Spotting a Spotted Sandpiper

 

While out at the Salton Sea in California a month or so ago, this lifer for me, a Spotted Sandpiper, came right up to me, ending up about 5 feet away, while on hunting duty. I had to back up to get this shot. This bird was very focused on getting its next meal and didn't give me a second thought. Beautiful bird. 

Salton Sea, California

 

One picture doesn't do it justice as you are driving essentially in a desert and then there is this huge lake, the Salton Sea. I visited it last month and it was quite amazing. It has been shrinking over the century as it was the result of massive flooding in the distant past. I wonder if it will expand some this year with all the rain and snow melt coming? We shall see. This is an important stopover for migrating birds and a wonderful area to visit. 

Oldie but Goodie: White Mountains view

 

This is a favorite shot from way back in 2011 when I attended a conference at the Grand View Resort in New Hampshire, near Mount Washington. That hike almost killed me as I was not ready for it, although I was in my sprightly early 50's. About 4 hours and every step uphill. Luckily, we were able to take the train down as there was no way I was going to make the downhill trek. This view is from the hotel front porch. Has to be on the "go back before it is too late" list. I don't get to New Hampshire much, but this is one trip that is worth repeating!!! 

Cooper's Hawk over for breakfast

 

"Yea, I got a Grackle. What are you going to do about it?" Nothing, I say. Don't care much for the Grackles anyway. Our neighborhood Cooper's Hawk busy at the feeder once again this Spring. Usually it is Mourning Doves but one day last week it was a Grackle on the menu. I don't care for the Grackles much anyway. They are very aggressive at the feeder and chase the other birds away. Well, not this one. Part of life. 

Take A Seat

 

Take a seat. If you have coffee a Tasters Choice moment. 

Spring has Sprung #2

I have a few patches of Daffodils planted around my house but this hillside at Valley Garden Park near Wilmington, Delaware was amazing. Definite sign of spring...that, plus the 80 degree weather outside. Still quite cool in the mornings and evenings so I am not complaining. But Spring came early this year. 

Spring Has Sprung

 

Spring has sprung!!! Our run of unbelievable weather has continued with temps in the 80s in April. April is usually the cruelest month as the calendar tells us it is Spring but often it still feels like winter. This year? Not so much. Today's shot is a cell phone picture taken at the Valley Garden Park near Wilmington, Delaware. Beautiful location in a mostly rural area and evidence of Spring was all around, especially with these cherry blossom trees. 

Song Sparrows are singing

 

The song sparrows are singing. Go out and give a listen. 

One Year from Today

 

One year from today I hope beyond hope that the weather in Illinois is as good as it is today. If so and if my cousin Bob Sawyer is up for it once again, I hope to be at his farm in southern Illinois to see darkness in the middle of the day. His house happens to sit on the center line of the eclipse back in 2017 which went from Oregon to South Carolina and now in 2024 the eclipse from Mexico into Canada. Quite amazing. I am sure Bob is going to ask when he can step out of his house and see another eclipse on his property. Might be centuries. Not sure. So, we need this next one to be another good one. 

Elevator Shot

 

We got on an elevator and had this beautiful mirror so what do you do? Whip out the phone for a quick family shot. Once again, with no coaching, got a nice pose. 

Colorful Candies

 

A box full of chocolate candies. Don't eat them all at once.