Sunday, May 1, 2011

400mm Heaven, Part II

My Saturday morning began with a visit from Mr. Bluejay, and it got better from there. This was taken about 50 feet away through my kitchen window.

Hubby wanted to go with me on my nature excursion so we went to my old standby, Nob Hill. I was hoping to see more of the Yellow-crowned Night Herons, but they weren't in the same spot as the day before. We walked a pretty good ways down the hiking trail and found them. A whole family! Off I went into some tall weeds, being as quiet as possible. Finally, I got to the edge of the embankment, sat down, and observed. I didn't care about chiggers, bugs, or snakes. My focus was on these birds and their behavior. They are fascinating! And beautiful.
Patiently waiting to spy a fish


Juvenile
In mating mode
This poor guy started heaving and threw something up. It was a white clump and I missed getting it with my camera!
Yellowlegs (Greater or Lesser)
Hubby also took me to Josey Ranch Lake Park where we spotted this Fox Squirrel foraging on the ground. When he saw us he scampered up a tree and assumed this position. He was probably about 10 feet up so I was able to get pretty close for these shots. Poor little guy looked exhausted. I'm guessing a possible acorn overdose as well.
Can't a squirrel get any rest around here?
That clicking sound is making me very sleepy.

Mute Swan

I'm glad we went out yesterday because it is storming here today. I've got a choice: process more photos or clean house. Hmmm....I know what I'd rather do. Please don't drop by my house for a surprise visit anytime soon. :) Off to church now! Later gators.

11 comments:

Lisa Gordon said...

What fantastic shots Gail. I am so looking forward to seeing more with this lens!

Evelyn S. said...

These are totally wonderful, Gail!! 400mm lens?? Oh, I'm envious! Of course, I would need a place to visit like you have..... fabulous bird photos! And that squirrel...so cute!

SkitzoLeezra said...

That sleeping squirrel cracks me up.
Without your new lens and cool blog, not sure I would've ever had the chance to see such a sight.
Thanks, Lady!

Anonymous said...

OMG...when i saw these photos on my reader, I hadn't read any text nor had I noticed the title of the post and all I could think was "How in the heck did she get that close!!!!" Then I read both your posts....you LUCKY DUCK!!!!! I'm so jealous! What a wonderful Mom you have!! Enjoy! The photos are absolutely magnificent!

Shug said...

These are great pictures...fantastic actually...What kind of camera do you use? There was no way to choose a favorite...So very good.
Enjoyed
Shug

jo©o said...

What a collection.
And bird photos too.
Wish I could do those.

Anonymous said...

That must be a red squirrel? He is beautiful. I like all of your bird photos too.

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

Incredible pictures. Glad you didn't get the heaving up of white junk. :) Love the worn out squirrel.

Georgianna said...

Really fabulous images, Gail. So glad you got the long lens as a special birthday present and are already having a great time with it. We have a lot of birds but not some of the brightly colored ones you have. And hey, those squirrel photos are priceless!!! – g

Nadine, Chewy and Lilibell said...

Love the squirrel photos, I've always been partial to squirrels and wanted one as a pet when I was little!

I'm learning so much about nature through your photography!

septembermom said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE your photography!!