For a smile as wide as a country sunrise
Good morning and Happy Saturday to all of you on this fine day! The sun is actually shining this morning! At least a little bit anyway. There are still clouds around too, but it is so nice to see the sun again. Certainly not many birds out there this morning, but the chickadees and nuthatches have come and gone already. They will soon be back again though.
A female downy woodpecker was here earlier and I tried to get out there quickly to get a picture…but failed once again. Sigh. She does not stay long and was just gone when I opened the door. So close. She was even in a nice position for a photo as well. Perhaps next time. That is part of the challenge, and fun, of photography. If it was always easy, there would be no challenge, and therefore, no fun either.
Black-capped chickadee, my all time favorite bird.
Although challenges can be a bit too challenging at times perhaps, but patience is needed sometimes. I started my photography hobby in 2018, and it took me 5 years before I could get a photo of a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak. And then I was able to get a lot of photos, of at least 4 different males. Photos of females I had been able to get back in 2019, and 2 other years after that, including last year.
Female Common Redpoll in front and male Purple Finch behind her.
The females show up a lot more often it seems, though the males are around every year, but they usually stay hidden. I still have many different bird species on my list of pics wanted, even some that are quite common, but they just do not come around where I can get a photo of them. Oh well. Then there are mammals and wildflowers, mushrooms and insects.
Male Common Redpoll, redpolls are only here in winter.
I would like some better turtle pictures as well, but they do not show up very often at the river. Lakes are where they can be found more often around here. And it is easier early in the morning too. That makes it a little harder for me, since I cannot get out early in the morning. There are just so many country pleasures out there. White-tailed Deer, that are very common around here, all through town. They walk down main street, on the sidewalk.
They will wait at corners before crossing the street. Sometimes anyway. Sometimes they just walk across the street wherever they want. Such country pleasures. Sitting at the river, summer and winter, watching the water flowing past. Another beautiful country pleasure. The river is flowing so much more calmly now than last summer. Last summer it was roaring, like it was angry, making so much noise. Now it is quiet.
White Pelicans sunning themselves at the river last summer.
Being 8 or 9 feet lower now really makes a difference. This is more normal now. Watching the ducks, swimming and diving, on the river in January is a real country pleasure. And watching those majestic White Pelicans on the river in the summer, a beautiful country pleasure. And so much more.
Another bunch of frosty trees.
Sitting beneath the tall white pines and red pines, listening to the symphony being played out as the wind passes through their branches and needles. It is a true country sound, a wonderful country pleasure. Thank you for joining us today, Muffin and I truly appreciate your visits! Have a wonderful weekend and God bless!
Steve and Muffin.
©2023 Steve McLeod.
You aren’t taking photographs from the childhood? You are very professional at your photographs, loved every pictures all the time, I can’t tell you hav started your photographs from 2018. Sure the pictures doesn’t look that way. It’s indeed a challenge to capture without dozing off 🤠📴 patience, I’ll take a quick nap during that moment 😅😂Glad I’m not taking photography else I’ll be lost in wild 🤣😂 sleeping 🤣🤣 Have a sweet weekend ❤️🤗
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I wish I had started in childhood, or at least in my late teens!😃📷 Maybe I would be a super photographer now! Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement Simon, it really does mean a great deal!😊❤️😻 Sometimes a lot of patience is needed. Like one time I waited for 3 hours for a bird to come out in the open so I could get a photo, and just as it came into a perfect spot, someone came around the corner of the house and called out “HI, what are you doing?” And the bird flew away.😮😮😮 I just sat and stared.😶 I wasn’t sure if I should scream or cry!😂😹 I still haven’t gotten a picture of that bird. Maybe this year.🤔📷 Thanks Simon, enjoy your weekend tooooo!😃🌛☕☕📷😻
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Omg! Seriously 😅😅 3 hours is a pain and someone just spoiled the moment 😂 I would have thrown the camera on neighbour 🤣🤣. Hope the bird comes back again. it’s my pleasure Uncle Steve your pictures deserve it 🤗❤️. 2021 lockdown, I remember showing your pictures with my mom as she also loved birds and nature .
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I would never throw my camera,😮 perhaps a stick!😶🤕 I just could not believe it though, the timing could not have been worse!😲😲😂😹 The person said, “Oh, is that all?” Where did I put that stick again?🤔🙄 Happy to know your mom really enjoyed the pictures anyway!😃😃😻📷
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😂I would never as well 😅 a figure of speech 😜. bad timing by the neighbour though,😂 you should have smacked him a bit with ur stick 😅. Thanks Uncle Steve & Muffin, Good Night 🌃
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I thought of it, but I might have got smacked back!🤕 Especially since it was a woman!😂😹 Good night Simon! Sleep well! Wait, it’s me that’s going to bed.🤔🙄😊😻🌛😴
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Your pics are beautiful ! 📷😀 your description is valuable , especially for bird watchers ! 🙂😻🙂
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Thank you very much for your kind words!😊😻📷☕☕
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Lovely photos
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Thank you Sheree!😃😺☕☕
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Beautiful photos, Steve, and I enjoyed your narrative. Give Muffin a hug from Callie!😻☕️☕️ 🐦🦆🌞
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Thank you very much Eugenia! Muffin purrs back to Callie!😊😻☕☕❄️❄️
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Most welcome, Steve and Muffin! 😻
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Ahhhh never mess with a woman 😂😅. Wise decision Uncle Steve 🤗. Ofcourse it’s you going to bed, and I just got out 😅 a short nap after I wake up 😸 Good Night 🤗
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Sometimes it’s hard to remember if I’m getting up or going to bed since it’s dark both times of the day!😂😂😹😹
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Ah, the joy of experiencing nature is one of life’s most precious blessings. Steve, thanks for sharing so many wonderful moments.
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So glad you enjoyed this brief look at some country pleasures Richard! Have a great evening and week ahead!😊😺📷☕☕❄️❄️
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