Juvenile Cooper's Hawk

This is a really, really, really, really, really, really poor photo of a juvenile Cooper's Hawk. Yesterday, my road trip buddy, Carroll, and I ran away to the Dam in search of pelicans and other fun waterfowl. The water was filled with the ubiquitous cormorants and gulls, but only one white pelican far away near the other shore. In leaving we spied this small hawk perched on the bridge railing. Carroll crept up slowly in the car and I shot from the passenger side but every shot was blurred. We suspect her Honda Pilot windshield has some coating that made the blurriness as it simply cannot be due to my ineptness...surely! Yes, the stabilizer was on. Yes, the settings were correct. Yes, I was excited...but still. Drat! However, as bad as the photos turned out the experience of seeing this little guy was reason enough for celebration. Don't you just love those little, tiny, ordinary miracles? Hawks rock.

Honey, I'm home!

I know what you're thinking. What IS that, and why on earth is that my photo today? Well, okay, I was in Arizona, true. However, besides my early morning walks I only got out of the house once or twice, and only then to gently stroll to a little park down the road with Linda where she insisted I'd see wildlife. Once, we saw swans sleeping far across the little lake but not close enough or interesting enough with which to bother, and any other reported wildlife was elsewhere. Therefore, we sat on a pier watching the water and I shot whatever floated by, which in this case is a beat up orange. Strangely, I like this photo. Maybe it's just the colors.

My sister-in-law is doing great and I thank each and every one of you for your nice comments and caring e-mails. Being with her through the initial stages of healing following her mastectomy meant a great deal to me and to her. As with such things she had some very low moments, but her optimistic nature has kicked in and she's just doing fantastic.

I arrived home just in time for the inauguration of our 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, and the Vice President, Joe Biden. Our joy was shared with a handful of good friends in our home, complete with champagne to toast the President and First Lady.

Today finds me filled with joy and optimism as our country begins its own healing. It's a Brand New Day.

Brief Hiatus

Hi gang. I'll be taking a brief hiatus from blogging while attending to a family member's needs after surgery. Fortunately, my trip will include my beloved state of Arizona but it's doubtful I'll have time go to travel about and shoot cool images. I'll post when I can, but in the meantime please enjoy this photo I took at Wheeler Wildlife Refuge and a quote from one of my favorite naturalist.

I'll Be Back sometime after the 20th of January. (that's a promise, not a threat - LOL!) Be good, be safe, be creative and loving. I will miss you all.

We interrupt this travelogue for a special announcement...

Carroll and I were just remarking what a perfect eagle day it is today. Gray skies, calm waters. Our theory is that on sunny days reflections off the waters must hurt their sensitive eagle eyes. Whatever the reason, calm, gray days seem to bring them out. I had heard there was an eagle perching in our trees yesterday but I missed him. Walking toward the windows overlooking the lake this morning I noticed a huge, brown blob in a nearby oak tree. The eagle. Blue Jays were nervously darting at him but he didn't pay them any attention. I captured his image a few times before he flew away. I'm a happy gal.

Sandhill Cranes, Part 2

Simply sharing more photos from the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge outing. Above, a Great Blue Heron nicely blends in with the landscape and reflections.

Mr. and Mrs. Northern Shoveler

Common Goldeneye

Sandhill Cranes landing. Strong, gusting winds made this quite a show.

Landing among friends.

Flock landing.

My mom watching the cranes in the observation building.