rmuckey

<p>The "ideal car blind" - one that gets you there AND back - anything else is just extras. <br>

:-)<br>

Bob</p>

<p>Attached wrong photo, trying again :-)</p><div></div>

<p>Recent rains has encouraged new growth in upstate NY. - these fungi have re-appeared on the same butternut tree as last year. Two days before photo they were only little nubbins emerging from cracks in the bark. Laura, if you would, please identify - thought they were bracket(artist) fungi but they never hardened off last year.</p>

<p>Just back from evening country ride with new(to me) EF300mm f4L IS lens. Its going to take a bit of getting use to - hunts more than the EF 70-200 f4L IS if the background is the least bit cluttered, but I guess that's to be expected with the longer focal lenghth. 7D, ISO 400, f4, 1/25, EV- +1/3</p><div></div>

<p>Just enjoying the beauty in the side yard.</p><div></div>

<p>Tiger lilies attracting visitors </p><div></div>

<p>BF feeding on sweetpea blooms</p><div></div>

<p>Wildflower in the meadow I maintain for the critters </p><div></div>

<p>Day lilies that opened today</p><div></div>

<p>Laura, Shun thank you for your time and efforts! I joined photo.net last year because it seemed to be a website "of photographers for photographers" - to share experiences and advance knowledge. I thank those that have and do so .<br>

There seems to be some confusion as to the difference between the interpretation of "guidelines" and "absolute rules" as we are only asked for use of "common sense' in the submission of images that may approach "grey areas". The "grey areas" seem quite liberal - it's not as if you were rejecting photos of waterfowl because they were on a "man made" body of water as opposed to a "natural" body of water or deer on a mowed lawn or harvested hay field :-) <br>

Judicial framing and/or cropping is part of photography is it not?<br>

As Shun stated there are many other forums on photo.net available to post questionable "nature" images that may be more appropriate. Indeed, I have noted images posted here on the "nature" forum appear on the appropriate "equipment" and/or "for critique" forums.<br>

Bob</p>

<p>Great shots everyone and a second thumbs up for Thom's fawn!<br>

Laura- great topic and highly controversial. Indeed many species now considered "invasive" were introduced and encouraged by humans and their activities. You mentioned multi-flower rose - many times introduced for food and cover crops by wildlife agencies years ago and spread by the seeds passing thru birds. <br>

Bill, Your previous mention of Austin Tx. being over run with deer prompted a web search and found that Austin city council passed a "no feed ordinance" in 2009 and some areas ( Lakewood) are employing "trap and transfer". Other areas are considering controversial lethal means of using "sharp shooters" as has been done by National Park Service in Gettysburg Pa. in order to control over population in small areas. The local SUNY @ Binghamton proposed similar control measures for their adjoining wildlife preserve and met strong resistance and at this point is "under further review".<br>

Cayuga Lake- battling invasive aquatic plant, the Great Lakes and zebra mussels and Asian carp -the lists goes on and on ...<br>

Bob</p><div></div>

<p>Found this young one standing in the brush about 30yrds. away trying to figure out what to do, so I backed off after a quick shot.</p><div></div>

<p>Good to see you're moving on and taking steps for growth and stability. Enjoy your day, enjoy life!<br>

Bob</p>

 

<p>Scarlet Tanger in back yard tree. From the looks of all the green choke cherries it's going to be a very popular tree in a month or so.</p><div></div>

<p>My favorite "bug" shot - taken while enjoying my coffee in the morning sun across our creek. Taken from about 10yrds. and cropped in DPP</p><div></div>

<p> Bad proof reading - s/b do NOT that which is past interfere ...<br>

One more point to consider as we age :what is the legacy you wish to leave behind,how do you wish to be remembered. During my 1st posting, I received news that an older gentleman that owned property upon which I hunted, hiked and gathered my firewood supply since my childhood passed last night. I had shared in my hunting and gardening successes and worked together in processing firewood and other projects for the past 15 years until forced to stop due to the mutual decline in our abilities. My regret - I didn't do so earlier and get to know him even better. After months in the hospital for leukemia treatments he still retained a pleasant demeanor and positive outlook - even after being taken off his meds and being told life expectancy was less than 2 weeks (he lasted 2 days). That is how I will remember Harvey along with the knowledge he shared, and our experiences together. Perhaps "surrounding" yourself with others of such positive attitudes - to quote lyrics from a song of my youth "don't let them bring you down" ...<br>

Getting back to the OP - you stated "35 years employment in the education field". Did you enjoy sharing your knowledge and expertise? Throughout the ages, as elderly were unable to participate in "hunting/gathering or providing" they took on the role of passing knowledge onto the next generation.Can you not continue to mentor others( recent posting in "New Members" stated interest in expanding film interest)?<br>

Bob</p>

<p>In a situation of declining health and abilities, I've contemplated getting rid of some of my hunting, fishing and gardening equipment as I can no longer use them and perhaps someone else will enjoy their use. As my ability to do or enjoy those activities declined I focused on photography that I enjoyed to some extent years ago. I've thought going back to a "point & shoot" so as to not have to lug extra lens around in pursuit of nature/landscape shots as my capabilities further decline. Perhaps a change in equipment or pursuits to spark the interest back up?<br>

I plan on shooting in one form another for as long as I can - for it is a pursuit of finding beauty and joy in one's surroundings. Some days I only sit across our creek, with the camera at hand for what ever presents itself. If nothing else, I've gotten outside and enjoyed all that my senses have taken in. Perhaps a change of subject matter?<br>

My yellow lab is my constant companion and seeing him roll around in the grass, stick his nose up to "read" the air currents, the pleasure he gets exploring new/old places inspires one to take it all in, to enjoy, make the most out of the moment. There are times I've had to force myself to get up and about to take care of his "needs" and have been taken in by the clear winter night sky so there are pluses and minuses in regards to being a dog or cat's "partner". But, please remember - every dog should have a human, not every human should have a dog. <br>

In regards to "depression", yes it sounds as if you went thru alot - BUT YOU SURVIVED IT! Does that not bring a sense of accomplishment and joy? You went thru all the treatments, the un-certainty and fear - do let that which is in the past interfere with the enjoyment of LIFE now. One generally finds what they're looking for - look,pursue for that which brings you joy! <br>

Re: "man hugs" - helpful no matter what the age, sometimes accompanied with a "swift kick in the ass"<br>

Bob</p>

<p>Certainly knows how to enjoy a warm spring day - with a roll in the grass and wild flowers after chewing on a stick.</p><div></div>

<p>Here's a "recovery" - poor lighting in the shade and being in a hurry resulted in this hummingbird photo being under exposed -so turned it into silhouette.</p><div></div>

<p>First fawn made it's appearance last week in the field in front of our house - kind of early for upstate NY, usually mid June or so. "Mama" leaves the fawn in the field(safer than in the woods with the coyotes and bears) and comes back several times a day to nurse the fawn after making sure the coast is clear and then goes back into the nearby woods. </p>

<div></div>

<p> Capured while meandering thru patches of woodland blooms at local State Forest</p><div></div>

<p>Otter Brook in the Adirondacks from last Aug. can't wait to re-visit next month - with new growth and new camera :-)</p><div></div>

<p> Not sure if this will help, but DDP gives you an option to click "sharpness" box and choose "sharpness" or "unsharp mask" with my 7D as did my old T3 for raw files.<br>

Bob</p>

<p>Chickadee in the evening sun.</p><div></div>

<p>Spring is making itself known - little by little in upstate NY.</p><div></div>