image for Photo Club Show

I'm having this image printed to enter in our local photography club show at Goleta Library in July

http://www.cccameraclub.com/

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Beautiful "Creekspirit", Santa Barbara ( www.creekspirit.org )

I'm a recent member of Creekspirit. We have a lunch at Creekspirit monthly, put on by the members,
and have a speaker with wildlife or conservation topic. We also have a fundraiser yearly to support wildlife causes.
 I first noticed this beautiful log domed structure on Mission Canyon road one day when I first moved to Santa Barbara, while  I was photographing wildflowers on the road.  I'm very glad to be a part of it now.

 Creekspirit was founded in 2003 by artist Patti Jacquemain,

a long-time Santa Barbara resident with a lifelong interest in wildlife and the natural world. It is an outgrowth of Jacquemain's personnal commitment and concern for wild animals found not only in California but those found throughout the West.

 The Creekspirit Wildlife Foundation's mission is to provide private support to preserve the wildlife of California and the West.

 

 

Koi pond and mosaic fountain on the grounds:

 

 

Patti Jacquemain's beautiful mosaic art throughout the grounds:

 

 

 

 

 

Goslings, Spring in Buffalo

The bright green of Spring in Buffalo was a lovely surprise. Especially since we are having a dry spell at my home in CA.

 

 

 

Baby Goslings so cute and fluffy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trip Home to Buffalo in May

I spent three weeks in Buffalo visiting family in May. It was great to see family and friends.  My grandkids are so cute!

 

Austin 1yr.,Mariah 8yrs, Jordan 4yrs

 

 

 

Austin

 

 

 

 

Samantha 8yrs. and Grandpa

 

 

Ryan 2yrs

 

 

My Daughter Lisa and her boyfriend Markus were married while I was home. Happy to have Markus in the family.They had a fun wedding and campout in the beautiful countryside, outside Bflo.

 

 

 

 

My beautiful daughter Julie. Hard to get her to let me take a pic. 'Selfie' with the 2 of us:

 

 

 

 

 

Ventura birding and Taft Gardens Ojai

Had a great time out shooting pics with Denise and Sue yesterday in Ojai and Ventura.  Taft Gardens very tropical. Several plants I had never seen before. (Australian). Denise took us to her secret birding spot in Ventura county. Saw birds I didn't know existed. Very exciting for me, loving birding. (I need a longer lens though to come in closer)

The gardner at the gardens doing a great job!:

Sue shooting birds:

Blue Grosbeak:

Male Oriole:

 

Male Phainopepla:

 

Ojai Raptor Center - open house 4-12-15

Visited the raptor center in Ojai Sunday. They have open house only once a year so I wanted to be sure to see it. My friend Elizabeth came with me on the hour drive to Ojai from Santa Barbara. It was pretty impressive place. They had about 10 birds on display with trainers ready to answer questions and educate.  My favorite was the little Screech Owl. He turned his head almost 360 and blinked his eyes slowly..like he was so bored.

The red tailed Hawk magnificent bird.  We see him the skies here pretty often. Nice to see him close up:

wary Falcon:

 

my girl friend Elizabeth went with me:

We stopped at a great place in Ojai for lunch on the way back, the Deer Lodge restaurant.  My Beet salad with feta cheese and arugula was very good! The place was built in the 1930's and the rustic cabin theme was carried throughout. We sat out on the patio, in the shade, and enjoyed mild temps in the 70's and bright sunny day. (sorry I don't have a pic..will have to go back)

Arryo Hondo Bird walk 3-7-15

Went on a Bird walk yesterday with 20 people and leader Ted Mullins, docent and Birder extraordinaire.  It always amazes me how some people can ID bird just by their call.

 I learned a few things and enjoyed the nature walk in this beautiful place, owned by the Land trust of Santa Barbara. Arroyo Hondo preserve is  open weekends by appointment.  I support the Land Trust, they are saving hundreds of acres to keep unspoiled and undeveloped in Central CA.

A wild Orchid on the trail, near the creek:

Ceanothus, "California Lilac" :

Ted leading our group: