I Found My Hummingbird

I have determined the reason I could not find my hummingbirds. I was not getting up early enough to see them.

I got up 3 days in a row just as the sun was coming up and all 3 days as I sat looking out the window at my kitchen table I saw my hummingbird!

I guess all this time I just wasn't early enough to see them.

Where Are My Hummingbirds?

I just can not get a hummingbird to come to my flowers this year. I planted some red flowers that were guaranteed to attract hummingbirds months ago. The flowers have thrived, they look great, but not one hummingbird has been seen!

Last year we had numerous hummingbirds flying about the red flowers and the hanging feeder we had on the deck. I don't know what is wrong this year, I wish someone could tell how to get them back again, I want to take more pictures.

Bird Photos

I have been practicing my bird photography. My husband loves to take pictures of the birds on our back deck. I often have a hard time getting him to eat breakfast as he is so engrossed in taking bird photos.

I like taking bird photos but I find them to be a challenge. Even though we have several bird feeders on the deck to keep the birds occupied they still fly off when you get ready to take their picture. Every time I pick up the camera they fly away.

Once in awhile I place a tripod in the window and leave the camera sitting there waiting for an opportunity to capture a unique bird. The birds seem to become accustomed to the camera in the window and ignore it. This approach seems to help but I really don't like leaving my camera in the window where it could be knocked over.

I really need to find better way to sneak up on the birds so they don't see me.

Flower Photos

I really enjoy taking pictures of flowers. I have not decided which flower I enjoy the most but I enjoy roses a great deal.

There are several good places nearby that have a great variety of roses. I can get a wide selection to choose from and this makes it easier to get a real good shot.

To me a red rose seems to be the most difficult rose to capture. It is difficult to get the definition and the correct color. My red roses often come out to dark and they appear surreal. When I do get a good shot of a red rose I know I have had a great day.

Smoky Mountains Visit

We just took a great short trip over to the Smokies this week. There is nothing I love more than a trip to the park.

The spring flowers were gorgeous and the weather was nice and cool. We got some pictures of the wildflowers along one of the various "quiet walks".
Have you ever noticed as you walk into the woods how everything else just slips away? There is peace and quiet and you just kind of slip into another dimension, no problems, no worries just you and nature. There is simply nothing better for the soul.

After we walked for about an hour or two in the woods I was ready to come back to reality feeling refreshed and ready to deal with life all over again. Plus, I got some great photos to take home and look over.

When you need a little quiet time, head out to the Smoky Mountains and take the time to venture into the woods, you will be surprised at how much better you feel when you leave.

Great Hiking and Photo Ops

You just never know what you can find when you are not really looking for anything.
We stumbled upon a beautiful area for hiking less than 3 miles from our backyard. We were out checking out a place a neighbor told us about and found a new destination for hiking and taking great nature shots.

There is a rushing stream that you can hear as soon as you enter the protected area, way before you can see any water. The stream is cascading over huge bolders and river rocks at a tremedous rate of speed but then there are protected areas behind huge boulders (2 or more stories tall) that are perfectly tranquil and the water is crystal clear. Gorgeous spot to take photos.

The trail is wide but very rocky and it leads to a waterfall about 1.5 miles up the trail. We were unable to make the journey today as it was about 7 pm and too late to make the trip before sundown. But you can bet I will return as soon as possible to investigate the waterfall and take all the photos I want.

I just can't believe we have not found this little paradise before now. When I need a little alone time, a place to relax and contemplate life, this is where you are going to find me.

City Scapes

I spent the afternoon waiting for the sun to set just so I could catch a nice cityscape. I really love the images of cities as the lights are just coming on and darkness is just beginning.

The weather was cool and breezy, but not cool enough for a sweater. Perfect! Just hanging out waiting for the perfect moment to take that shot. I had the old tripod stationed just right and the camera charged and ready as I waited for the right light.

The evening was perfect and I think I got a couple of great shots. But even if I didn't I had a wonderful time trying.