Very sad day....

In remembrance of my daughter, Julie Rachel Golfer, who passed away Thursday, April 21, 2011.

New Images, New Birds

A green heron, one of two adults and a baby that have moved back into our lake community. These birds were hatched last year and I did a number of photos of them which you can see here: http://www.pbase.com/larrygol/herons

 

We saw a couple of robins from the deck suddenly chasing another bird in a loud squawking flurry. Turns out they were after a blue jay, which is known to steal robin eggs from the nest. A beautiful bird, these images show a different face of what you'd normally think of as a blue jay.

So Few Birds, but A Turtle on the Lake

I'm capturing images of local birds but there are so few around, it's scary. This American Robin above was described to me as a possible design for wallpaper or bedding. What do you think? In any event, I saw the turtle below relaxing on a stump so couldn't resist. The chirpy red winged blackbird was making such a fuss I had to grab a shot of him too! Listen to him here: http://www.birdjam.com/birdsong.php?id=25

 

Monochrome/Black and White Photography

I photographed this heron holding his little frog for lunch in color but have been missing working in black and white, so I created this monochrome image and I think it works very well. I hope to be showing more monochrome photos in the days to come. I think color is fine for recording reality, but black and white images capture the essence of a subject. Consequently, I believe they are more artistic because they evoke an emotional response in the viewer. That response is one of the reasons I create art. I get that rush of emotion in seeing a particular image in black and white, and I want to share that feeling with others.

Spring Flowers

Taking an evening walk on a chilly Thursday evening, I couldn't help but marvel at a magnolia tree I saw. This blossom in particular caught my eye. By the way, any of my images are for sale in any size you like. Just let me know if you'd like to purchase one.

More Neighborhood Birds

Spring is bringing more birds to the area, but it's amazing that they are so few and far between...I seem to remember seeing and hearing many more birds years ago. I guess the 21th century world is taking it's toll. As early as four years ago, Science Daily posted this article on the subject: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070614173737.htm

In any event, here are some of my recent shots:

Northern Cardinal. Note, his leg has been banded. Wonder by whom?

 Blue Heron on the Lake. Look closely: what is he standing on? A Beutyrest, separate coil mattress??? In my lake?

 "Lovey Dovey" (Mourning Doves)

 Tufted Titmouse 1

 Tufted Titmouse 2

 Downy Woodpecker (female)

 Downy Woodpecker (Male)

 American Robin

 American Goldfinch. This little guy moves around so fast it was nearly impossible to get this shot. This is a serious cropping job. Here is the original shot below (see his mate in the tree, over to the left?):

American Goldfinch (uncropped)

 

Correction: Osprey. This is not a hawk, as was pointed out by my fellow bird expert Rosanne. This guy (girl?)  was with two others hunting over our lake. A minute later, he swooped down into the water, grabbed something to eat and flew away with whatever if was in his claws. We couldn't see what it was because he was obscured by the shrubs around the lake as he flew away.