The Joy of Capturing Nature During the Autumn Seasonal Changes

I made three attempts to take my daily bike ride yesterday afternoon. The first two times it rained, even though my weather App gave no indication of rain. My car was out on the driveway and was wet. I grabbed a towel from our garage storage cabinet and dried it off, saving me a trip to the car wash I had planned earlier in the day. The third attempt to ride worked like a charm. Within ten minutes I found myself on the Los Gatos Creek trail.

Bike riding in nature during autumn is a beautiful, immersive experience. The fluffy cloud formation, cool, crisp air, and the vibrant colors of changing leaves created a calming backdrop. The riding trails were littered with fallen leaves, and crunched gently beneath the tires, adding a sensory dimension to the journey. The light filtered through the trees, and the sun setting in the late afternoon, casted a warm, nostalgic glow on the surroundings. Riding in autumn offers a peaceful escape, as many trails are quieter, less crowded, and closed off to car traffic. Wildlife is more active as well; a time when squirrels gather food, and birds call out, preparing for winter. The season invites a slow, more mindful ride, allowing time to appreciate the small details, like a cormorants on the high wires, and on a log, an egret resting on a tree branch, ducks wading gently in the creeks and streams that reflect the colors around it.

Witnessing The Grey Heron Gracefully Stalk & Catch it's Prey at Rinconada Lake

two-acre lake

to do her business. By the time we walked half way around, I spotted a Great Blue Heron gracefully walking

passed some ducks in shallow water, looking for prey. While they do eat other animals, their man source of food is fish. Unlike

other waterbird species which ofter feed together, herons are extremely protective of their fishing area.

Now I have taken photos of herons all around the Bay Area for years. What made this time so different is I actually witnessed one catch a fish more skillfully than the fishermen I see

fishing on the Los Gatos Creek trail with a mile or two from my home. While they wade in the water, herons scan for fish with

their keen eyesight, and once they target one they spear it with their long beat. While I didn’t actually see it spear the fish

I did see it swallow it whole.

The following poem "Silent Fisher” written by Mary Oliver reflects on the presence and behavior of herons, describing them

as graceful, contemplative, and skilled fishers. She captures the tranquility and beauty of these birds that in their natural

habitat, emphasizing their quiet persistence and patience, qualities we can all learn from.

Silent Fisher

By waters edge where reeds do sway, The heron stands in quiet display.

With legs so long and eyes so keen, it hunts in waters clear and clean.

A symbol of the patient art, the heron’s grace does touch the heart.

In every stance, tale of might, the heron waits through day and night.

A guardian of the river’s flow, the heron moves with quiet glow.

Note: Look closely and you can see the heron grasping it's prey between its beak. There is also a short video clip

A Praying Mantis Visited us on Friday the 13th

While waiting for the locksmith to fix our front door lock, I noticed it suddenly appeared on swirling glass side panel next to the door.

The mantis’ play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to control pests by eating other insects.

In many cultures, the praying mantis is seen as a symbol of calmness, patience, and mindfulness. The insect’s still, prayer-like posture has led people to attribute spiritual meaning to it. In African and Asian traditions, for example, the mantis is considered a good omen, symbolizing peace and stillness.

It has been alleged that in some cases, the female mantis is known to bite off the head of the male after mating, symbolizing the intensity of nature’s survival mechanism.

Note: All but the first photo were taken by me.

Shoreline & Baylands Nature Preserve & Lunch at Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen

“Biking through a nature preserve is like turning the page of a beautiful illustrated book, with each trail offering a new chapter filled with life and adventure."

What a fantastic and colorful way to experience the outdoors and the harmony of nature. It’s been quite a while since Bill and I rode our bikes on the Stevens Creek Trail leading to Mountain View as well as the Baylands Nature Preserves in Palo Alto. We stopped to take photos in front of the completed Google Headquarters, rode the very narrow trails of short rolling sand dunes with over six foot of blooming yellow wildflowers on either side of us. Thousands of Shorebirds on islets on the bay created a melodic symphony of sounds that contributed to the natural ambiance of coastal and wetland areas.

Their calls and songs are often complex and can range from melodic whistles to repetitive trills. Birds like white egrets, rhythmic peeping sandpipers, melodic whistles of plovers, screeching sounds of seagulls and the haunting calls of curlews each have a distinctive vocalizations that help them communicate, attract mates, and warn of potential threats. We took a moment to listen carefully to their symphony of sounds. It’s a beautiful and immersive experience that complements the peacefulness of a bike ride through the this very expansive and scenic area.

We paused at the rest stop in Bysbee Park where two guys were walking a pack of dogs on leash. We rode around the Palo Alto commuter airport and stopped to watch small craft take turns on the runway taking off in the bright blue skies. On our return we had lunch at Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen on their front patio on the closed-to-cars streets of downtown Mountain View before hitting the trails back to where Bill’s SUV was parked before heading home. We clocked about 27 miles round-trip during our half-day outing.

Our "Cat Saving Neighbor" Gets our Vote on National Superhero Day 2024

“Compassion for animals is intimately connected with the goodness of character.”

—Schopenhauer

A Story I shared with our granddaughters Lyla and Emmy who learned about National Superhero Day in Preschool:

It was 1:30 p.m. last Thursday. Cecile and I made plans to donate some items to Goodwill followed by a late lunch. We barely made it out of our garage when we heard the sounds of a cat crying in distress. We looked everywhere, no sign of a cat. I decided to look up, and there it was, a black cat lying on the base of the limbs of a tree about 25 feet high from the ground.

Our neighbor Lucy Vaganov’s daughter Ksenia (pronounced Sen ya, the K is silent) came out to assess the situation and with the spirit and confidence of a first responder went into action mode. She and her father Vladimir brought out an extension ladder from their garage. He and I secured the top section of the ladder in between two tree limbs.

Before the long climb up, Ksenia put on a back brace, and anchored herself to the tree with a yellow cord. This was just the beginning of what became a three-hour drama. Unsure whether Ksenia would succeed and concerned for her safety, Cecile continued to reach out for help, making about 20 calls to every conceivable organization related to animal care and safety including the Los Gatos Fire Department to no avail.

In the meantime, Ksenia tried to gently coax the black cat down. She understood the risks without any guarantee she would be successful. Fatigue began to set in. Nevertheless she persevered with the focus of an olympiad. On her third climb back up the tree, she carried a big basket with a handle and a little plastic bowl of food sitting inside of it.

I was holding a padded utility blanket to catch the cat if it fell. To our relief, Ksenia managed to grab the cat and place it in the basket. How she managed to hold the cat in the basket with one hand and climb down with the other is still a mystery. We all waited with bated breath for her to make her descent. As they say, the third time was a charm, and we all experienced a sigh of relief.

It took a lot of courage and determination to climb a huge tree to save a cat. This kind of act demonstrates not only a deep sense of compassion but also bravery in the face of physical risks. Climbing a tree can be challenging and dangerous, with the risk of falls and injury, especially without the proper equipment or training. It is a myth, that cats never get stuck in trees. Some do get stuck and they do die.

Ksenia showed a willingness to put the safety of another living being before her own. Her actions brought relief to the cat's owners—whom we discovered the day after— belonged to our neighbors Pam and Jim further down the cul-de-sac. Their cats’ name is Bob, and his rescue also brought warmth to the hearts of those of us who witnessed and assisted Ksenia in such a selfless act of kindness. Ksenia’s bravery also served as a source of inspiration, reminding us of the small acts of heroism that occur every day. As we showered her with praises she good-naturedly took a bow like a ballerina and smiled like a Cheshire Cat.

The Enchanting World of Bike Riding During Sunset with Fiery Cloud Formations

“Riding through the golden hues of a sunset, every stroke of the pedal is a moment of pure bliss."

Night riding adds another layer of enchantment and mystery to the sport. Witnessing the magical hues of the evening sunset painting the sky with clouds forming intricate patterns overhead holds its own charm and allure. Riding the Creek trails with no cars to worry about, makes it an extraordinary sensory experience that is hidden to daytime riders. The air is cooler, the city noises are subdued and there are less pedestrians and dog walkers out and about that brings about a nuanced sense of serenity.

One would think that riding during early evening or twilight is isolating and lonely, but there are always a few of us sharing the secret of the night and it helps when you enjoy your own company to boot. The mysterious darkness amplifies the sense of adventure and thrill of exploration, creating a captivating experience all of its own. For safety, I always wear a helmet and I have a powerful headlight that illuminates the trail in front of me, and an attention grabbing red taillight and I usually make it home before it gets pitch black. Even when the sun goes below the horizon line, there is always enough natural light in the sky to see the city bike lanes we are blessed to have here in bike-friendly California to make it back home safely.

Embracing the Elements: The Joy of Bike Riding in the Rain

Ordinarily, I never start out riding in pouring rain unless I happen to get stuck in one which happened the other night. I try to find that sweet spot in between the downpours, which of late has been more challenging to do, with recent storms and 30 MPH winds hitting Northern and Southern, CA. Today was calmer. Riding in the rain offers a unique and exhilarating experience. Those who embrace the elements discover a special kind of joy in the midst of it, especially when nature abounds. The heightened sensory experience and feeling of liberation is hard to pass up. There is a sense of being one with nature, and experiencing its raw power and beauty firsthand. It is a pleasant reminder that we are not separate from the natural world, but in fact, an integral part of it.

I hit the Los Gatos Creek Trails heading west and had to navigate around a detour sign since the trail was flooded. I proceed to Vasona Lake County Park which essentially is a reservoir. On the way, I stopped at the spillway which was roaring as it usually does when there are continuous days of rain during winter months. I took some photos close-up near the railing, and walked down an embankment further away from the spillway which is relatively safer and flatter—albeit a muddy trail. All the plants and grassy knolls were lush green.

I continued on the paved trail and saw a huge downed tree that was pulled out of from its roots and was cordoned off with yellow tape (photos). The trail was blocked with debris and I walked my bike around the tree and continued on. Before exiting the park I took a photo of a beautiful rainbow, and made my why to "Happy Hound" and ordered two hot dogs to go, securing it in my utility bag on the back of my bike rack, before headed back into the park again, accessing the same trail to head home. On the way, I took some photos of orange bluish clouds being lit up by the sunsetting setting. The rain was more of a drizzle at this point, and it was dark.

Riding in the rain feels like an act of rebellion at times, a reminder that like is meant to be lived fully, even when being faced with obstacles.

Visiting the Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards-Winery & Horse Stables: The Highlight of our Bike Ride & How I Met Former 49er Coach Steve Mariucci

“The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and freedom.”—Sharon Ralls Lemon

Bill and I rode our bikes to Garrod Farms, family owned and operated since 1893, seeing some wild turkeys cross the road along the way. Garrod’s has 150 acres of vineyards and horse stables. Bill came up with the idea to ride around the Steven’s Creek Reservoir Lake, which we have done many times, and visit the Sunnyvale Rod and Gun Club including the Rifle-Pistol Range purely out of curiosity. Going to Garrod Farms was at first an afterthought. I suggested going there sometime and Bill responded, “Do you want to go now?" It turned out to be the highlight of our 22-mile round trip ride.

Garrod’s brought back some fond memories. One of the six generation of Garrod matriarchs—the late Jane Garrod—was a member of our Saratoga Community of Painters, a plain-air watercolor group back in the late 90s. Jane and her late husband Vince were kind enough to invite us to have our Christmas parties in their wine tasting room.

One experience that stands out is having met the affable Steve (the “Mooch”) Mariucci, the former football coach of the SF 49ers (1997-2002). His wife Gale was a member of our outdoor plein-air watercolor group. Gail invited us to their home one day to paint outdoors, and he had attended our Christmas party at Garrod's. During an elephant gift exchange, Steve and I playfully fought over a nude sculpture that looked like something you would find at an excavation site in Pompeii, Italy. Both of us being Italian, may have been the attraction. I won, and he was a good sport about it. kept the sculpture on the front ledge of our fireplace. I could hear the voice of my late dad, Frank, who was alive at the time, whispering in my ear that it would be worth money someday,” something he typically said about anything he collected:)

On our first order of business at Garrod's Vineyards, Bill and I purchased a bottle of "2017 Two Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon." We spent the rest of the time enjoying the view of the vineyards, overlooking Silicon Valley. From there we visited the gentle, beautiful horses in their stables. It was a very tranquil and calming experience that I have experienced many times throughout the years in other venues.

Postscript: This post is dedicated in memory to Jane Garrod (1918-2014), an artist, storyteller, role model, chef, healer, coach, gardener, conservationist, world traveler, friend to many, and lover of life.

Captivating Sunsets that Caught my Attention During Some Recent Bike Rides & Poets That Capture Their Essence

“Even after all this time, the Sun never says to the Earth

You owe me.” Look what happens with a love like that;

It lights up the whole sky.”

—Hafez, 14th century mystical Sufi poet from Persia

“Clouds come floating into my life,

No longer to carry rain or brings storms,

But to add color to my sunset sky.”

—Rabindranath Tagore

“I stand in silence, reaching with my eyes,

My God—you are beautifulI, love the way you fall

Softly losing space, I follow you down

As you paint the sky In your leaving

I wish we could so confidently follow our hearts

Leaving only ripples of light In our wake

My secret lover, I want you only for myself

How many times have I come here

With my sorrow, you lift me up in your fall

—Cindy Smith

Exotic Bird Encounters with Kukui the Resident Cockatoo & an Elegant Egret & Audience of Finches Begging for Crumbs

“My brother birds, you should greatly praise your Creator…He gave you feathers to wear, wings to fly, and...a home in the purity of the air.”

—St Francis, patron saint of animals

During my walk to my yoga class studio in the open-air corridor, I saw Kukue, the resident Cockatoo for the last three years. He’s a favorite of kids and bird lovers like me alike. Growing up in New Jersey my father used to have a parakeet, a canary and later a parrot as pets. Kukui, who is 18 years old, born on the same day as our daughter Michelle (Dec. 3rd) used to live with his caretaker in Kauai until he passed away. As a result the General Manager at Maui Ocean Club brought him here. I generally pay him a visit. He loves to whistle and is able to repeat short rapid fire phrases. White Cockatoos are often seen as a symbol of freedom, grace, and beauty and in some indigenous cultures are believed to be a guardian spirit that watches over and protects its human family.

The other bird encounter occurred when Cecile and Jason went to get some coffee and a croissant at Starbucks at the "Beach Walk" at the Marriott Ocean Club. While there, a Maui egret landed on the edge of one of an empty chair and then hopped onto their table trying to pursue Jason’s croissant until Jason shooed it away. This provided a rare photo opportunity and Cecile didn’t hesitate. Having photographed egrets on the Serengeti Plain of Tanzania, the grounds of our gated-community, and at the salt marshes at Shoreline in Northern California, these elegant birds rarely get this close to humans. Some years ago while walking the beach trail here on Kaanapali we saw an egret gulping down a small mouse—whole. Bright and white, this long-legged beauty is often seen hunting moths on one of Maui’s many gold courses. They were originally brought to the islands by cattle ranchers for agricultural pest control in the late 1950s. Often called Cattle egrets, they feast on everything from crickets to toads, and don’t have to pay the high prices we pay for meals at ocean front restaurants:-)

The last encounter or should I say encounters (plural), was a flock of chirping finches that helicoptered down on my beach covered toes and legs while I was eating lunch. They are more playful and interactive with anyone that gives them the opportunity to snatch a few crumbs.

P.S. Whoops! And a Myna Bird

Spotting the Black-Crowned Night Heron & a Great Blue Heron in Flight

I had two heron sightings—a day apart this past week. One was the black-crowned night-heron (aka: black-capped night-heron), a medium-sized heron that I spotted in the marsh beds at the Los Gatos County Park while on a bike ride. They don’t fit the typical body form of the heron family. They are relatively stocky with shorter bills, legs, and necks than their familiar cousins, the white egrets and larger “day” herons. These birds like their tall and bigger herons stand still at the water’s edge and wait to ambush prey, mainly at night or early morning.

I spotted the larger great blue heron while walking Jason’s dog Daisy around the lake near our townhome in Los Gatos. The first encounter had been unexpected. It was hidden from sight when I heard the flapping of its’ wings, as it quickly took flight to the other side of the lake. At first, I saw it as a missed opportunity to photograph it. I then decided to follow it where it had landed about a few hundred feet away. Daisy and I walked on a small path close to the water’s edge behind a large section of reeds without being seen or heard. I first took some still shots, and based on previous experiences, prepared myself to photograph it when it took flight, which it did as Daisy and I inched closer. The great blue heron is the largest heron native to North America. Its wingspan ranges between 66-79 inches.

Postscript: All across various traditions, the blue heron has been known as a spiritually gifted animal that brings deep wisdom from the gods to man, while the black crowned night-heron is associated with solitude, self-reflection, resilience, grace and inner strength.

A Beautiful Sunset and a Full Moon During a Late Afternoon Bike Ride

It was a really cold and breezy yesterday afternoon. But, I was dressed for the occasion with three layers of clothing under my yellow windbreaker. When I was three quarters into my ride around Vasona Reservoir (an artificial lake), the sun was beginning to set and I saw streaks of orange/yellow blend into the clouds above the Santa Cruz Mountains. It reflected beautifully onto the lake. Two women saw me taking photographs and one of them alerting me to the fact that just ahead there was a full moon. Well, the actually full moon occurred today, November 27, at 4:16 a.m. EST. Nevertheless, to the casual stargazer it does appear full before and after its peak. November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, that my late dad used to cite to me when I was a kid.

Postscript: When the moon is full at this times of year, it's just about directly opposite the sun in the sky as it sets. They’re not technically happening at exactly the same time, but from the vantage point of us mortals on Earth, it appears so. What I was really witnessing, was three astronomical events: sunset, moonrise and a full moon, and it was grand

Capturing This Great Blue Heron Take Flight Over our Lake in Slow Motion

“Our task must be to free ourselves…by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”—Albert Einstein

There is nothing more elegant than watching a Great Blue Heron suddenly take off in flight. Cecile and I were taking our usual walk around Rinconada Lake where we live. Pressed for time we decided to take a detour. This turned out to be both a boon and a blessing.

As we pivoted around towards the thick reeds we were both startled by the presence of the heron standing tall. They can be as intimidating as they are fascinating. I took out my i-phone and quickly took a photo and proceeded getting closer.

I say I took a quick shot because experience has taught me if I wait to get too close this majestic creature it could get skittish and fly away. The other thing I learned was to be as prepared as a paparazzi to take sequential photos as they take flight. Most times it requires a combination of luck and opportunity. The clue whether its about to take flight is it begins to slowly stretch its body upward. The inner wings begin to stretch out and the outer wings contort downward at around 90 degrees as seen in the photos.

Then the long yellow legs and feet lift off the muddy waters below the reeds where moments ago it was patiently stalking it prey (little fish) with its' dagger-like beak. Most people think that a herons are just another shorebird, and get lumped in the category of ducks and fish. But, in fact, the heron is an efficient, nasty predator, willing to go after big meals such as snakes, sharks and other birds.

The spiritual meaning of a heron include elegance, patience, wisdom, self-possession, transformation and good fortune. According to North American Native tradition, the Blue Heron flies over you it brings messages of self-determination and self-reliance, and finally, the ability to progress and evolve.

Walking Around our Lake at Night Reflecting the Warm Glow of a Well Lit Home

“A lake is a landscape most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.”

—Henry David Thoreau

Photography is all about light. I have been alternating my walks of late, between morning and evening during these brisk wintery days. This photo was taken after dinner last evening. Following weeks of rain in Northern California where we live, I could hear the the once dry creek beds come alive as I cross a wooden bridge. The first part of the walk is almost pitch black, but I had my trusty little flash light to guide my way, being mindful of possibly seeing a coyote common in this area. As I circled back the smokey clouds and the warm glow from the yellow lights reflecting upon the water of a home on the lake was a welcome sight. In the distance I saw the only other person with a flashlight one level up the hill walking his/her dog. The other welcoming sight is the stained glass window illuminated by the light on the second landing of our townhome. What can’t be seen from the outside is a black sculpture of a flute player (pictured here during the day). It was one of our few possessions that we brought with us from Chicago when we moved to the area in 1975 that has always brought me peace whenever I Iook at it—which is daily—since we pass it whenever we retire for the evening.

Sunflower Steals the Show at the tranquil and Aromatic Lavender Farm in Sequim, Washington

“Wherever life plants you, be like a sunflower and bloom with grace”

-Adapted from a French proverb

I took this photo at the Jardin du Soleil Certified Organic Lavender Farm in Washington’s beautiful Olympic Peninsula owned by former Californians Jordan and Paula Schiefen.

Back History of Sunflowers: They sunflower or Helianthus Annus are native plant of North America. The word helianthus refers to a plant which turns its flowers and leaves to the sun and the name Annus means annual. It is derived from the Greek language, with helios meaning sun, anthus meaning flower and annus meaning annual. Sunflowers are believed to have grown by Native American Indians in Arizona and New Mexico dating bacck to around 3000 BC. The seeds were ground or pounded into flour for cakes and bread or cracked and eaten as a snack, the meal was mixed with other vegetable and oils used from the seed used to make bread. Non-fused uses include dye for textiles and body painting. Some plants were used medicinally including seed oil for skin and hair and dried stalk for building material. It was also used to treat snakebites.

Sunflowers were taken to Europe by Spanish explorers around the 1500 and became widespread thoughout Western Europe for ornamental and medicinal use. In the 18th century they became popular in Russia. By the late 19th century sunflower made its way to the USA. THere are now over 80 species, ranging from lemon to golden yellow, orange, pink, red and almost black.

In Chinese culture sunflowers are said to symbolize good luck, long life and lasting happiness, while in native American culture, sunflowers symbolize harvest and provision. The sunflowers is the national flower of both Russia and Ukraine.

Almost Stepped on this Pacific Ringneck Snake During our After Dinner Walk

Almost Stepped on this Pacific Ringneck Snake During our After Dinner Walk Around the Lake where we live. It popped up in front of me. Though these secretive & hibernating reptiles are endemic to California, variations of them can be found in other parts of the country. They have a colorful underbelly and red rings around its neck perhaps to trick its predators into thinking they are toxic. I was relieved to discover they are not poisonous. They are venomous but their venom is not fatal. They seem to thrive in wooded areas and around the edges of ponds & lakes similar to the terrain our townhome is located.

Late Afternoon Solo Bike Ride to Vasona County Park Reservoir: Communing with Ducks, Herons, Clouds & a Waterfall

“Behold this day. It is yours to make." —Black Elk

I love when I decide to take a bike ride on the creek trails with no expectations and most times-if I’m not in a rush-nature comes out to greet me. It was biting cold out, but I dressed warmly. White fluffy shapeshifting cumulus clouds were everywhere, but unlike this morning the sun made its appearance and the sky turned blue. There were an abundance of aquatic life everywhere. I was getting ready to pass the Vasona Reservoir spillway. For all practical purposes it is a waterfall, one that roars with excitement. I pass it all the time. This time I felt a call to get off my bike and climb down the embankment to get a closer view. Unexpectedly, there were two types of herons. One, a Great Grey Heron in the middle of the water feasting on tiny fish. It found its sweet spot. Their beaks are like spears, and every few seconds they use it to pierce their prey. Across the way, standing on a grey cement platform of the dam was a small black-headed heron standing still as if it were a sentry guarding the gate. I got back on my bike and rode closer to the rust colored pedestrian and bikers bridge where I saw a number of ducks of every conceivable color that were resting near the waters edge. One friendly one came right up to me.

There is an old Sioux Indian phrase, Mitkuye oyansin—“we are all related"—often voiced at the end of a prayer. It is an affirmation of the interconnectedness of all things, and respect for all things. From the earliest of times, it was understood that beyond the visible world, there exists the presence of an invisible world, where everything is infused with a sense of sacredness. Plains Indians believed that everything in nature has a spirit. This includes all animals, rocks, rivers, waterfalls, the sky, clouds, etc. Given the chance to be in nature, I’m all in, and one doesn’t have to drive or ride too far to experience it.

I hope you enjoy the photos which tells the story beyond words.

Encountering A Mourning Cloak Butterfly: A Symbol of Transformation

“Love is like a butterfly: It goes where it pleases and it pleases wherever it goes.”

—Author Unknown

“Butterflies…live most of their lives completely ordinary…then one day, the unexpected happens. They burst from their cocoon in a blaze of colors and become extraordinary…It shows us how empowering change can be.”

—Kelsyleigh Reber

While taking our granddaughter Emmy for a stroll around the perimeter of Rinconada Lake where Cecile and I live, I spotted a mourning cloak butterfly.

Though it can be seen in forests, along streams, parks, and fields throughout the United States and Canada, this was the second time I have encountered one.

It gently zigged and zagged until settling on the edge of a rock. As I gently approached it folded its wings tightly together and was completely still. I found out after my first encounter of a mourning cloak a couple of years ago that it is their attempt to camouflage themselves from predators. After a few minutes it opened its’ wings again, long enough for me to capture its’ beauty before flying off again. Though I wished it could have stayed a bit longer, I felt so fortunate to have seen this beautiful creature for a brief moment in all its glory and beauty.

Postscript: The mourning cloak is a unique butterfly, with special markings that do not match those of any other type, making it easily distinguishable. It has a wingspan of up to four inches. The dorsal or top part of wing is dark maroon, with a black band with bright iridescent blue spots and a ragged pale-yellow edge. It is powerful flier with a life span of 11 to 12 months, one of the longest lifespan for any butterfly that appears in the early spring. The mourning cloak is so called because it resembles the cloak worn by people who mourn the loss of a loved one. Other older names for this species include grand surprise and white petticoat.

Capturing this Gorgeous and Freaky Sunset with Striated Cloud Formations

“Beautiful sunsets need cloudy skies.”

—Paulo Coelho

During my many bike rides I have had the opportunity to pause and photograph hundreds of sunsets. However, I have never seen anything as beautiful and as mysterious as this. It was taken yesterday during an early evening ride in the neighborhood where we live.

Striated clouds are a pattern of gray or bluish cloud sheets or layers that totally or partially covers the sky that are translucent enough to regularly reveal the sun or moon. But in this sunset a big part of sun also shone through without any of the cloud striations running through it except around the periphery creating the perception of a serrated edge.

What do the striations mean? Grooves or channels in cloud formation, arranged parallel to the flow of air and therefore depicting the airflow relative to a parent cloud. Part of the cloud nomenclature is the word Translucidus. It’s derived from the latin root, translucere which means to shine through or become transparent.

Captured this Prehistoric Looking Grey Heron Near our Townhome at Rinconada Hills Lake

"Stand tall, stand proud. Know that you are unique and magnificent. You do not need the approval oof others."

—Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Cecile and I were walking along Rinconada Hills Lake while strolling our granddaughter Emmy, and suddenly we hear the loud voice

of a friend from across the lake, calling our attention to a Grey Heron standing as still as a statue on a rock patiently waiting for its’ next meal. I slowly walked towards it, taking serial photos as I advanced. The heron is an easily recognized, grey-backed bird, with long black legs, bright yellow bill, and a black eyestripe that continues as long, drooping feathers down its’ long white neck. They make quite a fashion statement. Herons nest in colonies called 'Heronries,’ often seen in the top of trees, where they make their large, ungainly nests out of twigs and lay 3-4 eggs. The young will fledge from the nest after about one and half months. If you spot one enjoy it while you can as it’s average lifespan is only 5 years.

These birds have always been the center of fashion. Sadly, in the early 1900’s, they were killed by the thousands so their flashy breeding plumes could adorn women’s hats. These plumes were quite the fashion statement of the day. Thanks to the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1916, that put a halt of the senseless slaughter of these and other migratory birds.

Heron Symbolism: Autonomy, persistence, peace, self-reliant, solitary, stability and resourceful. Whatever heron wants, heron gets.