Eastern Bluebird on the hunt:)

I saw this Eastern Bluebird chasing a large bug ... it was really fun to watch. It was an acrobatic show. I guess the Bluebird saw me, because he stoppped and landed on this tree. There was two American Goldfinch in the same area, playing tag, or at least that is what it looked like. Very funny. 

~ Rick

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 Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2018 Rick Cartwright

An elusive photo

I have taken several photos of this Nothern Flicker, including the one I posted on May 16. Every time I saw this bird, all I could get was a shot from his back side, like the one below. I finally was able to capture a better photo. 

He landed on this tree, and as soon as I took a step, he flew away. I was just in the right spot to take the photo from where I was standing, and then say good bye. 

~ Rick

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Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2018 Rick Cartwright

Reflection and life

It’s hard to tell where shore ends, and the reflection begins. Sometimes life is like that too. I will tell you one secret .. stick your toe in and you will know if it’s real, and when you are about to get wet. :)  

I find myself looking back on life, as if it is a big reflection. I remember my childhood days, and find myself reflecting on my parents often. There are some good memories, and then of course, times when I feel I let them down. We all have moments like that. The reality is, there were many good times in my childhood, and I am grateful for everyone of them.  

Then I reflect on my early years with my wife. We had four amazing sons. I was not a perfect father in the early days, I tended to lack patience and focus. I was not bad, but I could have been better. As I have aged (and boy, have I aged), I have a lot more clarity about what life is about.  

Reflecting is good, but what is important is the the ‘here and now’. Stick your toe in and enjoy every moment.  

 ~ Rick

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 Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2018 Rick Cartwright

Mr Ugly is back ...

Stretching or cooling .. it was hot, so I am guessing this is a cooling strategy.  

It has been a while since I posted a photo of Mr Ugly, the Turkey Vulture. These photos were taken at several different county parks and reserves in Miami County. I just had to share. 

From the iBird app, a couple facts:  

“Turkey Vultures, like other carrion birds, are protected from disease associated with decaying animals by a very sophisticated immune system.” I have always wondered how they can avoid serious issue with the road kill they eat, after it rots in the heat for hours. And ... 

The ‘cast’ or ‘committee’, feasting on dried fish.  

“Like its stork relatives, it often defecate on its own legs, using the evaporation of the water in the feces to cool itself.” Now that is disgusting. 

And Teresa said this, “They are really a pretty bird, until you look at the head.” Yes, that is a quote. I will admit, they are beautiful flyers, but they are just ugly. And now that I know they need diapers, I am forever not a fan.  

~ Rick  

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 Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2018 Rick Cartwright

You can’t see me ..

We had a family get together in Springfield on Saturday. I took my camera so I could capture some special family photos.

Just to the west of Garbry Big Woods Sanctuary we saw this young dear standing in the road. She just watched as we drove closer, then darted into the tree cover. I figured she was gone, but she was just off the road, in the trees, watching us. Cute.  

 ~ Rick

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Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2018 Rick Cartwright