Bus stop

Shadow Shot Sunday

Waterplay

It's finally warm enough for some waterplay!

The Weekend in Black and White

Mirror, mirror on the...lawn?

I noticed this odd mirrored post at the edge of a neighbor's yard and had to photograph it!

Weekend Reflections

Slide Shadow

Shadow Shot Sunday2

Summer in the back yard means lots of shadow play.

1928 Chrysler, in black and white

The weekend in Black and White

1928 Chrysler

Our neighbor Mike has known this car since he was born and acquired it from the original owner. It has 49,000 miles on it! He used to sit in it when he was a little kid and dream about driving it.

Weekend Reflections

Study in Blue Shadow

Shadow Shot Sunday2

I love colored shadows. Yesterday morning the sun through the cottage window played with a blue glass sitting on the table and made some exquisite shadows on the floor. I expanded on the theme and added a couple more blue items - and Liza had to get into the act too.

Painted turtles

Painted turtles at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

Weekend Reflections

Osprey in black and white

Taken at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

The weekend in Black and White

Empty Nest

After watching the bushtit nest for weeks, the dramatic climax happened so fast I would have missed it if I hadn't been glued to my spot. I have no idea how many were in the nest - I only saw one fledge.  I spotted a little beak at the nest opening on a Sunday and on Monday they were all gone. Apparently once they leave the nest, they don't return, unlike some other birds (and teenagers).

First peek at a beak

It's a boy! 

The parents' behavior changed the last couple of days, especially Dad's. He came to the nest frequently but without food. He chattered at the babies, no doubt telling them to get out and find a job!

And he's out of the nest. Here's Waldo!

Telling Mom he still expects her to feed him! 

And she obliges, for now.

Stretching his wings.

Shortly after this he flew into the nearby walnut tree. I didn't see him again. 

The parents are refreshing the nest it seems, so there will probably be another family this summer. Since they don't have to rebuild from scratch - an almost two month process - the turnaround should be fairly quick.

Proof we have sun, sometimes

Shadow Shot Sunday2

Morning sun creates a fun shadow on the floor. 

Toy Shadows

Shadow Shot Sunday2

Wooden toys make the best shadows!