Stop the presses!

We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming for a special announcement: IT'S FALL, Y'ALL! The post which was scheduled for today has been delayed in order to bring you our fall color; otherwise, you would be seeing these shots late in December. I can't dance, but I'm doing a happy jig right now. I'm thrilled to finally see real fall colors, even if it's scattered here and there. These were taken on W. Lakeshore Dr. on the LSU campus, November 14.

Chinese tallow tree

Snowy egret on a bald cedar

The wind was kicking up quite a bit, so I know this is not in complete focus, but I was hoping someone
could help identify this tree. Since I took this shot last week, all these trees are completely red now.
UPDATE: Using an app called Leafsnap, I was able to identify this as a Willow Oak!

I will be in Mississippi fishing at Lake Okhissa today, so I'll catch up when I return. Y'all have a good one!

Linking with Our World Tuesday.

Madisonville

Out of all the places we've visited near here, our favorite is Madisonville, in St. Tammany Parish. Nestled on the banks of the Tchefuncte (cha-FUNK-tah) River, Madisonville exudes charm and nostalgia. Founded in 1800, the town was originally called Coquille (ko-KEE) by early French settlers because of the abundance of seashells. It was incorporated into the U.S. by 1810 and renamed for President James Madison. Today, it boasts fine dining, antique stores, marinas and recreational boating.

Saturday, Nov 3, was a fun photo shoot. Standing in 2 feet of water with all my camera equipment (very risky move for this clumsy gal), I gazed out over the water and pretended I was on the ocean somewhere in New England. The water was too choppy to stay out long, but for the short time the waters lapped around my rubber boots, it was exhilarating. This day was sans mosquitoes, but somehow two of them ended up in the car. :/ A malevolent force in the universe is determined to give me malaria.

In 1834 Congress approved $5,000 for construction of this lighthouse to guide vessels across Lake Pontchartrain
to the mouth of the Tchfuncte River. The 36' tall brick tower was completed in 1837. It has been damaged by the Civil War
and numerous hurricanes, including last year's Isaac. The town of Madisonville took ownership in 1999 and a group of
volunteers rallied to restore it. Hurricanes Rita and Katrina interrupted initial efforts but restoration resumed in 2007.
On June 25, 2008, Phase 1 of the restoration concluded.
Processed with a texture by Anna Lenabem on Flickr.

An abandoned tugboat near the shore. I believe the wording said, ST. JAMES TRANSPORTATION CO.

Forster's Terns keeping watch at their posts as the boats whiz past.

A toilet somehow made its way onto the tugboat. Um, pretty sure this isn't original to the vessel. 

The sun set right between the tugboat and the lighthouse. I was hoping it would set behind one or the other.
Thankfully, the glow spread behind the boat as the sun lowered.

The afterglow extended the entire length of the horizon. Boy, I wish I had a super wide angle lens.

I'm glad this turned out as a silhouette so you can't see all the debris. Hurricane Isaac created a huge mess out there.
Looks like they're working on clean-up, but the wheels of government turn ever so slowly--especially here.

"The charm, hospitality and history make picturesque Madisonville a wonderful destination for a day, a week, or a lifetime." From Madisonville Official Web Site.

Fall Cleaning - Photo Style

For whatever reason, some of my images never made it to my blog. I went through all my photos from the first three months of this year and had a big ol' Delete Party. It feels good to lighten the load and make more room on my hard drive. I'll be doing more of that as time allows.

Bald Eagle landing - 2/3/13. Looks like he's wearing a white skirt.

iPhone shot of levee where eagles were observed - 2/5/13

A pod of pelicans - LSU Lakes - 2/13/13

Green heron - LSU Lakes - 2/24/13

Lilacs Wisteria- Avery Island - 3/16/13
Thanks for the correction, Anni! I always get lilacs and wisteria confused. :/

Nesting egrets - Avery Island - 3/26/13

Egrets in breeding plumage - Avery Island - 3/26/13

iPhone shot of breeding platforms - Avery Island - 3/26/13
The green area is algae

iPhone shot of Trees and Trails nature area at Burden Center - 3/19/13
Carrying heavy camera equipment over this narrow boardwalk sans railings was a bit scary.
I was more worried about damaging my camera equipment then getting devoured by alligators.

iPhone shot of azaleas - same location as above - 3/19/13

Izzy wanted to say "HI!"
Basking in the sunshine - 3/29/13

Linking to Skywatch Friday. Thanks, hosts!

Gossamer Wings

It's not very often I see the gray hairstreak, even though Wikipedia claims they are one of the most common hairstreaks of North America. They are quite small, and in bright sunlight their wings are like gossamer. Between the harsh light, annoying wind and my little subject's apparent ADHD, it was a bit of a challenge to get a decent photo.

Is she sticking her tongue out at me? Saucy little tart. She does sparkle, though. :)
Whether this is a male or female is irrelevant to me. If you sparkle, you're female in my book! lol

Males perch on small trees and plants all afternoon seeking receptive females. Eggs are laid singly on flowers of host plant. The wingspan is 7/8" - 1-3/8". First described by Jacob Hubner in 1818 as strymon melinus. The name is probably derived from the Greek word melinos, meaning ashen.

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On a completely unrelated subject, is anyone else flabbergasted that a person would shell out $142 MILLION DOLLARS for art? With so many in need around the world—especially in the Philippines where the typhoon hit—I mean, seriously? Am I missing something here? I felt guilty buying a sweater yesterday for heaven's sake. It's something I just can't stop thinking about and it's got me a little miffed at people who obviously have way too much money. Thoughts?

Return to Bluebonnet Swamp

October 25 was my first day back to Bluebonnet Swamp since May. Except for boardwalks and established trails, the swamp is largely left alone to grow as natural as possible. The trees and vegetation get so thick it's hard to walk though there and still breathe during summer months (about half the year!). From the end of May to the second week of October I dare not enter. Well, here I was happy to be back, meandering the trails happy as a clam, when before I knew it I was slapping at mosquitoes. One would think the last week of October, these detestable insects would no longer be a problem. I forget I'm not in Texas anymore; I have to remember this place is almost like the tropics. You'll be happy to know that I put a can of OFF in my camera bag, so I will be ready next time, even if it's the middle of winter. Ha!

This was my one and only chance to shoot the titmouse. Not bad! I love their little faux hawks, big eyes and animated ways.
They're quick as lightning, though.

Double D and I were getting ready to pack it in since not much was happening, when all of a sudden
we came upon two immature ibises.

They looked like they were on a see-saw.

I spotted this one first and asked Double D if he was real. The staff had decorated the swamp for a Halloween hike, so I wasn't sure.
The ibis finally moved, so I knew it was real. They stood there calmly letting me take my shots. Sorry about the harsh sunlight, but I
was relegated to one vantage point.

Took this with my iphone to show you where I was standing while shooting the ibises.
In June I finally broke down and bought a sturdy tripod - a Benro - and I love it.

Linking with Wild Bird Wednesday and I'd Rather B Birdin'. Many, many thanks, Stewart and Anni!