Friday, June 7, 2013

Crystal Springs

Moving along with my vacation adventures, I now present to you Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Another favorite destination in Portland, I visit this magical place each time I visit. This is the only place that I can hope to get close to the wood ducks, since they are so accustomed to human activity. And of course the flowers are something else. Hope you enjoy!

Wood duck, male and female



Stellar's jay

Red-winged blackbird, female (if not, please correct me)





40 comments:

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

More fantastic photos- I really love the ducks.

Kittie Howard said...

Terrific photos, Gail. But the second one is beyond amazing!

Willow said...

WOW Gail ...beautiful photos. I am amazed with the Stellar's Jay. That lake shot is gorgeous.

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Gail you never disappoint me. Beautiful. B

Gone Country said...

The male wood ducks are so colorful.

Great shots! Love the lake photo! I instantly thought of a postcard.

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous collection of photos today! The wood ducks are so colourful, and your flower shots glorious - I totally love shot #8 (purple branch).

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

That's one of the best pictures I've seen of a female wood duck. Most photographers concentrate on the male because of his beautiful colors, but the female has her own beauty, which you've captured nicely. The picture of the orange flower is just stunning. Great shot of the Stellar's Jay, too.

Stephanie said...

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful! I love the little pink, purple flowers - what kind are they? Thanks for sharing, Gail! Have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs to you!

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

Golly gal, you sure make the AM visit to your blog eye opening, who needs coffee when all they need to do is come visit you.

I have yet to see a wood duck in person, how beautiful he is.

As always, you do delight my eyes with your photography.

Suzan said...

As always beautiful!!
Neat pink dogwood and the last one??? white w/ pointed petals dogwood?? Very very nice!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Oooh, I adore that Stellar's Jay!

Anonymous said...

Gail, those wood ducks are stunners- as are colorful rhododendron- pink and star shaped white dogwood.
Your superb shot of the Stellar's Jay makes me droll- as I haven't encountered one yet!

have a great day ~:)

TexWisGirl said...

love the wood ducks, and you did get some GREAT shots of them! very jealous. mine are much more wild. :)

renae said...

Whoa! Fabulous, simply fabulous! I love the full landscapes you have been sharing lately. They are magnificent!!!!! I am not gushing. It is true, they are.

They have a great pink in the Maybelline Vivids line as a bright pink, for $5. (Mac lipstick is over $15 at Macy's, NO) Not worth it to me. $5 is more my budget and I am happy with that. The next color I am after is an orange color, to wear with neutrals. This lipstick thing is so much fun, lately. hahahaha

Fabulous weekend to you, girlfriend!

Chatty Crone said...

Again I loved all the photos - but I think number three is so gorgeous! The colors - awesome.

Love,
Sandie

Karen said...

I enjoyed, immensely!

Wally said...

What a gorgeous setting! So many colors, the water, the trees, the flowers, the ducks.....

Thank you for sharing your wonderful photographs!

hootnonny said...

Beautiful chapter of your Portland trip. Keep 'em coming!

Unknown said...

I'm always envious of your shallow depth of field.
Excellent photo of the lavender (flower or shrub).
Great job!

MICKAN from QUEENS FIELD¸.•°`♥✿⊱╮ said...

I'll be happy to follow you on this trip to Crystal Springs.
What a magnificent place and you show us some great picture from this place so we can understand how lovely it is :)

Eruiel said...

Thank you! :)

Karen said...

That male wood duck is magnificent.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Oh Gail, I enjoyed it so much; your pictures are incredible. ....so beautiful. (the only thing I don't like about it is that it makes me homesick of course...we'll get to Oregon soon.) Your daughter was a fabulous tour guide.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! Love the ripples in the Wood Duck shots.

Deanna said...

Another glorious group of images from Portland. I have so enjoyed seeing that part of the US. Thanks for sharing all of these beauties!!

Ruth Hiebert said...

I am thankful I don't have to pick a first place from among these pictures. Each one is stunning. I love the lake and the reflection.

Katie said...

oh my goodness, these are breathtaking photos. wood ducks seem almost fake in how they look, don't they? they're just so exotic looking.

Rambling Woods said...

Wow....lovely and the woodies are a favorite of mine

EG CameraGirl said...

I have been looking for wood ducks for the past few weeks and haven't seen any yet. Nice shots!

Hootin Anni said...

I'm blown away....these are all so stunning. Love the reflection on the glassy water/lake. I'm nearly speechless Gail.

Starla said...

I love your focus on your photos. I really wish I had the words to describe the contentment and calm I feel inside when I look at your photos!!

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Stunning shots, Gail! I like the "hair" style on that Stellar's Jay... made me laugh!

Donna said...

Just breathtaking ....I love the flowers and those ducks which I do not see here.

Nancy said...

Gorgeous captures Gail.

Unknown said...

I have a great big smile on my face right not. I always find myself smiling when I visit your blog. Your photos are amazing..

Hugs~

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

So much beauty in one place....love your flower photos and the wonderful water reflections.

Hilary said...

Such stunning photos here, Gail. I love wood ducks and your captures of them are just marvelous!

Vision By Mila said...

the birdies are so cute!

Anonymous said...

awesome...simply awesome! fantastic captures, Gail!

Anonymous said...

what lovely flowers! As always, truly wonderful captures!