Swallow 'skimming' the water

Culture Clash

'Stare-Dare' with Blue Heron, 'The Great'.

On Sundays, on my way to the Vondelpark, I walk past a particular house boat, which seems to have been picked by a Blue Heron as 'his' ideal 'Vista-Base'. As I cross the bridge, I can usually spot him, doing one of his 'living-statue' impressions. A while ago, The Heron and I came to some unspoken agreement....and we both prepare ourselves for what's coming next. I calm myself and whisper the words:...concentrate Son... ...cooooncentrate! On his part there's a definite ruffling of feathers, 'puffing up' and elongating of neck. Our eyes lock and the 'stare-dare-game' has started. Who wil avert his/her eyes first? So far, The Heron's won, every time.
Not, that I'm afraid of him.....but....well...you know...!

Best when enlarged!

Easter?

Funny Sign

Only several seconds after I'd past this sign, something registered. I had to go back and make sure I wasn't just seeing things or making them up (shiver me timbers).

Someone with a really cool sense of houmour, if you ask me.

Wintery traces

Am Very grateful to have a warm, cosy home and can therefore enjoy this cold weather's traces (worth enlarging).

Geese are gone. Only footprints left

Pine cones (photo's of month)

In the hot, blistering sun, pine cones open slowly, giving the seeds a chance to be 'taken' by a soft, warm breeze.
Summertime! I remember it well.

Dragonfly Doom (photo's of the month)

They're back! With a vengeance, I might add.
Apparently, I live in 'Dragonfly Heaven' although it means 'Dragonfly Doom' for any insect that comes anywhere near this place.
At this time of year, they zip around at incredible speed and when all is calm and there's no wind, I can hear them coming by the 'clicking'sound of their wings.
They are fierce and ferocious insects and show no mercy. Heads roll (literally).
I don't know what it is. Maybe I attract insects, or maybe I look like one, but they seem to have it in for me too. The near misses happen just a little too quickly, too often, for it to be 'just coincidence'.
As for the Damselflies. They're smaller and have a sweet name...but they're NOT!
They're all beautiful...but...those eyes!!!
Here are a few pictures (enlarging, a must).

Green Parakeet, Photograph's of the month (May)

Green parakeets with a red band around their necks have decided to settle in our lush, green trees. They're seen almost all over Holland now, but have only recently moved to our area.
This one is extremely well camouflaged ... So,.....spot the parakeet! (clicking on picture (twice!) will make it easier)

SPRINGGGGGG-(onion)/photo.of month

It's Spring, so here are two pictures of spring onions/chives in my garden. The first one is still 'budding' and has a baby stink-bug on it (so cute). Please click on the pictures for detail (they're much better that way).

Polder Picture

This month's picture was taken, in the polder behind the farm where I live. Our farm borders on a huge bird reserve and I took this picture on a walk through the reserve, several weeks ago. It shows the typical FLAT countryside of Holland. All of it below sea-level. At the moment thousands of Canada Geese and hundreds of swans are gathering there. you can hear them honking from a long distance away.
This sculpture was place there last year. (for best result, click on picture)

Photograph of the month/ "V-day"

Because I like taking photographs and have been sharing my pictures with other enthusiasts on a separate blog, I have decided to add this subject to my list (best enjoyed by clicking on picture to enlarge).

Tulip leaves have a mind of their own
Happy V-day