Early this morning before the temperature had risen above freezing, the local pair of red-shouldered hawks (Buteo lineatus) had perched together for a few minutes in the backyard, immediately after the female had taken unsuccessful shots at two possible meals, one of them an unidentified bird. We rarely see them together, and so far never as close as this, though we know
Category: Nature
Sorting finds n+10
It’s funny – I finally sat down yesterday to clear out the burgeoning Sort folder of new images, slotting them into their respectful spots (which includes the trash bin,) and less than 24 hours later, that folder is already up to 71 images. Some of those you’ve already seen, since the occultation photos came in there, but some will show up on Friday.
For now, we have a handful that
Neither rain, nor sleet…
The big winter storm rolled in last night, though for our region (mid NC and towards the coast) it wasn’t very impressive. A dusting of snow where we used to live (and where The Girlfriend’s Sprog presently lives,) while out our way, it was merely sleet which has changed to rain – not even photogenic enough to make for decent pics, either way. But the red-shouldered hawk (Buteo
Estate Find II
This week’s entry is one that I’ve been looking for, as a photo subject, for years. They’ve always passed through the areas I’ve lived in, and in fact can be found all over the US, but they tend to prefer specific conditions that I’ve never been in at the right time. But yesterday, success was to be had.
That’s a cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum,)
Most of the frustration, though
I went out today knowing that it was a holiday, which I could have avoided, but that would be shirking my bloggy duty, and I figured I’d just get it over with. For today is Lock Teasers Day, which is not half as much fun as the other kind.
What, exactly, is Lock Teasers Day, you ask? Which is stupid, because it’s right there in the name: it’s the day for photo subjects
Walkabout approves…
… of these conditions.
These are all from yesterday, when the temperature here topped 18°c – not bad for December 30th, and I think it got even higher today. A cold snap is on its way, with the possibility of it dipping below -5°c, so these pics are in appreciation, and to refer back to when we’re not going out at all.
First off, the turtles put on a display.
That’s
December gotta vamoose
I’m a little later than intended, but it’s still the 31st so we’re still good. However, my choices for the end of the month (and by extension, the end of the year) abstracts are not up to the occasion, despite my recent attempts. They are:
I mean, how could it be the end of the month abstract without water drops of some kind, eh? Yeah, I know I do them too often,
Got warm today
Surprisingly so, like about 23°c, with even some sun for a little while. And don’t ask me how they know this when they’re mostly submerged, but the turtles were taking full advantage of it.
These two eastern painted turtles (Chrysemys picta picta) were perhaps a little longer than your palm – hard to judge while out in the middle of the pond, while
Missed it by… well, a lot
It’s now been sixteen years since the first post right here on the ol’ Walkabout Blogoblob, and that means it’s time for the annual podcast! [This is unfortunately accurate, for the past few years at least, but I’m intending to change that at least a little.] So let’s get right into it, shall we?
Walkabout podcast – 16 Years
I’m running late, partially due
Public Service Announcement
This is just a little reminder, for your sake and ours: Nature photography benefits from doing things correctly. Today, we’re going to talk about shooting through windshields. As easy as it might be, as convenient as it might be, despite the fact that your subject may not permit your attempt to avoid it by opening a door or window and leaning out, don’t shoot through windshields.