Birch Bay and Herons

The Great Blue Herons are plentiful in Birch Bay State Park

 On a breezy day, with a seagull

 Watching the waves to find a meal.

 In the slough that runs through the state park, herons lurk about in the waters

 Caught a fish!

More Flowers

Wild or cultivated, there are so many flowers out this year.

Rhododendrons in every color.  I especially love the pink ones.

And what is this?  I thought at first it was pussy willows going to seed,  but not sure.  Anyone have an idea?

Whatever it is - it certainly was interesting to see.

Wild Flowers

The wild flowers are so pretty this time of the year.

Lupines are taking over the fields.  Masses of them.  

Lupines are often called "wolf flowers", because they take over the fields, and also when Lupines were named people thought that Lupines and wolves both killed livestock.  The name comes from the word "lupus", Latin for wolf.

 The tiny wild Fringe Cups grow along the roadsides.  The flower blossom is only just over 1/4 inch long.

And California Poppies - one of my all time favorites!!!!

What is your favorite wild flower?

Annual Visit to the Iris Garden

We make an annual visit to a small Iris farmette in Deming.  The grower fills a small plot with hundreds if different irises.

The weekend we chose to visit was the perfect time of first bloom, plus the sun was shining and everything looked and smelled wonderful.

You can take a check list and wander through the rows of flowers and pick the ones you want to order, and in the autumn you will receive a phone call that your iris tubers are ready for pick up.

So many colors to choose from.

The grower is dedicated to her flowers - always keeps the plot looking fabulous.  She has open house on weekends during bloom time.

All the irises are labeled so you can make your choices.  Even if you are not buying, there are always photographers taking pictures, and artists with their easels and paints.

It is a fun trip, not far from home, and I'm glad we didn't miss it this year.

Old Houses and Barns

An old house - once someone's new and shining home.  I often wonder why some homes go to ruin, and others, built at the same time, are still well maintained. What happened differently to the houses?

And old barns - sometimes cared for - and sometimes not.

I can hear the echos of the people who came before - the good times and the not so good - the triumphs and the loses - the celebrations of life.

Eagles in Hay Fieds

Haying season is a great time to find Bald Eagles.

The crows like to dive bomb the eagles.  The eagles don't seem to care.

The wind ruffles the feathers.

Sometimes there are tussles among the eagle population.

An eagle on the farmer's barn.

Sitting on trees watching the farmer mowing.

Have you ever seen a flock of eagles in a hay field?  It is most thrilling!