An Autumn Afternoon's Black Phoebe

 

“There is something beautiful about autumn that makes things more beautiful. Out of all the seasons, it is the most honest about time. Summer and spring blind you to its passing with their colorful displays. Winter paints over everything in white. But autumn is not shy about things coming to an end. It welcomes it, waving leafy flags of red, yellow, and gold. It celebrates its sadness.” Hana Ishikawa”

 
― Samantha Sotto Yambao,

  Water Moon

 

That cute little bird is a Black Phoebe. It's one of the first birds I learned about after taking up birding as a hobby/way of life. Years ago, when I had the small cottage in the East Bay, I had one that liked to visit my yard, but I didn't know at that time what it was, it wasn't until I moved the San Joaquin Valley, that I had them permanently in my yard. Watching them delighted me. They are terrific little flyers, who hover at times over their meals. They are brave too. I watch one chase off a large Scrub Jay, when it came too close to invading it's home.  Phoebes are in much greater numbers, then they were in the East Bay, so it's delightful to get to see them every day. I enjoy them very much!

 

   

Saturdays With The Cranes

 

“It looked like the world was covered

 in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.” 

 
~Sarah Addison Allen,

  First Frost

 

I love the Sandhill crane for so many reasons, but while my photographers hat is on, I have to say my favorite thing about them is how they seem to stop in midair as they are about to land. I love watching them come in. Can you stand me saying one more time that I LOVE them for every possible reason on this earth? Sorry, I am going to keep saying it, because it's autumn and I am in love!

 

The Ducks Of Victory Park

"In November, some birds move away and some birds stay. The air is full of good-byes and well wishes. The birds who are leaving look very serious. No silly spring chirping now. They have long journeys and must watch where they are going. The staying birds are serious, too, for cold times like ahead. Hard times. All berries will be treasures."

~Cynthia Rylant

In November

It's November 1st, and it's about 1:30 AM, and as I sit here typing this post, I am absolutely freezing! Summer's hold on autumn is definitely gone, which I couldn't be happier about, but my goodness, when the cold weather turns really fast, like it did this week, it makes me grateful for warm sweaters, hot tea, pie, and warm days like the one you see in the photo! The picture is of Victory Park, here in Stockton, and it was what I think will be the last day of truly warm weather. It was the kind of day when you didn't really need a sweater, but there was just enough of a chill in the air to remind you to get your autumn and winter clothes out, and put your short sleeve blouses away! 

Anyway, I went to the park to photograph the beautiful rose garden they have there, and I did do a few photos, but I ended up spending most of my time, photographing the inhabitants of the crystal clear duck pond on the right side of the park. There were more ducks in the park than I remembered being there on my first visit last year! Bigger ones too, and they were making quite a ruckus, they wanted my attention! They must have been used to folks taking their photographs, because a few of them were definitely mugging for the camera! I enjoyed my visit with them very much, and it felt good to photograph some wildlife. I love finding new birds, and while I had seen a few of this variety before, it's always nice getting in some quality time photographing an active subject! 

It was a nice afternoon.

The Mallards

The Moscovy Ducks

So beautiful. And just look at that late afternoon autumn light!

#41 Leaf Of The Day

November 1st, 2018

Photographed October 21st, 2018

Ione, California

~Mood: Happy/Quiet
~Me

 

Paradise On Earth

"We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they're called dreams."

-Jeremy Irons

Yesterday, was a very long day, but a very good one. It rained very early in the morning, but by mid-afternoon, it was bright, warm and sunny. It was the kind of day that made it impossible to be in a bad mood, and finding this pretty little skipper butterfly, only made it better. I know my blog has been a bit floral heavy lately, but my goodness, isn't that what the summer is for? Flowers and sunshine, and beautiful little butterflies, just floating by. Golden Gate Park in summer... now that is paradise on earth! :)

-OndineMonet
"Little Skipper"
Golden Gate Park
Dahlia Garden
San Francisco, California
July 18, 2007
Afternoon