Heron Hangout and Lotus Flowers

This heron hangs out at a local aquatic garden. I consider it a bonus to get images of him when the purpose of going there is to get images of aquatic plants. He seems to be somewhat comfortable with people around, although he keeps a watchful eye and moves around cautiously. I suppose he finds the habitat familiar and the fishing quite good since there is very little, to no, competition.

Washington, DC Street Scene

One of an endless stream of street scenes in Washington, DC. One thing that I really notice while walking around the city during this time of year is the variety of trees that have been planted along the streets and in the parks. Many colors, sizes, and shapes. I bet alot of it goes unnoticed by many due to the busy, quick pace of the city.

I used a lensbaby 2.0 lens for this image.

Colorful Tree Bark

I was out at Pohick Bay today. There was some fog this morning so I thought I would head out to the water and see if anything dramatic developed. There wasn't much dramatic happening as far as fog, water and mood were concerned. But, I had the great pleasure in watching several Ospreys hunt for breakfast. They were really noisy this morning. Chattering and screaming at each other. It's really hard to describe. Hopefully, you have had the privilege or will at some point put yourself in a position to witness such a thing. I have a 300mm f/2.8 lens but it really isn't adequate to catch birds in flight unless they are right in front, or over top, of me. So, rather than shooting away, I just used the lens as a makeshift spotting scope and casually observed.

Not wanting to go home without capturing something, I came across some trees that had this colorful "stuff" growing on them. It's lichen actually. Most likely, F. caperata, but I'm no lichen expert. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyway, I shot away. The images here have been treated with the Orton effect. As well, the two smaller "bookend" images, are digital multiple exposures. I enhanced the colors using Nik Software's Color Efex Pro (Brilliance/Warmth filter).

I am rather pleased with the final results.

American Kestrel

The American Kestrel is just an all-around cool falcon. A true falcon. Sometimes it's referred to as a Sparrow Hawk. Not even, as we used to say. A colorful bird, particularly the male, that is all business. Check out that expression and those talons. Although it's the smallest falcon in North America, it's attitude makes up for everything. You think you've never seen one? It's likely you have and just didn't realize what you were seeing. They can be seen hanging out on phone lines and fence posts over open fields. Plus, they are no strangers to urban areas.

Next time you find yourself cruising the countryside, keep your eyes peeled for this cool bird.

Iguana

Unlike the lion from yesterday, this guy may have more of a reason to hide. They have predators to worry about as well as people with cameras trying to get close to them.

Iguanas are different than most other reptiles in that they are herbivores. This image was made in Aruba. Taken near Arashi Beach. By the way, if you make it to Aruba, this beach is great. It's a popular shallow scuba dive area and the snorkeling is some of the best around the island if you are looking to walk right off the beach into the water.

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Hiding Lion

Whenever I look at this image, first I like the branches and stuff in front of the lion's face, then I'm not so sure. Then I like it, then I'm not so sure. I know I do like the tone I got from Nik Software's Silver Efex Pro.

The image makes me think that the lion is thinking, "I'm going to sorta put myself behind these twigs as an exercise, but we all know that I don't have to hide because I can really have pretty much anything I want."

Afterall, he is the King.