Pond Scum!!

With the lurking responsibility of Jury Duty tomorrow and a forest fire over by Black Butte Ranch in Central Oregon I put off a trip over to the east side until next week or the week after and opted to just do some wandering around in the valley.   In addition to my favorite set of ponds there is another group near the dam outlet of Fern Ridge Reservoir and I headed out there last evening.  I went primarily because I remembered herons and an egret but neither showed up – however there was a Osprey but way out of range of any lens I have in my bag.

Then there were the thistles!!  How many times have I had my legs and arms scratched up by these plants.  They even form clumps that are almost impossible to make your way through.  I have noticed however from time to time the dried stalks as part of floral arrangements – always made me laugh.  I found them in ‘bloom’ – I guess that is what you call it and for once ended up thinking they were lovely – almost like they are wearing a crown!

I got a couple more interesting shots – the last one was pond scum that had formed on a backwater area and while I am not sure I know what the growth is called it did make for an almost abstract view across the water in the evening light.