Tag: nature

Little Pests

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 20 Comments

For Nancy Merrill’s Photo a Week challenge: insects.

Threes in Threes (or so)

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 26 Comments

Amateur, I am, when it comes to photography. I’m excited to learn the ins and outs. This week, Nancy Merrill instructs on the rule of thirds. The featured image represents thistles leaning into the third.

This daffodils are leaning outside the boundaries, but there is something interesting about this shot to me.

Thanks Nancy Merrill for your A Photo a Week Challenge: Threes and Threes

Unexpected Treasure

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 16 Comments

Summer arrives on its own schedule, painting the landscape a luscious green. The heat of the day keeps us tucked in a cool house, but not without restlessness. Ric offers a late afternoon drive and parks near a trail so I can wander in.

Tall oaks, beech trees, and maples create a canopy of shade. I stop to let my eyes readjust to the sudden change in light. A small creature whirs past, and I recognize the black stripes of a chipmunk.

Darn, I think. Missed it.

But the chipmunk, like me, is only seeking a cooler patch. Perched on a fallen log just beside the path, the small animal stops to enjoy a snack.

These tiny creatures never fail to delight me. An unexpected treasure making my day.



Early Morning Recharge

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 17 Comments

The dogs stir at the first hint of daylight. I rise with them, grumbling about lack of sleep, until the sun emerges full and bright – something we haven’t seen in awhile.

“I used to be a morning person,” I say out loud. I’m am feeling the unrest of being shut in.

Ric emerges just after 7:00 am and I’m tell him I’m thinking about taking the camera out.

I drive to the centre of town, where the main street bridge crosses the river. Immediately, I spot an unfamiliar shape at the water’s edge.

Back at home, I research and find this is a Yellow Legs, although not sure whether is a Lesser or Greater. Apparently, they migrate through here.

Further down the river a pair of Mallards hover over their newborns. The shadow of an eagle passing overhead sends the family scurrying for cover.

The air is still wintry cold, but my heart is warmed by the beauty of the day. At the end of the outing, I will have encountered many different species of birds, heralding the start of warmer days. With over 400 photos to process, I am bursting with renewed energy.

Thank goodness, I didn’t just go back to bed.

Present Distance

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 19 Comments

I’ve lived the fog of distance –
life’s highway a series of hills
destination without promise

Have learned that acceptance gains perspective
that climates change, and hope sustains
and that in the stillness dreams renew.

Now I travel quieter paths, appreciate
space, have surrendered to a slower pace –
certain that this too will change.

(For Lens-Artists Challenge: distance)

Feathered Elegance

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 18 Comments

Rumours of the Tundra Swans in our neighbourhood lure us out. They migrate through here in early spring and linger for a week or two. We head to the drive along the river where the Common Mergansers are currently doing their mating dances.

Caught this female in the midst of the ritual. Love the hairdo.

Further downstream, we spotted a newcomer to town: Hooded Merganser.

Such a beautiful bird.

The swans were nowhere in sight, so we decided to drive to a nearby town. On the way, I spotted a few large white birds on a local pond:

Elegance with feathers.

( For Eugi’s Causerie weekly prompt: elegance.)