Hopeful sign?

The American Robin is commonly associated with the coming of spring. About two weeks ago, I came across an enormous flock of them feasting in the ornamental cherry trees at Lynch Park. However, when I began to photograph the birds, a family with dogs cut the session short as the entire flock abruptly left the scene. Sigh.

I went back last week but no robins were to be found. Damn.

Fast forward to today. Even though the windchill put our temps into the low-20′s, I ventured over to the park to see what I might find, figuring the bitter temps just might keep dog-walkers away.  The robins were back (!) and I spent as much time as I my bones and fingers would allow, inching closer and closer to the flock.

You need to be patient while shooting wildlife, watching their movements as to what they might do next, all the while thinking about good composition and changes in light.

I snapped a whole lotta photos that I still need to process but this particular image is one where all the elements came together.

“On the Fence” (American Robin, Male) Nikon D300, 340mm (80-200mm w/1.7x teleconverter), F/9, 1/320s, +0.7EV, ISO 500

Does this mean spring is on its way? Not likely, but at least we can pretend.

Enjoy!

Gone to the dogs

“Darla” (Golden Labrador Puppy, 3 Months Old) Nikon D300, 70mm, F/13, 1/640s, -0.7E, ISO 500

Crouching on the beach with camera in hand is apparently the international symbol to dogs for “come see what I’m doing!”

There I was, minding my own business, when my shooting was interrupted by shouts of “No, Darla! Come back here!”  When I looked up, this energetic Golden Labrador puppy was bounding over to me, followed by her (apologetic) human parents. I assured them, Darla was just fine and she and I exchanged the normal human-to-dog pleasantries. The interaction didn’t last long as, being a puppy, Darla’s short attention span was quickly caught by something else and she was off and running once again.

Next up were a pack of dogs out for a walk with their dog walker. The first to approach (and quickly – too quickly for photographs) was a very large boxer, followed by the sweetest chihuahua named Diesel. With my chances for photographing the sea gulls gone, (dogs running along the beach are definitely a sea gull deterrent), I spent some time chatting with the dog walker and meeting all the dogs.

“Suess”, a lovely German Shepherd was sitting a distance away in a picture-perfect pose.

Once the group left, I couldn’t help noticing one lone dog, sloooowly making her way down the beach. I shouted to the dog walker “I think you’ve forgotten one!” and she yelled back, “That’s just Susie. She’ll come along.”

“Susie” (Pit Bull, 12 Years Old) Nikon D300, 105mm, F/10, 1/640s, -0.7EV, ISO 500

Turns out, the pack would eventually make their way back in my direction about the same time it took the older Pit Bull to catch up. I exchanged cards with the dog walker and promised to forward any photos of the dogs that came out well (I did, and she loved them all and said she’d keep me in mind for future work).

Cool!

Who knew a day at the beach could turn into a promotional op??

Road Trip

Took a ride out to Russell Orchards in Ipswich to enjoy the gorgeous summer-like weather (and to pick up some of their yummy cider donuts hot off the fryer!) The resident greeter feline was slacking off a bit, soaking up the late afternoon rays and ignoring all the attention from passers-by.

“That’s My Name” (Russell Orchards’ Resident Orange Tabby), Nikon D300, 105mm, F14, 1/500s, ISO 400, SB900 w/Gary Fong Lightsphere Cloud, -3.0EV

Several people took photos of the sleeping cat, but I can guarantee, none got this shot!

Inevitable

“Cleo” (Snowshoe Siamese) Nikon D300, 105mm macro, F/5, 1/80s, -0.7EV, ISO 640

As a beloved part of the family, our cat Cleo is photographed often doing just about anything. (I suspect she will be featured in this project many, many times!)

Cleo didn’t have a great start in life as she was found on the streets with three small kittens in tow. Weighing in at a mere 4.5 lbs, it is questionable if she would have survived if not brought to the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem.

When I held her for the first time, she buried her face into my neck (purring loudly) and began drooling! In that instant, I knew she was destined for our family. Hard to believe that was 15 years ago!

Today, Cleo is a happy, healthy and well-loved feline who adores exploring the outdoors, taking long naps and being on the receiving end of neck scratches and belly rubs.

Every day, we are thankful to have Cleo in our lives and we strive to give her the best life and all the love we can.  M’row!