Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Canada Geese Fighting


Some Canada Geese got into a skirmish.  In addition to the wings flapping and heads butting, there was also plenty of honking from those gathered around.  It reminded me a lot of Junior High days.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Geese morning take-off


Yesterday, the Canada Geese were were off on a morning flight from the pond at Bassett Creek Park. Watching and hearing the Canada Geese take off from the pond is always interesting.  Prior to take off they often starting honking more frequently, then seemingly in unison, with a few of their friends, they begin beating their wings, running on the water, and then gradually it is up, up and away they go.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Turtles on a log


Painted turtles were enjoying a wonderfully mild evening, soaking in the warmth and fall colors.

Friday, September 26, 2014

Egret wading into fall


A Great Egret was wading into the fall colors yesterday evening.  The trees are just now beginning to turn into their fall colors.  In a week or so things will really be vibrantly colored with yellows, reds and every shade in between.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Monday, September 22, 2014

Sunday, September 21, 2014

On the pond's banks



 

There is a lot going on by the edge of the pond this time of year.  Many bees are still buzzing around the blooming plants.

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Northern Shoveler and Heron


Northern Shovelers are visiting the pond before migrating south. They winter in California; coastal Louisiana, Texas, and Mexico; and the north and central highlands of Mexico.  Some have even found their way as far south as Trinidad.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Great Blue Heron Profile


A Great Blue Heron found a spot on a log to do some early morning preening and contemplation.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Caterpillar and milkweed


A monarch caterpillar was enjoying time on some milkweed yesterday afternoon. It is preparing to move into the next stage, chrysalis.  After a couple of weeks it will then emerge as a butterfly.  You can read more about the stages of the Monarch's life cycle on the web at Monarch Watch


Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Photo Bombers

After a few very early morning showers it was beautiful in the park.  However it seemed where ever I went to take a photograph I was photo bombed by one sort of waterfowl or another.





Monday, September 15, 2014

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Fog on the pond


A brisk morning of 38 degrees created beautiful fog over the pond at Bassett Creek Park yesterday morning.


Saturday, September 13, 2014

Climate change and values

This morning in the park
Last night on Moyers and Company Katharine Hayhoe, an extremely bright and articulate evangelical Christian and scientist, helped to explain why so many of her religious background are denying the impact of human activity on climate change.  She felt, and I agree, that the primary reason was that if you concede that humans are negatively impacting the environment, and in a big way, the solution requires government intervention. Many conservatives believe in small government, and so simply choose to deny the reality of climate change.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Yellow Rose


"What a pity flowers can utter no sound? 
- A singing rose, a whispering violet, a murmuring honeysuckle 
- oh, what a rare and exquisite miracle would these be!"  
                                                                                    - H. W. Beecher 

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Swamp Milkweed


The swamp milkweed, a favorite of butterflies and bees, is seeding out. It is preparing for the seasons ahead.