Feathered Friends

Went back in to the files about a month for todays post. The first is a tufted titmouse, a favorite at my bird feeder. The second is resident Canada geese at Middlecreek Wildlife Restoriation Area. Both were treated with Topaz Adjust.

Grandkids

Madyson is doing what little girls do well............................make noise!

This had to the highlight of Madyson's day, "driving" the ambulance.

Trinity requested this shot be black & white & have a vignette. Turned out well, I think. She has expressed an interest in photography, actually took a good one of the baby with mine, as heavy as it was with external flash added. I gave her my first digital camera, a small Fuji, only 3 mp, but a starting place.

Baby #2 - The Birthday Princess

Miley & Mom, Krystal at Miley's first birthday party.

The cake.
More cake!

Oh my! that was fun! Priceless mother & daughter expressions.

Baby #1

Continued from yesterday...............meet Cabela.

Bear, Babies, & Grandkids

First I want to say after limited camera action over the winter months, today was a winner. We started late this morning with local Wildlife Conservation Officer, Kevin Mountz assisted by deputies Ashley & Andy, processing a bear estimated to weight 400-450#. This afternoon took us to a 1 year old's birthday party. The birthday girl's brand new baby cousin attended. The party was at the local firehall, which lead to an equipment tour for Trinity & Madyson. My total was image count neared 300. Bears, babies, & grandkids...it doesn't get any better!

So lets start with bear shots. Shooting was difficult mostly due to the bright sunshine today, especially when that brightness was behind my shots. As usual, some were good & some not so good As mentioned, this guy was a bruiser. He was at his low weight after winter's rest, it is likely to will gain 100-150# by next winter. Because of his size the officer's had to process him at the head of the trap rather than on the ground. They could not remove him from the trap after he was tranquilized, let alone put him back in to be driven to his new location. The reason he had was to be relocated was because he was tearing down a shed that contained sunflower seed for the birds & had consumed a large bag of the seeds. Processing, consisting of estimated weight (by measurement), a tooth removal to age him, eye ointment, ear tags are placed on each ear for tracking purposes, & a quick all over check, provides data for PGC biologists to study the beautiful creatures.

Comparing the officers gloved hands to the bear paw & head gives a size idea. Not sure where the blood streaks came from on the trap. This guy was not harmed, even the bit of dentistry was quick & easy. By this time this bear should be happily exploring his new home......or maybe plotting to return, only time will tell.

Reflections

Both of these images are from our trip to the Waynesboro Reservoir last Saturday. Darkness was rapidly approaching, but I decided to take some shots anyhow. Lost Andy @ that point...an unlicensed fisherman or 2 draws his attention pretty quickly! The reflections in the water were amazing. The first image is a mirror of surrounding trees & even some of the day's lovely sky. The second reflects trees & the Canada goose. Our trip that day reminds me how fortunate I am to live in an area so rich with history & natures beauty.

Ahhhhhhhhh.......................

........SPRING!

Yesterday's Power

The images above show different views & post processing treatments of the waterwheel located in downtown Chambersburg. A lovely bit of history.

Red, White, & Blue

I love seeing colorful flags flying in the breeze. We need to keep this one flying higher & brighter than all the rest!

Horses & "Topaz Adjust"

Andy & I spent the later afternoon hours in Chambersburg yesterday capturing images of a waterfall & an old waterwheel. After getting something to eat, we ventured to South Mountain, & the Waynesboro Reservoir. It was getting pretty dark til then, but I got a couple interesting Canada goose shots. While driving out of town a couple draft horses that I have had my eye on were near enough to capture. Magnificent animals! I understand I missed a treat when they pulled a sleigh after one of our snowstorms. Anyhow, I want to share a couple of those images today. Before I do that, I wanted to mention that a Photoshop plug in, Topaz Adjust, has caught my fancy. Photography or graphics? A bit of both? All three of these images have been "adjusted".