nature photography
A very busy day trip
The weather was nearly perfect, not too hot, partly cloudy and a nice breeze. We decide that Sunday would be a great time to get out and have a day trip. Our son put together a tentative itinerary, and we hit the road late morning. It was sure nice having our son driving.
Soybean fields, forests and a covered bridge
We had quite a day, long in time but most enjoyable. We saw several historic bridges, which you know we enjoy visiting. A country church was a nice stop. We also visited some of the shops in Nashville, Indiana, a huge tourist mecca in south central Indiana. (Yep, two fudge shoppes!)
More deer images coming
We also had a couple of wineries planned. In addition, we found a distillery we were not aware of. Turns out is is well known, and had a marvelous tasting event and enjoyable grounds. In addition we were blessed with the sightings of quite a lot of wildlife and frankly a few surprises as well. Stay tuned, we have several posts on the way!
Heat lightning storm last night
In the Midwest it is called “heat lightning” when the storm is so far away that you can’t see the actual lightning bolts and can’t hear any thunder. It does make for a good light show! The iPhone did a decent job catching some of the lightning bursts.
Between the light bursts there was total darkness last night.
The heat lightning was fairly steady for a few minutes, then it slowed down a lot. This storm system was too far away from us to provide much rain. We got maybe two tenths at most overnight. Hopefully the forecast for more rain this week will be correct for once.
Some different and pretty stuff on a day trip
Here’s somewhat of a potpourri of images we captured and then liked.
Overgrown barn and silo
Ears developing
In full tassel
Slow flowing Laughery Creek gives a mirror surface
Delicate tiny wild flowers
Oops! Lost an antennae somewhere
Just simply pretty flowers
Day trips or multi day adventures provide so many opportunities to see and experience new things. I guess that’s why everybody has cameras these days…
A variety of scenes we saw today
Today we decided to brave the heat and head out for an adventure, mainly to seek out some more covered bridges. We came across some different sights during the day!
The “Tipsy Trolley” was in a barn yard. Perhaps a mobile beer party bus?
This old store front likes B&W treatment
You can’t get away from politics…
Someone likes old ad signs. So does the barn.
Sun and shadows on a narrow country road
Water reflections, clouds and trees
One thing for sure, you never know what you’ll see in the Indiana countryside.
Mill Race Park in Columbus Indiana
Mill Race Park is situated where the Flat Rock and the Driftwood rivers join together on the west side of Columbus. The 35 acre park is an extremely popular place to walk, picnic, attend concerts, climb the tall observation tower or just simply enjoy a bit of Nature.
The bottom of the bridge is in the background
Duck enjoying the reflecting pond
Among the attractions at the park are a large reflecting pond ringed by sidewalks and benches. One side of the pond features the historic covered bridge. Columbus is known for its public art displays, and several are located in the park. One recent addition to the park landscape is a set of tall, wooden poles topped with bat nesting boxes. The poles are set in rock cairns for shelter of amphibians and reptiles.
Each provides shelter for bats, birds, amphibians and reptiles
The lovely pond, suitable for leisurely walks or resting
The brick “monument” with bronze info plaque (yes, that’s us)
The brick “monument” complete with an arch and flanked by a bronze information plaque is a highly visible structure. The plaque describes the mill race that ran through acreage. It also listed the many industries along the old mill race, including mills and brickyards. The Mill Race Park in Columbus is a delightful place. It is worth your visit.
A visit from a Turkey Vulture
Our eagle eyed son shouted “Dad, come here, there’s a big bird on the top of the pole!” He was so right. A Turkey Vulture had in fact landed on the very tall utility pole in the yard next door.
That is a six foot wingspan! This big bird only weighs 3-4 pounds.
The Turkey Vulture eats carrion and plays a large role in cleaning up the ecosystem. It can soar for hours, riding the thermals in the sky. (Here is a video link of ours with soaring vultures) It was raining today, and this vulture was spreading his wings to dry and shaking off moisture as well. Vultures also spread their wings first thing in the mornings to warm up and energize for the day. We seem to have a wonderful perch, and this is the first time we have seen a vulture land here.
An impressive insect
Saw this bug today. The image is the result of grabbing the camera! Quite frightening looking rows of spikes or hooks on the front two pairs of legs on this guy.
His name is Bongo
We saw this large and beautiful blue-and-gold macaw enjoying “riding” around at our recent Highway 40 Yard Sale. Owner told us that the bird’s name is Bongo, and he doesn’t say much. Bongo is twenty years old, and can live to be at least 80. Thus the owner said that he has provisions in his will to take care of Bongo, as the bird will most likely out live him.
Pileated woodpecker taking off
This fine Pileated woodpecker was making quite the racket on top of the very tall utility pole. Caught it just as it took off…
Roadtirement 