Quest fulfilled

Last week I was thrilled to be able to capture an osprey flying in proximity to the quarter moon. Today, of course I noticed the full moon when I arrived at the beach and even though it was morning, the moon was definitely still quite visible. Then imagine my pounding heart when I saw my osprey. Could I possibly get a photo of the osprey with the moon again? Probably not but I certainly was going to try. After many attempts, it didn't happen. The osprey went on its way and I went on mine disappointed but grateful that I even had the opportunity to try and capture such a dramatic photo.

It was still a little chilly and not many people out and I enjoyed a very peaceful walk. Almost back to my starting point, I saw the osprey again flying right toward the moon. Was I in luck? Camera in hand I hit the shutter button as often as the camera would let me. Had I been successful in my quest? I thought so but couldn't be sure until I got home and downloaded the photos. Yes! The photo above was perfect. To say it made my day would be an understatement of gigantic proportions. Woo Hoo!

Phenomenon

While enjoying some time in the backyard yesterday, I glanced up and saw a rainbow around the sun. What a sight. Along with the dash inside to grab my camera I quickly contacted a friend who lives less than three tenths of a mile from me, as the crow flies, with instructions to run outside and see our rainbow around the sun. I have fondly since named it a sun-bow.

What you see are the photos I took. Of course the bright sun burned out the vivid colors in the camera but you get the idea. It was kind of an other-worldly experience and the photo that shows my roof line makes it look like a huge UFO about to land on the house. Oddly reminiscent of Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

My friend wasn't privy to the same phenomenon... strange. Cue the Twilight Zone music. All in all it was quite a unique treat I got to enjoy for close to an hour before it dissipated.

Finally!

Not a cloud in the sky, warm temperatures... spring has sprung! Even the birds seem to have come out to enjoy this glorious day. This grateful blog is supposed to be about the little things that bring me joy and lately it is looking like birds are filling the bill (no pun intended.)

First photo was, finally, the lovely cloudless sky. Then along my trek I encountered three black skimmers among the laughing gulls and royal terns. It has been quite some time since I have seen one of these rare and unique birds. See my post "New bird on the beach" from January 2009 and "Celebrity Skimmers" from June 2009. This was the third time in my 60+ years that I've encountered this bird so you know it was a thrill, again. Love their long thin black body and that incredibly long beak with the red band accented against their white cheeks and chest.
Continuing on I came across a cormorant, an incredible diving bird that I usually see in the river and rarely in the ocean. I apologize for the not-so-good photo, but this fellow was not close to shore and kept diving out of sight but was another delight on this delightful day.

Headed back and what did I see but an osprey. If you have been following this blog you'll understand my particular connection to ospreys. It has been months and months since I have seen an osprey and seeing this one today was almost spiritual. When I saw the photo and realized that I had captured it flying above the first quarter of the moon I was left breathless.

What a day, wow! What a day... finally!

Sandpiper shuffle

I'm not going to complain, whine a little maybe but here it is Spring and we still have clouds and cool temperatures. Our normal highs this time of year are the low 80s. Today it was 65 and mostly cloudy.

Whining all the way I went to the beach anyway and the first photo above is what I found. Heavy clouds and no sun but I trudged ahead enjoying the calm ocean and a peaceful walk.

As it turned out, I learned something interesting about sandpipers. I saw several lone sandpipers and wondered why I didn't have any photos of this interesting little long-legged, long-beaked bird. One was just standing at the edge of the surf as I approached. I stopped with my camera, he moved. I walked again, he stopped. I stopped... he moved. Well, no wonder I don't have any photos of sandpipers. The one in the center photo above is the best I could do. No close ups of these cute little guys. As long as I kept walking I could keep enjoying them. Maybe a movie camera someday to share with you.

As I turned and headed back to my starting point I was delighted to see that the clouds had dispersed and blue skies were visible again. Hope they stay around for a while.

Crazy clouds

Cold fronts moving in, high pressure systems off the coast, partly sunny... these crazy mixed up layers of clouds interspersed with dabs of blue made for some crazy sky viewing today. The brisk winds made the clouds change so rapidly it was almost like looking at a revolving kaleidoscope. I found it fascinating and dizzying, especially when I spent any length of time looking straight up at the fleeing fleece. Yikes!

Keeps life interesting when you can't even tell from the sky what kind of day is in store.

Signs of Summer

Today at the beach I observed a young sandcastle architect, maybe 8 year old, and his younger sister (I'm guessing 4 years old) who was diligently working as his assistant. Their efforts were well planned, intricate and just plain magnificent especially for ones so young. It was fascinating to watch them working together in complete harmony. Some adults could learn a lot from watching them interact. I was spellbound.

The best part is this wonderful sandcastle is the first I've seen in months and months and a sign that summer is just around the corner. Hurrah!

Unsullied journey

It was almost shorts weather today, but the wind picked up and the shorts which have been languishing in my dresser drawer since fall will have to languish a while longer. Instead, I took a drive around what we call the loop. It is a 30 mile stretch of scenic highway that takes you down little traveled roads lined with ancient forest, across rivers and along salt marshes. It is truly a breathtaking journey and one I get to enjoy over and over again. Lucky me!

I reveled in the sunshine, kept out of the brisk winds, and was again thankful that this lovely piece of ancient history has received designation as an historic scenic highway. Thus no burger joints or tourist traps (which certainly have their place) will be spotted along this little strip of unsullied Mother Nature. Lovely day and I know that spring is lurking out there somewhere... but I'm still waiting. So are my shorts and short sleeves.

Almost spring...

Well, the spring breakers are here enjoying some sunshine and warm weather and I'm so glad we are able to provide it for them. The egret above is having a great time in the surf looking for food and the young men and women I saw relaxing on the beach are looking just to have fun.

I was surprised that there were so many young folks on the beach at 8:30 this morning. The sun was up, there was not a cloud in the sky and the gentle breeze from the south was warm and comfortable. Many of the spring breakers were stretched out on beach towels, a large group was playing beach volleyball and others were braving the still chilly surf. All appeared to be just having fun.

Ah-h-h to be young again, I thought, but on further delving into the proposition of whether I'd want to be young again, I think maybe not. I'm enjoying my maturity, glad I don't have to go through all the angst of growing up again, and certainly enjoying my retirement where I get to play all I want. On second thought, I might opt for a younger physical body, if I could keep the rest of wisdom that only years can provide. Um-m-m, now that's an enticing thought.

Where the whales are

This time of year the right whales come down the coast from Nova Scotia to calve in the waters off the coast of Florida and Georgia. This year there have been many sightings and several whales have been seen off this part of the coast. In fact three were photographed earlier this week at this very spot. I came prepared with camera but with little hope of actually seeing my first right whale.

I did get to enjoy brilliant blue skies, low flying pelicans and a beautiful ocean. No whales. I'm not complaining, just hoping for better luck on another day.

Shiver report

Each and every one of my friends is complaining about our unseasonable and long-lasting cold snap and I'm right there in the fray. Dreaming of returning to the beach with toes in the toasty sands, the gentle breezes cooling the touch of blazing sun is what keeps hope alive. What also helps is digging in my photo archives and dredging up a photo of warm beach days like the one above. This photo was taken by my Mom from her 7th floor oceanfront condo. It shows my beach walking area, people in bathing suits, swimmers enjoying the surf and lots of warm sunshine.

The shivering cold abates for a while with dreams of summer and a warm beach. The photo helps. I'll just dream on until it becomes reality. I certainly hope it is soon because there are gardens to tend to, beach walks to enjoy and bathing suits languishing in a drawer! I don't want to rush time... just nudge it along a little faster toward spring.

Neighborhood visitor

One day at the end of last week I was enjoying some backyard time in a comfortable chair when I saw a little hawk circling. He spent quite a bit of time perusing the neighborhood and I enjoyed watching his every wing dip and turn.

The next day I was inside since it was cloudy and cold again, when I heard a kee-kee, kee-kee, kee-kee. My hawk! I grabbed the camera and ran outside. The batteries were dead. I ran back inside and grabbed the other camera... batteries were dead. Back inside, got new batteries did a lightning-fast exchange still hearing the kee-kee, kee-kee and back outside to begin my search. Didn't take but a second to spot him at the tippy-top of my neighbor's tree. Kee-kee, kee-kee, kee-kee he continued on. Nothing alarmed him. The neighbor's dogs barking didn't change his cadence, my venturing closer and closer with the camera didn't ruffle even one feather. Thus the first picture where you can barely see him at the top of the tallest tree, to the second photo, as close as I dared to get without making this wonderful little red-shouldered hawk take flight. He eventually did soar away and I have caught a glimpse of him only once since then.

What a wonderful neighborhood visitor. Noisy, but welcome anytime.