Bird Watching: The Hummingbird

I have picked up a new hobby this year:  bird watching.  I have always worked on attracting hummingbirds when I lived in northern Michigan. It seemed that the hummingbirds at my house in Michigan were always coming around. It was almost as if they were dependent upon the feeders. Since moving to northwest Ohio, I find attracting hummingbirds a bit more challenging. It appears they have so many more options to choose from. Last year, when landscaping the backyard, I added a trumpet tree. I thought a trumpet tree, coupled with a feeder would help. I was not disappointed. This summer I have been graced by the presence of a hummingbird. However, it wasn't until the 4th of July weekend when I could catch him on film - or in "digital" if you will. This visitor appears to be a ruby-throated humming bird. Here I've captured him both in flight and eating from the trumpet tree.  I find these little guests just amazing. Howe they can expend so much energy and be so graceful is captivating. I look forward to many more visits before he begins his migration south. For more information about the ruby-throated hummingbird, click here.

Celebrating the 4th of July

John Adams wrote to Abigail Adams: "...But the Day is past. The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America - I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generation, as the great anniversary Festival, It out to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more." I think John Adams was a prophet. He recognized the importance of the writing, reading and declaring of the Colonies independence. The fourth of July has always been an important holiday for me. I don't think being a history teacher is the only reason.  I admire the strength, courage and dedication our forefathers and women had to make such an amazing proclamation. They risked all. They put it all on the line. They were willing to give up everything for what they believed in; what they believed was right.  To John Adams and our forefathers and mothers - I salute you with these pictures that show John Adams was prophetic! 

Rain, Rain Go Away

Another rainy day. However, this was not just a rainy day, but a stormy one also. A storm front came through about 7:45 p.m. tonight. The leading edge of the storm was "beautiful". Yes, beautiful. As I say outside I could watch the storm move in from the west. One of the more "interesting" parts of the front reminded me of a possible tornado.  While I was out taking pictures of the impending front, the local weather station was watching an area that seemed to be producing "rotation". While no Tornado warning was issued, the weather forecaster was watching the area closely. And I can see why.  It was calm out when this picture was taken. The wind was slowly picking up as the front passed. Shortly after this cloud formation moved on the windy and the rain picked up and a wonderful lighting show followed. While my little dog "freaked" by yet another storm, it was beautiful to watch from my safe living room. When it got to much for the dog we headed down stairs and waiting out the night. While it calmed down around midnight it continued to rain off and on all night. I was very aware of the storm as I would periodically be awakened by my Yorkie who was either prancing on my chest or shaking near my head. Clearly, this storm had her in a panic. When I awoke in the morning the air was crisp and clean. I always live the moments after a storm when everything seems "new". The humidity had even lessened. While taking out the dogs, I checked the rain gauge. Wow, I couldn't believe my eyes. It registered 5.5 inches. There is no way that could be right. I was soon to find out that it was right. While riding into work I noticed many "flooded" areas, closed roads and a ton of branches that had fallen from the trees. The local radio station confirmed that rainfall ranged from 5 to 6 inches in the area. Truly, the summer of rain continues.