Yonkers Fire Department, Station 3

Yonkers Fire Department, Station 3, 96 Vark Street, Yonkers, Westchester County, New York. This station was built in 1972 and houses Engine 303 and the Battalion 1 Chief's Unit. Yonkers fire service began in 1852 and became a paid department in 1896.

Nothing But Blue Skies

Unlike the past couple of days that the temperature has been below 20, last Saturday was awesome. The skies were so blue it was reflected on the ponds out at the State Game Lands. A thin ice layer only helped. I saw no wildlife except for a woodpecker and a far up, far off red-tailed hawk. And the late afternoon howl of some beagles chasing rabbits around. It was a good day.

So Long Toll Gate

I know I should be spitting out some sort of history here for you but I won't. The Toll Gate started out back in the 19th century as (wait for it) a toll house. Yes, there was a gate (a toll gate, get it?) and the passing traveler would have to pay a toll to proceed. Years later it was known as the Toll Gate Tavern. And more recently, maybe 10 or 15 years ago they added the new front end on. Once, long ago, I was asked to leave (we, we all were) while celebrating a good friends bachelor party. Anyways, the Toll Gate shut it's doors at the end of 2012 when the owners retired. Next up is a "sports bar", that's all I know.

The Kings Gap Water Tower

I never knew for sure if this old water tower was still being used. Obviously it is. And obviously it isn't completely sealed up. Or heated.

Barn in Fog

Another foggy picture from last weekend (a week ago). This old barn is the maintenance building out at the State Game Lands. I've always wanted to get some pictures of it and I think waiting for a foggy day was worth the wait.

Colorado Birding

The top two pictures were in the corral at base camp. The top picture shows some Stellar's Jays (and a chipmunk, see him?) The middle is a dark-eyed Junco (pink sided, I believe). And the bottom is the ever present Camp Robber, the Gray Jay.

Cormorants at Sunrise

Some Double Crested Cormorants submarining through Swan Cove on Assateague Island, Virginia.