We Are Family

As noted previously, Lael and I have been spending extra time together because her regular babysitter was in Hawaii for two weeks. Friday was our last day together, and the weather proved accommodating — for a change.

Going to the zoo is not just about animals here in Tacoma, though. We spent as much time a the playground as we did seeing animals. Lael also seemed rather drawn to this statue, even arguing with another little girl who said it was HER family.

Statue of Family Circle

I’ve never been fond of zoos, but I’ve found myself softening a little because the grandkids do seem to like them, at least until they turn seven and are much too old and sophisticated for such childish adventures.

Though the aquarium is probably Pt Defiance Zoo’s strong point, Lael and I both have to see the tiger every time we are here, and I like the fact that the tiger actually has room to roam and climb and generally act. and look, tiger-like.

Crouching Tiger

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the zoo has paid attention to creating a special setting for the Asian animals, including beautiful Asiatic Lilies that seem a little confused about what season it is.

Asiatic Lily

Not all of our days were this fun-filled, but Lael and I had a great time in our five days together, even when we trapped inside all day by the rain. One on one time with grandkids seems especially precious.

An Even Sunnier Day!

It was nearly 80 degrees here today, and with rain forecast for the rest of the week I was determined to get out to Nisqually today, despite the fact I began the day with an hour of Pilates, an hour of Tai Chi, and a thirty minute Skye walk.

Nor was I going to let the constant THUUMMP of heavy mortar rounds or artillery shells echoing in the distance, followed by the staccato sound of machine guns ruin my day, though it was certainly a distraction. With the onset of hunting season, I’m sure that the constant fire must have contributed somewhat to fact that I saw fewer ducks than usual.

Nothing, simply nothing was going to keep me from bathing in the glory of golden sunlight illuminating fall leaves and those who beheld them.

Fall Leaves

And elegant Northern Pintails joined the long list of ducks who seem to have returned to their winter quarters:

male Northern Pintail duck

I only saw one Great Blue Heron, but even he put on a display as he flew off a short distance:

Great Blue Heron Spreads its Wings

And if I ever get so jaded that I can’t appreciate the beautiful green head of a male Mallard duck, you have my permission to put me out of my misery:

pair of Mallard Ducks

A Sunny Day Walk

Today was a beautiful, sunny day, something we’ve been sadly lacking lately in the PNW, so even though I was baby sitting Lael I was determined to combine some outdoor exercise with some photography. Luckily, I’ve been wanting to take Lael to the playground in Steilacoom, and after that we took a leisurely stroll around the lake. Though birding with a three-year-old in tow is quite different from the leisurely birding I usually practice, I was more than happy to be out in the sunshine and spotting at least one duck I’ve never managed to get pictures of before.

I knew as soon as I spotted this pair swimming toward the shore that I hadn’t seen them before. If I hadn’t been with Lael, I would probably have turned around and spent a half hour or so taking pictures of them, but they were certainly identifiable with this shot, which looks even better when blown up full size on my 30” computer display. Turns out they are Greater Scaups.

Female Greater Scaup

I also spotted a male Northern Shoveler, a sure sign that the wintering birds are slowly returning.

male Northern Shoveler

I showed pictures of Gadwals when I visited the lake last time, but I was still charmed by their synchronized swimming.

Gadwall Pair diving

When I pointed my lens at this grebe I just wanted to identify what it was but ended up snapping the shot because of the patterns in the water created by the shadows of the trees that surround the lake.

Shadows on Water