Skip navigation

Author Archives: Teri J Pieper

Seems like I’ve had lots of images lately and these slipped my mind. If you recall, on March 19th, there was a Super full moon. According to NASA Science News “Full Moons vary in size because of the oval shape of the Moon’s orbit. It is an ellipse with one side (perigee) about 50,000 km closer to Earth than the other (apogee). Nearby perigee moons are about 14% bigger and 30% brighter than lesser moons that occur on the apogee side of the Moon’s orbit. The full Moon of March 19th occurs less than one hour away from perigee–a near-perfect coincidence1 that happens only 18 years or so.”

So, one week later, here are the images I made on the evening of March 19th.

While waiting for the moon to come up, I noticed this towering cloud over Studhorse Hill and lower Bear Creek, north of here.Cloud over Studhorse Hill

The moon glow over Balky Hill'Super' full moon, March 19

'Super' full moon, March 19

'Super' full moon, March 19

Two days of spring-like temperatures, some sunshine and rain have led to a diminishing snowpack. It is a bit of a relief to walk on solid ground in some places. The garden, near the house and with a southwest aspect is rapidly warming and the dirt is showing signs of life. After being able to walk to the compost pile ALMOST without walking in snow, I decided to take my camera out for a walk to see what it can see.

 

Jerome, the garden gnome, slowly emerges from the snow, ringing his bell to welcome the change of seasons.

 

One of last year’s hops, drying in the snow.

 

Chives, ready to eat.

 

More chives.

 

Catmint, planted late last summer. I wonder if cougars are attracted to it?

 

One of last year’s leaves, in black and white and in color.

 

A johnny-jump-up alredy showing color. I knew I loved these invasive little annual/perennial delights for some reason.

 

And Lemon Thyme, already fragrant and green!

Although these chairs are made of plastic, their bright colors made me feel like Spring was closer. Even as the snow melt flowed off the metal roof!

Warning – Not for the squeamish!

On the way home, we spied a Bald Eagle eating a hatchery raised Steelhead on the bank of the Methow River. We wondered how the bird got it. Was it stolen from a fisherman who’d left a prize catch sitting in the snow? Was it a fish that had died after being caught and escaping from a line? The Bald Eagles around here are primarily scavengers, not killing their own food. However it was procured, this bird had a very good meal before flying off with the head.

Bald Eagle eating a hatchery Steelhead along the Methow River

Bald Eagle eating a hatchery Steelhead along the Methow River

Bald Eagle eating a hatchery Steelhead along the Methow River

Bald Eagle eating a hatchery Steelhead along the Methow River

Bald Eagle eating a hatchery Steelhead along the Methow River

The first day of Spring featured cloudy, breezy weather bringing in sleet, rain and snow. We got out for some birding with one of the highlights being Sandhill Cranes and Tundra Swans on Cameron Lake Road east of the lower Okaongan Valley. The birds flew right across the road, giving us excellent views and a good opportunity to hear them calling back and forth. We estimated there were 200 to 300 cranes and maybe 25 swans.

Tundra Swans

Sandhill Cranes along Cameron Lake Road in Okanogan County

Sandhill Cranes along Cameron Lake Road in Okanogan County

Sandhill Cranes along Cameron Lake Road in Okanogan County

Sandhill Cranes along Cameron Lake Road in Okanogan County

Sandhill Cranes along Cameron Lake Road in Okanogan County