Category: Landscape

This image caught my eye as I was scrolling through the thousands of shots I’ve taken this year at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area.  It was the simple elements that drew me in to the photo – a few evergreen trees, a tower, and Tundra Swans set against the mountainside.  I imagine that this might be the view that the Tundra Swans and Snow Geese have as they soar over the hills surrounding Middle Creek.  When I revisited the area, I searched for the spot where my lens was focused when I took this image but I was not able to locate it.  I find this image to be very peaceful and it reminds me of the grace and elegance of the Tundra Swans.

I made a short visit to Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area on Saturday.  With rain in the forecast for the afternoon, I knew it would be a quick visit.  The estimate for the day was 50,000 snow geese and they were very active as 4-6 bald eagles were in the vicinity looking for lunch!  Everyone waits for the geese to take to flight en masse and they did not disappoint!  With that many geese flying overhead, it’s inevitable that you will be subject to falling poop.  It happened to me and a couple friends yesterday.  Yuck!

It was a dark and stormy day…..!  Okay, well maybe not dark, but definitely stormy!  It started with snow at daybreak which later changed to sleet and now is mostly rain which is freezing on the trees and probably everything else (a.k.a. roads!).  I was home from work (snow day!) and spent a little time photographing birds in the garden … along with some icy trees!  This year there are many trees (maples, oaks?) that have not lost all of their leaves, which adds a nice touch of color to the otherwise drab winter landscape.

The lake was mostly frozen at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area over the weekend and yet the top was covered with a thin layer of water.  I am always looking for things to photograph in addition to the waterfowl and this reflection was just beautiful.  I’ve always loved this one particular tree on the other side of the lake and, on this day, it was reflected perfectly in the water and ice.

It’s fun to revisit photos from the past that have never been processed, like this one.  It was taken last year in February as I was scouting around Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in search of an owl.  I love barns and the older and more rustic the better!  This one had tons of character!  I added a touch of Topaz Impression for a painting-like effect.