Return Of The Birds

Time to turn over that calendar page again.
Wait! I am the only one who still likes to have a calendar on the wall?

Anyway, a new month is upon us.This is a month that is special to me, as my only child,Steve was born in April. This year it is also special because we celebrate Easter this month.

There is something else special about this month and that is the return of many birds.

Some of the earliest are the Canada geese. I don't care how many times I've seen them and how many pictures I already have, when I look up and see this,I have to take a picture.

Around the same time as the geese return, so do the Bald Eagles.There is a migration corridor through the Pembina Valley. Since this is only about 30 minutes from my house,I go there often. Once again, no matter how often I have witnessed this and how many pictures I have,I must get another one or two or many more.

Bringing our eyes back down to the ground. At this time of year the bushes are still filled with snow so the White-tailed Deer roam around, looking for food wherever they can find it. This one was kind enough to allow me a couple of shots.

As the temperatures warm up it is not uncommon to see flowing water in many a roadside ditch. I love the sound of it and it gives me some more reasons to get pictures.

The ice has not disappeared from the ponds, but the geese are coming back, ice or not. I watched these two come in for a landing. When I got the picture on the computer I had to laugh. Look at the goose on the left. Its' tail is bent by the ice and its' bill is opened wide. To me it looks like he's saying 'OHHHHH'. Ok, that's my imagination running wild.

Something to think about:

Always believe something wonderful is going to happen.

Even with all the ups and downs, never take a day for granted.

Cherish the little things and hug the ones you love.

Sunset Surprise

I know that at this point we all want to think spring, but while we are waiting for its full arrival I have some other winter like shots to share.

I went to Lake Minniwasta in hopes of watching a beautiful sunset. The sunset was good, albeit not the prettiest I've ever seen.

While waiting, my eyes were drawn to the snow banks between me and the lake. The setting sun was highlighting the edges so beautifully.

I enjoyed watching those last sunbeams play on the snow.

I'm always looking for that unique and special shot. This time it was right before my eyes, all I had to do was 'look'.

 As I looked up, I was reminded why I went here in the first place. Yes, the sunset was pretty as well.

Something to Think About:

Every sunrise is God’s greeting,the sunset His signature.

Tidbits of Nature's Beauty

Well folks, from a flowery post the other day, we go to a feathery one today. At least some of the pictures are feathery.

  I enjoy the American Goldfinches at any time of year, but they are a special treat in these early spring days. They still are mostly in winter plumage, but that will be changing quickly.

Another little welcome visitor is the Common Redpoll. Some years we have had very many of these, but the last few years they have been rather sparse. It was a treat to see this one at the feeder.

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a year round resident on my yard and I am thankful for that.

I should mention that all the bird photos are taken through a less than clean window.

I am sharing a couple of snow pictures, just because. I thought it was interesting how the snow looks like to was peeled away from the embankment.

This was taken right from my car.You can see the snow blowing off the bank at the top.

I am pretty sure that by now this snow would be starting to melt away.

Seasons come and seasons go, but the moon is always the same.Rising and setting in a perfect 

rhythm, as God has ordained.

Something to Think About:

Trying to find the words to describe nature’s beauty is like trying to measure the moon with a yardstick.

Roses Overload

Warning! 

If you don't like colourful roses, then now would be a good time to go do something else.

After Valentine's Day I treated myself to a bouquet of half-priced roses. What else could I do but have a photo session with these flowers. I tried a variety of settings and angles and then later, did some creative editing.If you have a favourite then please let me know in the comments.

Because of the larger number of photos,I will not be adding many words.

I have numbered the pictures so you can tell me which ones you prefer, if any.

Enjoy!

1.Simple bouquet.

2.Getting closer.

3.A different angle.

4.Adding a soft filter.

5.Desaturation filter and looking at the base of the flowers.

6.Desaturation filter.

7.Soft focus and black and white filter.

8.Full color and using a lens ball.

9.Desaturation filter and lens ball.

10.Soft focus.

Hope you enjoyed the roses.

Something to think about:

Your mind is a garden.

Your thoughts are the seeds.

You can grow flowers,

Or you can grow weeds.

The Beauty of Snow and Birds

As the last few days of winter wind down,I will share a few more winter images.Yes, I'm waiting for spring and green grass, but winter has a beauty all it's own.

This is at Lake Minniwasta, just west of Morden. I love it when the snow outlines every structure like this.

At home on my yard, a few of the seeds from last fall are still hanging onto the branches.Here they have a pretty snowy cap.

The Black-billed Magpie is known to be very shy, at least around here so I was thrilled to capture this, less than perfect, shot as he took off.

While staying in my kitchen,I can get shots like this.Somehow this Blue Jay does not look impressed. Is it the lady with the camera, or is the snow? I guess we'll never know.

It was a cold day when these images were captured.You can tell that the bird is all fluffed up to try to stay warm. Yes, they do have a constant supply of sunflower seeds and peanuts, so they are well taken care of.

Closing Thought:
We are surrounded by God’s creative power.

Dreaming Of Warmer Days

When I look outside,I see a world covered in a thick blanket of snow.This is normal for this time of year and I am very thankful for the moisture this snow will give us.

It is also normal by this time of year to get a little anxious to see signs of spring.

In the outside world I will have to wait for the sun to warm things up and melt the snow so the flowers can once again grow. 

All pictures are taken last year or earlier.

The small, yet so pretty Bleeding Heart is seen in many early summer gardens. I think they are so cute. This was captured at The English Gardens in Winnipeg.

I have fallen in love with Geraniums over the last few years. They seem to grow well for me and bloom almost non-stop from spring till freeze-up.

As most of you already know,I love roses and I love them in all colors, even the simple white ones.

Another flower captured at The English Gardens in Winnipeg.

I turned to an App on my phone to help with identifying this flower.The App called "Picture This" works really well.It tells me it is a Prairie Coneflower. I see these in ditches along the country roads around here.

No question as to what this flower is The beautiful Waterlily is a regal looking flower.The English Gardens in Winnipeg have numerous colos in the Lily pond.

Closing Thought:

Life is full of beautiful things….Soft sunrise, cool winds, pretty flowers, quiet moments, love and laughter and good friends like you.

A Smile

I hope this post will bring a smile to your face, if not because of the words then because of the pictures.

A smile costs nothing, but gives much,

It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give,

It takes but a moment, yet the memory of it may last forever.

A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in business and is the sign of friendship.

It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad,

And is nature’s best antidote to trouble, yet a smile cannot be bought, borrowed or stolen;

For it is of no value to anyone else unless it is given away.

Some people are too tired to give you a smile,

Give them one of yours.

No one needs a smile as much as those who have none to give.

SMILE!!!!