Category Archives: nature

A Poppy Paradise

Posted on March 30, 2013 by joanienaz

The poppy is the state flower of California, and a symbol of the good life. We have an ideal climate here. There is a lot to be thankful for in the way of natural resources and mild weather, not to mention beautiful scenery. … Continue reading →

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The Not-so-plain Oak Titmouse

Posted on March 20, 2013 by joanienaz

In honor of the first day of spring, I sketched an Oak Titmouse, formerly know as the Plain Titmouse, from a photo I took last week here in the Sierra Nevada foothills, when the weather was warm and clear. Today it is … Continue reading →

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What’s So Great About Egrets

Posted on March 11, 2013 by joanienaz

The Great Egret is one of my all-time favorite birds. It is both primitive and elegant. Like a giant raptor of ancient times, it rises over its aquatic habitat with majestic dignity and expansive wings. It stands guard at the water’s edge, a … Continue reading →

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A Pair of Bufflehead in the Pines

Posted on February 27, 2013 by joanienaz

This pair of wintering Bufflehead was diving and scooting around the pond at the Nevada County fairgrounds when I stopped to take a walk yesterday. I enjoyed watching them swim and dive for half an hour. They were moving around … Continue reading →

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Bryant’s Savannah Sparrow at MacKerricher State Park

Posted on February 24, 2013 by joanienaz

My first love was the Pacific Ocean. Then I discovered the Sierra Nevada. So although I enjoy living in the foothills, I was thrilled to spend an afternoon along the coast last Sunday. I spotted this Bryant’s Savannah Sparrow at MacKerricher State Park … Continue reading →

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A Snow Day in the California Foothills

Posted on February 19, 2013 by joanienaz

After spending the long weekend on the coast enjoying a false spring, we returned to the Sierra foothills in time for a day-long snow frenzy. After a rainy fall it’s been a dry winter, so the precipitation was welcome. I was … Continue reading →

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Late for the Party

Posted on February 8, 2013 by joanienaz

It is a blessing for which I am grateful every day that I have the privilege of living in a rural area. I enjoy an uncluttered setting with fresh air, abundant scenery, intimate views of wildlife, and a sense of … Continue reading →

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Silly Geese

Posted on January 28, 2013 by joanienaz

Canada geese congregate in our area during the winter months, wherever there is a stretch of open grass. They can be found feeding and looking quite majestic in horse pastures and near grazing cattle. They even populate the baseball diamond … Continue reading →

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A Writing Contest!

Posted on January 22, 2013 by joanienaz

January flowers are full of hope! When I opened the file of my National Novel Writing Month document two days ago, the novel I began on November first of last year, the date on it was December 2. I hadn’t … Continue reading →

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The Daily Writing Habit

Posted on January 17, 2013 by joanienaz

The weather has begun to change here in the Northern California foothills, from the frosty days of the past week or two to sunny skies and warmer temperatures. As my brain has thawed, I have been getting back to my writing. … Continue reading →

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