Cedar Waxwing /
This colorful bird usually is found in flocks stripping berries off a tree or a bunch of bushes. This one posed royally near a trail in Virgina’s Blue Ridge Parkway.
Colorful /
Kayaks and canoes waiting for renters at a small lake near Raleigh, NC
RDA /
A Delta jet lifts off one evening from Raleigh Durham Airport in Raleigh, NC.
Well, since we are at Arlington... /
This is the eternal flame at JFK’s grave, the Arlington House (nee Lee Mansion) in the background and the flag at half-mast on a Memorial Day.
Silence /
All you hear at the Tomb of the Unknowns are the steps and arms process of the guard. And don’t upset the guard by being less than respectful. Really don’t!
Yacht Club /
A lovely trio of desserts at the Yacht Club in Disney Springs. Chocolate waffles with different syrups, whipped cream, chocolate shards. Excellent treat from long ago. A post I found in the “drafts” and not posted when written.
Sunday Post: Photo is from a monument in Georgia, I think! /
Gear /
I posted the tower stairs of the Martin Van Buren house in Kinderhook, NY earlier this week. This was some of his fishing gear. He tied the lures. Fly fishing in the steam on his farm was he favorite activity and engaged in doing so a lot.. He also walked to the Potomac when he was President and could be found there many mornings. A bit different than today!
A Hot Time in the Ol Park Tonight /
The Grand Prismatic pool at Yellowstone National Park
CIA /
Yes, the Culinary Institute of America/s art installation in Hyde Park, NY. Wonderful food at several restaurants run by their students.
Tower Stairs /
The Martin Van Buren house in Kinderhook, NY has a square tower that provides a unique look to an 18th century home. Our eighth President was the first one born as a US citizen and loved his home, his gardens and his books. Leaving them even for a short time was a trial for him. Great tour at this site. The house is built on the Albany to NYC road so it was a frequent stop for many famous politicians and a few not so famous. Washington Irving also once lived here as a tutor to the Van Buren children.
Two More Orca Photos /
Missed these when I posted the week of large animal. So, two more orca shots.
Sunday Post: Photo is from Alaska of Denali partially obscured by the clouds. /
Stealth Bird Week .6 /
This is a Horned Lark. This is not a very rare bird and can often be found on wide open fields like at an airport or large farm fields. Except for me. I tried to see one of this birds for years. Went to places where they were common or just seen in the spot, nothing. Finally, I was in a parking lot next to a large wildflower filed in Missouri when I spotted this fellow singing his heart out. Since then I have seen them two or three times but still a very stealthy bird - for me.
Stealth Bird Week .5 /
Another semi-common bird in certain areas but hard to see is today’s selection, a Savannah Sparrow. From sources: the Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) is a small New World sparrow that is the only member of the genus Passerculus. It is a widespread and abundant species that occupies open grassland habitats in North America. This one was photographed in the Yukon, Canada on the edge of a trail. The are 17 variations of this bird depending on its locale.
Stealth Bird Week .4 /
This tiny bird is a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. I photographed this one along a trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway. They like to flit through the undergrowth and thick shrubs so a clear shot is a good experience. The trail was along a lake and bordered by lots of rhododendron.
Stealth Bird Week .3 /
This beautiful Raven was photographed on the island of Sitka in Alaska. We were on a hike and across a stream this raven was perched on a tree looking intently at something. He was still there as we pushed on up the trail.
Stealth Bird Week .2 /
Another bird found in Denali National Park, the Willow Ptarmigan. This is summer coloration but in the winter it is almost entirely white. Occasionally called the Willow Grouse it is one of the strangest calls of any bird I have heard. I was thrilled to see this new species for me several times in Alaska. I would like to see one in the winter, unfortunately that would mean that it is also cold.
Stealth Bird Week (Don't tell Dennis - he won't notice until Thursday) /
Going through shots from Alaska and Florida - I am engaged in cleaning up, re-labeling and processing overlooks photos. I started with 2019 which includes the trip to Alaska and two to Florida so lots of birds. Hence 2026’s second and most welcome Bird Week. First up a beautiful little “understory” bird the Swainson Thrush. This bird was photographed in the eastern edge of Denali National Park.
