Ever since a family of Mallards spent a summer with us a few years back, we seem to have developed a unique bond with the web-footed fowl. It is as if they can sense we are “duck-friendly!”
For these two females casually strolling the sands at Disney’s Beach Club resort, this is no doubt the closest they will ever come to anything resembling “snow.”
"Girls on the Beach" (Mallard Ducks, Female) Nikon D300, 200mm, F/5.6, 1/320s, ISO 200, Built-in Flash, -1.0EV
Lucky them!
"Holiday Wishes" (Holiday Fireworks over Cinderella's Castle) Nikon D300, 28mm, F/9, 1/15s, ISO 2500
You just can’t beat the fireworks displays at Walt Disney World!
"Minnie's Other Bow" (Minnie's Tree Topper at Camp Minnie Mickey) Nikon D700, 105mm, F/5.6, 1/8000s, ISO 1000
We’ve only been in Florida for 24 hours and already can feel our spirits renewed! Must be all that sunshine and holiday magic that surrounds us here at Walt Disney World. You just can’t help but be in a festive mood!
Looking through all the images taken today, this one just popped off the page! I wish I could say it’s mine, but it belongs to Jim (the other half of Milkay Photography).
He loves his girl Minnie so it is no wonder he did such a good job capturing her Christmas tree on display in Camp Minnie Mickey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Flying away to warmer temps today…just a few days of R&R in the happiest place on earth before I am forced to face the rush of the holiday season!
"In a Horse's Eye" (Norwegian Fjord Horse) Nikon D300, 105mm F/2.8G macro, F/7.1, 1/125s, ISO 640
I was clearing out my media cards for the trip and wanted to share this image with you. Animals are amazing creatures and I often wonder what is going on behind their beautiful, soulful eyes.
The trick here was NOT to capture myself in the reflection! Took quite a few clicks to achieve and fortunately for me, this gentle steed stood by patiently (and still) while I figured it all out.
A little reminder to enjoy the season that is fall.
"Pieces of Autumn" (Seasonal Vignette) Nikon D300, 105mm, F/9, 1/160s, -0.3EV, ISO 640
Winter will be here soon enough!
"Seriously, do I look like a turkey?" (Helmeted Guinea Fowl) Nikon D300, 105mm, F/9, 1/250s, -0.7EV, ISO 640
The plan seemed foolproof:
In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, it would be brilliant to get a great shot of the pair of white turkeys I had seen roaming the pens at Russell Orchards in early October. So, while our turkey was roasting in the oven, we piled into the Jeep and headed off to the orchard.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a flock of white geese who decided immediately to surround and attack Jim. (No worries, he’s scrappy and quickly got away). We then made a bee-line for the animal barns and pens but only found ducks, goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens, roosters, horses and guinea fowl.
Hmmm, where, oh, where were the turkeys??
I looked at Jim. He simply raised his eyebrows and waited for it to sink in.
Processing…wait…no…c’mon…you don’t think…they wouldn’t…really??
Yep, a female staffer confirmed it. Figures.
Well, you can’t say I didn’t give it my best shot!
H A P P Y T H A N K S G I V I N G !
When I was a kid, seeing the Indian Corn on the door meant the Thanksgiving holiday was imminent. It still means the same thing to me today.
The turkey is brining in the fridge and the pumpkin pie is all set. Just a few more preparations to go for our holiday feast tomorrow. I can’t wait!
"Maize-y Days" (Indian Corn) Nikon D300, 105mm F/2.8G macro, F/7.1, 1/125s, ISO 640
Chances are, we’ll eat too much and fall asleep on the sofa, but we’ll also remember how fortunate and thankful we are, for the roof over our heads, the clothes on our back, the people in our lives and the love in our hearts.
This will definitely be a happy Thanksgiving!
