Channeling To Blue

The mountain snow will be with us for a while, but I'm patiently waiting until I can once again explore the water channels of the South Cascades.

A Commanding Figure Of An Eagle

What can I say, I love this image. The presence, poise and power. What a bird indeed.

Flaps Down and Approaching Landing Zone

Yesterday I posted this Paraglider, up in the sky. The flights usually last about an hour. I would think an hour would seem much longer when you are hanging by a thread, I mean many threads.

A Ride Of A Lifetime . . .

If you look closely at the guys riding tandem on the wind, you can see two people. One is a professional Paraglider and the other person is getting the ride of his life. I'm tempted, maybe another time. This image was taken in Issaquah, WA at Tiger Mountain.

To His Prey He Must Look Like . . .

. . . two more reeds and a cloud. A very patient hunter.

Rapids On The Lewis River

This image was taken from under a bridge on the Lewis River. The bridge was labeled 'No Trespassing' but there were no signs restricting one from walking under the bridge. So that is what I did.

A Labor Of Love . . .

My re-visits to Soos Creek Botanical Garden continue to be a delight. The host of volunteers work the grounds as if the gardens were their own. I think most of them feel that it is their garden.

It's Against My Principles . . .

Generally I would agree with myself not to photograph seagulls, but this had "take the picture" written all over it. This gull had found the perfect perch and he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. So, I took the picture.

Did You Ever Wonder . . . ?

There have been many great photos of Multnomah Falls shot from below the falls, looking up. When you look at those images and see the artistic bridge that divides the upper falls from the lower falls, have you ever wondered what the scene looks like from the bridge? Take a look.

Just Another Canyon Stream . . . Not

This image is of a cascading stream just down from one of the Columbia Gorge waterfalls.

The Force Of Nature . . . On Display

Near Lucia Falls is a scene that displays the raw power of nature. This giant tree was mashed against the rocks during an intense winter storm. Wow, some force.

Lewis River Jewel

The river banks along the Lewis River near Lucia Falls are spell binding. They are so rich in visual splendor that I am compelled to return again.

Let The Water Be The Subject

Last week I traveled to the Lewis river for the waterfalls. Finding that I was a little early in the spring season, the water was raging thus eliminating the gracefulness of the water falls, I turned my attention to the water itself.

On The Way To Lucia Falls

An image of just one of many amazing scapes on the Lewis River. The location is near Battle Ground, Washington. Off Lucia Falls Road. I had such a great day of exploration and photoging.

Without The Rain ?

What would the Northwest look like . . . without the rain?  This is an image of a river bank in the hills east of Battle Ground, Washington. It is very magical. My thoughts ran to Tolkien's "The HOBBIT", Bilbo Baggins and the hobbits of the shire. We feel the rain is something we tolerate but where would we be without it?

The Wild Places

So, I'm sitting on the edge of this bridge. I am enjoying this scene on so many levels. Sound, visual and the feel of the mist. It isn't that I think the image is the greatest, I've seen many that were better. The scene represents the getting out there and experiencing the wild places that Washington state has to offer. Image taken off Lucia Falls Road.

Seldom Seen In The Cascades

While I was seeking to find a better location to capture a waterfall image, quess what I did find. A seldom seen amphibian. The forest ranger told me that this brown Salamander is rarely noticed. I noticed a rare being. It made my day. Claim the victory and you will have a better day too.

Images from my blog are now available.

You can have your favorite scenes from my blog hanging on your walls

To order images just e-mail me at:    james.shonka@yahoo.com
Feel free to write and inquire about the process, (include image date and title)

* Brighten up your walls *

Some of the sizes available are:

Note Cards,  4-1/4 x 5-1/2 (with envelopes) Set of five from same image  . . . . . . . .  $20.00

8 x 10 Custom Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $25.00

11 x 14 Custom Print (mounted) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $90.00

16 x 20 Custom Print (mounted) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $120.00

The above prices include shipping and handling, (within the USA)

Note:  Other sizes or special treatments are available as well.

Thanks for viewing my blog.
James Shonka

So Cute . . .

This little bird must not weigh much more than a quarter. It didn't stay long but I have it now.

Where Does A Blonde Go On Spring Break ?

Answer: The beach of course. Easy answer, right. Katie spent the first 70 degree day, this year, at Lake Meridian. Yes, she also went wading in the lake.

A Road To Avoid . . .

Black and White is a fascinating medium. It's all about impact, unclouded by color. What is your reaction to this image?

The Twin Barns of Nisqually

This is another view of the twin barns on the Nisqually Wildlife Preserve. The four season's of the year are very different, one from the other. The winter season is passing into the spring. The song birds are setting up house keeping.

Changing Subject Matter . . .

 

Do you like the Bald Eagle images?  I've enjoyed posting these magnificent birds. This week I'm turning my attention to Lighthouses. I'll travel to the Washington State coast and see what I can see.

I'm Late, I'm Late . . . as she ran down the trail

It was Easter Eggs not white rabbits that Katie was searching for today. I did reflect on the comparison as she ran from egg to egg filling her basket as fast as she could.

The Capture I Was Seeking

This past year I have been from one end of Washington state to the other in search of the Bald Eagle. I've found many young eagles but my quest was to capture an adult bald eagle soaring in the sky. I look at this image with pride.

Teenage Bald Eagles . . . ROCK !

Would you like to soar like an eagle, up in the sky. This dude 'rocks'.

An Early Spring Jewel

While entering Nisqually Wildlife Reserve last week I spotted this small flower. In its own way it represented the hope of springs presence.

Heads I Win . . . Tails You Loose

The races begin live on April 13th. Come out and enjoy the thrill of victory or endure the agony of defeat.

Young Red Tailed Hawk

This young red tailed hawk has become a resident at the Nisqually Wildlife compound. I'll get to know him as I visit this amazing preserve.

The Hunter And The Hunted

Nature is full of lessons if we just watch for them. Watching this Blue Heron hunting for his meal was a lesson to me. As a photographer, I must constantly remind myself to be patient. Slow and steady wins the race.

This Is No April Fools Joke . . .

Celebrate the first anniversary of my photo blog

"I trust you have enjoyed it even half as much as I have enjoyed producing it"

* Brighten up your walls *

Images from my blog are now available.

You can have your favorite scenes from my blog hanging on your walls.

Some of the sizes available are:

Note Cards, 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 (with envelopes) Set of five from same image  . . . . . . . .  $20.00
8 x 10 Custom Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $25.00
11 x 14 Custom Print (mounted) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $90.00
16 x 20 Custom Print (mounted) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $120.00

E-Mail your orders to me at :    james.shonka@yahoo.com     

(include image date and title)

The above prices include shipping and handling, (within the USA)

Note:  Other sizes or special treatments are available as well.

Thanks for viewing my blog this past year.
James Shonka