Monday, March 29, 2010

Hi Everyone!

I finished another quarter of college courses and Spring has sprung!
Here are a couple of pictures I've taken recently....

I was coming home from a walk and noticed an eagle soaring in the sky. The first thing I knew there were 8 eagles soaring together! I could hardly believe my eyes!
There is no way anybody would believe that story and I wished I had had my camera along - the iPhone just wouldn't reach that far.
Then, as I came into the driveway, there they were flying over my backyard! And what are the chances that they would still be there by the time I got my camera and tripod out there???
These eagles were WAY up there. I'm glad I could get enough of an image to record the event. We never see that many eagles together around here.
I cannot believe how brilliant the male house finches get this time of year! This guy was busy too. There was another (lesser) male at the feeders and a female, so there was quite a bit of activity for a few minutes as he proved himself worthy of her attention. This photo is untouched - I didn't even want to lighten it. I really didn't want to disturb the color. I took a trip to Victoria with my daughter and had my iPhone along. These pigeons were in front of the bank - looks like they and the humans who feed them are regulars there. I love this shot because it looks like the pigeon is looking at me in the same way that I'm looking at her. I wondered if she was thinking, "iPhone? iPigeon!"

Well, that's all for now - Oh, wait!
I started a couple of new blogs - one strictly for iPhotos. I edit very little but will post how and when I do edit. I am enjoying the iPhone camera more than anything I've ever had in my pocket ;) It's great fun and I've been amazed at the kind of photos I've been able to get.
You can see this blog at: http://iphonephotosbydi.posterous.com/ Feel free to comment and let me know you've been there ;)

The other blog is for my cat - Mr. Kitty. I know - I must sound totally silly, but he is such a character and I have so many photos of him that I thought it would be fun to have him start telling his story and evolve into some photos with captions, basically a fun creative outlet for me.
This blog is at: http://kittyslife.posterous.com/ Again, I would love to know if you drop by ;)

I hope everyone is enjoying the chorus of bird songs in their yards! It is amazing here - I absolutely love it!

Friday, January 29, 2010

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Two New Visitors Today

I was so surprised to look out and see the red flash! A Downy Woodpecker arrived and hung around until I could get my camera! (I have envied my Minnesotian friends who have so many throughout the winter!) And, by the way, it is Jayne's recipe that kept him interested! :) This first picture was taken through my window - I figured one shot through a window was better than none. Then I opened the window, and sure enough, he flew into the trees. I don't know how far the trees are from my kitchen window or how high up he flew, but believe me, it is far! Wondering what kind of photo I could get at that distance, I shot - leaning my body against the window casing.
"Not bad," I thought!
When I looked back at the feeders, to my greater delight...
the first pine sisken of the year!
They are so cute!
Yesterday, a northern flicker was in the yard for about 5 seconds. How handsome they are in flight!
I've been buried in studies and loving every word and assignment, but, not much time for blogging, I'm afraid. I am thankful to catch the few moments today to enjoy taking pictures of new birds. But, I'd better hit the books, now!
Hope all is well with everyone!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Pray for the people of Haiti

7.0 earthquake, Tuesday afternoon

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Coy...


Coy - "...artfully or affectedly shy or reserved."

(photo by Diane Nelson: Canon+250mm lens
1/4/2010 -unedited except for cropping)

Monday, January 4, 2010

WHOOOO - HOOOOO!

Once upon a time, one year ago, I took the above photo. It was a sunny day, believe it or not, and I remember being pleased (somewhat) with the photo. I want to say that I had a love/hate relationship with my Canon Power Shot A430 (big name for a little point and shoot). You all cheered me on and, I am thankful for the photos I could get with it (but was never totally happy with them).
Well today....
Oh yeah! It was even raining at the moment I took these shots!

I was having a blast getting the first shots with the Canon Rebel with 250mm lens - I couldn't get the flash card into the computer fast enough!
I LOVE IT! ! ! WOW! These pictures are only cropped - no other editing - I am absolutely thrilled! So, now begins the fun!
ps. Just thought you would like to know, that based on my success last quarter, which you all were a part of (official grade - 4.0 in Eng.101), I got brave and registered for two classes this quarter - Art101 and Psychology101 - both online. Thank you all for cheering me on! Boy! I just thought, it is it going to be difficult to focus on studies with this camera sitting on my desk! (no pun intended)

Sunday, January 3, 2010

A Penny For Your Thoughts


I was reading in a magazine last night that you can keep algae from growing in your birdbath if you put a few pre-1982 pennies in it. It said that the high copper content "retards growth."
What say ye?