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Borrego Springs, CA

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Variety, the spice of life

Could it be that not everyone is as interested in looking at bird photos as I am?  It’s hard to believe, but I think it’s true.  :)  So today, dear readers, come along with me on a trip to the farmer’s market in Burn, OR.  You’ll notice that there are not any pics of the market itself since it was really less than exciting, but the journey there and back was worth the trip.

Just getting down the six mile entrance road from the refuge was a lesson in careful driving.  Some one must have let the cows loose, because they were scattered all over the road.  So I ended up dodging cows, fragrant fresh “pies”, and about a dozen deer.  Many of the deer were just loosing their spots, so they were a little unsure of what to do about an oncoming vehicle.  :)
_MG_4716First stop was at the Narrows, where the two lakes meet.  I had to see if there were any new arrivals.  This American avocet was working the shallow waters.
_MG_4734 _MG_4740
Not far away was a young ring-billed gull flying in to join an adult, and a trio of white pelicans cooperatively hunting for a meal.  Those pelicans always remind me of a synchronized swimming team as they gracefully glide along in tandem, and then all turn inward at the same time to scoop up some fish.
_MG_4741 Then I saw a young mallard shaking himself awake after a little snooze.  First you shake…
_MG_4742then you spread your wings to get the kinks out,
_MG_4744and then you calmly paddle away.

IMG_4746As I made my way along Hwy 205 through the ranchlands, a cattle drive was calmly taking place.
IMG_4749That is until the cattle decided they wanted to go a different way, and made a 90* turn right for the cowboy.
IMG_4750It wasn’t long, though, before the two cowboys and their dog had the herd back on the straight and narrow.  :)  It’s nice that there isn’t much traffic on this highway, so I could just stop in the middle of the road and watch this vignette transpire.

Eventually, I made it to town and the market, and was able to pick up a few fresh vegetables, but there weren’t very many tomatoes to be had and no corn on the cob.  :(   I did stop at one other booth, and made a purchase.
_MG_4758For you crafty types out there, these are hand crocheted small picture frames and flowers.  They are used in scrapbooking.  My daughter, Robyn, enjoys this hobby (or at least she did before she had two babies:)), so I picked these up for her.  I’ll be putting them in an envelope and sending them her way next week.

On the trip back to the rig, I stopped to take a few scenic shots along the way.
IMG_4390That’s the valley down there, and the refuge begins just before those mountains way in the distance.  From this height, the valley looks like a patch work quilt of circles and squares.  Pleasing scenery for the 35 mile drive home.
IMG_4752I leave you bird lovers, cowboys, ranchers, and crafters with this final pic of a harvested hayfield.  I just like the curves and symmetry of these fields.  :)

Thanks for stopping by….talk to you later,  Judy

16 comments:

  1. Thanks for becoming a Follower of our Blog. Beautiful pictures. What kind of camera do you use?

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  2. I can't decide which pic is my favorite today - it's between the avocet and the cattle drive. I love watching a dog help - used to watch them with sheep herding in Ireland, and those guys get a real workout. My dog gets tired just thinking about it which is why she sleeps 22 hours a day!

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  3. The bird pictures are fantastic again today.

    I wish I had a dime for every one of those little flowers I have crocheted in the past. Also made a lot of mini snowflakes that crafters liked to use for different things.

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  4. As always, wonderful pictures! I love the one of the pelicans.

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  5. Your pics today are just beautiful (as usual I might add). I think it would be really interesting to watch a cattle drive. Thanks for sharing!!

    Mike & Gerri (happytrails)

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  6. Bird pictures, ranch pictures, whatever pictures you choose to share with us--I like them all. Your stories add to the interesting pictures.

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  7. Thanks again for the great bird photos...

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  8. I agree with the above. I especially liked the cattle drive photos. (The birds were great, too.) Do you think the fields were sculpted out by alien invaders? From outer space? :) Crop Circles? LOL Good variety today.
    Barbara

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  9. Judy, of course all your photos are superb, but I really did enjoy viewing the cattle drive. The State Farmers Market is nearby and we look forward to exploring it, perhaps next week. Thanks for your comment on my blog!

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  10. My favourite pics today were the last two - very nice!

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  11. I'm one of those that always enjoy your wildlife photos, especially those of the birds and waterfowl. Since I don't have a clue what most of them are, it makes reading your blog all the more interesting to me. Your pics are always lovely.

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  12. I love it when bloggers post photos on their blogs, especially wildlife shots and vistas like you do. Speaking of which, I love the farmland photos! Lucky you to have witnessed the cowboys at work! I really love #4750, and the striking contrast in #4390.

    And even though you weren't able to get a hold of some tomatoes or corn, I'm glad you found something for your daughter. Thoughtful!

    Enjoy your weekend,
    Sarah

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  13. way to mix it up today, Judy!!..nice job on the panoramics!!

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  14. How could anyone NOT be interested in your bird photos?!? Blasphemy! This posting had birds and dogs--my two favorite things. This photo brought back to mind the silohuettes you had awhile back--LOL. I fell for it. It looks as if this volunteer site is going to be up your alley with the tour groups. School groups, too?

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  15. This lack of tomatoes is very distressing! Is there a grocery near the refuge? Does it have fresh veggies? I have just always taken fresh tomatoes for granted.

    Nice pics as usual.

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  16. I just read this blog.. little behind with the laborday weekend.. I saw the picture frames and thought imediatly "Oh how colorful! I wonder what Mom's going to do with these :o)" Yippeee! I get them :o) Hope it's ok that it won't be a surprise, but I will be thrilled to get them. I haven't done much scrapbooking lately, but will eventually

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