New Life on the Drive

A photography friend and I had a sweet surprise yesterday while driving through a favorite wildlife refuge. We witnessed the first day of life for this American Oystercatcher chick. We hear she had just hatched the very same day! We thought we saw something moving under her but we were not sure until this adorable chick came out with eyes all squinty to see his (or her) new world. You may be able to see one of the other two eggs beneath her, yet to hatch. Momma is going to have her hands full very, very soon keeping her little chicks safe and sound. I just read a story about a rat snake trying to hurt this little one already! The parents did a good job of keeping her safe, but as you can imagine, they were extremely agitated.

Stylish Cardinal

He has quite the perfect Mohawk hair style going there!  This cool looking Red Cardinal gave me a pose last evening.

Tranquility

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The light was so pretty this morning. Peace and tranquility. Too bad the rest of the day didn’t feel like this! Oh well, at least I had that moment…..

Itchy Squirrel

This little guy scratched and scratched and then he finally felt better and went on his merry way to find another tree to climb. His favorite tree was cut down yesterday in preparation of another house coming down on our block.  Just another “not so simple day” in life at the shore lately.

Crushing of a Star

The “Star Jet” that is. Quite the day in Seaside Heights today. Prince Harry came to visit and the demo began on the famous roller coaster sitting in the Atlantic Ocean since Hurricane Sandy. The boardwalk was bursting with activity between the “lookers” like me (and my photography friend), and the workers rebuilding the boardwalk at feverish speed, it was an amazing sight to witness. The last two shots are double exposures. I took 2 different photos and the camera combined the images. Very cool! I can definitely get hooked on that one.

Origami and Legends

I attended a bridal shower this weekend. Can you imagine the patience and friendship of someone that would fold 1,000 origami paper cranes for you because a Japanese legend says that if given to the bride the couple will be rewarded with a long and prosperous marriage? Well, she did, and I am sure they will be greatly rewarded! What an amazing job she did for her friend. A special shower for a very special couple.

Infinite Dock

This local dock looks like it goes on into infinity. I discovered the red winged black birds like to hang out there. Next nice day I will be there with the 500 mm! Another surprise this week – the hummingbirds are back – or at least one of them! He actually came up to our sliding glass doors looking for his feeders. It was truly amazing. That little bird flew all the way from Mexico and came back to the same exact spot where he was fed last year. My feeders were not up yet! Good thing I saw him. I raced like crazy to get the sugar water in the feeder and hang it. In less than an hour he was taking a nice long, sweet  drink. What a sight! Hope to get some good shots this year.