You get a real mishmash of subjects today but sometimes that’s just the way things turn out.
Readers will recall my post two days ago about Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah (WRCNU) being forced to relocate or close their doors because of an unreasonably short moving deadline forced upon them by Ogden city officials – the mayor in particular (he has ultimate authority over the decision). The stress that DaLyn, Buz and all the volunteers at WRCNU are feeling right now must be immense.
But yesterday some of my faith in humanity was restored when I saw this post on Facebook from my friend Buz Marthaler, cofounder of WRCNU.
What a generous offer from Bijan Pishevar and Two Men and a Truck! When I saw this post from Buz I realized that this location of Two Men and Truck wasn’t much further than a stone’s throw from my house so yesterday afternoon I decided on a whim to pay them a visit. My intention was to thank Bijan personally, for whatever that might be worth.
My timing wasn’t very good because Bijan was out of the office (he was involved in opening another Two Men and A Truck location somewhere in the valley). But I met four of their employees and without exception they were friendly, outgoing and professional – even before they knew the purpose of my visit. I asked them to pass on my thanks and appreciation to Bijan and the powers that be at Two Men and a Truck and they said they would.
These two gentlemen (I’m embarrassed to admit that I forgot their names) were busy with a project in the workshop that involved drying epoxy but they agreed to indulge me and pose for a photo. I wanted broad smiles out of them so just before I took the photo I told them that their zippers were down. It worked.
I’ve seen Two Men and a Truck trucks around the valley for years but until yesterday I didn’t know that they’re a nationwide franchise – they have over 300 locations in the US, Canada and even in Ireland. I hope I never have to move but if I do Two Men and a Truck will be my moving outfit of choice. I love how they live up to their professed values and mission statement. I hope my readers will consider using them as well.
When I left Two Men and a Truck I realized that I had my camera and lens with me. The sun had made it’s glorious appearance for about the first time in weeks so I detoured to some ponds on my way home to see what I might find. I didn’t have high expectations but when birds are migrating you never know what might make an appearance.
I was in for a couple of pleasant surprises and only one of them had feathers.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I was blown away to find this migrating Common Loon and when I first arrived it was reasonably close to me. I’ve been visiting these ponds for many years but this was the first time I’d ever seen a loon on one of them. During migration I do see them on some of our mountain reservoirs but they’re always far away and I thought finding one in the city was exceptional.
I’m not all that familiar with loons so I can only guess what’s going on with all the white speckles on the face of this bird. Does anyone know for sure?
The other surprise was finding my friend and neighbor Shane Smith at the pond. Shane is the proud owner of my old Canon 7D Mark II, the same camera he has in his hands. A very high percentage of the photos you’ve seen on Feathered Photography over the years were taken with this very camera. Shane was far away so he didn’t know I was taking his photo as he was trying to photograph the same loon I’d been photographing a few minutes earlier.
Shane has been a lifesaver for me during my surgery recovery and even before. He’s been doing some of my most difficult yardwork for over a year and he and his wife Kimmy regularly provided delicious food during the worst part of my recovery. He loves to smoke meat so I’ve been the recipient of ribs, brisket and a variety of other carnivorous treats.
Shane is new to bird photography but he really has the bug. I love his enthusiasm and excitement when he finds an interesting bird and he has the same enthusiasm for learning how to better use the 7DII so I try to help him all I can. He’s a quick study and the teacher in me really enjoys how far he’s come so fast.
But most of all I appreciate having such a kind and thoughtful friend and neighbor.
Ron
Thanks for a “warm fuzzy” post and a gorgeous loon today. 💕
Thank you, Marty.
That was very nice of you to stop in to see them. The two guys that were there looked very happy to have their photo taken. Sure hope some last minute miracle can happen to keep them where they are. High five to you for your concern and your actions in an attempt to help them.
Nice shot of the Common Loon. I have only see one once and it was very plain so assume it as a female.
Thanks, Everett. I don’t see loons often either and they’ve almost never been as close as this one was.
Hi Ron. As you suspect, those white speckles on the loon’s face are pin feathers – developing structures encased in sheaths made of keratin (the same material found in the feather’s shaft, as well as in our fingernails, and animal horns and hooves). When newly emerged, the developing feather is also known as a blood feather, protected by sheathing until the nourishing blood inside its shaft recedes to the skin. As the blood retracts, the bird picks away the sheath, no longer needed. When the bird cannot reach the pin feather, its sheath crumbles away.
Thanks for your posts. I’m relatively new to your shares and enjoy them immensely. I’d like to find them more often so I’m going to use my everyday email address below. How do I delete the old address please?
What a wonderful day which has brought BIG smiles to my face as I start mine (with yet another health challenge). Thank you.
Dang, you’ve had more than your share lately, EC. My very best wishes.
Wonderful mishmash!!
Wish I was your neighbor, nice to see folks appreciating one another, sharing, helping, and caring.
“nice to see folks appreciating one another, sharing, helping, and caring”
Isn’t it, Janis. The world needs more of it.
I can only add a “Ditto” to all the comments about what a delightful and timely post this is — spread the joy, indeed! Thanks for sharing all of it, Ron, I believe you’re a perfect karmic example of “what goes around comes around” … and the beautiful loon is just one of your rewards!
Thanks very much, Chris.
This post is just what I needed today. Buz, Bijan, Shane; we need more people like this. More Loons, too.
Glad you liked it, Lyle. Thanks.
Your post today is a lovely bit of sunshine on a rainy day in Central Washington😊
Ahh, sunshine. It’s revitalizing in all of its forms. Thanks, Carolyn.
Well, Ron, that was just about a perfect post for all around reasons. I have tears welling up.
Thanks to them and thanks to you. And may we all do our best to help each other in some way.
“And may we all do our best to help each other in some way”
An excellent sentiment, Nina.
A very nice post.
Thanks, April.
I think the white speckles on the face are just part of the process of transitioning from winter plumage to breeding plumage. Most, if not all of our Common Loons show that this time of the year in the PNW
Thanks for the insight, John. The best explanation I could think of was the whitish speckling was caused by new feathers growing out of their sheaths toward the end of a molt cycle.
Beautiful post Ron. Good people. A surprise bird photo opportunity. Gratitude for the good things in life is a time-honored practice of the wisdom traditions. Thank you for sharing this one with us.
Good people indeed, Michael. Thanks.
Sunshine in the blue sky, at last, and sunshine of generosity on the ground
—-it’s good to be reminded that both still exist. If I hear of anyone up north
who needs moving services, I’ll be quick to pass along Bijan’s and “Two Men
and a Truck”‘s names…….I hope the mayor of Ogden is feeling pressure
in the direction of generosity today !
“I hope the mayor of Ogden is feeling pressure in the direction of generosity today”
I hope so too, Kris. But with politicians especially, you never know…
Thanks Ron, great mid week lift.
Thank you, Lee.
That loon is so cool! I was happy to hear about it from Shane and see a few pictures he had taken. Thanks for teaching him and guiding him. His passion for birds is growing. I may not take photos but I love watching them. Learning lots from some awesome neighbors. Sorry I’m so shy and don’t talk much. 😂 We will always be here though. 🤗
Kimmy, when it’s something you love it’s a joy teaching it to others, especially when they take it to heart like Shane does.
Wonderful day, Ron! Great that Two Men and a Truck are stepping up to the plate to help WRCNU when the time comes! One less thing they have to worry about!.
I know nothing about Loons so no help there – glad sunshine and the Loon showed up for you.
Aware of Shane and his being a good neighbor to you – nice to put a face to him tho suspect he’ll be a bit embarrassed about it…. 😉 Great to have someone that will use the Canon 7D Mark II well and I’m sure he’s thrilled to have it and a great insturctor on both the camera and it’s uses. 🙂
No embarrassment here! I love learning from Ron and if I can payback his giving with some of my own services, it’s my pleasure!
Judy, I’ve known Shane since he was knee-high to a katydid. Sure glad he’s still my neighbor.
This is wonderful news. There are wonderful and kind people still out there! It warms my heart that you took the time to go over and acknowledge Two Men and a Truck. I think I will write them a note.
Thank You and Take Care,
Kaye
” I think I will write them a note.”
Good. I think they deserve it. Thanks, Kaye.
The kindness of strangers brings tears of joy to my eyes!! I had such an encounter yesterday too. Let’s spread the joy!
Yes, lets’s do.