Saturday, March 26, 2011

Some Favourite Birds of the Vermilon River. A Post to Camera Critters.


Northern Crow
 These are a few photos of some favourite birds of mine. In the second photo the Crow has been eating snow and you can see it still settling. I was going to leave the copy at a minimum, because I wasn't sure what I wanted to say and several thoughts were percolating in my poor old brain. Some comments and the popularity of the hike sequences raised some areas that I need to think about. Sondra's comment about her hope that Mystic Lake would remain free of people, and homes made me think about somethings.Firstly the chances of that happening are so unlikely that hell will freeze over first. Mystic Lake is a long chain of small lakes which are people free so my comments apply to them as well. The immediate area is economically dying. What was a rail head on the northern route is now a whistle stop, and isn't likely to resurrect itself. The major city which I call the Valley of Death worships Toronto, but always about 40 years too late. The architecture is dreadful and there is no downtown to speak of. The mall culture is still supreme here and the council still equates progress with growth. not quality. Despite the fact the city is a University town, it is not integrated with the city and it is not especially known for research unless, federal or provincial politicians are currently throwing around the people's own money in an attempt to buy votes. It will never be a centre of "smart jobs" , because it does not offer the attributes that appeal to smart jobs holders which are not hockey,or hunting or wrestling, or ATV riding.

The point I'm making is that the limits of our(only here) main urban centre protects our forests and wildlife, as a wilderness and not a park of some sort. The residents are uncomfortable with animals, and the forest, and don't want to be there. That's the difference between here and the nature blogs that I follow in the US or Europe. Where most people are hiking parks because the real wilderness is unfortunately gone. Of course the small Canadian population helps also.


Northern Crow
 
 The other problem that faces me is a technical one. The second hike post contains animals, birds, wild flowers, and scenes. The only addition I'll be adding to my camera gear is a polarizing filter to stop that water sheen, and to play with the white water. On a hike I'll shoot about 300-400 photos in RAW. Do a quick camera edit and delete some both in the field, and before I upload to my computer. I then transfer, edit and set up a file for the photos that are gong into the post. This demands high RAM, and despite some upgrades, I think my computer is not up to the job. So I'm looking...just looking!

Common RedPoll
 
The other problem is posting the blog itself, because it's a great hobby when weather curtails my hiking. But once weather improves, the trails call, and my average hike is about 4-5 hours. As I said earlier I now shoot flowers,birds, animals, scenes, and  I want to add  trees. There are also other new trails to pursue. I don't want to curtail either. So, I'm just thinking.

RedPoll
 

I'm sure all of these issues have arisen for other people. If you want to comment feel free.
RedPoll
 
Male Hairy Woodpecker

Male Hairy Woodpecker
A Post to Camera-Critters @ http://camera-critters.blogspot.com/
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36 comments:

  1. LeontienMarch 26, 2011 at 7:19 AM

    I really don't know anything about camera's or picture taking, i just know i really like you shots of the birds!

    Thanks
    Leontien

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  2. Bob BushellMarch 26, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    I like the Hairy Woodpecker, it's a stunner.

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  3. AnonymousMarch 26, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    Wow - that's a lot of shots in RAW. My memory card allows me to shoot about 180-200 only... which is just as well, I guess! I don't have a polarizing filter...

    Fabulous shots, as usual!

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  4. TexWisGirlMarch 26, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    Lovely shots. We'll understand if you abandon the blog for a while as you hike and explore and take more photos. Just make sure you come back once in a while and share with us.

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  5. LouiseMarch 26, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    Blogging can be very time consuming. Since we all want to see your wonderful photos, I wonder if you could restrict your blogs to a couple of times a week? And, catch up on other folk's blogs the same way.

    You're right about most of us living in places where our hikes are restricted to parks or nature trails. Your kind of vistas are very different, and I know that I appreciate the chances to glimpse them once in a while.

    But, you know, one entry that I'd really like to see? I'd like to see more pictures of Boomer, and learn more about him. Your picture of him is so lovely and I have a feeling he's a really great dog. How's that for going completely off subject?

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  6. trav4adventuresMarch 26, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    Gary, I've started my morning walks again (after a hideous bout of bronchitis) by our city golf course. There are lots of trees, birds, waterways, and shrubs there. I LOVE my polarizing filter! It's great for up in the mountains and here in the desert. I took some pics this morning of the waterways and used it.
    ~~Cheryl Ann~~

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  7. jooMarch 26, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    I love all of them!

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  8. LouiseMarch 26, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Thanks for the point in the right direction, Gary. I looked up your entry about Boomer and enjoyed it thoroughly. What a wonderful dog, and good companion!

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  9. B i r g i t t aMarch 26, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    My favourite is the RedPoll - talking birds ;)
    Boomer is the top favourite :)

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  10. theconstantwalkerMarch 26, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    Beautiful images Gary.
    I started my blog as a Diary for "me" to look back on. My son Craig started one so we could all follow his trip around the world (2009/10) with his girlfriend Ellie.Internet Cafes allowed them to post from Thailand,Malaysia,Singapore,Australia,New Zealand (he proposed to her there) Fiji and the USA. We were all on that journey with them.

    I had a go as he showed me how easy it was and I have been amazed at how people from all over the world have commented on my ramblings.

    As the days are getting longer more time will be spent in the great outdoors but I hope to keep my diary going.

    We don't have deadlines to meet and should just post when it suits...the world will still be watching. Take care.

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  11. eileeninmdMarch 26, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    I enjoy looking at all your bird photos. You must see some great sightings on your hikes. Great post and photos.

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  12. jeanlivingsimpleMarch 26, 2011 at 4:49 PM

    This post makes me very jealous of your sparse population and thus more untamed natural areas to enjoy.

    We in the states have sadly made a mess with so- called "progress".:(

    Your photos are super. Love the Red Polls captures. Never seen one of those pretty birds.

    When blogging takes time away from what you are blogging about...it is time to cut back on the blogging. This is the way it is for us who have Nature Blogs.

    We will wait for you and your wonderful adventures. Big Hugs for you and Boomer!

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  13. Dawn FineMarch 26, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    Great photos! Yeah..I understand that blogging can take away from other things...I find when we are traveling and we dont have internet ...I feel like I am on vacation! Take a break if you need..or just post a photo every now and again.
    Happy Hiking.

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  14. DarMarch 26, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    Gary, Now, don't be gone too long. You take some of the most amazing photos of the birds that I have seen. My daughter also takes eons of photos per shoot and spends so much time picking, choosing and then delivering. I understand about the trail calling you. I cannot wait for our weather to give me the trail call too. Have great hikes and photo opportunities.
    BlessYourHeart

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  15. Adam TiltMarch 27, 2011 at 12:41 AM

    Hi Gary. My advice re blogging would be to never let it become a chore or let it overshadow your time with nature. As with Andrew my blog serves as a personal diary but I love hearing peoples comments and sharing my adventures. However I never feel pressured to update it and have often taken a couple of weeks break when the need arises.

    Great photos as well by the way.

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  16. Hootin AnniMarch 27, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    Fabulous as always Gary!! wow....how I love birds, and your photography is something right out of "National Geographic" perfection.

    It was super having you visit with me yesterday. Your comments are always welcomed as is your company!!

    My Sunday Blog Post Link

    And, hurry back...take time off, but don't forget to return sometime so we can enjoy your work.

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  17. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Thanks Leontien.

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  18. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    He is Bob.

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  19. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    Hi ladyfi. Don't accept the camera number count until it says no room.

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  20. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    Oh, I'll stay with it texwisgirl. I'm more worried about processing capacity on my computer.

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  21. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    What bothers me Louise and this is about your country is that you don't have these opportunities to trave a wilderness unless it's a park. And it's not population alone, it's partially a mentality difference, I think.

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  22. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    I'll be getting my filter next week, trav4adventure.

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  23. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    Thanks Joo and say hello to Ira.

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  24. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 3:04 PM

    Ah you're just partial to Boomer, Louise.

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  25. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    For you Birgitta, Boomer is always tops.

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  26. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    Andrew, part of it is that the great photo opportunities create huge files which I need a way to handle better.

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  27. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    Thanks Eileen.

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  28. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    Thanks Jean. It's very important we, Canadians, maintain that difference on progress.

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  29. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    Thanks Dawn!!

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  30. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    I'm not going Dar just trying to get control of my time.

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  31. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Thanks for the advice Adam.

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  32. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Thanks Anni.

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  33. EG CameraGirlMarch 27, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    I think the strength of your blog lies in the animals and birds you can see in environments different from what many of us normally see.

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  34. DawnMarch 27, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    I just so appreciate you natural beauty in the captures you take! Many of us aren't able to see what you do...I enjoy seeing what is out there. So thank you!

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  35. Hilke BrederMarch 28, 2011 at 4:55 AM

    I echo Dawn's and Adam's comments. Love your pics, but take a break, don't get burned out! I wouldn't dream of taking shots in RAW, not for a blog or a web page! I would change my thinking if a magazine was interested or if I wanted to sell postcards. I download all my photos to a separate hard drive and am rigorous in deleting bad exposures and duplicates. I do just the post-processing of selected pics on my computer. That doesn't require a large RAM. So take a break. I will always be looking forward t seeing what you come up with.

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  36. SLHMarch 28, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    Nice post Gary - love your blog too.

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