Nov 8
It's Jessica's birthday weekend and the start of winter giftfest - that magical time that starts in early November and encompasses a birthday, our anniversary, Christmahanukwanzaka, and New Year.
We spent the morning up City Creek canyon. Saw a couple of hawks, a few juncos, chickadees, and a surprisingly long conversation with a transient about how City Creek is conveniently close to the state liquor store. Lunch at Cafe Trang (get the house special with tofu if you ever go) and bubble tea at Cafe D'bola rounded out our day downtown.
Sent from iPhone
Oct 19
Fall is just starting to touch the yard. It was a perfect weekend to just sit and watch the sun reveal the small touches of the changing season. It's days like this that make me miss Utah when I travel.
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Oct 5
We thought we'd try going back to the great bird spot at Albion Basin a week later. What a difference a week makes. Last week I was in shirt sleeves laying on teh ground looking into a blue sky. This week snow - lots of snow. The birds were there... I could hear them, but they wouldn't show themselves. We went on to Cecret lake then slipped and sloshed, cold and soaked, down the trail. Even with no birds to stalk, it is so great to just get out and experience nature and the seasonal changes... summer to winter in 7 days.
Sep 22
We're watching our friend's cat this week. Usually when we come over she rolls over and gives us the 8 nipple flash. Today she seems to be taking the performance on a new direction. DISTURBING!
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Sep 14
I went to Toronto and stayed in the heart of the city, but most of my pics are of the lake and islands. When I went to D.C. My pics were of the tidal basin and cherry blossoms. In Boston I took pics of ships at sail in the harbor. I live in Salt Lake City, but post pics of the mountains and wetlands. I'm starting to realize that I'm probably not a city person. I seem to have a facination with getting away from any city I'm in.
Sent from Cory's iPhone
Sep 11
This year's trip to Toronto finally included a trip to the Royal Ontario Museum. Where else could I see a 4,000 year old figure of a cow giving birth? My annual Toronto adventure never disappoints. Thanks, Canada!
Sent from Cory's iPhone
Sep 1
Jess and I spent a cold, wet Labor Day morning at Garr Ranch on Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake. With a big storm last night and into the morning, the migration birds were all exhausted and needing to rest before crossing the lake. Garr Ranch is a tiny island of trees on an otherwise barren island in a huge lake and the trees were full of songbirds heading south.
New Birds I'd Never Seen:
Western Wood Pewees. (this little grey bird took a while to ID)
Wilson's warblers
Townsend's warbler (Coolest bird of the day - black mask on bright yellow)
Hammond's flycatchers
Rufus hummingbirds and possibly a broadtail hummingbird
Lark sparrows
House wren
There were also Western Meadowlark, Tree swallows, Barn swallows, Ravens and a Kestral. Other wildlife included antelope and a coyote. Spending the morning out there gave me a feel for how hard migration must be. Some birds were absolutely exhausted and looked pretty tossed and roughed up. I'm starting to realize what an amazing birding place Utah can be. In one weekend I've seen about 10 new birds without really trying too hard - just a trips to the mountains and then out to the lake.
Western Wood Pewee on a fence at Garr Ranch.
