The fifth day of the eleventh month of the year of the OP

LOUISIANA HERON

I have spoken of the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine Florida as a place in the early spring to photograph long leg wading birds.

http://www.alligatorfarm.com/

This is one of them, the tri-colored or Louisiana heron.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricolored_Heron

Like most of these wading birds, they are wary and cannot be approached easily. A friend of mine always employed the "Don't make eye contact stalk", convinced that if she didn't look at the bird it would not fly away. Well, that's sorta like believing a congressman/woman is going to do as he/she promised as soon as you turn your back. Chances are good it ain't gone to happen.

Most tack sharp and close images of these types of birds, that you see in magazines and books, probably came from this location. From early March through May the board walk area is littered with photographers of all calibers and I would guess that hundreds of thousands of images are made here each year. Their website will keep you abreast of the progress of the bird's entire procedure from mating, nest building, to getting the little ones in flight. Fascinating place.

I have found two circumstances where one can approach these birds and capture some decent photos with a middle length lens. This one was with a 200 mm lens and obviously I was right down his throat.

The first set-up is when they are feeding and their mind is intent upon snatching some poor critter just under the surface of the water. These birds are fast. But when their attention is diverted, one can get closer, eye contact not withstanding.

The other set-up is when they are in a rookery and mating. Then they are totally distracted and one can get really close. I have had immature birds walk along the railing and peck on the lens as I was taking pictures.

Of course we men knew this all along. Food and sex can do all kinds of crazy things to critter behavior.

The bottom photo is of the rookery at the Alligator Farm and the top is of a Louisiana heron who will now, at least in spirit, make the trip from Florida to the Waterfowl Festival in Maryland.

The 3rd day of the 11th month of the year of the OP

"OLD ROCKY TOP"


Probably not, but a few mountains in Tennessee in the Great Smokie National Park.

Breathtaking place where we should take our children and grandchildren just to stand in awe.

I made this image two falls ago and it has been "tweeked" to enhance the shadows and colors but it is pretty much as I saw it that day.

I will be taking this piece among others to the Easton Waterfowl in Maryland for a show the 13Th, 14Th, and 15Th of this month. I hope that some of you might join us. It is fun and some of the best wildlife artists in the country will be showing. Plan on two days to see everything from all the artistic disciplines, including painting, carving, sculpture, and of course photography.

http://www.waterfowlfestival.org/

The photographers will be located in the Talbot County Historical Society building where we have been for the past 19+ years. It is on the second floor but there is an elevator for the weary. At last count there will be thirteen photographers, all with some pretty fine work. Here for fun is a partial list of some of their websites.

Steve Dembo http://www.dembophoto.com/

David Harp http://www.chesapeakephotos.com/

Rob Hendry http://www.robhendryphotography.com/

Larry Hitchens http://www.hitc.comhensphotography.com/

Of course if you go to the festival website, all the people who are showing are listed and most of them have websites. So if you like to spend a day just oooogling at wildlife art, these pages are pretty cool.

I just noticed that this is the 39Th year of the festival and it dawned on me that I have been there for 19. Wow, how did I get so old. But I like to think that I have gotten better in my profession over those years. Only the Ka-Ching at the end of the day will tell.

Only two months left in the year of the OP

FALL ON THE RIVERWALK

Like in most other parts of the east coast, the leaves are turning or have turned and fall is fast coming upon us.

These leaves fell here in last night's bit of rain. Nothing like in Philadelphia where the World Series was delayed. Or in Tennessee where the Vols destroyed the Gamecocks of USC. But we did get some overnight.

Taking photographs in or after a rain always dramatically expands the color saturation of the photos. Another of the reasons that I prefer to photograph in nasty or inclement weather.

It started to drizzle again before I finished my couple miles of walk and I am happy to report that all the Little People of the Kudzu all seemed to be happy. Heard them scampering about laughing and chattering about last night's haul of stolen candy. So I guess they are now firmly ensconced in their castles for another year.

The 31st day of the 10th month of the year of the OP

Boooooooooooo!

The 30th day of the tenth month of the year of the OP

THE "GIGGLERS OF LEXINGTON"

On this the eve of "All Saints Eve" I did not see any of the "Little people of the Kudzu" whilst walking on the Riverwalk today. But rather did occasion upon the aforementioned "Gigglers of Lexington".

These pleasant people are nothing like the Little Kudzu People in that the were actually handing out candy to fellow walkers. And if you have been following me (And most intelligent people do), you already know that the Kudzu People steal little children's candy.

As you can see in the top photo, they were also handing out "Brown-E's". Laughing and giggling all the while. Now, this is a way to make an already beautiful day even more lovely. Strangers actually talking and laughing with other people. What's the world coming to.

I am always amazed at the number of people who go through life staring at that six inch area just in front of their own feet. Just plugged into their iPod world and without a clue.

These ladies knew how to make their own day just a little better and in turn helped allot of other folks to enjoy their day.

Thank you "Gigglers" for the Brown-E and the good humor.

The bottom photo is of another friend I made on the walk to day. This is Molly who has owned a nice young couple for the past two and half weeks. She is an English Pointer, and one of the few that I have seen in the past hundred years. We used to own one when I was growing up and we kenneled and trained her in Delaware. We would travel from New Jersey (My dad and I) and hunt quail over her. She had one of the best noses in the world, could smell game from across a field, and stand on the classic hunting dog points. My Dad and that dog taught me all there is to know about hunting etiquette and sportsmanship in the field. Bless them both.

Memories come from the strangest places.

Another 29th of the Tenth month of the year of the OP

Three miles today

I decided to go over the the Columbia side of the Broad River for my walk today and did three miles. Longest walk since my operation and it is getting easier.

I wanted to see how the colors were progressing and it seems as tho we are not quite there yet, or it's all over. Hard to tell which.

You can see from the photos that this side of the river is quite different than our side. Despite more people and being heavier travelled, I saw a doe munching her way along the opposite side of the canal. Also got a fairly close shot of a brown thrasher (bird not shark) and a cat bird. So, you take what they give ya.

I did see a sight which concerned me. A young, early twenty's type girl (very pretty) came strolling along. Wearing very tight shorts and top and bopping to her iPod. Now this is a major metropolitan area with it share of crime and scum buckets that frequent the public areas. There was a time, I think I remember, when such a sight was important to me but I can't remember why. I can only imagine what some of those younger homeless guys were thinking of doing. Parents and Grandparents get up with your kids and tell them about the world they have to deal with! Ok, nuf soapbox!

Beautiful morning with the sun finally coming out and the cloud front moving eastward. Nice time to be alive.

The 29th day of the 10th month of the year of the OP

FIXIN TO GET READY!

OK, you happy Hallo Weenies only a couple days to go but be careful when you pass the portals to my abode!

There may be a surprise or three!

Hahahahahahahahaaha!