Famous bird photographer

Bob was outside wrapped in his camo bird blind cloth, trying to fake out the backyard birds. I had to take a picture.

The birds never suspected.

A trip to Columbus

We went to Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus to look at birds. It is one of the top 20 birding sites in Ohio. I saw a warbler I couldn't identify, but I also saw an American redstart. My first time to see one! We also saw lots of robins, blue jays, grackles, Canada geese - you know, the usual suspects. After wandering around the cemetery for a bit, we went to the Green Lawn Ave. dam nearby, reported to be a hot birding spot. Well, not so much when we were there. We saw Canada geese right near the dam, and wondered how they kept from being swept over. Strong legs, I guess. Then, we went to Plank's Bier Garten in German Village (Columbus) for lunch. Afterward, we stopped at Juergen's Bakery and Restaurant for a little pastry nosh. Good day: birds, beer, and Bavarian pastry. :)

Goose near the edge. Good quads.

With names like Schoknecht and Haberkern, we already knew this.

Yum.

Yes, it was good.

Back home. When is it time to mow? When the cardinal says, "It's a jungle out here."

April showers bring May flowers

Well, April showers also bring April flowers. Here are some wildflower photos from Brukner Nature Center, west of Troy. These were taken at the end of April. We need to go on another walk soon to see what May has brought us.

A white trillium with a pink tinge.

One of the redbuds in bloom on Polecat Road.

These are Virginia bluebells ... I know, I know - we're not in Virginia!

Redbuds reflected in the pond at Brukner Nature Center.

 

In Calif., we're used to wild yellow violets called Johnny Jump-ups. In the east, there are many kinds of wild violets.