Wishing
Still wishing the Dear Santa List LOL
the f/2.0 af d works on DX and FX ummm . … wonder what I can sell to get the bucks together to give myself a Christmas present – no one else will buy it . …
Interests
The Leaf
I am a bit under the weather. One of the gals in our PE class gave some of us illness. I have not gotten sick like this for a long time. It kind of sucks because my balance is way off, my numb limbs are getting number, and the bit of vision I have gained back in my left eye has left again
I guess my over active MS system is on the attack. Would be nice if it wiped out this freaking cold and sore throat. It never ceases to amaze me how on one side of the deal my over active immune system usually keeps me from getting sick yet, on the other side of the deal when I do it is not good. I mean the little guys are out trying to off the cold junk but mess up the nerve junk. Augjh!
I did not get much done today and did not go to the refuge as planned. Cancelled my plans to go for a cuppa joe with my pal Chuck also. I did pick up a small leaf and made a silly movie with it.
Fun looking at things closer.
It took awhile to get the thing to render but finally I got it uploaded to youtube and the photo to flickr.
So below is the video and then the leaf photo.
look at leaf in the large size to see more detail
Trail Tale
I have lived in the Sacramento/San Joaquin delta area all of my life. I grew up smelling peaches ripening on trees, the sickly sweet smell of the old cannery processing away, and watching the abundant wildlife. Rattlesnakes in the Sutter Buttes, Salmon migrating, and huge birds flying overhead or hanging around the fields.
I never really thought about it much as it was just here. Driving, hiking, bicycling around the Delta the smells were always there. Nothing brings awe inspiring moments like an bird with a wingspan over fifty inches flying across you windshield or listening to the honking of the geese flying overhead. Salmon over 40 pounds jumping while they swim up to spawn.
The Central California Valley sees and provides for 60% of water fowl of the Pacific flyway. One fifth (1/5) of all North American birds pay us a visit. So I am thinking ecologically this is one important place. An estuary of estuaries. A wildlife haven.
The Consumnes River Wildlife Preserve is where I go to take photos and relax. There are so many different things to look at. I can watch a tiny little bug making it’s way wherever, find bright colored mushrooms hiding in the mix of vegetation, hear river otters splashing into the water as I make my way by and patience is always rewarded.
This trip a rustle was heard in a growth of what right now to me is fairly ugly stage vegetation.
I hit the area with my lens (I use it like binoculars a lot), sat down on the walk, and slowly looked around. Ah hah – I see you!
After a few minuets I think he/she figured they were hidden well and started moving around in their little haven more.
Eventually a full view was granted.
End of the tale
I Need Feathers
Burrrr, seriously should’nt the weather allow for adjustment? Just a few weeks ago we were doing 80’s now wake up to the 30’s – not fair LOL.
Before all you snow folks tell me what a wimp I am – I will admitt it right off. The hot always bothers me but usually the cold weather does not. Except – when it changes fast and does not let me adjust. Ok, I know put on a coat!
After class I had to meet the insurance lady at Starbucks to pick up the check for the tires. Since I was already 1/4 of the way to the wildlife refuge and I had my camera with me I decided to head out there.
Lots of geese flying around. Lots of cold wind – did I mention burrrr? Is this why feather stuffed comforters are warm -the birds do not look cold to me .
I took about 20 shots before I felt like a Popsicle – my bad since once I arrived I discovered that I only had a sweat shirt and no coat. Burrrr …..
I converted a few of the shots from NEF to jpeg before getting frustrated with the keyboard. I think I did better than last time because at least you can tell they are birds. I broke down and shot in manual and shutter priority. Shutter priority umm – kind of makes it a bit easier.
So here are some of the photos I took. Images linked to flickr so you can look at larger if you want. Or use the photo album link on the left.
Maybe I can find some frost tommorrow if I get up and brave the cold early in the morning – I am thinking Not! But I never know.
Mr. Catfish is still wondering if I am going to get the cam off him and set up in the carport. 100ft of cable to run and still have to figure out the best method to bring it into the inside. Do not want the walls to leak now do we?