Weekly Photo Challenge: Vivid

Traditions De France

photograph of Traditions De France store in Old Town Alexandria, VA

During the walking part of my commute through Old Town Alexandria I kept my eyes open for vivid images.  Normally I walk on the same side of the street as Traditions De France so I pass right by without really seeing it.  Viewed from across the street it really does make for a vivid image.

Blackberry Blossoms

photograph of wild blackberry blossoms in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
Blackberry Blossoms

The bees in Shenandoah National Park were busy pollinating blackberry blossoms growing along the Dark Hollow Falls trail when I was last there.

Back Alley, Richmond, VA

black and white photograph of an alley in Richmond, VA

The other side of the building on the right is a lovely little downtown restaurant.  It’s funny how quickly the scene changes when you walk half a block, around to this end of the building.  Despite the litter and trash, I like the lines, the flow and the contrast of this image.

If you click the photo above you can see a larger image of it.

Supper Time!

photograph of a female Eastern Bluebird feeding an juvenile Eastern Bluebird

The first few years I had a bluebird box in the yard it remained empty.  Then, just as I was thinking of taking it down, a pair of Eastern Bluebirds nested in it.  Since then we’ve had bluebirds nest in the box every year, producing multiple broods.  The female pictured here is feeding one of the juveniles from the first brood of this season.  If the past is any indication we should get at least another two broods this summer.

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Photograph of a Red Bellied Woodpecker in a tree

People often assume this bird is a Red Headed Woodpecker.  The confusion is understandable as the Red Bellied Woodpecker’s head is red on the top and back.  By comparison the Red Headed Woodpecker’s head is red on the top, back, sides, and front.  If you happen to catch a glimpse of this bird’s stomach you’ll see the red patch for which it is named.

Among The White Giants

photograph of white sycamore trees stretching up into the blue sky

On a bright, warm winter day I found myself in the company of white giants reaching for the deep blue sky.  It was about 60 degrees fahrenheit but the naked sycamores and the hard light reminded me not to get used to the weather.