Thursday, April 19, 2007

Sightings around the lake

Each morning I walk Indi around the lake, and each morning I get to see some nifty birds. These pictures were NOT taken by me (I'm not sure I could handle both the camera and the dog - who likes to chase squirrels), but these will give you a nice (and probably better) idea of what I see each day.


1. American Goldfinches - there are many down here, and you can often see them flying around in small groups, usually consisting of many females being chased by a bright male.

2. Killdeer - I think that's what we have around here. Apparently they're one of the wading birds that doesn't live near water but likes to hang out on golf courses and in cleared areas. We have lots of those around here (golf courses and cleared areas). We see these little guys on the two big fields in between the cafe and stores and the houses. They look like little masked bandits.

3. Red-headed woodpecker - I hear one every morning as a round the lake; there's a section where there are many stumps still standing in the water and there are many birds that have taken up residence in the holes leftover from woodpeckers. I can't tell if the woodpecker I see each day is building a new hole or is trying to attract a female with his current abode.

4. New spotting! Green heron - Again, I think that's what I saw. Indi and I startled something and it flew across the lake and settled in a tree. We walked back quickly to get a closer look and as it flew away the second time, I got a better look at it. I think it was a green heron; we have great blue herons and this one was definitely not one of those.

Other birds seen but not illustrated: bluebirds, mockingbirds, red-bellied woodpeckers, assorted sparrows, swallows, cardinals... all the usual suspects.

Friday, April 06, 2007

Rainforest adventures!

This Friday was my first day volunteering at the Raleigh Science Musuem's tropical rainforest. I'll be meeting and greeting visitors as they enter and walk through the rainforest exhibit, answering questions about the many different butterflies that fly freely or about the sloth that lives in the corner! I spent two hours there today and had a great time! Got to see the sloth lounging on the floor, but unfortunately missed his quick ascent to his little box. I can't wait to go back and see the sloth again soon! I'm told the more I'm there, the more likely I'll get to see him eating, hanging upside-down, and moving around. What a lot of fun!

Monday, April 02, 2007

Joe Got Busted!

I wonder if Dale knows that I have the password to create blog entries.

Anyhow, as part of my contract work, I'm often asked to provide a criminal background check for myself. It's a point of humor with me, because there's only one item on it (not even a speeding ticket!). I thought others may find it funny, too: