But, anyway, back to the birds.  Along this trail are numerous trees, wildflowers and bushes.  This is a great haven for birds that I don’t ever see in my backyard.  I actually had to google some of these varieties to label them correctly here.  The biggest challenge I had this day photographing them was that it was late in the afternoon and the light was challenging. The birds really don’t cooperate with you – I don’t think they like having their picture taken any more that you or I do.  In just 45 minutes walking around this trail, I saw numerous Baltimore Orioles and Warblers, like the American Redstart (that’s a new one to me), the  Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Yellow Warblers.  I also saw plenty of waterfowl like gulls, ducks, geese, and pelicans, as well as a crazy coot. Here’s the album of 45 minutes outside of your backyard.

And then, your solitude is suddenly broken….

This Spring, these flowering crab trees in our backyard have been the most brilliant ever.

Ah-Choo.

A side note:  If you are a frequent traveler, and a Gold or Platinum member of Starwood Preferred Guest, I can assure you this: you will not find a club lounge attendant better than “Melvin” anywhere in the US, or probably the world.  Melvin is the best!  Melvin has the gift of service most can only hope for and humbleness beyond belief.

On a recent Saturday afternoon, I grabbed my camera and headed out in search of some interesting waterfowl near my home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  I decided I would head over to the Robins Lake area of Ellis Park, fed by the Cedar River. Funny side note…. I have co-workers who travel here and ask all the time, “Cedar Rapids?  Is that named for a river?”  I usually reply, “Uhhhh, yep.  That would be the Cedar River”.  There is usually a short pause followed by that duh-colored lightbulb you see turning on in their head.  Anyway, I digress.

So back to the waterfowl.

I had read in the newspaper that the waterfowl had been arriving to the area in droves thanks to the long awaited arrival of Spring.  I was fortunate enough to see several Great Egrets, a Blue Heron, and this wonderful family of Canadian Geese.  Actually there were multiple families of Canadian Geese.  Here is a portfolio of some shots I took of the new life that Springtime brings.  Click (or tap) on any image for a scrollable full view.

Here is one of dozens of shots I took of this Great Blue Heron while at Ellis Park in Cedar Rapids, IA today. I will put a portfolio together later this week of all the different poses this guy gave me.

You have to look closely at this shot.  Notice the turtle on the log right under that raised left foot.  That turtle’s head is deep inside his shell.  Later, I’ll share with you the fate of that turtle.

Here is one of a thousand shots I took of many Egrets today at Ellis Park in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. More to come from this set.

This week’s challenge theme is “Change”.  In light of the tragedy in Boston, a city which I have frequently traveled to in the last 15 years, I wished I could take a picture of planet Earth. Because if there is one thing that needs changed, it is that.  I’m gonna give that one some thought.