Big birds!
Here are two pictures shot from a recent stop in Bothell, Washington (north of Seattle). I, and friends birdwatched through a dense and swampy wildlife sanctuary near the Kenmore Park and Ride bus Station.
Here we have: a bald eagle (above), and some blue herons in a nest (below).
– Orion T
I believe this is a White-Crowned Sparrow. I observed it chirping high on a small tree in a local Seattle park.
No filter, no edit spur of the moment shot by me. I really like this particular still.
– Orion T
A small seal I saw, off the shores of the Seattle city.
I knew those slippery mammals were out there in the Eliot Bay waters, but rarely ever see one. This sighting was near the rocks at Myrtle Edwards park.
And, I think it saw me. It quickly ducked below the water after this quick pic. The Seattle seals seem to be a shy sort, or perhaps they also have that Seattle Freeze attitude..
Seagulls can be intense..
Especially towards each other, like in the following situation. What appeared to be one gull capturing a small bit of grass or something in its beak led to some escalation. Another gull apparently tried to take that away, as other birds cheered (or acted as referees). It was hard to tell what was really going on, as I am not much of an ornithologist. Still, interesting to observe…
– Orion T
Just a shot with my favorite little lens, the EF 50 mm for my Canon Rebel. I love it for the focus on the small details, and a challenge to use. The Seattle Space Needle was kind of unintentional in an earlier try, but looked again and thought…okay. I will get the structure in, but this beautiful flower is still the star of the show.
Vashon Island is a magnificent escape for anyone wanting a good step outside from that busy work week.
You can visit the island, southwest of Seattle. The trip is easy and cheap by ferryboat from the nearby lands. For nature lovers, this is a paradise of many options and places to go. Not all could be covered in a short visit here. I chose the Fisher Pond, a mile west of the small town of Vashon within the center of the island. I spent much time in town (which will be covered in another post), and had only a few hours until the last bus to the duck would go back.So with local advice, I went there for a few hours.
So, here are some pictures taken, mostly from the Fisher Pond Trail surrounding the pond…
On the way to to the pond trail on Bank Road. The walk was about two miles, very peaceful with views like this between the houses..
The trail itself, pretty short compared to the time it took to get here. Most do the time spent here was in being still taking pictures and reading short stories.
Just a cool shot of some leaves. I trying for a small bird just beyond the leaves, but was a little late.
There were many of dragonflies fluttering about. This I think (based on a Google search) is a blue damselfly.
One of may birds you can hear chirping about on the trail. I wish I was good at taking pictures of birds, as they are hard to locate. Also, I also wish I could identify them better. Maybe on my next library visit, I will look more into this..
Another small red bird, enjoying a little sunshine..
Another bue damselfly, I believe
Fisher Pond itself, covered with leaves and pollen…I think.
A little caterpillar, crawling around. I took this picture with my iPad mini, after failing to get these awesome details with my Canon Rebel T3i. I stayed next to me for quite some time on a bench overlooking the pond. I felt a had a little friend for that time..
Another blue damselfly, I believe. These things fluttered in small groups by the pond.
An odd arrangement, one of many noticeable’ along side the outer area of the trail. Some were much longer, some bent. This one was shorter, but sweet in its presentation. I was unsure if these are natural in design, or some man-made manipulation. But either way, I think is pretty cool.
An old chair in the distance, by Bank Road. I wonder when the last time someone sat upon that chair. Now, I think it’s work is done and has been left here to retire..
Another countryside view, on my way back to the small town of Vashon.
– Orion T
For the moment, Sam Squirrel was carefree, and cracking yet another shell. Inside, another nut to enjoy.
Sam would take time, processing the meaning of life in every bite. This was a good reward for all the leaping and dashing Sam was born to do.
But wait..Squirrel Sense is tingling!!
Time for this Secret Agent Ninja Squirrel to take cover.. Danger is sensed, or another nut…both are equally exciting and impossible to tell apart.
– Orion T
“Nuts? What nuts? There are no nuts here”
And then, Sam Squirrel scuttled back up the nearby tree.
– Orion T
Happy Earth Day!
And so goes all the good messages about planting trees, recycling, putting some extra through on how we converse resources. This is not much to ask for the many of us busy with work, or preoccupied with some studies and big crazy projects.
Yet, here we are again. And sometimes, it’s the little things we don’t appreciate. Like these trees that I felt fortunate to walk among in this big downtown city. Now, the Spring is full-grown, and the leaves are plenty enough to block out much of the continued development that sprouts from the grounds of this Emerald City. I smile a little more on this Earth Day, to see the efforts of this co-existence of nature and industrialization in the high-paced working world. There are ecological benefits to our longer-term survival with this continued push for nature through our cities. I would like to think having more trees helps reduce the effects of city pollution and smog. The shade also helps to bring down mental stress, I think.
So, today I spread the light on our public parks, and emphasize the importance of increasing planted trees in our modernized civilizations. We continue to push forward, plant more trees and bushes; all great action in the right directions. This continual rebirth of local nature is helpful to our environment and futures, in more ways than we can see. But, sometimes to take in the sights of a well-developed park..is enough to appreciate.
The pictures below are of the Pioneer Square area of Downtown Seattle; taken days ago with a cheaper point and shoot camera. However, today has small outbursts of sun and shine throughout the Pioneer Square. The leaves are just as nice to look at and through, on this lovely Earth Day. If you are nearby some earthly sights, take time out and appreciate..
– Orion T
A hike through Discovery Park..yes.
That was the best remedy to a rough last week; as I needed fresh air, time away from the screens and sirens. Discovery Park has 534 square miles, of peace and nature for one to enjoy. There are open meadows, dense forestation, rocky cliffs, old historical buildings, and a beach. For anyone living in Seattle, it’s easily accessible by bus, car, and probably even a bike. Sunday, was my day of escape. To there, I went.
While hiking through, I took pictures. Here are some unedited raws, featuring the best of the today’s afternoon adventure..
High above the upper meadow trails of Discovery Park. Downtown Seattle is somewhere behind the hills to the left.
Today was a nice blue day, sunny at 70 degrees.
Yet, there was a constant wind chill. Those bushes with the small yellow petals were in constant sway.
Though much of the cherry blossoms and magnolias have vanished through the city, some were late bloomers and still showing some of that early Spring pride.
No words, just cool shadow play.
There is a beach down below. I just follow the trail and watch my step. But take time, because each view is fantastic.
Some moss there. I like moss.
Lots of birds chirping, as I walk more between the trees. I wish I was good at spotting them. There are some bird tours coming up, here in Discovery Park. I may join in on one.
Okay, I found this one. Not sure if it’s a crow. I like this shot.
The beach, with lots of dried wood and visitors.
The West Point Lighthouse. A shot without anyone walking around it or taking selfies in front of it was pretty much impossible today. Still, worth the capture.
Another group of local visitors, enjoying some off-shore strolling.
Tides were picking up. The calming was over, and the wind also increased. The time to go back was now. Also, I am hungry and forgot to bring efficient snacks.
On my way back, a nice small meadow to stare at. Argh, I forget what those puffy things are called..
Okay then..
Not Discovery Park, but my last minute visit to the Sculpture Park before heading home. I caught this awesome sunset, just in the nick of time.
That’s all for now. I will be back to Discovery Park again, soon. Hopefully then, I will see more birds.
– Orion T
Yesterday, was one of the simple days.
I sat on a wet bench in front of the Apple Store, somewhere in the Univeristy District of Seattle. I was a bit early for my “Genius Bar” appointment, to see to a small problem with my mobile tablet. I looked for anything around me, that wasn’t based on commercialization and our addictions to technology. The sky welcomed my sight more than the flashy allure of that new Apple Watch on display. I enjoyed the solid gray for most of that time in wait.. Then, coming back down to Earth..I noticed more people on my bench. A child was sitting backwards, looking behind the bench, to the colorful small garden behind almost touching the back of my head. There, I admired the beautiful, colorful flowers, still dripping from the recent pouring rains.
Then, I took a few pictures (featured below). I do not know the classification on these flowers. Any help in the comments is welcome.
The “Genius Bar” appointment went well. As usual, I get wonderful service from Apple when needed.
– Orion T
I recall those 45 minutes on the evening bus heading back to the big Emerald City, along the freeway..
I stared out through the glass, feeling restless. You can see the clouds move very slowly, changing swirls and shifting light in curious chaotic directions. Crazy clouds can be exciting, and stirring of my moods. Every now and then, a patch of blue, or a burst of sun; the mind just let’s go. I feel so much of the glorious unique and vast sights, feeding to my imagination to some strange epic fantasy lost in my subconscious. I normally sleep on the long bus rides after work, but how could I? I just stared out, in a sort of hypnotic state for much good time. I would eventually break through the spell, taking pics from the smartphone every few seconds. I think I captured some of that motion.
Two hours later, a massive thunderstorm hit the big Seattle city. No pics of that, as I could only hear the booming throughout under the safety of my bed covers. I was tempted to leave and peek outside, but I think these pics from earlier are enough for today. Also, I remember the outside air as very cold and wet.
Here below, are those earlier bus pics all unedited and low-res raw, straight from my slightly outdated smartphone. The above pic is from my apartment roof, befoe settling to the inside for the night..
See this amazing world within, hidden from the outside troubles and turmoil. Find this little place, as the reward itself is a peaceful escape for the mind and soul.
This little world, is within the Kobe Terrace Park of Seattle’s International District. All its cherry trees, are aside concrete pathways, zig-zagged upon a hillside. The time is often quiet, if one can exclude the noisy rumble of the nearby freeway and downtown city highlife. Then but infrequent, the light rain accelerates the petals of the cherry blossom trees to fall. When under the dense cover of these trees, one can focus on the gentle sound of the raindrops. And with increased rainfall, more white petals fall in very slow and graceful descent.
The result, is wonderous.
Here are my pics, of fallen blossoms from nearby Sakura (Cherry) trees in a parking lot.
I found these accidently, somewhat lost on my way to a bustop in Redmond. The surrounding area is an extension of the Microsoft Headquarters, much larger than I thought. The air was quiet, with birds chirping in the distance. The rain felt light, yet constant for the time. If standing still, one can peacefully observe the newly loosened white petals in graceful descent. The wetness below ensured the stickness of the fallen petals, adding to the surrounding beauty.
A side note.. When encountering the blossoms in clusters below your feet, be careful when stepping over. The wetness combined with the silky nature of the petals, make them slippery to walk upon. I turned a corner and lost my balance. I recovered quick, picking many blossoms off my clothes. The concrete below is hard, and not a good feeling for sudden contact.
Enjoy these pics below. There will be more from a different place, soon.
Ah..another lovely weekend past, to enjoy while it lasts.
From what I hear, these many early blooming Cherry Blossom trees throughout the Seattle are almost at their peak. By the end of April, I think their pedaled spender will be a pleasant memory, until next year. I lived in Seattle for a few years now, and this is the best I have seen of them. I think the reason is the lacking of shaky weather, so far in 2015.
The pictures above and below, are from the Kobe Terrace Park (and adjacent community garden), near the very noisy 5 freeway in the International District of Seattle. The white Cherry Tree blossoms are mostly in the park itself (high on a hill overlooking the areas south of the Downtown area), a nice place to rest and relax. I recommend headphones emitting soft music, to cancel out the near freeway noise. The green and white trees with other shrubbery, are in the Danny Woo Community Gardens next door (a crooked pathway down from the park).
Enjoy these pics below. I hope to return here when the blossoms shed. That will be a sight.
Funny thing about these cloudy days..
Others see gloom and depression, and little reason to go outside. Sometimes these comes with cold chills, or some forceful winds. The rain can often be expected as the clouds darken. So, many will hide from the greys. That’s understandable, as only a small glimpse from a small or the portion through a windshield may not offer the best of the day. Expect poor reviews from peers who prefer the bland days of blue.
Yet, there are the bold who appreciate some variety. Those who, even on a cold or windy day, will put on their shoes and seek a more truthful view of their day. Because, often there hidden and changing variety above. No two days are the same, and some are better when there is less of everything else. These clusters of moist crystallized formations can put on the best show, though the stage itself can greatly enhance the performance. There is no cost, better than any HD screen. The best way to enjoy, is to seek a proper view to enjoy the grand show.
I found a lone bench on the edge of a city. This was the best seat ever.
Of the Columbia Tower, tallest building in Seattle; and the 2nd highest within the west coast US states at 933 ft (284 m).
It is a nice quiet place to relax, unless a fear of heights develops. The floor is open to the public, for a small fee (of which I do not remember). The floor is almost 360 degrees, with nice seats and a cafe.
That land between here and the Sun is West Seattle, surrounded by the Puget Sound waters.
This evening, a lively dance party happened on the Magnolia Bridge. The tiniest of guests arrived, all naked and spinning beneath the super light.
“For now the city is safe, from all the nuts. Wherever there is a tree nearby, criminals beware. So swears..the Squirrel Avenger!”
One of the many ninjas running through the Seattle area. This one saw you coming a mile away, and waited.
Endure.
November begins..
Or just the day where Fall can be the most Fallish. No more Halloween season to consider (except for Day of the Dead today, but that’s kind of separate) and the last summer is more of a distant memory. The Holiday season feels distant enough to not bother with those decorations yet. I think of today being, the best of the Fall in full swing.
Especially here in the Northwest US, we really got the full Fall. Temperatures now reach below 60 degrees, with moderate rainfall and constant light winds to match. The sky is often gloomy, yet periodic patches of blue and sunlights occasionally peek through, making for some epic sunsets in the later days.
My favorite part of the Fall, is going outside in the morn and noticing copious amounts of fallen leaves scattered about, especially where I live in Seattle. I appreciate much wherever the humans do not sweep, allowing them to collect on the wet ground. Seeing them all scattered about below the stripped trees is a beautiful natural happening, where all local creatures can partake.
Sam Squirrel decided now was not the time for action. Deadly agents of C.R.O.W. were passing through this Leafland territory, unaware of our dashing hero. What could be one, would be more close by..
Now is the time for stealth.
Birds at the beach today…
I smiled to the Fall sunshine this morning, somewhere north of Seattle.
Then the sunshine hides, as the sky turned full grey. Perodic rain spattered down for all the busy hours left today.
Pleasant day..
…
“Like delicate lace,
So the threads intertwine,
Oh, gossamer web
Of wond’rous design!
Such beauty and grace
Wild nature produces…
Ughh, look at the spider
Suck out that bug’s juices!”
― Bill Watterson
Wild.
“Nature will bear the closest inspection; she invites us to lay our eye level with the smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain. She has no interstices; every part is full of life.” – Henry David Thoreau
(Picture by me, after some rain)
Here, a strange plant I came across on a different way to work..
The vines whip out and curve, all reaching to the general direction of the the open path.
They want something..
TRAVELING ORION 