Macro Test

Cat Grass

I took this shot while testing out the macro function on my Sigma Lens. 

The cat grass we are growing had a slight amount of water sitting on the top during a cool spring night. I brought the plant in and gave it a cool back drop. Thought it turned out pretty neat!

The Three Stooges

Three Juvenile Barred Owl's

"Barred Owls nest in tree cavities or old Hawk or Squirrel nests. The female will lay 2 - 4 eggs and sit on them for about a month while the male hunts. Once the eggs hatch the male will continue hunting, bringing food for the mother and her chicks. Young owls are ready to fly in about six weeks, but usually do not leave the parents for 6 months."

The information which is quoted up above was from the back of a water painting card we purchased of two baby barred owls painted by Sue Coleman. Entitled Evening Light. 

On The Hunt

Barred Owl

 

Barred Owl

 

Barred Owl

Another great sighting of one of the Barred Owl's currently residing in the SEW (South East Woods) at Beacon Hill Park. Lauren and I were walking through and it was perched up on a branch on the look out for anything that might be tasty.

 My advice to anyone who encounters one would be to make sure you are not standing in the middle of a path. Always stay off to the side. Anything on the ground in front of you or behind you is fair game and these birds work hard for their meal (as do all birds).

I was standing at a respectful distance recently and made the mistake of setting my tripod up in the middle of the path. I learned the hard way that when this bird has its eyes on a target nothing will stand in its way. It dived over top of me and I ducked just in time for it to swoop behind me and pick up a mouse.

I had no idea the mouse was there until after when I looked back and the Owl was perched up on a branch swallowing its meal whole. Great experience, lesson learned!

Western Tiger Swallowtail

Western Tiger Swallowtail

I was out walking through Beacon Hill Park when I spotted this one being chased by a Mourning Cloak. They are fairly common in this region. The yellow on them really compliments the black.

It's That Time Of Year

Barn Swallow

Barn Swallow

Barn Swallow

 

As most birds are doing at this time of year, these ones are building a nest. It can be hard to get a good shot of them because they do not like to land all that often. Luckily I had my camera while walking in to town to meet up with Lauren. These 2 had just begun to build their nest.

Cheeky Hummingbird

Hummingbird

Hummingbird

Hummingbird

Hummingbird



This is one of our friends who stops by on our balcony daily. The cheeky bugger sure likes the lavender and is a regular at the local watering hole (our hummingbird feeder).

The third photo is quite funny as you can see it is sticking its tongue out at the camera.

Early Camas

Early Camas

A staple throughout Victoria at this time of year. An edible plant with an interesting history. This photo was taken at Beacon Hill Park in one of the fields beside the SEW (South East Woods).