Shutterbug Generations: May 2012

Thursday, May 31, 2012

More Eagles - Fighting & Fishing - Day 134

Warning! This is a rather long and graphic intensive post. Enjoy!

We were treated to an interesting situation on the beach on this particular evening. A bald eagle came out to hunt (we believe a young adult) and was intercepted and attacked by an osprey.

After a bit, the osprey left the area.

The eagle began its fishing expedition. It would circle and circle, looking for its prey in the water.

When it spotted a fish, down would come the talons and the eagle would move down to a lower altitude.

Then it would hover waiting for just the right moment to plunge into the water. All the while never taking its eyes off the prey.

Into the sound the eagle would go, with only the tips of it's wings remaining above the water, and emerge moments later.

When it came up empty handed, back to circling it went.

Over and over this played out until finally the eagle got tired and left. Empty handed for the evening.

Meanwhile, another type of drama was playing out on the beach. Seagulls are interesting birds. Scavengers. While the bald eagle was fishing, a seagull found itself a clam, flew up in the air and dropped it on the beach to crack it open. Immediately two other gulls swooped in trying to get a free meal. The result was much arguing with the result that one of the intruder gulls grabbed part of the clam. Never a dull moment!

Lastly, our new garden beginning to take shape.

May 13

©2012 Michelle Goodrum

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Mother's Day Pow Wow - Day 133

Today while attending the Oregon - UCLA softball game in Eugene, I wandered into the old McArthur Court where a Mother's Day Pow Wow was being held. It was a nice break.
May 12

©2012 Michelle Goodrum

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Final Regular Season Series - Day 132

Oregon's final regular season series was vs. UCLA. It was fun to attend the banquet and senior breakfast (that's college seniors not senior citizens).
May 11

©2012 Michelle Goodrum

Monday, May 28, 2012

Fort Lewis, Washington Military Museum - Day 131

Today I stopped at the Fort Lewis Military Museum (Washington State) on the way to Eugene, Oregon. Grandpa was stationed here during WWI. They are undergoing a major renovation and don't have all of their displays back up and ready for the public just yet but I enjoyed the displays they do have available.

I recognize many of these toy soldiers from childhood visits to the grandparents house in Cheney and have run across some of them while going through the many boxes from The Family Home.

Now I know what a Victory Pin looks like. I'm keeping my eyes open for it as we sort through boxes.

The outdoor display had many mean looking vehicles and missiles. The plaque for this photo says:

U.S. M1918 Howitzer on M1917A4 carriage
"155MM" Howitzer
World War I Era

May 10

©2012 Michelle Goodrum

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Softball Super Regionals - Day 146 & 147

It's been a nail biting couple of days. Oregon lost their first game of Super Regionals to Texas.

May 25

They were victorious in the second, contentious game.

and had to play a third game. In which Oregon was victorious! It's on to the Women's College World Series for the University of Oregon! Go Ducks!!

And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

©2012 Michelle Goodrum

Bald Eagle Flying Lessons - Day 130

...or another National Geographic moment!

I looked out the window at the cabin, and what did I see but a parent and juvenile Bald Eagle.

After some discussion, Mom or Dad flew off leaving the kid pondering what to do next.

After much contemplation, the kid took a couple of short flights along the beach, looking not unlike a toddler learning to walk.

Mom, wherever you are, lookie what I can do!

Later on in the afternoon, an adult came flying by on a fishing trip. The local birds do not like his or her presence and harrass mercilessly. The eagle, well he or she just ignored them like you would a fly.

I took over 150 pictures over the course of the day just of eagles. It was a wonderful treat to observe on and off for a few hours!

May 9

©2012 Michelle Goodrum