The Liberty Reservoir

The North Branch of the Patapsco River is the primary tributary that feeds the Liberty Reservoir in Carroll county near Eldersburg, Maryland.

Patapsco River at Patapsco Valley State Park

Historic US 40 (Baltimore National Pike) Arch Bridge over the Patapsco River and Patapsco River at Patapsco Valley State Park / Hollofield Area. Patapsco Valley State Park was established in 1907 and is Maryland’s first state park.

Dusk at Gompers Park (Chicago)

Located at the corner of Foster and Pulaski Avenues in the North Park community, Gompers Park covers nearly 39 acres. The park straddles the Chicago River and features rehabilitated wetlands and a lagoon with pier access that lends itself to many environmental activities.

North American Raccoon (Procyon lotor)

North American Raccoon sits in a tree on the banks of the north branch of the Chicago River at Gompers Park. For climbing down a tree headfirst—an unusual ability for a mammal of its size—a raccoon rotates its hind feet so they are pointing backwards.

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) (Male)

Quarry at Greenspring / Chicago

Eastern Cottontail Rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus)

Eastern Cottontail in Chicago, Il

Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) displaying plumage

Taken early spring, in Hunker, Pennsylvania, (Greater Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area), the adult male Common Grackle shimmers with it’s bright golden eyes, iridescent violet/blue head and green/olive and bronze toned body, with it’s tail fanned open during display.

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus)

Formerly abundant, the Rusty Blackbird has undergone one of the sharpest and most mystifying rapid declines of any abundant bird species in North America in recent years. The North American Breeding Bird Survey estimates that populations declined by 6.2 percent every year between 1966 and 2010—a cumulative decline of 94 percent. It rates a 12 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score and is listed as a Common Bird in Steep Decline. Amazingly, I happened across this one right outside my office.

Happy First Anniversary!

To mark the first anniversary of this blog, I have photographed some of the first of Springtime buds and blooms near the office, including: The Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Wild Yellow And White Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus).

Spring Scenery in Rural Baltimore

Spring Scenery in Rural Baltimore