That's the moon next to the tree on the left.

Hawk Ridge II

There are a few traces of fall color in Duluth, as you can see in this shot taken from Hawk Ridge.

Here you can also see that yesterday was cloudy & dreary.

But even on a day such as this, the views from Hawk Ridge are spectacular.
more to come

Hawk Ridge

Yes, I did make it to Hawkridge this morning. Lots of drizzle, rain -- relatively few birds flying too high for interesting photos. Above is an owl decoy which some raptors like to hassle as they pass through. More to follow.

bird photo accessory

I'm practicing using my new iMac & Aperture software for posting photos. 

This is my latest photo accessory -- an AWD vehicle -- that should help me navigate Carlos Avery, Crex Meadows, etc. during rain, sleet, mud, hail, snow -- OK I'm getting carried away -- but I am excited about the new SUV and look forward to testing it this weekend. This is what I hope to avoid.

If you are interested in Hondas and would like to deal with a super sales person, write to me privately & I'll give you the scoop.

Hawkridge

Weather permitting, tomorrow I plan to head up to Duluth and Hawkridge. With luck I should return with some interesting photos. 

birding spots at Blue Cloud Abbey

more Abbey birds

Someone have a good caption for this shot?

Sony A900

It's hard enough to decide between Canon & Nikon;
now we have to deal with a full-frame DSLR Sony.

more Abbey ducks

some Abbey ducks

The reflections are tricky ...

new Picasa

Google has announced an upgrade to Picasa. The new version, 3.0, is available in beta form (as most Google programs are). Read about it here. I do not know whether or not I will upgrade -- if I do, I will let you know.
As I have written over the past several months, I have switched over most of my work to an iMac and Aperture 2.0 for photos. If you do follow through with the new update of Picasa, let me know how you like it.

more damage from the wind-storm

... fortunately, late enough in the summer to avoid damage to occupants

more Abbey birds

The recent windstorm at the Abbey did a number on the Martin houses -- but the birds hung in there.

The ultimate birding lens?

read about it here

Another new Canon DSLR?

read about it here

the Abbey's Chipping Sparrows

there are many Chipping Sparrows around the Abbey

this one caught an ant

nature photography

Transforming the way people view things

is the highest calling of nature photography.

-- Jack Dykinga

birds around the Abbey

Blue Cloud Abbey

During much of August I've been posting pictures from Big Stone NWR. These were taken during the six days I was staying at Blue Cloud Abbey near Marvin, SD. The Abbey is a wonderful place, not only for the spiritual aspects, but as a great base for exploring the nearby countryside. Highly recommended!! Feel free to contact me if you decide to visit the Abbey and I will be happy to provide you with additional information.
The above picture was taken at sunset.

maybe a blurry line?

There is a fine line between a hobby and a mental illness!

-- K.Batchelor