Back Yard Images Again!!

Well I'm looking forward to this weekend everyone. First I will have some time to go out and get some new shots so I don't bore all of you too much with the same stuff. Second I will finally have the time to spend looking at blogs I follow and I'm really looking forward to that. I was playing around with photoshop in this top shot. I wanted to add some interest to a simple flower...I could have done better I think or a least make the lighting effects no so noticeable. These shots were from the back yard...the Golden Crowned Sparrows are in full force and are constantly in the yard for seed and a lovely surprise at the suet feeder I've got two males who fight over the suet....I managed to get a decent shot off considering all of the others where so blurry.

Squirrel Caught Eating Rhododendron Blooms!!!

I wanted to share with you a cute picture today. While I was out in the gardens of UVIC I caught this squirrel along with it's friends eating Rhododendron blooms....I didn't even know that Squirrels ate those types of things. Totally made me giggle inside while I watched them stuff their faces with flowers. They couldn't get them in their mouths fast enough. A absolute PIG OUT! LOL

The Magic of Spring

Take a walk with me into my dreams....where I walk alone and fill my spirit with natural energy. Nature and how she fills your heart and soul

The Call Of The Male Hummingbird

Today was a great day lots of sunshine and the calls of the male hummingbirds were everywhere. Not hard to find them at all today. This fellow was just in the meadow behind my house and I was extremely lucky I could practically reach out and touch him. No excuses for some great shots.

In the shot above I caught him having a great stretch!!

In this shot the humming bird was caught in a strong head wind and it took him a bit to land on the branch in front

Caught the beautiful colors of his head....the sun hit his feathers just right....lovely isn't it.

Finally his close up.....I had a great time taking these. Spring is definitely in the air.

Mother Nature's Natural Gifts of Spring

I love to look for the unusual the hidden surprises that Nature can provide if you take the time to walk slowly and look for it. While on one of my walks of late I came across this unique flower here in the top picture. Stunning look at the petals it's like a patchwork quilt!!! I couldn't believe my eyes...so beautiful. I wish I knew what I was looking at...so if any of you know please let me know what it is. This shot is of a Salmon Berry Blossom very prolific here on the West Coast. Our moist conditions and swampy areas are ideal for this plant.

Yes all of you know what this is...Blue Bells...so delicate and I think at time under appreciated, but with new camera technologies this flower stands out in a crowd!!

I'm BACK!!!!!

Hello everyone!!!! Wow I've been gone for awhile haven't I. Well it couldn't be helped I'm afraid, working two jobs just took the time away from my photography. Not only that but my old computer crashed and we had to get me another one. That took some time and money LOL....but I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I will be leaving my second job at the end of April....managed to get rid of a very large bill, so I will have my weekends back. Yay!!!!!

I hope all is well with all of you which I'm sure it is. Here are some lovely spring flowers for all of you to admire. I've managed to get Photo shop and I'm practicing with some new techniques.
In the picture above (forget-me-nots) I did an application using a interesting application that makes your picture look like it's sinking into the page...drawing your eyes into the subject matter. I love the results I got with this.

In the middle shot I took a lovely picture of a Tulip Tree, white blossoms against a blue sky...a lovely affect indeed. But using this beauty I then added to it giving the outer petals of the flowers and stems a dreamy feel and texture.

Finally I gave COLLAGE an honest attempt with some lovely spring flowers I found in the forest last week. Yes I noticed a gray spot that I didn't fill, but I'm happy with the results. Very fresh I think.

Rhododendron splendor

This shot just worked out, nice balance and background....not a fan of pink but all the Rhodo's that are out right now seem to be PINK...sigh

Just a Daisy

I did a super macro on this wee little daisy...I thought it looked truly cool done this way. I know it is associated as a weed, but I still consider it beautiful and spring like.

Apples anyone...

Well I thought maybe you might want a change from all my bird pictures. Yes I'm a little partial already, I just love little birds. But I entered a photo contest for spring flowers through our local paper today. The winners don't get money, but instead get viewed on their web site as a slide show. So here are the flowers I entered...let me know what you think?

The Effects of Rain

Well it has been a few days since I added a new pic. Victoria had a lot of rain today, but when the sun came out I took the opportunity to try and capture the beauty in lovely water drops. Some are stunning, while others are mystical.