• Avian,  lake,  sunsets

    Last Nights Concert

    April 30, 2015
    Sunset over Timnath Reservoir
    Sunset over Timnath Reservoir

    Went to the concert at Timnath Reservoir along County Road 13 last night. Performing artists were by the Red-winged Blackbirds, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, meadowlarks, at least two grackles, and  croaking frogs. I pleased to see for the first time a special performance put on by several Western Grebes.

    Western Grebes in a rushing courtship
    Western Grebes in a “rushing” courtship

    I witnessed several pairs of grebes rise in the water and scurry across as in the image above. Excuse the poor image as they were beyond the reach of my lens. This dance was a new experience for me. As it is a mating time I guessed it to be some courtship and had to look it up when I got home. This courtship happens entirely in the water and is known as “rushing,” where two birds turn to one side, lunge forward in synchrony, their bodies completely out of the water, and race across the water side by side with their necks curved gracefully forward. It was awesome and a great way to finish my day.

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  • Candid Portraits,  People/Portraits

    Three Amigos

    April 29, 2015
    Retired Amigos
    Retired Amigos

    I find these gentlemen interesting. They come in each morning around 7:30, fill their mugs and sit at the same location in the loft. Each has a paper to read. They read then share the articles they find, always coming up with a solution for our world troubles. Maybe we should listen to them!

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  • Avian,  meadowlark

    Meadowlark

    April 28, 2015

    “You cannot be what nature did not intend you to be, the struggles of life come from trying to be something other than you.”

    I love Meadowlarks. I think they are a very pretty bird and their song is wonderful. It is so distinct and resonates with the feeling of being happy and joyful. And, I think they are. It could be they are happy because they are living who they are, a meadowlark, and not trying to be a robin. We can learn from them. It looks like this one is working on building a nest or patching one up.

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  • Cityscapes/Urban,  clouds,  landscape,  sunsets

    Something Different

    April 27, 2015

    Standing in the Road
    Standing in the Road

    “It is only through mystery and madness that the soul is revealed.” ― Thomas Moore

    We need to try something different every once in a while. So, I did! A few years ago I drove out east and found this lovely sky and empty road. Both called me so I stopped the car, stood in the middle of the empty road and let the scene unfold before me. For some reason I took a series of three images for HDR processing even though the scene was fine without it. Three years later I get back to the image and run it through HDR EFEX Pro. Something different.

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  • clouds,  landscape,  mountains,  snow

    Rist Canyon

    April 26, 2015

    Storm Clouds
    Storm Clouds

    On June 9, 2013 the High Park Fire began and was not declared under control until June 30, 2013. It was the third largest fire in Colorado history and devestated much of the community. Only one life was lost but a several homes were lost.

    Part of the fire moved through the Rist Canyon area. This narrow canyon road goes to Stove Praire and rises in elevation of about 3500 feet. I enjoy the twisty ride up the canyon, stopping whenever I feel like it to enjoy the vistas and the canyon. I used to ride the motorcycle up there. Needing more time away from the noise of the city I took a drive up the canyon.

    Snow still on the ground
    Snow still on the ground

    Your heart shall find peace, when it lets go of the attachment it has to things, that do not serve purpose to the soul.

    Just before starting the the steepest climb to the top I encountered snow, lots more than I expected. Even with the temperatures in the mid to high 40’s it takes a while for the snow to melt at this altitude. The plus side is the moisture it brings and is showing in the green grass.

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