My recently untimely absence has been due to a short vacation and an adjustment to a new job situation. After a fairly mild winter, Spring is making an appearance here in eastern Chester County.
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Spring Has Sprung
Forsythia are some of the earliest flowering shrubs and are great in flower arrangements. I think almost everyone loves daffodils. Because you can’t have too many. The lovely magnolia. I believe this is also a magnolia variety. Early azaleas at Jenkins Arboretum. Winter is still hanging on at Jenkins … -
Looking Back at Fall at Valley Forge
A November trip to Valley Forge National Historical Park produced better shots than expected due to some late fall color. The hay, culled from the park’s extensive meadows, had just been baled. The park was showing a lot of beautiful gold tones in the trees at this time.
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Happy Holidays
I will be taking a break for a couple weeks to celebrate Christmas and my birthday. Here is a look back at some Christmas pasts.
I think this says it all. 
This neighbor is really in the Christmas spirit. 
The Nativity at a local church. 
My town makes a great collective effort with the Christmas lights. -
A Little Bit of Christmas This and That
Here is a look at some of the Christmas season scenes around my neck of the woods.
This enormous wreath was at Jenkins Arboretum. 
Where these leaves were still looking especially colorful. 
The door display over a local business. 
The local bakery is in the Christmas spirit. 
Devon Station was looking good in the afternoon golden hour. -
A Sugartown Christmas
Historic Sugartown in Chester County has been featured on my blog before if you would like more information about this location. They usually do seasonal decorations. This Christmas did not disappoint.
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The William Garrett House of 1805. 
The Book Bindery. 
Behind the Sharpless Worrell House … 
along with a close up of these wreaths. 
A reflection on the Carriage Museum. 
Nearby Sugartown Farm 
This lovely display was in front of the General Store. -
It’s Still Fall, Folks!
The Autumn color seemed to arrive late this year, even extending well into November in the southern tier of Pennsylvania. Valley Forge National Historical Park was still wearing its Autumn color when I visited. The Park had recently cut back some its extensive meadows. Valley Forge has one of the most extensive meadow habitats along the Northeast Corridor. In additional to occasional mowing, the Park also uses prescribed burns to rejuvenate the habitat from time to time. Let’s let Christmas wait a few more weeks.
Red and orange … 
and yellow. 
Some of the expansive meadows ready for winter. 
Pop of color against the evergreens. 
The mowing lines are clearly visible here on the hill. 
One of the workhorses responsible with part of its haul. -
A Pleasant Surprise
A unexpected event greeted me on my way home from a fairly unsuccessful trip to take some photographs. I came upon a fireworks display in celebration of Exton Community Day at Exton Park. I have no idea if this event is usually at this time of year, but it was nice to see fireworks a little earlier in the evening and with good weather.
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A Few From This Summer
I rather liked this panorama shot of Lake Wallenpaupack from the overlook near the dam. When you’re there, look up to your right and you might see an osprey nest in season.
Lake Wallenpaupack Closer to home, here is a shot from Kirkwood Preserve (in Chester County).
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A Better Day for Photography than Birds
A trip to the Octoraro Lake area for some birding did not produce what I had hoped for on the bird front. I saw some ducks and great blue herons and managed to take some of the worst bird photos I have ever attempted. I did better with photos of the surrounding countryside.
One of the spectacular farms of the area. 
I usually avoid shooting abandoned buildings, but this is part of a working farm. 
Enjoying lunch on a sunny day … 
This was the fastest moving Amish buggy I have ever encountered. 
While this one was trying to avoid traffic on my way home. Finally, a shot from northwestern Chester Country, because I like it and don’t have another post to put it in.
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The Season Begins
The onset of Spring turns my mind to birds. This is usually the best time of year to look for birds due to the opportunity to see migrating rarities in bright breeding dress. I frequently stop by Marsh Creek State Park when in the area. This is a good spot for bird watching, but I don’t seem to have much luck here. It probably doesn’t help that I am not a morning person and am, therefore, often looking for birds after 11 am. I did see some distant Common Mergansers on the lake, but had to settle for non-bird photos.
Land cruisin’ 
No entry 
I always think I am going to find something here but never do …. I also stopped by Struble Lake that day. This was more promising this time around. I saw a Savannah Sparrow and a lot of Snow Geese. There was still a fair amount of ice on the lake in early March.
Snow geese and friends