
Spending the holidays with family in Santa Cruz California,

and spied this young egret on Christmas Day.

He had romance on his mind,

but his timing was all wrong.

He expected affection,

prior to,

fine dining!

Live and learn.

He got the dinner,

but not the date!

Cheers to you from sunny Santa Cruz~
Exquisite.
Awww, honored, thank you!
You can’t win ’em all! đ
Great captures, Cindy!
Nope, unfortunately not!
Gorgeous pics! Happy New Year Cindy.
Thanks so much & Happiest New Year to you! đž
Thank you đĽł
Beautiful! All the best for 2019, Cindy. I look forward to more of your wonderful photos. đ
And I look forward to yours and your wonderful posts! Happy New Year Lynette đž
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Lovely pictures, Cindy! Poor egret, he still has much to learn about managing his appetites. Santa Cruz looks lovely, and green! Trust your daughter and the twins are doing well. Iâm sure you had a great Christmas together!
The twins are, of course, completely adorable, and Mama and Daddy are doing an excellent job with them. Hope all is well with your wife and family, and sending you wishes for the Very Best New Year Peter đž <3
Poor Egret, although that fish looked very tasty. Beautiful and timely captures, Cindy! May we look forward to more of your posts in 2019. Happy New Year!
And I look forward to yours! Happy New Year đž
Happy New Year! Looking forward to all the conversations and adventures that are waiting for us in 2019. Hugs!
I am grateful for another year to share with my wonderful friend Rebecca <3 đž
Namaste Cindy đ
Delightful. Your photography is always enjoyed, always appreciated, always a thrill to view. Nature appears to offer herself very readily to your lens whilst your awareness captures her whimsy so well. Thank you for sharing đ
White, short-feathered,
But not yet weathered,
Nor experienced in the ways of life,
An egret set about his task,
Of acquiring himself a wife.
~
Taken by fancy,
He took a wee chancy,
Chased a beauty across the shore,
Yet she unimpressed with his press,
Wanted a Heron who’d offer her more.
~
Spurned he turned,
Undeterred by dismissal,
Feasted instead on cockles and mussels,
Then bright as a new shiny pin,
Waited for the next bird to fly-in!
~
The Egret with regret,
Who worked up a sweat,
That day learnt a thing or two:
Dine and sate your feathered date,
When then she’ll come to you.
~*~
Happy New Year Cindy! I hope 2019 will exceed your every expectation. Take care, enjoy Santa Cruz.
Brightest Blessings. Namaste đ
DN
I love your poem!
Namaste Liz, Happy New Year đ
Thank you that is most kind…I enjoyed writing it and had a chuckle along the way đ
Cindy’s splendid photography frequently offers inspiration: her amusing commentary is invariably a starting point for a poem.
Brightest Blessing. Namaste đ
DN
Oh my GOD! This is awesome! I think you entered this egret’s soul. You are amazing Dewin. All the Very Best to you in 2019. I so look forward to another year of your brilliant verse <3 đĽ
Namaste Cindy đ
Appreciative of your photographs,
Inspired by their song,
I love to sit and perch a while,
If only to prolong: to satiate my delight,
Or satisfice my delectation.
~
Always so generous, you flatter me, when in truth it is your spirited work that captures the essence of your subject: I borrow from that ethereal zeitgeist and add a word or two of my own. Your images impel a poem to be penned.
I felt sorry for the little guy…it’s no easy task approaching a female of the species…so no doubt his enthusiasm overwhelmed him and his awkwardness was simply nerves. Bless him: he’ll get it right next time đ
Thank you for best wishes for the New Year. I’m eager to get it underway, but yet, a little rest and relaxation over the festive period has been much needed.
Happy New Year to one and all in Santa Cruz! đ
Brightest Blessings in all ways always.
Namaste đ
DN
Hear, hear! đ
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I could tell you had fun writing it. Aren’t those always the best poems!
Indeed they are Liz đ One is always appreciative of such moments for they encourage the next word, the next line, the next stanza…
Namaste đ
DN
Oh well. He had dinner. Wonder what she went and did?
Happy Holidays, Cindy!
Laughing……Dinner works for me! đ đĽ
Wonderful series and photos!!
Thank you very much!
đđ Beautiful photos.
Grazie mille!
I loved this! Happy New Year!
Happiest New Year to you Jill đĽ
I’ve never seen egrets look more beautiful. It was also nice of them to oblige you with a little floor show.
Laughing, I thought it was quite considerate of them too! Thank you for your kind words Liz and Happy New Year đĽ
Happy new year to you as well, Cindy! I look forward to seeing its wonders through the lens of your camera.
Absolutely gorgeous, Cindy. Your photography either fills me up or takes my breath away – both are very good things. Thank you!
Awwww, your comment touched my <3 ! Thank you and Happy New Year đĽ
Iâm so glad. đ
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Ha, ha! When my cockatoo feels romantic, he makes the same gesture and his crest flies up, too!
They are so valiant and beautiful aren’t they!!!
The egretâs are. Cockatoos? Not so much!
Such pure white feathers! Beautiful birds on a beautiful seashore.
Happy New Year to you and your family, Cindy.
Ahhh, thank you so much. Happiest & Healthiest New Year to you <3
You must get up very early!
I am so lazy. I do not. I sleep until 9:30 every morning. I think I get all the bird shots because the bird watchers have all left hours ago! đ
You get the shots and sleeping till 9:30 is good for me.
Hi Cindy. I’ve spent many days and nights in Santa Cruz over the years. If you go to the arcade at the amusement/boardwalk area, don’t forget to play SkeeBall!
Neil
My husband keeps trying to get me to go there. He rode the original roller coaster x years ago, and wants to ride it again. It’s just like the one in Mission Beach in San Diego, a California classic, which I rode a gazillion times as a kid. I’ll go, and try the skeeball, and ride the roller, but you do know, I prefer the wild critters…… Laughing!
So lovely to spend special time with family. Weather looks good too. Wishing you all the best for 2019
Now there are these two, twin, three month old preemie baby boy grandsons, who are thriving. Being with them was indescribable. Happiest New Year to you Pauline and to Jack. You both are role models for me and how to live fully. <3
Thatâs a lovely thought Cindy and Iâm so pleased to hear your grandsons are doing so well. Family time is precious
<3 <3
đ
Wonderful photos, Cindy, and I love your commentary. Santa Cruz is close to me in San Jose.
Yes it is. My daughter works in San Jose. Happiest New Year to you Susan <3
Happy New Year to you, too, Cindy!
<3 đ
Wonderful photos of the birds. Have fun with the family and Happy New Year. Hugs.
The three month old preemie grandson twins were pretty mind boggling to hold and hug. I wish you everything good in the coming year Marlene and hope to share the year with you <3
MInd boggling is the perfect word. No grands here so I’m envious. đ Hug them extra. đ Happy New Year, Cindy.
<3 <3
Just trying to catch up and some wonderful photos of your holler birds and others. Have a very happy 2019 and look forward to seeing more of your beautiful photos.
I so look forward to hanging out with you in 2019! Be well~
Breath taking captures. đ
Aww, I am lucky because I have the best friends! Happy New Year to you <3
Happy New Year. â¤
Visa versa 2UX2! đ
http://bestanimations.com/Holidays/NewYear/happy-new-year-colorful-fireworks-over-city-animated-gif.gif
Feliz Ano Nuevo mi amigo amable <3
https://superduque777.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/pvnochevie.jpg
Tan bien y Prospero Ano Nuevo <3 đ
How wonderful. Just love it.
Awww, love to you! <3 đ
I guess romancing the egret is just not that easy. Fine dining would be some compensation. Glad to hear you are having a lovely time with the family and the new littlies.
Thank you Mandy. Wishing you a Blessed New Year! <3 đ
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
Cindy Knoke sent pictures of life among the egrets on Christmas Day in beautiful Santa Cruz, California.
Happiest and Healthiest New Year to you Patricia! I look forward to sharing another year with you. <3 đ
Gorgeous photos! Wishing you, and your nearest and dearest, a Happy New Year.
Thank you Sheree & visa versa 2UX2! <3 đ
Looking at the second photo – I wonder if its the light, or just my imagination, that reflects the matching blue nail polish with the blue ‘beak-stick’ Very trendy, if it is ! đ
Nevertheless, with or without the colour – the Snowy Egret still a very beautiful bird. Lovely photos.
Birds always wear the best make up! Happy New Year my friend <3 đ
Another excellent set – especially the first young egret one
Thank you very much Derrick! Happy & Healthy New Year to you and yours <3 đ
Reciprocated, Cindy X
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wunderschĂśn, liebe Cindy, seit gestern ist diese Aussage wieder mal wichtig fĂźr mich geworden:”man merkt immer wieder, Gesundheit ist das hĂśchste Gut”.
GlĂźckliches neues Jahr fĂźr Sie! <3
Bless him! Beautiful images Cindy đ We wish you, your family and the egrets a blessed and happy New Year đ¤đ xxx
Awww, thanks so much and all the same to you and yours! <3 đ
Thank you Cindy đđđââď¸
Only the best to you for the new year Cindy…
Visa versa 2UX2! đ
Great close-up photos and cute story Cindy!
So pleased you enjoyed & Happy & Healthy New Year to you! <3 đ
I need a healthy New Years! My medical condition hasn’t improved much after my operations. A bit frustrated, but trying to make the best of it.
Oh no! Terribly frustrating for you. I am so very sorry. .
Lovely pictures of the egrets and their fun activities.
Thank you & lovely to hear from you! Have a wonderful 2019! <3 đ
Donde esta Santa Cruz?ich schau mal !Alles Liebe fĂźr 2019đđđż
It is near San Francisco. Happiest New Year to you too & thank you! đ
I love the pictures and the storyline. I smiled all the way through. Happy 2019~
Your sweet comment made me smile! Happy New Year <3 đ
Thanks for all your wonderful captures over the year, Cindy. I wish you and yours a blessed 2019!
Visa versa 2UX2! <3 đ
This egret learned an important lesson: food always comes before shenanigans!
I love the word “shenanigans”! Thanks for using it this morning; it gave me a smile.
It is a lesson all should heed!!! đ
Haha, I’m glad I could help đ
đ
Yes, one needs to keep up one’s strength for the exertion !!! đ đ
Haha, that poor female.
She definitely was expecting more from the poor guy!!!
That picture of him running after her across the sand, arms out, hair flying, is both funny and sad. He just doesn’t get it. I like to imagine two cartoon bubbles, one showing what he’s saying and the other (connected with tiny bubbles) what he’s thinking.
It’s wonderful, Cindy, how you can see both the drama and comedy in nature. And most important, the beauty.
Ahhhhh, your very thoughtful comment touched my heart! Thank you so much Albert and All the Best to You in 2019! đ
I’m in love! đ Thanks for sending some romance my way. My single life has gotten rather dull.
Laughing…..Happiest New Year to you Brad! đ
Thanks Cindy!
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Wishing you all the best for 2019 Cindy.
There’s a lesson to be learned, you can’t rush romance.
Leslie <3 đ
So VERY true! Happy 2019! <3 đ
đ <3
Gorgeous shots, as always. Have a wonderful 2019!
So kind & much appreciated. Happiest New Year to you! đ
Lovely story in pictures and short sentences! Looking forward to see and read new stories in New Year.
Thank you Alexander! I look forward to another year following your wonderful blog đ
The early egret doesn’t always get the date!!
Laughing!!! Too true! Happy New Year Sheila <3
HaHa, another good one, Cindy! Baby egret missed out on a beauty, didn’t he? Happy New Year to you and yours — these are gorgeous shots!
Thank you Debbie! The Best & Brightest New Years to you and yours <3
Reblogged this on Echoes in the Mist.
Happiest & Healthiest New Year to you Sharon! đž
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!! Wish you all the best in 2019, my dear Friend!!! Warmly, Arlen.
Visa versa 2UX2 Arlen! đž
You’re egretest photographer, my friend. Hope you had egret Christmas and cheers to a happy new year. (áŚËâĄË)âĽâáľáľáľ âĽ
Happiest New Year to you! đž <3
*̼̝̼̝̼Í*̝̼̝̼Í*̼̝̼Í*̝̼Í*ĚĽÍ ę° Ë ŕĽ˘ęľ ŕĽ˘ËęąâĄ *ĚťÍ*ĚĽĚťÍ*̝̼̝Í*̼̝̼̝Í*̝̼̝̼̝Í
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Thanks for the tour with nature’s beautiful creatures.
Thank you for the thoughtful comment!
Romance and Fine Dining … makes the world go round in my book too, even when I miss out a bit! Thank you for these great captures đ
Wishing you all the very best for the New Year Cindy. Love, Peace and Happiness to you and yours!
Visa versa 2UX2 sweet friend <3
Great job capturing elegance.
Awww, thank you Frank and Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Cindy. Get me email?
I will look. Happy & Healthy New Year to you and yours Frank!
You always find the most beautiful birds đ Happy New Year Cindy!
Happy & Healthy New Year to you!
Thank you Cindy!
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http://bestanimations.com/Holidays/NewYear/happy-new-year-pouring-champagne-tower-toast-animated-gif.gif
Happiness & Health to you my friend! <3 <3
Your photography is exquisite, Cindy.
Awww, so kind of you and so appreciated too!
Happy New Year, Cindy!
Visa versa 2UX2! <3
One of my favorite creatures on this fine planet!
It’s amazing the stories that you can witness if you have a little patience đ
Just like the patient bird that you observed!
I agree with you entirely and egrets are gorgeous creatures!
Beautiful
Thank you & Happiest & Healthiest New Year to you!
Ha. What a pretty bird. So WHITE! I’m sure he’ll find some romance in the future. đ
I am sure you are right. He is quite the looker and his taste in dining in beyond refute!
Beautiful birds – and incredible photography!
He’s so handsome! He deserved the date! So sad he missed out…hope dinner made up for his ruffled in romance feathers!
Well, there is much to be said for freshly caught sculpin! It’s yummy…. Happy New Year to you and Wolfie!
Cindy, thank you again for lovely photographs!
Thank you more for being such a thoughtful friend.
Cindy, You are very welcome!
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Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here are lovely photographs from Cindy Knoke!
All the best to you Charles in 2019!
Beautiful shots.
Happy New Year!
Thank you & Happy New Year to you!
Wow! Amazing and what a delight!
Awww, thank you and so happy you enjoyed!
An inspiring post Cindy. Thanks for being part of the AOC journey.The very best wishes to you and for you always!đ Cheers!
Cheers & Happiest & Healthiest New Year to you!
PHOTOGRAPHS ARE VERY PROFESSIONAL CINDY, THE BEST YET, CHINA
china.alexandria@livingthedream.blog
Awww, so kind of you and so appreciated too! Happy New Year <3
Reblogged this on LIVING THE DREAM.
Thank you kindly!
Beautiful birds, Cindy! A very happy new year to you!
I look forward to sharing 2019 with you! <3
happy new year to you and yours !
Visa versa 2UX2!
đ
Those snowies – their feet get me every time! HNY. RH
Me too! I love it when the breeze blows their long snowy feathers <3
Happy New Year Cindy, lovely sunny scenes.
Happy Operatic New Year to you sweet lady <3
At least he got the dinner! đ Happy New Year, Cindy xo
A fine dinner is a very fine thing! Happy New Year to you Christy <3
Lovely photos and amusing commentary! Happy New Year Cindy. đ
Thanks much & Happy New Year to you!
Beautiful pictures!!!
Merci beaucoup mon ami <3
Must say their feathers are quite clean. đ
The clean ocean water keeps them tidier than lake birds.
So beautiful! I love those birds!
Happy New Year, dear Cindy. <3
I love people who love birds! Happy New Year! <3
Reblogged this on SUSANNE LEIST.
Hugs to you sweet friend & Happiest & Healthiest New Year!
Love it. Stunning photos đ
So glad you enjoyed & cheers to you!
Absolutely gorgeous, Cindy. Thank you!
So kind & much appreciated! Cheers Jennie~
You are most welcome, Cindy!
So gorgeous in their mating plumage and yellow spats, Cuz. Great pics ! ………đ
Happy New Year to you and yours Paul. Wishing you a year of health and happiness <3
Wow, that’s one smart looking Egret LOL.
On a side note, hope you and your family had a festive Christmas and a wonderful start to the new year â¤
So kind of you. Thank you. I wish you and yours The Happiest & Healthiest New Year! <3
Amazing bird photography. I like it very much.
At least he had a good dinner! Probably more dates in the new year! đ Wishing you a super new year Cindy!
Exactly. Dates come and go, but a good meal is a thing of beauty!
Spectacular images, as always. It’s been a while since I’ve visited here, and I’ve missed them! Wising you an amazing year, Cindy!
So happy you stopped by and said hello. Happy New Year to you and yours!
Amazing photos! Happy New Year!
Thank you & Happiest New Year to you!
Gorgeous pictures, very well done.
Thank you very much & cheers to you!
I thoroughly enjoyed this post, and just beautiful photography! Thanks for sharing
Ahhh, thank you more for such a lovely comment!
I love this post, Cindy! Smiles and giggles galore, thank you!!
Awww, so glad you do & cheers to you Donna <3
A delightful visual story — except for the suitor, I mean.
The suitor will likely live and learn, otherwise he will not survive, which also goes to show, birds are just a bit smarter then some humans. đ
Beautiful!!
Merci beaucoup mon ami!
Timing is everything. đ Better luck to him next time, and it will be an unforgettable memorable experience I’m sure. đ Such detail and color again in these photos. Great shots.
Romance is a potential minefield. I have basically no idea how I survived it. Love to you Joyce <3
Beautiful pictures! We used to go to Santa Cruz every weekend when we lived in the Bay Area. Have you been to the UC Arboretum? It is fantastic! The Australia Garden is our favorite – so many hummingbirds and protea. I very rarely saw snowy egrets in California, so how lucky to get such great pictures!
Oh my no, I haven’t been to Arboretum. Hummingbirds and proteas have me hooked. My son in law is with the university so I will visit next time I am there. Thank you for the lead!
You MUST go to the arboretum! We went about every weekend when we lived in the area. Now is perfect because the acacia should be blooming soon and the garden will be totally buzzing with hummers. You won’t believe it! https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/visit/index.html
Yep. It is now a priority. It sounds incredible.
Hahaha đđ
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