07.10.2025 The American Kestrel, Falcon, Hummingbird

One of my favorite birds are the raptors. These large, magnificent birds are thrilling to watch as they soar on the air currents or hunt in the fields. I had the opportunity to sight an American kestrel perched high on a leafless tree. She sat there long enough that I could get a few nice photographs of her that I want to share with you.

Her hunting mice and other small animals probably was interrupted for a while as I was three watching her. She didn't seem to mind. I wish all birds would hold still this long for photographs!

Photo opportunity concluded. She is off on her hunt.

Here is a red footed falcon hunting in the field in Hungary. He wouldn't hold still for a picture!

Red poppies along the roadside in Hungary.

The small birds are equally thrilling to observe. This little lady is a ruby throated hummingbird feeding on the beebalm flowers in my garden. I was taking photographs of the lilies and heard her familiar buzzing and was lucky enough to snap a quick picture.

 Yellow lily with rain drops.

Fionnegan, Gunnarr and Shorty - all smiles with full tummies!

Until next time, stay well.

07.04.2025. Happy Birthday America!!!!!

 We are celebrating our countries 249th birthday! While not as old as many, she is not young either! There have been a lot of celebrations this year commemorating the beginning of the Revolutionary war that bought us our freedom from England. It is also the 350th year since the King Philip's war which saw the English settlers and some Native Americans fighting against King Philip - a great Indian chief. There is a lot of history here in New England and I have been reading about the early times and trying to locate the site of some of the battles. Many of the locations of the battles from the 1675 era are noted as "tradition" meaning the exact location cannot be found. But I like to wander and think about how it must have been to leave Europe and move to a vast wilderness.

To celebrate the day, I went to CPYC in Winthrop where I can see fireworks up and down the coast. I thoroughly enjoy the displays.

Here are a few fireworks. The white ones photographed the best this year. 

From the Pilot House! A local resident started the display before the town fireworks. 

Once the fireworks were finished in Winthrop, all I had to do was go down to the dock and watch the fireworks over the Boston city skyline. Notice the old clock tower on the left and the airport
in the foreground. 

Happy Birthday America! Wishing many more that are safe and peaceful for all. The eagle, the symbol of our country, is not mine. Notice the fish in the claws!

 Fionnegan, Gunnarr, Shorty and I wish you all a very Happy and safe 4th of July holiday weekend.

Until next time, stay well............