Camera Critter Meme #38

Shortly after a heavy rain storm hit the high desert area of central Oregon, I grabbed my camera to go on a photo safari. I didn't have far to go for my first subject. As I approach a nearby alleyway, I noticed a White-crowned Sparrow land near a water puddle. I picked up the camera and shot the photo below.


I watched the critter for a moment as he looked around, checking out the area. Then he quickly hopped to the edge of the water and stepped in.

He looked around again and for a moment, locked his gaze on me.

Then he dipped his head into the water, shook his wings while spraying droplets all over his body.

This quick bath was over in seconds and I thought when he stood up and looked, once again, directly at me, he would fly off.

The sparrow once again checked out the surrounding area, making sure the area was safe.

And then dove back in again. This bath was even more vigorous than the first, as spray was going everywhere.

However, before my camera could finish writing the images to the CF card, the sparrow took wing and disappeared into nearby bushes. Either his bath was finished, or he knew that in seconds, the sky would open up and another drenching rain shower would spew forth.

Luckily for me, I heard the rain coming before it hit and was able to get under cover before the worst started falling.

If you liked my critter photos, head to Misty Dawn's Camera Critter page and check out some of the other entries. And if you have the time, join in on the fun!

Camera Critter Meme #37

Several years ago, I took a trip back east to my old stompin' grounds in Illinois.

A lot of my family lives in that area, and I was looking forward to seeing all of them. One of the towns I spent time in, was Hoopeston, Illinois. While there, we took the time to go see the old farm outside of town, where I spent a lot of fun summers.

I don't remember animals other than chickens on the farm when I was a kid. However, when we arrived at farm, I was surprised to see Buffalo roaming the fields. I had seen Buffalo before, but I had never gotten as close to these large, powerful critters as I did that day.




Other than the main house, not much of the old farm as I remember it, remain. But it was still a nice visit a place I fondly remember.

If you liked my critter photos, head to Misty Dawn's Camera Critter page and check out some of the other entries. And if you have the time, join in on the fun!

Camera Critter Meme #36

Winter has come to the high desert.

It happens every year, so it didn't surprise anyone. But it got me thinking that I have gotten some interesting photos during this time of the year.

I might have to get more winter photos this year...but first, allow me to show you what I've gotten in years past.

American Wigeon

Canada Goose

Ring-billed Gull

These photos were taken in February 2007 at Fireman's Pond in Redmond, Oregon. It is an interesting place for waterfowl, but more importantly, a great place for insects of all kinds during the summer.

If you liked my critter photos, head to Misty Dawn's Camera Critter page and check out some of the other entries. And if you have the time, join in on the fun!

Camera Critter Meme #35

Hawks...Buzzards...whatever you call them, I love them. And shooting photos of them is a fun pastime for me.

Not long ago, I was in the ranch lands east of where I live, camera in hand, to find buteos. You see, every winter, the northern states in the continental U.S. get visitors from above the Arctic Circle, who winter here. They are known as the Rough-legged Hawk...and I think they are gorgeous birds.

Though it was the first run into Rough-legged country, it proved profitable. I hope you enjoy the shots.

Rough-legged Hawks get their name from their legs, which are covered with feathers. Though you can't see this in any of these photos, you can see the light colored head of the younger hawks.

Rough-legged Hawks

As we turned on to another road to head to the main road, I noticed a lone hawk sitting on a fence post. A quick stop produced a beautiful profile shot of a dark morph Red-tailed Hawk, which is seen below.



If you liked my critter photos, head to Misty Dawn's Camera Critter page and check out some of the other entries. And if you have the time, join in on the fun!