World Bird Wednesday - And Then There Were Eight!

About two months ago, I posted a picture of the Canada Geese pair on our lake and remarked that I thought they were working on building a nest. I think I was right!

Springman at the Pine River Review is the host each week of World Bird Wednesday. Click on the logo above to start your virtual birding experience.

Weekend Reflections - Geese on the Lake

I believe we have a resident pair of Canada Geese on our lake. When I was down on our dock, what I assume is the male got out of the lake and kept a watchful eye on me. I'll keep a watchful eye on them for a string of little goslings following behind them as Spring comes on. I've spotted them several times in the matted area of reeds on the right side of the photo so perhaps that will be the nesting site. The site is across a small finger of water so they are safe from our dogs.

Canada Geese Pair

James at Newtown Area Photo is the host each week of Weekend Reflections. Click on the logo above to see more reflections shared from around the world, or to share yours.

Skywatch Friday - A B&W Study of Sunday Lake

Sunday Lake - April 2009

It's that time of the week where we go SkyWatching around the world. Click on the banner above to start your journey. Klaus and the rest of the SkyWatch team - Wren, Sandy, Sylvia and Fishing Guy are waiting for you!

Red-Winged Blackbirds

These birds are always entertaining to watch down by our lake.

Red-Winged Blackbirds

World Bird Wednesday - Steller's Jay

The other week when it snowed, one of the visitors to our backyard feeder was this Steller's Jay. You always know they are there without even seeing them as they are quite vocal. Of course they are bullies. What jay isn't?

The Pacific form of the Steller's Jay doesn't have the white eye shadow like the Rocky Mountain ones. I do like the blue streaks on the face. These birds are very common in our area.

Adult Pacific Form Steller's Jay- February 2011

From May 2009

 

Springman at the Pine River Review is our host each week for World Bird Wednesday. This has become one of my favorite memes as I learn more and more about the feathered creatures inhabiting our earth.  Click on the logo above and see what others are sharing this week.

Weekend Reflections - Sunday Lake in Snow

It may look pretty, but enough of the white stuff! This was last week. I am so glad to see it melting away this week.

Sunday Lake in Snow

 

James @ Newtown Area Photo is our host each week for Weekend Reflections. Click on the logo above to see what others are sharing. Thanks, James!

My World Tuesday - Swan Song of a Different Kind

Our lake is a winter home for 400+ trumpeter swans. During the summer months, the lake is a peaceful and quiet spot in the early morning hours. This time of year, the silence is interrupted by the honking of the swans.

They arrive each evening at dusk, announcing their arrival loudly. When I come home from work and get out of my car, I often see the swans flying overhead on their approach to their evening destination. If it is quiet in the house, you can occasionally hear the swans, even with the windows closed. They are a noisy flock. All through the night, the honking continues albeit at a quieter volume.

In the morning after the sun is up, the swans take flight and head to one of the many nearby fields to munch on whatever is there. On Saturday, I braved the below freezing temps to watch the sun come up over the lake and listen to their morning song.

Follow the Leader

Gracefully Gliding Across the Surface

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Thanks to Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise and Sylvia for hosting this wonderful meme each week.

Ghost Swans

Swan Lake?

Photo Information
Location: Sunday Lake, Stanwood, Washington
Additional Info: Trumpeter Swans at Dusk, almost like ghosts
Date: December 1, 2009

Sunday Morning Scenery

I got up before the sun today with the express purpose of watching it come up. The colors on the lake were warm and inviting. It was so peaceful standing on the dock watching the mist float across the water.

Sunrise @ Sunday Lake

I had to drive down into the Stillaguamish Valley where the fog was a bit heavier as the sun came up. I thought about waiting for a train to appear out of the fog but the call of breakfast brought me back home.

Stilly Valley Morning

I'll venture out again later today.

Skywatch Friday #55 - Stanwood Sunset

This past Saturday evening, after a very busy day, we were driving home and saw a beautiful sky scene. The sun was setting to the west and we were headed east. The sun was lighting up the thunderheads that were building over the Cascades. Vibrant pinks and oranges made for a spectacular view.

Karl graciously drove me down to the lake so I could get some better shots. I just love how the colors were reflected in the calm waters.

Sunset at Sunday Lake

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Shadow Shot Sunday #58, Mellow Yellow Monday #25 - Have a Seat

Yesterday, several homeowners in our community got together to continue sprucing up our neighborhood park and then have a barbecue. Our homeowners association has worked hard the past couple of years to rescue our wonderful little park after being neglected for way too long.

One of the jobs yesterday was to repaint a couple of our park benches from a dark green color to what else--yellow! You know darn well the camera came out to take a picture of the newly painted bench.

A Cheerful Place to Sit

To see more great shots with yellow or shadow themes or to play along, click on the Mellow Yellow or Shadow Shot Sunday badges below.



Note: bobbie gave me the idea for Shadow Shot Sunday so I've modified my post to include my first Shadow Shot Sunday picture. Thanks, bobbie.

Skywatch Friday #39 - Sunday Lake Neighborhood

Here are a couple of shots taken around the neighborhood this past week.

Saturday Evening Sunset

Taken earlier this evening - Sunday Lake

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Ice to Nice

Today my morning started off rather chilly. When I went out to go to work, there was a fine layer of ice on the car. It looked neat so I snapped a few shots of it.

Morning Ice Layer

By the late afternoon, the sun made it's appearance and warmed things up nicely. I took the dogs down to the lake and you could see how low the snow level was on the hills to the east.

Low Snow Level

Tomorrow is supposed to be very similar. Cold in the morning (around 37 degrees F) but climbing up to the upper 50's in the afternoon. And sunny! Woo hoo!! I'm planning on giving the car a much needed bath.

Pretty Ending to an Otherwise Drizzly Day

Today started off like a typical day in the Pacific Northwest...gray and drizzly. I didn't even take the camera with me to work since it looked so gloomy outside.

After work, we walked the dogs down to the lake and I was rewarded by a sky painted in watercolors.

Sunset over Sunday Lake

Why You Don't Wear Mascara on Days Like This

Today was a very emotional day for me. It was the last day of work for several of my co-workers.

I was doing okay, keeping a stiff upper lip, until my boss came to say good-bye. I almost lost it but I held myself together and didn't cry.

I finally broke down when one of the women I've been friends with was leaving. She was crying so it made me cry, too. I know we'll still keep in touch, however it is sad thinking she won't be there come Monday.

Since most people left before lunch, the afternoon was very quiet in our area. I think on Monday the reality will set in.

I tried to take some pictures of a plane doing stunts at the airport this afternoon but by the time I got my act together, the pilot was finished. Too bad, the sun was actually out today.

But here's a picture taken down near our community dock yesterday evening.

Sunday Lake