Simply Belle

Last time we traveled to Phoenix, we saw 4 hawks on separate occasions perching on a Saguaro cactus. Such beautiful sights to behold! There must be something that they were hunting for this time of year. But, we didn’t come prepared as we left the camera at home. So on the way over to Phoenix next time to pick up Stephanie’s CDs, we made sure we brought along the camera with us to capture this beautiful elusive creature.

Sure enough, we saw a couple and one of them was located close enough to get decent pictures using the zoom lens. I started taking pictures from the side of the freeway, but it wasn’t good enough for me. I wanted a close up one. I inched my way up the hill so as not to alarm him because hawks are very alert of their surroundings. He remained unperturbed while I was taking pictures. So, I approached further toward him by hiding behind a tree. I knew that when he saw me up close, he would fly away, and that was my purpose so I could take a picture of him in flight but the slope of the bank was too steep for me. I missed the take off, once again! Besides, I wasn’t familiar with my camera enough to get a quick focus. Darn it!

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As I was pulling into the driveway, coming from work, I chanced upon a bird on top of the pine tree. I knew it wasn’t a common bird that I normally see in my yard. It was a bird of prey. My husband has been wanting a photo of a hawk for a long time but we can never get close enough to get a good shot.

I parked the car hurriedly in the garage since these chances don’t last long. I left my belongings in the car, went inside, ignored mango’s squawking for attention, and headed directly to the bedroom where the camera was. I quickly slapped on the 300 zoom lens as it was impossible to get close to the hawk, and I immediately took off–exiting through the garage. Huh! The hawk disappeared! He must have heard/known that I was coming to photo shoot him. I was utterly disappointed!

A few minutes later, my husband and I went for a walk in the Green Valley park. I suggested that we take the camera just in case we see something interesting worth taking on our walk. At first, he was against the idea, but somehow, I managed to convince him. As we were pulling out of the driveway, the hawk returned to his post. It was a good thing my camera was ready and loaded. I went out of the car and gingerly walk closer to the hawk. I wasn’t sure how far he would allow me to approach him. I took several shots as if they were my only chance. I walked closer and closer and closer. And miraculously, he was still allowing me to snap pictures despite of my proximity. I was never that close to a hawk before. I was so keyed up but tried to maintain my composure. My husband was watching inside the car, from afar, and holding his breath. Finally, the hawk has had enough of me and flew away.

Then, we drove to the park to take our afternoon walk. The park is only a mile away from home. I was very much looking forward to seeing the igret that frequents the lake every afternoon. I didn’t mind hauling the heavy camera at all. Lo and behold, I saw a white silhouette from a distance. It was an igret! How lucky could I get? It looked like he sensed I was coming to take photos of him. I was very cautious in approaching–trying to avoid any sudden movements. Fortunately, he allowed me to get close enough to photograph him. I was awed by his beauty and elegance. Indeed, today is my lucky day.

And not far from the igret, posed the blue heron, almost invisible because of his camouflage. My husband spotted him first. I crossed the road and slowly walked close enough to be able to take decent pictures. I could tell he didn’t approve of me getting close. The closer I got, the farther he went away. I was lucky enough that he allowed me to take a couple of shots.

My husband took a picture of these wild geese. Soon, they will disappear and move towards south where the weather is warmer.

At the end of our walk, we were saluted with this fiery sunset.

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I have been busy these days working OT, reason why I haven’t updated my blog for a while. A while ago, upon arriving home, I saw Tepsie had been playing with Mango a lot, and this was one particular trick that Mango liked to do. “Freeze that pose, let me get my camera!” I said. Of course, he didn’t hold still. Tepsie had to do take 2 for the photo shoot. Gotcha!

For some reasons, the only person who can make Mango do this trick is Tepsie. I tried it only to get bitten. It hurts when he bites. Ouch! Lexie tried it, too, but often times Mango just flew out of her hands.

Perhaps, we don’t have gentle hands like Tepsie.

By the way, Mango has been with us for 13 years. Not exactly sure, how old he is. And he still likes to perch on top of my monitor.

The moment he saw Tepsie pouring liquid soap in an empty container, he immediately flew on top of her head and raptly watched her. Look how inquisitive he was! He probably thought it was something he could nibble on.

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I have been enjoying taking pictures of everything that is around me. This morning, still in my morning pajamas and sans my morning tea, I went out in the backyard with the camera dangling around my neck.

Then later in the afternoon, my husband and I went for a ride around town and took whatever subject struck our fancy.

And ladies and gentlemen, here they are:

I just planted this Petunia in the pot a week ago.

Yellow gold flowers




This particular flower thrives in extreme hot climate of downtown Phoenix.

I have been admiring these flowers right where I deliver mail for a while. I just love the bright red color.

Wildflowers

I finally got a picture of a hummingbird flying in mid air.

This hummingbird flew on the tree branch right above where I was standing. The picture turned out to be bigger than its real lifesize.

A Raven on top of the Saguaro cactus sippping nectar, I supposed.

A deer that never strays off.

I took a picture of this hammock because my daughter in college can’t wait to get home and do a lot of reading in this hammock this summer.

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When my husband was reading his book in the front porch overlooking the golf course, he saw a bunch of straw lying on the corner of the porch. He was about to remove it when he wondered where it came from. He looked up above at the vent where the gas fireplace came out of the house and saw the nest. Sure enough, there was a mourning dove laying eggs. So, what do you do? You leave them alone until they are done doing raising their brood and let them raise their chicks.

Suddenly, I heard my husband yelling

“Hurry! I think I might have a good blogging material for you!” my husband yelled.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Just hurry before it is too late and bring the camera!” my husband ordered.

What a cozy and comfortable place to lay eggs. I took picture here and there and she didn’t seem to be bothered by the commotion we were making. The partner was looming around waiting probably for his turn to sit on the eggs but couldn’t do the switcheroo as my husband was right below reading. Ahhh, they shouldn’t be doing their business up there anyway as it is not good for the house. S stayed in the porch as long as he wanted and if they wanted privacy, they should look somewhere else like out in the wooods. But…you know how they are.

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