Indeed, the long awaited Bird Week IV is here. (Please note the classy use of Roman Numerals just like the Super Bowl.) First up is the female Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. I caught her at the Thuya Gardens in Northwest Harbor, Maine.
Stark /
These birch trees grew in this area after a devastating fire mid-1900's. The birch were quick to grow and took over several areas. Now, as the taller trees fill the canopy the birch are dying. This area is filled with stark white trunks and tall ferns that turn the color of cinnamon in the fall.
"Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7 NLT
Really! /
Thought we left this stuff years ago. Welcome to Raleigh in the winter of 18.
Wild /
Beautiful flowers on Mt Dessert Island along the shore in Tremont, Maine near the harbor. Tremont is a small village with one of the more popular lobster piers.
Bird Week IV Red-tail /
I am not the best at identifying hawks that don't fit the precise model in the bird books. And most don't. If I could see a flash of red on the tail, got it, banded tail, got it but usually it is a variant because the change with the seasons and regions and maturity. However, I really think this is a red-tail hawk. It was soaring over the NC Museum of Art. And it was lovely to watch.
Little Hunter Beach /
Not much of a beach as in lay in the sand and soak up the sun but a really cool little pebble cove that has a stream feeding into the ocean that adds a nice touch to the scene. This is a portion of the beach toward Otter Point. If you are here at low tide you can *barely* make your way beyond the outcrops and find deep cuts where you discover star fish, barnacles, mussels, super colors and much more.
Cadillac Mountain Sunset /
Sunrise is the preferred time for Cadillac Mountain as your view to the east in unobstructed and one of the first places, at least some of the year, for the sun to peak out at the east coast. Sunset is not quite as popular because it is not as easy to get a great view to the west. However, it has the advantage of not happening at 4AM!
Otter Cliffs /
One of my favorite shots in Acadia National Park. You get the flash of red only for a very short time, this morning less than a minute. This shot is about 15 seconds after another one I posted a couple of years ago.
Bridge /
On the trail to Hunters Beach is this bridge out of some sort of fairy tale. Needs a few trolls underneath to be complete. Hunters Beach is a pebble beach that is close but not many visitors come here. Partly because the parking area only fits about 4 cars. We love it, usually see eagles nearby and once saw a mink! The sound of the waves receding through the rocks is unique.
Morning at Witch Hole Pond /
Located in the north of Acadia National Park you get to this by hiking a carriage road that connects to Duck Bridge Road. It is about 2 miles to the pond, at least from where this photo is taken. We left about 4AM to get to the spot before the sun rose. Worth giving up the warm bed! You can just barely make out Venus still in the night sky.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star.” Revelation 22:16 NLT
Red /
Welcome to "I miss Acadia National Park" week. The pond is called Bubble and is a deep and narrow lake at the foot of Cadillac and Pemetic Mountains on either side.
Just a Stream /
Somewhere near Boone, NC. Not sure if I knew the name but I don't recall it now. Cool spot in the summer, must be neat to see if frozen this winter.
Yates Mill #5 /
This is similar to the shot I posted a several days ago but with ice! Lovely place.
Old State House /
This is part of the Boston National Historical Park that has several buildings and sites associated with the American Revolution. Just in front of this building, about where I am standing for the shot is the memorial to the Boston Massacre that I posted a few days ago. Couple more of these sites to come.
The Marimba Man /
"So, play "Stardust" for me again."
It winter, so what do you do? You play around in a dark room with light painting. Try number one. If this is too far afield, there is a new "Eats!" today and a new campground yesterday. Regular programing resumes tomorrow.
Yates Mill #4, the Frozen Years /
Took another quick trip to Yates on Saturday. Was so cold. My gloves were useless. Did two thirty minute shoots but that is all I could stand. I did like this shot of the mill wheel, the ice, the dam and the rainbow. Did you see the rainbow. That means summer will come! Oh, and welcome to the Monday thaw.
Happy Birthday /
Cindy at White Sands National Monument. There are not enough accolades to share how I feel about Cindy suffice it to say there is no one I would rather travel with: to parks, to the store, to see friends or family, even to Disney. Looking forward to the days and the trips that will make up 2018.
One More /
Another sunset photo from White Sands National Monument.
Incongruous /
You barely notice the circle of stones amidst the noise and the traffic - pedestrians everywhere, street carts selling wares and food. One of the most publicized events used by the colonists to build the case of independence occurs in front of the Old State House in Boston yet few see the only reminder of the event and I saw no one stop and read the inscription. The Boston Massacre occurred here. Perhaps we all need a refresher American history course. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Massacre
Fort Donelson National Cemetery /
This cemetery is laid out in an unusual configuration with a small loop centered on the canon (captured at the fort) in the center of mostly unknown soldier's graves and then extending in a long curving line around the perimeter of the cemetery with rows of soldiers from later wars arranged inside the sweeping curves.
