Neighbor's Flowers

 The following is a selection of photographs taken in my neighbor's yard.  On a gloomy day like today, a little color might help to brighten the way.

Poppy

Peony

Mountain Laurel

Mountain Laurel

Mountain Laurel

Some sort of ground cover

Flower & Wildlife Meet

Before

After

The Pictures say it all!

Pileated Woodpecker Revisited

     Last night emerged as a beautiful late June evening of about seventy degrees.  The warm hues of twilight, the distinct aroma of pine, and the chirping of a multitude of feathered friends all helped to set the stage for a special visit from not one, but two, pileated woodpeckers, a rare sight indeed.  While one explored one of our feeders the other was but some thirty feet away probing for bugs in one of our birch trees.  After about ten minutes, they were content to go back to patrolling the territory they command in the surrounding woods.  It is a true pleasure to share the following photos with the hope that you too will have such an encounter in your very special summer.

A Few More Blossoms

Lupin

Iris

Rugosa Rose

Rugosa Rose

Late Spring Blossoms

Iris

Pansies

 

 

Just a few late spring blossoms found in our yard.

Wild Daisey

Pileated Woodpecker

     Today my wife an I had the treat of having a visit from a pileated woodpecker.  An informational video can be viewed by clicking on http://youtu.be/SpYsdZ8gUU8.

     The Pileated Woodpecker is a truly impressive and unforgettable bird, for those who are blessed with an opportunity to see and observe them. With its brilliant red crest, loud alarming call, large "crow sized" body, and handsome white wing linings, this bird is a memorable one. For Birders and other nature enthusiasts who spend time outdoors looking for and observing other members of the bird family, catching a glimpse of a Pileated Woodpecker is a rewarding experience. Smelling the fresh aroma of newly cut wood chips coming from a recent excavation of a Pileated Woodpecker is a moment that will not be forgotten. The damage that is done to trees, buildings, and utility poles by the Pileated Woodpecker is unbelievable! Thankfully this bird is non-migratory and we are able to enjoy its presence year round.

More Maine Spring

     When the sun shines I only can find time for quick posts like the one that follows.  Frankly, I hope it is hard to find the time necessary to continue posting my lighthouse journey.

      As illustrated in the previous post below, there is always beauty to be found up close.  However, sometimes backing up isn't bad either.  Please look forward to August when I will be featuring shots from the "Forever Summer Flower Farm" in Camden.  I know I can't wait to do the photo session.  I sincerely hope you will join me.

Spring Blossoms

 If one looks close enough, beauty can be found almost anywhere.  The following is a random selection of blossoms found in our own humble yard.  In my busy life, I can walk right past true beauty without noticing.  I hope they bring a little light and beauty into your day.  Enjoy!

Great Blue Heron

Sunday morning in my yard

The Rose

Click for song & lyrics

Looo-hooo-hooo-hooo-hooons (The Common Loon)

     I snapped these photographs some years ago on Upper Lead Mountain Pond located down in the woods about half way across ME Route 9,  "The Airline". 

Click for Loon Video

     Through the misty sunrise on a northern lake eches a sound that stirs profound emotions in anyone who hears it; the haunting cry of the Common Loon.  The loon symbolizes the wilderness of the north - wilderness that many of us, trapped in an ever-more-urbanized society, long for from the depths of our souls.


     Since ancient times the loon has featured prominently in Native American mythology. In Sioux and Lakota legends it plays a role in recreating the post-diluvian world. An Ojibwa tale credits the loon’s voice as the inspiration for Native American flutes. And from Alaska, a Tsimshian story describes how a loon restores a blind man’s sight, for which it is rewarded with the gift of the beautiful necklace of white feathers adorning its neck.

     Strikingly handsome, with jewel-like red eyes and an unearthly yet beautiful call, fiercely territorial while breeding, and possessed of magical powers—clearly there’s nothing “common” about the Common Loon. On the other hand its European name, “Great Northern Diver,” is a name well deserved, for the loon is a master of the aquatic environment. With barely a splash it slips beneath the water’s surface in search of food, propelling itself powerfully and with great agility using its large webbed feet. It dives as deep as 180 feet and, although dives usually average under a minute, loons have been known to stay underwater for as long as 15 minutes.

     Feet set far back on the body make the loon a powerhouse of a swimmer, but hamper its mobility on land. An incubating adult can only shuffle awkwardly to get onto its nest. A chick has a similar struggle to clamber onto its parent’s back to rest or warm up.

     Luxuriating in the warmth of the adult’s body, the tired chick may immediately fall asleep, sometimes neglecting to stow a foot or a wing in its exhausted state. Adult loons sometimes roll over onto one side and hold one webbed foot in the air while loafing or preening on the water. It’s called the “foot waggle” but, unlike the drowsy chick, the adult does it purposefully, to cool down in warm weather.

Dynamic Views

If you are interested in viewing this site using different dynamic views, click on the side bar "Dynamic Views of This Site" and choose Sidebar, Flip Card, Snapshot, or Time Slide at the upper right of the page. Experiment with it and enjoy.

Another Great Blog I Support

Click above to go to site.

     If you enjoy the true flavor of New England,  you will certainly be sure to enjoy this blog.  When the author visited my blog she said, "I have a strong connection to lighthouses because I actually lived in one for 5 years as a child. My late father was stationed at Eaton's Neck Long Island, NY in the Coast Guard (early 60's). Before I was born he was stationed at Portland Head and was the captain of the Nantucket Lightship in the 50's".  As you can see she we had an instantaneous connection.  She is also a strong supporter of my wonderful daughter-in-law whose blog, "And Baby Makes Five" is also well worth visiting.  I sincerely hope you will visit both of these wonderful sites.  Enjoy!  Tell them I sent you.

Flowers from My Daughter's House in Oregon

      Last fall my wife and I took a trip to Oregon to visit our daughter and her husband in Irrigon.  We went to meet our new granddaughter Ellie, whom they had just adopted from China.  While there, I took the time to shoot a few flower shots in her gardens.  I hope they brighten your day.  Enjoy!

Light at the End of The Tunnel

     This is a shot I took I took at a poplar tree far.  You can just barely see light at the end of the long opening between the rows of trees.  I think it is sort of neat. 

     If you enjoy these breaks I take from lighthouses, please leave a comment below.  Thanks and enjoy.