Monthly Archives: March 2015

Pileated

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Dryocopus pileatus

“Pileated” means “having a crest on the pileum”.  A “pileum” is “the top of the head of a bird, from the base of the bill to the nape” (Merriam-Webster).  So now you know why this bird is named “pileated woodpecker”.

I was crunching along through the snow and ice when I heard a tapping sound. Looking up, I noticed little woodchips floating down to the towpath ahead of me. I stood there for ten minutes watching and listening (and photographing; I really need a better lens for long distance shots).

Bluebird

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Sialia sialis

Astronomically, it’s still winter here in the mid-Atlantic, since the vernal equinox doesn’t happen until March 20 this year.  Some people believe in a thing called meteorological spring, which started March 1st*.  I don’t believe it.  I don’t think Mr. Bluebird does, either.  But we both seem to be looking forward to warmer weather, whenever it happens.

I wonder if someone at the Eli Lilly company had bluebirds in mind when thinking up a trade name for tadalafil.

*which is when I wrote this post; it was 25 F and snowing

Three Views

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This February has been one of the coldest on record, with temperatures in the DC region about 5 degrees F below average.  It’s been snowing more often, too, but without much accumulation.  Makes for some pretty pictures.

Don’t forget to go to the Three Views page to see the same views in January and December.

February 27, 2015 
30 degrees F, mostly clear

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12:33 pm EST  18mm  f/10.0  1/200sec  ISO 100

Billy Goat B trail, east end, looking southeast across a narrow channel toward Vaso Island

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1:01pm EST  18mm  f/8.0  1/250 sec  ISO 100

Billy Goat B, mid-way between trailheads, looking upstream (more or less northwest) with Hermit Island on the left.

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1:54pm EST  18mm  f/8.0  1/250 sec  ISO 100

boat launch ramp near Old Angers Inn, looking downstream and more or less south