2015-10-18: what I’ve seen this week

I liked the X marks the spot clouds and all the lovely tones in this early morning photo.
I liked the X marks the spot clouds and all the lovely colours in this early morning photo.
I stopped when I heard a "Peep peep peep" from the trees, and then spent the next 10 minutes watching this one move from tree to tree, all the while staying in lovely light for me to snap photos.
I stopped when I heard a “peep peep peep” from the trees, and then spent the next 10 minutes watching this hairy woodpecker move from tree to tree, all the while staying in lovely light for me to snap photos.
The hairy woodpecker posing perfectly for photos.
The hairy woodpecker posing perfectly for a photo.
A group of black billed magpies.  This photos isn't sharp the way I would like, and the depth of field is all wrong...but I like it anyways.  I love all the different wing shapes, and the birds seemed so joyful flying around the neighbourhood.
A group of black billed magpies. This photos isn’t sharp the way I would like, and the depth of field is all wrong…but I like it anyways. I love all the different wing shapes, and the birds seemed so joyful flying around the neighbourhood.
What appeared to be a dull grey sky day had a few spectacular moments.  It's all about timing.
What appeared to be a dull grey sky day had a few spectacular moments. It’s all about timing.

2015-10-11: What I’ve seen this week

This week has brought some really variable weather, and with that, some dramatic skies.  Birds have provided some frustration this week.  My elusive local northern flicker made an appearance today, but at such a distance the photo isn’t even worth posting.  I saw a new bird this week as well, of course the time I left my camera at home 🙁  I managed a snap with my cell (absolutely not worth posting!) but through the blur, I think I can identify it as a northern shrike, which are winter residents of my area.  I also could be 100% wrong on that; I’ve not been lucky enough to see it again and get some decent photos to do a proper ID.  I don’t have any great photos to share, but it has been lovely now that most of the leaf cover is gone to watch the chickadees flittering about.  They are such sweet birds and really make me smile (I also enjoy calling to them “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” while out walking and having a bit of a conversation… I guess that’s a slight admission of being crazy!

I had one other interesting sighting yesterday; you’ll have to scroll to the end to see.  The pictures aren’t the best, but I was walking two little dogs at the time (I’m currently looking after my brother’s mini schnauzer Dylan) and didn’t want to risk wandering any closer; we were already under some rather intense scrutiny.

I hope you enjoy, have a lovely day, and a very Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Canadians.

Evergreens silhouetted against a colourful morning sky.
Evergreens silhouetted against a colourful morning sky.
Such beautiful, saturated colours this week.
Such beautiful, saturated colours this week.
An awkward shot, as I was aiming above a roof, but the light on the trees was too amazing not to try to capture something.
An awkward shot, as I was aiming above a roof, but the light on the trees was too amazing not to try to capture something.
Stunning skies this week almost every morning.
Stunning skies this week almost every morning.
Dramatic skies on our morning walk.
Dramatic skies on our morning walk.
Dylan posing in the sunshine.
Dylan posing in the sunshine.
We spotted a coyote at the end of the road yesterday morning.
We spotted a coyote at the end of the road yesterday morning.
Watching me watching him.
Watching me watching him.
The big, bushiest tail I've seen.
The big, bushiest tail I’ve seen.

2015-10-04: What I’ve seen this week

I’m going to start with the most recent pictures and work my way backwards.  Yesterday, I started the day reading a post on Facebook by Cheryl Richardson that said “Stop trying to make sanity out of an insane situation.  If your schedule is crazy busy, you don’t need time management, you need space.”  Lately I have definitely been feeling that is something needed in my life; but looking back at the compositions I made yesterday morning, I guess it was also something I also desired in my photos.

After quite a windy day earlier this week, colourful leaves in my neighbourhood are getting few and far between. 1/320sec, f11, ISO320
After quite a windy day earlier this week, colourful leaves in my neighbourhood are getting few and far between.
1/320sec, f11, ISO320
A few leaves clinging on. 1.320sec, f11, ISO320
A few leaves clinging on.
1.320sec, f11, ISO320
Naked branches reaching into the blue. 1/320sec, F11, ISO320
Naked branches reaching into the blue.
1/320sec, F11, ISO320
Half moon and about a half dozen leaves. 1/320sec, f11, ISO320
Half moon and about a half dozen leaves.
1/320sec, f11, ISO320
Probably my favourite picture of the bunch; I can't put my finger on why :)  This is straight out of camera, I didn't even run sharpening on it. 1/320sec, f11, ISO320
Probably my favourite picture of the bunch; I can’t put my finger on why 🙂 
1/320sec, f11, ISO320
Hot and cold. I think this would have been a lot better with my macro lens, but that isn't the best walking around lens, in case an interesting bird decides to fly by. 1/200sec, f5.0, ISO640
Hot and cold.
I think this would have been a lot better with my macro lens, but that isn’t the best walking around lens, in case an interesting bird decides to fly by.
1/200sec, f5.0, ISO640

This week has been an interesting adjustment photographically, as I have put away my D610 and my Tamron 150mm-600mm, as both need to go in for some work.  My first thought when primarily shooting with my D5100 again was how wonderfully light it is!  It also doesn’t have the same warm colour cast when using auto white balance that I have found my D610 has.  The downfall for taking it out walking early in the morning is it does not have an auto ISO option in manual mode, so there’s one more thing to remember to do.  Hopefully this week I can get all the equipment shipped off (and hopefully get everything back working good as new).  Here are the photos I selected from the earlier part of the week.

A young male deer at the top of my road.  The light wasn't very favourable, but that just made the photos less than stellar, not the moment. 1/1000sec, f7.1, ISO800
A young male deer at the top of my road. The light wasn’t very favourable, but that just made the photos less than stellar, not the moment.
1/1000sec, f7.1, ISO800
This really isn't a great photo, but it's a bit of a family portrait of the three deer that were grazing. 1/1000sec, f7.1, ISO 800
This really isn’t a great photo, but it’s a bit of a family portrait of the three deer that were grazing.
1/1000sec, f7.1, ISO 800
I've seen lots of bunnies around my area, but never when I have my camera.  This little one was about 10 feet from my driveway, spotted on the way home from our morning walk.  He was quite calm and I felt bad startling him when I got too close, but I had to get in and get on with work. 1/640sec, f7.1, ISO2000
I’ve seen lots of bunnies around my area, but never when I have my camera. This little one was about 10 feet from my driveway, spotted on the way home from our morning walk. He was quite calm and I felt bad startling him when I got too close, but I had to get in and get on with work.
1/640sec, f7.1, ISO2000
I'm glad I managed a picture of this guy (or girl) as the flock was too far away to ID without taking pictures.  One of the photos taken before the Tamron got packed away. A juvenile red crossbill.   1/100sec, f7.1, ISO800
I’m glad I managed a picture of this guy (or girl) as the flock was too far away to ID without taking pictures. One of the photos taken before the Tamron got packed away.
A juvenile red crossbill.
1/100sec, f7.1, ISO800

Cheryl Richarson Quote

2015-09-27: What I’ve seen this week

I was originally planning to hold off on this post, in the hopes of including some photos of the super blood moon eclipse… but it’s mostly overcast here at 4:45pm, and it seems pretty unlikely that it will clear in time to see anything.  C’est la vie.

This week has seen me finally sort out the annoying camera spots (sensor dirt, so time for a trip to the service centre).  I’ve also started having a somewhat annoying issue with my Tamron 150mm-600mm; it occasionally will register f0 and stop working.  I need to turn the camera off, unmount and remount to get it back to normal.  Sadly it seems like it is a common problem after doing some research; so that might end up taking a trip to a service centre too.

Hardware issues aside, I’ve managed to remember my camera on most of my walks this week, and was prepared to capture what I saw along my walks.  I hope you enjoy!

A black billed magpie flying through the fog. 1/800sec, f6.3, ISO 2000
A black billed magpie flying through the fog.
1/800sec, f6.3, ISO 2000
I like this shot because it shows off the beautiful wing tips. 1/800sec, f6.3, ISO280
I like this shot because it shows off the beautiful wing tips.
1/800sec, f6.3, ISO280
The wire perch was to my advantage, as the fog wasn't as much of an issue. 1/800sec, f6.3, ISO 6400
The wire perch was to my advantage, as the fog wasn’t as much of an issue.
1/800sec, f6.3, ISO 6400
One wildflower clings on, it's neighbour having already given in to the chill of autumn. 1/160sec, f6.3, ISO800
One wildflower clings on, it’s neighbour having already given in to the chill of autumn.
1/160sec, f6.3, ISO800
Earlier this week, a Mom with a fairly large fawn spent some time in the front yard; again I saw them when heading out for our afternoon walk.  These ones were far less comfortable with my presence and hopped off deeper into the bushes very quickly. 1/500sec, f6.3, ISO2800
Earlier this week, a Mom with a fairly large fawn spent some time in the front yard; again I saw them when heading out for our afternoon walk. These ones were far less comfortable with my presence and hopped off deeper into the bushes very quickly.
1/500sec, f6.3, ISO2800
A couple days in a row, this ruffled grouse was in the long grasses at the roadside (I couldn't see him at all) and when Spencer and I walked within about 20 feet, he shot off noisily deeper into the bushes. On this occasion, he flew straight towards us and passed within about 5 feet, but it allowed me to track him to his perch in a evergreen tree, and finally get a few better shots.  Still not ideal with the low light and the fog, but an improvement nonetheless. 1/640sec, f6.3, ISO 6400
A couple days in a row, this ruffled grouse was in the long grasses at the roadside (I couldn’t see him at all) and when Spencer and I walked within about 20 feet, he shot off noisily deeper into the bushes. On this occasion, he flew straight towards us and passed within about 5 feet, but it allowed me to track him to his perch in a evergreen tree, and finally get a few better shots. Still not ideal with the low light and the fog, but an improvement nonetheless.
1/640sec, f6.3, ISO 6400
Looks at the fluffy legs! 1/640sec, f6.3, ISO4000
Looks at the fluffy legs!
1/640sec, f6.3, ISO4000
Cow-moo-flage. A pair of calves nearly disappear within the tall grass. 1/800sec, f7.1, ISO 6400
Cow-moo-flage.
A pair of calves nearly disappear within the tall grass.
1/800sec, f7.1, ISO 6400
Just as I was leaving to take Spencer for his afternoon walk, I noticed this young deer grazing in my back yard.  He spent a few moments watching me watch him, before getting back to eating. 1/1000sec, f8, ISO 2200
Just as I was leaving to take Spencer for his afternoon walk, I noticed this young deer grazing in my back yard. He spent a few moments watching me watch him, before getting back to eating.
1/1000sec, f8, ISO 2200
Nibbling on some select bushes. 1/1000sec, f8.0, ISO 1600
Nibbling on some select bushes.
1/1000sec, f8.0, ISO 1600
This little chickadee was clinging quite precariously to a branch, almost upsidedown.  I like how the autumn leaves create a frame for the bird. 1/800sec, f6.3, ISO1000
This little chickadee was clinging quite precariously to a branch, almost upsidedown. I like how the autumn leaves create a frame for the bird.
1/800sec, f6.3, ISO1000

2015-09-14: What I saw last week

Well, Sunday came and went, and there were just more tasks than hours in the day… so I’m a day later than I had planned for this post.  C’est la vie.  I’ve had the sad realization this week that there is some pretty significant dust inside one of my lenses, and from research nothing to be done for it, except embrace the clone stamp tool as needed!  Thankfully it’s in a spot that can normally be cropped out, and as I’m usually concentrating on wildlife, it’s not that big a deal.

Here are a few photos from my wandering last week.  I hope you enjoy!

I love the hint of autumn colours coming in here.
I love the hint of autumn colours coming in here.
The leaves are turning... and already falling.
The leaves are turning… and already falling.
An early morning self portrait with Spencer.  This was my one opportunity to be tall and leggy!
An early morning self portrait with Spencer. This was my one opportunity to be tall and leggy!
I'm waffling between calling this a red tailed hawk and a northern harrier.  I really do have trouble with raptor ID.  The light wasn't great and he (or she) didn't stick around long enough to get any better photos.
I’m waffling between calling this a red tailed hawk and a northern harrier. I really do have trouble with raptor ID. The light wasn’t great and he (or she) didn’t stick around long enough to get any better photos.
Wispy fog and wispy clouds.
Wispy fog and wispy clouds.
A beautiful foggy morning.
A beautiful foggy morning.
On our way home from an early evening walk, Spencer stopped for a roll in the grass (one of his favourite things on a sunny day) and positioned himself perfectly for some photos.  I couldn't resist an impromptu pet portrait session.
On our way home from an early evening walk, Spencer stopped for a roll in the grass (one of his favourite things to do on a sunny day) and positioned himself perfectly for some photos. I couldn’t resist an impromptu pet portrait session.

2015-09-07: Monochrome Monday

Here are a few photos from my wanderings in the past week, that I thought would look interesting converted to monochrome.

Have a great Monday!

A bit of an odd photo, but I like it, so I included it.  I just loved the way the frost glistened on the hood of this truck.  If I wasn't on my way off to walk with Spencer, I would have gone back for my macro lens and played around; given we are just moving into fall, I guess I'll have lots more opportunities! 1/3200sec, f5.6, ISO 320
A bit of an odd photo, but I like it, so I included it. I just loved the way the frost glistened on the hood of this truck. If I wasn’t on my way off to walk with Spencer, I would have gone back for my macro lens and played around; given we are just moving into fall, I guess I’ll have lots more opportunities!
1/3200sec, f5.6, ISO 320
A few of the wildflowers have hung on despite the frost, but these ones seemed resigned to summer having passed. 1/800sec, f5.6, ISO 500
A few of the wildflowers have hung on despite the frost, but these ones seemed resigned to summer having passed.
1/800sec, f5.6, ISO 500
Some of the roadside tall grasses, glistening with frost in the early morning sun. 1/800sec, f5.6, ISO 1250
Some of the roadside tall grasses, coated with frost and catching the early morning sun.
1/800sec, f5.6, ISO 1250

2015-09-06: What I’ve seen this week

What did I see this week?  The start of autumn!  We’ve had frost several times now, and while it heats up as soon as the sun comes up, it certainly is chilly on my early morning walks with Spencer.  I’ve even had to get out his sweater already.  Hopefully there will be some lovely leaves changing colour in the coming weeks.

I had some interesting bird sightings this week, I hope you enjoy.

To me, it looks like these tree branches are  trying to grab the moon.
To me, it looks like these tree branches are trying to grab the moon.
I spotted some movement in the underbrush, and thought it might be a rabbit.  Instead, it turned out to be a pair of ruffled grouse.  The photo is lacking, but it was good enough to get an ID on the bird when I got home.
I spotted some movement in the underbrush, and thought it might be a rabbit. Instead, it turned out to be a pair of ruffled grouse. The photo is lacking, but it was good enough to get an ID on the bird when I got home.
I was happy to get some photos in time to be able to ID this bird.  As best as I can tell, it is a yellow-dumped warbler (Audobon's).  There was a group of them handing around the yard.  According to my bird app, our area is only part of their migratory route, so I guess I will be seeing them again in the springtime when they are ornate further north.
I was happy to get some photos in time to be able to ID this bird. As best as I can tell, it is a yellow-dumped warbler (Audobon’s). There was a group of them hanging around the yard. According to my bird app, our area is only part of their migratory route, so I guess I will be seeing them again in the springtime when they are on their way further north.
I think he spotted me!
I think he spotted me!

Such a pretty face!

I spent some time today with the hairy woodpecker family (I posted a few photos of them last week as well).  The light today was far better, and the birds were so much closer :)
I spent some time today with the hairy woodpecker family (I posted a few photos of them last week as well). The light today was far better, and the birds were so much closer 🙂
I believe this is one of the juveniles.  The bird was on its own for most of the time I was photographing it.  When I passed the spot I first saw it again on the way home from my walk, the whole family was together.
I believe this is one of the juveniles. The bird was on its own for most of the time I was photographing it. When I passed the spot I first saw it again on the way home from my walk, the whole family was together.

2015-08-30: What I’ve seen this week

For some time, I have been wanting to have more structure to my blog posts, a schedule to keep me from posting three things in one day, then nothing for a week.  This weekend, I think I have come up with a workable plan.  So before I get on with the photos for today, I’ll fill you in on what to expect in the coming days and weeks.

Since I have moved, I have been a bit lazy getting out with my camera, concentrating instead on editing the mass of photos I brought back from my last trip.  I’ve really been missing being out with my camera, so I am going to start a weekly Sunday post titled What I’ve seen this week.  Hopefully with this I can get back to wandering around with the dog and my camera, getting pictures of the local birds (and hopefully some deer or a moose too!).

Some of the fabulous bloggers I follow regularly post Monochrome Monday and Wordless Wednesday posts, and I am going to add those two as regular items, as I always enjoy seeing what others come up with.

Tuesday and Thursday I will dedicate to creating posts for the photo challenge that interest me from that week.

Friday and Saturday I am going to leave free to post whatever I have felt like shooting or editing that week.

Please feel free to leave a comment as this progresses and let me know if the new, more structured format works.

Since I am doing some housekeeping, this is a perfect time to mention that I have signed on with Fine Art America.  I still have my Smugmug account, and over the coming months, will determine if I will focus on one, or keep both.  Links to the two sites are below.  Any of the photos the I post here, that I have added to the sales site, will have a direct link included below the photo.  As always, if there is something you are interested that I have not yet added, please let me know and I will make that happen.

Smugmug Sales Site

Fine Art America Sales Site

And with that, no one to the first instalment of What I’ve seen this week.

Wednesday was supposed to be a very strong evening for the aurora, but the near full moon made it very difficult to see much of anything.  I did manage to catch a couple photos though.

20150830_Aurora-2

The aurora and the light from the moon. 10 sec, f3.5, ISO 320
The aurora and the light from the moon.
10 sec, f3.5, ISO 320

This morning I took my camera out while walking with Spencer, and as we were heading home, heard some vigorous chirping and turned back to see if I could see who was making all the noise.  It turned out to be two juvenile and one adult hairy woodpecker.  The sky was very dull and the light was really not in my favour, but it’s another new bird species for me.

20150830_Hairy Woodpeckers-4 20150830_Hairy Woodpeckers-5 20150830_Hairy Woodpeckers-6 20150830_Hairy Woodpeckers-2 20150830_Hairy Woodpeckers-3

All photos 1/1000sec, f6.3, ISO 320
All photos 1/1000sec, f6.3, ISO 320

That’s all for this evening.  I hope everyone has had a great weekend.

Red Crossbill

We had a new bird in the yard yesterday, and after some searching, I believe it is a red crossbill (female).  I wish the photos were a bit sharper, but I got these with my zoom fully extended from some distance away; I was more concerned with identification than having a perfectly sharp photo.  The crossbill is a year round resident of my area, so hopefully I will get more opportunities in the future.

Female red crossbill 1/1000sec, f6.3, ISO 800
Female red crossbill
1/1000sec, f6.3, ISO 800

20150825_red crossbill-3 20150825_red crossbill

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