Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Flooding and Epaulets

Monday was another glorious day after a fine Sunday. We headed to the main bridge bright and early, or at least before 9:00, to try to capture good light for Sue's spring picture as requested by her group. She already has the winter photo, and will return later for summer and autumn photos. She attempts to stand in the same spot and capture the same composition in each season.

We were hoping for both clouds and that early flush of green in the treetops. Sadly, we were disappointed on both counts, so Sue used a photo from last week, which did have pretty clouds. We wonder when the green will appear.

To compensate our poor souls for such an early excursion, we grabbed Timmie's coffees and headed to the park. Some flooding remains, which prevented much walking, so we found a bench fairly near the river's edge and enjoyed both the delicious coffee and the warm, wonderful weather that has since become windy, cool and rainy.

The river was calm and offering reflections from across the way. The house/cottage sits on the edge of the water at the moment, but there will be lawn between the two in summer. What a spot!


As we sat, along came a redwing blackbird to taunt and tease. It was really too far off for a proper photo, but one tries because one is not frequently granted such an opportunity. In point of fact, this was really my first photo of this species, so I am pleased regardless, and it was pleasant to see it that close.


The saucy bird moved farther away, preventing me from capturing those fabulous epaulets, but I still like the shot well enough.


With the ponding lingering in the park, I captured a few more landscape photos that I like well enough, but perhaps I shall save them for another day.


14 comments:

  1. Quite the waves in that one photo. I loved the reflections and blackbirds are always a good sign!

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  2. We have a great many Red Winged Blackbirds in our local due to the relative abundance of cattails. There is a risk for these birds by the invading species of plant, the purple loostrife……which out competes cattails. Unfortunately, where purple loostrife has out competed the cattails, it results in a decline in this species of blackbird.

    🐦‍⬛

    PipeTobacco

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  3. Love that red wing blackbird--I'm not sure I've ever seen one. Beautiful shots!

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  4. I really like that last pic of the Blackbird.

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  5. Beautiful pictures. The water looks so nice.

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  6. Leaves on trees are scarce here too. I like that last photo.

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  7. The redwinged blackbirds have begun to arrive back in my yard. I love to hear their trilling! and fortunately get to hear it much of the summer as they nest around the dugout behind the back yard. -Kate

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  8. A lovely series and I like how Sue takes photos at the same spot through each season. One has to have the patience of a saint to try and capture wildlife. My photos have been far less than yours, which I think are lovely. When I look at mine I always say, "Well, it's a memory!" and hope for better luck next time :) I haven't been very successful in getting photos of wildlife lately. Taking coffee and sitting in this spot sounds idyllic.

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  9. Gorgeous shot! With that much water everywhere, I bet you wake up to a sea of green any day.

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  11. I've said it before, you live in a gorgeous place and Sue takes the best photos.

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  12. It is aways so exciting when the red wing blackbirds

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  13. Nice red-winged black bird. I used to see them frequently in Oklahoma, just 1-2 a year in Kansas now. Linda

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