tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52026528859209779832024-03-05T14:17:36.003-05:00The Nature of FraminghamView the wonders of nature that are right in your own backyard. Learn about birds and birding as you explore the Nature of Framingham!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.comBlogger370125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-12509193450436428362014-03-30T01:00:00.001-04:002014-03-30T01:06:21.355-04:00First Flowers of Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't posted to this blog for a long, long time, but I wanted to keep up the tradition of posting a picture of the first flowers to bloom here in my part of Framingham, Massachusetts. Here they are! March 29, 2014! Yay!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-71347193319133174472013-09-17T19:42:00.001-04:002013-09-17T19:42:31.695-04:00Goliath Heron! He's a GIANT HERON!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This magnificent creature is the largest heron in existence today. We saw this one in Zambia. It is a Goliath Heron, presumably named after the giant named Goliath from the bible, Pete caught sight of this guy, and I'm frankly surprised that my photos came out as well as they did, considering that we were in a boat at the time.<br />
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Check out that bill! It's massive! This bird stands nearly a foot taller then the Great Blue Heron, and has a wingspan of 7 feet or more. It's an aptly named, gigantic bird! <br />
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I would love to have seen this guy raise his massive crest, but that never happened in front of us. These birds are monogamous, but they have a courtship dance that is a real sight. They don't have a "mating Season" per se, and have been seen raising their young all year long. <br />
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That gargantuan bill regularly catches fish weighing more than a pound and well over twelve inches long. It takes a lot of food to satisfy this guy!<br />
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This big guy even flies differently than other herons. His legs are so large that they hang down a bit in flight instead of being held straight out behind him. Yeah, this is one gigantic bird. I'm thrilled to add it to my life list!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-34924348838082416142013-08-12T13:33:00.000-04:002013-08-12T13:33:07.241-04:00When you hear hooves - think ZEBRAS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No one could resist getting excited at the sight of a baby zebra! They are so cute and cuddly looking that they look more like stuffed animals than wild animals! (By the way, if you are reading this and saying zee-bra, you are pronouncing it wrong. In Botswana and Zambia, the last letter of the alphabet is pronounced "zed". The word <i>Zebra</i> should rhyme with the word <i>Debra</i>).<br />
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We saw a LOT of zebras in Botswana and Zambia, and eventually they became so familiar that they hardly rated a second glance. These zebras were our first ever, though, and we were all awestruck by their beauty <i>and </i>by their behavior. Just look at these guys - you could spend hours just studying the different patterns of their stripes! These wild Savannah zebras seemed to be as fascinated by us as we were by them.<br />
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This particular fellow (and I felt certain it was a male, although I have no real reason for thinking that) had a really LARGE head and neck compared to the rest of the herd. I couldn't take my eyes off of him!<br />
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The only thing that I found more fascinating than the big zebra was the baby zebras. There were a few youngsters in the bunch.<br />
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Our guide in Botswana, Ra KB, told how to distinguish male zebras from female zebras. Unfortunately, I can't remember if you go by the stripe on the belly or the stripe on the butt, so I don't know if this zebra a girl baby or a boy baby!<br />
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I think looking at a zebra is like looking at an M. C. Escher print; each one is a unique work of art, and each one is also an optical illusion!<br />
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Here's a <u>very</u> unique zebra! This one was spotted at our hotel at Victoria Falls in Zambia. Since all the Zambia photos will be explored in later posts, I'll finish my zebra post with this fantastic artwork photographed by my daughter, Meghan Wrublewski. Thanks, Meg!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-36647988380012732702013-08-09T12:42:00.001-04:002013-08-09T12:42:49.334-04:00The Strangest & Most Spectacular Bird Ever? The Southern Ground Hornbill!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nddnAWvvH9w/UgRbSAHu4yI/AAAAAAAADNg/tjJv-rIz5hk/s1600/bLOG+gROUND+hORNBILL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nddnAWvvH9w/UgRbSAHu4yI/AAAAAAAADNg/tjJv-rIz5hk/s640/bLOG+gROUND+hORNBILL.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Southern Ground Hornbill by Pete Wrublewski</span></td></tr>
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This is one bird that Pete was determined to see on Safari. Since all Hornbills are cool-looking, I had no idea why this particular species was such an obsession with him. Then I saw these photos (which are outstanding, Pete)! The Southern Ground Hornbill is simply unbelievable! And they are HUGE, too!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Southern Ground Hornbill by Pete Wrublewski</span></td></tr>
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According to <a href="http://www.ground-hornbill.org.za/index.html">The Mabula Ground Hornbill Project (MGHP)</a>, theses endangered, turkey-sized birds have "a deep booming 4-note call that they utter at dawn, an alarm clock for rural people with a rhythm that is captured in traditional drumming". Now, that is cool, right?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Southern Ground Hornbill by Pete Wrublewski</span></td></tr>
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What I find most astounding is their amazingly human-like eyes! The <a href="http://www.ground-hornbill.org.za/index.html">Mabula Ground Hornbill Project </a>says that their "lovely long eyelashes are to protect their eyes from the sun and sharp grass or sticks". Believe it or not, they walk a lot like humans, too. That is a rather odd statement, I know, but I don't really know how to elaborate so as to make it more understandable. (Check out the last picture to get an idea what I'm talking about!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Southern Ground Hornbill by Pete Wrublewski</span></td></tr>
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These are the largest hornbill in the world, they eat only meat and don't ever drink water, they walk on tiptoe 100% of the time (although they can fly if they want to), and they live and raise their young communally. So why is such an awesome species endangered? <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Southern Ground Hornbill by Pete Wrublewski</span></td></tr>
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The Southern Ground Hornbill, like most endangered species on earth, are threatened with permanent extinction because they have encountered the human race. Loss of habitat, loss of nesting areas, intentional and indirect poisonings, and electrocutions are the biggest threats to Southern Ground Hornbills. They are poisoned intentionally because they break windows in people's homes, usually when a male confuses it's reflection with a competing male. We have species that do precisely the same thing, but Northern Cardinals and Blue Jays rarely manage to break anything! The <a href="http://www.ground-hornbill.org.za/index.html">Mabula Ground Hornbill Project</a> has solutions for many of these problems on their website, but only time will tell if we can succeed in keeping these incredible birds alive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMfAP_lrEDc/UgRcSCtJBJI/AAAAAAAADOI/I_5pts6wImE/s1600/gROUND+hORNBILL+gROUP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMfAP_lrEDc/UgRcSCtJBJI/AAAAAAAADOI/I_5pts6wImE/s640/gROUND+hORNBILL+gROUP.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Southern Ground Hornbills by Pete Wrublewski</span></td></tr>
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Here is a male and female of the species, looking for all the world like your average human couple discussing their children as they take a stroll. Well, maybe they don't look like human parents to most of you, but I see the resemblance! The male in front has all red flesh on his face and neck, while the female has a patch of blue or purple under her chin. Otherwise, the males and females are indistinguishable. <br />
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Once again, I want to congratulate Pete on his fabulous photography - especially considering he didn't know the camera at all. Also, I would like to thank Ra K.B., our guide in Chobe National Park, for making Pete's dream of seeing a Southern Ground Hornbill come true! Thanks again, Ba Rra KB!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-37824973572907362842013-07-16T16:03:00.000-04:002013-07-16T16:03:05.865-04:00The Sacred Ibis in Africa<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">S</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">acred Ibis, Chobe National Park, Botswana</span></td></tr>
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I have wanted to see a Sacred Ibis for some time now, and would have been more than satisfied to see one at a zoo somewhere. Instead, our trip to Africa included seeing Sacred Ibis in the wild, which was a real thrill for me. This bird belongs to an ancient group, with fossil records going back some 60 million years. Records of the Sacred Ibis in human history go back some 5,000 years. Ancient Egyptians venerated it and made it an integral part of their religion. Carvings of the Sacred Ibis are found in many Egyptian monuments and they were also mummified and buried in the temples with the pharaohs.<br />
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In ancient Egyptian mythology, the god Thoth has the body of a man and the head of an Ibis, which gives you some indication of how very sacred the bird was to the early inhabitants of the Nile Valley. Ibises were sacred because they had secret knowledge: They showed up shortly before the annual floods, and they were thought to kill poisonous snakes and even crocodiles. (Note: I can find no evidence that full size cobras and crocodiles were ever at risk of death by Ibis!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sacred Ibis, Chobe National Park, Botswana</span></td></tr>
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It is the mythology and mysticism associated with the Scared Ibis that has me fascinated. The ibis-headed god, Thoth, eventually evolved into the Greek god Hermes and the Roman god Mercury. What I find most incredible is that major gods of early human civilizations were inspired by this incredible avian species that is still with us today.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sacred Ibis, Chobe National Park, Botswana</span></td></tr>
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The Ibis-headed Thoth was the Egyptian god of wisdom, writing, numbers, the arts, astronomy, magic, and the moon. Egyptians associated the ibis's long curved beak with the moon. He was also a god of the underworld, in charge of the scales in the Hall of Judgement. Thoth used the scales to weigh the heart of the deceased against the feather of truth to determine if they were worthy to enter the afterlife.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sacred Ibis, Chobe National Park, Botswana</span></td></tr>
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Thoth was the inventor of Egyptian Hieroglyphics, which is the first form of human's written language. He was the author of The Book of Thoth, a book that contained all of the magic on earth and was therefore prohibited to all but the most powerful magicians. He also wrote The Book of the Dead, which contained instructions for maneuvering one's way through the rituals of the underworld. The beak of the ibis was seen as a representation of the pen that was used in Thoth's role as scribe of the gods and creator of the written word.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sacred Ibis, Chobe National Park, Botswana</span></td></tr>
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The black and white bird was also seen as a symbol of balance. Day and night, good and bad, reward and punishment: all were functions of the Ibis god, Thoth. Maintaining equilibrium on the earth inspired Thoth to invent astronomy, astrology, engineering, botany, and geometry. Thoth is also credited with dividing the year into 365 days, which brought the days in the year into balance with the rest of the solar system. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sacred Ibis, Chobe National Park, Botswana</span></td></tr>
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Nowadays, people laugh at the notion of worshiping a stupid bird as if it were a god. But don't laugh too hard unless you really understand the concepts and symbols related to the pagan god known as Thoth/Hermes/Mercury. These 'mythological' stories have a very familiar underlying message that would be recognized by adherents of every 'modern' faith that exists today. I was lucky enough to be introduced to Thoth by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jeanne.mayell">Jeanne Mayell</a>; a wonderful teacher of spirituality mixed with science. Jeanne freed me from the the prison of a closed mind, but the rest is up to me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sacred Ibis, Chobe National Park, Botswana</span></td></tr>
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The flight of the Sacred Ibis represents the path each person must take toward higher understanding and enlightenment. I am committed to taking that path, no matter how hard or how lonely it might be. This bird has become more to me than just another checkmark on my lifelist. This bird is symbolic of the harmony, balance, and synchronicity of the universe. As far as I'm concerned, this Ibis is definitely Sacred!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-43481533126849062812013-07-12T14:44:00.001-04:002013-07-12T14:44:11.742-04:00Like Rikki-Tikki-Tavi? You'll Love These African Mongooses!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I read Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book at least 30 times as a kid. This was before the Disney version (gasp!), but I preferred the original stories anyway. Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, the valiant mongoose who killed massive snakes to protect his adopted human family, was always one of my favorite stories. No matter how often I read the story and despite knowing the ending by heart, I was always terrified of the evil cobras, Nag and Nagaina. They seemed invincible in their awful intelligence and their deadly venom. Come to think of it, that story may have been the origin of my snake phobia - even though the brave little mongoose never failed to kill every snake in the garden. <br />
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Rikki-Tikki-Tavi was an Indian mongoose, but there are many species of mongoose, and we were lucky enough to see a family group of Banded Mongoose on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River in Zambia. We were also lucky to have my husband Tom on board taking photos. Tom did an outstanding job at capturing these excellent mongoose images, don't you think?<br />
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The Banded Mongoose usually eat rodents, birds, reptiles, frogs, and insects such as beetles and worms. They also love to eat eggs. All species of Mongoose will fight and kill small snakes, and they all engage in vicious battles with very large snakes if necessary. These small, cuddly-looking mammals often kill the much larger and very venomous snakes when such a battle ensues. They are lightening fast and amazingly smart little carnivores. They know how to evade a striking cobra and avoid a spitting one. They attack without ceasing even as they perform their evasive maneuvers, and eventually they'll chomp down on the snakes head and crush the reptile's skull. They're awesome!<br />
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Baby Mongooses! Can you see them? The one on the far right is pretty blurry, but there's another one right in the middle of the adults. How could you not want a little mongoose for a pet? They are so adorable! On the other hand, they are far from domesticated, and it would be pretty risky to approach a band of Banded Mongoose when there are baby mongooses to protect. Remember what I said about the snakes? Well, I doubt you'd have much of a chance against a bunch of these fearless predators if a Mozambique Spitting Cobra can't beat a single mongoose in a (relatively) fair fight!<br />
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Here's another look at the little baby mongoose. Even the adults look like stuffed animals. These Mongooses are very close to the bee-eater nests that are located in the holes in the riverbank just above them. Considering the bloody faces of this bunch, however, I tend to doubt they're feeding on eggs at the moment. I hope its frogs or lizards and not the beautiful bee-eaters that are being eaten!<br />
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You know, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi was an ideal pet. He liked to snuggle and he would ride on the boy's shoulder when he needed to check for snakes in the yard. On the other hand, mongooses are temperamental and capable of doing serious damage with a playful bite or two. They are not legal to own as pets in the US, either. <br />
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If I ever live in Africa, though, it seems like a mongoose would be an ideal companion. I don't think carrying one around on my shoulder sounds terribly smart, but what better protection could you get from Puff Adders and Black Mambas than having a mongoose at your side? It's worth thinking about, anyway. Or maybe not. This guy looks more dangerous than delightful!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-55401760710297330752013-06-27T20:06:00.000-04:002013-06-27T20:06:08.452-04:00Killer Crocodiles!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The crocodiles are plentiful along the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers. These are all Nile Crocodiles, and they truly are dangerous to humans. This image was captured by Tom from our safari cruise boat, and you can easily see his massive jaws and teeth. If any one of us were to fall in the river, we'd be croc meat in a flash! <br />
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This one looked like it was coming for us, boat and all! These crocodiles are massive! They average 16 feet from tip to tail, and can weigh 500 lbs! A puny person has virtually no chance of surviving - certainly no chance of surviving intact!<br />
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The Nile Crocodile's conical teeth are designed to penetrate the flesh of it's prey, and it is almost impossible to loosen it's grip. It will grab on to larger prey (including lions, buffalo, and even small hippos!) and spin them underwater until the prey drowns. <br />
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Their scaly skin is impenetrable without lethal weapons, and I can't imagine how one could shoot a croc that has a human in it's jaws without shooting the human, too!<br />
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I like this photo because the croc appears to be smiling slyly. It also illustrates the camouflage of these reptiles, which makes them even more dangerous! <br />
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The rivers we traveled were teeming with crocodiles. One guide told us that there was a crocodile every 50 feet along the river, if not more. You don't see that many because they don't want to be seen. Nile crocodiles hunt by ambush, and they lie motionless and invisible until their hapless prey wanders within range. Personally, I saw enough crocodiles to last me a while; I don't need to imagine hundreds more lying in wait for me!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-88849812940325152142013-06-20T20:15:00.003-04:002013-06-20T20:19:27.009-04:00The Best Birds of Africa!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LIxgkRdSkdI/UcMpvBUQA8I/AAAAAAAADHE/aWcjd32b9bQ/s1600/pete20130513_d7000_0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cori Bustard" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LIxgkRdSkdI/UcMpvBUQA8I/AAAAAAAADHE/aWcjd32b9bQ/s640/pete20130513_d7000_0179.jpg" title="Cori Busrard" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Kori Bustard</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">According to my son, Pete, we saw FIFTY NEW BIRDS on our trip - and each one of those fifty species deserves an in-depth post all to itself. Since it will take a while to identify and research all the birds I want to post about, however, the least I can do is provide a few photos of the best birds we saw in Botswana and Zambia! In depth information about the species pictured here will be coming soon, I promise!</span><br />
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We can thank Pete for finding the oh-so-exotic Kori Bustard shown above, and we can thank Tom for capturing such a magnificent photo of it! The Kori Bustard is the largest bird in Africa that has the capacity to fly, but they spent most of their time on the ground. They are HUGE birds. The males can be 41/2 to 5 feet tall with a wingspan up to 9 feet across! This species can be found in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, west-central South Africa and South-western Zambia. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vq4cIRkyHzo/UcMo77jdTLI/AAAAAAAADG8/BjSjlrAetJY/s1600/d300_0793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sacred Ibis" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vq4cIRkyHzo/UcMo77jdTLI/AAAAAAAADG8/BjSjlrAetJY/s640/d300_0793.jpg" title="Sacred Ibis" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Sacred Ibis</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is one of the birds I desperately wanted to see on our trip - and my wish was more than granted. The Sacred Ibis is a very special species to me because of the symbolism related to Sacred Ibises that has existed since very ancient times. Some of my very close friends and relatives will know <i>exactly </i>why the Scared Ibis, which symbolizes the Egyptian god Thoth, is so very important to me. For those that don't, I'll explain more in a future post. Since we all took very good images of this special bird, there will be plenty of illustrations in the Sacred Ibis blog post!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--laXOjrw6gQ/UcMp-nuP98I/AAAAAAAADHM/Rtr7br7k5oU/s1600/Little+bee-eater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Little bee-eater" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--laXOjrw6gQ/UcMp-nuP98I/AAAAAAAADHM/Rtr7br7k5oU/s640/Little+bee-eater.jpg" title="Little bee-eater" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Little Bee-Eater</span></i></td></tr>
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This stunning small fellow is the Little Bee-eater, the smallest member of the bee-eater Family. All of the bee-eaters we saw were gloriously colorful, and although this tiny bird had fewer colors than most, he was still far too gorgeous to miss. This outstanding photograph was taken by my husband, Tom. In my opinion, it is a photo worthy of inclusion in a National Geographic Magazine! The details are amazing! We saw multiple species of bee-eaters in Botswana and Zambia, and when I finally get around to writing it, the Bee-eater blog post will be a post of many colors!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFajpFRsOng/UcMqIcR4XUI/AAAAAAAADHU/BHrlM6sb8dk/s1600/20130513_d7000_0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFajpFRsOng/UcMqIcR4XUI/AAAAAAAADHU/BHrlM6sb8dk/s640/20130513_d7000_0086.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Our Muchenje Lodge guide in Botswana, KB, was more than willing to stop for every bird we saw during our safari drives and cruises. Every time we went out with KB, all of our birding stops would make us late for meals and other activities. Eventually we would tell KB to ignore our gasps and cries of wonder whenever a bird was spotted, because we were becoming troublemakers for the lodge and the other guests. Pete would always have one caveat, however; KB must ALWAYS stop if ever he spotted a Southern Ground Hornbill. I thought it was a joke,since we had seen plenty of Hornbills already. But when Pete came home from an afternoon game drive with photos of <i><b>this </b></i>amazing creature, it was obvious that one must ALWAYS stop for a Southern Ground Hornbill! Congratulations to Pete for capturing dozens of perfect images of these unique and almost unbelievable birds. That is a post you won't want to miss!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1wR4EkHJsYY/UcMq6VTSDII/AAAAAAAADHk/ZMnN4UK4b7A/s1600/_DSC6081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="African Open-bill Stork" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1wR4EkHJsYY/UcMq6VTSDII/AAAAAAAADHk/ZMnN4UK4b7A/s640/_DSC6081.jpg" title="African Open-bill Stork" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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I had never heard of this bird until we saw them in Botswana, but I fell in love with them in a heartbeat. As KB explained, they are called Open-bills because their beaks won't close all the way! Having mouths that are always open in no way interferes with the delight one feels when watching them fishing and flying, however. They may not appear as regal and dignified as the Egrets and Herons species with whom they share the riverbanks, but they were far more entertaining to watch. After all, you see herons everywhere, and even if you love them dearly, as I do, their silent stalking is hardly an exciting event. A fabulous new bird like the African Open-bill, on the other hand, will keep you amused and interested for hours. Just wait and see if you agree when I post about them in the very near future!<br />
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That's it for today. Tomorrow I go to an infectious disease doctor to be checked for Malaria and other nasty diseases that might be causing the sudden onset of arthritis-like pain and stiffness that I've been dealing with. I'm not concerned. Most of those illnesses clear up with no intervention required anyway. Wish me luck!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-51362508881458875082013-06-07T11:47:00.000-04:002013-06-07T11:47:16.536-04:00The Nature of Elephants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqUcGliqf_8/UbDC6ZQGpgI/AAAAAAAADEc/r__l7MJauAQ/s1600/cute+baby+elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqUcGliqf_8/UbDC6ZQGpgI/AAAAAAAADEc/r__l7MJauAQ/s640/cute+baby+elephant.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is there anything cuter than a baby elephant? We were surprised and thrilled to see so many herds of African Elephants in Botswana and Zambia during the month of May. May is not generally considered a peak month for tourism in these countries, but we saw every animal you could wish for - and virtually every species we saw had babies in tow! </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SAHApyUDzUg/UbDHsgkYhpI/AAAAAAAADEs/rGYJWUo4bXQ/s1600/mama+and+baby+elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SAHApyUDzUg/UbDHsgkYhpI/AAAAAAAADEs/rGYJWUo4bXQ/s640/mama+and+baby+elephant.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">African elephants are the world's largest land animals, and the baby's are born </span><span style="font-size: 14.99px; line-height: 20.98px;">weighing</span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> about 250 pounds. A baby elephant is born into an extended family of </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.99px; line-height: 20.98px;">adult</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.99px; line-height: 20.98px;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">female elephants, all of whom help to raise and protect the </span><span style="font-size: 14.99px; line-height: 20.98px;">vulnerable</span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> youngsters. Male elephants are part of the herd until they are about fourteen years old. At that time the </span><span style="font-size: 14.99px; line-height: 20.98px;">teen-aged</span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> male elephant is kicked out of the family group and will either live on it's own or hook up with other young males. Evidently, humans are not the only species who can expect trouble whenever young adult males are around!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">For the first months of their lives, baby elephants will walk underneath their mothers whenever the family group travels. We were astounded to see this tiny one crossing the road in Chobe National Park in Botswana. It turned out that the elephants are </span><span style="font-size: 14.99px; line-height: 20.98px;">headed</span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> for the river to drink and bathe.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Elephants love the water. They drink it in massive </span><span style="font-size: 14.99px; line-height: 20.98px;">quantities (</span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">adults </span><span style="font-size: 14.99px; line-height: 20.98px;">consume</span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> thirty to fifty gallons per day!), and they love to cool off in the water and take mud baths as well. </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Elephants cover themselves with mud to protect their skin from insects and from the often brutal African sun. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGKzDTTcgo6LvLCbsL3k5nCCXZxzYc-oPGhW1FX9znZr89md-FueVWewhh5L1HSw1WC2iJhoLTeVn5dmNvUyJfoIJMGwd0g1jCOq6gvPo9qwvBAsdQzzhL5sI2Ho9EdhaveJQeEJAFp0/s1600/muddybabyandmom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGKzDTTcgo6LvLCbsL3k5nCCXZxzYc-oPGhW1FX9znZr89md-FueVWewhh5L1HSw1WC2iJhoLTeVn5dmNvUyJfoIJMGwd0g1jCOq6gvPo9qwvBAsdQzzhL5sI2Ho9EdhaveJQeEJAFp0/s640/muddybabyandmom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.99px; line-height: 20.98px;">I still have a lot to learn about elephants, but I can't believe anyone could possibly resist falling in love with elephant babies and elephant moms! </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com0Chobe Forest Reserve, Botswana-17.945490928496778 24.693546524795238-17.953043928496779 24.683461524795238 -17.937937928496776 24.703631524795238tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-72306933539648631642013-06-03T10:59:00.001-04:002013-06-03T10:59:49.372-04:00The Nature of Africa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is an African Grey Hornbill; one of the dozens of new bird and animal species I saw in Botswana and Zambia last month. The trip was life-changing and awe-inspiring. I know i'm home from Africa because I am siting at my computer writing a blog post, but in my heart and soul I am in Zambia still. It is not simply because the country is beautiful or because the birds and animals are so thrilling to see - although both are true. It's not just that everyone we met was kind, courteous, and unbelievably happy, despite the desperate poverty and the scourge of AIDS everywhere we were. It's not even that I miss the truly joyful and fulfilled young man that my son Peter has become since he moved to Africa. Not one of those things make it hard for me to settle down to life back in Massachusetts - but all of those experiences combined have kept me in Zambia inside my mind!<br />
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This is the first in a series of posts featuring the nature of Southern Africa. It was no problem identifying the African Elephants shown above, but without having Pete around, most of the birds and some of the mammals and insects will be very difficult to ID. On the up side, we'll all learn something new with each blog post!<br />
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Every moment of our trip was so exciting and such a shock to the senses that it almost seemed unreal. I was certainly hoping to see Giraffes, for instance, but totally unprepared for whole families of Giraffes and simply irresistible Giraffe babies everywhere! Our excellent guide at Muchenje Lodge in Botswana, KB, knows everything there is to know about every bird, animal, and insect we saw; and every one has a fascinating story to tell. Too bad KB isn't here to help me write up these blog posts for you! <br />
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This magnificent and massive beast is a Greater Kudu. The Greater Kudu is a game animal elsewhere in Africa, but in Chobe national Park, where Muchenje Lodge is located, the animals are protected from hunters and are thriving. The Kudu was one of many ungulates we got to see up close and personally!<br />
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The African Fish Eagle is the national bird of Zambia, and was one of the birds I was very much hoping to see. They look very much like the American Bald Eagle, don't they? Well, we saw a great many African Fish Eagles, and they are much more like the American Eagle than you could imagine. Tom even managed to capture images of the spectacular mating dance of the Fish Eagles, where the pair clasp on to each other and drop from the sky in a terrifying spin that must be seen to be believed. It just happens that I have seen the same deadly-looking drop right here in Framingham, Massachusetts a few years back. In that case, it was an American Bald Eagle practicing his moves in preparation for mating season. I never would have believed I'd see such a fabulous sight again in my lifetime - especially half a world away!</div>
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I hope all my Nature of Framingham readers enjoyed these images from the Nature of Africa. The trip changed my life in many ways, and I hope to share the wonder of it all with each of you, too!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-55822741825235965432013-04-22T08:20:00.000-04:002013-04-22T08:20:25.359-04:00This Stunning Work of Art Will Delight Birders and Bloggers Alike!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGXwxqNdO-E/UXTDXKFumTI/AAAAAAAADBY/aVm957e1OpM/s1600/The+Visitor+by+Susan+Flrtcher+King.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGXwxqNdO-E/UXTDXKFumTI/AAAAAAAADBY/aVm957e1OpM/s1600/The+Visitor+by+Susan+Flrtcher+King.jpg" /></a></div>
This magnificent work of art by the exquisitely talented <a href="http://www.susanfletcherking.com/">Susan Fletcher King</a> left me speechless with awe! The name of the piece is "The Visitor", and the web image doesn't begin to do it justice. In reality, this incredible piece is 60 inches tall and 24 inches wide. It isn't simply a painting done with oils or watercolors, either (although that would be fantastic, too). "The Visitor" is an meticulously crafted, 3-dimensional piece of fabric art! According to the artist, the piece "was started as a whole cloth which has been dyed, painted and stamped. The great blue heron, boat, dock and weeds were then added as rough-edge appliqué. These pieces were also painted. The entire piece was then assembled and stitched (quilted)". How's that for creativity and talent?<br />
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"<i>The piece was made specifically for an invitational, juried show with the theme "Exquisite Moment". This show is held annually, seen in various venues in the US and in Europe, and is curated under the name <a href="http://dinnerateightartists.blogspot.com/">dinner at eight artists</a> I have been selected as one of the artists and this is the third year that I have been invited to enter and have been accepted.</i>" Congratulations, Susan Fletcher King!<br />
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I cropped the image even closer to give you an idea of the incredibly detailed work in the piece. Check out the shading on the Great Blue Heron's neck, and the beautifully rendered wood grain of the boat. It's no wonder the piece was accepted for a art exhibition entitled 'Exquisite Moments! Ms. King's artist's statement for the piece makes "The Visitor" all the more magical:<br />
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<i> Little miracles happen very occasionally, and if we are lucky we might be in the right place at the right time to witness one. Here, this great blue heron is stepping from his world into ours and gives us an exquisite moment we will always remember.</i></blockquote>
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Some of my readers and some of my fellow "Birders Who Blog' might have a slight sense of <i>deja vu</i> upon seeing Susan Fletcher King's "The Visitor". If it seems familiar, there is a good reason for it. The above photo was taken by my husband, Tom, while we were vacationing on Cape Cod last year - and it has appeared in an earlier post on this blog. Susan Fletcher King came across the image on the web, and kindly asked permission to use it as a model for her artwork. Believe it or not, Tom will be credited as the photographer whenever and wherever "The Visitor" is shown publicly. Congratulations to my better half!<br />
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If any other bird photographers out there would like to see their fine photos transformed into a fantastic work of art, you'll be happy to learn that Susan Fletcher King does commission work, and she loves working from photos. You can contact her directly at <a href="http://susanfletcherking.com/">susanfletcherking.com</a>, and I can promise you'll be thrilled with the result. She is an extraordinary talent!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-6192577055550603972013-04-12T02:41:00.000-04:002013-04-12T19:51:28.827-04:00Turkey in the hood!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This handsome fellow was strolling across the street in front of my house yesterday. Pretty cute, huh?<br />
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He has a rather intriguing looking face, wouldn't you say?<br />
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I was sitting near the window with Socrates when I noticed him walking between the fences. Luckily I had my camera in hand, and managed to snap off a few shots. <br />
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I never noticed how beautiful their feathers were before. They almost look metallic in this light. The pattern is pretty amazing, too. <br />
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Seeing Wild Turkeys in your yard is one of the joys of living near the Hultmann Aqueduct!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-84518927842161007112013-03-30T17:02:00.001-04:002013-03-30T17:02:10.118-04:00Easter Flowers, Just in Time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsuo2ykd5XU8QwJ7tyQojaAo0Fv-rMCVCp6HABAf734wxSE9vKCHGCr1O5IBwgJX9cEfXGSSeeftSzzpsxFxvCeOBJVRspw_AV_YOn1OSFsKImN_RiNKjU5iu2qR8q0Oi8IQdwqxk1c8/s1600/springflowers2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsuo2ykd5XU8QwJ7tyQojaAo0Fv-rMCVCp6HABAf734wxSE9vKCHGCr1O5IBwgJX9cEfXGSSeeftSzzpsxFxvCeOBJVRspw_AV_YOn1OSFsKImN_RiNKjU5iu2qR8q0Oi8IQdwqxk1c8/s640/springflowers2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Once again the flowers are blooming!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdGGBsWEQFg/UVdK5_TtPWI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/ensa8_iodxo/s1600/spring+flowers+2013+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdGGBsWEQFg/UVdK5_TtPWI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/ensa8_iodxo/s640/spring+flowers+2013+b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Just in time for Easter!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QpzqYTEzuyc/UVdK7Li5A-I/AAAAAAAAC_c/tFO3AKf9vXA/s1600/spring+flowers+2013+f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QpzqYTEzuyc/UVdK7Li5A-I/AAAAAAAAC_c/tFO3AKf9vXA/s640/spring+flowers+2013+f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Since we never plant flowers, each year we have fewer and fewer. The crocuses just keep coming however!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib0Wz0EH0JA/UVdK7gXzl6I/AAAAAAAAC_o/yW5CU7VxBGQ/s1600/spring+flowers+2013+d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib0Wz0EH0JA/UVdK7gXzl6I/AAAAAAAAC_o/yW5CU7VxBGQ/s640/spring+flowers+2013+d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Some of them are simply spectacular when you're very close up.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WWDi34_tHRY/UVdK77-k5ZI/AAAAAAAAC_s/moRXcRCa07g/s1600/spring+flowers+2013+e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WWDi34_tHRY/UVdK77-k5ZI/AAAAAAAAC_s/moRXcRCa07g/s640/spring+flowers+2013+e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
All of them are spectacular, actually!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zztI6fy_-fc/UVdK6FT6hVI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/SCAE-We0_j0/s1600/spring+flowers+2013+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zztI6fy_-fc/UVdK6FT6hVI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/SCAE-We0_j0/s640/spring+flowers+2013+c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I don't remember this white one from past years.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0MJXTu8VK2s/UVdK7xuE32I/AAAAAAAAC_w/fcGW_VPDbLM/s1600/springflowers2013+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0MJXTu8VK2s/UVdK7xuE32I/AAAAAAAAC_w/fcGW_VPDbLM/s640/springflowers2013+a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
But I always know where to find the purple ones!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ri3adhpp2t4/UVdK5o7TQCI/AAAAAAAAC_U/0NJUPkcH6AQ/s1600/garden+frog+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ri3adhpp2t4/UVdK5o7TQCI/AAAAAAAAC_U/0NJUPkcH6AQ/s640/garden+frog+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And the little garden frog also finds springtime delightful! Happy Easter!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-69602848934712888712013-03-29T11:08:00.000-04:002013-03-29T11:08:47.919-04:00Muchenje Lodge, Chobe National Park, Botswana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GiM__iKEbv0/UVWe_AZ617I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/fzyCzHcV4jw/s1600/Muchenje-Safari-Lodge-Chobe-(26).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GiM__iKEbv0/UVWe_AZ617I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/fzyCzHcV4jw/s640/Muchenje-Safari-Lodge-Chobe-(26).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first three days we spend in Africa won't be in Zambia at all. Pete is meeting our plane in Lusaka, Zambia, and then we are flying to Chobe National Park in Botswana for a three-day wildlife safari. We'll be doing the 'Rich American Tourist' thing - even though we're not rich and no doubt everyone will know it in no time!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fzQoHvHnI-8/UVWe_O8Hf6I/AAAAAAAAC-U/dUFGbUEBdvY/s1600/9961_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fzQoHvHnI-8/UVWe_O8Hf6I/AAAAAAAAC-U/dUFGbUEBdvY/s640/9961_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We'll be staying at the <a href="http://www.muchenje.com/">Muchenje Safari Lodge</a>, a luxurious cluster of private cabanas overlooking the massive Chobe River. All of the photos in this post were taken by guests of the lodge, or by the lodge management. Isn't is glorious?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uv6kLkFL_MA/UVWfACnMYGI/AAAAAAAAC-8/b0Ddaf0TcbI/s1600/bots_hmuchenje5+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uv6kLkFL_MA/UVWfACnMYGI/AAAAAAAAC-8/b0Ddaf0TcbI/s640/bots_hmuchenje5+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There is even a swimming pool overlooking the Chobe River! I don't know how much use we'll get out of it, since May is the beginning of the colder, winter months south of the equator. But although the temperatures may drop into the 30-40 degree range at night, the days are still very warm. Plus it looks like a prime birding spot to me!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWUKpR8rqIM/UVWe_bP3TUI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/b0UCPVj34G8/s1600/456-1-muchenje.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWUKpR8rqIM/UVWe_bP3TUI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/b0UCPVj34G8/s640/456-1-muchenje.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
All the cabins look to be exquisitely decorated, and all are connected by wooden walkways. I like that idea. It would seem to make it less likely you'll step on snakes, scorpions, or spiders by accident. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xCkEZEV0zJs/UVWe_qUTMOI/AAAAAAAAC-g/oqN1qMADIjM/s1600/Muchenje-wildlife-(22).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xCkEZEV0zJs/UVWe_qUTMOI/AAAAAAAAC-g/oqN1qMADIjM/s640/Muchenje-wildlife-(22).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
All of these wildlife photos were taken by people staying at <a href="http://www.muchenje.com/">Muchenje Safari Lodge</a>. We are going to be there shortly after the rainy season, so we won't see the throngs of animals that congregate at the Chobe riverbank during the dry season. But I have no doubt we'll see plenty!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LsI3qrOkCtQ/UVWe_ho6aZI/AAAAAAAAC-k/BW4xIxHIVHo/s1600/Muchenje-wildlife-(20).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LsI3qrOkCtQ/UVWe_ho6aZI/AAAAAAAAC-k/BW4xIxHIVHo/s640/Muchenje-wildlife-(20).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I can almost guarantee that we'll see elephants. Who doesn't love elephants?<br />
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<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-g472669-Chobe_National_Park.html#47377292" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photos of Chobe National Park - Featured Images" height="429" src="http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/02/d2/eb/8c/muchenje-safari-lodge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This photo of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g472669-Chobe_National_Park-Vacations.html">Chobe National Park</a> is courtesy of TripAdvisor</span><br />
I can almost guarantee we'll see crocodiles, too. Hopefully not quite as close up as <i>this </i>person saw <i>this </i>crocodile. In any case, I'll have a full report with original pictures to show you when we return. Imagine it, though . . . Botswana!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-73503884630792306472013-03-12T14:45:00.003-04:002013-03-12T14:45:58.792-04:00I Used to Be Afraid of Africa!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KycyCJWbT4A/URX-RjJWGmI/AAAAAAAAC3c/_1TXFL_2qrQ/s1600/croc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KycyCJWbT4A/URX-RjJWGmI/AAAAAAAAC3c/_1TXFL_2qrQ/s640/croc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>In two months, my whole family will be together again - in Africa. This trip will be the highlight of my whole life, and yet not too long ago I would have been appalled at the very idea of going anywhere near the place. It is certainly true that there are things to fear in Zambia. There are rivers teeming with giant Crocodiles, for instance. But crocodiles are not the creatures that keep me awake at night.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ep8PkG28Il8/URc4PrR4phI/AAAAAAAAC40/LU2Qw7--bTg/s1600/hippo_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ep8PkG28Il8/URc4PrR4phI/AAAAAAAAC40/LU2Qw7--bTg/s640/hippo_0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Of course, Hippos are even more dangerous than crocs. If our boat were to get rammed and overturned by one of these guys (assuming the crocodiles didn't snatch us up first), a hippo could bite us in half within seconds. We'd be goners. But again, the guides and pilots are extremely skilled, and they know how to avoid such situations. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4SednqCD48Q/URc6pl2DApI/AAAAAAAAC5g/Pn7e44i9vQU/s1600/Natural-affinity...-Kevin-Richardson-says-he-relies-5547887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4SednqCD48Q/URc6pl2DApI/AAAAAAAAC5g/Pn7e44i9vQU/s640/Natural-affinity...-Kevin-Richardson-says-he-relies-5547887.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Man eating lions are uncommon - but once in a great while shit happens. It isn't lions that I fear, however. In fact, we will be walking with lions in Livingstone!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1SqzbeHtR600OL9tKW1VbkAkK5BmoMyKVtrFcCLjALmVXh-LuTApw2aEpuurFm_2oZxDPgCR0XJu0Ck-UDF0mjupJzJgeMsYw5Se0VLK76VbrcbZXDFlDvgFROdDNWVk5dZ0fD9UE5s/s1600/black-mamba-snake_5880_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1SqzbeHtR600OL9tKW1VbkAkK5BmoMyKVtrFcCLjALmVXh-LuTApw2aEpuurFm_2oZxDPgCR0XJu0Ck-UDF0mjupJzJgeMsYw5Se0VLK76VbrcbZXDFlDvgFROdDNWVk5dZ0fD9UE5s/s640/black-mamba-snake_5880_600x450.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I used to be afraid of Africa because I used to be utterly terrified of snakes, spiders. and scorpions - especially gigantic and deadly snakes spiders, and scorpions such as those found in Zambia and Botswana. The venomous Black Mamba pictured above is one of the most dangerous creatures on earth. You probably noticed that the snake isn't black at all, but that's because it's named after the jet black interior of it's mouth. If you actually get a glimpse of that black mouth, you are already in deep trouble!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-tUFWg4ICE/URc6-5ZnvPI/AAAAAAAAC5o/LQfAgC1DULE/s1600/2010-10-17-Honeymoon-1883_900px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-tUFWg4ICE/URc6-5ZnvPI/AAAAAAAAC5o/LQfAgC1DULE/s640/2010-10-17-Honeymoon-1883_900px.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The fat and massively huge Puff Adder is ubiquitous in Zambia and in Botswana, too. There was a 9-foot specimen sitting under a tourist's lounge chair in the very lodge we'll be staying at just one year ago - with the tourist sitting contentedly in the chair sipping cocktails without a care in the world. Had he known his butt was inches away from one of the deadliest snakes in Africa, maybe he would have decided against having that cocktail!. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hokpRoqRdE/UT9nVd5ERMI/AAAAAAAAC-A/qunqgrtR0ho/s1600/Kasanka+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hokpRoqRdE/UT9nVd5ERMI/AAAAAAAAC-A/qunqgrtR0ho/s640/Kasanka+041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The lure of Africa is haunting me, and the magic that is Africa is much more powerful than any phobia I may have. If nothing else, I have learned that we can fight against our fears and we can win the fight. Even if the fear lingers, you win by refusing to let it control you. <br />
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Think about that for a moment. So much of our lives are motivated by fears. Most of us are afraid of what other people think about us, for example, so we pretend to be just like everyone else. In other words, we are afraid of being different, so we are afraid of anyone that is different. We are afraid of being poor, so we are afraid of poor people. It's crazy. Fear makes us hate, too. I don't hate snakes because I think they are ugly; I hate them because I'm afraid of them.<br />
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What are you afraid of? <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-24777037229807532722013-03-07T15:56:00.001-05:002013-03-07T15:56:17.469-05:00The Nature of Framingham . . . in Africa?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81USP0jSDuI/UTj5jjzFRrI/AAAAAAAAC9g/Z1_ACDLH3ik/s1600/africa+closeupmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81USP0jSDuI/UTj5jjzFRrI/AAAAAAAAC9g/Z1_ACDLH3ik/s640/africa+closeupmap.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Zambia. Sometimes known as The Heart of Africa, or The Real Africa. Both are true. This landlocked nation is indeed in the heart of Africa - some will go so far as to say it is shaped like a heart, in fact! My son, Pete, has been living in Zambia for over a year. He is a Peace Corps volunteer - and he LOVES Zambia! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NP-DQSrdNDI/UTjs4Inn8vI/AAAAAAAAC8s/tM331IN0MPk/s1600/pete+training+chipembi+173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NP-DQSrdNDI/UTjs4Inn8vI/AAAAAAAAC8s/tM331IN0MPk/s640/pete+training+chipembi+173.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
These are some of the kids that Pete has come to know and love in Zambia. What I would never have predicted a year ago was that we would be seeing Zambia for ourselves very soon. But it's true: WE ARE GOING TO AFRICA!!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dZyIQ9XXHxE/UTjwG6HAQhI/AAAAAAAAC9A/O9pDdzsHCYg/s1600/PC+training+banjomemom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dZyIQ9XXHxE/UTjwG6HAQhI/AAAAAAAAC9A/O9pDdzsHCYg/s640/PC+training+banjomemom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I'll skip over the real and imagined fears that I had to overcome before I would consider visiting Africa. Pete's joyous raves about everything Zambian went a long way towards calming some of my fears. His obvious love for the people and the country made it hard to resist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6vsStxlC2fpcRdyZ1hC7ZiAHkhXv6XxlI4JylxMoMpDxGkBjUQwPDFcTczZOZFlE31KJ6bhoUWjoOSByY_0upJTCRRzAA-wy5SDwwGpKrMygWCjiRQcCu7VO4bBPra9hbxkCbY9VrFM/s1600/africa-political-map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6vsStxlC2fpcRdyZ1hC7ZiAHkhXv6XxlI4JylxMoMpDxGkBjUQwPDFcTczZOZFlE31KJ6bhoUWjoOSByY_0upJTCRRzAA-wy5SDwwGpKrMygWCjiRQcCu7VO4bBPra9hbxkCbY9VrFM/s640/africa-political-map.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Over time I realized that Africa was calling me, too. Africa is the birthplace of all humanity, and I find myself longing to go back home. For many people, such a sentiment will sound insane coming from the child of Irish immigrants long settled in the USA. But being adopted has always denied me a place in this world. I have always wanted roots; ancestors; a family of my own. And if you go back far enough in time, everyone's ancestors can be found in Africa - including mine!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwscZmZ_pFo/UTjs4GV7ArI/AAAAAAAAC8k/Yf_jNrvvPMQ/s1600/ZA_001_large.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwscZmZ_pFo/UTjs4GV7ArI/AAAAAAAAC8k/Yf_jNrvvPMQ/s640/ZA_001_large.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
And oh - the wonders we'll see in Zambia! Victoria Falls; one of the Seven Wonders of the World!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3MShiOW0zMM/UTj8rL_QQzI/AAAAAAAAC9w/8bxdhuX7Dzg/s1600/zambezisun+falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3MShiOW0zMM/UTj8rL_QQzI/AAAAAAAAC9w/8bxdhuX7Dzg/s640/zambezisun+falls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We'll be staying right next to the falls for a few days! I've circled the Zambezi Sun Hotel, and we will be right there!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zg33o_feWY/UTjs4OaWm1I/AAAAAAAAC8w/swlfTufeqPQ/s1600/Fish%252520Eagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zg33o_feWY/UTjs4OaWm1I/AAAAAAAAC8w/swlfTufeqPQ/s640/Fish%252520Eagle.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
I haven't forgotten my passion for birding, of course! I hope to see an African Fish Eagle while I'm there. Look familiar?<br />
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I hope t post a lot more about our trip plans and about the magic of Zambia, Africa. It may seem far from Framingham, but The Nature of Framingham is everywhere!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-68271308970119159622013-02-11T09:36:00.001-05:002013-02-11T09:36:34.485-05:00After the Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The regulars are swarming the feeders!<br />
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The not-so-regulars are making an appearance as well. When did the starlings come back? There were at least a dozen fighting over food yesterday.<br />
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I am fond of Starlings, as blasphemous as that seems to real birders. No one can deny that they are fun to watch, anyway!<br />
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Some White-throated Sparrows made an appearance, but I didn't get a decent photo. I REALLY need to wash the windows around here!<br />
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This one's a cutie.<br />
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This guy and his cohorts are the bane of my back yard. It's probably against the law to kill them, but if anyone is skilled with a slingshot, come on by!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-77326979760256096692013-01-22T14:45:00.001-05:002013-01-22T14:45:37.948-05:00Carolina Wren, House Finch, and Bluebirds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Like most people I know, I am inordinately fond of Carolina Wrens. This pert little wren is one of my favorite backyard birds - especially when he and his mate choose to nest and raise a brood or two right next to my bedroom window.<br />
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A House Finch is not an unexpected sight, but what I like about this photo is seeing a House Finch sitting next to an Eastern Bluebird. I tend to group them together in the 'small bird' category, but in truth the bluebird is much larger.<br />
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I'm still enchanted by the sight of bluebirds at the feeder right outside my window. They may or may not herald an early spring, but I feel happy just seeing them!<br />
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I'm also very impressed by my husband's photography skills. I will always love seeing a photo of a bird frozen in flight, and he must of taken five or six of such pictures in about five minutes! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-53561142383156996082013-01-20T14:25:00.000-05:002013-01-20T14:25:32.359-05:00A Bevy of Bluebirds!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have never seen an Eastern Bluebird in my yard before. I have never seen an Eastern Bluebird at a suet feeder. I have never seen an Eastern Bluebird in January. Yesterday I saw <i>seven </i>Eastern Bluebirds in my yard. On the suet feeder. In the middle of January. Nice!<br />
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I can't help thinking that Spring must be right around the corner! I could be very wrong about that, however.<br />
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It turns out that there are quite a few Eastern Bluebirds around. According to e-bird, there have been plenty of sightings around here lately. Someone else on my street reported seeing four of them just last week! <br />
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My friend Carolyn saw some bluebirds in the pines near her house recently. This one was perched in our ever popular Eastern Red Cedar trees.<br />
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My husband managed to get some good photos of the little flock. I especially love the torpedo in flight one on the right!<br />
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Another one posing in mid-flight!<br />
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In any case, I am really glad I looked out the window at that exact moment. I am thrilled to have seen Eastern Bluebirds at a feeder in my back yard in the middle of January!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-41537840158381098062012-11-12T23:19:00.000-05:002012-11-18T02:16:09.863-05:00Osprey in Sherborn, MA!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I almost fainted when I saw this Osprey fly over our heads yesterday. We were at a pond in Sherborn, Massachusetts in the middle of November. There shouldn't be any Osprey here! Thank goodness my good friend Pam was there with her camera ready! Pam - <i><b>who has never before photographed a bird in flight</b></i> - was able to get some outstanding photos to prove we saw what we saw!<br />
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I was jumping up and down with excitement, but neither Pam nor Carolyn are birders. They never heard of an Osprey, so it wasn't that much of a thrill for them to see one fly over a pond in Sherborn in November. As for me, I still can't believe that I saw him - and I still can't believe that these gorgeous shots were taken by someone who has never photographed a bird before. <br />
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From very far away I thought it was a GBH; as he came closer I decided it <i>had </i>to be a Great Black Backed Gull because it couldn't be anything else . . . I didn't recognize my summertime Cape Cod friend until he was practically overhead!<br />
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If Pam hadn't taken these amazing shots, I probably wouldn't have felt confident enough to report this sighting on eBird. I get very intimidated by the warning messages and the comments required when reporting a rare bird. With such indisputable proof in hand, however, it felt great to confirm and submit seeing an Osprey in Sherborn in November. Rare Bird Alert - with pictures posted on The Nature of Framingham blog!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-7914631080559847002012-11-10T01:59:00.000-05:002012-11-10T01:59:11.171-05:00Birding with Socrates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Birding at Callahan State Park in Framingham is always fun. Birding at Callahan State Park with Socrates is a skill I've yet to master, however. That's why I'm so proud of catching a few photos of a Great Blue Heron today.<br />
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Of course, Socrates is far and away the best dog in the universe. (He's also so adorable that he attracts attention everywhere we go). There is nothing he loves more than running through field and forest at top speed, chasing after rodents and looking for canine playmates around every corner. Today he had a terrific time! <br />
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Socrates made a new friend and truly had fun racing around with the pup. <br />
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He bounded in and out of the pond and did his best to get filthy dirty. He did a good job of it, too!<br />
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In between breaking up some overly energetic entanglements with other dogs and screeching at Socrates not to jump on infants and toddlers, I managed to catch a glimpse of a Great Blue Heron hiding in the reeds. Even this photo is quite an accomplishment considering the small lens I was carrying and the chaos all around me!<br />
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When Socrates came too close, the Great Blue Heron took off across the pond. He was gorgeous!<br />
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Even his reflection was lovely in the afternoon sun. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0YiKwE07eU/UJ3yYllOoiI/AAAAAAAACxE/jcKx94IiD4g/s1600/callahan+gbh+IV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0YiKwE07eU/UJ3yYllOoiI/AAAAAAAACxE/jcKx94IiD4g/s640/callahan+gbh+IV.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The little dog pond that is usually such a madhouse suddenly became a vision of loveliness.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVxlBZH9LR8/UJ3ye0k_kdI/AAAAAAAACxs/gFcESkEZhb4/s1600/callahan+socrates+VII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVxlBZH9LR8/UJ3ye0k_kdI/AAAAAAAACxs/gFcESkEZhb4/s640/callahan+socrates+VII.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Despite the mud and the mishaps, Socrates and I had a wonderful day!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-40384228769734968002012-10-03T00:24:00.005-04:002012-10-03T00:24:47.619-04:00Great Blue Goes Fishing in a Boat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUeQwqSbaaE/UGuOnOtjEZI/AAAAAAAACug/HexxXpfY7yw/s1600/gbh+red+boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUeQwqSbaaE/UGuOnOtjEZI/AAAAAAAACug/HexxXpfY7yw/s640/gbh+red+boat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My husband Tom captured this entrancing series of Great Blue Heron photos from the backyard of our cottage in Pocasset, MA. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jqq5fr090fs/UGuPa0V5kTI/AAAAAAAACuw/sxe-w2zElbc/s1600/gbh+red+boat+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jqq5fr090fs/UGuPa0V5kTI/AAAAAAAACuw/sxe-w2zElbc/s640/gbh+red+boat+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The big fellow climbs right onto the edge of the boat.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ka84PUMr5NE/UGuQVVyaYII/AAAAAAAACu4/N4Iwr8IsFNM/s1600/gbh+red+boat+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ka84PUMr5NE/UGuQVVyaYII/AAAAAAAACu4/N4Iwr8IsFNM/s640/gbh+red+boat+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Evidently, there is something edible inside the little red boat!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jThW0f9VWo0/UGuSY4CbKnI/AAAAAAAACvA/iEW5IeRd5Y8/s1600/gbh+red+boat+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jThW0f9VWo0/UGuSY4CbKnI/AAAAAAAACvA/iEW5IeRd5Y8/s320/gbh+red+boat+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Did he get anything? I really can't tell!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KfwEi15j-QU/UGu5XNxEgOI/AAAAAAAACwA/jBqe7eJY9JI/s1600/gbh+red+boat+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KfwEi15j-QU/UGu5XNxEgOI/AAAAAAAACwA/jBqe7eJY9JI/s320/gbh+red+boat+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In any case, he decides to give up on this particular fishing trip.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NeXmx0G0qA/UGu6TU9VGhI/AAAAAAAACwM/WaQODk6T6Rc/s1600/gbh+tahanto+flying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NeXmx0G0qA/UGu6TU9VGhI/AAAAAAAACwM/WaQODk6T6Rc/s640/gbh+tahanto+flying.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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He is a spectacular beast, isn't he? He'd look a great deal more spectacular if the camera settings hadn't been mysteriously reset. I can't imagine how it could have happened, but nearly every custom setting - including the picture size - had been altered. All the photos that my husband captured on vacation were taken in the default <i>JPEG normal</i> size; which I NEVER use on any camera. All the more credit to the photographer for getting such marvelous images with a less than optimum setup, right?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-79707396549595772282012-07-25T22:12:00.001-04:002012-07-25T22:13:29.191-04:00A Living Symphony of Grace and Joy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XSne3lbQwzI/UBCKa5Lr_7I/AAAAAAAACuA/-ihJc9WKSnA/s1600/white+tern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XSne3lbQwzI/UBCKa5Lr_7I/AAAAAAAACuA/-ihJc9WKSnA/s640/white+tern.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Is there anything as beautiful as a tern? <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9N8BVohDh0s/UBCKaGyK9yI/AAAAAAAACt0/TZyxa5OyKAw/s1600/tern+takeoff+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9N8BVohDh0s/UBCKaGyK9yI/AAAAAAAACt0/TZyxa5OyKAw/s640/tern+takeoff+2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Their every move is grace personified. Just watching them will soothe your soul.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gO0S1bNChtI/UBCKYhshCkI/AAAAAAAACtw/BF2GRuRnxoI/s1600/tern+landing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gO0S1bNChtI/UBCKYhshCkI/AAAAAAAACtw/BF2GRuRnxoI/s640/tern+landing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A flock of terns is like a symphony of pure joy. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6B_T6BcJnUU/UBCKaWTtQ9I/AAAAAAAACt4/suLPLQMhvyc/s1600/terns_fishing+birdathon+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6B_T6BcJnUU/UBCKaWTtQ9I/AAAAAAAACt4/suLPLQMhvyc/s640/terns_fishing+birdathon+2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Even in conflict they appear harmonious.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yv-7iYNRfc4/UBCKXo_pj-I/AAAAAAAACto/MFngrmpNGoY/s1600/Common_Tern+Landing+birdathon+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yv-7iYNRfc4/UBCKXo_pj-I/AAAAAAAACto/MFngrmpNGoY/s640/Common_Tern+Landing+birdathon+2012.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Terns are poetry in motion. </blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white;">"<i>With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world</i>" </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>Desiderata</u>, by Max Ehrmann</span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-4143816144088135762012-07-23T23:41:00.000-04:002012-08-17T05:14:29.834-04:00Plenty of Piping Plovers!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/natureframingham/7516293812/" title="piping_plover four birdathon 2012 by NatureFramingham, on Flickr"><img alt="piping_plover four birdathon 2012" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7516293812_b31bfb0df2_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I'm still inconsolably bummed by the loss of a camera and lens that I can't afford to replace, but there's no reason not to share a few Bird-a-thon photos! I have tons of Piping Plover pictures, </span><span style="background-color: white;">for instance. </span><span style="background-color: white;">This one is an unusual view of a Piping Plover, </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/natureframingham/7516294346/" title="piping plover plymouthbeach three 2012 by NatureFramingham, on Flickr"><img alt="piping plover plymouthbeach three 2012" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8292/7516294346_d5672eff76_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Piping Plover Looking Up<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/natureframingham/7516293928/" title="piping_plover two birdathon 2012 by NatureFramingham, on Flickr"><img alt="piping_plover two birdathon 2012" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8163/7516293928_71a4d4f119_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Piping Plover Fishing<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmj9z3QxrnY/UA4V6vRFQ-I/AAAAAAAACtU/EBjbh_siXPo/s1600/t_DSC1600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmj9z3QxrnY/UA4V6vRFQ-I/AAAAAAAACtU/EBjbh_siXPo/s640/t_DSC1600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Piping Plover in a Tire Track</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPvRjlloGnA/UA4Wc_semII/AAAAAAAACtc/nARKuPng5d0/s1600/piping+plover+wheel+track.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPvRjlloGnA/UA4Wc_semII/AAAAAAAACtc/nARKuPng5d0/s640/piping+plover+wheel+track.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Piping Plover Escaping the Tire Track<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202652885920977983.post-42158159458377367622012-07-15T21:31:00.001-04:002012-07-15T21:31:24.868-04:00Socrates Joins the Family!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRgiQfg1Z88/UAJKcy-DNNI/AAAAAAAACsw/5rU0xZsp_wQ/s1600/socrates+home+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRgiQfg1Z88/UAJKcy-DNNI/AAAAAAAACsw/5rU0xZsp_wQ/s640/socrates+home+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I may have lost a two thousand dollars worth of photography equipment, but it is hard to complain when I am lucky enough to have adopted a new best friend named Socrates. He is without a doubt the best, smartest, and most adorable dog on the planet!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xePnbq1s9DA/UAJKbd8NxtI/AAAAAAAACsg/O0klHf_FlQU/s1600/Socrates+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xePnbq1s9DA/UAJKbd8NxtI/AAAAAAAACsg/O0klHf_FlQU/s640/Socrates+home.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Socrates was a 'Rescue Dog" from Louisiana. I was not aware until I started looking for a rescue dog that the vast majority of dogs in shelters facing imminent euthanasia are from our Southern states. Evidently, they don't do a lot of spaying and neutering in many states down south, so there's a vast overpopulation of dogs and cats. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-PAm3YuPSI/UAJKd2aBCLI/AAAAAAAACs4/IrbTkxH3mfE/s1600/socrates+home+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-PAm3YuPSI/UAJKd2aBCLI/AAAAAAAACs4/IrbTkxH3mfE/s640/socrates+home+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I could not figure out why such a bright, fun, loving, adorable little dog ended up in a shelter. But it was no longer much of a mystery after he bit right through four leashes in less than four days. He doesn't like to be on a leash AT ALL. He also bit through the collar you see in these photos. Luckily, I was just a few feet away every time.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DlaYNejimVg/UAJKcGMQaAI/AAAAAAAACso/Gi55G0JZzI8/s1600/socrates+home+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DlaYNejimVg/UAJKcGMQaAI/AAAAAAAACso/Gi55G0JZzI8/s640/socrates+home+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The leash above is sliced neatly in two also, come to think of it. But he is just as bright when it comes to learning what he's supposed to do, and he is the best canine companion I could ask for! How about this: Socrates sits and watches birds with me without barking or chasing them, but he's a dynamo when it comes to chasing gray squirrels, red squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits. They are OUTTA HERE! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G9_5ABKXUQI/UANe7lCdB1I/AAAAAAAACtE/cNcpbvfCOeg/s1600/platp+day+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G9_5ABKXUQI/UANe7lCdB1I/AAAAAAAACtE/cNcpbvfCOeg/s640/platp+day+one.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
Here we are on the day we finally saw each other for the first time! I was already in love, and I tracked him on Facebook as he journeyed 2,000 miles to find his 'forever home.' Thanks to April Reeves at <a href="http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/mutts4rescue.html" target="_blank">Mutts4rescue</a>, and thanks to Greg and the crew of <a href="http://www.rescueroadtrips.com/Rescue_Road_Trips.html" target="_blank">Rescue Road Trips</a> (who have transported over thirty thousand dogs to new homes in the northeast!!!), and thanks to all the volunteers that come out in droves to care for the dogs at every stop along the way - we have a new family member. I'm ever so pleased to introduce (drum roll, please!) . . . Socrates!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795685792790247081noreply@blogger.com7