June Juveniles

A family of red-bellied woodpeckers are frequent visitors to our feeders. Before I see them, they loudly announce their presence with distinctive churr churr calls. The babes prefer seed cake and suet while the parents go for the peanuts.

The downy woodpeckers are also big on announcing themselves in advance of appearing. They make a series of high-pitched pik pik sounds. I always respond with "Well, hello to you, Mr. Downy!"

Keeping these birds fed is getting expensive! I guess it's cheaper than shopping at the mall or going to the movies, AND so much more rewarding. :)

All shots taken in June with the 400mm lens, except the last shot which was taken in July.

EDIT 3:00PM: Going on an impromptu fishing trip with my dad in Mississippi. I will return tomorrow (Thurs, 9/26) evening. Y'all be good!

May Flowers

It's good to be back blogging again. A big, hearty THANK YOU to the wonderful souls that are still here visiting.

The orange bokeh in the background is from some rather large day lilies. It looks like the
coneflowers are rocking out to a day lily concert. 

Female Eastern Pondhawk

Processed with a Shadowhouse Creation texture called RC-9.
Sorry, after an extensive search, I can't seem to find the link to this texture.

For those of you who prayed for, worried over, and asked about my eldest son, I have good news: he is in his fourth week of college at the University of North Texas in Denton. He has some significant physical challenges from a 6-story fall 13 years ago, but he told me that he's determined to make straight As. I'm very, very proud and pray that he will meet his goals and stay on this path. No more detours, JB!!! Many thanks to all who have inquired about him over the last two years and for your prayers. Blessings are starting to flow and it certainly is welcome a relief. Thank you, God!

Boat Bash!

Recently, my aunt and uncle invited us to a boat bash on Lake Maurepas (MAR-eh-PAW). It took about an hour to get there on my uncle's boat. Not knowing what to expect, I brought along my bff, Bertha (my camera). It was a beautiful, clear day. We listened to music playing from a platform as all types of boats and watercraft gathered 'round. They started off with classic rock, but as the day wore on, it changed to hip-hop. :( Surprisingly, there weren't any crazy shenanigans, just folks enjoying the weather and music. Something about floating on water is very relaxing, I must say.

Boat name: PARR-T

Blue men

Notice the "HOT" BOUDIN sign. Also, the people floating
under the stage is funny to me. Sorry about the big bag of trash,
but we've gotta keep our rivers clean!

Don't they look like they're posing? 

This is my aunt and uncle's dog, Smoke, enjoying a rawhide on their deck.
This is one of the sweetest dogs EVER! But most goldens are known for their good natures.

We only stayed a couple of hours because the air conditioner inside our boat wasn't working and being on deck was BRUTAL. Stories of brain eating amoebas killed any desire I might've had to cool off in the water. Have a safe and happy weekend, everyone! 

Sunsets

Here are some sunsets I attempted throughout the summer.

July 6, 2013 - Allen, Texas
How I miss Texas sunsets! I spotted this one while shopping in Allen one evening; it reminded me of a tequila sunrise.
I drove around like a mad woman looking for a clear shot to no avail. At first I hated the power lines, but the more I
looked at it, the more I liked it.  Definitely adds an interesting graphical element.

August 3, 2013 - Lake Martin

August 4, 2013 - Port of Baton Rouge

Same as above

Most of these were shot with an aperture of f/16, using a tripod, of course. Unfortunately, when I got them on the computer it revealed horrible dust spots on my sensor. I must've cloned out over one hundred spots! So happy my local camera shop, Kadair's, was able to clean it right there in the store. I had read awhile back that the push/pull zooming mechanism on the 100-400mm lens could cause this problem. Whenever I use that lens now, I make sure I have it fully extended before I even mount it. I am also super careful during the change process. I'm like a lens changing Ninja now. So far, so good; it's been a month and I haven't seen one speck.

More macros

As I stated in the previous post, I am completely smitten with my new macro lens. Here are some shots that kept me busy the first couple of weeks after receiving it.

Tiny lantana bud

Anole on crape myrtle tree

Some sort of spider - nearly missed him he was so small

Dragonfly

Clouded sulphur

??

I have no idea what the last insect is; looks like some sort of moth? The metallic color of the stalk is pretty cool, too. Just wish I could remember what plant he was perched on.