Red Dragonfly

Last weekend while fishing I noticed many large dark colored dragonflies patrolling along the lake shore along with a very few smaller red ones. This weekend the red dragonflies seemed to outnumber the others.

This dragonfly allowed me to drift the boat right up to the sprig of marsh grass it was resting on.

I attempted to identify this creature by checking some web sites but was unsuccessful. If any of you viewers could enlighten me I would appreciate it.

On The Wing: Stream Bluet Damselfly

This morning while fishing my favorite lake I found large numbers of dragonflies and damselflies flitting about.

The tiny Damselflies were hovering low over the lake’s surface. They would allow me to approach within a few feet with the boat. The 100-400mm lens set at 400mm allowed me to capture this image of a hovering Stream Bluet Damselfly.

I found it nearly impossible to auto-focus on these slim creatures if there was anything in the background other than open water.

For more Camera Critters and to join in on the fun post your favorite critter then visit our host Misty and sign up.

SkyWatch Friday: Rainbow

I have shot a great many rainbow shots but so far none to my total satisfaction.

This image is my latest effort; still trying but not there yet.

For more Skywatch and to join in on the fun post your skywatch image then visit Tom and sign up on Mr. Linky.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Love Birds: Mourning Dove

While trimming around my grape arbor last evening a dove flew from it towards our windbreak. It seemed to have some difficulty flying, landing on the ground a few feet short of the trees. Quickly is scurried across the open ground and hopped up into the low hanging branches.

Of course this was the mother attempting to draw my attention away from her nest. A closer examination of the grape vines revealed two young doves sitting upon the nest. I decided rather than to risk scaring the little doves from the saftey of their nest I would forgo the trimming until they leave the nest of their own accord.

I returned this evening, camera in hand to find the adult sitting with her brood watching my every move.

For “Love Birds” of a different type check out my son Chad’s blog

Popping White Dutch Clover

This image started with a macro of a White Dutch Clover bloom in my lawn. With Photoshop I increased the contrast and then brought the black level up until the background changed to mostly black effectively removing distractions. Lastly I applied a touch of unsharp mask to sharpen the edges.

My goal usually is to create an image as close as possible to how I experienced the original scene, but in this case I took the liberty to become somewhat more creative.

Personally I like the results.

What do you think? Be honest, I promise not to be offended if you don’t care for it.

White Dutch Clover, once common in lawns is now considered a weed by many. I encourage the clover in my lawn. White Dutch Clover fixes nitrogen eliminating the need for heavy fertilizer applications, it attracts and feeds bees, rabbits etc, it is also drought resistant and low growing not requiring frequent mowing. Attracting wildlife is reason enough for me to grow it, the other benefits are all bonus.

Honey from a Butterfly Weed

The Honey Bee was so intent upon being the first to gather nectar from a new bloom opening on a Butterfly Weed that it didn’t seem to mind my lens being shoved in its face.

The beautiful orange blossoms of the low growing Butterfly Weed add a touch of vivid color to our rural roadsides. Along with their beauty they also attract and provide food to many insects. Rarely do I encounter a Butterfly Weed that is not covered with ants, but in this case the lone Honey Bee was the only insect I noticed.

Overgrown roadsides are an excellent place to find a wide variety of wildflowers as mowing and cultivation rarely if ever interferes with their growth and reproduction. My wife and I discovered this particular plant as we strolled along an abandoned section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike that has been converted into a hiking/biking trail.

Tiny Snail

While composing photos of the lilies I was pleasantly surprised to find this tiny snail attached to the underside of one of the blossoms.

A macro shot reveals the beautiful intricate patterns that make up its shell.

For more Camera Critters and to join in on all the fun, visit our good friend and host Misty

With Trumpets Lifted Up

When viewed from slightly below the Lilies remind me of a band of trumpeters with horns raised.

Large patches of these hardy wild lilies are blooming abundantly along our rural roadsides.

Their early shoots are one of the first signs of spring to appear promising an end to the seemingly long winter. Now in early summer they are providing a welcome burst of vibrant color along our travel routes.

SkyWatch Friday: The Last Light of Day

The most brilliant colors of sunset occur some time after the sun has dropped below the horizon.

The image on my previous post was taken as the sun was beginning to touch the mountains to my west. This image was captured sixteen minutes later.

As you will notice the contrast and intensity of color has dramatically increased.



For a full explanation of this phenomenon and great information on how best to capitalize upon it visit Jim Moore at Transient Light Photography.

For more Sky Watch or to join in visit our gracious host Tom at Wigger’s World

The Last Rays of Sunlight

A beautiful glow lights a pastoral Pennsylvania landscape during the evening's golden hour

The showers that have been caressing our landscape daily are presenting us with some very dramatic skies. This evening I captured this scene only moments before the sun dipped below the horizon.

Following the sunset the western sky became quite beautiful as the last rays of daylight painted awesome colors upon the clouds, but that shot must wait until later.