Canada Goose

"I've always marveled that geese can feel a call stirring, rise on hardy wings to engage it, and without contemplation, compass or map complete the feat. And could it be that they achieve this astounding accomplishment because far too often contemplation, compass or map rob the call by sterile analysis when we should liberate the call through expectant obedience."

~Craig D. Lounsbrough

Victory Park, here in Stockton, is easily one of the most beautiful parks I have ever visited. It's not surprising, as the Haggin Museum sits right in the middle, as does a fairly large rose garden. I visited there for the first time in a couple years ago, just to sit for a while, get some air, and shake off the day. It was really nice, and not even the smokey air could spoil it. I got in some photography time, and there were plenty of birds to inspire me. I didn't see any Muscovy ducks this time, like I did in 2018, but there were plenty of ducks, swans and Canadian geese! The only thing that disappoints me is the orange color on most if not all of my photos. The wildfires have turned everything slightly orange. It feels like we won't have clean air until winter when the rain comes, but I know its just me wishing things were different. As Ommy used to say...

"... and this too shall pass."

New Leaves...

And the leaves continue to turn beautiful colors and fall,

 and if I have that, all may not be perfect in the world,

 but it's damn close.

More About Canada Geese

 

~Carly

September 16th 2020

Stockton, California

 

 

Nuttall's Woodpecker

"Say the truth again and again so that the tedious can grip it.

 Say the truth again and again in the speed of drilling

 in the tree trunks by woodpeckers beak."

~Unknown

Vacation begins in just a little less than a month, so it is time to get in some practice with the camera, and Friday was my first day to get on it. Because of the thick smoke, I couldn't be out as long as I wanted to be, unfortunately, but while I was out I made the most of it. I found some new leaves by Humphrey's College, and this great, Nuttall's Woodpecker, hugging a tree in Victory Park. Well, actually Alan spotted him first, and then shared with me. I wouldn't have seen him at all, if it had just been me, he blended with the tree really well, and his red crown was not as bright as I have seen on other birds. This was also the smallest woodpecker I have ever seen, but it sure is a beauty. It's just under 7 inches long, and has a slender body. I only managed a couple shots of him, before he was on his way across the park. He's an interesting little creature, see the link below if you would like to learn about him. I usually wait until it's officially autumn before I do posts about birds, but in that I found a new one, I suppose it's close enough. I'm happy. So far things are off to a good start for this year.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 

All About Birds 

~Carly

September 14th 2020

Stockton, California

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

 

Autumn And My Friend The Duck

"Rest your eyes well before September

 because with all it's colors autumn is coming to visit them!"

~Mehmet Murat ildan

Another look, at the time we spent in Victory Park last Sunday. The fountain to the left side of the museum, made an already stunning landscape, all the more charming, and the beautiful ducks that were alternating between swimming and sunning themselves, brought it all together, to make for the best autumn afternoons I have had all season! I wish I had that day back right now because, to be truthful, I could live in that day for the rest of my life, at least that's how I feel right now, but who wouldn't want to live in a warm day in autumn, filled with every color imaginable, a slight coolness to the air and delightful wildlife to share it with? 

My new duck friend looks pretty happy!

#12 Leaf Of The Day

December 12th 2017

Berkeley, California

Mood: Happy
~Me :)