Evening all. I hope you're all enjoying warmth of some kind. Me, I'm sitting by the kachelofen taking the edge off the cold, rainy weather. The difference a day makes.
We've got smoke coming down from fires in Canada, again, so the last couple days have been hazy. I guess this is the new normal. Blarg.
Anyway, I got my 200 bird species the other day! I had a record four lifers in one day the other day!
198: olive-sided flycatcher
199: golden-winged warbler
200: red-eyed vireo
201: orchard oriole
OK, technically it was a juvenile male that I saw for 201, but I haven't gotten any photos of him yet and this one showed up the next day!
Not that I know much about birds, but we have a hawk family nesting up the street.
We've got smoke coming down from fires in Canada, again, so the last couple days have been hazy. I guess this is the new normal. Blarg.
Anyway, I got my 200 bird species the other day! I had a record four lifers in one day the other day!
198: olive-sided flycatcher
199: golden-winged warbler
200: red-eyed vireo
201: orchard oriole
OK, technically it was a juvenile male that I saw for 201, but I haven't gotten any photos of him yet and this one showed up the next day!
@Daenerys
Great bird pix D! I love male Orchard Oriole, no other bird in America is that color. Golden-winged Warbler are fancy fancy. What a beauty. I hear they are in decline in many areas. Congrats! I'd suggest going for 700 though.
We've got smoke coming down from fires in Canada, again, so the last couple days have been hazy. I guess this is the new normal. Blarg.
Anyway, I got my 200 bird species the other day! I had a record four lifers in one day the other day!
198: olive-sided flycatcher
199: golden-winged warbler
200: red-eyed vireo
201: orchard oriole
OK, technically it was a juvenile male that I saw for 201, but I haven't gotten any photos of him yet and this one showed up the next day!
I also got my blackburnian warbler photo!
Now let's go for 500!
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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
@dystopian@dystopian
it took me over 36 years to get to 200....On the other hand, I think I've gotten about half of those in the last few years. But I don't have the time or the money it would take for traveling to get to 700.
#1 Great bird pix D! I love male Orchard Oriole, no other bird in America is that color. Golden-winged Warbler are fancy fancy. What a beauty. I hear they are in decline in many areas. Congrats! I'd suggest going for 700 though.
It would be so nice to hear the variety of birdsong you have around you. The blackburnian warbler and photo are beautiful. Thank you.
We've got smoke coming down from fires in Canada, again, so the last couple days have been hazy. I guess this is the new normal. Blarg.
Anyway, I got my 200 bird species the other day! I had a record four lifers in one day the other day!
198: olive-sided flycatcher
199: golden-winged warbler
200: red-eyed vireo
201: orchard oriole
OK, technically it was a juvenile male that I saw for 201, but I haven't gotten any photos of him yet and this one showed up the next day!
@janis b@janis b
You better believe it! We have so many birds in our yard singing--orioles, warblers, swallows, house wrens, robins, doves, catbirds and a brown thrasher--they are excellent mimics. It is a wonderful symphony! I have seen around 90 species here at our place, some residents, some just passing through. I've sort of tried to create a bird sanctuary in our yard and I am constantly amazed by the variety we have, despite all the cats running around!
#1.3#1.3 You better believe it! We have so many birds in our yard singing--orioles, warblers, swallows, house wrens, robins, doves, catbirds and a brown thrasher--they are excellent mimics. It is a wonderful symphony! I have seen around 90 species here at our place, some residents, some just passing through. I've sort of tried to create a bird sanctuary in our yard and I am constantly amazed by the variety we have, despite all the cats running around!
@janis b
I'll try to get a video, though sometimes video recordings don't pick up all the sounds so well. There's often a lot of road noise and machinery noise too.
Can only identify the most common ones, so, it's a true pleasure when you and others post photos of birds that almost seem exotic (to me).
Moving my feeding area 'inside the fenced portion' of yard, has helped greatly, in regards to protecting "our birds" from predators. That, and I'm beginning to think that a couple of cats have passed away, since we never see them, anymore.
A very old couple--late 80's--moved from 'the country' into town, to be near their children, and brought 3 barn cats with them--which I had to chase off with a small rake, on almost a daily basis. In spite of my best efforts to protect our birds, we lost probably between 5-10 Cardinals, alone. Even saw one female being carried off. Until I moved the feeding area, that is.
Blue Onyx
“Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. ” ~~Roger Caras
We've got smoke coming down from fires in Canada, again, so the last couple days have been hazy. I guess this is the new normal. Blarg.
Anyway, I got my 200 bird species the other day! I had a record four lifers in one day the other day!
198: olive-sided flycatcher
199: golden-winged warbler
200: red-eyed vireo
201: orchard oriole
OK, technically it was a juvenile male that I saw for 201, but I haven't gotten any photos of him yet and this one showed up the next day!
I also got my blackburnian warbler photo!
Now let's go for 500!
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Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.
I saw this blog post recently and thought of you... I don't know this guy but emailed with him when he was doing his biking big year. http://thespeckledhatchback.blogspot.com/2019/04/
There are a few posts there about his New Zealand trip with some great photos of the birds there, particularly endemics. Which is what birders are after. That which you can not see anywhere else. Click the photos for bigger versions. I would love to go seabirding in NZ!
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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
you better hurry up then because I heard some very disturbing news yesterday about the state of seabirds here.
Thanks for link, and the work that you and other birders do for them.
I saw this blog post recently and thought of you... I don't know this guy but emailed with him when he was doing his biking big year. http://thespeckledhatchback.blogspot.com/2019/04/
There are a few posts there about his New Zealand trip with some great photos of the birds there, particularly endemics. Which is what birders are after. That which you can not see anywhere else. Click the photos for bigger versions. I would love to go seabirding in NZ!
I guess you can never have enough photos of Yellow Warblers
Canada Warbler stayed in the shadows
Common Yellowthroat checked me out for a while
Blue-winged Warbler never made a sound.
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" In the beginning, the universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry, and is generally considered to have been a bad move. -- Douglas Adams, The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy "
Best photos of the Olive-sided Flycatcher I was able to get. This bird stayed around for more than a week.
Not a bird
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" In the beginning, the universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry, and is generally considered to have been a bad move. -- Douglas Adams, The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy "
The cocklestove (German: Kachelofen, "tile stove") design, a relatively large home heater surrounded with ceramic tile, has existed for at least five centuries. During the Renaissance period, the builders of cocklestoves were part of a distinct trade and were called hafnermeister. A cocklestove uses a maze-like passage created out of firebrick to release gases and smoke from the wood fire slowly, allowing the firebrick to retain as much heat as possible from the gases and smoke. The ceramic tile surrounding the cocklestove also acts as insulation to retain heat. Cocklestoves were carefully designed so that the minimum amount of heat would escape, only as much as needed to warm the flue to maintain a proper air draught. The firebrick used in cocklestove construction holds 80% more heat than ferrous metals such as cast iron, while its heat conductivity is 1/45 that of iron or steel.[4] A cocklestove is efficient enough to warm a house for up to 6 to 12 hours after the fire has stopped burning.[5]
The cocklestove (German: Kachelofen, "tile stove") design, a relatively large home heater surrounded with ceramic tile, has existed for at least five centuries. During the Renaissance period, the builders of cocklestoves were part of a distinct trade and were called hafnermeister. A cocklestove uses a maze-like passage created out of firebrick to release gases and smoke from the wood fire slowly, allowing the firebrick to retain as much heat as possible from the gases and smoke. The ceramic tile surrounding the cocklestove also acts as insulation to retain heat. Cocklestoves were carefully designed so that the minimum amount of heat would escape, only as much as needed to warm the flue to maintain a proper air draught. The firebrick used in cocklestove construction holds 80% more heat than ferrous metals such as cast iron, while its heat conductivity is 1/45 that of iron or steel.[4] A cocklestove is efficient enough to warm a house for up to 6 to 12 hours after the fire has stopped burning.[5]
@janis b@janis b
(corrected typos)
don't want to hijack this beautiful photo essay and all their comments. But 'Kachelofen' and enjoying it since 30 years, brings me back to some family memories about them and their 'Kachelofen'.
Buildings from the time in the 1900 to the Nazi times in Berlin had almost all their 'Kachelofen'. My mother's family being born between 1901 and 1919 lived in a housing for lower level German public civil servants, in a pretty large flat, as my grandfather had 5 kids (so it was large in compariosn to similar flats of present times). My grandmother and grandfather, who I never got to know (born after they died after WWII), sat at the Kachelofen and their kids (my mother and siblings) played around and near the 'Kachelofen'. Time went by, the Nazis came to power and WWII broke out. Berlin was bombarded and one fire bomb went straight throught flat and left behind a big huge hole, causing drafts and winds in very cold winters. As the flat was not totally destroyed and most of it was still habitable, again the family warmed and cuddled around their 'Kachelofen'. The next generation of grandkids (my generation born at the end of wwII or shortly after) used to see their parents sitting by the 'Kachelofen' like being glued to it. They seem to never move away from that thing.
So, last year I visited my cousin in Berlin (we both in our seventies now) and we talked about their life in Berlin as children after wwII. My cousin said to my surprise, there came a time in his life, where he hated spending tons of hours around the 'kachelofen' as being the only room that was warm enough to feel comfortable. People didn't move, as if they never could change their minds of certain things (literally and they didn't change their minds about a lot of things neither), they were glued to their 'Kachelofen' and I never knew that the kids got tired of the damn 'Kachelofen' and wanted to go out and see something different, like a sign to leave the damn awful German past behind.
So, my cousin built his own house in the 1980ies and it has NO 'Kachelofen'. Whereas I, never having had a 'Kachelofen' in my childhood, was kind of disappointed that my mother never used a specific place in the house, I grew up in, to put in a 'Kachelofen'.
60 years later, I come back to that house, which is occupied (like occupied Wall STreet occupied style) by tenants, and I just thought, if I ever should have the permission to live in that part of the house (which I should), I will build myself a 'Kachelofen' in there and enjoy the radiant heat to the end of my life. Well, I guess I will die before that ever happens, but an old girl can dream, no?
And that is the end of my 'Kachelofen' story.
Beautiful pictures by all involved. A joy to look and read through. Thanks.
figuratively or literally, is what I would wish you. What a touching picture of your experience and the source of comfort a kachelofen can be.
It is truly a thing of beauty and pleasure. As Daenerys pointed out, it is the warm heart(h) of the home. Personally I know a few different kachelofens. Ours weighs 2 tons and was constructed in three parts by a friend in Germany who is a meister in such craft. It was quite innovative in the late 80s. It meant that we could transport it from our home in Germany to here in NZ.
Another kachelofen I know well is built into the corner of the central living space in a farm family’s farmhouse, whose ‘zuhaus’ we lived in. One of the ways the family enjoyed its special features was to place a mattress on top for the baby to sleep blissfully on. It also had a bench (quite common) to sit on along the two exposed sides. There is really nothing like the experience of warming yourself directly against the kacheln as they radiate heat. I can’t possibly measure the pleasure it has been over all these years.
#6.1#6.1 (corrected typos)
don't want to hijack this beautiful photo essay and all their comments. But 'Kachelofen' and enjoying it since 30 years, brings me back to some family memories about them and their 'Kachelofen'.
Buildings from the time in the 1900 to the Nazi times in Berlin had almost all their 'Kachelofen'. My mother's family being born between 1901 and 1919 lived in a housing for lower level German public civil servants, in a pretty large flat, as my grandfather had 5 kids (so it was large in compariosn to similar flats of present times). My grandmother and grandfather, who I never got to know (born after they died after WWII), sat at the Kachelofen and their kids (my mother and siblings) played around and near the 'Kachelofen'. Time went by, the Nazis came to power and WWII broke out. Berlin was bombarded and one fire bomb went straight throught flat and left behind a big huge hole, causing drafts and winds in very cold winters. As the flat was not totally destroyed and most of it was still habitable, again the family warmed and cuddled around their 'Kachelofen'. The next generation of grandkids (my generation born at the end of wwII or shortly after) used to see their parents sitting by the 'Kachelofen' like being glued to it. They seem to never move away from that thing.
So, last year I visited my cousin in Berlin (we both in our seventies now) and we talked about their life in Berlin as children after wwII. My cousin said to my surprise, there came a time in his life, where he hated spending tons of hours around the 'kachelofen' as being the only room that was warm enough to feel comfortable. People didn't move, as if they never could change their minds of certain things (literally and they didn't change their minds about a lot of things neither), they were glued to their 'Kachelofen' and I never knew that the kids got tired of the damn 'Kachelofen' and wanted to go out and see something different, like a sign to leave the damn awful German past behind.
So, my cousin built his own house in the 1980ies and it has NO 'Kachelofen'. Whereas I, never having had a 'Kachelofen' in my childhood, was kind of disappointed that my mother never used a specific place in the house, I grew up in, to put in a 'Kachelofen'.
60 years later, I come back to that house, which is occupied (like occupied Wall STreet occupied style) by tenants, and I just thought, if I ever should have the permission to live in that part of the house (which I should), I will build myself a 'Kachelofen' in there and enjoy the radiant heat to the end of my life. Well, I guess I will die before that ever happens, but an old girl can dream, no?
And that is the end of my 'Kachelofen' story.
Beautiful pictures by all involved. A joy to look and read through. Thanks.
figuratively or literally, is what I would wish you. What a touching picture of your experience and the source of comfort a kachelofen can be.
It is truly a thing of beauty and pleasure. As Daenerys pointed out, it is the warm heart(h) of the home. Personally I know a few different kachelofens. Ours weighs 2 tons and was constructed in three parts by a friend in Germany who is a meister in such craft. It was quite innovative in the late 80s. It meant that we could transport it from our home in Germany to here in NZ.
Another kachelofen I know well is built into the corner of the central living space in a farm family’s farmhouse, whose ‘zuhaus’ we lived in. One of the ways the family enjoyed its special features was to place a mattress on top for the baby to sleep blissfully on. It also had a bench (quite common) to sit on along the two exposed sides. There is really nothing like the experience of warming yourself directly against the kacheln as they radiate heat. I can’t possibly measure the pleasure it has been over all these years.
figuratively or literally, is what I would wish you. What a touching picture of your experience and the source of comfort a kachelofen can be.
It is truly a thing of beauty and pleasure. As Daenerys pointed out, it is the warm heart(h) of the home. Personally I know a few different kachelofens. Ours weighs 2 tons and was constructed in three parts by a friend in Germany who is a meister in such craft. It was quite innovative in the late 80s. It meant that we could transport it from our home in Germany to here in NZ.
Another kachelofen I know well is built into the corner of the central living space in a farm family’s farmhouse, whose ‘zuhaus’ we lived in. One of the ways the family enjoyed its special features was to place a mattress on top for the baby to sleep blissfully on. It also had a bench (quite common) to sit on along the two exposed sides. There is really nothing like the experience of warming yourself directly against the kacheln as they radiate heat. I can’t possibly measure the pleasure it has been over all these years.
The cocklestove (German: Kachelofen, "tile stove") design, a relatively large home heater surrounded with ceramic tile, has existed for at least five centuries. During the Renaissance period, the builders of cocklestoves were part of a distinct trade and were called hafnermeister. A cocklestove uses a maze-like passage created out of firebrick to release gases and smoke from the wood fire slowly, allowing the firebrick to retain as much heat as possible from the gases and smoke. The ceramic tile surrounding the cocklestove also acts as insulation to retain heat. Cocklestoves were carefully designed so that the minimum amount of heat would escape, only as much as needed to warm the flue to maintain a proper air draught. The firebrick used in cocklestove construction holds 80% more heat than ferrous metals such as cast iron, while its heat conductivity is 1/45 that of iron or steel.[4] A cocklestove is efficient enough to warm a house for up to 6 to 12 hours after the fire has stopped burning.[5]
GREAT warbler pix BC! Beautiful! That Canada is a gorgeous bird. Thee Blue-wing must have nest material?
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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
@dystopian
The Blue-winged warblers nest there every year. Lots of them...There must have been Golden-winged warblers there once because there are usually some "Brewster's Warblers" around, and for a few years there was a "Lawrence's Warbler" there.
GREAT warbler pix BC! Beautiful! That Canada is a gorgeous bird. Thee Blue-wing must have nest material?
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" In the beginning, the universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry, and is generally considered to have been a bad move. -- Douglas Adams, The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy "
Pileated Woodpecker stabbing the bugs out of a fallen branch with his face knife...
Killdeer in the gas station parking lot on the way home...
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" In the beginning, the universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry, and is generally considered to have been a bad move. -- Douglas Adams, The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy "
@boriscleto
love yer Pileated pix BC! Whatabird! Pretty fancy Carpenter Ant specialist. Your Catbird pix were great too. Neat bird.
Wood ducks
Wood ducks and Blue-winged Teal
Song Sparrow
Willow or Alder Flycatcher
YAYW
Finally got close to some Cedar Waxwings
Common Yellowthroat
So many Tree Swallows around
YACY
Pileated Woodpecker stabbing the bugs out of a fallen branch with his face knife...
Killdeer in the gas station parking lot on the way home...
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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
A bit on the sad side tonight. I didn't consciously frame this photo. But it's emblematic of the rampant development here in Arizona (4th fastest growing state -- damn you Californians!!). The saguaro skeleton looks like it has the arm and scoop of the excavator growing out of it. Untold thousands of cacti are destroyed each year so that Arizona's builders can plant McMansions in saguaro habitat.
This one is kinda neat. I've never seen its like despite seeing 10s of thousands of saguaros. A real double header.
And lastly, a Staghorn Cholla flower. With all those spines surrounding it, the flower seems to be taunting would-be flower pickers -- "Go ahead. Make my day."
and so emotive of the tragedy in too many places on earth. Thank you.
[Added 2 photos to original comment.]
A bit on the sad side tonight. I didn't consciously frame this photo. But it's emblematic of the rampant development here in Arizona (4th fastest growing state -- damn you Californians!!). The saguaro skeleton looks like it has the arm and scoop of the excavator growing out of it. Untold thousands of cacti are destroyed each year so that Arizona's builders can plant McMansions in saguaro habitat.
This one is kinda neat. I've never seen its like despite seeing 10s of thousands of saguaros. A real double header.
And lastly, a Staghorn Cholla flower. With all those spines surrounding it, the flower seems to be taunting would-be flower pickers -- "Go ahead. Make my day."
Arizona (4th fastest growing state -- damn you Californians!!).
Thank whoever the F is in charge for snow! It keeps Californians and many Arizonans out of Colorado!
The saguaro skeleton looks like it has the arm and scoop of the excavator growing out of it.
Would it were so! The poor cactus could defend itself!
Untold thousands of cacti are destroyed each year so that Arizona's builders can plant McMansions in saguaro habitat.
For humans who have no F'ing business living in saguaro habitat!
grrrroooaaaannnnn......
[Added 2 photos to original comment.]
A bit on the sad side tonight. I didn't consciously frame this photo. But it's emblematic of the rampant development here in Arizona (4th fastest growing state -- damn you Californians!!). The saguaro skeleton looks like it has the arm and scoop of the excavator growing out of it. Untold thousands of cacti are destroyed each year so that Arizona's builders can plant McMansions in saguaro habitat.
This one is kinda neat. I've never seen its like despite seeing 10s of thousands of saguaros. A real double header.
And lastly, a Staghorn Cholla flower. With all those spines surrounding it, the flower seems to be taunting would-be flower pickers -- "Go ahead. Make my day."
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"US govt/military = bad. Russian govt/military = bad. Any politician wanting power = bad. Anyone wielding power = bad." --Shahryar
"All power corrupts absolutely!" -- thanatokephaloides
Thanks all, all over the site for all the great material here.
Seems enough great bird pix, don't want to scare people so here are some other beasts...
One of the Ironclad beetles, family Tenebrionidae, this one genus Zopherus. These bend mere mortal insect pins when you try to pin them, the elytra are so strong and hard externally.
Rough Green Snake - actually feels smooth as silk as it moves through your hands. The name is in reference to the presence of a hard keel on the dorsal row of scales, versus the Smooth Green Snake which is un-keeled.
Crimson Patch - affectionately called 'the crimson beauty' by butterfly folk. A few live at a site a half-mile from our place. A stunningly beautiful beast.
Plateau Spreadwing - damselfly, small cousins of dragonflies.
Thanks again all!
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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
I always feel a vicarious thrill from seeing your photos, accompanied by your knowledge and experience of them. Next best to being there.
Thanks all, all over the site for all the great material here.
Seems enough great bird pix, don't want to scare people so here are some other beasts...
One of the Ironclad beetles, family Tenebrionidae, this one genus Zopherus. These bend mere mortal insect pins when you try to pin them, the elytra are so strong and hard externally.
Rough Green Snake - actually feels smooth as silk as it moves through your hands. The name is in reference to the presence of a hard keel on the dorsal row of scales, versus the Smooth Green Snake which is un-keeled.
Crimson Patch - affectionately called 'the crimson beauty' by butterfly folk. A few live at a site a half-mile from our place. A stunningly beautiful beast.
Plateau Spreadwing - damselfly, small cousins of dragonflies.
for hosting this evening Photography OT. Can't believe the contrast in your weather, as shown by your photos. OTOH, what an interesting and beautiful country you live in--thanks for sharing with us.
Need to run and see if I can put together an essay for a pet insurance contest--which ends May 31st/tonight at Midnight. "Procrastinator" is my middle name. At any rate, have a tree photo that I want to post in this thread, either tonight, or next week (if I can't whip out the essay in an hour, or so).
Curious to know if anyone has traveled to Argentina or Uruguay, lately. We 'think' we've narrowed down to 3 countries (the third, being Mexico, which we've lived in twice already), the one we'll retire to. Any input/firsthand knowledge, would be much appreciated. Guess we'd share your seasons, Janis, since both those SA countries are also in the Southern Hemisphere.
Have a nice weekend!
Mollie
“Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. ” ~~Roger Caras
“In every moment, a choice exists.
We can cling to the past, or embrace the inevitability of change, and allow a brighter future to unfold before us. Such an uncertain future may call for even more uncertain allies. Either way, a new day is coming, whether we like it or not. The question is-- will you control it, or, will it control you?” ~~Fictitious Character Klaus Mikaelson
(Bolding/Italics - my emphasis. )
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Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.
Good luck in the contest. I’d love to read the essay you write at the last hour. You probably have a very good chance, don't miss it.
Funny, the concept of procrastination is one I’ve been musing/belabouring over the past couple of days. Mostly I wonder why I do that, procrastinate; because it seems not really to be to my benefit.
If I remember correctly, there is a poster here who lives with his wife in Uruguay, but I don’t recall his name. I could be recalling the wrong country but maybe someone else remembers and can direct you. I remember him writing about his experience and appreciation of the country.
Looking forward to your tree photo.
for hosting this evening Photography OT. Can't believe the contrast in your weather, as shown by your photos. OTOH, what an interesting and beautiful country you live in--thanks for sharing with us.
Need to run and see if I can put together an essay for a pet insurance contest--which ends May 31st/tonight at Midnight. "Procrastinator" is my middle name. At any rate, have a tree photo that I want to post in this thread, either tonight, or next week (if I can't whip out the essay in an hour, or so).
Curious to know if anyone has traveled to Argentina or Uruguay, lately. We 'think' we've narrowed down to 3 countries (the third, being Mexico, which we've lived in twice already), the one we'll retire to. Any input/firsthand knowledge, would be much appreciated. Guess we'd share your seasons, Janis, since both those SA countries are also in the Southern Hemisphere.
Have a nice weekend!
Mollie
“Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. ” ~~Roger Caras
“In every moment, a choice exists.
We can cling to the past, or embrace the inevitability of change, and allow a brighter future to unfold before us. Such an uncertain future may call for even more uncertain allies. Either way, a new day is coming, whether we like it or not. The question is-- will you control it, or, will it control you?” ~~Fictitious Character Klaus Mikaelson
backfired, this time. When I followed the hyperlink to the contest (from their Twitter account), I landed on their blog, and the blurb about the contest was nowhere to be found.
Well, guess that's what I get for waiting until the last minute. Part of the problem was that I couldn't decide which of the three (dogs') stories I wanted to tell. Well, there's next year--maybe. (Not sure how often they hold this contest.)
Anyhoo, I'll catch up with you Guys tomorrow, with my little photo.
Good luck in the contest. I’d love to read the essay you write at the last hour. You probably have a very good chance, don't miss it.
Funny, the concept of procrastination is one I’ve been musing/belabouring over the past couple of days. Mostly I wonder why I do that, procrastinate; because it seems not really to be to my benefit.
If I remember correctly, there is a poster here who lives with his wife in Uruguay, but I don’t recall his name. I could be recalling the wrong country but maybe someone else remembers and can direct you. I remember him writing about his experience and appreciation of the country.
Looking forward to your tree photo.
up
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—
Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.
backfired, this time. When I followed the hyperlink to the contest (from their Twitter account), I landed on their blog, and the blurb about the contest was nowhere to be found.
Well, guess that's what I get for waiting until the last minute. Part of the problem was that I couldn't decide which of the three (dogs') stories I wanted to tell. Well, there's next year--maybe. (Not sure how often they hold this contest.)
Anyhoo, I'll catch up with you Guys tomorrow, with my little photo.
Comments
Evening Janis, everyone
We've got smoke coming down from fires in Canada, again, so the last couple days have been hazy. I guess this is the new normal. Blarg.
Anyway, I got my 200 bird species the other day! I had a record four lifers in one day the other day!
198: olive-sided flycatcher
199: golden-winged warbler
200: red-eyed vireo
201: orchard oriole
OK, technically it was a juvenile male that I saw for 201, but I haven't gotten any photos of him yet and this one showed up the next day!
I also got my blackburnian warbler photo!
Now let's go for 500!
This shit is bananas.
I'm against the new normal
i.e., the haze.
Not that I know much about birds, but we have a hawk family nesting up the street.
Gëzuar!!
from a reasonably stable genius.
great bird pix D!
Great bird pix D! I love male Orchard Oriole, no other bird in America is that color. Golden-winged Warbler are fancy fancy. What a beauty. I hear they are in decline in many areas. Congrats! I'd suggest going for 700 though.
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
I don't know,
it took me over 36 years to get to 200....On the other hand, I think I've gotten about half of those in the last few years. But I don't have the time or the money it would take for traveling to get to 700.
This shit is bananas.
That's exciting Daenerys
It would be so nice to hear the variety of birdsong you have around you. The blackburnian warbler and photo are beautiful. Thank you.
Birdsong
You better believe it! We have so many birds in our yard singing--orioles, warblers, swallows, house wrens, robins, doves, catbirds and a brown thrasher--they are excellent mimics. It is a wonderful symphony! I have seen around 90 species here at our place, some residents, some just passing through. I've sort of tried to create a bird sanctuary in our yard and I am constantly amazed by the variety we have, despite all the cats running around!
This shit is bananas.
Do you ever try to record the sound?
I haven't, but I should.
I'll try to get a video, though sometimes video recordings don't pick up all the sounds so well. There's often a lot of road noise and machinery noise too.
This shit is bananas.
Wow, Daenerys--thank you so much
for the gorgeous bird photos. Luv them!
Can only identify the most common ones, so, it's a true pleasure when you and others post photos of birds that almost seem exotic (to me).
Moving my feeding area 'inside the fenced portion' of yard, has helped greatly, in regards to protecting "our birds" from predators. That, and I'm beginning to think that a couple of cats have passed away, since we never see them, anymore.
A very old couple--late 80's--moved from 'the country' into town, to be near their children, and brought 3 barn cats with them--which I had to chase off with a small rake, on almost a daily basis. In spite of my best efforts to protect our birds, we lost probably between 5-10 Cardinals, alone. Even saw one female being carried off. Until I moved the feeding area, that is.
Blue Onyx
Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.
Choice colours and clouds Janis
Very nice.
Gëzuar!!
from a reasonably stable genius.
Thanks Bollox
for your appreciation and your beautiful clouds. Those clouds from last night kept darkening and produced thunder soon later.
You and clouds ... you must be a dreamer ; ).
beautiful photos Janis
I saw this blog post recently and thought of you... I don't know this guy but emailed with him when he was doing his biking big year. http://thespeckledhatchback.blogspot.com/2019/04/
There are a few posts there about his New Zealand trip with some great photos of the birds there, particularly endemics. Which is what birders are after. That which you can not see anywhere else. Click the photos for bigger versions. I would love to go seabirding in NZ!
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
Hi dystopian,
you better hurry up then because I heard some very disturbing news yesterday about the state of seabirds here.
Thanks for link, and the work that you and other birders do for them.
May 25th
I guess you can never have enough photos of Yellow Warblers
Canada Warbler stayed in the shadows
Common Yellowthroat checked me out for a while
Blue-winged Warbler never made a sound.
" In the beginning, the universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry, and is generally considered to have been a bad move. -- Douglas Adams, The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy "
Beautiful boriscleto
With a mouthful like that you couldn't talk either.
yellow warblers
tricky to photograph, but they sure are cute!
This shit is bananas.
May 26th
Gray Catbird
YAYW
Best photos of the Olive-sided Flycatcher I was able to get. This bird stayed around for more than a week.
Not a bird
" In the beginning, the universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry, and is generally considered to have been a bad move. -- Douglas Adams, The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy "
What beautiful colours and light, all.
kachelofen
Remember, folks: Janis lives in New Zealand. It's Winter there (or will be in 21 days).
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TYnoYl1JfY]
What a kachelofen is:
footnote references at original source
source
"US govt/military = bad. Russian govt/military = bad. Any politician wanting power = bad. Anyone wielding power = bad." --Shahryar
"All power corrupts absolutely!" -- thanatokephaloides
Thank you Than,
for clarifying with a perfect explanation of the kachelofen. I have enjoyed it's special environmentaly friendly, radiant warmth for 30 years now.
And, for FFD's extraordinary album. It's a beauty!
FFD 101
That exact link was my introduction to FFD!
"US govt/military = bad. Russian govt/military = bad. Any politician wanting power = bad. Anyone wielding power = bad." --Shahryar
"All power corrupts absolutely!" -- thanatokephaloides
You're in for a long musical treat.
They've made lots of great music. Check out some of their live performances especially.
Germans and their Kachelofen ...
(corrected typos)
don't want to hijack this beautiful photo essay and all their comments. But 'Kachelofen' and enjoying it since 30 years, brings me back to some family memories about them and their 'Kachelofen'.
Buildings from the time in the 1900 to the Nazi times in Berlin had almost all their 'Kachelofen'. My mother's family being born between 1901 and 1919 lived in a housing for lower level German public civil servants, in a pretty large flat, as my grandfather had 5 kids (so it was large in compariosn to similar flats of present times). My grandmother and grandfather, who I never got to know (born after they died after WWII), sat at the Kachelofen and their kids (my mother and siblings) played around and near the 'Kachelofen'. Time went by, the Nazis came to power and WWII broke out. Berlin was bombarded and one fire bomb went straight throught flat and left behind a big huge hole, causing drafts and winds in very cold winters. As the flat was not totally destroyed and most of it was still habitable, again the family warmed and cuddled around their 'Kachelofen'. The next generation of grandkids (my generation born at the end of wwII or shortly after) used to see their parents sitting by the 'Kachelofen' like being glued to it. They seem to never move away from that thing.
So, last year I visited my cousin in Berlin (we both in our seventies now) and we talked about their life in Berlin as children after wwII. My cousin said to my surprise, there came a time in his life, where he hated spending tons of hours around the 'kachelofen' as being the only room that was warm enough to feel comfortable. People didn't move, as if they never could change their minds of certain things (literally and they didn't change their minds about a lot of things neither), they were glued to their 'Kachelofen' and I never knew that the kids got tired of the damn 'Kachelofen' and wanted to go out and see something different, like a sign to leave the damn awful German past behind.
So, my cousin built his own house in the 1980ies and it has NO 'Kachelofen'. Whereas I, never having had a 'Kachelofen' in my childhood, was kind of disappointed that my mother never used a specific place in the house, I grew up in, to put in a 'Kachelofen'.
60 years later, I come back to that house, which is occupied (like occupied Wall STreet occupied style) by tenants, and I just thought, if I ever should have the permission to live in that part of the house (which I should), I will build myself a 'Kachelofen' in there and enjoy the radiant heat to the end of my life. Well, I guess I will die before that ever happens, but an old girl can dream, no?
And that is the end of my 'Kachelofen' story.
Beautiful pictures by all involved. A joy to look and read through. Thanks.
The warmth of a kachelofen,
figuratively or literally, is what I would wish you. What a touching picture of your experience and the source of comfort a kachelofen can be.
It is truly a thing of beauty and pleasure. As Daenerys pointed out, it is the warm heart(h) of the home. Personally I know a few different kachelofens. Ours weighs 2 tons and was constructed in three parts by a friend in Germany who is a meister in such craft. It was quite innovative in the late 80s. It meant that we could transport it from our home in Germany to here in NZ.
Another kachelofen I know well is built into the corner of the central living space in a farm family’s farmhouse, whose ‘zuhaus’ we lived in. One of the ways the family enjoyed its special features was to place a mattress on top for the baby to sleep blissfully on. It also had a bench (quite common) to sit on along the two exposed sides. There is really nothing like the experience of warming yourself directly against the kacheln as they radiate heat. I can’t possibly measure the pleasure it has been over all these years.
Smiling back at you reading your comment, thx. janis /nt
redacted - double entry /nt
That must be where
the expression 'warming the cockles of your heart' comes from.
This shit is bananas.
cockles of my heart
Sounds reasonable to me!
"US govt/military = bad. Russian govt/military = bad. Any politician wanting power = bad. Anyone wielding power = bad." --Shahryar
"All power corrupts absolutely!" -- thanatokephaloides
I'm sure you must be right, Daenerys.
Thanks for the insight!
great warbler pix BC!
GREAT warbler pix BC! Beautiful! That Canada is a gorgeous bird. Thee Blue-wing must have nest material?
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
Yes
The Blue-winged warblers nest there every year. Lots of them...There must have been Golden-winged warblers there once because there are usually some "Brewster's Warblers" around, and for a few years there was a "Lawrence's Warbler" there.
" In the beginning, the universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry, and is generally considered to have been a bad move. -- Douglas Adams, The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy "
May 27th
Wood ducks
Wood ducks and Blue-winged Teal
Song Sparrow
Willow or Alder Flycatcher
YAYW
Finally got close to some Cedar Waxwings
Common Yellowthroat
So many Tree Swallows around
YACY
Pileated Woodpecker stabbing the bugs out of a fallen branch with his face knife...
Killdeer in the gas station parking lot on the way home...
" In the beginning, the universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry, and is generally considered to have been a bad move. -- Douglas Adams, The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy "
How beautiful is the tree sparrow!
That first photo of the wood ducks is fascinating
and pleasing in many ways. I could look at it for a long time.
awesome Pileated Woodpecker shots
love yer Pileated pix BC! Whatabird! Pretty fancy Carpenter Ant specialist. Your Catbird pix were great too. Neat bird.
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
'Shrooms
Just how much rain have we gotten this spring?
Daffy has no problem being around the dawgs as he plopped down as we were walking by.
Which AIPAC/MIC/pharma/bank bought politician are you going to vote for? Don’t be surprised when nothing changes.
Mushroom droppings!
Evening snoopy
mushrooms
Yep, you know it's been wet when there are mushrooms!
This shit is bananas.
Also, too.......
Going through old stuff.
If you're in England, Exeter is worth a visit, if you can. Lovely place. Here's the cathedral.
Gëzuar!!
from a reasonably stable genius.
Exeter is beautiful
Thank you for a gorgeous shot of it. I love the architectural delicacy of the arches in the centre of all the heaviness.
[Edited] Sunny and 100 degrees here. I feel your pain.
[Added 2 photos to original comment.]
A bit on the sad side tonight. I didn't consciously frame this photo. But it's emblematic of the rampant development here in Arizona (4th fastest growing state -- damn you Californians!!). The saguaro skeleton looks like it has the arm and scoop of the excavator growing out of it. Untold thousands of cacti are destroyed each year so that Arizona's builders can plant McMansions in saguaro habitat.
This one is kinda neat. I've never seen its like despite seeing 10s of thousands of saguaros. A real double header.
And lastly, a Staghorn Cholla flower. With all those spines surrounding it, the flower seems to be taunting would-be flower pickers -- "Go ahead. Make my day."
Very edgy, edg,
and so emotive of the tragedy in too many places on earth. Thank you.
en garde
Thank whoever the F is in charge for snow! It keeps Californians and many Arizonans out of Colorado!
Would it were so! The poor cactus could defend itself!
For humans who have no F'ing business living in saguaro habitat!
grrrroooaaaannnnn......
"US govt/military = bad. Russian govt/military = bad. Any politician wanting power = bad. Anyone wielding power = bad." --Shahryar
"All power corrupts absolutely!" -- thanatokephaloides
my weekly thanks
Thanks all, all over the site for all the great material here.
Seems enough great bird pix, don't want to scare people so here are some other beasts...
One of the Ironclad beetles, family Tenebrionidae, this one genus Zopherus. These bend mere mortal insect pins when you try to pin them, the elytra are so strong and hard externally.
Rough Green Snake - actually feels smooth as silk as it moves through your hands. The name is in reference to the presence of a hard keel on the dorsal row of scales, versus the Smooth Green Snake which is un-keeled.
Crimson Patch - affectionately called 'the crimson beauty' by butterfly folk. A few live at a site a half-mile from our place. A stunningly beautiful beast.
Plateau Spreadwing - damselfly, small cousins of dragonflies.
Thanks again all!
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
Somehow,
I always feel a vicarious thrill from seeing your photos, accompanied by your knowledge and experience of them. Next best to being there.
Arizona-style Sunset
Permiso?
Really tasty Friday Night Photography, people!
Anybody have a problem with my using these images for things like the wallpaper on this machine and jigsaw puzzles (again, on this machine)?
That Exeter Cathedral shot would make a first-rate Palapeli puzzle!
"US govt/military = bad. Russian govt/military = bad. Any politician wanting power = bad. Anyone wielding power = bad." --Shahryar
"All power corrupts absolutely!" -- thanatokephaloides
I agree about the Exeter puzzle n/t
Birds of a feather ...
feathers of birds ...
found and bound by my best friends daughter while on Ulva Island bird sanctuary.
What a difference, indeed, Janis! Hi, and thanks
for hosting this evening Photography OT. Can't believe the contrast in your weather, as shown by your photos. OTOH, what an interesting and beautiful country you live in--thanks for sharing with us.
Need to run and see if I can put together an essay for a pet insurance contest--which ends May 31st/tonight at Midnight. "Procrastinator" is my middle name.
At any rate, have a tree photo that I want to post in this thread, either tonight, or next week (if I can't whip out the essay in an hour, or so).
Curious to know if anyone has traveled to Argentina or Uruguay, lately. We 'think' we've narrowed down to 3 countries (the third, being Mexico, which we've lived in twice already), the one we'll retire to. Any input/firsthand knowledge, would be much appreciated. Guess we'd share your seasons, Janis, since both those SA countries are also in the Southern Hemisphere.
Have a nice weekend!
Mollie
Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.
It’s a pleasure Mollie.
Good luck in the contest. I’d love to read the essay you write at the last hour. You probably have a very good chance, don't miss it.
Funny, the concept of procrastination is one I’ve been musing/belabouring over the past couple of days. Mostly I wonder why I do that, procrastinate; because it seems not really to be to my benefit.
If I remember correctly, there is a poster here who lives with his wife in Uruguay, but I don’t recall his name. I could be recalling the wrong country but maybe someone else remembers and can direct you. I remember him writing about his experience and appreciation of the country.
Looking forward to your tree photo.
Appreciate best wishes, Janis--but, looks like procrastinating
backfired, this time. When I followed the hyperlink to the contest (from their Twitter account), I landed on their blog, and the blurb about the contest was nowhere to be found.
Well, guess that's what I get for waiting until the last minute. Part of the problem was that I couldn't decide which of the three (dogs') stories I wanted to tell. Well, there's next year--maybe. (Not sure how often they hold this contest.)
Anyhoo, I'll catch up with you Guys tomorrow, with my little photo.
Mollie
Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.
I'd like to hear all three Mollie,
but I know that's probably presumptuous ; ).
Late howdy janis...
and all...
Thanks for the Friday OT. Beautiful photos everyone.
Out walking all day yesterday. Exquisite views.
And everything else too...
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Nice magiamma,
that you enjoyed such exquisite views while walking, rest well. Is that a Kingsnake?