A Flamboyance

 

A Flamboyance of Flamingos
National Zoo, D.C.
June 4, 2026

What is a group of Flamingos called? A flamboyance. 

I observed a flamboyance during our trip to the National Zoo last week. They were stunning. Even more interesting is that the birds were nesting--on fake eggs. We talked to one of the keepers and learned that after the Flamingos lay eggs, the eggs are harvested and put into incubators to ensure they make it to hatching. It seems that Flamingos in captivity are clumsy and many eggs are lost during the roughly one month incubation period. Fake eggs are placed in the nest and the birds continue nesting. About a week before hatching the real eggs are redeployed into the nests so that the hatchlings hear and see their own kind when they break free from the eggs. I thought that was really interesting. 

As the keeper said, "we don't want the birds to think they are human."

Whooping Crane
National Zoo, D.C.
June 4, 2026

Among other birds that we saw during the trip, I was able to capture good images of a Whooping Crane and a Red-shouldered Hawk.

Red-shouldered Hawk
Odenton, MD
June 3, 2026

The Whooping Crane is a sad, but interesting story. The species declined to about 20 birds during the 1940s, but today numbers around 600 due to conservation efforts. I learned that the Sandhill Cranes, which I see around Tequesta, are related to the Whooping Crane.

And then there was the Red-shouldered Hawk. I captured this image in the wild. Well, maybe not wild, but suburbia. The hawk flew into sight and landed on the fence as I was on Nicole's back deck chatting with her after Jax's graduation. He sat there for a while before flying off to find a better hunting ground.

I enjoyed the birds and of course we saw many more at the National Zoo aviaries, but the ones here are those that I most enjoyed watching. Of course, I could have remained at the Flamingo enclosure for a lot longer than we did--but I like Flamingos. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Where the Wild Geese Eat

 

Geese at the Collection Pond
Odenton, MD
April 25, 2026

A pair of geese have claimed the collection pond across the yard. It is a relatively safe place as it is surrounded by a fence which keeps some of the predators at bay. The pair are a bit skittish and do not allow us to get even to the fence before honking and moving away into the water. Geese claim the pond nearly every year. Some years two families of geese find a way to co-exist and I remember one year there were something like 11 goslings and 4 parents coming daily to the pond. 

Gray Treefrog on the Grill
Odenton, MD
April 25, 2026

Watching the variety of wildlife around the collection pond is fun. We were counting turtles earlier in the month and have seen woodchucks and ducks in addition to the geese. I expect to see foxes and deer soon. Earlier in the year we heard the peepers singing to celebrate the arrival of Spring.

I am not sure where this pair is going to nest. They don't usually nest at the pond, but rather come to the pond with after the goslings hatch and teach them to swim while also finding different foods to eat. 

I was surprised by a small Gray Treefrog sleeping between the knobs on the grill, which is on the deck over a story above the ground. I guess it got confused while looking for a tree to enjoy. It was so small that at first I thought it to be dirt or a leaf, but no, it was a treefrog. I left it alone and I'm guessing it departed as the rains began later during the day. 

So where do the wild geese eat? Well you know that: they eat anywhere they want.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Look, up in the Sky

Pelicans on Patrol
Juno Beach, FL
March 7, 2026

 This is a fun time of year to keep an eye on the sky. The pelicans are gathering in squadrons. Big squadrons! 

Sometimes they fly low over the water; between the waves looking for their next meal. More often though, they are flying together in the sky. Of course, there is often one pelican sitting on a piling in a marina showing off. 

Osprey with Fish
Hobe Sound Nature Reserve, FL
July 13, 2012

We also enjoy watching the ospreys hunt. They fly deliberately and often dive for fish in the ocean. That is exciting, but hard to capture on camera. One of my best was a few years ago when I imaged an osprey coming out of the ocean with a fish in its talons. They truly are magnificent birds. 

Something to scan the sky for. 

-- Bob doan, Tequesta, FL

Birds by the Water

Fish Crow
Tequesta, FL
February 17 ,2026

 The other evening, we enjoyed dinner and adult beverages at our favorite watering hole. The weather was perfect, OK, the breeze off the water was a a bit cool and strong at times. 

We enjoyed watching the birds. Mostly we were blessed with Fish Crows. Sadly, there were too few pelicans or other birds. But, the crows provided comic relief. 

Finnegan joined us for the evening and enjoyed trying to play with other dogs. There was a lot of activity at the restaurant due to the moderate temperatures and the prevalence of the Snow Birds, who have fully arrived for the season. It is a bit strange that "in-season" is February and March. We have some additional visitors due to the start of the MLB Spring Training games. The Marlins and Cardinals team logos are beginning to apperar everywhere. 

The traffic has become a problem at times. There are intersections that I avoid when I need to make a left turn. Instead, I drive around the block to get to a traffic light to ensure that I can safely make the turn. 

Well, it is Thursday or Friday Eve! I am looking forward to a summer-like boat day tomorrow, finally. February in South Florida can be fantastic.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Manatees, Everywhere Manatees

Statue of Manatees
Manatee Lagoon, Rivera Beach, FL
February 2, 2026

 Yesterday was another cold day in South Florida. 

That meant that it was a perfect day for a trip to Manatee Lagoon in Rivera Beach to view the manatees, because they know how to keep warm when it is cold. 

Manatees
Manatee Lagoon, Rivera Beach, FL
February 2, 2026

Chris and I had visited the Lagoon on one other occasion a couple years ago, but it was the wrong time of year and there were no manatees. Yesterday, however, we were rewarded by viewing almost 200 manatees hanging out in the warm Florida Power and Light (FPL) electric generating plant's discharge lagoon.

It was a clear and cold day. We waited until the afternoon when the temperature crawled into the 50s to visit. It was a good choice. Even though it was cold, throngs of people were in attendance to view and enjoy the manatees in the lagoon and surrounding area. 

Manatees in the Lagoon
Manatee Lagoon, Rivera Beach, FL
February 2, 2026

I had an issue trying to get a good image given the lighting situation. The sunlight was reflecting off the ripples on the water and made getting a good image really tough--even with post processing. Despite that, we enjoyed watching the manatees along with some fish, including a nurse shark, lounging in the warm waters of the lagoon. 

It was encouraging to see the numbers of people who came out to view the manatees. Raising awareness helps to protect them. There were more than a few manatees in the lagoon who displayed evidence of their unfortunate encounters with boats. The scars are deep. One of the reasons that I try to stand when piloting the boats I am captaining is to look for manatees and debris. We have been lucky to see manatees on multiple occasions. 

I highly recommend a visit to Manatee Lagoon during the cold months. It is both fun and educational. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Cold Returns

 It was 39 really cold degrees when I woke this morning. 

Yes, the iguana alerts were out. Beware falling iguanas and don't bother them as they can still defend themselves. (Newsweek)

Chris and I are fortunate in that we do not live in an area where we see many iguanas, but they are around nearby. Given the cold, it is unlikely that I will attempt a bike ride today unless it is later in the day after the temperature had risen and the iguanas have awakened. 

Iguana on Welcome Sand Art
CocoCay, Bahamas
January 7, 2026

We were surprised last week when we were visiting CocoCay to see an iguana on the sand art welcoming people to the island. It was a bit humorous. What was even more amazing was the number of people who barely even noticed the lizard sitting in the sun on the sand art. Totally oblivious. I think it added something to the experience. I enjoyed seeing the iguana hanging out there just looking at all the people.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

On a Wing

Pair of Ospreys
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
October 14, 2025

 The other afternoon, as Chris and I along with friends were sitting on the beach enjoying Happy Hour. I watched ospreys fly above the ocean. They are magnificent birds and we are fortunate to see them whenever we are near the ICW or the ocean. 

I marvel at the ospreys' ability to see fish in the water, dive and often enough catch dinner. Watching them struggle back into the air with a fish in their talons is sight to see. They are able to overcome the water, gaining altitude with each pull of their wings. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Bob - 2, Lanternfly - 0

Spotted Lanternfly

 Living in Florida, I had totally forgotten about  the Spotted Lanternfly, a Chinese import, until yesterday.

I came across two of the invasive insects yesterday and was able to dispatch them both; doing my part for the environment. 

As invasive spotted lanternflies continue moving through the United States, local agricultural agencies have launched “If you see it, kill it” campaigns urging people to kill the bugs in order to prevent any further spread across the U.S. 

(Time)

I wish we could have done something similar to the Emerald Ash Borer and we might still have some mature ash trees.

The spotted lanternfly is a planthopper indigenous to parts of China and Vietnam. It was accidentally introduced into South Korea and has spread invasively to Japan and the United States, where it is often referred to by the acronym "SLF". Its preferred host is the tree of heaven, but it also feeds on other trees, and on crops including soybean, grapes, stone fruits, and Malus spp. In its native habitat, L. Wikipedia

The spotted lanternfly is easy to identify, although some people may mistake it for a stink bug, another Chinese import. 

Is there a humane way to kill a bug? 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Waiting for Handouts

Balanced Pelican
Tequesta, FL
March 19, 2025

Welcome Spring! It is Here! 

I enjoy watching pelicans wait for handouts while fishermen clean their catch at the docks. 

Last evening, while Chris and I were enjoying another idyllic evening at our favorite watering hole, Tiki52, we were treated to the antics of the pelicans waiting for the discards. At least nothing goes to waste.  

Patient Pelicans
Tequesta, FL
March 19, 2025

One pelican wanted to get very close to the action and balanced on one of the lines waiting for the discards. Most of the others took a more reserved approach and waited on a float or in the water. On occasion there would be a great disturbance in the water and I am fairly certain there were a couple large fish also swimming under the dock in anticipation of dinner.

It was a chaotic scene every time a piece of fish was tossed toward the pelicans, but they quickly reformed into a an orderly array waiting the next handout. There seemed to be a pecking order and they seemed to understand that if patient, each would receive a much cherished handout. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta. FL

Safari Day 3 - Morning Ride

Beginning our Last Safari Ride
Chris Riding Shotgun
Pilanesburg National Park, ZA
February 26, 2025

 This was the last safari ride of our journey. The morning safari ride began the journey home which lasted 40 hours. Ugh. I knew it was long but I had not computed it until now. 

Giraffes in the Morning
Pilanesburg National Park, ZA
February 26, 2025

Our final ride was primarily devoted to giraffes and elephants. We had started out heading to find a lion pride, but we came across so many giraffes and elephants that we just enjoyed watching them instead. 

We came across a journey of giraffes fairly soon after heading out. We were concerned that it was going be hard to find animals because we did not see any right from the start like previous rides. Chris had the honor of riding shotgun with the ranger and she has a great time. 

As we were completing our ride and heading for the lodge, we came upon our last animal sighting of the safari. It was a giraffe in the road way. I took a video of it as we came upon it and it moved off the road. 

Baby Elephant
Pilanesburg National Park, ZA
February 26, 2025

Elephant Browsing
Pilanesburg National Park, ZA
February 26, 2025

The exciting highlights of the day came when we happened into a herd of elephants. We had seen the herd earlier on the mountain but decided to they and find an elusive leopard. We spent some time listening to the baboons make warning calls presumably about the leopard, but never saw the leopard. We then book off the leopard search catch up with the elephants we had seen as they crossed the road.

Momma and Baby
Pilanesburg National Park, ZA
February 26, 2025

Chris had one female sniff her and then sneeze at her. It was pretty exciting. And then of course there were babies! The ranger noted that one of the small elephants we were watching was only about 3 months old. They were cure and there were many of them in this herd.

We spent probably half of our almost four-hour ride watching the elephants in this herd and then another grouping that we came upon as we were leaving the park. That is where the second exciting thing happened--we saw two bulls fight. It is somewhat scary when you realize how big they are and we are in a vehicle not too far away. 

The video is long, but I think worth watching. There are elephants doing all sorts of things including a fight between two bulls. 

And that was that. We had four safari rides into the park and we saw lots of animals. The rides were supposed to be three hours each, totaling 12 hours of animal watching, but our ranger was very generous and we had closer to 16 hours of safari animal watching over the three days! 

After the safari ride, we had to checkout of our room and begin the process of returning home. We were awakened at 4:15 AM South African time on Wednesday for the morning safari ride and did not finally make it home until the equivalent of 9 PM South African time on Thursday! Ugh! But more of that later. 

Oh, by the way, I have been up this morning since 2:30 AM, equivalent of 9:30 AM in South Africa! Adjusting to the 7-hour time change is going to be a process.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#pilanesberg #safari

Safari Day 2 - Evening Ride

 

Giraffe on Afternoon Ride
Pilanesberg National Park, ZA 
February 25, 2025

The second evening safari ride was equally as exciting as the first, perhaps even more so because we knew what to expect. Our driver/ranger was very knowledgeable of animals and animal activity. 

White Rhino
Pilanesberg National Park, ZA
February 25, 2025

At 4:30 PM we headed out into the park to find animals. We did not get very far before sighting giraffes a short 7 minutes into the ride. MY iPhone telephoto lens continues not to work and so I ditched my camera and started using Chris', which worked great. These giraffes were close to the lodge and we followed them for a bit before running into white rhinos.

It is truly amazing that the animals just appear without warning because of the tall brush and grass. We could be coming around a corner and find almost anything in the road. 

White Rhino
Pilanesberg National Park, ZA
February 25, 2025

The rhinos were very photogenic and even posed for a nice picture. 

From there the ranger received word of a leopard on the move near our lodging and we headed back to try sighting it. This was the first of two failed attempts to find a leopard. We spent a while driving and stopping to listen for the leopard, but we were thwarted.

Zebra Road
Pilanesberg National Park, ZA
February 25, 2025

As we headed deeper into the park we again found a journey of giraffes. We stopped for a while to enjoy them and we subsequently continued on eventually coming across a herd of zebras making use of the road.

And then, it happened. We spotted a lone bull elephant and thus began an afternoon of elephant sightings and watching. We were all excited because to date the only evidence we had seen to confirm that there were elephants in the area was the dung on the road. And there was a lot of elephant dung on the roadways. 

We passed the elephant and drove to spot a Cape Buffalo with the intent of returning for the elephant later. After driving over the incredibly rough roads, we arrived at the location where the Cape Buffalo was spotted, but it had already moved a long way up a hill. We were able to see the buffalo with binoculars, and let me tell you it was huge! But, there was no picture to be taken. 

Bull Elephant
Pilanesberg National Park, ZA
February 25, 2025

Returning to the bull elephant, we found him and after watching him trudge for a while, the ranger knew where he was going to cross the road and so we drove away and staked out our spot. It was a thing of beauty. He was on a trail and we were positioned so as not to block the trail and yesterday be close to the elephant as he passed. 

Sunset over the Park
Pilanesberg National Park, ZA
February 25, 2025

After our elephant encounter we drove off for happy hour and sighting hippos at dusk. We saw quite a few hippos out of the water, but they were a great distance away and the images were not great. Darkness fell while we enjoyed gin and tonics and then we began the nighttime portion of our safari.

Nighttime Bull Elephant
Pilanesberg National Park, ZA
February 25, 2025

Our nighttime safari was equally as exciting as the night before. We spied white rhinos, a small chameleon, and a different bull elephant. We watched the elephant for a while before heading back to the lodge for dinner.

Wow! What a day!

We have one more ride to go. A morning ride on our day of departure. 

-- Bob Doan, Hartsfield-International Airport, Georgia

Safari Day 2 Morning Ride

Heading out before Dawn with High Intensity Light
Pilanesberg National Park, ZA
February 25, 2025

 Who would have believed that getting up at 4:30 AM to be out on safari at 5:30 AM would be a thing? But it was. 

Big Cat on the Move
Pilanesberg National Park, ZA
February 25, 2025

We headed out into the park bright and early, no, wait, it wasn't bright--it was dark and we could only just begin to see some color in the eastern sky as we rode out looking for big game. The ranger used his high intensity lamp to try and find game hidden in the bushes, trees, and under the trees. We did find an impala, but nothing else until after dawn and we could see without additional illumination.  

But after dawn, it did not take long before we encountered our first big cat, a lioness walking down the road towards us. We stopped and she continued her march unfazed by the people and the cameras. Yes, she has a tracking collar. It is part of the wildlife management that the park is doing. If you look closely you can see that she is a nursing mother. 

Lion cubs
Pilanesberg National Park, ZA
February 25, 2025

From this stop, we heard that there was a group of cubs under a tree near the road and headed off to find them. There were three cubs when we arrived, but one of the cubs decided to wander off towards their mother, who was keeping a watchful eye on them and us from a distance.  

I was amazed, and this was not the first time today that it happened, how many safari trucks show up when a significant animal is found. There must have been 10 trucks all vying to see the cubs at play. I can't even imagine the number of images and videos that were taken of the two this morning. We stayed for a long while and then departed to give other tours the opportunity to get closer and enjoy nature at play.

Leopard
Pilanesberg National Park
February 25, 2025

Next up was the search for the leopard! Yes, one was on the move and we headed off across the park to find it. The early word was that they had lost sight of her, but by the time we got close, it was clear that she was generating a lot of activity. Along the way we saw herds of impala and wildebeest. Turns out, the leopard was hunting and one of the impala's became dinner. We found her in a tree eating her fresh kill. Fortunately she was far enough away that I did not try to take a photograph of the carnage.

Giraffe 
Pilanesberg National Park
February 25, 2025

As the day continued to deepen we were excited to see zebras and giraffes.

Each new animal increased our excitement and we soon realized that this was far more of an experience than either of us had dreamed it would be. 

But there was even more to come and this was only our second of four rides into the park.

Zebras
Pilanesberg National Park
February 25, 2025

-- Bob Doan, Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa

The Safari

4 yo Male Lion at Night
Pilanesberg Nature Reserve
February 24, 2025

 The final portion of our South African trip has arrived. We successfully completed on of four planned safari rides last evening and arrived back at the lodge exhausted. 

White Rhinos
Pilanesberg Nature Reserve
February 24, 2025 

The ride was a wild success. We saw White Rhinos, a Black Rhino, Impalas, Wildebeest, some Hippos playing in the water, birds, giraffes in the distance, zebras, some other antelope breeds and we actually saw a lion. The lion was something that Chris dearly wanted to see and I am happy that the last sighting of the night was the lion imaged here.

Impala Crossing
Pilanesberg Nature Reserve
February 24, 2025

We departed the lodge at 4:30 PM and arrived back at about 9 PM. All of the rides are scheduled for three hours, but more if hunting is good. Of course, we are hunting with a camera.

The area has been blessed with rain of late and it is very green. There is water still standing in many places on the trails and the animals are very active. We saw many herds of Impalas, but one of them was huge with maybe 100 animals all told. 

Today we have two rides, one at 5:30 AM in the morning and another 4:30 PM ride until after dark.

We are hoping for some close-up time with giraffes and hippos. And who knows what other animals we may see. We were told that seeing a Black Rhino was rare--but we saw one. 

-- Bob Doan, Pilanesberg Nature Reserve, South Africa

Pelicans Amongst Us

Pelican on a Piling
Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2024

 It was good to be back South Florida enjoying 80-degree temperatures yesterday. 

The sun shone warm and we busied ourselves with holiday preparations. That meant, of course, a trip to the storage facility to retrieve Christmas bins. It was a bit more challenging without the truck, which we left in Maryland pending our return. I could only get five bins into the Mach-e. 

Pelican Posing
Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2024

As evening approached, we met friends at our favorite Tuesday evening establishment, Tiki52, for dinner. It was grand sitting under the tiki hut enjoying great conversation and a meal along with adult beverages. The wind occasionally blew off the ICW and it was cool, but not cold. I was attired in a short-sleeved polo shirt, shorts and sandals. It felt good to not be bundled against the cold, but rather to enjoy the evening outside. 

We were joined by pelicans. We noticed them because they are not usually around when we end the day at Tiki52. I guess they were done fishing for the day and wanted the relative quiet of the marina and Tiki52. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Pets

 Chris and I just completed a two week visit with family and friends, but  the pets in our lives also received a lot of attention. 

Chris and Ethan with Finnegan
December 7, 2024
Odenton, MD

Of course there was Finnegan with his antics and needs. He was so exhausted from the visit that he crashed on the sofa pretty much the entirety of yesterday after we arrived home. Finn can be a party animal. He easily slips into the pack mentality with Lily and Arthur, Nicole's dogs, and even wanted to play with the newly arrived kittens, Merlin and Percy. Finn was lucky to escape one play session with a minor scratch just below his eye, that is the one partially closed in the image.

Percy and Merlin
Odenton, MD
November 28, 2024

Merlin and Percy are the newest arrivals in the house. They are expanding their territory and range on a daily basis as they crash their way into everyone's hearts. There is no other way to describe them--they are just cute. They are growing very fast and will all too soon be cats. Living with dogs is good for them because they are integrating themselves into the family and learning that dogs can be friends, too.

It was a wild time, but also fun to watch the five pets interact--or sometimes not. Nicole has done a good job giving the kittens a same place away from the dogs to escape into if they feel the need. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Along the Path

Royal Poinicana
Tequesta, FL
July 21, 2024

Be it a bike path or along the beach, there always seems to be something interesting to enjoy.

The other morning, Chris and I biked through Tequesta and I spied this tree in full mid-summer bloom. Wow, was it impressive! I was biking but able to snap a quick image of the tree. There are many of these trees in the area, but this one has the nicest shape was in the most full bloom.

Juvenile Gray Heron
Stuart, FL
July 17, 2024

On Wednesday last week, as Chris and I were walking along the shore in Stuart, FL, we saw this water bird hunting in the shallows. It was low tide and the bird seemed to be having some success. 

The bird did not mind our presence and I was able to get a great image of it.

We keep our eyes open and our cameras ready for what may come our way in terms of interesting things to image. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

The Buzzing Sound You Hear

Bees in the Box
Tequesta, FL
July 8, 2024

 Sometimes the buzzing sound that we hear is not all I our heads. 

During our walk yesterday, Chris and I discovered a bee hive discreetly hidden in an in ground junction box. There were a lot of bees and apparently this has become a large hive. 

Bees are becoming an important commodity and we both wondered what would happen when, at some future point, someone decided they needed to get into that junction box. Hopefully, they will call for a bee keeper to remove the bees rather than just killing them. 

I spent some time trying to determine that these are honeybees and not Yellowjackets. Although they are nesting in a ground location, based on their wing structure and coloring, I believe they are honeybees. But, I am no expert. I did note that I was not attacked while taking the image. Important note--Yellowjackets are not bees!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Keeping a Watchful Eye

Keeping a Watchful Eye
Tequesta, FL
June 22, 2024

 Finn is a great dog, let me just start with that. 

Yes, I used to refer to him as our auxiliary dog, meaning back-up, but he is now the primary dog and the only pet in our family. He has grown into the role well. 

Finn also is very pliable and by that I mean he travels well and he also stays behind well. He almost understands when he will be traveling and when he is expected to remain behind. Usually he is very good when waiting with the notable exception being the other morning in the hotel when we tried to get for breakfast without him. It was not happening. We had to go back to the room for him and take him with us. 

Sometimes, though, he just sets himself up and watches the activity of the house happening around him. This was the case the other day. I think we had decided to clean the kitchen after a meal and he was too lazy to join us. He was so cute just laying there, monitoring the activity. 

And that is the Finn-dawg.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Walk

 

Lily in the Lead
Odenton, MD
April 26, 2024

Happy May Day

Everyday we walk the dogs. There are three of them when we are back in Maryland and they expect a walk every day. Finnegan is the worst--he starts annoying us to get a walk about 9:30, but Nicole's dogs, Lily and Arthur, are right there when we start the walk preparations. 

Lily is an alpha female and she likes to lead. She also must have some bovine DNA in her as she grazes on the grass along the path. 

The dogs walk every day, except when it is raining, and we enjoy walking the path through the wooded area with the tree canopy above us. We especially appreciate how the path changes with the seasons from the brilliant colors of fall, to the bare branches of winter and now bright green leaves. The squirrels are always busy crashing through the leaves along the path and often make for some comic relief. 

Another great day.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Monday Musings - April 29, 2024

 

1. It is the final Monday of the five Monday month of April. We are at the end of the first third of the year. There are just 35 Mondays remaining in the year. Next up? Cinco de Mayo!

Bluebird in the Morning
Odenton, MD
April 28, 2024

2. Yesterday, a bluebird perched at the very top of a fir tree. It sat there long enough for me to actually get my phone out of my pocket and snap a pretty good image. I was happy the image of the bird came out so well, I think I had zoomed in as far as possible with the camera.

3. A miraculous thing happened yesterday! The temperature in Maryland rose to above 70 degrees and I was able to don shorts and a tee-shirt leaving the heavier clothes behind. Yay!

4. The Orioles had a difficult series against the Athletics by losing 2 of 3 games. Both of the losses were the result of blown saves in the 9th inning by the closer. Maybe they need to get a new closer. Hopefully things will get better during the upcoming four-game series against the team whose name shall remain unwritten or spoken.

5. Dogs are very intelligent. Nicole's dog, Lily, remembers that we walk Finnegan every day during the morning and keeps a close eye on Chris and I for signs that a walk is imminent. She has not missed a walk yet.

6. Today in History. On April 29, 2004, the World War II Memorial opens in Washington, D.C. to thousands of visitors, providing overdue recognition for the 16 million U.S. men and women who served in the war. The memorial is located on 7.4 acres on the former site of the Rainbow Pool at the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The Capitol dome is seen to the east, and Arlington Cemetery is just across the Potomac River to the west.

The granite and bronze monument features fountains between arches symbolizing hostilities in Europe and the Far East. The arches are flanked by semicircles of pillars, one each for the states, territories and the District of Columbia. Beyond the pool is a curved wall of 4,000 gold stars, one for every 100 Americans killed in the war. An Announcement Stone proclaims that the memorial honors those “Americans who took up the struggle during the Second World War and made the sacrifices to perpetuate the gift our forefathers entrusted to us: A nation conceived in liberty and justice.”

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Blinken to Hamas: Accept Israel's 'extraordinarily generous' Gaza truce proposal - Reuters

US lawmakers strike deal to boost aviation safety, will not raise pilot retirement age - Reuters

Ukraine pulls back from three villages in east, Zelenskiy pleads for weapons - Reuters

Russia steps up offensive on east Ukraine village, Kyiv says its forces holding out - Reuters

Regulator Investigates Ford’s Hands-Free Driving System After Fatal Crashes - The Wall Street Journal

In America’s Biggest Oil Field, the Ground Is Swelling and Buckling - The Wall Street Journal

An assassination plot on American soil reveals a darker side of Modi’s India - The Washington Post

Opinion|Is another Trump coup case really necessary? Yes. Arizona matters. - The Washington Post






-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

#mondaymusings