I took these photos through a chained link fence, but was able to crop away most of the "fuzz" from the fencing.
What fun to find this little pot of gold on a twenty-minute walk!
Showing posts with label Riverdale. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Riverdale. Show all posts
March 13, 2014
Doves at Lunch
Took a walk at lunchtime and had the joy of coming upon a dozen doves foraging along a brushy railroad embankment. Several lifted off and flew away with their trademark whirring sound, but a few stayed around for my viewing pleasure.
I took these photos through a chained link fence, but was able to crop away most of the "fuzz" from the fencing.
I took these photos through a chained link fence, but was able to crop away most of the "fuzz" from the fencing.
November 15, 2013
Morning Starling
I caught this starling at the very top of a tree just as the sun was coming up. He was up there basking in the first rays of sunlight. I didn't blame him for being an opportunist like that. It was a chilly morning at 21 degrees.
Starlings, also called European starlings, have an iridescent or metallic sheen. Their scientific name, Sturnus vulgaris comes from the Latin meaning "starling common".
They are noisy birds, and can take sounds from their environment, even man-made sounds, and incorporate them into their vocal patterns. This one was pretty quiet as it soaked up all the warmth it could get, and if it had any anything to say, it was probably, "Brrrr!"
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| The starling's white spots are a dominate feature in the winter |
Starlings, also called European starlings, have an iridescent or metallic sheen. Their scientific name, Sturnus vulgaris comes from the Latin meaning "starling common".
They are noisy birds, and can take sounds from their environment, even man-made sounds, and incorporate them into their vocal patterns. This one was pretty quiet as it soaked up all the warmth it could get, and if it had any anything to say, it was probably, "Brrrr!"
September 18, 2013
Wild Turkey
This is a wild a turkey. I am posting this photo today so that it will be back to back with my post from yesterday on the turkey vulture. They both have bald heads and so share a name element.
Wild turkeys can be much more majestic than this, especially when the toms spread their tail feathers into big, beautiful fans and strut around in front of the hens. One day I hope to photograph such a sight!
I took this photo along State Street, between Scott Community College and Crissey House - the oldest residence still standing in Riverdale, Iowa. There is often a small flock of wild turkeys foraging there, in spite of the daily stream of noisy traffic along Highway 67. This is unique, since wild turkeys are normally very skittish. If I see them at all on my nature walks, they are usually hustling into the cover of tall grass or underbrush.
Has anyone else in the local area seen this particular flock?
Wild turkeys can be much more majestic than this, especially when the toms spread their tail feathers into big, beautiful fans and strut around in front of the hens. One day I hope to photograph such a sight!
I took this photo along State Street, between Scott Community College and Crissey House - the oldest residence still standing in Riverdale, Iowa. There is often a small flock of wild turkeys foraging there, in spite of the daily stream of noisy traffic along Highway 67. This is unique, since wild turkeys are normally very skittish. If I see them at all on my nature walks, they are usually hustling into the cover of tall grass or underbrush.
Has anyone else in the local area seen this particular flock?
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