Mesquite Sunrise

Please view large. I was struck by these mesquite trees – hearty

survivors in the harshest desert climes. And, I lucked out to find a

majestic raven perched on a branch. The image was taken at first light on

the site of the Mesquite Sand Dunes. Your comments and critiques are

most appreciated. Thanks. Larry

Stunning and beautiful. The large view  is really for my aging eyes. It allowed me to notice the black crow in the trees. A nikon 7000!  - I think that must be a new camera. How do you find it? Especially as I am on the verge of buying a full-frame camera at considerable expense.

Hi Tony,    Thanks for the look and comment.  The crow is really a raven; they are huge even thought this one appears diminutive here.  So far, I like the D7000.  I debated about getting a full frame like the D800, but couldn't justify the fact that I'd need new lenses unless I settled for conversions each time I used my current ones.  I am sure there is loss in not having a full 35mm sensor, but the results I get now are far better than my skill.  To really improve requires my continuous improvement.  Striving for this is what makes photography interesting to me.  I think that one needs to decide the size investment he or she is willing to make in equipment.  After all, our images come out of our heads before they enter our cameras.  I purchased the D7000,  so I'd have two camera bodies and not have to change lenses so often.  We can use the difference in money for travel expenses.   Thanks again for you visit Tony.  Your trip to the Caribbean looks to have been fun and photographically productive.  Happy spring.  Larry

Wow, this makes me feel like you are in 'another world'!!! Very impressive image Larry! it must have been very exciting to use your new camera here. Really impressive detail and colour Larry.

Larry - thanks for the feedback. As soon as I wrote about the crow, i noticed you had described it as a raven  so I googled it and found out the differences with the raven. I actually watched a documentary on crows  a couple of months ago and discovered that they are very intelligent - perhaps the most intelligent birds that exist.   There is a study that suggest that crows have 'theory of mind' and I don't even have that (*_*).

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/11/crow-intelligence-mind_n_2457181.html

All the very best,

Larry,

I too was attracted to this group of trees which is seen upon venturing to walk towards the mesquite dunes. Having photographed this myself during sunset, this image caught during the first light in the morning gives a different but beautiful rendition. The mountain range and cloud formation in the background completes the image. Best!

Lester

Lester,  Thanks for your comment.  I was disappointed at the dunes because of all the foot tracks in the sand.  It was virtually impossible to get a decent image of the sand in a natural manner.  I had limited time and couldn't hike - a tough walk in the deep sand - all the way to the dunes.  My wife was waiting a hour as it was.  As a result, I think this is the best image I got at the dunes at sunrise.  Thanks again for your visit.  Larry