Last September, flocks of red-winged blackbirds were swooping up and down around me at the Abbott Marshlands. A few landed close by and I took the following shot of a juvenile blackbird. Note the more mature bird with more brilliant coloring beyond it.
Many mourning doves live in our area, and here are two examples.
In early October, I was hiking at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge when a skunk crossed the road and scurried toward me, coming as close as 30 ft. Uh, oh! I stopped and squeezed a few shots, including the one below. Fortunately, the skunk went back into the bushes and did not spray anything. However, it was an omen. The following day, I was told that my job had been eliminated.
chuyen said:
After a few months, I think you will enjoy the freedom of retirement life. Best wishes!
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neihtn2012 said:
I am already enjoying it, and as days go by I miss work less and less.:-) Thanks for stopping by.
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la_lasciata said:
So you were looking at your boss, there … He might as well have sprayed … :-\
LOVELY images, anyway, Hien !
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neihtn2012 said:
Hadn’t thought of that! 🙂 Thanks, M-R.
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Sue Slaght said:
You were very brave to stay to get the photo of the skunk. I am afraid I would have been on the run! Sorry to hear it was the foreshadowing of your job loss though.
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neihtn2012 said:
I didn’t run, but I tried to stay still, only clicking away with my camera. Luckily the skunk decided to go another way. 🙂
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Anonymous said:
Anh Hiền,
I know for sure that you will use your retire time for many wonderful things that you ever want to do.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you, Anh Nhi!
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Helen C said:
Good morning, Hien. I not only like your photos, but also learn a lot from your post. I have never taken time to find out how those birds look like, and now I know 😉 Thanks. Hope everything goes well to you! What I like about retirement the most is: “almost” no stress. 😉 Helen
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you, Helen. I try to make my posts are informative whenever possible, and I am glad that you find them useful to you. About retirement: it’s great and I have no problem getting used to it. 🙂
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Amy said:
How joyful to see these beauties! Thank you for sharing these precious captures, Hien!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thanks, Amy!
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katelon said:
Interesting that the skunk brought that message. Hopefully your new life suits you and it has turned out for the best. I always pay attention to the creatures who show up in my life.
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neihtn2012 said:
It turned out to be better than I thought, with little stress and a lot of time to read, blog, and maybe travel in the coming months, as soon as things settle down. Thank you, Katelon, for commenting!
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