Yellow!

The colors of spring arrived early!  Bursts of yellow are everywhere! 
Here's a close look at my favorite: " 'Sythia" (as I so lovingly dubbed it a long time ago.)



A very inviting place:

A Pair of Bald Eagles - Think Outside the Next

I couldn't resist spending a few minutes at a bald eagles' nest again today.

The family was home ~ one bird outside the nest, perched on a nearby branch, the other inside the nest with the young eagles.

The eagle outside the nest flew to another spot where it remained for quite some time.

Always cool to see these birds.



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Mallards

It's very rare that I see any sign of life on this particular pond.  However, the other day, while driving past it, it was different.  This pair of mallards swam about and seemed to be enjoying their private pond.

Swamp Things ("Ribbit!")

The other night this little guy was hopping across our front lawn.  I got down on the ground, my belly matching his in relation to the earth, and snapped a few pictures.

Afterwards, I got to thinking....  since the Peepers are now peeping and that toad was doing it's spring thing, the swamp must be a pretty hoppin' place!  I put on my boots and went down to a swampy place by the river and spent the afternoon trying to catch a few frogs (in my lens.)  I was successful in finding some!  Most plopped into the water as I approached, but these two didn't seem to mind my presence, although they kept a watchful eye on my the entire time.

Things flying overhead kept distracting me, in a delightful way!  ...Like this pair of Great Blue Herons:

...and this Red-Tailed Hawk, that circled closer and closer to me!!  Yikes!!

...and these new buds, swaying gently from a warm spring breeze.

The river, running especially low, looked refreshingly cool nonetheless, and was a nice diversion.

I was happy to see vegetation finally beginning to sprout!  Probably not as happy as bears, who rely on this to kick-start their internal system that had been slowed during the winter months, and other hungry animals!

Today's post is dedicated to Derek Connor, who'll soon be taking (and making!) his own outdoor adventure.
                                  Our conversation today was another delightful and welcomed diversion!


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Hooray! Happy Spring!

Weekend Photo Diary - Sunday - From Gray to Blue

The day started out as foggy as yesterday.  Hilly scenes in the distance appeared enchanted.

I never knew that geese stick out their tongues when they come in for a landing!  These geese held my attention for some time.  I enjoyed their frolicking and also the composure and serenity they bring to a scene as they glide across the pond.

Love birds!

Going back to the car to get something, I noticed a pair of Eastern Bluebirds on the fenceposts.

The male turned to give me a better look at his brilliantly-colored feathers.

After all the walking I did, up and down big hills, I fell asleep.  I  took a nap under the warm sun.  I was roused by the sound of voices being carried over the lake.  A fellow photographer was in conversation with a fisherman.  After my nose began getting sunburn, it was time to go home.

Weekend Photo Diary - Saturday - From Feet to Pheasant

Baby feet.  They were definitely a highlight of my weekend.

Once the morning fog lifted Saturday morning, this red-winged blackbird was the first thing that caught my attention.

Although not as precious as 'baby feet', this swan's foot impressed me nonetheless!  No wonder they're such fast swimmers!

Seeing these red buds reminded me that the official start of spring is only days away!

I just love this portrait of a Canada Goose.

And this....

"Hello there!"

There is a Bald Eagle in this nest.

This Ring-Necked pheasant surprised me when it popped out onto the road right in front of me!

Of course I got out of my car for a closer look.  I just love the colors and patterns on this bird's feathers.