Saturday, May 21, 2011
May 5 2011 - Day 120
A Belted Kingfisher
Let me start by saying that while this is a far from perfect picture technically I felt that there could be no other for this day. Our development has a retention pond. There's nothing much in it other than geese and ducks. So imagine my surprise when I heard what could only be the call of a Belted Kingfisher while walking my dog.
I turned and there he was...just sitting there. So I went home swapped my dog for my camera and went back hoping he'd still be there. He was.
Here's the thing about Kingfishers...they NEVER let someone get within 50 feet of them. Believe me I've tried. I've snuck, I've crept, I've tried Military Stealth techniques, but it never fails. He spots you and moves 200 feet further down the shore line. So you follow. And as soon as you think you've gotten close enough to maybe get a picture that _might_ be clear, he flies away a split second before the shutter releases.
I can't tell you how many hours I've spent chasing these little guys. I can't help it...I don't like to say there's a bird that's simply not photographable.
This was the best that I had from that day. I like it. The irony that there's not a fish or minnow in the pond he spent the week hunting made me happy. Revenge of a sort I guess.
Let me start by saying that while this is a far from perfect picture technically I felt that there could be no other for this day. Our development has a retention pond. There's nothing much in it other than geese and ducks. So imagine my surprise when I heard what could only be the call of a Belted Kingfisher while walking my dog.
I turned and there he was...just sitting there. So I went home swapped my dog for my camera and went back hoping he'd still be there. He was.
Here's the thing about Kingfishers...they NEVER let someone get within 50 feet of them. Believe me I've tried. I've snuck, I've crept, I've tried Military Stealth techniques, but it never fails. He spots you and moves 200 feet further down the shore line. So you follow. And as soon as you think you've gotten close enough to maybe get a picture that _might_ be clear, he flies away a split second before the shutter releases.
I can't tell you how many hours I've spent chasing these little guys. I can't help it...I don't like to say there's a bird that's simply not photographable.
This was the best that I had from that day. I like it. The irony that there's not a fish or minnow in the pond he spent the week hunting made me happy. Revenge of a sort I guess.
May 4, 2011 - Day 119
Swainson Hawk
Okay here we go!! I've been without my computer for the last 2 weeks...apparently I had over 400 virus' on it so i've spent the week frantically trying to edit 1000's of images on a monitor that seems off colour wise.
This picture was taken on a very windy day just behind my house. The swainson's Hawk let me get withing 8 feet of her before taking off. I think she was just hoping that I would leave...I believe we had 60 km wind gusts and she was just trying to hold on.
Okay here we go!! I've been without my computer for the last 2 weeks...apparently I had over 400 virus' on it so i've spent the week frantically trying to edit 1000's of images on a monitor that seems off colour wise.
This picture was taken on a very windy day just behind my house. The swainson's Hawk let me get withing 8 feet of her before taking off. I think she was just hoping that I would leave...I believe we had 60 km wind gusts and she was just trying to hold on.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Computer virus
**I have not abandoned my Project. Due to a computer virus that has corrupted the drivers On my laptop I'll update as soon as I have my computer again!***
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Day 116
May 1, 2011
It seems only fitting that the picture from Sunday be of the insane blizzard that arrived to open the month of May. It's Assinaboine park looking gorgeous and pristine... the blizzard caught many off guard...especially the deer that I saw hunkered down at the tree lines. At the same time though it was beautiful...and frustrating.
I had my 4th 1/2 marathon to run...needless to say it didn't go well for me. Below is a picture of me at the start...full of eager anticipation...
It seems only fitting that the picture from Sunday be of the insane blizzard that arrived to open the month of May. It's Assinaboine park looking gorgeous and pristine... the blizzard caught many off guard...especially the deer that I saw hunkered down at the tree lines. At the same time though it was beautiful...and frustrating.
I had my 4th 1/2 marathon to run...needless to say it didn't go well for me. Below is a picture of me at the start...full of eager anticipation...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)