Hidden Beauty

Nearly every time I take a camera out what I see surprises me. There is beauty all around. Just the simplest things can be an amazing capture. The following are images taken yesterday not too far from home. Places I have been many times, but was just able to see.

Skywatch - Moon in a Blue Sky

Took this moon shot on March 7 later in the evening. I had hopes of capturing the full moon, unfortunately sleep & clouds got in the way! Going here http://skyley.blogspot.com you can enjoy many lovely sky images from all over.

Backyard Acrobat

Mom told me recently she had ask my sister how she would like to be a squirrel. I'm not sure why this came about, but anyhow, watching this guy this evening reminded me of that. It's pretty amazing the positions a squirrel can assume to get a treat from a bird feeder. An interesting fact about squirrels is they are very forgetful. The nuts & other goodies they work so hard to store may never be found in the cold of winter. Maybe that's why they are frequent guests at the birdfeeder! After awhile I did spread corn & sunflower seeds where he could reach & fill his tummy comfortably.

Oh yeah. The answer to the squirrel question was no - I did not ask!!!

More from Middlecreek

Taking a rest

Hiding ?

Hanging out on the lake.

Showing his beautiful colors along the cornfield.

Waterfowl

We took a trip to Middle Creek Wildlife Restoration Area today despite the cloudy, gray day. Just in case you are not familiar this area is managed by the PA Game Commission & is host to numerous species of waterfowl. In fact, if you get there at the right time, when the birds are returning north, there are thousands that rest in the lake overnight only to resume their journey early the next morning. Middle Creek is located deep in PA Dutch country, not too awfully far from Lancaster. While doing my usual people watching I noticed the big draw at the point was the resident eagle(s). I was able to spot one, in a tree watching over the lake. No good captures to share today though. I noticed a number of lovely red winged blackbirds & a blue bird too.

Mr. Canada Goose looks on as mama prepares the nest. Any thought on this ladies?

I repeat, gotta love that motor drive.

Reflections

I think the Great Blue Heron is an ugly bird, but at the same time I am fascinated by their grace in the air & on the water. I took quite a few shots of this guy. Sure would have liked to see him take off!

Identy Crisis

There is a chipmunk that has been hanging around thebackyard birdfeeder for a week or two. I was watching him today & found him to be a bit confused. First I looked out & he was scooting around on top of the bird feeder, he moved on to the tray & the goodies, & then finally he perched at the top of the metal post for the other birdfeeder. This kinda makes me wonder how these little guys climb, I always thought kinda like a cat with claws, but apparently not. He didn't sink claws into that metal post or the roof of the feeder where he slid around like he was on ice.

I got a good chuckle & a couple of shots, but was not quick enough to capture him on the metal post.

New Camera - Digital SLR

After stating many times that I did not want a digital SLR because I was quite happy with the results of my Fuji's & SLRs are too much work, I am eating my words! A couple weeks ago I ran into a Canon XT at a very good price & made the jump. Since that time I have been learning & practicing - nothing is safe from being captured by me & my Canon! I can manage the kit lens fairly well, but missed the far reach of the 18x zoom on the Fuji. So, I found a 75-300 refurbished Canon lens I could afford. It does not have image stabilization & makes the camera a bit heavy for me to keep still, so my next move will be to use a tripod. Taking some bird feeder shots I supported it with a table top tripod & those shots are very nice. What did I do with the Fuji's? Bought a bigger camera bag so I can have everything!! Here are a few of my practice shots.

Mady bowling. I think this one will be good for blackmail in a few years!!

Gold finch guarding the feeder

Love that motor drive.

Mountains on a cloudy day. Taken from the overlook on Tuscuora mountain.