"Bird" Watching

Looking forward to spring, I am reminded of another rite of the season around here, the arrival of the Thunderbirds for the Air Force Academy graduation in May.  I live about two air miles south of the Academy and right in the flight pattern for the T-Birds, and so, usually get a few good chances for a photo op from my back deck.  This is from last years practice under very cloudy skies.  I think the actual performance was either greatly reduced or cancelled altogether.  It is hoped the weather will be better this year.  

Yes, this "bird" is as close as it looks; this wasn't shot with a powerful telephoto lens.

Only one bad winter storm this year, but I'm ready for spring.  

A Doorway

Just to break up the monotony, here's a picture of a doorway I took in Santa Fe a couple of years ago.  I will say, it's my second favorite place in this part of the country.

The Mountain in Spring

Another from a couple of weeks ago.  Another sight I never get tired of here is "the mountain."  Every time you glance its way, it gives you a different sight.  All beautiful.

Quiet Before the Storm

We are enjoying a blizzard today, and not the DQ kind.  It is very cold and has been snowing since noon.  It's supposed to let up tomorrow, but in the meantime, here's two shots I took at the Garden two weeks ago.  I was experimenting with the 18-55 mm zoom lens and these may serve as good examples of using the wrong lens for the wrong image.  These shots are from the east side of the park, near Rock Ledge Ranch, so they are from a bit of a different angle than is usually seen.

I know that I seem to be stuck on taking pictures at our local city park, but with my work schedule, the weather, and lack of local wildlife at the moment, there isn't a lot of opportunity for me to get other shots.  But summer is on the way!!!  I have a number of trips planned for this year that I hope will yield some good results.

A Busy Beaver, or two

I'm jumping around chronologically, but here are a few shots from our trip to Ft. Collins last week. I saw my first robin of the year, and also came across what appears to be a beaver dam under construction. I was surprised to see the size of the trees they were working with

Sunday in the Park

For your Sunday morning enjoyment, a shot of the Gateway formation in Garden of the Gods.  Cheyenne Mountain is in the background.