Reub's journey

15 December 2014

Random critters





This is a complete mystery shot, at least for me, but maybe you know what makes tracks like those in the sand on an Oregon beach? What did that...




...and did something scary just happen?



Just after examining the tracks on the beach, a bald eagle flew in front of us, with dinner held in its beak. I wasn't sure what it was, but my companion Lisa thought it was a bird. Birds eating birds...doesn't seem right, but, oh well. Once I saw a turkey eating a turkey, which was somehow even worse. You should be glad I didn't have my camera with me that afternoon.




 Closer to home we are seeing thousands of dusky geese, a sub-species of Canada goose.




This is an Oregon newt. Don't buy these if they show up in a pet shop. We used to see them in pet stores in Alabama, but the poor little guys are ill-equipped to live for long outside their native state. It's been raining like crazy here in OR for the last couple of weeks, and the newts are all over the place.



 We haven't had many frosty days, but that's ok with Ed and Reub.




Eddy and Tuck napping together
 Perfect weather for sleeping: dark and rainy.




Ah, but tonight John and I must venture out to a party. That's me on the right; I'm not a party animal. However I will adjust my attitude and when it's time to go, I'll be just fine.

27 comments:

  1. lovin' the cookie depiction! so me!!! love all your critter tracks, too!

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  2. http://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/Species/Data/SeaTurtles/

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    1. Omigosh omigosh omigosh, yeah! I just googled images of baby sea turtle tracks and that is exactly what we saw! I didn't know they nested on this nearby beach, nor did I guess they would hatch so late in the year. I'm SO glad you thought of that joeh! Wow!

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  3. I'm with you re. parties. My wife tells me that we are going to one on NY Eve. I am not terribly impressed. 😝

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    1. This time of year is a challenge for us party-poopers. So many celebrations! When we go to New Year's Eve parties we can never manage to stay awake until 12.

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  4. oh that newt...can we come to your house for christmas this year?

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    1. I wish you would! Gonna be lonesome around here, a very quiet Christmas. I do remember when you were here & we came across a newt-in-the-path and it was love at first sight for you. :)

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  5. Replies
    1. That one on the right was to close to the lip of the pan? Couldn't resist adding a frown.

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  6. Loved the pics, but got a good laugh at your cookies, now I need to make some.

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    1. Thanks! I made cookies early this year. There was only one grumpy one in the bunch. :-)

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  7. I like talking to people but do not like parties as a rule. Could those tracks be some type of crab?

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    1. Tabor I thought they might be a crab, too, but it turns out they are from baby sea turtles! A very lucky find.

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  8. I have no idea what made that wide track on the sand. I see a heron's footprints in the second pic.

    I always think I want to socialize, be someone who gets invited out a lot to parties and such. but I make no effort. I am content to sit at home doing stuff. I do enjoy an occasional social event though.

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    1. Sea turtles!
      I would probably never go out if it weren't for John and his colleagues. The party was actually fun, with great food.

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  9. Excellent photos on your part and excellent sleuthing on Joe's part. The image with the geese is just lovely.. the colours so rich. And your gingerbread party-goers made me smile.

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    1. Thanks Hilary! I am SO grateful for Joe's research. I had no idea.

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  10. The 'cookie' on the RHS looks like me each time the number of people coming to ours for Christmas lunch increases!!!

    Nice post - nice geese and mystery shot!

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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    1. Stewart, how many guests are on your list? We're down a few this year; maybe they're at your place. :)

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  11. The tracks are rather eerie. Hmmmm... Next time I'm in Oregon I'll have to look for the resident Newt. Cute little thing! The photo of the geese on that bright green carpet of grass is awesome.

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  12. hehehe, I am not a party animal either and I find I have to do things I don't want to do this time of year!! But I am also doing lots of things I love to do with the hubs. The tracks are so querieious, I have no idea what you have made those!! Very cool!!

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  13. Gail and Debbie, the tracks were identified by a commenter as baby sea turtles!! So exciting. The newts prefer wet weather, Gail, so plan a trip that's not May-October, the dry months.

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  14. I see from your next post that you survived the party. Like you, I prefer small, quiet gatherings.

    Sear turtles, eh? I wonder what happened there at the end.

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  15. nice blog, good photos

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