Month: January 2015

2940_NDS 2014

My bird feeder is a favorite hangout for raccoons.  In the middle of the night I’m awakened by the cats jumping across the bed and over to the window because they see that the motion detector light is on outside.  That means bird feeder activity and entertainment for them!  Usually it’s either a raccoon or deer that come to visit at night.  I don’t mind …. they need to eat, too!  It’s a good thing that I have cats and not a Bluetick Coonhound like this one that I photographed at The National Dog Show Presented by Purina in November.  Blueticks are great hunters and are very skilled at trailing and treeing raccoons.  What a pretty dog, don’t you think?  I love the hounds!

7700_LVKC Dec 2014

Non-Sporting Group 1 at the Delaware Water Gap Kennel Club show in Allentown, Pa. last month went to Chow Chow “GCH Are-Jay’s Harlem Renaissance”.  Both dog and handler were all smiles after their win!

7239_LVKC Dec 2014

It seems that dogs love watching other dogs in the show ring.  I see it all the time.  They’re waiting on the sidelines for their turn in front of the judge.  In the meantime, they are checking out the action – their competition, their doggie friends, their human friends, whoever has a treat in their pocket, that little boy that walked past with french fries, the cool toys at the vendor booth, etc.  I often spend more time photographing what is going on OUTSIDE of the ring than I do photographing the judging INSIDE the ring.  I especially love seeing dogs watching dogs!   Secretly I know that they are cheering on all of their friends and hoping that they do well when it’s their turn!

8508_CCEEC2015

I came upon this pretty farm on Sunday afternoon and had to pull over to snap a few.  I love barns and cows and together with the winter landscape, this scene was calling my name!  Winter is a beautiful time for photography!

8409_CCEEC 2015

I stopped by to say hello to the raptors at the Carbon County Environmental Education Center this weekend.  Meet General George Patton, the resident bald eagle on site.  This eagle came to the center in 2001 with life threatening injuries and, sadly, is unable to be returned to the wild.  CCEEC is a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility near Jim Thorpe, Pa.  The organization partners with local veterinarians and cares for hundreds of sick, injured, orphaned or displaced animals each year.  CCEEC is a wonderful place to visit and see birds of prey and other animals ‘up close and personal’.  It is situated near Mauch Chunk Lake Park – a beautiful recreational lake with many hiking trails.  The center offers educational programs for schools, civic organizations and the public.  Stop by and say hi to General Patton if you are in the area!