dainjawill's photostream  

We have several holly bushes around our yard, and both the male and female Cardinals like to eat the berries. (And every now and then they let me observe at close range!) I believe this bird is part of the mated pair that had a baby female Cardinal this year. Love having these guys around.
My Back Yard
Plainfield, Indiana

It's been nearly 2 weeks since I had arthroscopic surgery on my right knee to repair some torn cartilage, and it's been driving me crazy not being able to go out shooting. So, today I was finally able to get out, and it was a beautiful day to do so. I saw several species, (Pileated, Red-Bellied, and Downy Woodpeckers, Tufted Titmouse, Sparrows, Blue Jays, White Breasted Nuthatch, and Red-Tailed Hawks), but my gimpy leg did not allow me to get close to them very quickly. However, this gorgeous male Northern Cardinal took pity on me I guess, and sat still for a few minutes very close to me. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday with family and friends. I know I did.
Hummel Park
Plainfield, Indiana

I did not take this photo, but just wanted to show my thanks and appreciation to all those who served or are serving in our Armed Forces. I absolutely hate the thought of war, but do believe in a strong military as a deterrent to war. I served in the U.S. Navy from 1976 - 1980, and was aboard the ship in the far left and rear of this photo, U.S.S. Dubuque, LPD-8. Thanks Vets!!

Arabian Gulf (May 24, 2003) - Amphibious Task Force-West (ATF-West), comprised of USS Bon Homme Richard (LHD 6), USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS Dubuque (LPD 8), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Anchorage (LSD 36), USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) and USS Cleveland (LPD 7), steam in formation with Military Sealift Command (MSC) oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200). ATF-West deployed from San Diego January 17, transporting Marines and their gear to Kuwait for further deployment into Iraq. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jennifer Swader..

OK, this will be my last image from my trip up to Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area this past Saturday. Jerry Goldner (Profiles Of Nature) reminded me about the distinctive sounds these birds make, and I wanted to make sure I told you folks about it. If you've ever heard the call of a Sandhill Crane, you will never forget it. It is one of the most unique and distinctive calls of any bird I have ever heard.

You can follow this link to get a small sample of their call. www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/cranes.wav

The sounds made by over 6,000 of these birds on Saturday was quite impressive indeed.

Jasper-Pulaski FWA
Medaryville, Indiana

I cannot begin to tell you how thrilling the entire day was yesterday. Before then, I had only seen Sandhill Cranes flying overhead at very high altitudes. At Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area, there were nearly 6,000 of them either on the ground, flying in, or flying out at very close range. This one flew almost directly over my head while searching for just the right landing spot. These are incredible birds, and I am so, so glad I made the trip up to northwestern Indiana to see them during their annual stopover in our state!
Jasper-Pulaski FWA
Medaryville, Indiana