Camera Critters #205

Earlier this week, a friend of mine and I went to an area north of here to check on Bald Eagles.  We were hoping to find a few to photograph. 

However, we had a few problems and didn’t get to the best area to search for the majestic raptors.

But I did see one bird.

The Townsend Solitaire is year-round bird in my area.  Myadestes townsendi loves the top of trees and can normally be found there calling out.

Misty Dawn’s Camera Critter Meme is a great way see critters the world over. Go to the homepage here to see more. Then join the fun and add your own.

Camera Critters #154

By this time in past years, I would be out trying to get nice images of various critters in the central Oregon area.

However, as I type this (Friday evening), the ground is covered with the wintry white stuff and it’s still falling.

I don’t mind, but sure wish it would warm up so I can go after the critters.

In those past years, I have gotten several photos that I really like.  The image below is one I have submitted to a number of photo contests with no result.  I guess few people see the humor I see in it.

This Soldier Beetle, which I found at Lake Billy Chinook, north of me, spent several minute ‘playing’ around on the end of the twig.  I stood there watching and sometimes firing off images as he continued his antics.

When I looked at my images at home, this particular image caused me to burst out laughing.

Misty Dawn’s Camera Critter Meme is a great way see critters the world over. Go to the homepage here to see more. Then join the fun and add your own.

Camera Critter #100

First of all...what a milestone! One hundred editions of Camera Critters and going strong. Congratulations MistyDawn...you've done a wonderful thing here.

And now, on with the 100th Camera Critter.

Last weekend was an annual event for central Oregon, called, Eagle Watch. The event is held the last weekend in February at Lake Billy Chinook, and features speakers and presentations regarding the Bald Eagle and other critters of the area. There are also numerous viewing areas overlooking the lake for visitors to view eagles. Organizers hope to schedule the event to coincide with the return of the eagles to the High Desert.

This year was a more or less bust for those who went to see Bald Eagles. It's been that way the last three years. However, when I went to my first one five years ago, there were plenty of eagles to see. I was also working with a lens I had gotten the day before and learned how to use it.

Of the 120 or so images I recorded, I was able to say some were good. The rest found the delete button. Below are two of my favorite shots from the day.

One of the more interesting things which happened that day was the arrival of a Native American Shaman. He asked if we had seen any eagles and I gladly told of the few that had made an appearance. He then said, "Make sure your camera is ready."

He went to his vehicle and pulled out a drum and after walking to the edge of viewing area we were at, began beating on the drum and singing in his Native language. It wasn't more than two minutes later, there were three Bald Eagles flying in a circle above us. The eagles came lower and lower and at one point were less than a 100 feet above us. This went on for about 15 minutes with more and more eagles showing up.

While all this was happening, I was happily shooting away. It wasn't later when I looked at my images, I realized I had a lot to learn about shooting moving objects with an image stabilized lens.

These days, I have mastered the art and can produce very nice images using stabilization of moving objects.

I just wish the eagles would show up so I can practice on them. Maybe next year. 8v)

Misty Dawn's Camera Critter Meme is a great way to see critters of all types. Go to the Meme homepage here, and check out more entries. Then join the fun and let the world see your critter!

Camera Critter Sunday No. 4

I always have my eyes working overtime when I am out on a photo safari. If my eyes aren't scanning back and forth, up and down, wherever I walk, I'd miss a lot of photo ops.

Take this week's Camera Critter Meme.

I was at a lake area north of where I live (Lake Billy Chinook for those interested) last August and was hot on the tail of a whiptail lizard. As I pushed my way through sage and other weeds, out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of a color which didn't fit.

Glancing over, I saw this Soldier Beetle having fun at the end of a twig. I decided the lizard could wait and squatted down to watch this fellow. He totally ignored me while performing interesting and comical feats of acrobatics at the tip of the sage plant. He also ignored me as I snapped away.

I now present the best from the acrobatic soldier shot.