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.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I love the cedar waxwings! It's a rare and special day when I see them up here in NS.
xox
SP
jackbear said…
Wow, I just saw a flock of cedar waxwings yesterday too! Of course I was at the gathering in Syracuse, so the background was a bit different, say three feet of snow! I love buffleheads too...so darn cute.

jackbear
Lisa said…
Remember seeing them outside of Ellen's off at the Glimmerglass Opera, eating berries with the Baltimore Orioles?
Anonymous said…
I remember you pointing them out at the GG swamp. I saw a flock here outside my window in the snow covered trees a couple of winters ago. I was thinking how you would have loved that! There must have been a dozen, they cleared the tree of berries and then they were off.
handsome bird!
Bluejays come daily and sit on the porch, calling me to bring them peanuts. it works, I have the fattest flock of bluejays in the northeast...
sp
Anonymous said…
I would love to know what kind of camera equipment you have that you get such nice pics! I have a Nikon D70, Nikon N70, and an old Minolta S100 (?). I did great with the N70, but then I got the D70 and I don't get nearly as good of pics....
Anonymous said…
Lisa and Robb...

I am so touched by how close you guys remain through all the things you have been through! For me, the best quote of the day says it all...

"it is all part of his nefarious plan to make me incredibly happy."

YOU TWO ARE AWESOME!

Bandaid
Anonymous said…
My daughter has a new birdfeeder outside her window and has been very frustrated trying to get nice pictures of the birds who come to visit. Now she's been reduced to taking pictures of her field guide!

Again, thanks Lisa and Robb. You guys amaze me.
Anonymous said…
It's like they've dipped their wings in paint. Your bird photographs are gorgeous. Kudos to you.
mimulus said…
these are the best photos of cedar waxwings I have ever seen. hmm, maybe that is who ate all the crabapples off our tree when I was not looking.
Karen said…
The pictures on the cedar waxwings are beautiful. I see them twice a year as they pass through town. This fall I was treated by a whole tree of them as they played in my sprinkler!
Thanks,
km

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