Backyard Birding

Been a while since I’ve posted, but been busy with my new son :-)

We’ve got some robins that have built a nest under our deck for the 3rd summer in a row now, though in years past it’s been mourning doves. We saw this nest being built and saw mourning doves, but we’re not sure if the robins actually built it or if they performed a hostile take over. Regardless the birds were very small and are now huge, but are still up there (there are 3 in the nest).  The parents are there quite often, obviously, and are not that pleased when someone goes out there.  Got this bugger as he waited for me to go back in — did I mention he wasn’t happy to see me there?

Nikon D300s, Nikon 70-300 VR @ 300mm

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Easter Fun

A few days late, but here are some of my favorite shots from Easter :-)

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Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms downtown at the Tidal Basin are peaking — caught these while taking my dog for a walk around the neighborhood.  Not as plentiful as the ones downtown, but was nice to snap a few while that close to home :-) Hope to get down to DC while they’re out for some more shots but these will do.  FYI the Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 27-April 11 this year!

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Spring Has Sprung

The weather has certainly gotten better.  A month ago we had several feet of snow on the ground.  Now we’re driving around the D.C. metro area with our windows down and enjoying the breeze in our hair.  Kids are heard playing outside, riding their bikes up and down the street.  Flowers are popping up and many are blooming!

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Baby Candy

Not candy for babies, but candy that represents babies! Home made to celebrate our little man.

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Miss Annie

Annie is a funny dog.  Sweet as anything, but hates having her picture taken.  Trying out a new lens at the front door, she followed me and just kind of hung out, looking around for Wiggles the Jack Russell across the street (they don’t get along).  Or maybe the two German Shepherds across the street in the other house (they don’t get along either)  Or a squirrel, rabbit, cat, etc. (she also has a small prey drive).  Did I mention how sweet she is??  She really is, even with her personality quirks, and sometimes dominant personality (which got her in trouble with the other dogs, because she’s not that way with people at all!)

Anyway, there she was right behind me, looking around.  Not normally one to allow pictures (something about them stealing her soul I think), she seemed distracted enough to get a few shots off.

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Cup of Coffee

Not much better on a chilly rainy day than a cup of coffee.

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Pecan Sandies

Working from home this afternoon, I decided to treat myself to some cookies (well I probably would have done that whether or not I was working or not but that’s beside the point).  Has been a while since I’ve had Pecan Sandies, but they sure were good.  What is your favorite cookie? (Mine is Oreo, but these were calling my name!)

Nikon D300s, Nikon 17-55, processed in NX2 with Color Efex Pro

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Penn Camera Photo Contest

The February Penn Camera photo contest subject is snow, so I found my two favorite snow pictures from this past year to submit.  The prizes are Penn Camera gift cards, which are quite useful!  There are lots of great entries, so we’ll see — wish me luck!  I should know early next week if I’ve won a prize :-)

Manassas Battlefield Cannon, Nikon D300s, Nikon 18-105VR

Melting Snow, Nikon D300s, Sigma 150 Macro

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Washington, DC at Night

Last year I went on a couple photowalks that took place in Washington DC at night.  Here are a few shots from those photowalks — hopefully there’s another one this year!  The first was in March, the second was taken in June, just before the skies unloaded on us!

Nikon D80, Nikon 18-105VR

Nikon D80, Nikon 70-300VR

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