Friday Night Photos - Spring..... Possibly edition

Submitted by Bollox Ref on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 5:41pm

Something actually bloomed around here....... not outside though:

And this from warmer times. Ooooh!, warmth.... sounds good.

Bollox Minor is back from university, so posting will be limited (as is my understanding of quantum mechanics....... I'll leave that to Minor).

Tuck in, if the dental work allows.

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Submitted by janis b on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 6:53pm
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Thanks for posting and enjoy your time with Minor. I hope the crocus and daffodils are not too far behind.

Some beauty and magic to brighten a very dark day …

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Submitted by Socialprogressive on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 7:21pm
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@janis b
I didn't know you had royalty in NZ.

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Submitted by janis b on Sat, 03/16/2019 - 12:17am
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@Socialprogressive

but their presence is still sometimes felt at a distance ; ).

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Submitted by dystopian on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 7:38pm
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@janis b great Monarch pics Janis! I have seen 4 this week, big worn pale females which are from the wintering population in Mexico and move through Texas north-northeast bound March to April. Looking for various Milkweeds to lay their eggs on.

Are they an introduced species there in NZ?

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Submitted by Anja Geitz on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:18pm
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@dystopian

Nice shots there Janis. The detail is exquisite.

Here in SoCal, millions of Painted Lady butterflies are migrating across the state and stopping by to eat all the lush vegetation after almost a month of rainfall.

image_87.jpg

Sitting in the garden this morning watching hundreds of them flutter among the wild flowers was magical.

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Submitted by Socialprogressive on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:58pm
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@Anja Geitz
A few Painted Lady's fluttered through the yard yesterday, but none stopped to visit any of the flowers.

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Submitted by janis b on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 9:14pm
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@Anja Geitz

It looks like you're enjoying a wonderful time where you live.

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Submitted by janis b on Sat, 03/16/2019 - 12:10am
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@dystopian

“The origin of Monarch butterflies in NZ is still unclear. The first reported sightings in the early 1840s by Sturm (1878) were published 38 years after the event. These sightings were reported to have resulted in the transfer of pinned speciments to international colleagues, however such specimens have never been found … They refer to Maori elders having a traditional name for the Monarch butterfly (kakahu) which suggests a non-recent arrival. However, the first reliable published accounts of Monarch butterflies in NZ were not until 1868.”

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) was first recorded in New Zealand in 1873, having island-hopped its way across the Pacific Ocean from North America. Most insects are thought to have come from the opposite direction, borne on strong westerly winds from Australia. Over millions of years many winged insect species must have been blown across to New Zealand.

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Submitted by snoopydawg on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:10pm
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@janis b

Great photos.

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Submitted by janis b on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 9:15pm
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@snoopydawg

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Submitted by magiamma on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:29pm
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@janis b
lovely monarch. there are two preserves here. one just outside the house. two years ago many but last year not so much. going to plant some butterfly bushes and hope that helps.

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Submitted by snoopydawg on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 7:00pm
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IMG_3306.JPG

IMG_3307.JPG

From a few decades ago when there was farmland out west instead of houses. Sadly I didn't have my tripod with me.

Hopefully this will bring Janis some cheer..

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Submitted by janis b on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 7:25pm
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@snoopydawg

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Submitted by snoopydawg on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:26pm
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@janis b

Hope it brought a smile to your spirit.

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Submitted by Socialprogressive on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 7:29pm
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@snoopydawg
Even without a tripod those are good shots. We do get a few Bald Eagles that visit San Diego county, but sightings are few and far between.

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Submitted by snoopydawg on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:25pm
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@Socialprogressive

As you can see it's a nice sunny day, but a huge wind came from nowhere and very dark clouds blew in. You could see how the wind was rolling them under and when they got behind the eagles there was such contrast. The sun was still shining on them, but the background was almost black. I have pictures of them trying to stay in the trees by leaning into the wind, but they finally gave up and flew off. I just remembered that I was using a 400mm lens with a two X tele x tender and I had a shoulder mounted camera grip or whatever it was called. I still have the camera, lens and extender for when I have a darkroom again.... any day now.. I wish!

I've been scanning my 17 hundred thousand slides I took before digital replaced film. Slides were so much cheaper to develop and especially when only one or two pictures turned out good. Developing them were free for me because I had a darkroom at work. Everyone remember those days?

Nice photos of the bees and spider. I like the one where it's getting the nectar.

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Submitted by QMS on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 7:31pm
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@snoopydawg
That was an exciting surprise coming out of the box.
Thanks, snoop. Feels like the spirit getting loose.

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Submitted by snoopydawg on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:21pm
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@QMS

Wow seeing the wings come out and then watching it fly away. Touched something deep down..

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Submitted by dystopian on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 7:47pm
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@snoopydawg Great Bald Eagle pics SD! Ben Franklin knew they were thieves, often stealing fish from Ospreys that catch all their own and so argued against making it the national symbol. Ben wanted the Beaver for its industry. Whooda thunk it woulda turned out a nation run by thieves? Let this be a warning to those choosing national symbols.

I might have put these up before, can't remember, sorry if so... They were over a hundred yards away. This was a digiscope. That is a digital camera put up to telescope. In this case a Sony Mavica (the old floppy disk camera) for maximum low res pixelation.

balde-m.jpg
balde-g.jpg

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Submitted by Anja Geitz on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:03pm
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@dystopian

I used to see them nesting in the pine trees by a lake in upstate New York years ago. Their wingspan is immense. Incredible to watch them coast in the air.

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Submitted by magiamma on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:25pm
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@dystopian
cool photos. we had bald eagles on our island in Canada until someone cut their tree down to build a subdivision. I hate people. one tried to eat my cat. I went briefly into the house to check something and heard the ravens freaking out. like calls I had never heard before. I rushed outside to see an eagle, at eye level, an arms length away, closing in on my cat. it kept flying. whew. that is when I taught my cats to come inside on command and never left them out alone again. big bird. all I could say was - oh, look at you... lol. there are a bunch of them up the coast of BC in Squamish, https://www.exploresquamish.com/explore/eagle-viewing

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Submitted by LeChienHarry on Sat, 03/16/2019 - 5:07am
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@magiamma the Alberni Inlet. Stayed sometimes in the rock quarry above the public dock, other times up one arm on the Indian reservation. A very large snag had an Bald Eagle's nest right next to our cabin. Kittens were born every year but by the end of the season, most were gone. Finally, we saw an Eagle come down from an active nest to try to snag a kitten. Then we knew what was going on. I loved that place before it was "discovered". Caught some 45 pounders. Took my dad up there, in his seventies for some of the best fishing he ever had.

Sad days. Condolences and prayers for all New Zealanders. Janis is in our thoughts.

Macron is excelerating the privatization of public commonwealth. Now it's airports. The France we love is looking more like the US we left.

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Submitted by snoopydawg on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:34pm
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@dystopian

Look at how majestic they are. The two on the right and the one on the bottom. Look at how far we have come from the days of the pinhole box camera.

I took mine from a way back because we were afraid if we got to close they would fly off. Next year I'm going to spend more time looking for them. I went out west a few weeks ago to find some, but that area is full of homes now, but Danny suggested another place to go.

Spring is finally springing here. A few buds are peaking out and the pussy willows are in bloom. I had so much fun watching them last year before I knew what they were. Who knew they grew on trees?

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Submitted by LeChienHarry on Sat, 03/16/2019 - 5:17am
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@snoopydawg @snoopydawg @snoopydawg @snoopydawg Has lots and some Golden Eagles too. You can jig up a Cod; render it unconscious but fresh. Toss it out onto the sea next to a cliff below a nest and whistle. An Eagle will come down and swoop it up for the kids. It's wonderful thing. They were always there watching us.
https://www.travel-british-columbia.com/vancouver-island-the-gulf-island...
Ready to snag...
https://www.discovervancouverisland.com/birds-of-vancouver-island/belted...

Sorry for links, just can't seem to imbed a photo.

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Submitted by Socialprogressive on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 9:21pm
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@dystopian
Where did you take them?

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Submitted by dystopian on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 9:55pm
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@Socialprogressive Thanks for asking I hardly ever get to say that! It is on maybe the N. or W. fork of the Guadalupe River. It is a well known wintering Eagle roost west of Kerrville and Hunt in central Texas, right on the highway. Some years only a few, some years a dozen or more. They have a big wide spot in the road to park and you look across the (dry there) river bed to the cliff face where they roost in the big trees. The last few hours of light they come in, often with fish from downriver to eat for dinner or breakfast. So the crossing there was named for all the fish bones down in the bottom of it.

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Submitted by magiamma on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:32pm
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@snoopydawg
in flight. so strong. I can almost feel the power in its wings.

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Submitted by snoopydawg on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 9:54pm
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@magiamma

Seeing the wings come out and then spread so bigly is just stunning. This site posts some great stuff.

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Submitted by Unabashed Liberal on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 7:39pm
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stock photo of Alaska's Chena River, since we're pretty much on the cusp of Spring. 'Chena' is also the namesake of our tough little Alaskan Sourdough Springer, who lived to the ripe old age of 17-1/2 years. Wink

Alaska Banner - Chena River With Yellow Flowers - #6.JPG

How much we miss that place! With any luck, once Mr M is well, and puts in his retirement papers, and Miss K is mature enough to make the trip--we're hoping to visit.

Today was absolutely beautiful--high in the fifties, and, cloudless, sunny skies!

Hey, Everyone have a nice weekend!

Pleasantry

[Edit: Rearranged first sentence. Corrected typo - bracket.]

Mollie

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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Submitted by janis b on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 7:29pm
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@Unabashed Liberal

Enjoy the refreshing weather and the weekend.

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Submitted by Anja Geitz on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:00pm
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@Unabashed Liberal

When I saw the heading in your comment, I thought we might get a look at your pup. I guess this one will have to do in the meantime:

image_86.jpg

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Submitted by Unabashed Liberal on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:39pm
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@Anja Geitz @Anja Geitz @Anja Geitz

she was a little smaller, if the color had been creme, instead of golden, she would have looked a lot like the fella looking directly into the camera.

[Edit: At second look, that Pup 'is' creme--just a little bit darker creme. Smile ]

She'll have her first (formal) grooming in about 2 weeks. Plan to see if we can get a good shot of her, then. I'm 'guessing' that she'll weigh between 30-35 lbs at her vet appointment next week. (And, she won't quite be 4-1/2 months old. Yikes!)

Hey, have a nice weekend!

Pleasantry

Mollie

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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Submitted by Socialprogressive on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 9:25pm
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@Anja Geitz
It brought a big smile to my face.

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Submitted by Anja Geitz on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 10:59pm
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@Socialprogressive

Don't you just wanna kiss that lil face?

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Submitted by magiamma on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:35pm
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@Unabashed Liberal
good to see you! sounds like a wonderful trip to make. stay on the sunny side. Lol

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Submitted by Unabashed Liberal on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 9:49pm
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@magiamma

be a nice trip. Agree--it would probably do a lot to help us 'stay on the sunny side.' So, hope it will pan out.

Smile

Wishing you nice weather this weekend! (It's sure done a lot to pick up my mood.)

Pleasantry

Mollie

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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Submitted by Socialprogressive on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 7:17pm
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I know how much I hate the cold weather. Hope it gets warm for you soon.

A few from the backyard this afternoon.

DSC_6238.1

DSC_6236.1

DSC_6231.1

DSC_6226.1

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Submitted by QMS on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 7:27pm
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@Socialprogressive
Is that a spider? OMFG. That is the world I inhabit, sometimes in dreamland. bug eyes
miniature panda bear with eight legs

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Submitted by janis b on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 7:36pm
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@Socialprogressive

What a creature there with those amazing eyes and body!

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Submitted by dystopian on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 7:49pm
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@Socialprogressive Great Jumping Spider SP! Might be one of the 'Bark' Jumping Spider group. Beautiful photos!

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Submitted by Unabashed Liberal on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:00pm
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@Socialprogressive @snoopydawg @Socialprogressive

Also, agree that SD's bald eagles are very beautiful. Reminds me of a trip we took traveling from the Interior to Haines, Alaska, through a Bald Eagle Preserve.

Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve was created by the State of Alaska in June of 1982. The preserve was established to protect and perpetuate the world's largest concentration of Bald Eagles and their critical habitat. It also sustains and protects the natural salmon runs and allows for traditional uses; provided such uses do not adversely affect preserve resources. The Preserve consists of 48,000 acres of river bottom land of the Chilkat, Kleheni, and Tsirku Rivers. The boundaries were designated to include only areas important to eagle habitation. Virtually every portion of the preserve is used by eagles at some time during the year.

Here's the link to a carousel of gorgeous photos from the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve--includes bears, scenery, etc.

[Edit: Added photo carousel link.]

Mollie

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

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Submitted by magiamma on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:01pm
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@Socialprogressive
hi social, love the spidy critter. so cute. looks wolf like but maybe not because of the eyes.
beautiful shots, all.

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Submitted by Unabashed Liberal on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 7:34pm
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I heard about the terrible massacre in your lovely country. My best to you and your family as you grapple with everything. My understanding (from the reporting) is that this type of tragedy is considerably more unusual in NZ, compared to here.

The butterflies are very bright and lovely--'yellow' always lifts my spirits. So, thanks!

Take good care of yourself.

Mollie

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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Submitted by janis b on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 7:56pm
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@Unabashed Liberal

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Submitted by magiamma on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 7:56pm
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thanks for friday POT...

it's warm here now at least in the afternoons. people are so happy they are wearing shorts.

ciff and dill from a walk in the Wilder Ranch preserve
cliff and dill.jpg

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Submitted by dystopian on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:02pm
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Thanks for all the great pix everyone! And thanks everyone for all the great posts and threads and topics, ideas and thoughts.

Just to offer some reassurance, spring is coming, here are some cranes that bugled their way north stopping to thermal over the house a few days ago. Hang in there friends, its comin'.
cranes031219a.jpg

We still have some Cedar Waxwings around. Now on Ligustrums, the last berry they eat here.
cwax021519c.jpg

Here's a pair of Wood Duck. They were close when I spotted them, but by time I got camera out had to use high mag which means lottsa pixels and fuzzy. But those males...
wooduck031019a.jpg

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Submitted by Bollox Ref on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:21pm
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@dystopian

A Christmas Cactus indeed.

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Submitted by snoopydawg on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:39pm
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@dystopian

It's almost time to visit the duck pond. It getting into the 50's this week, but unfortunately we have a brisk north wind.

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Submitted by Socialprogressive on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 9:50pm
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@dystopian
Spring is coming. The White Pelicans that winter over at near by Santee Lakes have all headed north.

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Submitted by Bollox Ref on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 8:07pm
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watching icicles drip...

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Submitted by janis b on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 9:19pm
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@Bollox Ref

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Submitted by Daenerys on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 9:08pm
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I took some photos of the crazy snowfall here last week, but I don't want to spoil the mood of the spring thread with snow photos.
The good news is my bird water bowl has emerged from the huge snow drift behind the house.
Cheers!

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This shit is bananas.

Submitted by orlbucfan on Sun, 03/17/2019 - 7:04am
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I love these diaries. The Bald Eagles are simply....awesome. We get them down here in Floridumb, and they are protected in this gun crazed state--period! I hate spiders, but loved those photos of the jumper. Condolences and thoughts of peace to you, janis b. When that malignancy spreads to a peaceful, civilized country like NZ, the whole world is in some serious do-do. Rec'd!!

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