On Saturday Double D and I took an afternoon stroll around the State Capitol and its surrounding lakes and grounds. Rain is predicted for the rest of the week, so it was imperative to take advantage of the pleasant weather. I'm so glad Double D is down with all this nature stuff because it would make me sad if I could not share my passion for flora and fauna with him. We saw so many groovy things on our walk. Come see!
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| Robins were in abundance. |
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| The scent from the rose garden was heavenly. |
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| This cedar tree reminded me of something from Van Gogh's paint brush. |
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| Squirrel nibbling on a late afternoon snack. |
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| I came across this sign and thought it would make a good title for my post. |
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| Nutria swimming. I love the psychedelic blue and silver swirls in the water. Groovy, right? |
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A young hawk perched in the shade of an oak tree about 10 feet from where I sat. Stunned, I watched
as he clumsily went after a blue jay. A big brouhaha ensued. Naturally, the blue jay went ballistic, warning
all the birds within a mile radius. As quickly as it started it also ended, with everyone settled down and back
into their normal routines, going about their business as though nothing ever happened. |
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| A type of magnolia. If anyone knows the type, please share. |
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Nutria and her baby. There were three babies total, but they would not come together for a family portrait. :)
On a more serious note, the nutria population is damaging the Louisiana coastline (and other coasts) to a significant degree.
If you're interested, more information can be read here. |
Thank you for blessing me with your visits and comments; they truly brighten my day!
Sharing with
Our World Tuesday.
UPDATE: Thanks so much to Hilary, of The Smitten Image for selecting this post in her Phine Photography category! It's always an honor to be chosen. Please visit Hilary's blog and the other POTW recipients.
47 comments:
All such lovely images ♥
Oh your images are so beautiful I love the cedar tree. Hug B
All are such beautiful pictures!! The young hawk - awesome! Also loved the cedar tree!! Have not heard of the nutria? They appear to be in the muskrat family? Surprised that the gators don't keep them under control.
the nutria are extremely invasive and destructive. and they have the HOMELIEST yellow/orange teeth! so far we've had 2 here and my dogs killed both.
the robin is beautiful! perfect light catch on the eye! that cedar tree is absolutely cool. the swimming shot has a perfect heart in the psychedelic water! going to have to share your post with clytie at random hearts. :) the cooper's is beautiful!
All wonderful! This is a great collection. The little Nutria is so cute. And yes, Groovy, especially that Double D and you have something you can enjoy together.
It's such fun to go for walks with you - you see so many great things!
I love the photos of Nutria!
What a beautiful collection of images, Gail. That baby nutria is just such goofy looking little cutie. I don't believe we have them here - only their muskrat and beaver brothers.
The hawk image is amazing as is the robin. Your photos are always topnotch.
Beautiful nature shots! :-)
Grand shots! The nutria is a funny looking creature!
Beautiful images there Gail, i love Nutria, she is adorable, that first shot is awesome :) happy week to you x
You know how to take a walk! I thought they were harvesting nutria for food, but I won't eat it!
Have a great week!
Such a beautiful variety of pictures!! I love the picture of the young hawk.
I love that cedar tree and how amazing to see a young hawk so close up.
Wonderful shots.
Gail, lovely nature scenes! I love the hawk and the story, those bluejays can really put on a show. The nutrition and baby is a cute find. Wonderful series, have a great day!
Wonderful nature shots, Gail!
Oh Gail thanks for taking me on this beautiful walk! Amazing photos not sure I could pick a favorite but I'm leaning towards the gorgeous magnolia!
I LOVE what you do with (Big) Bertha! Fabulous images..... Wonderful magnolia image. (I have read much about the problems with nutria(s). In NE Oregon, where water flows through farms in a large irrigation ditch, muskrats are the ones that cause problems. I'm sure they are relatives of the nutria.
Gail! 1. Never known of a Nutria. Sounds like a heath food food or restaurant. (pardon my ignorance) 2. The photo of the Magnolia type is stunning!!!! 3. I love the water the Nutria is swimming in. I thought 'psychedelic' as soon as I saw it before I read your text. Ya, Groovy, Cool!!! 4. Thank you for your meaningful compliment on my blossom photos. Mean a lot coming from a pro like you! *i am smiling*
gorgeous photo's!!
your shot of the cedar tree is magnificent!! i can almost feel the rough bark. one can almost imagine a face coming out of this tree..it beginning to move!!
i have heard about the Nutria,but have never seen one! they resemble a water rat,i think!
thanks for sharing these wonderful photos!!
That bird was so up close and personal. sandie
Wow.. These are great... Michelle
The robin and roses - amazing! What stunning captures, Gail :)
Hugs to you,
Stephanie
wow....my walks are never as cool as your walks...ever !
Beautiful scenes all around. The squirrel shot made me think that he had his string of prayer beads. I love the water in the Beaver picture,that is stunning.
I LOVE #1 and 4 wow wee -- Nature is my cup of tea too -- indeed!! I wish I could be your walking buddy - look what all I would learn.. I would most likely become a better photographer..
Hugs
I love them all, of course, but special favorites are that cedar tree, the hawk, and the magnolia blossom. The squirrel looked like he was making one of those chains that we probably all made from weeds when we were kids.
That's a fantastic collection! Love the robin and squirrel! The hawk is awesome! Superb photos!
A great series of photos. I especially like the texture and shape of that old cedar tree.
Oh this was a fun stroll, and yes that tree does look like something from Van Gogh's pain brush! Love, love the groovy swirls in the water too, such an awesome shot! I've been seeing a lot of nutria here by us on the Texas gulf coast too!
i love your photos--especially the cedar tree, awesome textures! the squirrel snacking is so cute.:p
i'm not sure if it's the same species of nutria that some people here eat. i was told that they live in rice fields and marshes, and considered as a pest.
Nice pictures - there used to be natria (or as we called the coypu) in the UK (not naturally) and they were doing so much damage they were removed!
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
I had never heard of Nutria before (sounds like a breakfast cereal name). Shame they are a nuisance.
Your photo of the magnolia is stunning, wonderful composition.
Love the hike! In our old Oregon yard we had a magnolia in our yard called a 'grandiflora' ...it looked something like that, big white beautiful flowers. I loved it.
Wonderful birds... and though the water around the swimming nutria is lovely, I'm glad you mentioned that about them at the end, because I always thought they were "bad guys" ... invasive species everywhere.
Again, stunning photos. You have the clearest, sharpest photos of anyone. It is always a pleasure visiting your flora, fauna, birds and animals.
I've never heard of nutria. I would have thought it was a beaver! And, I see a heart right below him swimming in the water!
Beautiful series!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
So many wonderful photos my friend. Looks like a perfect place to take a stroll..
Happy Tuesday..
Hugs~
Love...love...love that magnolia...and imagine that...speaking of rain...it is doing that right this very moment. Lovely photo collection my sweet friend...big hugs, xoxo
What a beautiful and varied collection of images Gail. Wonderful!
Beautiful photography, never heard of Nutria or seen them.
I thought that was a beaver! The things we learn on the internet! Great photos, love the hawk and the strange-looking tree.
Congrats on your POTW...these are wonderful!
i think you should get your very own POTW badge! :) congrats!!!
congrats on a POTW!
Lovely area to be in,lots of diversity
I love getting to glimpse all of that wonderful nature with you! Congrats on the POTW!!
Brilliant images, and congrats for POTW.
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