Serene Setting

Iowa highway 330 went from two to four lane several years back. This marsh was one among several created during road construction. Increasing the number and quality of water bodies for our feathered friends has certainly helped them to stay around longer locally.

I usually pass by this marsh once a week and say to myself - "Now why didn't you bring the camera?" Well,today was the day,there are always birds of interest in or around the water. The weather was fantastic! So, I stopped to catch some varied waterfowl species.

I am not an expert in waterfowl identification. I have tried to locate information on a couple of the birds seen bobbing in the water,but at this writing I am unable to name them. My lack of foresight in bringing binoculars has left me without sharp definition of the two sitting mid-picture. I assume one is a male duck because of his bright colors. The other partially covered by upright vegetation, appears to be in the duck family, sitting on a nest?

This little goose was sitting away from the more populated island, in the company of a Red-Winged Blackbird, who was also enjoying the wetland experience.

It was interesting that for the most part life went on while I was there...My presence wasn't that disturbing. I suppose with cars and trucks going by at all hours they have developed a tolerance for outside stimulus.

I plan to keep an eye on things to see if baby ducks and goslings will become an addition to this serene setting in the future. ;)

Deer Generations

Posted April 7 ,2010 by CDGardens


My deer picture collection continues to expand.

Last year, I did a small study of deer home ranges, because of some behaviors that became apparent to me having seen it repeated over many years.

One reason I have made an effort to take pictures is to use the images to follow from year to year the passing along of some traits...Making me wonder if it could be the animal I caught years before that exists in my digital archive when they were just a fawn.

The picture above is a family group I observed frequently in my backyard the summer of 2007. It consisted of a mature doe to the left, her twins, and I believe the daughter from the previous year nuzzling with the little red buck.

Taking a picture November 3rd,2009, of the buck below, because of his unique coloration, brought back memories of the "KoffeeKlatch" and the question - "Is this the little buck whose family raided my Cosmos?"

What a handsome creature he has developed into if in fact he is one and the same. Others have seen him and commented on his color too. My hope is he survived the winter so I might see him once again. ;)

Blessed Easter

Blessed Easter to everyone!

We all have different reasons why today is special...

The reason that Easter is a special Celebration for me is because it brings to remembrance what God has done in order for us to become a part of his Heavenly Family when our earthly bodies become to tired or sick to carry-on.

According to the scriptures today is the third day from his crucifixion...The day he arose after triumphing over Sin,and the Grave.

I found one of my favorite movies and a song by two vocal artists that I have enjoyed for years put together in one production. Following is an excerpt from the Franco Zeffirelli production of "Jesus of Nazareth" with the angelic voices of Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patti in duet singing "I've Just Seen Jesus".






Lyrics to I've Just Seen Jesus :
We knew he was dead
It is finished, he said
We had watched as his life ebbed away
Then we all stood around
Till the guards took him down
Joseph begged for his body that day

It was late afternoon
When we got to the tomb
Wrapped his body and sealed up the grave
So i know how you feel
His death was so real
But please listen and hear what i say

I've just seen Jesus
I tell you he's alive
I've just seen Jesus
Our precious Lord alive
And i knew, he really saw me too
As if till now, i'd never lived
All that i'd done before
Won't matter anymore
I've just seen Jesus
And i'll never be the same again

It was his voice she first heard
Those kind gentle words
Asking what was her reason for tears
And i sobbed in despair
My Lord is not there
He said, child! it is i, i am here!

I've just seen Jesus
I tell you he's alive
I've just seen Jesus
Our precious lord alive
And i knew, he really saw me too
As if till now, i'd never lived
All that i'd done before
Won't matter anymore
I've just seen Jesus
I've just seen Jesus
I've just seen Jesus
All that i'd done before
Won't matter anymore
I've just seen jesus
And i'll never be the same again
I've just seen Jesus!


This video has touched my heart I hope you enjoy it too... Blessed Easter! ;)