Happy Canada Day and Happy Independence Day

Depending on when you are reading this,it is either almost July 1st or it is already July.

Either way,this is a month of celebration.Canada celebrates on July 1st,with Canada Day and our friends to the south of us,the USA,celebrate Independence Day on July 4th.These two celebrations kind of explain my new header.

The pictures I have chosen for today are,for the most part,not my regular style of pictures.

Driving along recently,I spotted this Turkey hen.She did have some chicks with her,but all I got to see was the movement of the grass where they were walking.

I had gone into this certain area to check on the baby Bison.These Bison are raised for market.

This little fella seemed to enjoy chewing on the fence.

Mama and Baby share a tender moment.

AT the Kaleida march I saw this Great Blue Heron.He is doing what they typically do when I arrive,take off.

The American Avocet was much more accommodating for this photographer. I like the mirror image of this one.

I am not sure,but think this spread wing walk,may be some kind of feeding strategy.

Closing thought:

You’ll never regret going out of your way to brighten someone’s day.

Friendships and Sunsets

The following pictures are all taken in one evening and at one place.The varying beauty of a sunset never ceases to amaze me.

I am adding quotes from a little booklet called "Two Voices One Song  The Harmony of Friends".

There are not many things in life so beautiful as true friendship,and there are not many things more uncommon.

Every day shared with the ones we love is a gift for which we are very thankful.

A smile is the lighting system of the face and the heating system of the heart.

(Barbara Johnson)

Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want,but the realization of how much you already have.

Love is reaching,touching,and caring,sharing sunshine and flowers;so many happy hours together.

May the Lord continually bless you with heaven's blessings as well as with human joys.

Psalm 128:5 TLB

Waterfowl

There are some scenes I photograph over and over again every year.Today's post has pictures like that.You may think that you have seen these pictures before,but I am quite sure you have not,at least not coming from my camera.One look will tell you that these are not taken yesterday,but earlier in spring. Bear with me,I will get into summer pictures soon.

St.Vital Park in Winnipeg is a good place to capture waterfowl images.

This Canada Goose was nesting right beside the path and on this day she had chosen to have the tree directly in front of her line of vision.By now,I'm sure her young ones are in the teenage stage.

How many pictures do I have of Wood Ducks? I can't answer that accurately,but I know that I have very many and God willing,I will take more when the opportunity presents itself.I think that the male of this species is spectacular and it looks like he might agree with me.

Another image I capture routinely at this park is one like this.Seeing the reflections of the trees in the rippled water is a pleasing sight to me.

Did I mention that I also have MANY images of the Ring-billed Gulls? These guys are fairly easy photo subjects since they will come to wherever the people are,hoping to get a handout.

Adding to my collection of Canada Goose photos is an ongoing thing.Once again,I really don';t even want to know how many pictures I have of these guys,but I keep on taking more.

Seeing them exercising those powerful wings is always worth a shutter click or two or more.

Closing Thought:

Look at the birds of the air:they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they

(Matthew 6:26 ESV)

Blossoms,Butterflies and Birds

As the title suggests,this post has a little of all three,blossoms,butterflies and birds.

I have really begun liking the Geraniums.They put on a good show of flowers all summer,all I need to do is a little deadheading from time to time.

The plant on my deck has been a bright spot for a while now.I love those bright flowers.

As much as I love the flowers,the buds are just as special.

I had been watching this little butterfly land briefly on different objects and I was hoping it would land on one of my garden signs.

It seemed that it had read my thoughts and landed on this decorative piece.

I have had the chance to photograph several Snowy Owls this past winter and even into spring.I have one complaint.Why do they always sit on the wrong side of the wire?

Well,if the bird won't cooperate,than into Photoshop we go and solve the problem.This is by no means a perfect editing job,but at least the wire is not right over the face.

Thanks for allowing me to share a few of my photos.

Closing Thought:

Nature is the art of God.

A Walk and Words of Encouragement

Can you stand another walk at Lake Minniwasta?

These pictures were taken in the middle of April,so I really need to go back now when all the trees are green.

Today I share pictures and verses or quotes which I like.The words don't necessarily have anything to do with the pictures.

When one door of happiness closes,another door opens;but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.

Hellen Keller

Never lose hope.

Always have faith,it allows you to cope.

Trying times will pass as they always do.

Just have patience,your dreams will come true.

Put on a smile,you will live through your pain.

Know this will pass,and strength you will gain.

Discontentment makes rich people poor,while contentment makes poor people rich.

Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones,you’ll start having positive results.

I trust that a word or two that I have shared today,was just what you needed to read.

The Beauty of Birds and More

Warning: If you don't like birds than this post will not interest you.

I will include more pictures than usual,in an attempt to catch up on some of the spring pictures I have.

The waterfowl pictures in this post are all taken at Lake Minniwasta,the lake just on the west side of my home town.You can see this was taken in early spring.There are still no leaves on the trees.That has all changed by now.

This is a Pied-billed Grebe,the smallest grebe we have here.

Anytime I get to see a Common Loon on our lake,is a special time for me.This was one of at least four that I saw on this day.He/she was so busy feeding that he didn't notice me.I also like the sparkles on the water.

Heading down for some more food.

Caught him just before he disappeared.

You all know I love driving down country roads,looking for photo opportunities. This Red-tailed Hawk was feeding on something and I was able to get just one good shot,but that was all I needed.

I saw a Western Meadowlark on a hydro pole,but of course he saw me as well and didn't hang around long. I caught this image just as his wings were tucked in.

I also got one with wings spread open. It is not perfectly sharp,but I still like it.

This is a bird that usually takes off the second the car begins to slow down. Surprisingly this American Kestrel  sat long enough for me to get a picture.

I leave you with two pictures of our lake and the diamonds it sported that morning.

May you find some beauty in each day.