Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Around My Yard: in December

There wasn't much action this month, except for an extraordinarily beautiful Cooper's Hawk who decided to fly into my yard one day.  

I was sitting at my computer, and happened to glance out the window, to see this magnificent bird only a few feet from me, and in my grass of all places!  He must have been interested in capturing one of the smaller birds that were hanging around.  He quickly moved to a fence post while I was grabbing my camera, and he stayed there long enough for me to get the shot!

Cooper's Hawk

The Cooper's Hawk is a medium sized hawk, who fly's at high speeds and quickly pounces on their prey. They hunt American Robins, Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, and many other smaller to medium-size birds.  They are also known to eat insects and reptiles.  Females are one-third larger than the males.



Cooper's Hawk


Cooper's Hawk


I did miss the shot of the cute fluffy gray squirrel that was in my yard too, and who was apparently hungry, because he knocked down my bird feeder and broke it.  I decided to make a make-shift feeder for my friends, until I can get a replacement.


This guy appreciates the plate of food (Golden-crowned Sparrow)




While I was getting ready for family to visit over Christmas, I spotted a pair of ducks visiting my pond, who seemed to be enjoying their swim quite nicely.  I don't see them in the pond very often, so it's always a pleasant surprise.


A pair of Mallard Ducks (Male has the green head)

Happy New Year, and may 2015 bring you all that you hope for!  

Thanks for stopping by!  

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Around My Yard - in November

November arrived on the scene, and it definitely began to feel like winter!  But in spite of the cold, I captured some beautiful birds hanging around my place. 




Little Chilly, with a some icy raindrops on the Golden-crowned Sparrow

A California Scrub Jay enjoying my bird feeder

This Blue Heron sitting at my pond looks like a big stuffed animal!

Blue Heron Taking off once he spotted me

A Spotted Towhee singing in the rain

This American Red Robin looks like he's ready for winter

This beautiful Red Tail Hawk flying right over me


Dark-eyed Junco and Spotted Towhee's sharing my feeder


Red Breasted Sapsucker enjoying my apple trees

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Julia's Maternity Session

Last weekend I did a fun session with Julia, who is 32 weeks pregnant. Here are a few of my favorite.


All wrapped up with a pretty bow for a Christmas delivery!




She's glowing!















 

Monday, October 27, 2014

Abbi the Golden Doodle

Last week I did a mini puppy shoot of Abbi, an adorable Golden Doodle puppy.  These fun photographs were taken at Piedmont Park in Atlanta Georgia.















Sunday, October 19, 2014

Oregon Duck Fan

I recently photographed this little girl, all dressed and ready for the Oregon Duck football game.  She's two, and one of my favorite subjects!




  



Monday, September 29, 2014

Redwood National Park

The tall, majestic trees found in Redwood National Park can't be captured by a simple photograph.  They have to be witnessed in person as you trek along the many trails that weave throughout the park.  These are the tallest trees in the world.  
 
Below are a few of my favorite images I captured when I spent a few days in the Redwoods, which includes the beautiful beaches along its border. 

Redwood National Park

Tree Fungi

Tree Fungi




 
Trillum Falls - This hike is about a 3 mile loop trail.  

Roosevelt elk

Interesting tree burl


 



Beautiful creeks and rivers


Great Blue Heron


The redwood trees are the tallest trees in the world.


 





You might even see some art along the river!



Gorgeous beaches