Observed during a stroll through Meadowbrook Lake, in the Lake City district of North Seattle.
I think this is a blue heron (looks much like the example on the nearby guide chart). However, a local and another bird lover told me this was not a blue heron.
Either way, I like this bird.
Movin along..
… Picture by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
The egg masses are visible in winter, are grayish-brown and about one inch long. As soon as the eggs hatch in April or May, the caterpillars begin eating leaves and create “tents” – white, silky shelters that cover the forks and tips of tree branches and shrubs. They feed during daylight and return to their tents at night.… Picture by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
The caterpillars are easy to recognize. They have a yellow checkered pattern with a blue dotted line down their backs, and can be three inches long when mature. The caterpillars molt four times over a period of five or six weeks, then stop eating. They choose a place to spin a cocoon and lay their eggs, and moths emerge about two weeks later. The adult moths mate immediately, lay eggs, and die a few days later; the eggs winter over until spring, when the whole process begins again.
We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.
– John F. Kennedy
… Picture by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
I found a whole new world..
around the corner, in a park.
It was always there..
I just had to notice.
Spring is sprung..
… Picture by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
The best sign of the fresh Spring..
These Yoshino cherry trees, are scattered throughout the Seattle area. Now, they are full and amazing. This is a nice reward to us locals for putting up with the plentiful showers of early March. Now, the weekend weather is grand and sunny. Many cherry trees, you can easily find Downtown, International District, Capitol Hill and the neighboring regions throughout.
Perhaps the best place to see an organized assembly is here, at the University of Washington, in the center Quad. The weekends are best for non-students. The blossoms are at their peak in late March, early April.
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Picture by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
;
Can’t wait for the end of Winter..
… Picture by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
To A Squirrel At Kyle-Na-No
Come play with me;
Why should you run
Through the shaking tree
As though I’d a gun
To strike you dead?
When all I would do
Is to scratch your head
And let you go.”
― W.B. Yeats
(Picture edited and originally posted from instagram.com/travelingorion)
… Pictures by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
“Overcome space, and all we have left is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now.”
― Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull
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Picture by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
Unrequited love..
Sigh.
….
Picture by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
A lazy tree.
Or, it could be posing for this picture.
Perhaps, it wants attention.
Or, just doesn’t care.
Don’t judge..
…
Picture by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
Every weather season holds wondrous splendor, especially this Fall for the great Seattle city.
After the periodic rough winds and sporadic showers, walk into the biting cold and see for yourself. Ignore the expanse of construction and busy commute hustles, and appreciate the best, fresh signs of natural change.
Here, the fallen leaves of many trees scatter throughout the Emerald City. In some clusters, the concrete loses its dominance. Curbsides are confused as division becomes lost in the rivers of greens and browns and reds and yellows. Benches and tables become hosts to new fallen travelers. We invite those on the ground to stay with every step, kicking others to the next for moments longer.
Here above and below, is a special concrete open spot near the Space Needle before a statue of Chief Seattle. Around is the convergence of 5th, Cedar, and Denny streets with the near overhead tramway connecting the Seattle Center (and Needle above) to the Westlake Center of Downtown. Also, the best spot for an afternoon munch, at the 5 Point Café (happy hour 4-6 weekdays).
Also a sometimes resting place for leaves..
Overall, peaceful for busy Seattle life. The leaves are a special touch and reminder of the best appreciation for passing in the Fall. Never mind the nightfall now approaching 4pm time (sunsets are still killer) and a distraction from the moving gray skies Just enjoy the leaves when here, at least before the street cleaners spoil the fun.
Enjoy, and appreciate this natural cycle of nature. Or even better, walk around and explore what changed. I hear Pioneer Square is amazing, as I will eventually venture to on a promised morning. I wonder about certain favorite places in this grand area, thinking of a good time for a visit to Kobe Terrace in the near future. Here below, is the walkway through the Seattle Center near the great Needle on a recent day of blue skies above.
All pictures taken and posted by Orion Tippens, for travelingorion.wordpress.com.
A picture for today, from the south Puget Sound in Washington State. It’s not quite the morning, more of the noon as the low marine layer fog remains present for much of the day.
The birds, I have no idea on specifics. Their domain is a small platform surrounded by the water, marked many times by the feathered flyers around.
This shot, from the local ferry boat transit from the Fauntleroy, West Seattle Terminal to the Southworth Terminal, with Vashon Island as a stop in-between. I on some extra work for the ferry involving the collection of travel surveys, going back and forth for much of the day. I can’t recall which terminal was near, or what land is underneath that fog. I was very busy with the work, and enjoying the foggy exterior for that it was, not as much where.
And, I love photographing birds.
Starfish, through the clear waters below the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal pier in far West Seattle area. I notice by surprise, and quite huge, very blue or purple. Just look over the edge where the pier splits, and under the clear water on a quiet day. You may see them too.
I’m told these are purple according to some later research (I am a little color blind). Possibly these are pisaster ochraceus, or the Ochre sea star, also known as the Purple sea star.
I stare at the starfish while waiting for my transport to Vashon island. I see starfish as lazy creatures, with no patience because they wait for nothing. Here, they are likely safe from predators, meddling humans and their troublesome transports. I find amazing how their little underside can clench to almost anything that humans would find a struggling inconvenience. They simply stay, with no regard to gravity or the rising angles. In freedom, their habitat is grand, and most enjoyable for their brief 3-5 year lifespan. I imagine to be a starfish is like a day in the park, for the rest of your life.
Meanwhile, a morning of nothing else but the calm waters of Puget Sound’s Salish Sea. Then, back to the starfish. They now share a space with a lone friend, a crab. I never seen one cling to a pier like this. I can understand the ability of starfish, but how does the crab stay? See, at the water line..
I think again, what else am I missing out there and so near? Here below, holds much company within Washington State’s massive Puget Sound. I know further north to the San Juan Islands, orca killer whales are often seen. Someday, I am saving for special with a good zoom lens and proper time to see these wonderful creatures rise. I also hear of octopi and seals below these same waters. I have seen plenty of seals from my life most along the California Coast. But for the octopi, I wish to someday personally observe in their natural habitat. Somewhere out there, far below.
TRAVELING ORION 