Pacific Forktail

We had another fun morning walking, this time at Fernhill Wetlands in Forest Grove, OR.  It was surprisingly light on birds although we saw quite a few Gadwall and a Cinnamon Teal family.  In spite of the lack of abundant birds, we saw plenty of swallows and were constantly serenaded by Song Sparrows along our walk.  The temps were under 60 F with only intermittent sun peeking through so we walked with light jackets.   I was hoping to see some odes and it was my dad who first spotted a small, cryptic looking brown damselfly.  I eventually found several of these beautiful blue and black damsels including this one who posed nicely for me.
 
I've been just hammered by allergies so we went out and got some nasal spray this morning which I started immediately.  I've never really had any significant seasonal allergies so this is offensive to me.  I ended up napping for a couple of hours this afternoon.  It feels for all the world as if I'm getting a cold, but I'm almost certain it's allergies.  Determined not to let it impede the trip, however.  

I finished "The Warmth of Other Suns" last night, the book I've been reading about the migration of African Americans from the Southern US to the northern and western states that occurred between 1915 and 1970.  It was a powerful book and I learned so much while reading it - very moving and I understand why it won so many accolades when it came out in 2010.  Wish I'd read it sooner.

xo
Debbi