Jays everywhere ...

I was about an hour late for my photo walk on Saturday morning. Teresa and I went to a Dragons baseball game Friday evening, and it was late when we returned home. So, it took me a while to get moving.

Saturday morning the weather was perfect for walking. I expect to see a lot more activity, but the birds were in hiding, except the jays. I am not sure I have ever seen so many blue jays in such a short time. They were extra loud and super active. I saw this at multiple locations too. Interesting morning. 

On a different topic: I wanted to share some things I am working on. I am planning to post a weekly video (a vlog), starting very soon. The plan is to record some video while I am out taking photos during the week, and then combine it to post something that is about 10 to 15 minutes long once a week.

I am also preparing a free course on ‘better mobile photography’. I have taught it twice, but it needs some final editing to add what I learned while teaching it to the last two groups. I think I am going to do the class virtually as a webinar. Please let me know if you would be interested.  

Lastly, you may notice some format changes to the text part of my daily post starting sometime this week. I plan to start using markdown to write my text, and it may show up as a different font. Nothing significant, I hope.  

~ Rick

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Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2018 Rick Cartwright

Just scope out dinner

This is one of the best photos I have taken of a hawk this year. I took a couple photos from a longer distance Incase she took off, then moved much closer and took this photo. What a beautiful bird.  

~ Rick

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Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2018 Rick Cartwright

Run, quick

Just before they took off.  

I have to share this story. I was out taking pictures yesterday at Garbry Big Woods Reserve. I was in a hurry to get home to take an important call, so I was setting in my car deciding if I had time for a walk. While I was setting there, this doe and her fawn walk out of the wooded area to my left. I watch them just casually walk across the open field, heading in the direction of the pond. It was early, so I was the only person around.

She was nervous. I assume it was my car. (My Mini Cooper sets a reaction frequently:) I think it’s the red top. I was afraid to open the door because I new she would bolt. I took a few shots out the window, but they were not very good. The front glass does some weird stuff to photos.  

At some point, I saw a park ranger driving into the area. I knew he was not going to stop so I could watch the deer. I opened the door as quietly as I could but they were taking off. I got out, and stood there to see what happened. They went about 25 yards, then stopped to see if they were safe. That is when I took this picture. They were looking square at me, and my camera was focused on them. I took a lot of photos. It was a beauftiful scene.

It was a great day for photos. I was able to get a few photos of a hawk, cardinal, robin, and saw a mink. Not bad for a rushed morning. And I was home for that phone call.  

~ Rick

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Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2018 Rick Cartwright

Cycles of life

I was trying to capture the tree that is to the right side of this photo. It’s a dead tree, but I often find some amazing birds in it’s limbs. It’s ironic how a dead tree host some of the most amazing wildlife. The old tree stands in the middle of all of this new, lush green scenery . It’s all part of the larger cycle of life. 

This photo was taken at Garbry Big Woods Reserve. 

Have a great day.  

 ~ Rick

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Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2018 Rick Cartwright

Let’s go fishing

I am not sure it’s the same Great Blue Heron, but I have seen one flying over the area frequently. I took this photo early in the morning, near a local pond. Check out those eyes!

Let’s go fishing:). That is her favoite activity. 

I setup this blog a year ago. I have posted around 365 times, and over 370 photos. I have taken many times that number of photographs. I think I am improving ... it’s a learning process, and the more photos I take, the more comfortable I get. It has taken me a while to get comfortable with the big lens. I’m getting better at spotting wildlife, and faster at setting up the shot. 

My goals for the next year ..  I’ll share those soon. I am in the market for a new camera, and a drone. I’m not rushing either. Have a great day.  

~ Rick  

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Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2018 Rick Cartwright