Category Archives: Close Up
More Dogwood Trees
Before they fade away … soon … I want to share a few more images. Until next year, same time, same place.
Flowering Trees
No need for words here. Just be glad for the beauty in nature at this time of year.
Backyard Critters
It seems most of us have them … small wild animals and a variety of birds living close to home. Year around in many locations. Here in SW Virginia we especially have lots of squirrels and wild birds flying and running about the yard. They seem comfortable with us humans and aren’t too shy. Each in their own way can make a nice photo. However, you have to be alert, because they move quickly.
I was fortunate to see this friendly squirrel sitting on our patio fence right by the door as I peered out. He didn’t move.
Then today on a misty, cool morning my favorite type bird flew on top of our sundial to clean up seed I’d accidentally dropped after filling the nearby bird feeders. I grabbed my camera with telephoto lens and made this photo through the window glass over the kitchen sink. It’s not as sharp as it might have been had I been outside but these guys don’t linger so I had to get what I could. Photography is fun. Just keep your eyes open and camera handy.
April … finally
March wasn’t kind to us here in SW Virginia. Too cold. Too rainy and snowy. But the moisture was welcome. I was waiting for April. Now, it’s here. This image shows why I waited so patiently … the ones below just add to it all. Images via iPhone 7 Plus, processed in Lightroom Mobile on my iPad Pro. Last photo is my favorite.
The Blue Bird House
Our neighbor George is a diligent worker. Slow but deliberate. When he sets his mind to start and complete a retirement project in between exploring trips, at home and overseas, he does so with usual success. He wanted to attract Blue Birds to nest in (what else) a “blue” house. It even has a metal roof. I told him one day I’d make some photos of it and post herein for others to enjoy. As I did. He made every part by hand. I especially note the “windows.”
Loving Yellow
More about Early Spring
Even after a spell of cold weather and a bit of wet snow, Spring is making itself known. Bradford Pear trees are flowering all over the Piedmont region of Virginia and North Carolina, and the Weeping Pussy Willow tree, which I planted two years ago, is showing why the tree has that name.
Winter Again
With hopeful expectation of soon to arrive warmer temperatures, I’ve been teased by such over the past few weeks, watching our flowers begin to bloom and brighten. But, today, it’s Winter again.
The good thing about this March snowfall is that it’s on the minimal side. And, as you can see here, it makes for a couple of nice photo compositions. There is always a bright side to everything … if you think about it.
Bring me some Flowers
We have several Forsythia bushes in our yard, and they are now blooming. It’s a fast change from bare limbs, to small, bright yellow flowers, to green leaves, and then it’s just a plain looking bush. But, for now, it’s worth a photo or two.
Also in our yard (as I’ve written about before) are lots of also quickly blooming Daffodils. Right now they are all yellow in color, but there are a few cream-colored variety as well … but not yet blooming.
Not to be outdone, trees (below) are beginning to “bud” but that process is much slower than with the flowers. The most important aspect of this, however, is it’s a sure sign that Spring is near. (Aside: Well, maybe not “that” near, since possible snow is predicted here this weekend.) Waiting in the wings, so to speak, are numerous Dogwood trees we are blessed with … all over our neighborhood. My camera is alert and waiting.
In sum, every year at this time I see a wonderful transformation in SW Virginia, from drab Winter vegetation and overcast skies, to a variety of gradually unfolding colors sparkling in warming sun, with blue sky and puffy white clouds overhead. This makes me thankful for what we have been given. To overlook it is … well … not wise.
