Bike ride in the marsh

A closer look at yesterday's spoonbill and 3 pair of sandhill cranes!

Oh, the places I'll go....

This morning was the first of many future visits to Harns Marsh, a plot of protected land less than 5 miles from my house!  What a glorious morning it was - the air was just cool enough to start out wearing a jacket, birds were calling and crying, and the sun was glowing brightly on beautiful, blooming flowers.  What more could a girl with a camera want??
Another photographer there told me this was the worst day he had even been there - worst as far as photographing birds is concerned.  Well, then, I have a great deal to look forward to!  I was thrilled with my photos and the birds I saw, some of which I must look up the names of!  I'll post my favorites and you can come to your own conclusion.
I can't wait to take my dear friend there with his camera when he returns.  It's such a lovely, peaceful place!
Click on the photo to see it larger.

Woodstork in the sky, ducks skimming the water.

Woodstorks in flight - even at their size, the eagle can scare them up.

Glossy ibis

Are you impressed yet?  I can't believe it - there are more!

Coots

Tri-colored heron

Darn, I missed a photo-op because I didn't wear my flowing white dress!

A fleeting few seconds of far-off flight, a glimpse of pink, and I got it!  A roseate spoonbill!

This is where I was standing - the roseate was all the way back to the trees, on the left.
I was only using a 70-300 lens.  Miracles do happen!

Dragonfly season is one of the benefits of humidity.

Hello?

I'm sure that's enough for all of you for now!  I chose my favorites out of the 300 I kept.  I hope you enjoyed them!

Dreaming of Paris....

....and who wouldn't want to win THIS prize!?!  http://carlacoulson.com/2012/03/win-a-portrait-shoot-and-make-over-in-paris-or-sydney.html#more-2072

Welcome back, Muse!

So many ideas - but life has kept me mentally and physically busy lately, so the ideas were overwhelming rather than motivating.

This weekend I created for the first time in quite a while.  I made a very simple piece, and, with a background already prepped on a discarded hardcover book, a more complicated piece using collage and image transfer.  I LOVE using old magazines and book for image transfers - they work very nicely, especially magazines.  Looks like I may be productive again - I have many more magazines images I want to put to use!

Relaxing with loved ones

Just a peek at our relaxing evening at the Naples pier, with a window shopping walk on 3rd Avenue and a marvelous feast at Buca! 

John and Natalie!

Natalie and I!

The star fisher-creatures!

Four-legged kids

Adopting Emilio was the best thing ever for Sophia!  Thank you, Brigid's Crossing!

New addition!

Emilio joined our family this week!    


This was on his first night.  After investigating the entire house, he stuck pretty close to me, which included hanging out under the bed all night.  




By the second night, he was in my lap, purring and pawing, as I Skyped with my friend on the computer.  Sophia did an excellent job of making me feel like a horrible mom with her pitiful, dejected face.  

The third night brought them closer, although still not comfortable.  As Sophia hung her head, literally, Emilio explored her soft, warm blankie.  You could almost hear her say, "Hey, that's MY blanket!"

This morning, they are all over the house, playing, taunting, wrinkling the rugs.  I, of course, have the happy end of the deal - big, wet kisses from my beloved girl, and purring in my ear from my soft boy.  Happy!