Category Archives: Year 8

Finding Laz and Red!

Year 8

Prior to my trip out west, I noted a few birds I really wanted to see including a Lazuli Bunting and a Red-Breasted Sapsucker. I scored both yesterday morning due to taking the Audubon Birding Walk at Marymoor Park. The locals wanted to help me, and I quickly learned my desired bunting was known as “Laz”.

The weather swung back and forth between clouds, minor rain, and bright sun … apparently quite normal for the Seattle area. Next on the agenda are mountain birds at Leavenworth.

Lazuli ‘Laz” Bunting

Red-Breasted Sapsucker

Pied Grebe and Chick

Year 8

Molly and I are in Seattle. Our youngest son recently accepted a job as a robotics engineer with Amazon. Since we are fully vaccinated, we decided to visit. Given I am on a different side of the Rockies, I am looking forward to seeing some different birds. Tomorrow morning I will take a walk with the local Audubon group at Marymoor Park. This morning I walked the neighborhood. I found a Pied Grebe with newly hatched chicks. In addition, the Bald Eagle seemed interested in the chicks as they are not yet able to dive and escape predators from above. The local crow population took exception to the eagle’s presence.

While I am out west, all images are offloaded and processed on my tablet … a bit more challenging than using my PC, but much more portable and lighter. I use the Android app Snapseed to edit my photos (minor light corrections and crops).

Lupines and Steam Engines!

Year 8

Okay, not a bird but still a visual treat. With the Pandemic winding down the North Shore Scenic Railroad will once again be running their steam engine up the shores of Lake Superior. In addition, the Lupine are beginning to bloom in the Northland (and many other wildflowers).

While I could have taken a photo of the Lupines in my yard, somehow this combination of a steam engine and lupines is way cool! I actually took this pic two years ago … the last spring before the Pandemic.

Even if you would not yet be comfortable taking an excursion train, watching the train is almost as fun! One of my favorite viewing spots is the Sucker River Trestle. I took this pic elsewhere … a private vantage point I shall reserve for myself! Follow this link to track the Steam Engine Schedule.