I Heard He Was Auditioning For Sesame Street . . .

The Snowy Owls are a combination of majesty, comic relief, and utter softness. Oh, I didn't mention serious hunters.

Goose - Goose

This past year, the surprise subject matter for my photography has been 'birds'. Several times I've been fortunate to be in the right place when unexpecting subjects appeared. This pair of Canadian Geese are an example. I was photographing some ducks when these two geese took off from the pond and flew right toward me.

The Bald Eagle Population Is Booming

The number of adolescent Bald Eagles that I've seen the last few years supports the claim that the eagles are indeed flourishing. These proud birds still take my breath away every time I see them or even hear them, for that matter.

In Flight

These Canadian Geese spend their winter months at the Nisqually Wildlife Preserve.

Saying Goodbye To Winter . . . You Can Let Go Now!

I have said my peace. Time to move on to spring. I have big plans for this spring and summer and I want to get on with the photo shoots.

Not Exactly A Snow Bunny . . . but friendly

Last week I was in southwest Washington, on a photo shoot. Now remember that this is the third day of spring. It snowed all through the night and in the morning I came across this 'very friendly' horse. I had to stop. No matter where I moved to take the shot, the horse would trot over and stand in front of me. We eventually worked out a deal.

Downstream From the Mill

Behind the Cedar Creek Grist Mill is a covered bridge, the wooden structure has a charm of it's own. Downstream from the bridge is this scene. I almost missed it when I was packing up from the shoot. Did I mention that it was the second day of snow and the third day of spring.

Founded In 1876

The Cedar Creek Grist Mill rests on a steep and rocky slope at the bottom of a narrow gorge. It is the only grain grinding mill in Washington that has maintained its original structural integrity, grinds with stones and is water powered.

The Snowy Owl . . . Right.

This Snow Hawk is magnificent. I'm not sure of the correct name. If anyone knows please comment.

Lady Hawk

I was scouting a Bald Eagle nest when this hawk swooped down across my path. I'm glad I had my exposure set to manual otherwise the hawk would surely have been a silhouette against to bright sky.

Just For Fun . . .

I'm ready for spring. On the first day of spring I am going 'waterfall hunting' on the Columbia Gorge. This image was meant to inspire you to start thinking of what you want to do, come spring.

Just Fun To Watch . . .

The seals of the Pacific Northwest are just fun to watch. They are almost aquatic dogs, if I'm allowed to make the reference.

These Woods Are Made For Walkin . . .

I feel more alive just by going for a walk in the woods. This scene was captured at Lake Wilderness near Maple Valley.

Then More Snow Fell . . .

I took this image of a budding tree limb when I thought winter was almost over. I woke this morning to snow falling. It snowed for four hours, then melted away. My kind of snow.

Emerald Downs TwentyTwelve Season

The start of the TwentyTwelve Emerald Downs Thoroughbred Race Track season is April 13th. Come out and enjoy the fun.

Soar With The Eagles

How many of you think that this is a Bald Eagle. Well it is. The eagle's don't get their distinquished white head until after they turn five years old.

It's Not Far Back To Reality

Like in the movie, "Nemo", this trip to paradise wasn't real. But you knew that, right? The words used to describe the trip to paradise were inspired by Christopher Cross's song "Sailing".

You Can Find Tranquility

I think I've found a visual for Meditating. Can you get lost in this scene?

It's Not So Far To Paradise

It's not far to never-never land. Just a dream away and you could be free. A place where the weather is always fine, believe me.

A Quick Trip To Paradise

About this time each year, the weather in the Northwest begins to wear on me. So, a quick trip to the Tropics and the Coral Reefs was in order. The next few days posts will be from the Tropics.

A View From The Path

This is another view taken at Soos Creek Botanical Gardens. The red pods were formed last fall and make for an intriguing focus this March day. The SCBG is having a series of lectures this spring, try to make one.

Signs Of Spring

As I was exploring the Soos Creek Botanical Garden, I was struck with an epithany. No longer would the forecast of the coming of Spring be left to the whims of a groundhog. From now on I will hail the beginning of Spring by the opening of the Cherry Blossoms at the Soos Creek Botanical Garden. Will you join me?

To Points Unknown

This eagle is on a mission. I do love to watch the bald eagles as they soar through the skies. I've now located two eagle nests, close to my home. One pair are sitting on eggs and the other pair are rebuilding the nest, in preparation for laying eggs later in the month. This project is going to be fun. Stay tuned.

Little Pleasures Of My Backyard

We have a backyard that backs up to a wetlands. We also encourage the wild birds with feeders. It's a pleasure to just sit in the yard and watch what appears from the wetlands. Camera ready, of course.

Rain Is On It's Way . . . So They Say

I am told that the sighting of Lenticular Clouds over Mt. Rainier is a pre-warning of rain to come. Well, today it's raining and hard.

Snow Geese Over Barn

The LaConner area hosts the Snow Geese through the winter to spring months. Thousands of the geese call the fields, that will become the tulips fields, home. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival runs from April 1-30, 2012.

Red Jello Rules

Will Katie ever have so much fun again?

Sunset Over Ventura Beach

When I look at this image, I can almost hear the sound of the ocean tide. No other sounds, just the calm before the night. When I was a kid, I was told that if I listen close enough that I might be able to hear the sun sizzle as it disappears over the horizon. I still think it is true, although I have never heard it myself.

Herd Life Is Good At NorthWesTrek

What can I say, traveling through a Cascade meadow, viewing nature and breathing clean air. A good day.

Bull Elk

The Northwest Cascades abound with herds of Elk. Fact: the antlers drop off each year in March and a new set then grows in it's place, starting in May. During the growing season the antler's are soft, velvety and mostly veins. If an Elk's antler is damaged during this period, the wound could result in the animal bleeding to death. Another fact: the dropped antler's provide the wildlife of the woods with a source of calcium. If you find fallen antler's look closely and you'll see the nibbles of the wild.

Not Coyote Ugly

Most of the coyotes I've seen, have lived in the Southwest. They are usually on the skinny side and not too attractive. This coyote has it good, for you see, he lives at NorthWesTrek. This native animal park is a must see. Go visit it soon. You will enjoy a day of awe.