Posts in Category: Nature
Winter Sunset
Nature’s first green is gold,<br />
Her hardest hue to hold.<br />
Her early leaf’s a flower;<br />
But only so an hour.<br />
Then leaf subsides to leaf.<br />
So Eden sank to grief,<br />
So dawn goes down to day.<br />
Nothing gold can stay.<br />
<br />
Robert Frost, 1923
Last minute shopping
While most humans are occupied with last minute Christmas shopping, our furry friends in the world go on with everyday basic survival. Watched this gray squirrel dig several holes through the snow, he finally came up with a walnut which should keep him fed for the day.
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Gray squirrels disrupted early Ohio settlers’ agricultural efforts in the state to such an extent that Ohio law required each taxpayer to turn in a quota of squirrel skins along with his tax payment. By 1885, hunting laws were enacted restricting the hunting seasons and bag limits for the gray squirrel.
Snow Berries
The melting snow forms water droplets reflecting the red color of neighboring berries. This is the Hawthorne Berry tree in my backyard, you can see another photo of these berries <a href=index.php?showimage=27>here</a>, taken last January.
Church shadows
Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Wapakoneta, Ohio. The snow storm completely covered the steps and the side lanterns cast a unique shadow from the railings onto the virgin snow. The interesting thing is that there are 2 tall floodlights that illuminate the church. I had only taken one photo when the lights suddenly turned off. It was then I was able to see the shadow in the snow. I realized that the floodlights are on a timer, but still, it was almost as if someone was helping me out with this photo.
Snow Glow
The first big snowfall of the season. The ambient light of the neighborhood reflects off the fresh snow casting a warm glow, bright enough to illuminate the darkest of shadows. The stillness of the night is broken only by the faint sounds of a snowplow. It is almost as if a perpetual twilight has occurred.
Ready for my close up, Mr. Demille
One of the goats on my brother’s farm decided to get up close and personal. Have to say, one of the better models I have ever worked with too.
Ring Necked Pheasant
In 1882, thirty ring-necked pheasants were shipped from Shanghai, China to Portland, Oregon. By 1892, they had multiplied enough that Oregon started a hunting season the same year. On opening day, 50,000 pheasants were killed. Other states began to quickly import pheasants themselves. The first ring-necked pheasants were introduced in Ohio in 1896, but were not originally successful.<p>The male pheasant is colorful with a dark, somewhat irridescent head; red patches around the eyes, white neck ring; and brown, speckled body feathers. The female has just the brown, speckled feathers, which is perfect camouflage when nesting on the ground. When startled, they take off from the ground with wing beats reaching three times per second.
Unwilling participant
While watching my sister’s dog, Mitzi, over the weekend, I wanted to take some shots of her. She was less than thrilled with the idea. After tracking her through the house, I cornered her on the bed, trying to get under the covers. After a few quick shots, I let her have her peace.
End of summer…
This globe is called the “dandelion clock”, and blowing it apart is a popular pastime for children. The name dandelion is a derivation of the Old French, dent-de-lion, literally “lion’s tooth” on account of the sharply lobed leaves of the plant. The dandelion root is a registered drug in Canada, sold as a diuretic. A leaf decoction can be drunk to “purify the blood”, for the treatment of anemia, jaundice, and also for nervousness. The milky latex can be used as a mosquito repellent. Also, a dye can be obtained from the roots of the plant. A dandelion’s milk, when applied to warts, can help get rid of them without damaging the surrounding skin. They still cost me money every year to get rid of them from my yard.