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We're at the half way point of 365/Year II. Congratulations to everyone who has made it this far.

B and I are celebrating the July 4th holiday with several days off from work. Day 1 was spent taking a three hour nap, a long evening walk down the boardwalk and pizza at the Sawmill. As an added bonus, I left my camera at home so I could devote my attention solely on my husband. I did see a Cedar Wax Wing on the dunes, a stray cat playing in the beach plums and the Magic Men, all would have made for interesting shots.  But thankful for the time with B.

Day 2 ~ B and I spent 5 hours with our butts in our beach chairs listening to the sound of the surf pound the shoreland, while soaking up some summer time sun rays. This evening it's dinner at Longhorns and a relaxing hour in the hot tub with a pina coloda in our hands. I could so retire and spend each day like this!!

Oh, this is a female redwing black bird. I am not very good at identifing the small brown birds and was very surprise to find out the species of this little one.

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a sneak peek at the baby ~

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I've been heading down to the nest early in the morning in hopes of getting a few shots of the babies. Each time mama sees me she sounds the alarm and the little ones duck low into the bottom of the nest, hidden from sight. So for now it's papa again.

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Papa bringing home dinner.

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this reminds me of Dr Seuss, "are you my mother?"

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one of the fishing boats along the inlet ~ why do I never tire of seeing these?

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gave the Osprey a break today and headed off to find the black crowned night heron ~ success!

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an early morning visit to the nest,

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a quick stop at the beach before work ~

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Late this afternoon at the bay.

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I have read an Osprey can see a fish, in the water, from a 100 feet above.

 Makes me wonder what she sees when looking at me!

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Today was one of the days I have hoped for; the sun was shining, the air was still and I had an hour of extra time. After a long day at work, I went to my favorite spot on the bay to “renew my spirit”.

With my camera in hand, I headed off to the Osprey nest. Mama; although, not happy I was there and keeping an intense stare on me, remained upright in the nest. This, despite the fact I was beyond her comfort zone. Walking around the corner of the small peninsula, I could see Papa perched on his chair with a freshly caught meal. I snapped off a few shots and continued to walk closer. He remained on his chair. As I very slowly walked on, much to my surprise, he stayed in place.

I sat in the sand and snapped off a series of shots. Testing my luck, and scooting along on my bottom until I was within 25 feet of this awesome avian, I shot rapid-fire not wanting to miss a moment of this once in a lifetime, opportunity. 524 photos later . . .

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Great evening to be by the water.

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Now that I have a 500mm, there will be no peace for the Osprey.

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There is no such thing as a bad beach day,

but after nearly a week of rain,

I am ready to see the sun again.

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A rainy day drive up RT 35.

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Mama waits patiently for her little one.

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On the side of a very busy intersection stands a cell phone tower. It is the highest point in the area and for this reason, I surmise, a bald eagle family has chosen it as their home. A new generation was raised there last year and again this year. Today after purchasing a 500mm lens, I made B B drove me over to test out my new lens.

At first only a juvenile sat along the high rail but just as we were leaving an adult flew back to the nest. There she sat calling to the youngster, who was a bit hesitate to trust it’s own wings.

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I have been a bit remiss in keeping up with my, self promised, daily photo of Yellow Girl. I had a few extra minutes last week and jumped at the chance to borrow a 500mm. This being a wonderful lens to capture Osprey, they have become the focus of my attention and lens. With it’s return tomorrow, I am certain the now 5 month old girl will be my main subject once again.

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Aside from all the different avian seen at the refuge, there is abundance of flora. Year after year I find myself drawn to this musk thistle.

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I am so thrilled to once again have the pleasure of watching several families raise their young. Although I have not been able to capture the little one as of yet, I can occassional see their little heads bobbing about.

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I could watch these skimmers for hours.

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birds of a feather ~

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with a 500mm I can snap a shot of the lighthouse from "Osprey" beach ~

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With spring migration at a peak and hatchlings breaking out of their shells, I went down to my local Osprey nest. On the numerous occasions I had checked up on the nest I had only see one adult and was wondering the pair had made it safely back to their nest. I was happy to see the pair sitting together today. I can only assume they were warming and protecting their prodigy, although I saw no little beakers. My only indication was mama laying low.

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Happy Birthday Willow!!

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After yesterday's perfect weather, I was a bit disappointed with today's dreary overcast sky. With the promise of rain at any moment, I took a the dogs for a brief walk and headed over to the boardwalk to enjoy one of the few off season (minus bennies) days remaining.