Do you ever wonder why some plants have the strangest names? There’s this interesting plant I keep seeing in the meadow behind the school. And it turns out it has a very strange name.
Jack Go to Bed at Noon
In my research to find out what I had photographed in the field, I found the name: Jack Go To Bed at Noon. The reason it’s called that is that this flower closes itself at noon, except on cloudy days. It does go by another name as well: Meadow Goatsbeard.
Jack Go To Bead At Noon at Seed Stage
The reason for that name is because when the flower goes to seed it apparently reminded someone of a goat’s beard. Can you think of a strange name from a flower you’ve come across? Let me know in the comments.
Robin
As I headed home a robin came to bid me farewell. Well, that’s what I like to think it did. 😀
I was sitting out on the patio this evening with my camera in hopes of catching something interesting.
One-Legged Robin
I got lucky when a robin decided to visit. She look a little rough land in this photo seem to be a one-legged robin. Okay, she wasn’t really one-legged but she kept sitting there staring at me with her foot up. It looked so odd. Eventually she had enough and flew away. After her brief visit I decided to explore the garden and work on some close-up photography.
Cherry Bark
This closeup is of a cherry tree that is over 40 years old and unfortunately will not be around much longer. The trunk has been split open for years and the main branches have broken in the past due to the weight of the cherries. Nowadays there are very little cherries to eat in the hot summer sun so its time for this tree to go and a new one to take its place.
After yesterday’s tragic circumstances (see yesterday’s blog) I decided to only photograph the birds that were visiting the yard. First up was the robin. She was easy to find and photograph since she was in the nest with her little ones.
Robin Nesting
After a few photos she flew out of the nest and hopped around the yard. I decided to sit in the shade and watch her for awhile to see what she was up to. Eventually she came closer and closer…and closer. I think three feet was as close as she wanted come and I was able to get some great shots of her because of her boldness.
Curious Robin
I don’t think I have every been that close to a robin before. At the other side of the yard a couple mourning doves flew down onto the fence and hung out for awhile as I was shooting (more like trying to shoot) some sparrows – who would not sit still. One of the doves was much more accommodating as it sat and eyed me suspiciously for a few minutes before flying off.
Mourning Dove
While she sussed out what I wanted I got a couple of good shots before she finally flew off with her mate. It turned out to be a very nice (and successful) break from my work.
Roy Ramsay and I got up extra early to catch the sunrise at Humber Bay Park in Toronto. Sunrise was a bit of a bust since clouds decided to roll in and obscure the view. We were not to be deterred and waited it out getting some good predawn shots in the hopes the sun would at least peak through. No go on the sun so that meant food – second breakfast here we come. That’s when things got good.
After filling our tummies we headed back into the park to wander and see what we could see. We lucked out big time. Everywhere we turned we found birds. And I mean everywhere. We found Mallards…
Mallard
Not cool enough? How about Barn Swallows?
Trio of Barn Swallows
Or maybe some tree swallows?
Tree Swallows
Or a nice Robin close up?
American Robin
I can see you’re particular. Okay, okay I get it you’re looking for something a little more exotic. A Red-breasted Merganser perhaps?
Male Red-breasted Merganser
I’d say that’s pretty exotic, no? I mean really did you even know these hung out here in Ontario? Needless to say it was a pretty amazing morning – for birds not sunrises. I like when I get big surprises like this.
