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Thursday, May 19, 2011

More Portland

Because I have SO many photos, I am trying to put together a video. I was up until 1AM putting the finishing touches on it...went to bed thinking it was finished, then decided I wanted to change a couple of things around for better flow. Anyway! Here are some more photos that I want to share with you all today.
I always chuckle at the way a squirrel becomes immobilized when they first see you. It's like I'm a cop, my camera is the gun, and I say "FREEZE!"
I could not get over the large, reptilian-looking appendage on this little gosling. A gosling is a young Canadian goose, btw. I think I'll call this one Ryan. :)
Bridge at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
I have never seen such abundant azaleas. I thought Louisiana had the prettiest, but Portland's are thicker and more colorful, I must admit.
Great Blue Heron with tiny fish. 
Crustose lichens grows on a lot of trees there. It's a type of fungus/aglae.
Rhododendron bloom
Tree Swallow at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, Hillsboro, OR
My daughter and I were able to get incredibly close to the tree swallows. Love their bluish-green iridescent feathers. When the light hits it just right, it's so pretty!

26 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    my eyes are popping out of their sockets!! luscious photos!

    and talking about goslings...just in case Wendy isn't a peep of yours....
    http://almotaroses.com/temporarily-unplugged/

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  2. the wild magnoliaMay 19, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    Stunning! Absolutely memorable! Among the best I've seen, your photographs.

    I will return again and again to drink in this beauty!

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  3. ReenaMay 19, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    Great photos and so detailed! I love the little duckling.

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  4. AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    Just gorgeous - and that little gosling...is that an extra leg? Poor Ryan, if it is.

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  5. AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    They're all so beautifully colored/edited... I tend to over saturate or use too much contrast, but I'm working on that! =)
    Wonderfully captured!!!

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  6. Kittie HowardMay 19, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    I agree, Gail, your photos are lucious. The colors are so real I felt like I could reach through the screen and actually pet little Ryan. Love his eyes, so gentle. And, you're right, that's some gorgeous azalea bush. Never saw red that red before.

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  7. Charlotte WilsonMay 19, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    Gail,
    These pictures take my breath away! If I thought I could take as good a photo with a 400mm like you, I would sure get one. In fact, I think I will. :o)
    What software do you edit with?
    I use PSE 7 & 9 and recently purchased Lightroom 3 because of the batching possibilitis. When you have so many photos, It is supposed to streamline your editing. I have tried the trial online and liked it.

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  8. Evelyn S.May 19, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    I think you have done a great job advertising the natural beauties of the Portland area! (Did you photograph the blue heron at the wetlands? )

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  9. Lisa GordonMay 19, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    May I pick 2 favorites (pleeeese!)?
    Every one of these is wonderful Gail, but the second and third are perfection!!!

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  10. ShugMay 19, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    I have just scrolled up and down, looking at each picture over and over...They are gorgeous and so creative...I can't believe you were able to capture the tiny fish..Awesome job!
    Enjoyed them all...
    shug

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  11. Rosemary AubutMay 20, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Great work my friend! You are truly an inspiration! Thank you for all your kind comments thru my travels! Loved your home state! Have a wonderful day!

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  12. TriciaMay 20, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    Every single photo is just gorgeous! I can't get over the color and detail.

    ~tricia

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  13. StarlaMay 20, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    Your photos are just breath taking! Makes me want to chuck everything and go out to take pictures!

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  14. bluntdeliveryMay 20, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    hey! great pictures! and what do ya know, i'm obsessed with Italy as well, my grandparents came over from there. oh, and I love God too.
    So there's always that.

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  15. UnknownMay 20, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    OMG those rhodorendums and azaleas are amazing. I have never seen seen the rhodo colored like that as that last rhodo, I would love to have that kind.

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  16. La Vie QuotidienneMay 20, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    oh my goodness...these are wonderful! So amazing! Clear, colorful and great compositions.

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  17. AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    Very nice post with great photos. Nice cropping.

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  18. hootnonnyMay 20, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    You hit the mother lode! These are all wonderful. Bet the video will be awesome!

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  19. AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 12:28 AM

    Wow - each and every one of these shots is a masterpiece. Just exquisite!

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  20. MichelleMay 21, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    These are FABULOUS captures. I ♥ every single one...the natural bridge, the azaleas, LOVE THEM!

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  21. AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    gorgeous shot! all of them! but my fave is the one with the lichen

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  22. rayfamilyMay 21, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    I'm so glad I found you through Jill's challenge this week! Thanks for stopping by my blog :) Your shots are amazing!!

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  23. Doris (drdesigns)May 22, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    These are beautiful. Love the bird shots the best.

    I just clicked to follow you on twitter. I'm new to twitter myself and trying to figure out all this social media stuff. If you have any tips, please let me know. :)

    Doris (drdesigns)

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  24. TexWisGirlMay 26, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    your photos are beautiful! thanks for coming by my blog today and leaving a comment (on the catholic story). i saw your name, and thought "my dog is writing to me?" we have two catahoula pups that we rescued off the back road (thelma and louise). louise's formal name is Louisiana Bella because catahoulas originated from louisiana and she's my 'belle'. :)

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  25. Laura Delegal - Leroy PhotographyMay 27, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Well, Gail, every time I come to your site, I get jealous--guess I need to quit coming. :) Looks like the 400mm is bringing you a lot of joy--how great is it to be able to get such detail, like the duckling's legs. Wow! Hope you have a great weekend.

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  26. Karen @ Pieces of ContentmentJune 7, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    Stunning photos Gail! The bridge photo is SO beautiful!

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