Views of Sequim, the Olympic Peninsula. . .and beyond
Farm with a View, Pt. Williams Road
I think I need a bumpersticker that says, “I Brake for Drama” because this scene had me applying the brakes way before I reached the farm in the foreground; our cloud coverage that day was so spectacular that even the mountains paled in comparison.
And as you can see, the Blue Hole, that Sequim is so noted for, was poking its way through, reminding us that although rain maybe forthcoming, it won’t be long before we’re back to sunshine and pretty blue skies.
Plein Aire Painter, Woodcock Demonstration Garden
Maybe it’s because I used to paint in a traditional sense that I’m always attracted to, and envious of, anyone painting plein air – and I’m delighted that most plein air painters are enthusiastic subjects, just like this one.
If you’re not familiar with the term, Google describes the artist’s as such: “a plein air painter is an artist who paints outside, directly from nature, capturing the subject in its natural environment. This French phrase, meaning ‘in the open air,’ refers to the practice of painting outdoors, with the artist’s subject in full view”.
And although I lost this artist’s name over the past 4 years, I’m hoping one of you can help me locate her. I’d love to thank her again, and to at least provide her with a print of this digital painting based on my photo – and to see the end results of hers!
Two Unlikely Teammates
While photographing birds at my favorite local pond, observing these two species interact was a bit of a surprise and a joy to watch.
At first, the Junco (left) appeared to be feeding the brown-eyed cowbird (right), but then both had their mouths so full that they resembled a couple of teenagers stuffing down popcorn in a theater. So possibly, they were helping each other keep hold of their catch! I’d not seen anything like it and doubt I will again.
And if you read yesterday’s post, you’ll know that they were catching dragonflies and other insects, but instead of filling their bellies, these two took off to the trees to feed their young, and returned again and again to do the same.
So if you’re kids, or anyone else, needs a lesson in teamwork and nurturing, you have only to look to the birds!
Cedar Waxwings Munch on Dragonfly Larvae
As a continuation from yesterday, above is one of my “keeper” images from a nearby lily pond.
Again, if these striking birds strike a cord with you too, please see more from the experts at the All About Birds website from Cornell University, and now that you know where to find them, grab your binoculars and/or camera and go!
A Pensive Cedar Waxwing Perches above a Pond
June marks the time of year these lovely birds show up and perch in our trees, nibble on berries, and surprisingly (at least to me), hunt down dragonfly nymphs.
My first encounters with their appearance, feeding, and nurturing behaviors occurred here in Sequim in the spring of 2019, and I must say, I was smitten. I found them to be not only beautiful but extremely agile, cunning, and more enjoyable to watch than any football team, even with a name like the SeaHawks – sorry football fans!
Personally, finding them was and still is a challenge except on our warmest of days and in ponds filled with lily pads – where one typically finds a plethora of dragonflies hatching.
At those times, groups of waxwings, and a few other bird species, dart back and forth over the ponds, snatch gobs of insects out of the air with lightening speed and maneuverability then transport them back to their nests to feed their broods.
My self-imposed challenge is to photograph them in the process and to (hopefully) keep one or two of my hundreds of shots. But first, this beautiful bird deserves time in the limelight, as above. But if like me, you’re inclined to learn more about them, I’m happy to point you to the experts at Cornell Universities’ All About Birds website.
A mid-day Walk on the Dungeness Spit
If you’re new to Sequim and haven’t experienced walking “the Spit”, like most of us, don your hiking boots, grab your poles and pack water.
Although the majority of 1/2 mile forest trail leading to the spit from the parking lot is beautiful and relatively flat, once you approach the bluff things get tougher as you descend down the hill. The walk back up can be a struggle too, especially for anyone with joint issues. (Unfortunately, if you’re wheelchair bound, or need assistance, I know of no other way of getting to beach, other than by kayak, which of course can be challenging as well).
Once on the beach, prepare yourself for a 5-mile walk to the lighthouse if that’s your goal…no, I haven’t done it – and I have a kayak and I still haven’t done it!
However, visiting the lighthouse was/is not my goal. Like many others, I prefer to walk the spit in search of shorebirds and wildlife, e.g., otters, loons, eagles (at least one pair nests in a tree near the picnic area parking lot), oyster catchers, etc, and to photograph the cliffside, the driftwood, and the view from the bluff.
And be it known that we have President Woodrow Wilson to thank for establishing the refuge on January 20, 1915, and for ensuring that our native bird population has a place to breed and thrive.
If I’ve kept your attention thus far, please visit the U.S. Forest Service website for more information, before you venture out, and whatever you do, DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!
Workers Shucking Oysters
On the way to Gray’s Harbor and the Washington coast in May 2020, spotting these workers was a “Stop the car, now!” moment for me and I was fortunate when they agreed to pose, although they were quite surprised that I was interested in photographing them at all.
Given that it was a very warm day with little wind, I couldn’t help but think about the smell emanating from the massive pile of shells surrounding them and I wondered how they could possibly tolerated it, especially in the heat.
Clearly, shelling oysters would not be on my list of things to do before I die, but had I desperately needed a job, and this was the only option…well, maybe.
But with that said, I’ve never been in that position, so indeed the world truly has been my oyster, as defined by Google: “the world is your oyster” means that you can do anything you wish or go anywhere you want in your life because you have the ability to do so. In spoken English, it is quite widely used to encourage someone that they have choices and can lead their lives in a way that they desire.
And although I despise eating oysters, I’m blessed to have had choices, and I hope you have too.