Two hours in the park

Copyright © 2013 Deborah M. Zajac. All Rights Reserved.

 

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of going birding with a my friend Dali. We heard the Cedar Waxwings were returning, and we hoped to find them.

We found a good size flock of them zipping through the Aspens, and pines in the park.  We spent most the morning photographing them.

Cedar WaxwingWe spotted several other birds too. I managed to nail this photo of a White Crown Sparrow as it was just about to take off.

White Crowned Sparrow taking offThere was an old dead tree along the creek that had several Acorn Woodpeckers, and Starlings perched on it. Here’s an Acorn Woodpecker taking a quick break from pecking for bugs.

Acorn WoodpeckerIn the wooded area we came across these lovely berries. I don’t know what plant this is, but it was lovely in the morning light, and the colors were vibrant, and perfect for the season.

Spiky BerriesIt was in this area we also saw several Anna’s Hummingbirds flitting around.

Anna's Hummingbird profileDali says this is a Yellow Throat Warbler. If it is this is the first one I’ve ever seen.

Yellow Throat WarblerHere are a few more Cedar Waxwings. I just love seeing them. They’re so exotic.

Cedar Waxwing_0878

The Aspens in the park were at peak Fall color, and the Waxwings liked being in the yellow branches.

Cedar on Aspen…and here’s one that was high on top of a tree feathering its nest.

Feathering the Nest

It was a very successful outing for birding, and a lovely way to spend two hours.

All the photos were taken with a Nikon D300s with a Nikkor 300mm f/4 lens, hand-held.

 

 

 

 

Mandarin Duck- Male(Drake)

Copyright © 2013 Deborah M Zajac. All Rights Reserved.

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Copyright © 2013 Deborah M. Zajac. All Rights Reserved.

This duck is usually a resident of Asia not the USA. This one is the only one if its kind on this pond. Most likely it was a pet that was released or flew the coup. It’s known as the most beautiful Duck in the world and I agree! My friend Dali and I went to photograph him when we got wind that he was in town. Prior to this sighting I’ve only seen this duck in captivity. It’s very exciting to see one in the wild!

Nikon D300s| Nikkor 300mm f/4@ f/5.6| 1/250sec| ISO 1250| Manual Priority| Matrix Metering| Hand-held| On board camera flash fill; San Jose, CA; USA;

Costa’s Hummingbird-Juvenile

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Copyright © 2013 Deborah M. Zajac. All Rights Reserved.

My friend Dali and I went over to a local park to see this little Hummer after hearing it about it.This Hummingbird is a rare sight here, so it’s a BIG DEAL for the local birders. When we arrived shortly after 8AM there were already a few birders there watching him.
It was fun to watch him. It’s a spunky little thing. He was zipping around his territory chasing off some Anna’s Hummingbirds that live nearby.

Nikon D300s| Nikkor 300mm f4 @ f5.6| 1/1000sec| ISO 800| Manual Priority| Matrix Metering| Hand-held

Sunrise Oxbow Bend and Mt Moran

Sunrise Oxbow Bend and Mt. MoranCopyright © 2013 Deborah M. Zajac.  All Rights Reserved.

I took this on day 2 of my Yellowstone – Grand Tetons Trip. Usually, I would have been here an hour before sunrise waiting to see if the magic would happen. We got a late start departing from the Inn on this morning, and by the time we parked and I found this composition to shoot the sun was already cresting the mountains.  . The clouds started to take on color, and the mountain peaks glowed that wonderful pink and gold we call Alpine Glow.

The river was still, the reflections crisp, and there was a fine mist hanging low over the water. Even though there were at least 75 other photographers lined up around this bend it was quiet, peaceful, and so beautiful.

Arriving at a  destination just in time find my composition, set up my equipment, then have all the elements of nature come together to make it all worth while just doesn’t happen to me often.  This was magical! A morning I’ll remember forever.

Fall color is in full swing there. You see some of that on the right side of the bank. I was so happy to see and photograph a little Fall Color. I don’t know if I’ll be able to make it to the Eastern Sierras this year.

If you’re finally old enough to go on a Road Scholar Trip I would do it! I had a great time, and met lovely people.  I’m looking forward to my next Road Scholar trip.

Nikon D700| Nikkor 17-35@ f10| 1/8sec| ISO 200| Manual Priority| Matrix Metering| Tripod

Black Phoebe

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Copyright © 2013 Deborah M. Zajac. All Rights Reserved.

This is from Weds. 9/18/2013 morning’s walk around a local park with my friend Dali. It was so good to get out. Even though this is a common bird he looked so beautiful in the morning light, and I so grateful to be out had to stop to take his photograph.

I’ll be offline for a couple of days. I’m off to Yellowstone tomorrow. I will catch up when I return. Be well, and safe everyone!

Nikon D700| Nikkor 300mm f4@ f8| 1/1000s| ISO 1000| Manual Priority| Matrix Metering| Hand-held

Los Gatos, CA, USA

Clear front!

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Copyright © 2013 Deborah M. Zajac. All Rights Reserved.

I went out for a couple hours last Sat. to hang out with a friend Rainey and photograph a Civil War Re-Enactment. It was a great venue; we were pretty close to the action. This is one of two shots I got with the flame coming out of the cannon. Timing is tricky.
I am thrilled that I also got sparks flying from the flint or what ever it’s called where they light the cannon. Clear front is what one of the crew yells when the flint is ignited and soon after that it’s BOOM!

Nikon D700| Nikkor 70-300mm VR@70mm| f10| 1/1000s| ISO 640| Manual Priority| Hand-held

Northern California

Never give up…

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Copyright © 2013 Deborah M. Zajac. All Rights Reserved.

Never give up...

Never give up is my mantra at the moment. I got the cast off on Tues.August 3rd, and have been trying to walk again. Thankfully, my ankle wasn’t as frozen as I thought it would be after 4 weeks in a cast. I do have movement, but it’s stiff and sore, although my foot is still a bit swollen, and bruised. The Doctor said the break is healed but, it will take a few more weeks to be back to normal. I haven’t driven yet, but am planning to drive today. Diva Dog needs supplies.
I start Physical Therapy next week to regain full range of motion. They’ll be tougher on me than I am on myself and will probably have me putting full weight on my foot. Youch!
You know I’ll be screaming in my head, “Never give up, never give up!”

Nikon D700| Nikkor 28-105@ 105mm| f11| 1/1250s| ISO1250| Manual Priority| Spot Metering| Hand-held
Firey Skipper- Backyard wildlife, San Jose, California.