KCCC Photography Gallery

Bald Eagle Drinking Water

2010-12-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

Photo taken at the Koll Wetlands in Beaverton.

Screech Owl

2009-11-25T17:59:00.000-08:00

Photo taken at the Tualatin River Natl Wildlife Refuge. The owl opened its eyes now and then, but most of the time it looked asleep.

Willamette Riverscape

2009-11-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

A view of the west bank from the Portland Rowing Club on a
foggy October morning. The hill north of the Sellwood bridge had some sunshine and the fog bank to the south would lift for
a minute or two, then close over. A week later the color was better, in spite of rain.

Serengeti at the Oregon Zoo

2009-10-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

The new Serengeti exhibit at the zoo is amazing. Lions, Cheetahs and African Hunting Dogs are the highlights. The lions are out in the open. The cheetahs are constantly pacing and often walk right up to the window....you feel like you should be able to touch them. The glass at these exhibits is pretty nice quality so you can actually get good photos of the animals. Both times I was there last week, the baby elephant was also out in the back where the water hole is. That little guy is so adorable. You can see more of my zoo shots at www.bescoles.zenfolio.com

Quail Family

2009-09-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

We took our first trip to Malheur last week and really enjoyed it. Wildlife spotting was pretty good considering that the water levels are very low and many ponds and marshes are completely dry. We saw quite a few pheasant and quail families. Lots of mule deer and coyotes. We even had a badger run across the road in front of us. We saw birds we hadn't seen before like the white faced ibis, sage thrasher and loggerhead shrike.

We are looking forward to returning in spring.

This is my branch

2009-09-05T15:50:00.000-07:00

Here’s an example of getting a shot buy surprise. I ran off a burst before I had a chance to check my initial exposure setting. I was probably 2 stops under. To my surprise I caught this little guy landing on top of the other. Shot at 500mm, ISO 1000, and cropped about half.

Western Sandpipers

2009-08-23T19:28:00.001-07:00

I took this photo last Wednesday at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. There are quite a few shorebirds that can be seen on the mudflats on the opposite side of the canal. Western and least sandpipers, greater yellowlegs, lesser yellowlegs, long-billed dowitchers, kildeer and spotted sandpipers can all be seen there. A great egret is usually present as are many many great blue herons.

Green Heron at Koll Wetlands in Beaverton

2009-08-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

There are a number of immature green herons that can be seen quite easily at the Koll Center Wetlands Park off of Nimbus in Beaverton. A friend and I watched and photographed 3 of them for almost 2 hours on Saturday afternoon. They were pretty close in and didn't seem phased by humans gawking at them. We could talk and laugh and walk around and they didn't budge. At one point, I was within 15 feet of one of them and he had to see me..I was in the open right in front of him.

Someone's Very Happy Dog

2009-08-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

We stopped in Cannon Beach on Friday on our way to Cape Meares where we rented a house for the weekend. This dog was having the best time chasing a ball into the water and bringing it back to his human to throw again. It was pretty cool and foggy where we were staying, most of the time. It was kind of a welcome change after the sweltering heat in town.

Skunk at the birdbath

2009-08-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

A family of skunks comes out at dusk in our backyard to root around in the lawn. This skunk got a drink of water from the birdbath. Even though the yard light was on, it was still too dark to see this guy through the viewfinder. All I could make out was the ripple of water where the skunk was drinking, but that was enough to focus on and then hit it with the flash.

Ridgefield Otter Going Hunting!

2009-07-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Harry and I went to Ridgefield. We saw the otters several times that day. At one point, they entered the marshy area and the adult otter went duck hunting. It was like watching a National Geographic show. Lots of action and splashing. However, the duck finally got away. But that otter was pretty persistent. She had two youngsters waiting for breakfast. They had to settle for something else, I guess.

2009-07-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

I am back from some of my travels - if you would like to view some of my photos from the circle tour go to faystravels.shutterfly.com The site will probably ask you to set up account with a password but it should work just fine. Otherwise, send me an email and I can send you an invite.

Fay

Spotted Sandpiper Chick-Too Cute!!

2009-07-06T22:30:00.000-07:00

Harry and I took a walk at the refuge tonight. We came upon a spotted sandpiper who looked a bit funny to us. When we got closer, he stood up and revealed the smallest, cutest little chick. They kept several feet ahead of us as we walked. I read that the males are the ones who raise the chicks. You just never know when you're going to have an amazing wildlife encounter out there.

Cooper Mt Butterfly

2009-07-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

This was taken at the new Cooper Mt Nature Center. It was the middle of the afternoon so the light wasn't great.

It's really a beautiful piece of property. Gorgeous views of the Tualaltin Valley. And nice cool woods to walk through. We were just there for a short time last Sunday and were greeted by a pair of lazuli buntings. There were cedar waxwings, juncos, a flycatcher of some sort, tons of dragonflies over the meadow and several different butterflies. We are looking forward to getting back there to explore some more tomorrow morning.

Lazuli Bunting

2009-06-24T10:31:00.001-07:00

This must be lazuli bunting week for me. Before work one day, I met Bjorn at the Tualatin refuge. We were able to find the lazuli bunting that has been spotted there for several weeks now. He was quite willing to let us take his photo. He sure is a handsome guy!

Lazuli Bunting and the Mirror

2009-06-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who lives in the country in Ridgefield Washington. She told me about a lazuli bunting that has been flailing at his reflection in a mirror. The mirror is posted at the end of their road so they can see oncoming traffic. The bunting has been there for weeks in the same place. It looks to me like he would tire himself out eventually...he is relentless.

You can see more photos of him on my website at www.bescoles.zenfolio.com

Expansive Valley View

2009-06-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

Just one of MANY great vistas from the road to Dancing Oaks Nursery.
Our sojourn was a vivid reminder of the beauty of this part of Oregon
and our good fortune to be able to enjoy these scenic places.

Imposing Structure at Wheatland

2009-06-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

On out return drive from Dancing Oaks Nursery we took
the Ferry across the Willamette River and spied this
sturdy nest at the eastern landing. The "hand of man"
is evident in the base, but otherwise it is rather
impressive.
Using her binoculars, Doris spotted 2 chicks, and
Marie and I were hoping that the other adult might
return; but no such luck.
Our Canon PowerShots aren't quite up to the challenge;
but we tried.

Wringing Wet

2009-06-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

We went to the William L Finley Wildlife Refuge just south of Corvallis over the weekend. This osprey dove into the water after a fish and missed it. When the osprey came up, it shook the water off, just like a dog would. I thought it was kind of interesting. I had never really seen this before. This photo was taken from the blind at McFadden Marsh on Bruce Rd. It's a great place to watch critters. A kingfisher landed in a tree nearby, but of course he was partially obscured by a branch. The drive down was definitely worth it. We saw quite a few meadowlarks, western bluebirds and quail. And there were rabbits on just about every trail we walked.

Proud Bird

2009-06-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

Here's a shot of a phesant I took at the Kerr Park Wetlands Park. I 've heard him several time but this day he was really strutting his stuff.

Heron's Great Catch

2009-05-31T19:26:00.000-07:00

We were at a pond near Creekside 7 on Gemini in Beaverton on Saturday. This heron had great success fishing. We saw him catch 2 very large fish within 10 minutes. I am not sure how he had room in his stomach for both of them. The light was very harsh due to it being the middle of the afternoon.

Sauvie Island Scene

2009-05-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

Panoramic view from the Sauvie Island bridge. I took several overlapping shots while holding the camera 90 degrees from horizontal, then stitched the images together in Photoshop.

Cedar Waxwings

2009-05-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite birds to photograph. It's hard not to get a good shot of a cedar waxwing.

2009 Notre Dame Graduate at the Grotto

2009-05-23T00:16:00.000-07:00

My daughter, Serene, graduated from Notre Dame this past Sunday. She earned a BS in PreProfessional Studies in preparation for medical school. President Obama was the commencement speaker and he WOWed the assembly.

Great Blue Heron Chicks

2009-05-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

Time is running out to see the heron chicks. They are growing like weeds. If you want to see them, they are at 8705 Nimbus in Beaverton. Just look for the very tall pine tree on the left side of the building. Early morning is best.

Waterlily

2009-05-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

We went to Hughes Water Gardens last weekend. We got permission to go into the tropical waterlily greenhouse to take photos. There is quite a variety of the tropical waterlilies in bloom. Only one of the hardy waterlilies was blooming outside. Too cold yet I am sure.

I thought this pink and yellow tropical bloom was really beautiful.

Bee in our backyard

2009-05-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

My flash was about three inches away from the bee. It just ignored me and kept on collecting pollen.

Painted Turtles

2009-05-03T23:24:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day at the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge. We were pleasantly surprised that the rain held off until we left the refuge around 4:00pm today. There were lots of these painted turtles hauled out on fallen tree branches. In one spot, we counted 23!

Bald Eagle

2009-05-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

Took this shot today at the Tualatin River Natl Wildlife Refuge.

More Goslings

2009-04-25T15:02:00.000-07:00

There are 4 pairs of Canada geese with goslings now at Koll Center Wetlands Park. One pair has these 9 adorable goslings! All of the parents take their goslings to the lawn next to the tennis court at some point during the day. They seem to have little fear of humans.

There are several short billed dowitchers feeding in the mud flat areas along with what look like least sandpipers. Kildeer, mourning doves, osprey, red tailed hawks, great blue herons, common yellowthroats, tree swallows, barn swallows and red winged black birds can also be seen. There is also a pair of cinnamon teal along with gadwalls, ring necked ducks, wigeons, mallards, green winged teal, buffleheads and shovelers.

Waiting for Lift Off

2009-04-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

Peggy, with RideWise escort Wilhelm, joking while passengers are boarding the Tram for its ascent to Pill Hill.
There are only 14 days left for you to capture your fantastic images for entry in the President's Trophy competition
and beat out the little old octogenarians.

Canada Goslings...Too Cute!

2009-04-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year to start seeing the new hatchlings. This was taken at Koll Center Wetlands Park off of Nimbus in Beaverton. The parents and goslings don't seem to mind if you get close to them. Koll is also a great place to watch osprey and herons. The pine tree with the rookery is very close by. There is also a short billed dowitcher hanging out there and a small flock of some sort of sandpipers. Common yellowthroats are everywhere. Check out the rest of the photos I have taken in the last few days at www.bescoles.zenfolio.com

Confrontation!

2009-04-18T21:34:00.000-07:00

We went for a walk this evening at Fanno Creek Park. There are quite a few nest boxes for swallows there. These two landed on a post just above one of the swallows nest boxes. They sat there and screeched at each other for about 15 seconds. It was pretty funny.

Osprey Couple

2009-04-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

These two osprey were sitting in a tree on Rentenaar Rd on Sauvie Island. Their nest is on a pole on the opposite side of the road from the tree. All of a sudden another pair came to inspect the nest and an aerial battle ensued. The owners of the nest were able to chase off the intruders. They returned to the nest and mated. Then the male took off with something in his talons...fish parts I believe.

It was quite a show.

The light was terrible so I didn't get many photos that were keepers.

A Sure Sign of Spring

2009-03-26T22:45:00.000-07:00

This is not a very good photo technically, I know. But I thought it shows a sure sign of spring!! I didn't check, but I suspect this robin is building a nest where we have had nests before...in the tree outside our laundry room. I hope so. I just hope they haven't figured a way into our attic again.

Dandelion Under Wraps

2009-03-25T13:02:00.001-07:00

I thought I would give this creative thing a try. What do you think of these images?

New Neighbor

2009-03-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

Every February these little ones start arriving next door to me. I can watch them from my kitchen while doing dishes. They are so much fun to watch when they chase each other and bounce all around. There are seven this year, three sets of twins and one single.

Tundra Swans at Ridgefield

2009-03-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

We took another trip to Ridgefield today. The light was terrible for photography but we saw some interesting things. Snipe were doing their mating flight displays. Their wings make quite a noise. There were many raptors around. We even saw a black shouldered kite. Red winged blackbirds were also displaying. Lots of wood ducks were on one of the ponds. This pair of swans were making a cooing sound as they bobbed their heads. It was an enjoyable day.

A Stormy Outing

2009-03-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

I was getting cabin fever so we decided to venture out. We drove around a little and after our car got hit with a few small tree branches on River Road, we headed for the Tualatin Wildlife Refuge. We had a difficult time walking in the wind toward the observation deck. So we turned around and headed down the trail. We got as far as the woods and it started to pour down rain. But on the way out to the woods, we encountered a small gaggle of geese sitting on and beside the trail. There were also a few ducks on the ponds, all out of my lens's range. We saw lots of yellow rumped warblers in the wooded area along with a little brown creeper, two white breasted nuthatches and some black capped chickadees. And a couple of red tailed hawks terrorized the ducks and geese, also out of camera range. So at least we got a little exercise, fresh air and saw some wildlife even if the photo opportunities were limited.

Ridgefield Raccoon Repost

2009-03-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

This is one of the photos I submitted for judging on Monday. I wasn't really happy that the one eye was so dark. I tried fixing it in Photoshop but just couldn't get it right. Having taught myself how to use Photoshop, I am missing tons of skills. But I kept playing with it and finally have, what I feel, is a better photo. Any ideas as to how I can improve this photo even more?

Snow Geese on Sauvie Island

2009-03-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

There were about a hundred snow geese foraging in the field about 50 yards from the wildlife observation deck on Sauvie Island. They all raised their heads whenever they heard a noise.

Our Day at Ridgefield

2009-03-06T22:58:00.000-08:00

We finally made our first trip to the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge. I have to say that we were very pleasantly surprised at the variety of wildlife we saw and the gorgeous weather. As we were passing by another vehicle, the man in that vehicle rolled down his window and told us about a snipe in the reeds right next to the road. We would never have seen it without his help. 4 river otters fished in the canal beside our car. 3 young raccoons foraged in plain view. Great blue herons hunted in the canals and in the fields all very close to the road. Also on the ponds were gadwalls, wood ducks, green winged teals, pintails, mallards, pied billed grebes, tundra swans, cackling and Canada geese, Northern shovelers and ring necked ducks. Northern harriers, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks also put on a show. We drove the loop twice and each time we saw something new. We will definitely be returning in the near future.

Snowy Egret

2009-03-03T18:58:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken from the car on Bay Flat Road in Bodega Bay. It was raining off and on all day. We could get amazingly close to these guys as long as we stayed in the car. It was a lot of fun watching them fish.

I Need A Longer Lens!!

2009-02-24T20:38:00.000-08:00

We had a nice day hiking Arcata Marsh, which is located just a few miles north of Eureka, CA. We were surprised to see so many avocets, marbled godwits and dunlin all on a couple of small islands in one of the ponds. However, those islands are located just a bit too far from shore. We talked with a man who was kind enough to let us see the birds through his spotting scope.

My 400mm just wasn't long enough to get a great shot but at least, after cropping, I can identify the birds in the photos.

The marsh is an amazingly huge place. It is located on the bay and has quite a few ponds. It is all part of the city's water treatment plant. People were jogging, riding bikes and walking dogs on the trail, which I didn't care for. It scared the birds.

In addition to those birds mentioned above, we saw black phoebes, long billed curlews, great egrets, western and pied billed grebes, golden crowned sparrows, green winged teals and loons.

It is worth the drive!! It was a really wonderful day!

Sandhill Cranes Take Flight

2009-02-15T21:37:00.000-08:00

Harry and I spent the afternoon on Sauvie Island. My main goal was to see the sandhill cranes and we saw many! The weather was amazing.

Valentine's Day Sunset

2009-02-14T22:05:00.000-08:00

We stopped by the Tualatin River Wildlife Refuge this evening for the sunset. We were treated to a gorgeous one. We froze out there but we both felt it was worth it.

Happy Valentine's Day!

New Baby

2009-02-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

Harry and I went for a drive yesterday and stopped at the alpaca farm on Scholl's Ferry Rd. A couple of the alpacas had new babies. They are so cute and they make such a funny little noise.

Lady, Please Take My Picture!

2009-01-30T08:58:00.000-08:00

When we were in Summer Lake Park a couple of weeks ago, this little guy came up to me and asked if I would take his picture. He was so adorable, I couldn't resist. His dad was with him so I got his dad's email address and sent him a copy. He said little JJ is a real ham.

Siesta time

2009-01-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

Big Daddy has claimed his choice spot at the top of the rocks,
with his harem flopped around below enjoying the sun.
The sea lions playing in the water, at the base of the cliffs, are mostly juveniles (about 6 months old) and the folks
who went scuba diving were swimming right in there among the critters.
The youngsters are very curious and would approach both swimmers and the boats -- sometimes following in the wake of the craft.

Scanning the bay for a glimpse of the locals

2009-01-20T16:35:00.000-08:00

The waters around Los Islotes support many species of wildlife,
but shooting fast moving critters from a bobbing DIB presented new challenges. My first mistake was to accept a seat between 2 bigger and taller photographers -- on the wrong side of the boat (no changing positions).
Since this image does not qualify as a self-portrait, I decided to show it here.

Colorful Kite

2009-01-17T22:06:00.000-08:00

Well, here is something new from me. We went to Summer Lake Park in Tigard today. What a beautiful day and a great place for photo ops.

On the lake were great blue herons, common mergansers, gadwalls, mallards and Canada geese...maybe cackling geese. There were some gulls as well. A kestrel flew by and a nutria was swimming among the ducks.

We used to live near the lake many years ago before the park was built. We thought we wouldn't like it now that it's been developed, but it is really nice. So if you haven't been there, check it out when you get a chance. It's a great mix of park amenities with natural areas.

Townsend's Warbler

2009-01-15T18:53:00.000-08:00

In winter, Townsend's warblers come to our suet feeders. I just love their perky color when the weather is dreary. This one was on our birdbath a couple of days ago.

My Learning Experience

2009-01-10T20:18:00.001-08:00

Here we were at the Tualatin River Wildlife Refuge again. This time a coyote showed up and presented himself or herself just beautifully. I started firing away, not realizing that somehow I accidentally changed the quality setting from RAW to Normal JPEG. As soon as the coyote had sauntered off, I noticed the change in the setting. I was just sick. I knew I would have to crop the photos and I had little bandwidth to do it. Oh well...live and learn. The important thing was to have the experience of seeing the coyote.

A Frosty Morning

2009-01-04T20:49:00.000-08:00

I convinced my husband that this would be a good day to go to the Tualatin River Wildlife Refuge. Sure, it was cold, 27 degrees. But hey..it wasn't raining or snowing! However, everything was covered in frost. But I was right. Bald eagles were hunting ducks and geese. Pintails, Mallards and Wigeons were all performing their mating rituals. Even a pair of great blue herons got in on the act. Here is a bald eagle that landed in the tree next to the visitor center. There was even some frost on the edges of some of his feathers. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Photo Says It All

2008-12-31T21:57:00.000-08:00

Squirrel in a Box

2008-12-31T21:52:00.000-08:00

They are fun to watch!

Hummingbird in Distress

2008-12-21T16:39:00.000-08:00

This poor hummingbird got his foot frozen to the branch. He tugged and tugged and tugged until he finally freed himself. I was starting to panic...thinking...how would I help him. Thank goodness he took care of himself.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-20T20:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to everyone. I hope you're all keeping safe and warm through this winter storm. We have about 9 inches of snow at our house as of this moment, bringing our weeklong total up to over a foot of snow. It's amazing and beautiful!

This little guy came by for a handout today. I thought you might get a kick out of this photo.

Hummer feeder defroster

2008-12-15T15:05:00.000-08:00

Outside "spot" (50 watt halogen) from Home Depot, as suggested by Back Yard Bird Shop. It's keeping it thawed. I am leaving it on 24/7 until this is over. I have several happy customers. Extension cord goes to the bird bath defroster, which works well too. This is from my living room window which faces the dreaded East wind. I'll try to post a picture of one actually feeding here. Set-up won't win a Martha Stewart award, but birdies don't care.

Cold Hummer

2008-12-14T18:04:00.000-08:00

I was outside most of the day today, photographing critters in the backyard. We also spent a good part of the day working to keep the hummingbird feeders from freezing. We finally determined that the handwarmers hunters use can also be attached to hummingbird feeders.

It does seem to help.

On a Walk in the Genesis Subdivision

2008-12-06T16:14:00.000-08:00

Out walking on a trail through the Genesis subdivision in Tigard, we saw this pileated woodpecker headed to a suet feeder. It was a nice surprise. We watched him for quite awhile. This was the clearest shot I could get because most of the time he was obscured by branches.

Jewell Elk

2008-11-30T22:24:00.000-08:00

Harry and I drove up to Jewell to see the elk. We had a wonderful day and a harrowing drive back this evening, due to fog. On the way up, we stopped at Vernonia Lake. There were quite a few hooded and common mergansers in addition to wigeons, mallards, coots and one double crested cormorant. Continuing on to Jewell to see the elk, we stopped at the first elk overlook and saw quite a few elk. While standing there, a pileated woodpecker flew across the pasture into some trees not far from us. We decided to walk down the road to see if we could find the woodpecker. Little brown creepers were climbing up and down the trees and I startled the pileated. He flew to a tree not far from me. He stayed still long enough for one photo...not a great pose though. But I have proof we saw it. At the next elk viewing area, there was a very large herd of bull elk...most with full racks. While standing there around 3:30, we saw the mist begin to form. I continued photographing the elk and the fog. Then we started back toward home and there was a huge herd of elk standing right by the road...so again I had to stop. By the time we headed home, we were met with pea soup thick fog. It was a slow drive from Jewell to just past Vernonia where the fog finally lifted. But all in all, it was well worth it.

Fast Getaway

2008-11-23T20:54:00.000-08:00

FAST GETAWAY
I always thought small birds propel themselves into the air with the help of both legs – this one got away fast on one leg…Shot with my new toy from my couch 1/300s at 300mm handheld. Just wish more of head was visible (it’s a goldfinch). This web copy doesn't look too sharp either.

Pileated Woodpecker

2008-11-20T20:31:00.001-08:00

Lately, we have had a pileated woodpecker coming to our backyard. The minute I get my camera, he takes off. This is a photo I got of one of these beauties last year.

High Five

2008-11-17T16:05:00.001-08:00

Our neighbor's cat visited us today. He likes to watch the squirrels and birds on our deck. Here is a photo from their interaction today. Squirrels do like to tease.

I know it's not a great photo technically...but I thought it was funny.

Another Fall Squirrel

2008-11-14T22:05:00.000-08:00

When I saw Barbara's post...I thought it was mine. Amazing...living in squirrel land.
They do make ya smile.

Do You Have Peanuts In There

2008-11-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

If we don't get peanuts out for the squirrels as soon as we open the blinds in the morning, they start letting us know that they are ready for breakfast.

Fall Squirrel

2008-11-05T19:34:00.001-08:00

I haven't been able to get out and take photos of the beautiful fall color this year between being sick and getting my dad settled in an adult care home. I was going through my fall photos from last year and thought I'd share this one.

Cannon Beach Sunset

2008-11-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

We were at Cannon Beach last weekend and enjoyed wonderful weather. There were so many pelicans and gulls..it was alot of fun to take photos. At the end of this sunset we actually saw the green flash that Matt Zaffino is always talking about. I got a photo of it but the photo is not all that great, so I didn't post it.

Peak Color -- Almost

2008-10-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

The maples are turning quickly;
this weekend should provide some great shooting opportunities in the Japanese Garden.

Neighbor's Pumpkins

2008-10-23T20:09:00.001-07:00

I took this photo of the pumpkins our neighbors have on their front step.

I added the texture in Photoshop. Do you like the effect?

Tundra Swans at Jackson Bottoms

2008-10-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

The first time we went to Jackson Bottoms, we saw very few critters. I am sure it was because it was a very hot day and the birds and other animals were keeping cool in the shade. We decided to give it another try on Sunday and we were very pleasantly surprised by the variety and numbers of birds and animals we saw. In addition to these Tundra Swans, there were pheasant, herons, egrets, Ruddy Ducks, Ring Necked Ducks, Northern Shovelers, American Wigeons, Mallards, double crested cormorants, gulls, nutria, etc. There were also some amazingly beautiful dragonflies and damselflies. Plenty of photo ops..that's for sure.

Great Horned Owl

2008-10-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

I took this photo at the Tualatin Wildlife Refuge on Tuesday in the late afternoon. The sun was very low and we were walking through the wooded area on the way back from the overlook, when I spotted this owl in a tree just to the right of the trail. Since it was so dark, I was shooting handheld and at a high ISO, so I know this photo isn't very good technically. I don't know about you but I rarely find an owl in the wild so I was thrilled just to see it. A few minutes later, we startled a great blue heron in a tree next to the trail and it flew very low right over our heads. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of geese already gathering at the refuge. The noise is amazing. I just love autumn!

Fiery Sunset

2008-10-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

I took this photo last night at the Tualatin Wildlife Refuge. Does it work for you?

I was happy to run into Candi and Dan there and had a really nice conversation with them.

Happy October to everyone.

Heron

2008-09-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

I took this photo last Saturday at Fern Hill Wetlands. What an amazing place that is for birds. Comments are welcome.

My First Photo Post

2008-09-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

First of all, I would like to thank you all for the warm welcome to the club. I really enjoyed the meeting last night. I am looking forward to getting to know you and learning more about photography.

Here is one of the photos I took this summer of a bee on some musk mallow.

Please feel free to comment..I am always looking for input as to how to improve my images.

Thanks again!

Slumbering -- Maybe?

2008-08-24T22:35:00.000-07:00

The mountain looks rather unattractive in mid-summer; however, I'll probably never get a closer shot.

Guess where I was during vacation!?

2008-07-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

The trees are awesome and HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Observing the Interlopers

2008-07-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

First seen at water's edge, the critter eyed the ship for several minutes
before scampering up the cliffside of Tracy Arm.

The Walgreen's Challenge

2008-04-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

Next weekend I'm teaching a class of teens photo composition. Some of these kids are experienced digital photographers and some have no experience in photography.
My plan is to have each person go out and apply what they have learned that day. Then after taking a large number of photos, sort through them and have them pick out their favorite three. We will then as a group, judge which of these deserves special recognition.
To keep things on a level playing field, I will issue simple Walgreen's film cameras with flash. When was the last time you used one of these? Have you ever used a recycled style camera?
Loaded with ISO-400 film and as best as I can guess, an f-8 and 80th of a second aperture and shutter speed, how well would you do to get a worth while shot?
Not to mention that the view finder is not at all accurate when getting closer than 10 feet. Too easy to chop off someone's head. I know this from experience. They will not unless I tell them, which I will.
I'll let you know how it goes and maybe post some of the better photos here on the blog.
I took the above photo yesterday on a test walk around Old Town Sherwood using a Walgreen's camera. I found some damaged lamp posts in a pile in an open dump not far from Stella Olson Park.
Dave

Wet and Wary

2008-03-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

Our resident killdeer has returned to her favorite nesting spot by the
sidewalk and is cautiously guarding several eggs. Raindrops are visible
on her feathers but the snowflakes don't show up.

Early Morning at the Japanese Garden

2008-03-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

The resulting image incorporating the suggestions of the members attending the February Critique session at Crown Center.

Sculpture in Progress

2008-01-22T21:15:00.000-08:00

A water feature in a Mountain Park garden takes on a whole new "look".

The Last Goose

2008-01-18T11:49:00.001-08:00

Shot at Tualatin Commons a couple of months ago. It was probably the last bird shot from that great location. Haven’t seen many birds there since they installed loudspeakers with “goose distress” calls. Can’t really blame whoever installed them - kids and goose droppings don’t mix too well….

SNOWSTORM PANIC

2007-12-30T09:02:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR

From the Refuge

2007-12-14T06:04:00.000-08:00

Cable Release Cover

2007-12-01T07:37:00.001-08:00

I shot this image at the opening of Al's Garden Centers Holiday Setup. They are very accommodating of photographers. All you have to do is ask permission. The Holiday shop is beautiful!

Cleo

2007-11-28T21:48:00.000-08:00

"WHISKERS'

2007-11-15T07:38:00.001-08:00

I've been taking care of my neighbor's cat......

MORE MUSHROOMS

2007-10-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

Still more leaves and bits than I prefer, but I tried using the black point/ white point settings; did it help?

Mushroom Hunter

2007-10-26T18:34:00.001-07:00

A bad photo of a great subject...wonder what the judges would say about the white socks (I had white socks on too).

Poisonous Jewel

2007-10-26T12:57:00.001-07:00

Different shot than I sent by e-mail, Sally. I took too many, hard to choose....

PUZZLED by the reading on the LCD screen?

2007-10-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

Our intrepid master photographer ponders the exposure reading during a pause on the trail at Tryon Creek Park.

A JEWEL AMIDST THE JUNK

2007-10-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

A nice jaunt to Tryon Creek Park on an overcast day produced some interesting results.
Marie suggested changing the white balance to cloudy and it worked pretty well overall.

GOOD COLOR at the JAPANESE GARDEN

2007-10-14T17:04:00.000-07:00

Some of the late maples are just beginning to turn so the color should last for a week --
maybe longer?

Delicate Wings

2007-09-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

Just trying how this translates to the Web. No flash, lucky to get just the right light. He battles with my hummingbirds..... (Blurred background on purpose).

What!?

2007-09-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

I found this flower at Huges Water Garden's this summer. Really unusual looking blossom. Does anyone know what it is????

Having Fun

2007-09-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

This was one of the better efforts among the 50 plus"action" shots
on my almost full memory card. The Judges had little comment.
However, I have renewed respect for sports photographers
who have to learn to anticipate the action.

POPPY LIGHT

2007-09-16T17:28:00.001-07:00

I am using the Blog to try how this looks on the Web (never looks as good as original, no matter where I send it). "Sandwiched" photographs were popular with only a few photographers in film days. That doesn't seem to have changed in the digital age, even though there are books filled with this type of photography by award-winning photographers......

I like it and am preparing to send to class. Any suggestions?

Rockfish

2007-09-12T09:19:00.001-07:00

This fish was as curious about us as we were about him/her???