Out and About

I often tease Robb that the reason he has been buying me camera gear is to slow me down when we are out walking. As it is, Robb moves quite slowly, but as I'm busily taking photos of everything under the sun, I hardly notice. Robb disagrees, and says that it is all part of his nefarious plan to make me incredibly happy.




We went out for a number of walks this weekend. These birds were mobbing the berries across the street from our apartment. I just adore cedar waxwings. They're so amusing, and also so beautiful. Take a look at the red wing-tips on the top photograph.




We had intended to drive down to Arrowhead Marsh, but pulled over next to Lake Merritt, and set up the spotting scope. Despite the fact that Robb has been experiencing particularly bad muscular spasticity lately, he had quite a long walk. Robb's determination is really incredible. I know that walking is terribly difficult for him, but that doesn't stop him. He is determined to get as much therapeutic exercise as he possibly can.




While Robb was walking, I hunkered down in the crushed mussel shells and tried to photograph the diving ducks. Not an easy task. Once I would get one in my sight, and focus on it, the darn thing would inevitably disappear underwater.




After some time at the lake, we did head over to Arrowhead Marsh, where we saw, among other things, the highly endangered California Clapper Rail. Seems like I've seen this bird every time I've been to Arrowhead this winter.




It is always a thrill to see this rare, shy creature.



In other news, we planted a new letterbox, which was found by our friend Kathy in less than twenty-four hours. And I've been getting nice notes from people who found the letterbox that I sent off to an event in New York.