Curious Reindeer Looking for a Handout

I visited the experimental farm at the University of Alaska a few days ago. They have had 16 reindeer calves born so far this year and expect two dozen more. I didn't get to see any of them, but thought this guy was cute. He came over to the fence to see if I had any food for him, and when I didn't he quickly lost interest.

Morning at the Pond

We were at Creamer's Field this morning about 8:30. What a lovely relaxing way to start the day! Pintail Pair

Pintail beauty

This sandhill crane took off as I had my camera focused on him. I got a few shots off, but unfortunately I was facing into the sun and lost him in my viewfinder. More cranes should be showing up at the Field soon so will have to try again.

A New Duck

Another new arrival is the American Wigeon. I saw several of these.

Such a cute little guy!

Snow Geese Pair

This morning at Creamer's Field there was a pair of snow geese. Their beautiful white feathers made them stand out amongst the Canada Geese and the White Fronted Geese.

Portrait of a White Front

I visited Creamer's Field again today, and I continue to be intrigued by the Greater White Fronted Goose. This photo makes me understand their name a bit better.

Back Off! It's My Sunflower Seed!

Mass Flight--My Timing is Off

Shortly after we arrived at Creamer's Field yesterday evening, some signal was given, and all these geese and ducks took flight at the same time. Our local newspaper had a photo on Saturday of birds taking off in mass flight as a bald eagle approached the Field. We didn't see any eagles and lots of birds remained on the ground, so I don't know why the sudden flight. It is exciting to see this many birds in the air at one time. Unfortunately, I had set my camera down for a minute, and they were well up into the air before I could get a photo off. The newspaper photographer had a lovely close-up shot of 15 or 16 birds in the air, plus a shot of an eagle with a raven pestering him. Timing and luck are everything when it comes to photographing birds. Mine was just a little off! I console myself with the thought that he takes photos for a living and his equipment is lots better than mine. No, that really doesn't help. I'm still envious!

Basket Weaving 101

Take one birch tree and weave through a split rail fence..... This is part of the fence that rings Creamer's Field--it's not to keep the birds in but to keep the people out! Sometimes the birds get quite close to the fence, sometimes they are further out in the fields and you need your binoculars and zoom lens, and sometimes they decide to fly to the back fields where it's much harder to see them. During migration time, however, there are usually plenty of birds in the front viewing areas to keep things jumping. Sometimes the most interesting views are outside the fences!

White Fronted Geese Antics

More Greater White Fronted Geese have arrived at Creamer's Field. They are quite fun to watch and provided a lot of entertainment on our visit there last evening.

I love their bright orange legs and beaks. I don't know why they are called white fronted because their bright orange legs are their most noticeable feature. I like the reflection of their feet in the water on the shot below.

They are really a pretty bird in flight too.

The guy below looks like he is tiptoeing across the water.

Trumpeter Swans are at Creamer's Field

And one lone crane!

Summer Sunset

This photo was taken on July 25th of 2006 at 11:30 p.m., a month after our longest day, but still lots of daylight hours.

What Do You Think That Is?

Another Canada Goose shot.

Touch of Red

I took this photo at my sister's farm in Missouri in February of 2003. The big ice storm this last winter knocked a lot of their trees down, and I imagine this was one of them. So many big trees like this were lost.

I Swear I'll Eat Just One!

Well, we all know that's not how it works! Fortunately, most of these chocolate chip cookies will go to a party tomorrow, and a big bunch will go in the freezer. Of course, that's after my quality control guy gets enough to deem them good enough to share with others. Sometimes that takes quite a few, just to be sure.....

Emerging from the Snow

After a long winter, the old '51 Ford is emerging from its snow cover. I posted a photo in March titled "Heavy Load" and you can see that and a few other photos in the sidebar.The sun once again brings warmth and light and a promise of a new beginning. No one knows for sure what roads this pickup has traveled over the years or what sights it has seen. My husband hauled it home 5 or 6 years ago, and has been planning its makeover into a hot rod--a much different life than the working vehicle it surely was 50 years ago.It sits close to its brother that has been restored to beauty and has already been providing transportation this spring. Rusty doesn't mind, though, because he knows he is destined to become a one-of-a-kind pickup that will outshine Big Blue.

Both trucks are keeping watch on the new shop construction where they will spend next winter, Rusty in the mechanics shop, and Big Blue in the storage area with three other classic Fords. The shop building will also have a carpenter shop. It combines space for both of my husband's loves, old cars and carpentry. Even though there is still snow on the ground and mud all around the shop area, he is beginning the framing process. Last summer the slab went in, so now he is pushing ahead with construction at the earliest possible time.

Goose of a Different Color

Among the 300 or so Canada Geese that are now at Creamer's Field there are a few geese of a different color. The biggest color difference is in the legs and beak.
Even from the back you can easily pick out the White Fronted Goose.

The White Fronted Goose also has a speckled front.

They are smaller than the Canada Goose, but don't seem to be intimidated by the larger Canadians. Other birds have been reported at the Field, among them the first Sandhill Crane. I'll need to make time for another visit.

Geese Landing

Lowering the flapsTouchdown

Settling In

Takeoff Taxi

Geese in Flight

These were taken yesterday at Creamer's Field