chapter 384

5/10/2015

Happy Mother Earth Day

my humming bird is back from Mexico

Mother Melissa insists she get credit for this cell phone pic. Not sure if it's chapter worthy but I ran out of material this week. Suitable for the Facebook crowd (and there is overlap here) but I'm republishing this stuff here for documentation purposes. It was said on Facebook that I couldn't handle sprinkles- gets them all over his clothes. Union Mill complex listed on the National Register of Historic Places in background.

We all went to the National Saratoga Horse Show for a quick thrill for Lucas and photo op. Horse #189 is named Milton ridden by owner Lucia Wing. She won many awards in the adult amateur over 50 class and is also a ski instructor at Stratton Mountain. (Shawn photo)

First early morn kayak trip to Carter's Pond Wildlife Management Area before it got too buggy. Lot of geese nesting with the family units making a racket to frighten intruders and warn the community. They like to build nests on these beaver houses. Loads of Red Winged Black Birds chirping and dashing about the reeds. Wood Ducks skittering about.

Saw this male Osprey circling and paddled over to the end of the pond where I last saw him. All of a sudden I spotted him up in the tree eating something. Got a lot of pictures. One with the tail fin or something sticking out of his mouth. A beautiful example of a top level predator. A smaller bird was in a tree top near by. Looked like a hawk - owl like but perhaps a juvenile Osprey- not sure- kept focus on this adult.

A guy in my photo club tipped me off to this nest in Mechanicville, Rte 67 bridge just 100 yards north of edge of pavement over looking the Hudson River. Female has been in there the couple times I was there. The maternal instinct is a powerful nurturing force. This shot doesn't capture it all but I'd like to get some with bird babies. 

The male has been near by overlooking the river looking for food. He noticed me and came closer so as to protect the nest. After a lifetime of trying to help protect our natural world, it's rewarding to see these guys thrive. 

While near my home nest I ran into Mike Lemery shooting Vimeo video. He has gotten some good results with two examples there. He's a pro but just doing the eagles for kicks. 

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