Camellia Checked in Today, Brown Thrasher Picture, Osprey on Feathered Photography, Pictures and Videos From My Trip to Las Vegas, Geese Leave the Mission Nest

Camellia has checked in. He hasn't gone far since his last check in. He must be finding plenty to eat without having to go very far!

Every now and then, a Brown Thrasher checks out the patio table where I sprinkle bird seed. This picture was taken with my point-and-shoot through a window (screen and glass) on max zoom. Despite all of that, you can at least tell that it's a Brown Thrasher. They usually stay in thick under-growth, so it's always a surprise to see one hopping along my back deck or up on the table having a snack.

Ron Dudley posted a beautiful Osprey photo on his Feathered Photography blog. He goes into some detail regarding getting a good shot under difficult lighting conditions. He says he will post some more Osprey photos from his trip. Can't wait!

I went to Vegas last month. Here's some pictures:
These first three pictures are from the Mirage. I think this is a variety of bromeliad. Very pretty.

And I love orchids:

I thought this light was pretty (if you're wondering what to get me for Christmas, hint, hint...). Seriously though, this thing is huge!

We went to the Botanical Garden in the Bellagio. There were a lot of beautiful plants along with plenty of whimsy:

This is the glass ceiling in the Bellagio:

And this is just one of those pure "Vegas" pictures that you just have to take...

I also took video of two of the water shows at the Bellagio:

Star Spangled Banner

Time To Say Goodbye

The Geese at the Mission Nest have left the nest. The last two eggs never hatched. After all the goslings hatch, the parents jump out of the nest and the babies follow. The parents lead them to the water and they stay together as a family, with the goslings learning to forage from their parents. I was running errands today, so I missed it. But I found a video of the big jump that Mochamama22 posted on YouTube. I'm so glad someone got video!

NX and Camellia, Gloucester Bald Eagle Release, Duluth Bald Eagle, Animal Prosthetics, Geese, Ferruginous Hawk on Feathered Photography, Really Old Water, Photo Galleries: Underwater, Ugly Bugs, Small World

NX checked in yesterday. She is near Brent Marsh. It is one year since her release. Maps are provided that show her explorations over the past year. They have also posted again the video from her release a year ago. There a phrase that was coined regarding NX: "Fear The Feisty!" And it makes sense if you watch the video! Overall, the post for May 16th is a nice review!

I posted Camellia's location the other day. There is a post today covering the location data up to that point. Usually, Reese posts same day. But when he travels, there can be a delay in his posts. I can only assume he's been traveling again since this post is a couple of days after the fact...

Looks like I missed another Bald Eagle release. Last night was pool league, so I didn't check my email yesterday. And of course there was an email about the Gloucester Bald Eagle #13-0283 being released today. Here is WCV's entry regarding the eagle release. I am so bummed that I missed this release! I've traveled far to attend a release. Then I miss one in my backyard. I am so disappointed!

I posted the other day about the Bald Eagles that crashed to the ground at the Duluth airport in what was probably a fight over territory. This article contains pictures. The picture of their locked talons shows how much damage they do to their feet when they fight like this. I've seen Bald Eagles on nest cams that have been fighting. You can always tell because of the ugly feet...

Here's an article about prosthetics for animals. It's amazing what they can do these days.

A pair of geese have been guest-starring on the Mission Nest Eagle Cam. The Bald Eagles at that nest decided to use a different nest, and the geese moved in. Today is hatch day, with a few more eggs left to hatch:

Ron Dudley has a Ferruginous Hawk in flight on his Feathered Photography blog. What a beautiful bird!

Water has been found that is at least 1.5 billion years old. Wow, that's really old! It was found in a pocket deep underground. They are analyzing it for signs of life. This could give some insight into the possibility of finding underground water (and life) on Mars!

Here are some photo galleries I found that I enjoyed looking at:

• Underwater Photography Contest Winners
• Gallery of Ugly Bugs
• Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition Top 20

This great article contains pointers on how to safely observe wildlife. The word "safely" applies both ways: how to keep you safe how to keep wildlife safe. Please read and heed!

Norfolk Botanical Garden pics from Transmitter Day, May 20, 2009

These are the pictures I took around the garden on the day that Azalea received her transmitter.



This was the first thing I saw on my way to the transmitter fitting. These 3 reminded me of our 3 eaglets -- all snuggled up together.



I like this pic because there are fish and a turtle and a little yellow flower growing under water.

I thought this was a dragonfly, but my brother-in-law called it something else because it's small. But I forget what he said. Since I was trying to take a pic when it landed on my hand, I will call it picture-interruptus.

Yes, there really are snakes in the garden. I was hoping all those other snake pics that have been posted were something the other photographers were making up.

What the flock?!?!?! Get out of the way so I can look at the roses...



These are garden beasties, a female and male. Commonly found around the eagle nest.
Dana and Henry just after catching what I'm sure are great shots of one of our resident BIF.