Friday Photography -Not Green

Good evening all, even if external circumstances are curbing your liberty .

Tumbleweed in motion

Wet sand

Blackbird recovering

It looked like touch-and-go for an hour after this juvenile blackbird crashed into the window thinking the reflection of the bush was for real. Happily, with renewed strength s/he flipped off the screen cover and flew away confidently. This little blackbird did fly.

I’m spending the day close to a monarch about to be born. I hope it’s within the next 6 hours of daylight so I can see it happen. It sort of feels balanced, that at the first real hint of Autumn in the weather today, also comes the promise of a new life. It makes you wonder how something so finely delicate can be so strong at the same time.

[video:https://youtu.be/0LLkn-KLatY]

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QMS's picture

cool rendition of blackbird. mama lonely, daddy pain. ain't gonna fly. also like the tumbleweed poetry in motion. second that emotion. thanks for the threads. wish the camera worked better for me. would love to post a visual.

blackbird

poetry

good luck with the monarch!

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janis b's picture

@QMS

When I wrote the title 'tumbleweed in motion' that song was the first thing I thought of.

Thanks especially for your natural understanding and connection emotionally. Have a wonderful weekend QMS.

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QMS's picture

@janis b
can't find the song
wanted to share
change is good

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janis b's picture

@QMS

They are both beautiful.

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Looks so sad until you see all its beauty, then it is a joy to see.

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"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich."--Napoleon

janis b's picture

@dkmich

It gave it much meaning.

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Socialprogressive's picture

I love the patterns and gray tones in the second shot.

I didn't get a chance to get out with the camera this week. These were taken a few years ago. It's the demolition of an old power plant.

ppdemo_02_02_2013_015

ppdemo_02_02_2013_020

ppdemo_02_02_2013_021

ppdemo_02_02_2013_025

ppdemo_02_02_2013_027

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I'm great at multi-tasking. I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at the same time.

QMS's picture

@Socialprogressive
of the power structure is somehow uplifting
change is good

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Socialprogressive's picture

@QMS
and in with the renewable.

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QMS's picture

@Socialprogressive
new thinking seeing a better future
brings down the old power shell
to evolve a new way of life
the revolution is happening

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janis b's picture

@Socialprogressive

That is a WOW sequence. It's so surreal and real at the same time. It provokes all kinds of associations.

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Socialprogressive's picture

@janis b
one of those associations is 9/11. I know it was for me.

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janis b's picture

@Socialprogressive

To rebuilding something better, cheers.

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magiamma's picture

@Socialprogressive
very very cool... just excellent Lol

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Socialprogressive's picture

@magiamma
It was definitely a unique experience.

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snoopydawg's picture

From my trip to Trinidad. The light that day was just right.

IMG_3279.JPG

This is sad. The branch on the left was hit by lightning and now only the two remaining branches are left. This is the Monterey Cypress that everyone stops to photograph.

IMG_3280.JPG
.
Great wildlife photos

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“When out of fear you twist the lesser evil into the lie that it is something good, you eventually rob people of the capacity to distinguish between good and evil.”
~ Hannah Arendt

janis b's picture

@snoopydawg

Thank you.

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janis b's picture

@janis b

I've never seen a Kea, except in photos.

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snoopydawg's picture

@janis b

This tree has been photographed millions of times and now those photos are ones from the tree's past. Of course I would love to go back and photograph it in its present state. This photo has happy memories associated with it from when mom came out to visit me and we spent the weekend in Monterey seeing the sites including Pebble Beach golf course, 17 mile drive with the million dollar homes and staying at Pacific Grove where she swore she saw dolphins out the window.

Smile

Glad you enjoyed the wildlife photos. I like the wolf puppy and the parrot. Are you photographing the catapiller? I think that would be a rush to wake up and be able to fly.

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~ Hannah Arendt

magiamma's picture

@snoopydawg
love colors in the water of the Trinidad photo. the last photo has great contrast.

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snoopydawg's picture

@magiamma

The lighting changes the colors of things we photograph. The next day was sunny and the sea was once again blue. I'll post some more of Trinidad next week.

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“When out of fear you twist the lesser evil into the lie that it is something good, you eventually rob people of the capacity to distinguish between good and evil.”
~ Hannah Arendt

magiamma's picture

thanks for Friday POT... back in the saddle. here are some random photos from a walk in Pt. Reyes some time ago. weather here clear but more rain coming.

slim trees
slim trees.jpg

green leaves
green leaves.jpg

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QMS's picture

@magiamma
for a little while Wink

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magiamma's picture

@QMS
passing fancy is a fancy passing... Lol

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janis b's picture

@magiamma

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janis b's picture

@magiamma

Really like the slim trees and soft colours. The bright green leaves in the second photo showing themselves amid the older, more sedate greens is joyful.

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magiamma's picture

@janis b
love their gestures...

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dystopian's picture

@magiamma Who couldn't love Pt. Reyes? What a beautiful place. I used to bird there a bit, it is a spectacular place. Tomales Bay too on the mainland side, Inverness, Bolinas, etc. And Bodega Bay not far north. Mt. Tam to the south... what a fantastic area.

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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein

snoopydawg's picture

@magiamma

Another great place to go. Is that area on the way to the beach or the surrounding area? I read something happened there recently from the rain storms that destroyed some areas of the beach. Have you heard anything? Still getting lots of rain where you live? Northern California has gotten so much it's ended the drought.

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“When out of fear you twist the lesser evil into the lie that it is something good, you eventually rob people of the capacity to distinguish between good and evil.”
~ Hannah Arendt

magiamma's picture

@snoopydawg @snoopydawg
from the visitor center out to the beach. several trails branch off and go up to the summit and on. never find it too crowed, surprisingly. no, I have heard nothing about point reyes beaches but want to check now. thinking of going back up. there is a place there that I can stay with my cat. he loves it. yes, lots of rain here but no flooding yet. it is an el niño now so much more to come. the drought ended ~two years ago yet the trees are still in shock from four years without rain. I can see the stress. but this year will help again. though now it is coming in buckets because, wait for it, yes, Climate Breakdown. so much water. atmospheric rivers that travel across the whole country apparently, hit here first. but there have been breaks which allows the water to soak in. the trees are blooming wildly. will try to grab some pics tomorrow. edit.

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snoopydawg's picture

@magiamma

The Central Valley got flooded and lots of the levies broke and then there were cows standing on barn roofs. Remember that?

The area where I walked had a big open field by a river and one day I went to walk and the field was flooded by the river but after I went back a few hours later it was like it never happened. We're talking lots and lots of water that just went poof. I don't think it's as bad as it was then, but boy did Guerneville get hammered last storm. Did you see that?

Are the wild flowers blooming down your way? California poppies are going nuts up north. Look forward to seeing your photos of the trees. Ours are getting buds on them and the pussy willow has started blooming already. I love this time of year and watching as everything blooms. Stay dry.

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“When out of fear you twist the lesser evil into the lie that it is something good, you eventually rob people of the capacity to distinguish between good and evil.”
~ Hannah Arendt

burnt out's picture

Sometimes I feel like your tumbleweed, just being blown about with no control over anything. Maybe we're all tumbleweeds. Love your photos.

See then tumbling down
Pledging their love to the ground
Lonely but free I'll be found
Drifting along with a tumbling tumbleweed

I'm a rovin' cowboy ridin' all day long
Tumbleweeds around me sing their lonely song
Nights underneath the prairie moon
I'll ride along and sing a tune

See then tumbling down
Pledging their love to the ground
Lonely but free I'll be found
Drifting along with a tumbling tumbleweed

Cares of the past are behind
Nowhere to go but I'll find
Just where the trail will wind
Drifting along with a tumbling tumbleweed

I know when night is gone
That a new world's born at dawn

I'll keep rolling along
Deep in my heart is a song
Here on the range I belong
Drifting along with a tumbling tumbleweed

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All I want is the truth. Just give me some truth. John Lennon

janis b's picture

@burnt out

[video:https://youtu.be/SP14XI99kt4]

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QMS's picture

@burnt out
brings to mind...

tumbleweed in motion
recall the desert wind
sending brittle branched balls
skittering away
roadrunner chasing
in dusted wake

grro71.jpg
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Daenerys's picture

@QMS One of my bucket list birds; have to travel to see one. Some day.

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This shit is bananas.

QMS's picture

@Daenerys
quick little devils
remember more red on the head
than this one

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Unabashed Liberal's picture

I'd post photos from several LCC Comfort Dog Twitter feeds.

Following these dogs was partly the impetus for us deciding to 'go with' a Golden.

LCC - Child Hugging.JPG

and,

LCC - Comforting Teenage Girl.JPG

And, carrying out less stressful duties is LCC Comfort Dog 'Anna,'

Anna Comfort Dog With Chest.JPG

Lastly, here's several of them at a candlelight ceremony in (I believe) Las Vegas, following the horrific hotel shooting spree,

Candlelight Service - LLC Comfort Dogs.PNG

Hey, gotta run the Pup out. Look forward to swinging back by, and seeing all the excellent work of our Community photographers. Thanks in advance to Everyone.

Have a nice weekend!

Pleasantry

Blue Onyx

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.
~~Gilda Radner, Comedienne

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.
~~Cicero

The obstacle is the path.
~~Zen Proverb

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Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.

janis b's picture

@Unabashed Liberal

What a beautiful expression of shared love in those photos, and willingness to give. You must be so enjoying your shared life of love with your new pup. I suppose she'll keep you moving forward at good pace ; ). Thank you Mollie.

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Unabashed Liberal's picture

@janis b

about those little fellas.

The photo of the teenage girl (or, very young woman) was very touching for me. I don't recall which shooting incident/tragedy that this photo is associated with, but, from the expression of pain/anguish on her lovely face, it's clear to me that these beautiful and sweet dawgs (as SD would say Wink ) are serving a very worthy and wonderful purpose--comforting the emotionally afflicted in their time of need.

(Not sure what it is, but something about the facial expressions of Goldens always make me want to smile. Smile )

So, 'kudos' to all the LLC Comfort Dogs. Apparently, there are over 130 of them, serving in more than 20 states.

Blue Onyx

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.
~~Gilda Radner, Comedienne

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QMS's picture

@Unabashed Liberal
see the human need for animal connection
especially in the hands

thanks

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Unabashed Liberal's picture

@QMS

the shot that 'got me,' too.

IMO, the anguish in the young woman's face almost screams out. IIRC, it was taken in the aftermath of a public shooting (not a natural disaster, although the LCC Comfort Dogs show up after them, as well). Just don't remember which one--these 'dawgs' go to so many.

Sad

Blue Onyx

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.
~~Gilda Radner, Comedienne

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Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.

Daenerys's picture

@Unabashed Liberal has such a sweet face.

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This shit is bananas.

Unabashed Liberal's picture

@Daenerys

been one of my favorites (of the LCC furbabies), so glad you enjoyed her photo.

BTW, since I don't always get to drop by (lately)--thank you for the super photos, especially of the birds. After dogs, birds are high on our list of favorites--as pets (we have a White-Faced Cockatiel), and, of course, birds (especially our Cardinals) and rabbits are our favorite backyard 'pets.'

Biggrin

Blue Onyx

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.
~~Gilda Radner, Comedienne

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Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.

magiamma's picture

@Unabashed Liberal
wonderful photos full of happiness. that last photo is really heart wrenching and wonderful at the same time. good to see you and thanks for sharing the kindness...

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Unabashed Liberal's picture

@magiamma @magiamma

the Twitter photos of LCC Comfort Dogs sharing love and comfort. I thought those photos were quite uplifting, even the rather solemn one of the candlelight service, or vigil.

Hey, thanks for sharing your photos--you definitely get some beautiful and interesting shots. I'm sorry to say that many of your west coast shots are of places I haven't visited. Because of that, I'm all the more appreciative that you're sharing them with us.

Pleasantry

Always nice to see you!

Blue Onyx

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.
~~Gilda Radner, Comedienne

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.
~~Cicero

The obstacle is the path.
~~Zen Proverb

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Daenerys's picture

I like the tumbleweed; looks like a sea urchin rolling across the sand.

This week's contribution, because I can (Orion and Canis Major):

I know how I did it this time: I used moon setting on my camera, then after uploading to my computer I cranked brightness and contrast all the way up in Paint.NET, which brought out more stars.
Now if only we could get some good auroras....

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This shit is bananas.

janis b's picture

@Daenerys

I'm seeing Orion as well at night. Funny that, being in different hemispheres.

Thanks for sharing the knowledge you found in your use of the camera for capturing the night sky. I hope the aurora appears.

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QMS's picture

@Daenerys
in the winter skies
chills to see in the fall
knowing the cold is coming

guess it's different in the southern sphere Janis?

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janis b's picture

@QMS

"...knowing the cold is coming"

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QMS's picture

@janis b
near Brazil offshore
has some major 'find your home' star
like polaris for us nordics

Orion must be low on the horizon for you
judging by the celestial equator

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janis b's picture

@QMS

Of course I love that CSN song. I totally enjoy the perspective you bring from your travel and life experience.

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dystopian's picture

@Daenerys I love your starshot Daenerys! Outstanding, beautiful!

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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein

magiamma's picture

@Daenerys @Daenerys
what a great catch..

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Pricknick's picture

And big thanks for telling the story behind the picture.

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Regardless of the path in life I chose, I realize it's always forward, never straight.

janis b's picture

@Pricknick

Have missed you.

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dystopian's picture

Great pix all. Love your collapse series S.P.!

Here are a few of a bat flight nearby, oh 20 air miles and 35 on the ground. Rio Frio bat cave, or Concan bat cave. Second biggest in Texas, 10 million formerly Mexican now called Brazillian Freetailed Bat. On private property but there are tours for about $10 per person. Often you will see Great Horned Owl, Cooper's or Red-tailed Hawk shooting through the column and grabbing a snack for dessert. I saw a Ringtail (the mammal) grab one from the lip of the cave as they were emerging. They are big on bats. No flight if it rains. From a distance the column looks like smoke rising. They are calculated to do billions of dollars worth of bug control annually, these particularly are heavy on a corn worm moth. The guano is said to be the best. The Bracken Cave (biggest in TX) has one day a year you can sign a waiver, wear protective gear, and gather your own for free. Of course lots of bats are in big trouble with that white nose fungus that is wiping them out.

They were already emerging when we got there.
bats1.jpg

bats3.jpg

bats4.jpg

Bain usually snags one with his hat and golf glove...
batinhand.jpg

batflt1.jpg

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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein

magiamma's picture

@dystopian
years ago I was standing on the edge of a playground with my cousin in the late evening - we had escaped from a party to take a walk a catch up. we heard these funny sounds then realized it was from bats sounding on the concrete buildings. so cool. I love bats. bats emerge from under a bridge in Austin where my daughter lives. we went there one night to see them. awesome. thanks you for the beautiful photos and the info.

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Socialprogressive's picture

@dystopian
I saw some bats when I was in Idaho a few years ago, but nothing like that.

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dystopian's picture

OK, I'll bite... So what it is really. What we call Tumbleweed in the U.S. is generally Russian Thistle, a non-native invasive royal PIA of a plant.

That said, it doesn't even look marine to my eye. What it looks like to me is an Epiphyte. It is nearly identical to one called Ball Moss which is is Tillandsia recurvata, and which is in the same genus as "Spanish Moss" that hangs from trees. It grows on power wires and trees here with a 360 deg. cluster spreading out from the point of attachment, usually about 4-8" across and was commonly sold as "airplant" during a brief craze here.

Since I haven't seen anyone mention this Tumbleweed Connection:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjok0e2xEgc

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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein

janis b's picture

@dystopian

https://sandrasgardenblog.wordpress.com/tag/tumbleweeds-on-beach/

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dystopian's picture

Thanks Janis, it is a neat pic. There are a number of Spinifex endemic species, especially in Oz. I think the recently rediscovered Night Parrot is a spinifex specialist. I guess there are great expanses of it with low species diversity but very high endemism. Cool, thanks!

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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein

Member of the Order Raphidioptera. A true western bug, none found east of the Rockies.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snakefly

The other day from the river path, a gbh walking about looking for some fishes in the flood plain.

Closer. The water is very murky.

Yesterday we watched a cormorant fly upstream, land, float down, dive and swim, pop up, fly upstream, land, float down... etc.. Very relaxing swift water sounds, and the bird life is awesome. Wheel turning to spring, the poison oak is coming back. I can't wait! RED lol

Thanks janis b, and all you fantastic photographers. cheers

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orlbucfan's picture

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Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.

Bollox Ref's picture

Thanks for hosting Janis.

Some autumnal leaves:

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Gëzuar!!
from a reasonably stable genius.