Category Archives: Long Island
Cedar Beach in Winter
Cedar Beach, Southold, Suffolk County, North Fork of Long Island, New York
To view more photos or order prints from the east end of Long Island, click here
Spotted at a Renaissance Fair: Polly want a …?
Medieval Festival, Sands Point Preserve, Nassau County, New York
To view more photos or order prints from The Sands Point Medieval Festival, 2009, click here
Species of the parrot family have been kept as human companions since the days of Pliny the Elder. The macaw in particular can make a wonderful companion, partly due to the fact that it can imitate human speech. Imitate might be a curious choice of words here, as some parrots have been reported to have over a thousand words in their vocabulary, and not only have the ability to choose the correct word for an object, but can also use the correct tense and form simple sentences. Scientists use the word imitate, as they have no vocal chords, and must improvise the sounds that form the words. Which all these points taken together, means many parrots are better speakers and more educated that many humans (Republicans come to mind).
There are drawbacks of course. There’s the whole concept of trying to tame a wild creature, and taking it from its home, which can be truly tragic. Also, parrots are very monogamous, and form a very close bond to its mate. Depriving any creature of this enrichment to human life can certainly make it testy. And parrots require a lot of attention and care. It’s said that caring for a parrot is like caring for a three year old child. Considering that parrots often live around 80 years, and have been known to top the century mark, that’s a big responsibility to take on.
The Blizzard at Dix Hills
Dix Hills County Park, Suffolk County, Long Island, New York
To view more photos from Dix Hills and West Hills County Park or purchase prints, click here
Dix Hills on Long Island was originally inhabited by native Americans. Eventually it became the possession of a native American by the name of Dick Pechagan who sold the land to the town of Huntington. Later, Walt Whitman taught school in the area, and wrote eloquently in his diaries and letters about roaming the hills of the area.
Uplands Farm Blizzard
Uplands Farm, Cold Spring Harbor, Town of Huntington, Suffolk County, Long Island, New York
