58001--Woody woodpecker and friends

[zyzyly]

While we were taking a walk for the new year this morning, we stopped and sat under an old oak tree near the creek. I heard a tapping noise above me and saw this guy.

Later, as we walked along the creek, I saw an egret. There are quite a few of them here, and I see them all the time, but don't always have my camera with me. I used to carry it around all the time, and kind of got out of the habit. Malida mentioned it the other day--that I don't take many pictures anymore, other than off my phone. So I put the camera in the car and have taken it on the past few walks.



In other news, I finished my first semester teaching at the college. I was invited to apply for the tenure-track position. I went through the fairly rigorous interview process and was offered the position just before the end of the semester. One of the people on the President's panel was my old dean when I was in nursing school.

The first semester was kind of tough--I was at a new hospital, and had all new lectures. Not to mention how different the academic environment is than a healthcare environment. But I loved it and am absolutely sure I made the right choice.

We are going up to Mendocino in a few days, so more photo opportunities soon.

Comments

[randomdreams.livejournal.com]

I got to see what I think was my first ever actual woodpecker a few weeks ago. It was cool.
We have flickers here, which occupy the same environmental niche of bashing holes in anything wood, but they're not the same.
That's a lovely egret pic.

[amaebi.livejournal.com]

Oh, wow, downy woodpeckers are pretty common around here, and I've seen a number of hairies as well. Lots more flickers, though, yes.

[randomdreams.livejournal.com]

Huh. I'll have to keep my eyes open. Every time I hear that distinctive rappety rap it's flickers -- and I usually go to find out, because I like watching them.

[amaebi.livejournal.com]

If you put out a suet feeder you're likely to see them before long. And I also enjoy the swooping flight of woodpeckers and flickers. :D

[randomdreams.livejournal.com]

I enjoy watching the flickers aggressively hound starlings. They're about the only birds that do.
(I like starlings in some ways but I don't mind seeing bullies get bullied.)

[amaebi.livejournal.com]

Ah, bird drama. :D

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

I have never seen a flicker. I was kind of surprised to see the woodpecker, because the only place I have ever seen them before is up in the Sierras. I'm not much of a bird person, but I am learning.

[randomdreams.livejournal.com]

Flickers are unmistakable because they have a spotted chest with a black triangular bib at their throats -- and they're busily banging holes in everything at 5 AM all spring, especially drainpipes and air conditioning units and anything else that makes incredibly loud noises when struck.

[danjite.livejournal.com]

Merry to the new year and such!

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

Same to you!

[thoughtsbykat.livejournal.com]

It's good to see you. I'm happy for you that you enjoyed your first semester and like the academic track.

Great photos. Love woodpeckers. That egret shot is lovely, love the perfect reflection.

Happy New Year to you and Malida, may it be a happy, healthy year for you.

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

Happy new year to you too!

[toluene.livejournal.com]

Happy new year to you! And I love the picture of the woodpecker.

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

Oh thanks! Happy new year to you too!

[wantedonvoyage.livejournal.com]

Beautiful! I have missed your words and photos.

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

Thank you--I have missed writing here. There is nothing like this kind of format.

[throbinson.livejournal.com]

It's very good to hear from you again. Hope this year is the best ever for you and Malida!

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

thank you, and we wish the same for you!

[annie-r.livejournal.com]

It's good to see you here!

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

It's good to peek back in--hopefully I will stick around for a bit.

[shutterbug.livejournal.com]

Congrats on your successes!

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

thank you! Happy new year!

[amaebi.livejournal.com]

Congratulations to the college and felicitations to you!

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

Thank you--it is a whole new adventure.

[elainegrey.livejournal.com]

Good to see and hear from you: congratulations!

[ticklethepear.livejournal.com]

congrats!!!

[rockbirthedme.livejournal.com]

Congratulations on being offered tenure track! I've been wondering how you've been doing, since you've been quiet -- looks as though you've been busy being impressive.