New Bird In Town

Snow Geese At Bosque Del Apache.

Snow Geese and friends in a panic wave. Just a few seconds more all the geese will be in the air. They will circle around a bit and quickly land back where they were. During this time is what I have been waiting for, some action. copyright Tom Stanley Janca .25 per sq. in.

Collector By Tom Stanley Janca

I know it is in my genes,

To collect lots of things.

To make the world a better place,

But don't complain about my space.

This box of screws, my spool of wire,

Just stacks of things that I admire.

Sort and stack, count and clean,

I am a lean mean collecting machine.

Come see me tomorrow,

If you want to buy or borrow.

If you need something now your out of luck.

Everything is buried and stuck.

When I need a part to finish my job.

I know I have it but I soon sob.

To dig it out is such a chore.

It's just easier to go to the store.

Copyright Tom Stanley Janca 2004

Eagles Nest By Tom Stanley Janca

When eagles could carry little boys away.
It happened to me one day.
I'm only here because of the bargain I made.
I swore I would hurt them no more.
I did laughed and mocked them,
Like it was my job to chase them away,
But not no more.
I thought I was big and they couldn't get me,
But not no more.
I Shot at them high in their nest with my sling shot,
But not no more.
I heard them squeal and squawk, when one stood up tall.
I remember his eyes he looked at me square.
He spread his very large wings and dove straight for me,
He wouldn't dare.
My life flashed before me and I knew I was wrong.
I dove between the rocks and held on so long.
The eagle swooped down and I could tell he was sore.
In that moment I swore I would hurt them no more.

Copyright Tom Stanley Janca 2004

Pomagranet By tom Stanley Janca

I ate a pomegranate today,

A big red ripe one.

I ate every little red ripe piece.

I did not count the time.

I had a thousand in my life,

Not one had been so fine.

Coyrignt Tom Stanley Janca 2004

Fast Ride, Sore Thumb By Tom Stanley Janca

Once I rode a big white race horse,
Pay Girl, was her name.
Stood 14 hands high,
Was a lot bigger then I.
I had lots of fun.
Until she started to run.
I didn't know.
How really fast she could go.
at 90 miles an hour I fell off her rump.
Thrown in the air oh! What a bump.
The first thing to hit that old dirt road was my left thumb.
It was three years before it was numb.
A true story I swear.
Leonard and Richard were there.
But they just rode right on.
They didn't know I was gone.

Copyright Tom Stanley Janca 2004

Ancient Ones At Dutch Woman Butte By Tom Stanley Janca

It happened at Dutch Woman Butte.

This story you cannot dispute.

With my very own eyes, I saw with such surprise.

Across the lake, high up the canyon, one white puffball cloud appeared.

No problem, My opinion.

It wasn't very big and was far away.

I didn't think it would bother me today.

But! The water turned Black, a change in the wind made me look back.

It was 5 miles wide and 9 miles high.

One perfect thunderstorm filled up the sky.

The wind blew hard the water turned white.

I ran for cover but not out of sight.

A waterfall poured right out of the bottom.

When I noticed the ancient ones dancing around the column.

Flashing their lighting from the bottom to the top.

For thirty minutes their drums didn't stop.

I rubbed my eyes and tried not to imagine.

Were they real I could not fathom.

Finally they all faded into a gray mist.

What a show I did not miss.

copyright Tom Stanley Janca 2005

Dark Mountain By Tom Stanley Janca

Just a shadow against the evening sky.
Dark mountain looks so smooth.
What wondrous places I've been today,
The creeks, the springs, the old mine shaft
The rock cabin by the gold quartz ore vein.
The wild life in their home, I remember their sounds, their colors and names.
I still hear the wind songs though the trees and see the grass dance in the breeze.
See their colors of greens and golds. Move with a rhythm that's soothing and old.
I smell all the flowers, yellow, red ,white and blue and all the fresh air I remember that too!
Adventure done! Now back to town.
Each step up and each step down was not so smooth as it looks now.

Trout For Dinner By Tom Stanley Janca

Pitter pat, pitter pat, the rain on the car roof sounded like that.
Woke from my nap by the lightning loud snap, pitter pat, pitter pat.
The sky is now dark, with rain all about.
My dad is down stream catching a trout.
The wind was huffing and puffing way up the hill.
Pine trees were bowing out in he field.
Pitter pat, pitter pat, to pow, pow, pow, pow,
when big white marbles started to fall.
The rain turn to hail and ground turn to white
and it's cold as the snow and almost night.
Pow, pow, pow, pow, I am still real warm I stayed in the car.
Dad, he is still catching those fish, you know how they are.
Knock, knock, knock, knock, on the car window door.
Please let me in , I don't want to fish anymore.
See all my trout, ten big ones today.
It's time to warm up and have trout for dinner, what do you say?
Pitter pat, pitter pat, I knew he was going to say that.

Amazing Earth By Tom Stanley Janca

Amazing earth, how blue it is. Our home in the milky way.

The sun, the earth, moon and stars, made us what we are today.

Here on earth green fields stretch across the land.

Tall trees kiss the sky where ever they can.

Deserts too, I must declare as far as one can see.

And day by day there made new, as the wind blows them out to sea.

Oceans, lakes, rivers and streams sculpts the world it seems.

Changing its face each night and day. Beautiful you say!

It's just that way.

People, farms, villages, town and cities dot the land almost everywhere.

Roads, rails and airplane trails, link from here to there.

We are all different yet all alike, no matter where were from.

Just like the stars in space, the billions of the human race.

Our hope is to make the world a better place, to keep our partnerships with all life! alive.

Thank you, thank you all that be. If all of you could know! It's just amazing to know where we are in all this space, don't you see.

The Fisher By Tom Stanley Janca

One day when I was at the sea, this old pelican said to me.

I love to fish. I love to fly. I love to take a dip.

I love to catch those little fish and swallow them with a flip.

I love to turn around and turn around and shake my tale and flutter.

Now it's time to go and fly and fish, and dive into the water.

I love to fish. I love to fly. I love to take a dip.

I love to catch those little fish and have them for my supper.

I love to turn around and turn around and shake my tail and flutter.

Now it's time to go, a kick, a step, I'm in the air, it's time to leave the water.

Into the air into the sea a thousand times or more.

Now you know why? I sit on this rock it is to rest upon the shore.

Black Skimmers Summer Days

Black Skimmers playing at the sea.

Playing keep away from you and me.

What a delight to watch them play.

I could have watch them all day.

Over here and over there.

Over the water and over the sand.

calling catch me if you can.

Never to close but not far away.

I think they just wanted to play today.

copyright Tom Stanley Janca .25 persq.in.

Power Poles

All I can think of is Not in my Back yard. I would like some other angles. I took this photo real quickly at the red light In a busy intersection I just stuck my camera out of the window. I guess I'm worst than those texters or cell phone users, maybe not.

I found this photo very electrifying.

copyright Tom Stanley Janca .25 per sq. in.

Autumn Walk: By Tom Stanley Janca

A few leaves still hang in the trees.

A few rocks are still bare.

Though red fallen leaves are almost everywhere.

It's damp, with no breeze, or rustle of dry leaves.

The colors are soft, it's cold, but not frozen.

I think to myself what a perfect day I have chosen.

To walk along the creek, over the rocks and sand and old tree roots.

To take some pictures and exercise and be very glad that I am alive.

There are so many wonderful places to see.

I'm glad I am not home watching TV.

copyright Tom Stanley Janca 2004

Little Boy At The Brook:

Tadpole, Tadpole in the brook.

Little frogies in their nook.

Beatles and bug are all about.

Splash ! One just got eaten by the trout.

Where is the little boy that knew this place.

Why doesn't the water reflect his face?

Did you know that a humming bird sat on his shoulder?

Is he gone now, you know he is older?

Busy life, family, work and travel habits?

No ! He is just bigger.

Tom Stanley Janca. copyright 2004

A Pelicans World

I see a pelican, a white sun, the orange sky and the ocean.
There is an island to the left of the sun. What you can't see but smell is the air, ocean air, sea air, clean air, and breezy air on my face.
Copyright Tom Stanley Janca
.25 per sq.in. IMG_1807e jpg

Magic At White Water Wildlife Refuge

Arizona has so many different kinds of Places. I have always liked the Mountains and valleys of the South Eastern Arizona. What is so fantastic about this little lake it that it is home to about 30,000 Sand hill cranes. It is a fabulous sight to see them all in the sky just flying because they like flying. I wish I would have known about them earlier in my life. Knowing about them now Magnifies my Mind.

copyright Tom Stanley Janca

.25 per sq.in. dsco6412f-ipg

Yellow Foot Lessor Egret Alias Scary Bird

If this guy was 8 feet tall I would be scared.

Especially in a dark alley.

But He was just doing a happy dance and I caught him at 12:00 and the shadow made his beak extra long. He hardly looked like a Egret.

copyright Tom Stanley Janca

.25 per sq in Img 2758 e

Black Skimmers (Rynchops niger)

It is quite a treat to see the Black Skimmer feeding. I remember It well even after 30 years. They fly very near the water and stick their lower beak into the water. So quickly they catch small fish and not catch small sticks and trash as they streak through the water simply amazing. All this and in the very late evening and with rope and cable and boat ,docks posts. They must have amazing fast brains to do all the above so fast.

copyright Tom Stanley Janca

.25 per sq. in.

Iris Garden At Boyce Thompson Arboretum

There are several different kinds of Irises growing in gardens. Many different colors of Irises can be seen at the right time of the year.

copyright Tom Stanley Janca

.25 per sq.in.

The Great White Egret Sees Two Worlds.

Mr. and Mrs. Great White Egret

We just have no privacy dear! Just look over there every open spot has people looking at us. Can you hear all that click click sound I wonder why they do that?

Copyright Tom Stanley Janca

.25 per sq in.

Solitary Bee and Sunflower

The summer flowers are almost gone. There are a few sunflowers along the creek left and while I was there they were loaded with Bees and butterflies.

The Black Neck Stilt Stoops For Lunch.

How many positions does a Black Neck Stilt have ?

I always seem to find some that are outstanding. Really just Thousands are waiting to be to be stood. I can't remember them so my camera does that for me.

copyright Tom Stanley Janca

.25 per sq. in.

Beech Front Property.

Home to the Great White Egret and the Black Crown Night Heron.

The Gilbert Water Ranch.

Copyright Tom Stanley Janca

.25 per sq.in.

The Great White Egret And Cormorant Fishing Contest.

Look here cormorants. We want to get started now line up with the egrets.

copyright Tom Stanley Janca

.25 per sq. in.

Dowwitchers At Dinner Time.

Usually always in a group. I have been trying to catch them flying.

They are fast and fly like a jet fighter squadron. Usually I just say what was that.

Copyright Tom Stanley Janca

.25 per sq. in.

Oregon Fishing Boats, Resting

An Eight Petal Out Of Town Flower.

I found this eight petal flower.

(One hour before.)

I was way out of town.

I looked around and it couldn't be found.

It took me more than an hour.

As I looked for this eight petal flower.

I hiked up a creek.

and over the hill to take a peek.

Yellow flowers were everywhere.

and all I wanted was one.

As I search the field there were no ones, none.

So on my way back to my surprise.

I found one before my three eyes.

The Ajo Lilly Blooms Again

When the Ajo Lilly blooms out there.

One must stop and stare.

So many rocks and dirt and sand.

Stretch so far across the land.

It's such a surprise to see such a flower.

Sometimes I 'm lost looking at least an hour.

Over here and over there,

I took this picture so I could share.

Copyright Tom Stanley Janca, .20 per sq. in.

A Great Blue Heron Tests The Water.

Breakfast At Tiffany's Pond
By Tom Stanley Janca

What a beautiful morning at the pond.
Breakfast for me, beyond all wishes
But where are you little fishes.
Right here or over there, oh let me see.
Here little fishes, here little fishes come to me.
I will eat you all one -two- three.

Yellow and White Chicory Off the 17 Mile Road

So delightful were the clusters of these flowers I wondered around for about 30 minutes. I don't remember seeing these before. I have seen white ones without so many layers 2 or 3 layers.

These flowers have about 9 or 10. I hope to see them again this winter.

copyright Tom Stanley Janca .20 per sq. in.

Black Neck Stilts with the after glow of love making.

LOVE PROMISES by Tom S. Janca

We promised our mother to do our best.

To find a mate and build a nest.

We will lay our eggs and keep them warm.

And shield them from any storm.

We will keep them safe and protect their fate.

And keep them off the dinner plate.We promise to feed them well when they hatch,

With all the food that we shall catch.

When they are grown and fly about.

The time has come to holler and shout.

Come here little ones it is my request.

It's time to find a mate and build a nest.

Copyright Tom Stanley Janca .20 per sq.in.

Will The Real Big Bird Please Stand Up.

Always full of surprises at the Gilbert Riparian Park. This great egret shakes out its feathers. I think he looks just like big bird from TV. I think he is trying to swallow a fish and the little dance he does helps.

Black Neck Stilt Stalks a Bug

De Buggen The Pond

Oh where, oh where can that little bug be.

Way out there where I can't see.

Oh here little bug, here little bug come to me.

I will eat you, but you can't eat me.

by Tom Stanley Janca

copyright Tom Stanley Janca

Charley Brown Pelican (Warning this photo causes vertigo)

I was looking though some pictures of my pelican friend Charley Brown when I noticed that this picture gave me vertigo. I have not felt that since my aerobatic days with my airplane a Champion Citaborea n9652s . If you dare to feel vertigo enlarge photo and enjoy..

copyright Tom Stanley Janca .25 per sq.in.      ..

A young Black Skimmer plays at the beach.

Time seems to stop when I walk down the beach. Lucky Me. I just want to keep going. But I aways come to some sort of end. Today its a small river at the point where the river joins the ocean. There at the end magic happened setting on the sand was two young Black Skimmers enjoying another day. It took me a while to remember what they were. It was 30 years ago the last time I had seen their kind. I took a few photos and I used up my Chip. Usually I have a spare or two. Not today! Now the fun started a couple of small kids began to chase the skimmers. They wanted to stay where they were. So the games began. Chasing and flying, turning and twisting in that small point of sand. The sun, the water, the waves, the clouds, the sound, the action all for my eyes only.

copyright Tom Stanley Janca .20 per sq.in.

A Great Blue Heron finishes swallowing a fish.

Many times I have seen a Great Blue heron swallow a big fish that seemed to big to swallow. I was wrong down it went and you can see the big lump move down the neck. Then sometimes they will do a little dance and shake out their feathers. The feather that normally stay hidden. Then suddenly you seem to be looking at a different bird. Shape shifters that's what they are, many different stances. Tall, Short, vertical, horizontal, all with a different feather arrangement.

The Great Blue heron are very wide spread through

North America. Some people like them and some people do not. I met a few people that removed their fish pond because a Heron found and emptied the gold fish and the koi . Surly there must be some kind of compromise in this eat and be eaten world.

copyright Tom Stanley Janca .20 per sq.in.

Young Western Gulls Landing Practice

It's always fun to watch sea gulls. They fly so easy and so well just throw a peace of bread their way. They won't miss the catch. (However now days it is frond upon the feed the birds!) So don't you try it.

In just a couple of years these young gull will be bright white and dark blue grey.

Just say the word Sea Gull and I am reminded of a sea gull in Oregon that seemed hurt and I set out to rescue him. I scoop him up in my arms and he looked at me and I looked at him and I thought what a hero I was. I look at him again and he looked at me and quickly grabbed my nose and lip with his beak. I had to drop him and pry his beak open and off. He quickly flew off in a very healthy manner. What would happen to that sea gull was no longer on my mind.

copyright Tom Stanley Janca .20 per sq. in.

The Brown Pelicans Comming Home.

I see something wonderful in pelicans.

Here they come from a day of fishing.

I hope their belly's are full. I can relate to them in that I go and work all day at an art show and I love to tell my stories of my pictures and talk to everyone and the day is over to quickly and then I head home like the pelicans.

Pelicans fly together, fish together, nap together, sleep together, swim together, like to be together. That's my theme friends and family together pelican and people very nice picture.

copyright Tom Stanley Janca .20 per sq. in.

The Black Crowned Night Heron

Quite a handsome bird, The Black Crowned Night Heron. See its red eye. Its two white head feathers. I can not believe that for over 60 years with all the exploring I have done I finally met one at the Gilbert Riparian Park. I said what is that??

Well with a little research I found out a lot about this Arizona Bird. I learned that it feed mostly at night and hides during the day. That's enough to explain why I never had seen one. Although maybe I saw them but was looking for Jojoba beans instead of birds. For thirty eight years I found a lot of jojoba beans.

copyright Tom Stanley Janca .20 per Sq.In.

A young Black Skimmer practices his tecniques.

There is a lesson here for new photographers always have extra chips and battery's. If you think you can get the good shots after you hike back down the beach for a mile I think not. Even the same place the next day It's unlikely to have the subjects, the light, the timing. Really when a trip to the beach may be another 20 years away BE PREPARED like the boy scouts say. The best shots were with my eyes I wish I could down load my brain photos.

"Walk Like This" Charley Brown Pelican said.

Some time ago I visited another pelican. After watching many of them fish near the pier. Some came to rest on the pier. I was awed by their skill to catch small fish tossed to them by some fishermen there on their way home. They never missed a fish even when they were tricked. A few years later I wrote a poem about my visit.

... da daah...

THE FISHER . by Tom Stanley Janca

One day when I was at the sea, this old pelican said to me.

I love to fish. I love to fly. I love to take a dip.

I love to catch those little fish and swallow them with a flip.

I love to turn around and turn around and shake my tail and flutter.

Now it's time to go and fly and fish and dive into the water.

I love to fish. I love to fly. I love to take a dip.

I love to catch those little fish and have them for my supper.

I love to turn around and turn around and shake my tail and flutter.

It's time to go, a kick, a step, I'm in the air, its time to leave the water.

Into the air into the sea a thousand times or more.

Now you know why? I sit on this rock it is to rest upon the shore.

© Tom Stanley Janca.

Big Water Lilly Flower.

Just go for a walk at the Encinitas botanical gardens and every where there are wonders for the photographers to see. I first thought that this Flower was a fake plastic flower stuck in the pond. Well I was wrong. It was real and beautiful and was the size of a volleyball .

There were two kinds of water Lilly's, both were very pleasing to the eye. This flower matches the giant Lilly pads. If not some botanists will correct me and then I can fill in the scientific names.

Water Lilly Pad

I seem to be amazed again. This water lilly pad is about 2 foot to 3 foot in diameter and has 1.5+ inch edge. See my next blog for the picture of the flower.

Eucayliptus Tree

Have you seen the eucalyptus tree in the park?
Just at sunset, before dark,
Black lace against the sky,
Shimmering in the breeze passing by.
Many times I walked right by,
It never even caught my eye.
One day I reached right up and picked a leaf.
It smelled so good I pick some more.
Was just like the medicine Mom got at the store.
Now as each day passes, on my walk by the eucalyptuses.
I smile as I remember all my Mom's Kisses es.

by © Tom Stanley Janca. 2004

Yellow Footed Egret " Do This" a triple neck twist.

And you said it couldn't be done, well here is proof. (Twist not modified)

Black Neck Stilt

Not the typical pose for the black neck stilt. Where is the long legs the long neck.

Oh well I will have to settle for the next big symbol. You know like the smiley face, only this one means!

DO YOU GET MY POINT.

Yellow Footed Egrets teaching chick how to find food.

It is most Interesting to watch egrets fishing. If you get a chance to see close up their yellow feet are like hands slowly moving under weeds and moss to scare out the fish. Where they get caught very quickly by their spear like beak. If you are lucky you may see their happy dance usually after they catch and eat a fish.

I find it very amazing how fast birds go from the egg to adult size. I also find that they are taught how and what to eat by their parents.

A young Black Skimmer learning to skim.

I saw my first Skimmer near San Diego Ca. that was about 1980. There after I told a tale of a strange and very talented Bird. It flew at night through the cables, posts

boats, rigging's, docks . It flew very close to the water and skimmed out little fish as streaked the water with its beak. It would hit a fish and quickly catch it and not catch little sticks and small trash in the water. The streaks in the water was what I noticed first. I gazed over the boats and docks I would see white streaks in the water finally they flew right by me and I was amazed by their precising flying at night. I did some research to find out what kind of bird. Now 30 years after that I finally got to see two more and I was not disappointed. They were just like I remember. I was so glad I could get some pictures of them. There were some little kids chasing them and they were so agile in such a small area, fighter pilots could take lessons.

Looking West, Capitol Reef National Park.

This view is just a few miles off the main road through Capitol Reef National Park. It was well worth the time. The view on the other side was not as nice. The clouds make a fine addition to the picture. Utah has some surprises in the vista department.
. # 0605-1 © Tom Stanley Janca.

Stilt And Two Yellow Footed Egrets

You have my attention too! It must be food or danger. It would be nice to be able to fly.

GREAT HORN OWL DBA SCREECH OWL SHIVERS.

SCREECH OWL SHIVERS: by Tom Stanley Janca

I heard the screech owl way over there.

It didn't scare me so I didn't care.

It was over there, then somewhere else,

calling in the night all by itself.

Then! "ssccrreeeecchh", It was so loud right next to me.

The night was so dark I couldn't see.

Then all of a sudden behind my back.

Another screech! I was certain of an attack.

Shivers went up my spine.

My hair stood straight out for such a long time.

I let out a yell to scare them away.

But they didn't scare me, no, not anytime no way.

. # © Tom Stanley Janca. .20 per sq.in.

Jackrabbits Complaint

Pardon me!! but could you be a little bit quieter You and your car makes so much noise I can't keep up with my safety concerns. You know that pack of coyotes that live across the road there. Did you forget the bobcats and their new kittens they are always hungry. What about the eagles, hawks, owls, foxes, and even mountain lyons we won't mention that even jaguars are sneaking around. My brother saw one last year. I think you should be a little more considerate, your noise pollution is going to cause our complete demise. and what is all that click, click click en.

I am just going to run and hide.

# © Tom Stanley Janca. .20 per sq.in.

SUNFLOWER DRAMA

SUNFLOWER DRAMA

I never met a sunflower I didn't like.

They are along the trails I like to hike.

They shine so bright and last so long.

I know I'll miss them when there gone.

But now they brighten my path the whole day through.

Morning and noon and evening too.

But night time came with wind and rain.

The stormy night could not be contained.

I thought the sunflowers would never be the same.

The sun came up. My eyes look out.

There was beautiful sunflowers all about.

# © Tom Stanley Janca. .20 per sq.in.

Blue Mesa Lake, Colorado

And you wonder why I go on my photo trips in the Summer. It's easy Phoenix 110+ Gunderson Co. 82-. The four corners area is my favorite area for summer trips lots of 14,000 feet peaks. Lakes, forests, animals, flowers, old mining building and rivers with crystal clear water are every where. Adventure waits at the end of the tiny roads that cris -cross the mountains. I must also tell you that there lots of places to stay and eat. Maybe I have been Lucky but I haven't had to camp out yet! I say that because I don't know what reservations mean. . # © Tom Stanley Janca. .20 per sq. in.

Prickly Pear Pads with Stickers

Some time ordinary things catch your eye as being interesting. I liked the green and brown colors and the dots of very fine stickers. There are several varieties of prickly pear and this is one that grows into a vertical plant. Its fruit are not the ones used for jelly.

#9809-1 © Tom Stanley Janca. .20 per sq.in.

Wildness Waits for an American Kestrel.

A Few Words From An American Kestrel.

"I want to let you know that I will be back in action. No big grasshopper will be safe. I was injured and now I am soon to be declared fit for wildness once more. Thank you all for the support."

Photo was taken at the Gilbert Riparian Park. A wild animal rescue person was showing this very beautiful falcon. I grew up calling them sparrow hawks but I never realized how beautiful they were until my photos were close and personal.

. # 4458-1 © Tom Stanley Janca. .20 per sq. in.

Afternoon Knap Demonstrated by Black Neck Stilts.

Life is good here in the Gilbert Riparian Park. All their Immediate need are met, full stomach, safe place to sleep no one bothering them. All of the photographers are far enough away.

I like to see them all in a row on one leg it kind of makes me want to take a Knap too.

. # 9542-1 © Tom Stanley Janca.
.20per sq. in.