People have been requesting a little mystery. This one is a throwback from some pictures I took for the purpose back in May.
As usual, clicking on the image will enlarge it so you can search more carefully.
Oh, and don't stop with just one... :)
People have been requesting a little mystery. This one is a throwback from some pictures I took for the purpose back in May.
Oh, and don't stop with just one... :)
After a recent rain, Piper and I discovered a young flicker taking advantage of the water captured in the top of an old wine barrel. He watched us watching him get a drink.
Piper and I encountered a porcupine while out on the trail. It was shimmying down a tree not far off the path.
I always enjoy keeping an eye on the creatures visiting my back yard.
Finally, this gray squirrel is taking full advantage of the low hanging bird bath. She's being so well mannered as she slakes her thirst.
Piper is frightened by all the cannons going off in the vineyards to keep the birds from eating the ripening grapes, so we've been sticking closer to home. There's always something to watch and enjoy, though. :)
The last time I went down to the family homestead to pick beans and tomatoes and otherwise puddle around in the gardens, the zinnias were absolutely glorious.
They were amazing while they lasted, though!
This time of year is always bittersweet. I love the crisp air, clear skies and autumnal colors.
I love it when the trail cameras capture the candid antics of various creatures wandering around on the family property.
Queen Anne's Lace, that is.
These amazing and unique beauties are in full splendor these days. Each blossom has its own special design and character. The one above has a brilliant red center standing out against the lacy white petals.
But, this one is a deer.
...Killdeer, that is.
I love their markings. I have a feeling that one of these will eventually become a carving. They're just too striking to resist. :)
It's a chipmunk this time! This busy little critter has been stuffing its face and storing food for winter just as fast as its legs can carry it to and from its nesting area.
I've been busy with family stuff again and have fallen way behind in ... well, just about everything.
Sparrows might be plain brown birds to some people, but I find them quite delightful, with markings and habits that make them anything but plain.
Any birding experts or enthusiasts out there that can help me pin a name on this little cutie? It's a small bird - I'd say in the 5-6 inch range.
Usually, when I try to catch a picture of a bufflehead duck, I get a ripple of waves.
There will soon be baby bunnies racing around the neighborhood.
Piper wasn't the only one entranced by her efforts. We watched for a long time and Madame Cottontail finally hopped off into the underbrush to burrow in for the baby bunny birth.
The morel mystery had quite a few sharp eyed readers. Nice hunting!
Also, I mentioned a morel print I had made a few years ago and mushroom lovers seemed to want to see it, so I pulled it out and took a picture.
I apologize that it's not a perfectly squared up picture. I tried to photograph it from straight on, but didn't manage to get it quite right. Anyway, it gives you a pretty good idea. I wanted to have the morels just a little bit hidden the same way they are in the wild, so they're tucked into the leaf duff, grass and twigs. It was a fun and challenging carve. :)