Monday, May 25, 2015

Girls' Weekend, Days 2 & 3

Continuing on with our weekend/adventure at Percy Quin State Park in McComb, MS.

One thing I did not bring was my tripod. It seemed like the car was too full to bring one more item, so I chose to leave it home. Big mistake. Even though the 100-400mm lens has image stabilization, I don't feel I get sharp shots unless it's mounted on a tripod. Oh well! Live and learn.
I don't know these boys, but they were so cute as they walked past our cabin.

Teeniest chapel ever.

Lake by the golf course.

Great Blue Heron

Same as above, flying.

Gray Catbird. First time I've seen one away from a tree.

Around the corner from our cabin.

Wood ducks. My tripod would have really helped in this situation. :(

Eastern Kingbird in flight.

Michelle practicing with Mabel II, my old camera that's now hers. 
Thank you so much for indulging me with my mini-vacation photos, and for your sweet comments and visits.

Please visit Anni at

38 comments:

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

I usually never find a fav of yours...'cause they're all so good...but this time I was drawn to the catbird. Loved that shot.

Happy Memorial Day

eileeninmd said...

I think your photos are all wonderful. I do tend to favor the bird photos but your people shots are awesome! Have a happy Memorial Day and a great new week ahead!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

That's a marvelous shot of the catbird, tripod or no tripod.

Hootin Anni said...

Beautiful images...I bet the time spent together was just WONDERFUL!!

Cute boys...and the chapel is just too awesome for words!!!

Fabulous Post.
And thanks, Gail, for sharing the link at the Bird D'Pot

Jeanne said...

All wonderful photos. I do love pictures of birds in flight.

TexWisGirl said...

really love the gbh in flight shot!!! awesome!

Irma said...

Hi Gail.
Although you did not have a tripod, I think the pictures really become very good.
Photo 4, 5, 6 and 9 are really super.
Best regards, Irma

Anonymous said...

Very nice photos. I gave my tripod to my oldest granddaughter. Also gave her all my old camera equipment.

Suzan said...

Goodness Gail!!
You did a fantastic job without a tripod!! You are amazing anyway, but this verifies it!!
Girlfriend visits --- YES!!!!

Bas. said...

Prachtig z,on mini-vakantie kan toch heel veel opleveren.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Lovely shots.

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

Beautiful surroundings and very nice captures of the birds and activities. You did very well without the tripod! I also found out that my monopod has added stability to my shots. A tripod would be too heavy for me as I usually walk a couple of miles.

Barb said...

What a beautiful landscape. Your photos are gems - with or without the tripod!

Anita Johnson said...

Looks like a wonderful time...love the camera name too!

Anonymous said...

Great shots. What an adorable tiny chapel!

nookworm said...

So glad you seem to have had a great time! Wonderful images too!

Unknown said...

The lake is beautiful and I love all your bird photos.

DeniseinVA said...

I always love your wildlife photos but have to say that photo of the three young boys is very, very special. A lovely photo of your friend also.

Anonymous said...

Love love love the photos. And think it is so wonderful that you have girlfriends who share your passion for nature photography.

BeachGypsy said...

Very pretty place! Great shots of the scenery!

The Cranky said...

I adore the wee chapel!

Debbie said...

awesome, awesome, awesome!!!! LOVE the catbird!!!!

Inspired By June said...

Looks like the perfect place to relax and enjoy time with friends :) Great shots, as always, Gail! I know we have wood ducks around, would love to capture some!

Kathy said...

You are a definitely a master bird photographer!

Wally Jones said...

"You don't need no stinkin' image stabilization!"

Wonderful photographs, Gail! Love the Woodies and the in-flight Kingbird! Nicely done!

Waldameise Andrea said...

Wunderschöne Fotos hast du wieder gemacht. Vorallem der fliegende Flussreiher ist faszinierend.

Danke auch für deinen Besuch ...

liebe Grüße von der Waldameise

Slamdunk said...

No way! You take fantastic photos--tripod or no.

So it is true what they say: there are no small prayers, but I guess it does not apply to small chapels...

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Great shots- I like the cat bird- awesome. I think you did very well without the tripod, but your photograph is always wonderful. It looks like you had wonderful weather there..we are in a rain soak pattern that I dearly wish would go away.

Shug said...

Hi Gail.....such a beautiful place and I can only imagine the peace that surrounds all of this beauty! Glad you had a great time and was able to spend time with your friend. I know you took a lot of pictures and I look forward to seeing them all....
Blessings...
Shug

troutbirder said...

Wonderful photography. That Heron in flight is spectacular...:)

Helma said...

A tripod is crucial to your photos if you are using a telephoto lens. You should not take them for your weekend but still have your picture sharp! Wonderful to see which regeir and Gray Catbird. King Bird in flight is awesome. Such a wonderful girls weekend;-)

renae said...

hi Gail, my friend!

I have returned to blogland in the "simple sequins" vehicle. The other one was different in weird ways so I came back to my original and my senses.

Great shots. I love the great blue heron; marvelous~

♥renae

Anvilcloud said...

IMO, tripods are too awkward for ordinary, non-planned shooting.

Now, tell Michelle to get her hand under that lens. :)

Juliana said...

naturelovers)) great reportage

xoxo, Juliana | PJ’ Happies :)

Stephanie said...

Your girls weekend looked like a lot of fun. I had to go back to the previous post to start from the beginning :) Your sweet friend Michelle definitely looks like a lot of fun.

Your photos are beautiful and your time away must have been so nice and relaxing - what a joy for you. Thanks for sharing with us. May you have a lovely week. Hugs!

EG CameraGirl said...

I really like the photo of the catbird! Very nice!

Kittie Howard said...

Beautiful shots! There's something soothing about the gently rolling terrain

Susan said...

I spent some time there during summers while growing up. It's been years since I've been- maybe it's time for a visit! These are wonderful shots, Gail!