The Second Day of School

I took a number of photos from a brief walk outside my door, down the street, and around the corner. Here's a shot of some of the lovely yards and flowers on the street:

We love the log cabin! (on the left)

Here is the "ice house" according to neighborhood lore.

Some of the flowers, courtesy some gifts neighbors and their favorite hobby:

Ok, maybe I could have done without the Goldenrod, which is prolific in September, especially along the shore woodlands. I will have to look for the Ruby Crowned Kinglet, which generally makes Cliffwood Beach a migratory stopover just for this plant.

Whether coming home from school or walking around the neighborhood, you have to be a tides expert to properly navigate Lakeshore Drive. Today the tide is low at the close of the school day. I'll try and get another picture when the tide is high. You can check the Keyport tides before you step outside.

Today, the school bus has no trouble navigating Lakeshore Drive after school let out. I'm not sure what they do when the road has a foot (or more) of water covering it!

The Shore Bird of the Day - Geat Blue Heron

Today I finally got to borrow the use of the digital camera. I excitedly went to capture a photo of my favorite daily visitor, the Great Egret, a large white bird that frequently fishes in Treasure Lake.

To my enduring surprise I found a pair of Great Blue Herons instead. I'm not sure of how great a shot this is due to my inexperience with the Nikon Coolpix S1 camera will show.

Here one of the pair wades, whilst its mate flew overhead. (I think I rousted it when I leaned over the back fence). Any imperfections belong with the photographer, not the bird.

Life at the Beach

I love living in Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey.

The birds are attracted to my yard as much by the fish in Treasure Lake off of my backyard, as by the many and varied deciduous trees and shrubs that attract land and water fowl, the red fox, and yes, even the mosquitos.

In Summer months the Barn Swallows take a pretty big hit when the Monmouth County Mosquito Commission orders wetlands kill sprays, but hopefully the flying insects that don't dwell in the marsh will make up for the loss of diet.

When Mission Matawan volunteers came into the the heart of Cliffwood Beach to help a neighbor in need, they were impressed by the white picket fences, the flowing rose shrubs and the rabbits peering out through the dense garden foliage, like Peter Cottontail and family. Some of the streets truly appear as settings for Beatrix Potters stories.

I'll try to put up some photos from around the neighborhood to show you what I mean.

Til then, take care.