Monday, July 20, 2020

Caroline's Visit Part 3 (Final)

     When we are out and about in nature we rarely take pictures of humans - we do that infrequently at the best of times - so I am including a picture of Caroline taken with her dad (moi) on a visit a couple of years ago. 


     Our final foray during her recent visit, was an afternoon at Columbia Lake, recently reopened totally, after having restricted access during the early phases of the Coronavirus. The level of the water was exceptionally low and we were literally able to walk right across the bed of the lake. 
     One of our most exceptional encounters was with four Least Sandpipers (Calidris minutilla), initially a little skittish, but as they went about their frenzied bout of feeding, more approachable.



 
     This is the world's smallest sandpiper, and while not uncommon spring and fall, there is an eternal fascination about it - about shorebirds in general in fact.




     Least Sandpipers have returned from breeding in the high Arctic, whereas Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) have been with us all summer and have bred locally.



     Birds, always the main attraction, were not the only organisms to attract our attention. Miriam got a couple of very nice shots of this light variant Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadica), nectaring on Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata).




     The joys of nature are unending!

     One would be hard pressed in June or July to visit a suitable body of water and not find a Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) family, with the hen assuming all the duties of parenthood. I thought that this family group presented a particularly charming portrait.


     A handsome American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) seemed determined to have a conversation with us, but I fear we did not understand his entreaties.



     Since large bullfrogs are prone to eat just about anything they can cram into their mouths, this Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) had better not let down its guard.


     This juicy fly, probably Lucilla coeruleiviridis or L. sericata, would make a tasty snack for either species.

  
     Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) more than lived up to its name.

   
     To rename it Abundant Whitetail would not have been unreasonable!


     Just before leaving to return home for dinner, we spotted a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) off in the corner of the little bay at the end of the lake.


     We thought it a fine bird to end the day, especially when it dove into the water and came up with a fish.
     I have spent a lifetime outdoors and have enjoyed every moment of it. At this advanced stage in my life it doesn't get much more enjoyable than to share it with Caroline and Miriam. I am sure it won't be long until we do it again.

David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

61 comments:

  1. Hi David! That's a great photo of you with your little girl! How strange to be able to walk dry shod across the lake. We had similar experiences here last year where the mighty Rhine had dwindled to about a yard at some paces. You saw some beautiful birds, and I love the magnificent toad and frog, too. And Miriam's photos of the butterfly on the milkweed are wonderful. Glad you were able to have a family trip to the lake. Have a great afternoon, hugs, Valerie

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  2. So nice to see the beautiful photo of both of you!, David!
    I have never seen the birds or the flowers you show today. I guess they belong to your area.
    Have a great day!

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  3. Una preciosa foto de todo un padre orgulloso posando con su hija en un bello paraje. Seguro amigo David, que tu pequeña aquella que corría a tu encuentro para abrazarte y darte un beso son momentos vividos que nos pasan por la mente y pensamos ¡cómo pasa el tiempo! ¡demasiado rápido! Es todo como un sueño. Por lo menos, has disfrutado unos días con su presencia y habéis podido compartir esa bonita afición por la naturaleza. Un bello y emotivo recuerdo que quedará para siempre en la mente de ambos. El reportaje es precioso y unas magníficas fotos.
    Un fuerte abrazo querido amigo y compadre David.

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    1. It seems like yesterday, amigo Juan, that she was just a little girl. And I still had hair!

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  4. Hello David!
    What a lovely picture with you and your preety daughter!
    Great shots of the Belted Kingfisher and the beautiful butterfly!
    Glad you enjoyed your trip to the lake!
    Have a nice week!
    Dimi...

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  5. Hello David,
    Great shot of you and your daughter. Looks like another great outing. I love that bullfrog and the Kingfisher is a favorite too. The Acadian Hairstreak is a beauty! Great photos.
    Enjoy your day and have a great new week!

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  6. When people smile, the visit can only be beautiful!

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  7. Shore birds are indeed endlessly fascinating - the only thing I don't like is when I can't tell them apart. Off to practise a bit more tomorrow as return migration has already started here.

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    Replies
    1. It is well underway here too, John. We too will be shorebirding tomorrow. It will be the first outing of my regular Tuesday group since March.

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  8. A very fine way to end Caroline's visit, David. I'm sure that you are now feeling that a big gap has appeared in your life - I hope that it's not long until that gap is filled again. Take great care - - - Richard

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  9. Snap.
    I very, very rarely take photographs of people (and when I do it is often because I have been photobombed).
    I can imagine the smiles on your face, on Miriam's face, on Caroline's face - and have been smiling myself as I scroll up and down through your photos.
    Many, many thanks.

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  10. Having your baby girl grow up to share your interest must be a great feeling. Do shore birds get much attention in the birding world? they certainly should.

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    Replies
    1. They do get lots of attention, Susan, and they are a difficult group, especially in non-breeding plumage and for novice birders.

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  11. That's a great photograph of you and Caroline.

    A wonderful array of fabulous photographs on your post too :)

    All the best Jan

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  12. Love the picture of you and Caroline (your other pictures were great too!). I admit to a bit of envy - I miss being able to visit with my daughter but at least I can see my sons on a regular basis.

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  13. Love the photos of the sandpipers, and the bullfrog is fascinating!

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  14. What a great shot of the bullfrog, I haven't one in years. Beautiful photos and a wonderful one of you and your daughter.
    Have a good evening!

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  15. David, thanks for your extra comment on my blog.

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  16. Such a wonderful visit to share with your daughter!

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  17. An enjoyable outdoor family adventure, ending with a fine little kingfisher - how lovely!

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  18. Buenas noches, friend, happy day! this episode is the last of your charming posts with Caroline, what a pity... so beautiful is your daughter; she shines like the sun itself. That photo is a wonderful memory that crown the special days that you have enjoyed.
    What a great summer you are delight, full of sunlight, nature and family love. After you both, I adore the pink flowers, the kingfisher and the butterflies. I´m happy that you have passed a special moment of renewal for your soul and spirit!

    I wish you a week full of love and joy. Besos desde Buenos Aires 🌺

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  19. It must be very dry there to be able to walk over the lake.

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    1. Not especially, the level of the water is controlled, but I am not sure why it has been drawn down so low.

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  20. Wonderful photos all, but the bullfrog is priceless. He looks so cute and goofy.

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  21. Lovely picture of you and your daughter. And, of course, all the pictures of the "joys of nature" are much appreciated. Wonderful!

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  22. Looks a good photo of yourself and your daughter.
    The photos are good and pleasing to see the frog, interesting creatures but then all are.

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  23. Hi David,
    When the three of you are sharing the same kind of interest you shouldn't wait too long for renewing such a visit. I guess there are plenty of possibilities to make interesting trips together.
    Greetings, Kees

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    Replies
    1. She lives a six hour drive from us and has a full-time job, so it's not always easy.

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  24. Hi David.

    How wonderful that you and your daughter can enjoy nature so much (despite covid 19 limitations.)
    Wonderful the Birds, Ducks.
    The Frog is beautiful.
    Beautiful separate Kingfisher
    The butterfly is super beautiful.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  25. Hi there - nice set of posts about your daughter's visit - I think you have a bit more freedom to wander in your neck of the woods than I do in mine at present! Those sandpipers look a lot like Sharpie-tailed SP,s (Sharpies!). This weeks WBW (once I have created it!) is about some of the birds I saw on my daily walk - there are not too many species in common with yours!!

    Stay safe - Stewart M - Melbourne

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    1. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper was the most common shorebird I saw in Australia.

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  26. It's lovely to share Caroline's visit and must be lovely for you to share 'your' nature with her!

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    1. Yes, she has morphed into a naturalist more and more as she has gotten older.

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  27. I told you yesterday that your daughter looks like you ... and I was right! Oh! Do you no longer have a beard?

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    1. I do have a beard. As I explained above, we take so few pictures of ourselves, the one above was taken during one of Caroline's visits a couple of years ago.

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  28. Hi David, that's a beautiful photo of father and daughter. You are so lucky you saw the Calidris minutilla, I never saw them here. I hope the sandpipers will come soon to the Netherlands for the winter. Greetings Caroline

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  29. David!
    Boa tarde.
    Que lindos olhares através de vossas almas!
    Apreciei muito o vosso trabalho em conjunto!
    Continuem!
    Um grande abraço sorridente!💐🌈😀
    Megy Maia🌈

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  30. Hi David, It's obvious you all enjoyed Caroline's visit. And that she is enjoying nature so much as well. But I think that's no surprise with a mum and dad like you two ;-).
    I like the least sandpipers, I think I've never seen them. Also the butterfly is wonderfull and in your earlier blog the flowers also. I had to laugh when I saw the photo's of the frog, I think they're funny animals.

    Best regards and a big hug from Holland,
    Marianne

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  31. De belles observations, c'est chouette de faire des choses avec ses parents :D
    Je fais de la moto avec mon papa :D
    Bonne soirée

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  32. Wonderful photos. I'm so glad you're able not only to visit, but also to share a love of nature and that beautiful part of the world you live in.

    A brief housekeeping note: are you aware that the emails being sent include multiple old posts, and no link to your current entry? I was quite confused by the last two emails, and finally got here by clicking on your blog title. Had I not, I wouldn't have realized that you actually had a new post up. There was a long list of links to older posts, and the first complete post that appeared was your review of the European dragonflies. That's what tipped me off; I knew I'd read that one!

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    1. Thanks for letting me know, Linda. i had no idea, not do I know why, or how to fix it! Let me know if you have the same experience next time you try, please.

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  33. What a delightful trek! Lovely seeing your daughter, too!

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  34. Hello David, another succesful day with your daughter Caroline and Miriam. Love the waders but also the frogs. Bulfrogs are they realy that noisy? That butterfly is most beautyful looks a bit like a butterfly that we have overhere. Good to know you enjoyed to watch the Kingfisher catch some fish. This one is certenley not "Common" ;). I gave your sugestion about changing the name of Common Kingfisher a thought. You can read my comment on this on my blog.
    Regards,
    Roos

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  35. What lovely photos and so nice that you were able to spend time with your daughter enjoying the outdoors. I only wish I had the same ability with a camera. The family artistic gene unfortunately skipped me so very few photos of mine are worth sharing.

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  36. Hi David!!! Beautiful and varied shots... Have a nice day... Cheers

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  37. Love the photo with the mallard family, so cute.
    The butterfly on the flowers is pretty too.

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  38. Me encanta que hayas disfrutado con tu hija. Mis hijas viven conmigo y lo pasamos muy bien por la naturaleza, la pequeña siempre va conmigo a buscar flores y la mayor le encanta viajar con la familia. Abrazos ( Ah, estás más guapo con la barba jaja, creo que Miriam pensará como yo )

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    1. ¡Al principio no estaba segura, Teresa, pero ahora le gusta!

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  39. I have a sore eye, either from too much screen time or from allergies affecting my sinuses, so I have been trying to stay away from the screen lately. This post was a sight for a sore eye!

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  40. As infrequent as you post human photos, David, it was nice to see the lead one with you and your daughter. It puts faces behind the words so to speak, so thanks for the rare inclusion. The sandpipers and plovers were frequent bird sightings when we lived on the VA eastern shore and brought back good memories. But, of course, the bullfrog caught my immediate attention, maybe his name was Jeremiah?

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    1. Once in a while, I agree that a photograph of the blogger lends context. But to do it several times a month smacks of narcissism to me. I can truthfully say that I am not at all curious about what a blogger looks like, and several of the blogs I enjoy very much have never posted a self-portrait as far as I can recall.

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  41. Hi David,
    Wow cozy with your daughter! You have seen several beautiful birds !
    Great Post. Also beautiful butterfly! The Frogs are funny ;-)
    Regards,
    Maria

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  42. Love the photos of the Acadian Hairstreak -- perfect with the blooms. And that frog has such a jolly face! Loving the sandpipers, too -- and the daughter and dad. Perfection.

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  43. Hi david,
    I've catches up with your blogs about the weekend with your daughter. So nice that she loves to be in nature like Miriam and you and the three of you had a weekend filled with lovely sigtings. I enjoyed your comment and the lovely pictures.

    Best regards, Corrie

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  44. A wonderful photo of two bird enthusiasts - Father and Daughter.
    The photos of the frog are fantastic.
    Hugs and greetings.

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  45. Hello David,
    really beautiful these sandpipers and plovers. It is worrying that there is almost no water left in the lake.
    The oak page butterfly is really so beautiful! I saw it for the first time last week but unfortunately I couldn't get it in the picture. That's why I enjoy your pictures of this butterfly all the more.
    Big frogs, beautiful flowers, ducks, great beautiful dragonfly and to top it all off a kingfisher. I'm just really enjoying all this beauty.
    A sweet greeting and a big hug from your girlfriend from the Netherlands,
    Helma

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  46. There is nothing more exciting than sharing spending a day outdoors in the middle of nature with our loved ones, without a doubt these are the moments that we most enjoy and remain in memory. Nice images that you show us from that moment. I hope you can repeat them many times with your daughter
    Un abrazo

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  47. Hi David - I sure hope Caroline will get up to see you again soonish ... the handsome man at the top of the post is pretty good and definitely more attractive, than the rather good looking bullfrog later on! Lovely photo of the two of you ... wonderful to see you both - take care and stay safe ... cheers Hilary

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  48. Acadian Hairstreak looks very beautiful, I haven't ever seen one. It's a pity that You didn't understand what American Bullfrog told You. It could have been something very important. 😉

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