Canadian Geese

A pair of Canadian Geese stopped in for a visit this week.

Happy Anniversary Dear!

I am re-gifting the first bouquet of flowers you ever sent me. And! Since copper is the traditional  seven year  anniversary gift, I've hidden a roll of shiny new pennies:) If you can find it, it's all yours;) Happy 7th anniversary to my partner, my best friend, my love.

Blue Jay - Kickin' Up Snow

There's nothing like fresh snow and birds for nature photography.

I liked the way this Jay kicked up the powdery snow as it took flight!

Red-bellied Woodpecker - Wings

A female Red-bellied Woodpecker takes off with a shelled peanut in her beak.

The female is distinguished from the male by the gray head.

Hairy Woodpecker

I decided to post this photo of a male Hairy Woodpecker so you could see the difference between the Hairy shown here and the Downy Woodpecker I posted yesterday. I know it is difficult to determine scale from the two images, but the Hairy Woodpecker is actually larger (though photographed further away). Obvious is the size difference in the beak - the Hairy having the longer beak of the two. Both the Hairy and the Downy males have a red occipital patch whereas the females do not.

Downy Woodpecker

A female Downy Woodpecker.

Eastern Fox Squirrel - Hanging Out

One of our many Eastern Fox Squirrels just hanging out.

Update on the  "Not So Funny Folly" post and the damaged Nikon AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IF-ED lens that took a tumble across the driveway a few weeks ago. As you may know, I sent the damaged lens in to Nikon for repairs expecting a few hundred dollars in repair costs. To my surprise Nikon replaced the SWM (silent wave motor), checked auto-focus operation, checked vibration reduction system, checked optical alignment, and completed a general check and cleaning at absolutely no charge to me as a customer courtesy. Wow! What a pleasant and welcome surprise. Nikon had no reason to distinguish me from any other loyal Nikon customer in need of lens repairs, and I am neither compensated by nor affiliated with Nikon in any way, which makes their gesture all the more impressive and sincere. 

THANK YOU NIKON! 

Cape Cod - Rainbow

Followed this rainbow and found no pot 'O gold, no little green cloaked leprechaun or his magically delicious cereal, just sand. Cape Cod, 2010.

Niagara Falls, New York, USA

A night time, city view of Niagara Falls, New York with American and Bridal Veil Falls. Photo shot from Niagara Falls, Ontario (2010). Niagara Parks light up the falls each night. The lights cycle through a series of colors from bright white to purple. You can't get this view on the American side! 

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

A view from our suite at the Hilton Hotel and Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview (2010). We stayed in a luxurious two-room tower king suite (Jacuzzi/Fireplace) in the north tower. I've traveled a fair amount in my life and I can honestly say that this was one of the absolute finest establishments I have ever stayed. Breath taking views, unbeatable service and great central location. This photo was shot from our suite on the corner of Fallsview Blvd looking down Murray Street toward the American Falls. That is the Skylon Tower in the background to the left.  I have been to Niagara Falls at least a half dozen times in my life and I strongly recommend staying the night on the Canadian side as the best view and atmosphere is in the evening when the falls are lit up. The bottom right hand corner of photo is the enormous Fallsview Casino Resort. I'm not much of a gambler. I think that you can get a better return on your money throwing it over the falls, but that's just my opinion:)

While you are on the Canadian side, don't forget to check out the 99 acre Niagara Parks Botanical Garden and Butterfly Conservatory.  I also highly recommend dining at the Skylon Tower. You will want to get your reservations early during your visit as it is always a packed house. You won't be disappointed with the revolving dining room's spectacular 360º view, service or the cuisine. The American side offers many wonderful views as well, like Goat Island, Three Sisters Island and the Bridal Veil Falls but should be enjoyed when you have good sneakers, the energy for a long walk and good weather in the daytime hours.  

I do not recommend crossing the border at Rainbow Bridge unless you have a full tank of gas, enjoy long lines and waiting! Lots of waiting! I have been stuck on the bridge for more than 2 hours at a time. If you just want the thrill of crossing the Rainbow Bridge for its breathtaking views of the falls, your best bet is to walk or ride a bike (pedestrian and bicycle traffic is allowed). 

Your best bet for crossing into Canada  is to drive 5-1/2 miles north to the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge. Skip the Whirlpool Bridge as it is ONLY for NEXUS Program cardholders (unless of course you happen to hold a Nexus Card, to my knowledge, you cannot buy a NEXUS card during your visit - It's more rigorous than applying for a passport. The application process includes a background check, an "in-person" interview and mugshots). 

Tiger Longwing

Tiger Longwing | Heliconius ismenius | Wingspan: 2.5 to 3.6 in
Family: Nymphalidae | Subfamily: Helioconiinae | Tribe: Helioconiini

I did my best to identify this butterfly from various field guides. I think I've got it right, but I also realize that there are several other very similar butterflies. If you think it may be something else, leave me a comment. Thanks.

Photo shot at the White River Gardens, 2009.

Nikon D300 | Nikon AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IF-ED

Butterflies return to the gardens March 22, 2013.

Cardinal and Blue Jay

I just happened to be shooting this female Cardinal (out of about half a dozen in the tree at the time), when this gorgeous Blue Jay landed right in the shot!

Red-bellied Woodpecker

 A male Red-bellied Woodpecker stops by for a bite.

Pink Flowers - Denver Botanical Garden

I often keep a short list of photo posts saved in the draft file for future publication to the blog. This was one of several in that file. I was told that today was the perfect day to post flowers, considering the ground is entirely white with snow again. I have no idea what kind of flowers these are, but here you go! This was shot at the Denver Botanical Gardens, Denver Colorado (2008).

Damselfly - Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary

I think this is a Damselfly (2012) but I am really not sure, so I will defer taxonomy to my biologically gifted friend who used to stockpile all kinds of disgusting muck and bugs in her freezer, in the name of research! 

Dragonfly - Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary

Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary in Connersville, Indiana (2012).

Caligo - Owl Butterfly

An Owl Butterfly - White River Gardens (2009).

Butterflies take flight at White River Gardens March 22, 2013.