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Feathers – CFFC – JusJoJan

Dan Antion
1 minute
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Cee gives us an interesting topic for her Fun Foto Challenge. Friends of this blog will recall the reason I had to choose some favorites from the past that might make us sad. Cee gives us:

“This week our topic is Feathers. They can be attached to a bird or not. Mostly just have fun.“

I tried to highlight birds (and one sorely missed bird dog) with their feathers on display.

We’re halfway through Linda G. Hill’s JusJoJan prompt, and that brings us to ‘Optimism’ which was given to us by June who can be found at her blog.

Optimism is undeniable in my book. I can’t look at life any other way. I’ve been up against some tough times, but I’ve always made it through. So, I guess being optimistic hasn’t hurt.

Thanks to Wendy, I now know that this is an Eastern Kingbird
“Come on, Those little birds already left for the field. They’re up first.”
Red Winged Blackbird
Many of these birds are in the Wetlands exhibit. We walked around, but it’s clearly their space.
Shaggy bird.
This might be a gray (Canada) jay or a gray catbird.
There were lots of birds flying. I got a picture os an eagle, but he was heading away. I’m not sure what this is, but it’s the best shot I got.
That’s a big bird.
Not the prettiest bird, but I was happy to see them.
I don’t know if this is a pigeon or a gull or, as I’m likely to say, a birdy-bird.
Morning Dove? Maybe. Pretty bird? Oh yeah
In flight.
I was trying to get a picture of the birds picking away at the remnants in the tobacco field when I startled them into flight.
I love the way her feathers glow in the morning sun.
Maddie is in a holding pattern until a lady walks by. If I let her get any closer, she will start barking.
It’s hard to see, but Jinx is behind that gull.
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50 responses to “Feathers – CFFC – JusJoJan”

  1. Carol Westover Avatar
    Carol Westover

    I love to watch birds — Did you know that Ravens mate while in flight?? And they chase Red Tailed Hawks away from their nests… Hawks fly and are exquisite to watch as their wings simply float through the air. Just awesome when the sun hits their undercarriage and you see the red of their tails. Just beautiful… Thanks for this…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I didn’t know that about ravens. Interesting skill to have. We do see hawks soaring above us here, they are beautiful, but we know they’re here for the critters we feed, so we hope they keep flying.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. robertawrites235681907 Avatar
    robertawrites235681907

    Hi Dan, these are great pictures for the theme of feathers.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Robbie. I tried to pick ones I hadn’t used for birds.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. GP Avatar
    GP

    You did the feather challenge up fantastic, Dan. And always great to see Maddie and the flag!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks GP. It’s still hard for me to add Maddie, but I used to love seeing her feathers in the sun.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Oddment Avatar
    Oddment

    Much as I like the birds, I have to say that Maddie’s feathers in the sun are the most impressive! Some years ago, after a particularly long and hot day working in the garden, I noted two turkey vultures on my neighbor’s roof, eyeing me. I suspected I looked a lot like roadkill, but I read later that they are very curious about humans. (Who isn’t?) I bet this very unpretty bird in your photo was wondering about you and your camera.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Her feathers were beautiful. That Turkey Vulture had flown low across the parking lot on his way up to that perch. He had scared me half to death, but I did my best no to look like he had succeeded. We moved along quickly. I guess we are curious. Maybe they want to know how we manage to fly.

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      1. Oddment Avatar
        Oddment

        I wonder if they think we are not pretty, and perhaps feel sorry for us. I certainly would not want one of those flying low over me!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  5. Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread Avatar
    Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread

    You’ve got a virtual aviary there, Dan. I always enjoy seeing photos of Maddie.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Some are from the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, Judy. Most are from around here. I always loved seeing Maddie’s feathers in the sun.

      Liked by 1 person

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  6. Rivergirl Avatar
    Rivergirl

    That’s not a gull and that’s not a dove… but no matter. They’re all definitely feathered. We have catbirds here now and then and man are they noisy!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      If I manage to get my posts created early enough, I can ask my wife to identify the birds. Otherwise, I just put them out there and let the readers respond. Catbirds are noisy!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Murphy’s Law Avatar
    Murphy’s Law

    What a beautiful array of feathered delight! The birds in the Wetlands Exhibit are so pretty with their vibrant colors. I love the flock of birds checking for anything edible at the tobacco farm!

    Maddie and her golden feathers wins hands (paws?) down. Brought a smile to my lips and tears in my eyes but worth it just to see her. She captured a lot of hearts, including mine.

    Ginger

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’m glad you liked these, Ginger. I tried finding feathery photos. I knew I had to include our big red feathered friend. I can put her pictures back out here, but I still miss her. I’ll never understand how the most difficult dog we every had worked her way so deep into our hearts.

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  8. circadianreflections Avatar
    circadianreflections

    You selected a lot of lovely birds for the challenge. Maddie’s fringe looked lovely backlit.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Deborah. I’m glad you enjoyed these.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. Gwen M. Plano Avatar
    Gwen M. Plano

    Wonderful selection of photos, Dan. Our feathered friends always delight. And I loved seeing Maddie today. Her fur almost looks like feathers. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Gwen. We did our best to keep Maddie’s hair under control. They do refer to the long strands as feathers, so I had to include them.

      Like

      Reply
  10. John W. Howell Avatar
    John W. Howell

    I enjoyed your photos and give you kudos for nailing the prompt. Loved seeing Maddie too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks John. I couldn’t leave the Red Head’s feather out of the group.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. John W. Howell Avatar
        John W. Howell

        I’m glad you couldn’t

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  11. Mae Clair Avatar
    Mae Clair

    A wonderful collection of photos, Dan. I loved the one of Maddie backlit by the sun.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Mae. She liked showing off her feathers.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. lois Avatar
    lois

    The birds in the tobacco field is a great photo, Dan. I love when you can feel the movement in a picture. Maggie’s feathers are the best, though. You knew that.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I did, Lois. I’m glad you had that same sense of motion I did with that photo.

      Liked by 1 person

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  13. rugby843 Avatar
    rugby843

    Fave of course, Maddie. So pretty

    Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Cheryl. I knew that was going to be the fav today.

      Like

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  14. Cee Neuner Avatar
    Cee Neuner

    I love the lighting on Maddie’s feathers. Your post and photo gallery are so wonderful this week. Thanks Dan :D

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Cee. When I saw the prompt, I knew I would have to put her in the mix. I used to love seeing her feathers blowing in the wind with the sun behind them.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Cee Neuner Avatar
        Cee Neuner

        I can totally understand why :D :D

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  15. dweezer19 Avatar
    dweezer19

    ((((Maddie)))) ❤️❤️ Lovely bird photos Dan. Gonna be difficult for me tole this prompt slide by….

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I knew this one would be hard for you to pass. That single feather I included was taken for you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. G. J. Jolly Avatar
    G. J. Jolly

    That black bird you weren’t too sure about looks like a pigeon to me, although I’ve never seen a black one before.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I think you’re right. Someone suggested it’s a Rock Pigeon.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  17. Jan Sikes Avatar
    Jan Sikes

    What a fantastic collection of bird photos, Dan! The blue parrot is stunning!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Jan. IT was fun trying to find good feathers.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. Pepper Avatar
    Pepper

    Wonderful variety of feathers. 😊

    Like

    Reply
  19. sustainabilitea Avatar
    sustainabilitea

    Blackbirds are so loud! I used to see and hear lots of them in the park in Illinois. The parrot’s nice and bright. A Maddie sighting and reminder is always appreciated. 🥰

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Janet. I’m often amazed by how loud some birds are.

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  20. hilarymb Avatar
    hilarymb

    Hi Dan – lots of flying feathers … but love the red-headed’s ones … gorgeous colours – we’re into robins, blackbirds with their orange beaks … and of course seagulls! Cheers Hilary

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’m glad you like these, Hilary.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. quiall Avatar
    quiall

    Sorry I’m so late to the party, life has been interfering. I love the pictures of our favourite girl, Maddie.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      You’re never late, Pam. I hope everything is ok.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  22. Kirt D Tisdale Avatar
    Kirt D Tisdale

    Great captures Dan! Thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Kirt

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  23. Rebecca Budd Avatar
    Rebecca Budd

    I agree, Dan!! Optimism is the best defense against the challenges that come to us, both expected and unexpected. Your reminded me of Emily Dickinson’s poem, Hope:

    “Hope” is the thing with feathers –
    That perches in the soul –
    And sings the tune without the words –
    And never stops – at all –

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  24. marianallen Avatar
    marianallen

    Aww, beautiful Maddie! Always wonderful to see her. <3

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Sniff – yes it is.

      Like

      Reply
  25. jessicasblog45 Avatar
    jessicasblog45

    Beautiful birds.

    Like

    Reply

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