In and Around the Lake

One of these days I will get caught up. I hope you have all been well. Recently, I decided that this will be a year for me to get out and meet more people, which means disengaging from the computer more often. I hate that, but after three years of mourning my mother's death, it's time. Past time.

These are some of the things I've been doing:

 - joined a local photography club;

 - took a photography class on advanced focusing techniques;

 - attended an art exhibit;

 - participated in a night photography workshop;

 - volunteered for the "Paddle Patrol"...kayaking around Lake Martin to protect nesting birds;

 - attended an astrophotography lecture and saw Comet Lovejoy through a massive telescope;

 - this week there is a hummingbird lecture and tour + a field trip with my photography instructor;

 - joined a Photography Meetup hosted by a local photography instructor.

In between all of that I have been taking photos. Before I can post though, I need to get caught up on 2014. Below are some November images I have not yet shared. All of these were taken at LSU Lakes.

Linking to

 

Red and Grace

Last weekend, I went back to City Park Lakes to stalk Grace. She and her competitor, a Great Egret, were not having much luck fishing. It didn't matter (to me anyway), because out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a large raptor-type bird about two football fields away, on the golf course. Suddenly, another appeared. My heart skipped a beat. Does anyone else get as excited as I do when there is a chance to photograph a cool bird? I have seen many hawks, but never have I gotten close enough to get decent photos. Here was my chance, y'all!

I did my usual: walk stealthily as close as I dare, snap off a few, advance another few steps; lather, rinse and repeat. Finally, I was about 30' (9 meters) away. That was as close as the pair allowed. They flew into different trees, so naturally I continued my stalking maneuvers to the closest tree. The tree vantage point let me get even closer. I was thrilled!

Later, I tried my best to make an identification. The more I Googled, the more confused I became. Our trusty blogging friend, TexWisGirl, came to my rescue! Thank you so much. Just to make sure––not that I don't trust you, T––I put some of the pics on Facebook. Most all agreed it was a Red-tailed Hawk. 

Hope you enjoyed my hawk pics. Although I just posted Grace on Monday, I am using her again today for my HAPPY DANCE! If I danced in public (which is a rarity), this is what I would look like. Why a happy dance? My daughter and her fiancé arrive tomorrow! I can hardly contain myself. Unfortunately, this means I have to take another short blogging break, but hopefully I will be back with stories and photos to share. Y'all have a good week. :)

P.S. This is my 1000th post. Geaux me!