pileated woodpecker!!!

as i was drinking my tea on the front porch this morning i heard very loud pecking sounds coming from the large oak tree in my front yard. along with the noises were big chunks of bark and leaves falling to the ground. i knew it had to be this woodpecker!! i love these birds, they are so big(about the size of a large crow) and majestic looking, i couldn't resist some photos. these are definitely not my best shots ever, most are blurry but you can get the general idea.

Bayou Coquille

bayou coquille is part of the jean lafitte park in barataria, louisiana. it is one of my favorite places to go in the spring to see tons of the great wildlife here. there is a boardwalk that runs through the swamp and then along the bayou - i have never been disappointed on a visit here. i have seen all the below plus owls, rabbits, different varieties of snakes, egrets, great blue herons, woodpeckers, warblers, turtles, fish and i'm sure more animals i am forgetting to mention. it's also a great place to see the irises in full bloom if you can catch them--it's kind of a short window of opportunity. there is always something great to see though!!

Red Onion cont...

bamboo is one of my favorite things that grows out of the earth. there is a great little stand of it at the red onion that i could probably photograph all day long. here are a couple fun shots of it. enjoy!

The Red Onion:Baton Rouge, Louisiana

I recently visited one of my favorite stores of all time. the red onion in baton rouge-if you live anywhere remotely near here and like plants/flowers/pots/interiors/art you must visit. Brenda, the owner, is really friendly and personable and has great company at work!

there is a great little shop on the grounds of a greenhouse and several growing areas

there area unique pots, glass votive holders, the one pictured below is fashioned after a log with holes in it for the candles

artwork, cement mushrooms, glass cloches and books

spring