Trying a tip from fellow designer and photographer, Michael Rowe, these image are an experiment in pulling focus during long exposure fireworks shots. Set-up included tripod and 3-5 sec long exposures. While not my first lens of choice, used my Nikkor 18-105mm kit lens.
Big Day - Little Things
Great morning in the wildflower meadow at Sweet Arrow Reserve. Still experimenting with extension tubes and my new Sync cord for my flash. The combo makes for a handful, but gives the photos much better lighting. All the photos are taken handheld - with the wind and movement of the bugs, a tripod would slow me down too much.
Inch by Inch
Found this hungry caterpillar having dinner in our petunia. Testing out some Macro Extension Tubes fellow photographer Jeremy Mudd loaned me combined with my Nikkor 500mm 1:1.8D.
More Macro...
Back at Sweet Arrow Reserve today for lunch.
And a couple shoots at home...we apparently need to plant some flowers.
Feeling Purple
Our family had the opportunity to visit several beautiful gardens while in England this time. The thistle is from Petersfield's Physic Graden, a recreation of a 17th-century herb garden. The Miscanthus is from Wisley Garden outside Guildford, and the wildflower is from Nymans Garden in Sussex.
One Shot Before the Rain
Quick shot at lunch before a thunderstorm rolled in. First time this season unpacking the Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8 D lens + extension tube, make me want to get back out and do some more macro work.
A Few More From the Prairie
Some early morning photos from Sweet Arrow Reserve prairie.
Sweet Arrow Reserve
Congratulations to the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Parks Department - the addition of Sweet Arrow Reserve and improvements to the park are starting to take shape. Most impressive right now is a huge prairie full of Black-eyed Susan, Daisy, Milk Weed and other wild flowers. Attracting birds and insects galore - including the Grasshopper Sparrow.
New on the home front. While enjoying the summer breeze last night, we notice that a family of Northern Flicker had taken nest in one of our hollow trees - babies on board!
Back in the U.S.A.
We've been out of the country for several weeks visiting England and France. Over 1900 photographs to go through. While not a birding trip, I thought I'd share a couple of the wildlife shots from the beginning of the trip.
Big Project, Short Absence
Please pardon our absence while I work on a really big project. Expect to see me return to the blog week of June 15. Thanks for your patience.
Close-up
This awesome Yellow-Throated Warbler decided to wander right up to me.
Our cactus, Mr. Prickles, decided to bloom this weekend.
Baltimore Oriole Fan
Not the baseball team. This stunning Baltimore Oriole decided to come down, out of the top of the Sycamore trees, to have its photograph taken at Spring Valley Wildlife Area.
Finally!
Finally saw the last common woodpecker of Ohio - the Red-Headed Woodpecker. First time in my life seeing this bird in person - spotted it at Siebenthaler Fen thanks to the recommendation of several birding friends . An absolutely beautiful bird. This picture won't win any awards, but very excited to see and capture this great looking bird.
California Dreaming
A quick business trip to the Silicon Valley gave me a little time after-hours (and before hours) to capture some wonderful birds. Slowly turning into a birder - 18 new species confirmed in two days, a couple more I'm still trying to figure out. Parks visited include Bayfront Park - Menlo Park, Bayfront Park - Millbrae and Coyote Point County Park.
The endangered Ridgway's Rail - within a stone's throw of San Francisco Airport.
Sorry for the Absence - Hope You Have a Great Day
A quick business trip took me out-of-town for a few days this week. Fortunately, I was able to take my camera and do some after-hours photography. I'll share those photographs in a couple days. For now, enjoy some shots from Olentangy Trail in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus appears to be rebuilding the river area and installing some wetlands utilizing storm run-off drains. Appears to be working.
A Lesser Debate
Some debate at work about the identity of this and a similar bird both photographed at Spring Valley Wildlife Area. My vote is Solitary Sandpiper - versus the alternate opinion is Lesser Yellowlegs - there were no other sandpipers, only 8" in size and greenish legs.
What a Coot
Finally got a decent Coot picture that shows off their fabulous feet. There is a flock of 20 coots that have been favoring the shores of Spring Valley Wildlife Area.
The Wonder of Woodman Fen
An incredible lunch break at Woodman Fen today. A patient Cooper's Hawk posed for hundreds of photos, saw numerous species of warblers and added five new species to my count for the year. Very nice lunch get-away.
Before work, I stopped at Spring Valley Wildlife Area to see what I could see. Spotted my first Yellow Warbler and the nastiest Northern Cardinal you've ever seen.
Name that Flower
Thank you Mary Beth for helping identify the Alstroemerias - also know as either the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas. Also thank you to Julie Schrodi for giving Emma this wonderful gift.
Time for Your Close-Up
While I'd prefer a great in-flight photograph of our Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds, I'll never complain about a shoot like this - even at a feeder.