"This is the violet hour, the hour of hush and wonder, when the affectations glow and valor is reborn, when the shadows deepen along the edge of the forest and we believe that, if we watch carefully, at any moment we may see the unicorn."


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Feathery Friends at Ft. Point and Near the Bay

Last week marked the end of our beautiful, dry Winter....(it's storming today and for the remainder of the week)!  Winter in Northern California is definitely going *out like a Lion*!  Roar!  Anyway, my friend Carol and I spent most of last Friday wandering down Crissy Field and into Ft. Point.  Enroute, we met a Raven-friend!

 Mr. Egret posed prettily!

I love the Raven perched atop the building with the Golden Gate in the background. (All my Raven-Sisters, especially Renee, were on my mind that day.)


 And...more Hummers!  Suddenly, they all want their *closeups*!




Blackbirds having their own "private" picnic!


As we approached Ft. Point, we spied a Cormorant sunning himself.



He waited for us to get closer...


 And still posed for us as a wave almost spashed us! 

Ft. Point was the only Fort on the West Coast (built in 1853) that originally functioned as a protection against attacks on the Pacific during the Civil War. 

 I loved the pattern of the entry door to the Fort.



 The cannons were originally used to discourage attackers from scaling the Fort.




Here is an archival photo, taken in 1910.......  what's missing from the view?  The Golden Gate Bridge - it wasn't yet built!




This was taken in 1933....the bridge is just under construction...





The view of the City from the top level of the Fort.

 Looking North - this sailboat appeared at the perfect opportunity.



Standing directly UNDER the Golden Gate.... it's fascinating to listen to the *music* of the cars passing above...




The Lighthouse.....a must in our fog..... this one was used from 1864 to 1934, when the foundation of the Golden Gate blocked its light.  (These days, there are several Lighthouses up and down the Coast....I love listening to them on those foggy days!)


 We had an unexpected *Feathered friend* fly up to where we were standing to say "Ahoy ..I think I'll land and keep you girls company"!



It was a lovely day....  I hope you enjoyed coming along!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥
Posted by Robin at 10:47 AM
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14 comments:

  1. Cris, Artist in OregonMarch 13, 2012 at 6:41 PM

    Its always fun to go for a walk with you. You do have some gorgeous views. Also fun looking back in time before the Golden Gate Bridge was built.

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    1. RobinMarch 15, 2012 at 9:26 AM

      Hi Cris... so glad you *walked along with me*! It's fun to share!

      Love to all 4,

      ♥ Robin ♥

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  2. kjMarch 13, 2012 at 10:18 PM

    that splashy photo is fantastic, robin. you really nailed it.

    i'm now in search of birds, following your example.

    they're coming back to my yard: i'm psyched

    xoxo
    kj

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    Replies
    1. RobinMarch 15, 2012 at 9:28 AM

      Thanks for the compliment KJ! That shot was pure luck!

      Looking forward to seeing your Bird Photos! You have some gorgeous ones where you live!

      MUWAH!

      ♥ Robin ♥

      Delete
  3. sukipoetMarch 14, 2012 at 5:21 AM

    I love that splashy photo too and the history in brief of the bridge and the underside and fog horns. wow. i feel as if i had been there with you. thank you.

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    1. RobinMarch 15, 2012 at 9:29 AM

      Hi Suki! I knew you would love those pre-GG Bridge photos!

      Love to you and Bibs!

      ♥ Robin ♥

      Delete
  4. Lisa at GreenbowMarch 15, 2012 at 10:08 AM

    What beautiful scenery you have. Love seeing the birds of your area. We don't have our hummers back yet. It won't be long what with all this hot weather we have been having. HAW and thank you for taking us with you on your walk about.

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    1. RobinMarch 16, 2012 at 8:56 AM

      Hi Lisa... I can't wait for your Hummers to return...your photos and sketches will be so wonderful! I am glad you are finally getting a taste of Spring!

      Hugs,

      ♥ Robin ♥

      Delete
  5. ~BabsMarch 15, 2012 at 4:39 PM

    "hope you enjoyed coming along"
    Gosh,,,who wouldn't!

    Such an informative,,,and also beautiful post!
    I haven't yet seen a hummingbird here, I need to put out a feeder and invite them over. I loved watching them at our lakehouse.

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    1. RobinMarch 16, 2012 at 8:59 AM

      Hi Babs... I am glad you liked this post... I really enjoyed taking the photos (especially being under the GG Bridge) and writing the post.... and now, I can look at the photos and remember the warmth of the day! We have had non-stop rain and wind for four days now!!!!

      You must put out a Hummer-feeder! You are such a lover of beauty....and the little guys add such sparkle to life!

      Hugs,

      ♥ Robin ♥

      Delete
  6. marianneMarch 15, 2012 at 11:42 PM

    Wow gorgeous pictures Robin!
    A lovely sunny day with the company of so many feathered friends!
    Love that hummingbird. Lucky you!
    Busy as a bee here!!!!! Yesterday morning I finish planting the trees and new plants and after that Marja , the B's and the girl and I went to the beach. (see FB)

    Have a lovely day dear, I hope sunny as this one ;)
    ♥M

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    1. RobinMarch 16, 2012 at 9:01 AM

      Hello Zuster.... wow - you HAVE been a busy bee! The Garden is going to look GORGEOUS!!!

      I adored the Beach photos!!! The two *B's* and *K* and *D*..so adorable together!!!

      STILL RAINING.....sigh.....

      Love,

      ♥ R ♥

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  7. Secret Agent WomanMarch 18, 2012 at 5:30 PM

    Our winter seems to be exiting very gently this year. But we won't get hummingbirds for a while.

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  8. Amanda SummerMarch 19, 2012 at 9:57 AM

    i love how you thoroughly enjoy the beautiful environs of the bay area - and take the rest of us along who don't live in this stunning part of the world. such wonderful pictures, robin (i bet it is fun to listen to the 'music' of the traffic under the golden gate bridge!) - the hummingbirds brought a huge smile to my face!

    blessings to you for a beautiful week ahead -

    xo
    amanda

    ReplyDelete

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