Fall Colors

A few photos from a damp cloudy day. I didn't take my big telephoto because I wasn't expecting any wildlife. But we actually saw a few things. A kingfisher. Five river otters. A bald eagle that swooped low above our heads and then proceeded to dive bomb the otters. They disappeared underwater when it got close, but otherwise didn't seem too concerned about it. I suspect the bald eagle was more interested in the fish they were catching than in tangling with a fierce otter. We also saw (and heard) Ruby Crowned Kinglets - cute little birds.

According to the forecast there was 0% chance of rain but that didn't stop the mist and drizzle from soaking everything. (Including me when I was out for my long run.)

I always like the colors and patterns of the fallen leaves.

These fallen floating pine needles made interesting patterns.

Beautyberry are such an outrageous color.

I even found some reflections.

Anyone know what kind of fungus this is? iNaturalist struggles with identifying this kind of thing.

Road Trip Day 4 to Ashland

I noticed on Google maps that the Oregon Coast Trail connected with a corner of our campground (Sunset Bay) and we arrived early enough in the afternoon to go for a run. I got a little lost in the middle both going and returning. Up and down through the forest was slow, but I managed a faster couple of kilometers on the beach. At the start of the trail I noticed some colorful mushrooms and fungi so the next morning we went back to photograph them.

The next question was where to cross the mountains without risking snow but still avoiding the interstates. We decided to cut across to Ashland and then continue to Klamath. (We'd been around Ashland before for paragliding.) We stopped for coffee at Soco Coffee in Myrtle Creek where we crossed the I-5. On a bush in the parking lot I spotted this longhorn Sawyer beetle and got a few photos.

We arrived in Ashland early enough to go for a walk in Lithua Park and the Japanese Garden. The fall colors were wonderful.

We stayed at the historic Ashland Springs Hotel and ate at their Lure restaurant. After three nights of camping we were ready for a shower and a nice meal. (and to recharge all our devices and use the wifi)

See also Shelley's post

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Gorge Waterway Park

A few photographs from a walk along the Gorge.

There are still some flowers hanging on.

And one of the crazy magnolia trees had a few out of season flowers:

Fall is the season for the Cross Orbweavers:

There were Canada Geese on the gorge and when a bunch took off they looked good backlit by the low sun. So I set up to catch the next group when they took off. Which they didn't, despite some kayakers going by. Eventually something triggered them to take off and I had a few seconds to catch them in action.

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Fall Colors

It doesn't feel too much like fall here yet, although the days are getting shorter and cloudier and we've had a little rain. Victoria isn't a prime spot for fall colors but we have a tree outside our door that drops quite colorful leaves. I collected some good ones and took a few photos.

I took the first batch of photos when the leaves were wet from outside. That helps the color but it also adds reflections. The next batch I took a few days later when the leaves were dry, and a bit more curled up.

Here's my "studio". Although I took them when there was plenty of natural light, I used the led panel to fill in the shadows.

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Recent Photos

I haven't finished posting photos from my last trip, but I thought I'd take a break and share a few more recent ones since I got home.

We had visited Esquimalt Gorge Park before, but we hadn't discovered the restored area along the creek/inlet. There were American Wigeons and Mallards, and a Kingfisher that even let me get somewhat close. (Unfortunately, I didn't have my long telephoto lens with me.)

There are still a few flowers hanging on.

Victoria doesn't have the best fall colors but there are a few splashes of color.

Despite the cooler weather, I've taken advantage of a few sunny calm days to get out kayaking.

One day we walked out on the breakwater. There was a bit of a breeze and the gulls were soaring back and forth in the updraft. I took many photos trying to catch them as they cruised by. A few turned out ok.

There was a big red ship in the background that added color to the waves.

And barnacles, and kelp, and pebble beaches shining in the sun.

The bugs are mostly gone now, but the odd one turns up on the wall of our townhouse and lets me practice my macro photography.

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