Eye Catching Colors, Green and Red. Wonderful colors of Christmas as well. I see roses in bloom down here in the south still and the palm leaves are such a vibrant green. Especially when the sun is shinning through them. It amazes me to see flowers in bloom here in November.
I am so used to seeing snow this time of year, so to see all this color right now is heart warming to say the least. He promises He will water the seeds we plant and bring them to life.
Hot Sand Hot Sand, or just doing a little dance. It is a very windy day and the sand is blowing giving these photos a nice whitish background. The birds don’t seem to mind the sand blowing, but the salt spray tends to leave a sticky residue on your glasses, cameras and skin.
She Blends Right In, there is a small lake in the campground we are at which is the home to this one alligator. When the sun is shinning in the late evenings, it blends right in to its surroundings as the cover photo. This is our first sighting of an alligator.
They are such a strange looking animal, I was wondering what they eat, especially in this small isolated pond. There are lots of turtles swimming all around it. So I am guessing if it is hungry enough that would make a meal.
There is a board walk over looking the pond, that is where I am standing looking down on it. I will put photos on tomorrow of the pond itself. The reflections are mezmerizing in the late afternoons.
For the Love of Pelicans, who’s bills hold more then their bellies can. 😉
The two pelicans species I have photographed here in the mid west. The Great White Pelicans and the Brown Pelicans. Yesterday I talked about the difference in their size.
They do look similar with their actions and how they hold their heads. But,
The White Pelican has the largest wing span reaching 108 inches across. Their wings are beautiful and uniform which makes them glidge effortlessly above. They swim on the water and catch their fish by scooping them up in their bills.
The brown pelican is made for speed and diving. Their wings spans are shorter, their feathers on the wings are ragged and torn.
Because, they dive sometimes from as high as 60 feet. Air sacs beneath the skin on their breasts act like cushions. Also, while diving, a pelican rotates its body ever so slightly to the left. This rotation helps avoid injury to the esophagus and trachea, which are located on the right side of the bird’s neck.
This is how a Brown Pelican catches food, diving in head first. They can’t be all pretty and preened when nose diving all day for food.
I am back in my favorite place, where I can see the Brown Pelicans everyday. Those of you who have seen my blog post from way back know that I have photographed a lot of the Great White Pelicans and I photographed them in Iowa of all places. But the brown pelicans are only found down south on the ocean waters.
The biggest difference between the two types of Pelicans is the color of course and then their size. The White pelicans have a wing span of 108″ and the Brown pelicans have a 78 inch wing span. I will show the difference on tomorrow’s post.
Deep Thoughts by Darren the Heron, My Heart Will Go On as I stand here alone on this beach, looking out over the water wondering where she went.
Play the video at the end and then look at the pictures again. That is what I was thinking when I first saw Darren the Heron standing alone on the beach looking out over the ocean.
I Am the One that created you, I gave you my life, my breath within you. I gave you words within you to raise yourself from the dead to become like us.
I am the One who gave you hands, to use your talents to create life around you.
Then He left; I heard His voice in the silence of my heart.
Blue Heron on Vacation, one thing about the birds when you get down by the ocean is, they are not to afraid of people. So they stand right next to you which is great for photo opts. You will find them near people especially if they have a fishing pole in their hands, looking for a easy meal.
Abstract Art in Nature , nature has a way of creating its own abstract art when you look really close. Shadows and light, lines and patterns and color to top it off.
A Rose By Any Other Name, The importance of a person or thing is the way it is; not because of what it is called.
A name is just a label to distinguish one thing from another. It neither has any worth, nor gives true meaning. Only an individual or thing has a worth when it deserves it; for example, even if we call a rose by an entirely different name, it would smell the same as it does by its name “rose.”
Let the mist of your breath come across my face and wash the dust from my eyes. Let your hands help me stand up. So that I may stand in your presence.
Harvest Time in the Mid West, as we left Iowa on our journey south. I had to take some photos of the daisies growing in the ditches along the country roads of. An abundance of food for the little insects during this time of year and of course what is Iowa if one does not stop and take photos of the tall ornamental grasses around the lakes and Corn. Lots and lots of corn.
The Old Become New Again, I love photographing bridges. The architecture alone is quite impressive on these massive bridges that not only are a way of transportation across rivers, but they also remind me of adventure, what is on the other side. A thought of keep moving and learning cross my mind when I see bridges.
This bridge below is the Centennial Bridge in Davenport Iowa, crossing over the Mississippi River, very old but so pretty at night with all its lights on.
This bridge is new, up river from the first bridge. New design and look compared to the architecture of old.
As we travel south, there will be a few bridges to cross I am sure. As like this one in Illinois.
But as always, adventure awaits after every bridge crossed.
Circle the Wagons, that is my thought when I was watching these 4 egrets walking in a circle in the river. Or perhaps they were playing Duck Duck Goose, if anyone remembers that game from our childhood. I wonder if kids play games like that outside anymore. Ring around the Rosie, Hop Scotch, Annie Annie Over. All great games when I was a youngster.
These four Egrets are just fishing and the second photo is 4 Geese flying overhead with gorgeous blue sky in the background.
The Mississippi River, we are back along the Mississippi River. It has been awhile since we camped along the river. A bit muggy this time of year, but always something to see.
The Prairie Fields of Iowa at sunset, as we travel south we stopped at a beautiful park in the mid west, with plenty of tall grass blowing in the wind. Just a touch of whispering clouds in front of blue sky’s as the soft orange glow of the sunset meets the horizon.
Diving Head First into a New Adventure this weekend. It is my birthday weekend, I am turning the big 60 years old. A year ago I picked where I wanted to be on my 60th birthday and these photos will give you a little hint. . But this adventure does not end with just a weekend. 60 is the new 30, we are never to old to make our dreams come true, faith and trust.
Of course a lot has happened over this past year and I never write my plans in stone. One never knows if tomorrow will come, I take one day at a time and enjoy it to the fullest.
So I am going to say; Have a wonderful weekend a little early today.
Mirror Image Has Flaws, Our Creator gives us two choices and both choices have consequences….Life and Good or death and evil.
Our will is directing our actions. If we will to not hear God, but are drawn away (listen to lies), then we actually “Will”, to hear something other than God.
The Will is a Tool. It’s function is to choose. With every choice we grow in force of character. Depending on what we WILL to do, will shape our character.
Under His Wings Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Red Squirrel and Its Cousins, before the year is up I had to put a few of my favorite squirrel photos up again. Anyone who might know Mr. Ohh, knows how much he loves these little guys. They always make his day. 😉
The Young Eagle This beautiful young eagle has been visiting our place lately. He is very noticeable just from his size alone. Even hidden in the shade of these trees, his silhouette is quite breathtaking when I notice him on the branch of this aspen tree.
The plumage of juvenile and immature bald eagles shows a good deal of variation. In fact, immature bald eagle plumages are among the most complicated and difficult to classify among North American birds.
