Monday, April 18, 2011

WELL, IT'S ABOUT TIME...

I know, I know, it's about time I posted another blog!  I have to do them in stages now because I can't sit at the computer too long.

A couple of weeks ago we visited Oceanside Harbor, which is about 15 minutes away from us.  It was a gorgeous day.  This kind of weather in March, no less!


I liked this shot of our little lighthouse and the American flag with a good breeze.



And how's this for a day at the beach in March.  I know they're in the water, but though the weather was warm, the ocean was only about 62 degrees.



At the other end of the harbor, we visited the Jolly Roger, a restaurant that caters for boaters.  You can tie up at the dock and walk up the ramp to the restaurant. We went (by car) for a cup of tea. It was mid afternoon.

In the parking lot we discovered there were several Great Blue Herons nesting in the pine trees.  I could only get a headless shot because if I moved to where I could see his head I would have been shooting directly into the sun.  But I thought you might like to see the large nests they build.


Then when we came out of the restaurant, here was a much better shot and the sun had moved a little.



I put this shot last, even though I took it through the restaurant window as we drank our tea.  It looks like he is flying right past the moon, only it's not the moon.  It's the reflection  of the light in the restaurant window.  

There were at least five nests around the perimeter of the restaurant.  What a mess they make!  But they sure made it an interesting afternoon.  I was in much need of distraction and this served me well.



18 comments:

Morning's Minion said...

Herons are so interesting--I've a long time fascination with them. We have seen several at different spots on the creek bank here, but I've never seen the nests.
Glad you are well enough to be out for tea and to post a blog!

Wanda said...

Sounds like a lovely place to visit. When Don and I were in Hawaii, we ate every morning at a Jolly Rogers, but I had not seen any around here.

The little birds were so brave they would actually come on to our table and edge of the plate for crumbs.

I've been hoping you were feeling better with less pain.

Jose said...

I miss you Chris but I know you come and visit when I least expect it. That place looks like my kind of destination perhaps in one of my future Cali trips all go down your way. :-)

claude said...

Very nice visit, Chris !

MorningAJ said...

That's like Flamborough with herons! Lucky girl. I miss the sea.

Autumn Leaves said...

So hope you are feeling better, Chris. I love blue herons; they are so beautiful. I don't know why, but I never thought about them needing and/or building nests. So cool to see! That shot of the heron is gorgeous. Might I ask why the flag was at half staff?

Gillian Mowbray said...

What a great scenario - a sunny day, a beautiful view, wonderful birdlife and ....a cup of tea!

snafu said...

62F, Luxury! That is almost twice what we found when I last bathed off the Yorkshire coast ;)
Nice pictures. Good to hear from you and I sincerely hope you are on your way to a full recovery.

jabblog said...

What a lovely day you had. It looks beautiful there.

kaybee said...

More memories of warmer days! Good to have you back, Chris. Those last two photos, of the heron, are masterpieces!

ChrisJ said...

Autumn Leaves: I noticed the flag when I posted it. It was about a week or two after the Tsunami when we went to the harbor, because it was about my first day out after my medication problems (which actually coincided with the tsunami). So I suspect it was for respect for the victims. Even so, it looks as though it is flying on a mast of a sailboat, and that's not where sailors would fly a flag. So I'm not sure.

MorningAJ said...

Thanks for the visit to my blog. Glad to hear you felt well enough to paint. That's a good sign!

Anonymous said...

Nice post with your pictures, Chris.

duopastorale said...

What wonderful shots :) Yes, we are having a beautiful Spring too! God is good. Wishing you a blessed Easter! :)

Autumn Leaves said...

Thanks for the insight, Chris. I am always noticing and wondering at such things.

Elizabeth said...

That last shot is remarkable, Chris. Oh, I'm so pleased that you're able to get out and about a little and blog again. x

Rarelesserspotted said...

Thanks for sharing these great photos and glad you are blogging with us. My kindest regards from a hot and sunny East Yorkshire
XX

Anonymous said...

Welcome back - what beautiful places you have to visit! A bit envious here!