Steller’s jay, another bird with a pretty distinctive call. They usually move pretty quickly through the trees, like the scrub jay. I did manage to capture this phone near McIntosh Lake. Subspecies of the jay, as is the scrub jay, and closely related to the blue jay. Bold and aggressive, with a strong call.
One of those lucky, sunny days at Nisqually Wildlife Refuge. Tide was in, and so were the harbor seals, having a great lazy afternoon catching some rays. Pacific harbor seal, also know as common seals, or “real” seals, have spotted coats, ranging from white to gray, to dark brown.
A few sandpipers at low tide scavanging for snacks at Nisqually Wildlife Refuge.
Winter Wonderland in the Pacific Northwest art print is now available for order on Socieyt6.
One of my favorite little ducks as a photo subject is the Pied-Billed Grebe. I usually see them along, not in a crowd, as they zig-zag across the water. Rather compact and intent on their task. No squabbles with other ducks. I have an affinity with the introverted type.
I love the abstract images that one can find in nature. I love the details of nature. It’s interesting, and somewhat challenging, to find the shapes and shadows, and adds an interesting dimension to hiking and nature photography that I really enjoy.
It’s unfortunately been a while since I’ve been able to post. We’ve moved past the “big move” now, although still unpacking boxes. I think that’s going to be forever. Here’s an American Coot duck from Nisqually Wildlife Refuge.
Remnants of an overnight stay. I go down to the river’s edge early in the morning, walk the perimeter and search for the details, the hints or evidence of recent activity. These feathers speak of the recent visit by a flow of Canadian Geese that took some respite before I arrived.
Some people might just see dead things. I don’t. I see shapes and color and curves of autumn. I see a sleepy time, hibernation, and soon, the advent of rejuvenation. I see a richness of texture and depth of color, curves and lines. I see the shadow of a curled, brittle leaf. I see life that has run its fruitful course. I see families, I see teams, I see closeness, I see huddles. I see sleep, and napping on a cold autumn morning. Do you see just a bunch of dead leaves or do you see possibilities?
Mistress Mary, Quite contrary,
How does your garden grow?
With Silver Bells, And Cockle Shells,
And so my garden grows.–Wikipedia
An old rhyme (1744), “Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary,” which this photograph brought to mind. These pretty posies aren’t silver bells, but they are bluebells, and growing profusely in the spring. Looking forward to photographing wildflowers this year, hopefully in the not too distant future.
TA Gallup Photography 