Category: photography

More Short-Eared Owls on a Post

I took these after 5 tonight. It was cloudy and started raining after I left, so it was dark. The first one is short eared-owl on a post that is cropped a lot.

More short-eared owls on a post- cropped a lot
More Short-eared owls on a post- not cropped a lot

This second picture was lightened a lot, but not cropped as much as the first picture. It landed on a post very close to where we could stand. This is the first year I have seen the short-eared owls land on posts.

Although the lighting is bad, I still enjoyed seeing them closer than I ever have before. I just wish they would come that close with better lighting conditions.

Short-Eared Owl on a Post

I decided to swing by the land I see these owls on before dark. It rained part of the day, but continued to look dark and dreary. The last two nights the owls only flew on the other end of the field. Tonight they flew closer. I was able to see them in flight, on a tree, and see one of the short-eared owls on a post.

Short-Eared Owl on a Post

The flight shots were grainy due to high ISO, but you cannot have everything.

Short-Eared Owl on a Post

I may try to go on the weekend, but luck has not been on my side on Saturdays or Sundays. The increase in the number of owl paparazzi on weekends keeps them at bay. Have a great weekend!

Short-Eared Owl Fly By

I went for a couple of hours to watch the short-eared owls again. This time from the viewing platform, which I usually stay away from. I was lucky they flew nearby, but not too close a few times.

Short-Eared Owl Fly By

They seemed to have come out earlier today than yesterday. It was before sunset started.

Short-Eared Owl Fly By

All pictures were taken with a zoom lens and are heavily cropped.

Short-Eared Owl Fly By -This one is checking us out.

Tonight they spent a lot of time flying to the trees on the edge of the property, which are beyond the trails. It looked like there may have between 8-11. I wonder if it is a gathering before they head back up to northern Canada or the Arctic.

Short-Eared Owl Fly By – Checking us out again

I am guessing they are just as curious at times about us as they do look in our direction. What do you think?

Short-Eared Owls on the Hunt

What do you do on a day off? Besides running some errands I also went to see how close the short-eared owls would come today.

Short-eared Owl on the hunt – fly by
Short-eared owls on the hunt
Short-Eared Owls on the hunt. – This one flew over a trail you allowed on.
Short-Eared Owl on the hunt

It helped that is was a sunny day and not too windy. They came out at around sunset, so we all had a little bit of time to photography them. They were closer than I had seen them from early December through the beginning of February on Sundays, but not too close. These are all taken with a zoom lens and are heavily cropped. Squeeze in some time with nature and wildlife on your days off. Have a great week!

Short-Eared Owl at Night

I usually can only go on Sunday afternoons. Up until now this winter I have not seen short-eared owls, except at quite a distance. Tonight I saw them closer, but still not very close after sunset.

Short-Eared Owl at Night

Weekends are not a good time to go. I have been going on Sundays since early December with little luck. It is crowded and people tend to be loud on the weekends, hence the owls stay far beyond the distance to take a decent photo. Not a good recipe for chances to see them up close. This was just after sunset. Here’s hoping I have better luck in the future.

Hawk Opening Act

The main attraction at one place I visit is short eared owls. I usually can only go during the weekend. Too many people are there then, so the owls do not come close to the areas you are allowed to stand while visiting. Occasionally, on a weekday they may come close to the photographers. However, so far I have only been able to stop by on one day during the weekends. Luckily this hawk has started to entertain us. I think it either wants to know what the fuss is, or it is a diva. The hawk seems to be saying, “Look at Me!”

Hawk Opening Act

I believe it is a red -tailed hawk. It is obliging and lands on trees, buildings, and posts. Sometimes the opening acts are better than the main show. Don’t discount them.

Speakeasy Motors

A Speakeasy is a place where alcoholic beverages were sold illegally during the Prohibition years in the USA (1920–33). Some think the word came from speak-softly shops, which were illegal drinking establishments in England and Ireland in the 19th century. Since alcohol was illegal people needed to be secretive. Customers were expected to speak quietly while inside the establishments to avoid being found out. Speakeasies in the USA did not become well known until 1920, when an amendment to the Constitution outlawed alcohol. In New York City there were between 20,000–100,000 speakeasies.

Speakeasy Motors

Driving on a rural road, I came across this vintage vehicle being used for advertising. It is advertising Speakeasy Motors. I love finding repurposed old vehicles. How about you?

Male Mallard Headshot

We have experienced a lot of rain and many cloudy days since the start of summer. This picture of a male mallard was taken on the Hudson River when a break in clouds formed. It was a short window.

Male Mallard Headshot

This male mallard is enjoying some corn. Try to enjoy the sunshine, even if it is only in short spurts.

Fishkill Doors

I found some more doors! This time in Fishkill, New York. Many of these doors may be newer ones, but they have character. They also have nice wreath displays. 

Fishkill Doors – with a wreath that is unique
Fishkill Doors – this family totally renovated this old house over the past few years
Fishkill Doors- the Old Dutch Church built in 1725. It was used as a prison during the Revolutionary War
Fishkill Doors -I believe this house had several nice things as a part of the display spread out across the porch. The husband came out and said the wife does these displays herself.
Fishkill Doors – These doors look original.
Fishkill Doors – more likely a modern one
Fishkill Doors – cemetery chapel I am not sure how old this building is.

It is very hard for me to pick a favourite. They are all good in their own way. The first four are a four way tie first place for me. What do you think?

It was another dark and dreary day in a sea of dark and dreary days. Still trying to get out regardless. The walking trails in the woods are far too muddy to traverse. Don’t count out days that do not cooperate weather wise! Have a happy and safe New Year!

Red Hook Doors

I love old doors. I went on a short trip through Red Hook, New York and some of the old doors stood out to me with their Christmas greens. Included are a few I saw.

Red Hook Doors- My favourite- Unfortunately I could not get too close. I took this from the sidewalk and there was a bush in front of the view.
Red Hook Doors- single door
Red Hooks Doors- Houses with 2 doors had two wreaths
Red Hook Doors- Double Door Double Wreath

The weather has been very uncooperative this week. We have had dark skies and rain. Seeing the decorations has been a highlight. My favourite is the first one. Which one is yours?