Monday, November 19, 2012

Favorites Series III


Continuing with my series of favorite photos from the past year, here is the next group of shots that made my list.


This young Barn Swallow sat on the ground and waited as the adults brought food. They didn't stop to feed the little one, though. They would fly over and feed in flight and continue on. The whole process happened very quickly and I missed most of the feedings because of it. I did get one sequence, though, including this drop off shot.




I have a lot of moon photos, but none that have another subject with the moon. I was taking shots of the moon early one evening while it was still quite light and was literally looking through the viewfinder when I noticed the jet enter the frame. I had just enough time to get one photo. My step-father saw this after I posted it and asked me if I would send him a high-res version. He had a large print made and framed which now hangs in their home. He even asked me to sign the back and include a quote, so I wrote, "Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good".




While we were visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains earlier this year, I had the opportunity to photograph a large number of Canada Goose goslings. In many places that might not be a big deal, but I've never seen goslings here at home. We have lots of adult geese, though. I like this particular photo because of the grass hanging out of his bill and the dew drops on the grass blades. This little guy has kind of a clueless look about him.




Gulls are fairly common in many places, but I normally only see them here during the winter. This gull was flying just above the frozen lake. If you look near the bottom of the photo, you can see a white patch which is actually a dead fish just under the ice. Several birds, including a heron, investigated this fish trying to get at it. I like how the gull's head is framed by his wings as he looks at the fish and the way the wing tips flair out.




28 comments:

Marc Heath said...

Great shots. Well timed with the Swallows and nicely caught.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

great shots Brian. i love the moon shot. that is freakin' awesome!! (:

Kerri Farley said...

I can see why these are FAVORITES Brian - they are magnificent!!

A Colorful World said...

Just LOVED these...isn't serendipity a great thing! :-) You are such a skilled photographer, though that your serendipity is better than most! I adored the mother bird feeding her young, and the gosling. The gull over the ice was just wonderful, and it looks like the ice froze in gentle waves. really neat. Also, I really love your moon shot! I have to tell you about my husband's shot of stonehenge with a plane flying overhead....talk about serendipity!

Andy said...

I envy your photography skills.

Jan n Jer said...

Your photos are simply stunning Brian...have you ever sent them to National Geographic?????

MTWaggin said...

Am really enjoying your favorites series and reading why you like them. The moon one is amazing but I so enjoy the critters - even the gulls!

Alan Pavey said...

Excellent shots again Brian, the moon shot is a wonderful piece of luck well captured :-)

TexWisGirl said...

i believe you are both lucky AND good. your shots are spectacular, no matter what the subject. i do love that gull.

Tombstone Livestock said...

All Awesome As Always ...

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

You are both lucky and good Brian. I can see why these are your favorite. I love the mother Swallow feeding the baby and the gosling is just too cute. But all are wonderful.

theconstantwalker said...

They are all wonderful images Brian but if I had to choose a favourite it would have to be the first... superb timing.

Nancy J said...

I love the first one, beautiful shot, your choices must be hard to select, as each one is totally stunning. Timing is only part of these wonderful photos, you are the man behind the lens who brings it all together , and then shares with us, we are the ones who enjoy so much. Greetings from Jean.

barbara l. hale said...

Every time I visit your blog I just go away thinking "Wow!" Wow! I love all of these but that first one is just fabulous!

Gail Dixon said...

Spectacular images, all! I have so much to say about each one, but it would take up far too much of your comment space. The abbreviated version: the dew around the gosling, the focus on the swallows, the white and blue of the moon/jet photo, and the beautiful wingspan of the gull. Superb. Just superb!

Deb said...

all awesome.....love the bird feeding...

Ida said...

These are fabulous. I love them all but that Moon shot really stands out, it's amazing.

Lindsjö taxar said...

Love them, you are so good , understand why they are favourites, great captures....

the wild magnolia said...

Wonders of nature. Thank you for sharing.

Tanya Breese said...

oh these are all just great! the baby is my favorite :)

Gary Jones said...

all stunning images Brian, well done

Anonymous said...

Been baking so just got over here now Brian. All stunning pictures for sure. # 1 so cute and the rest breath taking for me.

Anonymous said...

What a spectacular capture that first shot is. They are all fabulous photos, Brian. Your such a pro!

Beth said...

Awesome shots!!

Rohrerbot said...

Fabulous!!!! That Swallow shot is DIVINE!!! You lucky devil. I have been trying to get a shot like that for awhile. The lighting is never right.....but one day.....one day:) Awesome shots!

Stewart M said...

They are all great - my last "skywatch" picture was made all the better I think when I noticed I could get a plane into the picture - all luck!

I know our garden is very nice, but some people seem to think I must have some huge English Country House sized thing - its just a regular sized yard!

Cheers - Stewart M - Australia

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Those Swallows are right at the top of my favorites! Beautiful Brian!!!

Liz said...

I can see why these have made your list of favourites! Each image is something special. I love them all. The moon shot is a superb representation of perfect timing. And the gosling shot is so beautiful from the little fluffy gosling to the water droplets on the grass.