peacefully standing along the fence line when I walked over to take their photos, but they saw Blu and the stampede was on. I never did get a good photo of them, and since they grow so quickly, they are all bigger now. They tend to lose their cuteness the older they get. Kinda like the rest of us. Another group of calves and another spring has come and gone.
Photo of the Month of March, 2014
This winter, the snow was deep, and we had a bit of an issue getting in and out, but there is always a plus when dealing with nature. Like this scene from the pond. Yes, there is a pond under that white expanse in front of the aspen trees. They set on the bank, as you can see from my home page. The wind was so fierce out of the northeast that the pond was completely flat and smooth. In fact, if you did not know that there was a pond there, you would have missed it. For once, it was not covered in deer tracks, pheasant tracks or any other kind of tracks. I knew it wouldn't last, so I took the shot while it was available.
This winter, the snow was deep, and we had a bit of an issue getting in and out, but there is always a plus when dealing with nature. Like this scene from the pond. Yes, there is a pond under that white expanse in front of the aspen trees. They set on the bank, as you can see from my home page. The wind was so fierce out of the northeast that the pond was completely flat and smooth. In fact, if you did not know that there was a pond there, you would have missed it. For once, it was not covered in deer tracks, pheasant tracks or any other kind of tracks. I knew it wouldn't last, so I took the shot while it was available.
Photo of the Month of February, 2014
For some reason, I did not leave much in February, but we did get a lot of new snow that covered everything. The subzero temperatures kept me inside a lot, and the most exercise I got involved taking the dog outside.
He is happy to play in the snow, so I captured his picture while he waited for me to keep walking with him. I promise that I will get outside in March to get some more photos.
For some reason, I did not leave much in February, but we did get a lot of new snow that covered everything. The subzero temperatures kept me inside a lot, and the most exercise I got involved taking the dog outside.
He is happy to play in the snow, so I captured his picture while he waited for me to keep walking with him. I promise that I will get outside in March to get some more photos.
Photo of the Month of January, 2014
It may not be apparent from here, but between the two pine trees is an area that is called Broken Heart. It is best seen in the winter because the snow fills in the heart. The heart is a meadow on the side of one of the foothills and there is a slight tree line that run through the heart, thereby breaking it in two.
It is not a great photo, and it is made worse when you cannot increase the size of the photo, but there is a very neat heart that has been broken in two sitting between those two pine trees. The peak to the far right is Sacajawea.
It may not be apparent from here, but between the two pine trees is an area that is called Broken Heart. It is best seen in the winter because the snow fills in the heart. The heart is a meadow on the side of one of the foothills and there is a slight tree line that run through the heart, thereby breaking it in two.
It is not a great photo, and it is made worse when you cannot increase the size of the photo, but there is a very neat heart that has been broken in two sitting between those two pine trees. The peak to the far right is Sacajawea.
Photo of the Month of December, 2013
One warm day, there were two of these beautiful eagles flying around the cabin. They both landed in a group of cottonwoods along the stream, but one of them decided they needed to go and inspect another group of trees, so he/she took off. I tried to capture the bird in flight, but he was moving away from me.
This is one of the better shots I got. They may have a nest in the trees just at the end of the driveway, but we are not sure yet. If there are babies, I will get their photos.
One warm day, there were two of these beautiful eagles flying around the cabin. They both landed in a group of cottonwoods along the stream, but one of them decided they needed to go and inspect another group of trees, so he/she took off. I tried to capture the bird in flight, but he was moving away from me.
This is one of the better shots I got. They may have a nest in the trees just at the end of the driveway, but we are not sure yet. If there are babies, I will get their photos.
Photo of the Month of November, 2013
What once were little ducklings this spring have now turned into squawking, quacking adult mallards that are everywhere. There were at least 50 on this little pond one day.
The broods were plentiful this year, and even those broods with 14 or more managed hold onto 11 of their ducklings. There were at least 6 broods of better than 10 when they started. Many of these little guys were so busy scooting around the pond that I never got them all counted.
What once were little ducklings this spring have now turned into squawking, quacking adult mallards that are everywhere. There were at least 50 on this little pond one day.
The broods were plentiful this year, and even those broods with 14 or more managed hold onto 11 of their ducklings. There were at least 6 broods of better than 10 when they started. Many of these little guys were so busy scooting around the pond that I never got them all counted.
Photo of the Month of October, 2013
The leaves are changing, and this little stream is inviting with the low hanging limbs of a variety of colors. This peaceful little stream is a continual water source on the property as it comes down from the mountains. The stream is quiet here, but come spring, it will rush and rage through the property as the snows melt. The more snow that is in the mountains, the harder it is for these banks to hold it all in
The leaves are changing, and this little stream is inviting with the low hanging limbs of a variety of colors. This peaceful little stream is a continual water source on the property as it comes down from the mountains. The stream is quiet here, but come spring, it will rush and rage through the property as the snows melt. The more snow that is in the mountains, the harder it is for these banks to hold it all in
Photo of the Month of September, 2013
Morning Glory. This is the grand hidden jewel of Yellowstone National Park. I had to hike back a mile or so, but there she was ready for me to enjoy the colors and the awesomeness of it.
I had been looking for this the dozen or so times I had gone to the park. I went specifically to see this thermal wonder.
Morning Glory. This is the grand hidden jewel of Yellowstone National Park. I had to hike back a mile or so, but there she was ready for me to enjoy the colors and the awesomeness of it.
I had been looking for this the dozen or so times I had gone to the park. I went specifically to see this thermal wonder.
Photo of the Month of August, 2013
A forest fire in the Hyalite Canyon area developed this large plume of smoke as the fire chewed up the dry and dead pines. Those pines that had been victims of the pine bark beetle were the first to go.
This photo was also on the KBZK news website
A forest fire in the Hyalite Canyon area developed this large plume of smoke as the fire chewed up the dry and dead pines. Those pines that had been victims of the pine bark beetle were the first to go.
This photo was also on the KBZK news website
Photo of the Month of July, 2013
Excuse me, we fell out of the nest too early, and we would appreciate it if someone would be so kind as to fill our face for us.
This little one fell early, and when she did not move, she was carted off to the Raptor Rescue for nursing back to health. I am happy to report, she is doing fine and enjoys spending time in the trees with her mother and brother.
Excuse me, we fell out of the nest too early, and we would appreciate it if someone would be so kind as to fill our face for us.
This little one fell early, and when she did not move, she was carted off to the Raptor Rescue for nursing back to health. I am happy to report, she is doing fine and enjoys spending time in the trees with her mother and brother.
Photo of the Month of June, 2013
Sometimes, at the end of the day, the simple beauty of a sunset is enough to erase any stress that the day brought on. This particular sunset was vibrant and the way the rays of the setting sun reached up through the clouds, high into the sky, captured my attention.
Normally, these sunsets are broadcast across the pond in such vibrant colors that I must get out and see what is setting the pond on fire. This was what awaited me one summer night.
I will always love the big sky sunsets, no matter where I find myself in the future.
Photo of the Month of May, 2013
Well, I am not sure what kind of raptor he is, nor can I tell how old he or she is, but one thing is certain, the mouth was empty, and he would appreciate it very much if someone would fill it for him.
I am not sure where he went or how long he sat on the fence, but I got several photos of him. They were taken inside the house, so the quality was not very good since I was shooting through two panes of glass. None the less, here is my afternoon visitor looking for a handout.
I am not sure where he went or how long he sat on the fence, but I got several photos of him. They were taken inside the house, so the quality was not very good since I was shooting through two panes of glass. None the less, here is my afternoon visitor looking for a handout.
Photo of the Month of April, 2013
In what appears to be handtinted colors, this wonderful reflection was captured at the edge of the pond one night at sunset.
The clouds were over the Bridger Mountains where they were reflecting the sunset that was to the west of them. This reflection was then repeated into the still water of the pond.
Ah, sweet spring.
The clouds were over the Bridger Mountains where they were reflecting the sunset that was to the west of them. This reflection was then repeated into the still water of the pond.
Ah, sweet spring.
Photo of the Month of March, 2013
Spring time in the Yellowstone's Lamar Valley. I saw a lot of wolves, bison and big horn sheep this trip. While I got a lot of those photos, the image of the bison in the snow while they wandered through the valley seemed so real western. I wanted the mountains and the snow in the background.
This is only one photo of many that were the epitome of western art. If I could paint, I would be working on a photo of a bison in the snow.
Photo of the Month of February, 2013
The first warm day and we were off. We headed to Butte, MT to see what we could see, but along the way we stopped for a huge cinnamon roll from Wheat Montana Farms, Inc. in Three Forks, MT. It was the size of a hubcap!
Then we stopped at this state park that has ringing rocks. Pipestone State Park is located along Interstate 90 by Whitehall, MT. The rocks will chime when they are hit with a hammer or anything that can make them ring. They are a geological rarity and there is only one other place like this, and that is in Pennsylvania.
They sound a bit like a pan being hit with a spoon. They have a short sound with no real reverberation. Maybe I will need to go back and take some sheet music with me. I am sure that I could bang out a tune or two.
Then we stopped at this state park that has ringing rocks. Pipestone State Park is located along Interstate 90 by Whitehall, MT. The rocks will chime when they are hit with a hammer or anything that can make them ring. They are a geological rarity and there is only one other place like this, and that is in Pennsylvania.
They sound a bit like a pan being hit with a spoon. They have a short sound with no real reverberation. Maybe I will need to go back and take some sheet music with me. I am sure that I could bang out a tune or two.
Photo of the Month of January, 2013
They say it is because of the dust and dirt in the atmosphere that causes the sunsets to be so brilliant.
The refraction of the light hits the particles and bounces back the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows that can be seen in this sunset. The upper atmosphere was windy as you can see from the distortion of the clouds. The layer of darker purple was a darker area of the coming storm. We were getting ready to have a winter snow storm. Boy, did we get a snow storm!
The refraction of the light hits the particles and bounces back the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows that can be seen in this sunset. The upper atmosphere was windy as you can see from the distortion of the clouds. The layer of darker purple was a darker area of the coming storm. We were getting ready to have a winter snow storm. Boy, did we get a snow storm!
Photo of the Month of December, 2012
The first really great snow of 2012 gave birth to this gorgeous snowy wonderland at the end of the driveway.
It was a photographer's dream as the snow filled trees, fields and mountain tops with white powder. I took off and went up to the east side of the Bridgers and took tons of photos of the snow as it blew off the tops of Ross Peak, Sacajawea and Hardscrabble.
They were skiing in Bridger Bowl, and I got caught in a white whirlwind of snow as it blew from the tops of the pine trees. It was magic!
It was a photographer's dream as the snow filled trees, fields and mountain tops with white powder. I took off and went up to the east side of the Bridgers and took tons of photos of the snow as it blew off the tops of Ross Peak, Sacajawea and Hardscrabble.
They were skiing in Bridger Bowl, and I got caught in a white whirlwind of snow as it blew from the tops of the pine trees. It was magic!
Photo of the Month of November, 2012
One late afternoon, this wild sky exploded all around me.
The fantastic colors, cloud formations and setting sun caused me to drop what I was doing and grab my camera in absolute awe. I kept snapping for 15 minutes, turning around and around and getting all these magnificent shots. There were no bad shots in my camera.
This is one of the cloud formations that took my breath away.
The fantastic colors, cloud formations and setting sun caused me to drop what I was doing and grab my camera in absolute awe. I kept snapping for 15 minutes, turning around and around and getting all these magnificent shots. There were no bad shots in my camera.
This is one of the cloud formations that took my breath away.
Photo of the Month of October, 2012
The Full Hunter's Moon is a time to prepare for winter.
I captured this full moon rising over the pond with a great weathered barn in the distance. The mallards are gathered at the cattail marsh before they begin picking on each other and pairing up.
A Hunter's Moon comes from the Native American tribes who found it easy to find game after all the harvests were in and the leaves were falling from the trees. The game was fattened for the winter and very easy to see as they moved about in their winter preparations.
In addition, the Hunter's Moon is also known as the Blood Moon, Harvest Moon or the Sanguine Moon.
Because this moon was so close to winter, this moon is given greater significance due to the winter festivals and the preparation for winter.
Howl at the moon and enjoy the reflection in the pond.
I captured this full moon rising over the pond with a great weathered barn in the distance. The mallards are gathered at the cattail marsh before they begin picking on each other and pairing up.
A Hunter's Moon comes from the Native American tribes who found it easy to find game after all the harvests were in and the leaves were falling from the trees. The game was fattened for the winter and very easy to see as they moved about in their winter preparations.
In addition, the Hunter's Moon is also known as the Blood Moon, Harvest Moon or the Sanguine Moon.
Because this moon was so close to winter, this moon is given greater significance due to the winter festivals and the preparation for winter.
Howl at the moon and enjoy the reflection in the pond.
Photo of the Month of September, 2012
This month it was tough to choose. Since we had gone on vacation for the first part of the month, there were so many photos from Yosemite, the Sierra Nevadas, northern California and parts of Idaho, that choosing a photo for this month was hard.
I decided upon this barren landscape of an area that maybe many do not know anything about. This is from Craters of the Moon National Park in Idaho. Over 600 miles of flowing lava covered the Idaho landscape. This lava was from beneath the earth and worked its way out through cracks and fissures rather than an exploding cone like Mt. St. Helen's. This lava flow is iridescent and is an amazing sight.
I decided upon this barren landscape of an area that maybe many do not know anything about. This is from Craters of the Moon National Park in Idaho. Over 600 miles of flowing lava covered the Idaho landscape. This lava was from beneath the earth and worked its way out through cracks and fissures rather than an exploding cone like Mt. St. Helen's. This lava flow is iridescent and is an amazing sight.
Photo of the Month of August, 2012
Bear 101.
Not as in how to deal with bears 101, but this is bear 101. She is the 101st grizzly tagged in Yellowstone and lived quite nicely amongst the tourists, rangers and other wildlife in Yellowstone for 20 years. Until someone made a large mistake and 101 learned about garbage, pet food and other foods unhealthy for bears. She also made a mistake and taught her cubs how to forage in the town, which is usually a death sentence for a grizzly.
Instead, she is housed at the Wolf and Grizzly Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. Her cubs are in a good home and both are no longer in danger of being killed for being a danger to humans. 101 had a hard time adjusting to captivity, but the center is very good at taking care of their animals. Since bears naturally forage and hunt for their food, the daily feeding at the center consists of kids working with park workers to hide food throughout the enclosure. This requires the bears to turn over logs, hunt through brush and move rocks to find food. She is magnificent and beautiful and very dangerous.
Photo of the Month of July, 2012
Bald Eagles
These two were on display at Wildlife Prairie Park in Peoria, Illinois when I traveled back for a week of family fun. I dubbed them George and Martha because for some reason they reminded me of the Washingtons. I do not know why they did, but I stand by decision to give them the nickname.
I can see why these magnificent birds are our national bird and other than the fact that turkey is a delightful holiday treat, I see no reason for Franklin's nomination for the turkey as the national symbol.
These two were on display at Wildlife Prairie Park in Peoria, Illinois when I traveled back for a week of family fun. I dubbed them George and Martha because for some reason they reminded me of the Washingtons. I do not know why they did, but I stand by decision to give them the nickname.
I can see why these magnificent birds are our national bird and other than the fact that turkey is a delightful holiday treat, I see no reason for Franklin's nomination for the turkey as the national symbol.
Photo of the Month of June, 2012
Snoopy!
I looked out my window, and Snoopy was bounding over the hill. By the time I grabbed my camera and poked my head around the corner his ears had disappeared, but he still was cute and I thought he made a great photo.
I looked out my window, and Snoopy was bounding over the hill. By the time I grabbed my camera and poked my head around the corner his ears had disappeared, but he still was cute and I thought he made a great photo.
Photo of the Month of May, 2012
Apparently this type of behavior from Sandhill cranes makes them irresistible to the ladies. Accompany all your jumps with loud ear splitting cries and everyone will fall in love with you.
Actually, these guys are some really neat cranes and they were a great surprise to me when I first came to the mountains in the spring. I am used to seeing them nesting in the winters in Florida where they raise their chicks.
I never knew where they went during the rest of the year, so the first time I heard their call, I knew exactly what I was hearing.
While they are residents of the Platte River, they enjoy a migration to Albuquerque where they have an annual festival. In Florida, we don't hold a festival for them, but we really should. They are quite remarkable and quirky birds.
Actually, these guys are some really neat cranes and they were a great surprise to me when I first came to the mountains in the spring. I am used to seeing them nesting in the winters in Florida where they raise their chicks.
I never knew where they went during the rest of the year, so the first time I heard their call, I knew exactly what I was hearing.
While they are residents of the Platte River, they enjoy a migration to Albuquerque where they have an annual festival. In Florida, we don't hold a festival for them, but we really should. They are quite remarkable and quirky birds.
Photo of the Month of April, 2012
I could not believe I was seeing this when it came winging down the headwaters of the Missouri at me, but sure enough, here was not one, but five beautiful white pelicans.
Right there in the bed of the Three Forks, Montana. They were casually floating along the Missouri River headwaters as they merged with the Jefferson River, Madison River and the Gallatin River before heading on their journey to the Mississippi River.
This guy had a fish that he had snagged from the river, which was a lot better than the lady fly fishing upstream from him was doing.
The white pelican apparently travels all over the country and is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. He was the last thing I expected to see when I went to see the landing site of the great Lewis and Clark expedition.
Right there in the bed of the Three Forks, Montana. They were casually floating along the Missouri River headwaters as they merged with the Jefferson River, Madison River and the Gallatin River before heading on their journey to the Mississippi River.
This guy had a fish that he had snagged from the river, which was a lot better than the lady fly fishing upstream from him was doing.
The white pelican apparently travels all over the country and is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. He was the last thing I expected to see when I went to see the landing site of the great Lewis and Clark expedition.
Photo of the Month of March, 2012
The 1950 Ford was the next year of the redesigned 1949 Ford, which generated over $177 million in profits for the Ford Motor Company. These restyled vehicles were in the garages of returning servicemen and their mothers. Over 28 million people wandered into showrooms across the country within three days of the day the 1949 rolled out.
These vehicles are not rare, but even in their excessive popularity, there is still something uniquely proud about the nose of these cars.
While this one watches me from behind barn brush, it still has the character and personality of the good looking car it was in its heyday.
Photo of the Month of February, 2012
5 Partridge in the yard.
Sounds a lot like a CSNY song, but these little guys have taken up residence in the front yard. They are skittish and fly off and about willy nilly if they are startled, but they are extremely social and enjoy moving about as a group.
They appear to be grey partridge and for the longest time, I have called them grouse. No wonder they always looked at me funny.
They do love to hide under the bushes and travel in this little group of five.
Sounds a lot like a CSNY song, but these little guys have taken up residence in the front yard. They are skittish and fly off and about willy nilly if they are startled, but they are extremely social and enjoy moving about as a group.
They appear to be grey partridge and for the longest time, I have called them grouse. No wonder they always looked at me funny.
They do love to hide under the bushes and travel in this little group of five.
Photo of the Month of January, 2012
Within the walls of this historic building in the ghost town of Virginia City, Montana, lies the remains of a hideous fortune telling machine.
The gypsy fortune telling machine is one the last of its kind and it is one that speaks the fortune when you feed it a nickle.
There is a nice write up on the machine on a history site. http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/12601
You can read about the wrangling over the machine by collectors and other people who wish to make money by becoming the owner.
In the meantime, this store front is part of the ghost town of Virginia City, Montana, where I happened to find myself one fine winter day. In addition to the old mining city, the next door neighbor, Nevada City, Montana, is another wonderfully rich ghost town.
The gypsy fortune telling machine is one the last of its kind and it is one that speaks the fortune when you feed it a nickle.
There is a nice write up on the machine on a history site. http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/12601
You can read about the wrangling over the machine by collectors and other people who wish to make money by becoming the owner.
In the meantime, this store front is part of the ghost town of Virginia City, Montana, where I happened to find myself one fine winter day. In addition to the old mining city, the next door neighbor, Nevada City, Montana, is another wonderfully rich ghost town.
