Yosemite Falls, CA----Inspiration

Here's a pic sent this week by my daughter and son-in-law who are on a biker trip. She said she really liked the misty look of most of the falling water. They also saw a small bear!

Heron Rookery, May 1, 2010

Nests, nests everywhere. This rookery is about 10 miles south of Patuxent River Park in Brandywine, MD. It achieved much renown in the early 1980s, as our Park Director at that time wrote a story for National Geographic. We used to view it from the top of a ridge, but in the mid-80's a terrible spring thunderstorm destroyed trees and some chicks. They have moved to other trees and now you must descend the steep hill to the rookery which compromises the viewing. There have been 100 nests. Currently about 50 are occupied......

In for a landing.....

Still there....

Heron Rookery II, May 1, 2010

We moved our viewing position just a little and passed someone's (groundhog) front door......

Adults in all these nests...herons as well as some other large birds prefer sycamore trees because they are late blooming and provide better visability for a longer time. Both heron parents feed the chicks..... Two heads are better than one...,
A highlight was one nest we viewed thru a telescope that revealed a very overactive chick who climbed to the top of the nest! This is that nest and can possibly see a little grey fuzzball with white head feathers at top of nest under adult's belly....

Pink Lady Slippers, 4-27-10

Went over to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary on Tuesday, April 27 to search for flowers. It is a State Park adjacent to Patuxent River Park. We had seen several in May, '07. They grow at the beginning of a path to the River. Only one was on the left side of the path.....

On the right side, there were many---13 in all. Here's a "baby" green on left with one blooming...
Here's the biggest and best! It's in the following group...

Yet another group with many young sprouts. Hope to visit again and see the next dozen...

Other Sights at Merkle, 4-27-10

The path at Merkle leads to a pier. Alongside were these marsh flowers. They look similar to anemones, but have 4 petals, not 5!?

Coming in for a landing....

Her platform is at a special osprey pullover spot just up the road from the pier...

Osprey at Merkle 4-27-10

Made this video just to get her squawking. Very windy that day, so hold on to your seats!