A quick visit to Lake Poway today yielded a few surprises! Once we arrived it only took a few minutes to see a ‘capture’ of a baby rattlesnake, reported to the ranger by a man fishing along the water’s edge.
Only a few minutes later, someone behind us shouted ‘he’s got a fish’! We looked up to notice just that! Perched high above on a utility pole, an osprey was holding a fish. He soon took off! The photos below show a bit of the dramatic feat!
Here’s a short #haiku (Day #4 of National Poetry Writing Month hashtag: #napowrimo)!
Perched high, above pole
The osprey held on to prey
Then it flew away!
Osprey Perched with Prey – Photo by SJF Communications
Osprey Perched with Prey – Photo by SJF Communications
Osprey Perched with Prey – Take Off! Photo by SJF Communications
Osprey Perched with Prey – Holding On – Photo by SJF Communications
Wasn’t that osprey cool???
We walked along the water, taking in sights such as the beautiful blue sky and calm water of the Lake Poway. A few people were fishing, a few boating. Just a gorgeous afternoon.
More #Haiku
Crystal blue water
Perfect way to spend the day
Nature enriches
Entrance to Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Cormorants – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Coots and a Mallard – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Coot – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Picnic Area at Lake Poway – Photo by SF Communications
Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Mallards – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
OH NO!!!!! We suddenly spotted this snake- rattlesnake? (or gopher snake?…it was a few feet long) – just as we walked above (and to the left) of the trail around the lake. That was enough for me! Beware, it’s SPRING and the rattlers are awakening!
Last #Haiku
I ask you…take heed
The rattlesnakes are lurking
Avoid getting bit!
Rattlesnake – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Whew, that rattler was scary! At the end of the trip we noticed this woman who caught some trout. She allowed me to snap this photo!
Trout! Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
All in all a wonderful time at Lake Poway!
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It’s always a breath of fresh air (at an altitude of 4226 ft of glorious elevation) for a visit to Julian, California, including a stop at this time at the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve!
Here’s a look at what I captured with my camera recently.
Feel free to click on each photo!
Bird Watching!
Acorn Woodpecker Photo By SJF Communications 2018
Acorn Woodpecker Photo By SJF Communications 2018
Acorn Woodpecker Photo By SJF Communications 2018
Acorn Woodpecker Photo By SJF Communications 2018
Acorn Woodpecker Photo By SJF Communications 2018
More Bird Sightings!
Western Bluebird Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Dark-Eyed Junco Pink-Sided Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Band-Tailed Pigeons Photo by SJF Communications 2018
White-Crowned Sparrow Photo by SJF Communications 2018
California Scrub Jay Photo by SJF Communications 2018
California Scrub Jay Photo by SJF Communications 2018
I spent a delightful afternoon wandering about by bird watching and enjoying nature’s foliage, views and more at the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy – a Southern California nonprofit land trust which is part of the nearly 1000-acre San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, bordered by the northern San Diego areas of Solana Beach, Encinitas and Rancho Santa Fe.
I began my solo stroll at the ‘green’ San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center (2710 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007). The volunteers and rangers were very helpful with information. I gave a donation and visited the interactive exhibits. The Nature Center sells limited items such as maps, books, snacks/drinks etc.
I embarked on my journey by following the beautiful trail. Here are some photos from the day!
Nature Center and Trail
Feel free to hover over/click on each photo to see the name and enlarge it.
I visited during low tide and was able to see a variety of shore birds at the mud flats. The trail is quite easy to navigate (it also includes ADA accessible boardwalk). There are natural-looking overlooks and benches for those who’d like a rest, or just sit and observe!
Bird Watching!
Feel free to hover over/click on each photo to see the name and enlarge it.
Bufflehead
American Wigeon
American Wigeon
White-Crowned Sparrow
White-Crowned Sparrow
Mallards
Snowy Egret
Yellow Common Throat
The Mallards!
MallardMallards
More Bird Watching!
OspreyDouble-Crested Cormorant
Enjoying the Surroundings!
Feel free to hover over/click on each photo to see the name and enlarge it.
I also enjoyed admiring the foliage and surroundings. Here’s a peek at what I saw that day…Spring has sprung indeed!
Arroyo Willow
Climbing Milkweed
Sea Dahlia
Pine Cone
Torrey PInes
Such a wonderful day!
Snowy Egret
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My husband and I recently thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon at Santee Lakes. We walked around several of the lakes for fitness and I did some incredible bird watching!
As I have stated before, #TorreyPinesStateBeach is my ‘go to’ place to walk for fitness, stroll, socialize, observe the #artinnature and #natureasart. I like to visually capture interesting images.
Here are a few images from my most recent March, 2018 visit…I also saw a whale spouting, but it was so fast I couldn’t capture it quickly enough with a photo!
The Entrance to Torrey Pines State Beach
Things Happen in Threes!
Wouldn’t you know…I glanced up and saw a pelican, dolphin and helicopter in the distance!
Things Happen in Threes!
Some images from the afternoon!
Rocks within rocks!
Ocean movement
Lovely waves!
A Sandpiper Enjoying a Snack from the Ocean!
And a Classic Sandpiper Pose!
And a classic Sandpiper Pose!
A Seagull in Flight!
A Seagull in Flight
Shells a Plenty!
Shells a Plenty!
Pelicans in Formation on Parade!
Pelicans in Formation on Parade!
Ocean Friendship: A Pelican with a Dolphin!
Ocean Friendship: A Pelican with a Dolphin!
Dolphin Fin!
Dolphin Fin!
Dolphin Swimming!
Dolphin Swimming!
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It’s great to enjoy an annual pass at the San Diego Zoo! It’s a quick getaway…since we live in San Diego!
Plus, there’s abundant sunshine, a fun way to walk my steps for fitness, and of course, getting to visit the wonderful animals and appreciate nature at the same time!
I spent about 2 hours at the San Diego Zoo the other day. Had some time and brought my camera. Join me on this journey to only a few areas (the Hummingbird House, plus Gorillas and Orangutans and a special surprise at the end of my journey). My short visit was jam packed with memorable bursts of images!
Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail.
First, I visited the Hummingbird House or Aviary, which is a great little secret but tucked away and a bit challenging to find! As you enter the Zoo, turn left towards the Discovery Area towards the Sky Ride. Best to ask a guide..It’s to the right after the Reptile House, look for the red railing…More about the Kenton C. Lint Hummingbird Aviary
I snapped away at some very colorful birds as well as hummingbirds which enjoy the lush surroundings with flowers, nectar and feeders.
One of these days, I’d like to go on a trip to explore the different types!
Hummingbird perched
Hummingbird enjoying nectar
Hummingbird enjoying nectar
Hummingbird in flight
Gorillas
It was such a special treat to see the baby with Mom!
Gorilla at the San Diego Zoo
Gorilla at the San Diego Zoo
Gorilla at the San Diego Zoo
Gorillas at the San Diego Zoo
Gorilla at the San Diego Zoo
Orangutans
I also visited the Orangutan habitat. More joy with another young one to watch with Mom and Dad!
Mom and Baby Orangutans
Mom and Baby Orangutans
Finally, my big surprise was to spot a peacock near the squawking in the flamingo area, alone in a corner. I waited until he faced front. What beautiful plume feathers! Take a look!
Peacock at the San Diego Zoo
Peacock at the San Diego Zoo
Peacock at the San Diego Zoo
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Why? Because it is always different, each time I visit. I always seem to “see” art in nature…
The sandstone bluff rock formations and cliffs are majestic and magnificent. The amazing ocean with constantly changing tides speaks for itself. Nature abounds with animals and birds. I just marvel at the beauty. I also try bring my camera and snap away at what I see before me. Plus the extra added value of exercise as I stroll along the beach.
Last week, I spotted a few treasures which I captured photographically. I saw the blue Velella Vellela jellyfish (also called ‘by the wind sailors’ due to their resembling a sailboat), the pelicans continuously flew by back and forth in formation (although there are always a few stragglers ‘doing their own thing’), an egret graced the sand at the shoreline and then flew away (which I was fortunate to take a few photos of). Also of note, a peregrine falcon which was perched high above (several photographers had their long lenses prepped and were telling me how the falcon “Dad’ was so greedy and wouldn’t share food with his partner for her and the babies). I certainly hope this changes and those ‘babies’ thrive soon and the female gets more nourishment!
An amazing find of the day, I almost stepped upon. It was my first encounter with a juvenile eared grebe. It was sitting alone on the beach near the shoreline. Its striking orange eye captivated me. It was just sitting there…It looked healthy yet something didn’t seem “right” since it was ‘picking’ at it’s feathers every few seconds. Before I left, I called the ranger station and reported it. They arrived and said they would not be able to do anything themselves, but would call the “bird people”, I hope they did…
Pelicans on Parade
Wild Wingspan
Pelicans Flyover
Another Pelican Formation
Torrey Pines State Beach
Rocking in the Ocean
Velella Velella
Velella Velella
Jelly on a Rock
Torrey Pines State Beach
Peregrine Falcon Mama
Egret Taking Off!
Egret Beauty!
Egret Coasting!
Egret Alignment!
Eared Grebe at Torrey Pines State Beach
Eared Grebe at Torrey Pines State Beach
Do you see art in nature? Do you enjoy breathing in the ocean air? Do you reflect on how fortunate we are to be able to see so many wonderful species and celebrate gifts of the earth? I highly encourage you to if you can.
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I continually marvel at hummingbirds…such tiny magnificent magical creatures!
Their stunning colorful beauty, their speed, their zest for the “hummingbird life”….
It beats watching the news these days. It inspires my creative spirit and hope!
I’ve combined some poetry (Haiku), video footage and photographic images just for you!
Hummingbirds: A Haiku:
by
Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
1. Fluttering about
Zooming, oh, so rapidly
Marvelous colors!
2. Hummingbird magic
Unique, beautiful creatures
Don’t fly away, stay!
Here is a short video from today. See these lovely hummingbirds in action as they fly continuously over to the feeders and enjoy nectar, hover, and then dance away!
And now…some photographic images!
Hopefully these hummingbird images will captivate you and yours too!
Enjoy!
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Red-headed Male Anna Hummingbird looking up at the nectar!
Beautiful aqua and green coat Anna Hummingbird
Anna is almost at the nectar finish line!
Anna Hummingbird on a twig
I see the flower!
Male Anna hummingbird enjoying the afternoon!
Circling the nectar feeder
So hungry!
Love this wingspan!
Doesn’t this male Anna hummingbird look like a halo above his head? Wings!
I can taste that nectar already!
Two hummingbirds negotiating!
Just another nectar break!
“Here’s lookin’ at you, kid”, said the male Anna hummingbird!
Headshot! Male Anna hummingbird
Fluttering away!Feathered friend!
Which way did they go?? Male Anna hummingbird
Male Anna hummingbird looking up to the sky!
I was there first! No, I was! OK, let’s eat!Blue skies!!Colors!Time for more nectar!
Male Anna hummingbird on a palm leaf!
See? A palm leaf! Told you!
Hope you enjoyed the poem, video and photos from SJF Communications!
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My Mom, (who recently turned 80 years “young”), always said…”Nothing in life is free”. Well, Mom, you were “almost” completely right!
For my birthday this year I did something really out of the ordinary: I traveled solo to and from the beautiful Mediterranean picturesque Santa Catalina Island, population just over 3000 (I will be referring to it as Catalina Island ) on my “free” round trip boat ride, courtesy of Catalina Express http://catalinaexpress.com/birthday_promo.html and enjoyed a few other free or discounted goodies thrown in!
You’re probably thinking…”Huh?”…”You’re kidding..” or “What a risk” or “How idiotic”, right?
Nope! Best trip ever! I am still smiling inside!
Although I’m originally from New Jersey, I’ve lived in several cities, states and a few countries. California is especially dear to me because overall, I’ve lived here a total of 18 years. Despite so many years here, I was yet to experience a trip to Catalina.
So, this past April, on my birthday, my husband would be working, my daughter was in school and I didn’t want to “obligate” friend(s) to pay for the round trip boat ride. Plus, and this was a big bonus: I absolutely love photography, and I’d be able to snap away where, what and when I wanted! So….
I drove bright and early from San Diego to Long Beach, grabbed some breakfast, checked in with proof of my actual birthday, received and donned that cool “It’s my birthday” ribbon and boarded the boat! I sat outside and bundled up for the ride!
Aboard the boat to Catalina!
Oh…I did take some children’s strength medicine for potential motion “challenges” which turned out to be a real plus! Did I say a real plus???? Yep, some queasiness hit me a tiny bit, but I survived!
I’m happy to share some photos and tidbits from my trip.
We left the harbor and suddenly it was extremely windy !
Leaving the Long Beach Harbor
We passed by the Queen Mary on the way to Catalina, another place I’d like to visit sometime soon!
Passing by The Queen Mary Docked in Long Beach
Also saw the “China Shipping Line” En Route!
Passing by Cargo Ship
Aha! Our first view of Catalina Island in the distance!
First sight of Catalina Island!
How cool is this? A parasailer welcoming us!
Another “first glance” of Catalina Island
A view of the beautiful Catalina Island Casino!
The Famous Catalina Island Casino
The beautiful Carnival Cruise was in port! Passengers took smaller boats to get onto the island.
When I arrived Avalon was very busy with many cruise passengers for the day. Then at around 4 p.m., they all left, and Avalon felt like a ghost town!
Look! A Carnival Cruise in Port!
Another colorful view of Catalina Island!
Catalina Harbor
Once we happily “disembarked”I was eager to explore Avalon on Catalina Island. What a delightful way to spend the day! I decided not to rent a golf cart (the golf carts are all over the place, since they only allow so many cars on the island and there is a 14 year wait for a car permit)! and strolled at my own pace. Here’s a look at some of the shops and tourist spots I snapped. Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!
Several T-Shirts and souveneirs to glance at and buy!
Loved this stone. A bit pricey though!
Here’s more info on Larimar
Couldn’t resist snapping a pic at this flower!
Mermaid in Catalina!
Variety of cards and things!
Beautiful artistic pieces
Bikes ready to explore the island!
Small pier with restaurant, shops etc.
After wandering a bit, I decided to enjoy a delicious lunch and a Margarita at Maggies Blue Rose. I was having such a great time, that I thought…why not stay overnight??? I knew it was completely out of the ordinary for me…but nonetheless decided to do a quick search of hotels but also asked my server what she recommended. Serendipitously, I decided to stay upstairs from Maggies at the Hotel Vista Del Mar. They also had some fun birthday freebies, including a bottle of wine or champagne (I chose the bottle of wine and brought it home), and a celebratory balloon ! I bought a few essentials for staying overnight and relaxed for the rest of my solo journey! Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!
Hotel Vista Del Mar
Hotel Vista Del Mar
Hotel Vista Del Mar
Hotel Vista Del Mar
Hotel Vista Del Mar
Hotel Vista Del Mar
Hotel Vista Del Mar SignFish Tank at Hotel Vista Del Mar
The Hotel Vista Del Mar has a great fish tank in the lobby filled with colorful fish and coral decor ! It was very relaxing to peek at the tank while relaxing on the lobby which overlooks the water.
Once I checked into the hotel, I decided to take the very interesting Catalina Scenic Tour. The bus driver a.k.a. narrator was terrific spokeperson for the Avalon and island of Catalina.
Here are some of the sights from that trip:
Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!
View from Avalon Tour Bus
View of Wrigley Mansion from Avalon Tour Bus
View from Avalon Tour Bus
Zip LIning View from Avalon Tour Bus
Harbor View from Avalon Tour Bus
Another harbor View from Avalon Tour Bus
View from Avalon Tour Bus
View from Avalon Tour Bus
Campground: View from Avalon Tour Bus
Glimpse at a local street: View from Avalon Tour Bus
After the bus tour, I strolled around Avalon some more. I thoroughly enjoyed a great dinner at Steve’s Steakhouse!
Of course, I then had to sample some ice cream and candy from this place!
Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!
Lloyd’s of Avalon Candy Store
Lloyd’s of Avalon Candy Store
Sampling some delicious ice cream at Lloyd’s of Avalon Candy Store
I noticed the beautiful tiled fountain on Crescent Street, which is made of clay from Catalina Island.
The tiled fountain at Crescent Street, Avalon
Afterwards, I decided to walk towards the famous Catalina Casino and these are the sights seen on my way! Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!
Strolling along Avalon Towards the Casino
Gulls overlooking the harbor
Strolling along Avalon Towards the Casino
Catalina Strolling along Avalon Towards the Casino, Such Awesome Colors!
Strolling along Avalon Towards the Casino
Strolling along Avalon Towards the Casino
Strolling along Avalon Towards the Casino: Catalina Yacht Club
Strolling along Avalon Towards the Casino
Strolling along Avalon Towards the Casino: Those famous orange fish
That was it for my day in Catalina. Then it was time to get some rest at the hotel! They had some cool DVD’s that I borrowed. I didn’t drink the wine, brought the bottle home, but enjoyed looking at that balloon! Had a great night’s sleep too!
Time to get some rest at the hotel!
The next morning I decided to venture out a bit more to the casino area, the Museum and then and Descanso Beach Club. Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!
Outside the Museum
On the way to Descanso Beach
On the way to Descanso Beach
Descanso Beach
Descanso Beach
Descanso Beach
Descanso Beach
More at Descanso Beach
More at Descanso Beach
On the way to Descanso Beach
Casino
Casino
Casino
Casino
It was soon time to say goodbye to Catalina Island! Here are some photos from my final minutes of solo joy!
Avalon Veterans Memorial ParkCatalina Veterans Memorial ParkGoodbye Catalina Island!!!
Even though I could have traveled free roundtrip, on the way back to Long Beach, I decided to take advantage of the Commodore Lounge on the Catalina Express for $15 and go back in style!
We were served a drink and a snack, and had very comfy seats!
All aboard inside the Catalina Express Commodore Lounge!
We arrived back in Long Beach and I happily drove back to San Diego! This was a quick, fun, safe getaway and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Avalon on Catalina Island!
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And now to finish with a Haiku:
Overnight in Catalina Island
1.
Traveling alone
Seeing sights, snapping photos
I embraced it all!
2.
A gorgeous island
So perfect for sightseeing
And relaxing too
3.
Yes I will be back
I will bring my family
We shall all have fun!
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