EarlybirdClix

We have had the opportunity to spend some Saturdays at the Phoenix Zoo as guests of our granddaughter, Alex, who serves as a Phoenix ZooTeen. What a fun place to get some close up shots of wild animals and birds!

When the wind for 14 days relentlessly howls in the Cayman Islands, forcing you to leave your fins and snorkel in the suitcase, what better activity (for us, anyway) than to grab your camera and binocs and discover the birds of Grand Cayman.

Here I am, in my 70's, a native of Oceanside, CA, and I never heard of Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary until just a few weeks ago? Beautiful place!

Oh my gosh! A drive around Buckeye’s farmlands did not disappoint. We encountered a squadron of some 60 – 70 American white pelicans. (Watch them in this video performing their fun water ballet of synchronized scooping. Seriously. Who doesn’t want to see a flurry of butts sticking straight up?) Next to them, another pond with more than 20 black-crowned night herons hanging out on the banks. We’ve never seen so many gathered together like that. Add on sandhill cranes, burrowing owls, the mighty kingfisher, quail, multiple egrets, osprey, great blue herons, black-necked stilts,
cormorants and hawks. All in yesterday morning’s short drive right here in Buckeye. Too much fun. Too much beauty.

Walking through the front gate of the Buddha Eden Garden of Peace, we were, at once, awed by the beauty and serenity of our surroundings. This inspiring garden was built by a Portuguese art collector and businessman in response to the Taliban’s destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, and includes not only hundreds of replicas of the destroyed statues (as well as other Asian-inspired art), but also an entire section within the 86 acres that is dedicated to the Shona people of Zimbabwe. Also included are modern sculptures from renowned artists from across the world. With literally thousands of statues and sculptures, every turn leads one further into an incredible and uplifting experience.

Another wonderful way to spend a 52nd anniversary two weeks' celebration.

I made a new bird feeder for my backyard. It took only about 10 minutes and it was under attack. Love this game.

Off trail once again.