I’m flying! At least it feels like I have wings–I’m able to sit at a chair for a while. A month ago I fell and hurt my back and have been going from the couch to the bed. Each day I tried more standing up movement. So here I am ready to do a short post on Beth’s wonderful challenge of wings.
Most of my wings are of birds in flight.
Hawk ready for flight.
In flight at the annual Sacramento Chalk it Up.
Crop dusters in rural Yolo County.
Even the Sacramento Zoo had flights in fantasy for a while.
That’s it for my short post today. Next week Ann-Christine will lead us into the Holiday season. I’ve been enjoying all your posts for the last month, especially how all of you expressed mysterious. I’d better not push it. Thank heavens for laptops and a couch that reclines. See you next week. In the meantime stay safe (I need to listen to my own words.) and live in gratitude.
It’s July 4th in the United States–Happy Independence Day to all who celebrate. This evening we will celebrate with friends and enjoy viewing some fireworks from their hilltop viewpoint. While my meatballs are cooking in the crockpot, I thought I’d share just a few pictures from the Sacramento Zoo. The zoo is remaining in Sacramento and not moving. I don’t know exactly why, probably a money issue.
Here are a few glimpses of our new giraffe. She’s growing fast, but still seeks out her mother.
The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, is asking to be let back in to it’s shelter. Is it people shy?
Our new lioness is grooming herself. I believe they are keeping the new lion and lioness separated for now, only having one out at a time.
We have a new leopard, a clouded leopard. Named because the spots resemble clouds.
I started this post with our youngest giraffe, and I’ll end it with a close relative-the okapi. This is probably the second best picture I’ve gotten of one of them. They are just beautiful.
That’s it for my brief excursion to the zoo. Stay safe and live in gratitude!
I know I’m not first to tell you the great news that Beth of Wandering Dawgs has joined the Lens Artists Challenge team. She’s been a long-time participant and has done a lot of travelling. I’m sure she will be giving us exciting challenges. In other not so great news, Patti will be on hiatus until November. She broke both her wrists and has a difficult time typing or holding a camera. We wish her a speedy recovery.
In this week’s challenge, Tina wants our immediate reaction to a picture we are about to take, or it can be the first thing we think about a photo from our archives. She’d like us to concentrate on humor–yes we can all use some of that these days. So here’s my attempt.
Orangutans at the zoo are so entertaining. I’m sure they think we are too!
Now where did I put that banana?
A lion’s yawn can seem awfully menacing.
Why did you wake me up?? You know I get cranky!
Birds offer a different type of humor.
This pool isn’t heated!This is the reason I wear a cap!
Someone left a hat behind.
Now where did I put my head??
And what does the bull say to the cowboy at the rodeo?
If I told you once, I’ve told you twice. GET OFF MY BACK!!!
We do need humor these days. Thanks Tina! I’m looking forward to see more from all of you. When you post your pictures, be sure to link back to Tina’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week we found peace with Egidio’s challenge on Serenity. I’m presenting the challenge next week so who knows what will happen! In the meantime, stay healthy and live in gratitude.
When I want to get my swan fix, yes I think they are beautiful and graceful, I go to Mather Lake Regional Park. It’s only about a half hour from my home. This lake is also a popular fishing place. Here are some pictures from a recent visit.
Now for the cuties. One month ago a female giraffe was born at the Sacramento Zoo. Right now they are taking votes to name her. Your vote will cost you a minimum of $5. (I think). On my last visit, I got there when the zoo opened and our un-named baby was out. She stayed by her mom except for a few runs around the enclosure. I was amazed at how the other adult females watched out for her. Here she is!
I have more images of other animals that I’ll show you next time. Baby giraffe will probably have a name by then. Isn’t she cute!
It’s raining–again! Fortunately not still. True, we need the rain, but it can rain at night and let the sunshine during the day. It’s just a simple request!
These pictures will almost catch me up.
First is my latest visit to the Sacramento Zoo. I’m enjoying our small zoo while I can. In 5 years, it will take at least 2 days to see all of the new Sacramento Elk Grove Zoo.
That was good!Our new young lioness.Loving a lettuce snack.
Second is the trout run at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery. There were many fishing boats on the American River that day. At the hatchery, the trout are caught, eggs are expressed, trout are released back into the river, their eggs are hatched and when ready released into the river.
Last is our hunt for apple blossoms. We found one accessible orchard, but didn’t go on the property, but stayed on the side.
We also stopped for a barn and an old building we saw along a country road.
I have just one more outing to catch me up. See you next week! Hopefully, the sun will be shining!!
It wasn’t just a great day at the zoo, it was an exciting day! Why? I was able to see and photograph our new lion Slamson II. The lion enclosure had been empty since both lions died; Kamau in June 2023 and Cleo in October 2024. Cleo passed at age 19 and was one of the oldest lions in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums African Lion Species Survival Plan population. Slamson II came to the zoo via a partnership with the Sacramento Kings basketball team, whose mascot is a lion called Slamson.
He’s been kept from public view all these months. But, now he’s ready to meet his adoring fans.
Next, I was excited because the Red Pandas were active. Usually, they are sleeping and, if I’m lucky, I get a picture of their face when they lift it. This time I could see their entire body as they walked from tree to tree and feeding area to feeding area. And I’d watch out for their claws!
Oh, then there was the Zebra who, I think, was on a time out. Usually they are just eating. But this one wasn’t.
And the White Rhino was out and eating, which he does most of the day. Also the African Pancake tortoise was eating.
The Orangutans were also eating. They would grab a head of lettuce from a plastic box and start chomping. I’m thinking we arrived during breakfast.
The Cheetahs, having finished their bones, were prowling their enclosure.
One cutie that I was able to photograph through plastic is the small Meercat. Of course we want children to come and enjoy the zoo. But they do leave little hand prints on the plexiglass. This time, I got lucky.
Let’s end this visit with the beautiful Okapi and the Black Crowned Crane. The cranes had been out from public view because of the bird flu. It was good to see this beautiful bird again.
I had a great morning. As you can tell from my images, the sun was harsh and presented some problems. But nothing could dampen my spirits after seeing the new lion and the Red Pandas out and about.
We recently went up to Reno for my grandson’s 15th birthday and to see the Ostrich and Camel Races. Half way through the 2 1/2 hour trip, all of you had better sit down for this, I realized I left my camera at home! Can you imagine that?? Since I started photography, I’ve always had my camera with me for events.
In fact, my camera has taken me to many fun places I wouldn’t have gone if I wasn’t looking for an outing. I now realize, thanks to Egidio and his wonderful challenge, that photography has given me the opportunity for fun.
For instance:
The Sacramento Zoo has been a favorite of mine. It’s fun to get to know the animals and watch them through the years. I always check the red panda enclosure to see if they are awake. Being nocturnal, they are usually napping. This one was awake! The cheetahs are a relatively new zoo addition. One day they were grooming each other. What an opportunity.
The Effie Yeaw Nature Center is a natural habitat where deer, coyote, birds and other animals roam free. It’s located on the banks of the American River. The deer are used to humans and remain calm when we photograph them. However, they do have natural predators. Once we saw the remains of a deer carcass.
Not being a true “birder” with a super long lens, I enjoy my yearly visit to what I call the Nesting Trees in Lincoln. The trees sit in a gully in the middle of two shopping centers. The birds, blue herons and egrets, feel safe and build their nests there. Even though I only have a 300mm stretch on my Fujifilm camera and Tamron lens. I do manage to get a few good ones. I’ve also learned to bring a chair!
I do have fun at carnivals. Not riding the rides; but photographing them. I have fun zooming in and out, moving my camera up and down, combining both on a longer shutter speed. The Ferris wheel provided me with a lot of fun times.
Last, you know I like reflections. At the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento, they put a locomotive on mirrors. Did they do that just for me? Here’s one result.
All of these destinations bring me fun each time I visit. But the joy comes from being with my friends for these outings. Photography has brought me wonderful photo buddies and also a great community like LAPC. About leaving my camera home, it must have been an omen. Two days before the races, a fire broke out in Washoe Valley. It looked like they had it contained, but the wind picked up and it changed direction. While we were watching the first ostrich race, my son got an alert to evacuate. Richard and I came home, and my son and family went to stay with his in-laws. It was an intense two days, but the fire didn’t get to their community, and they were able to return home.
Your posts to Ritva’s Common Objects challenge were just the diversion I needed last week. I was amazed at all the different interpretations you had for that challenge. When you respond to Egidio’s Fun challenge, please link back to his post and use the Lens-Artists tag in the reader. Next week Tina will be challenging us, so look for her post.
In the meantime, find the joy in life and have FUN!
What would life be like for us if we were young again? I’m not sure I’d want to be young in this crazy, unstable world of ours. But when I see the world through a child’s face and it’s joy and innocence, I’m hopeful. Tina’s challenge is for us to be young again through children, human and animal, we have photographed.
I’m hesitant to photograph children I don’t know, and usually ask a parent for permission. However, sometimes there’s no way to ask. As in this photo. A child strapped in on a high swing having a great time. What joy.
I did ask for permission when I saw this gorgeous red hair. The girl turned around as her mother said yes and gave me a big smile. I bet I wasn’t the first person with a camera to ask permission.
Parades are very public and a great place to photograph participants.
Even the kids were enjoying this pirate festival.
And now for a diva in the making.
Being a zoo member, I’ve seen many animal moms have babies (not literally). They are precious. Here are some.
Baby flamingo making a first appearance.They were kept inside until old enough to meet the public.Wolf’s Guenon. Mom and baby.Wolf’s Guenon Baby.Mom and baby giraffe.
More animals: Swans and cygnets; Geese and goslings.
There’s a certain joy when you are in the company of children–human or animal. For me there’s three levels of childhood flooding my memories: my childhood, my children and my grandchildren. And let’s not forget the puppies that have brought joy into our household. Yes, we seniors have wonderful memories bringing us joy. Thank you Tina for challenging us with this wonderful topic. When you post your youthful images, please link to Tina’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.
Last week Egidio had us all listening to and singing our favorite tunes. I enjoyed reading about and listening to your selections. Next week Patti is challenging us, so be sure to look for her post.
If you would like to participate weekly in our Lens-Artists Challenge, click here for more info.
I can’t carry a tune. I can’t find the beat. But I love music!
Music fills my heart and soul with joy, love and sometimes sadness. I don’t care, I’ll sing along with my favorites no matter how bad I sound. Most of my favorites catch me because of their lyrics. They have to have meaning to me, and it helps if the instrumental portion is as beautiful as the lyrics.
However, Egidio challengedus to see the image and relate to the music it brings forth. For me, it came backwards. I feel the music and see the image. Kind of a twist, but that’s not unusual for me. Here are six of my favorites.
Here Comes the Sun. When I’m depressed, sad or just feeling down, I play this song. Written by George Harrison and made popular by the Beatles, I like Richie Havens version the best. His instrumental gets me dancing. By the way, I can’t dance either, but this song gets me moving and feeling the sun around me. Soon I’m out of my funk.
First light. Yosemite National Park.
Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran. If you’ve buried your Mom, this song can’t help but bring back sweet memories. I think of my mom often, but especially when I listen to this song.
Tulips, Ananda Village, Nevada City
Piano Man by Billy Joel. I love this song for it’s message and instrumental. Joel’s lyrics take me out of my reality and into a bar filled with smoke and lonely people. Plus I enjoy listening to a piano, and this tune is exceptional.
Dave Bennett at the Sacramento Music Festival
Sound of Silence by Paul Simon. I’m not the first to pick this song as a favorite. I’ve been reading and listening to your posts and three of you have also picked this. Written by Simon and performed by Simon and Garfunkel, this song reaches my soul and I want to scream out we must do something. That something depends on what is happening in the world.
Lassen National Park
Forever Young by Rod Stewart. This song fills my heart, remembering when my children were infants and the love and light they brought into my life. I also remember seeing my grandchildren for the first time. Welcoming a child or grandchild into your life is an amazing experience and one never to be forgotten.
My younger set of grands at the Sacramento Zoo. Now they’re teens, but will be forever young to me.
Walking in Memphis by Marc Cohn. This song brought me to Memphis and Beale Street during our cross country trip. Oh my, I just soaked it up. The small cafes with music inviting you in. I did ask one of the gals singing if she knew this song. She did and sang it for me. I don’t know where my mind went, but it was euphoric.
Beale Street, Memphis, TN. Can you guess it’s biker night!
Yes, music is an important part of my life.
Thanks Egidio for taking me on this musical trip. When you post your response, please remember to link to his post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week we all enjoyed doing and seeing abstracts as requested by Ritva. Next week Tina will be leading the challenge so be sure to look for her post.
Happy pre-Thanksgiving to all who celebrate! There’s a new animal at the Sacramento Zoo: meet the White Rhinoceros. That’s his keeper behind the fence. She just kept feeding him. I wonder how much he eats in a day! He’s a big guy!
An orangutan was enjoying a snack of romaine lettuce.
The alligator was patiently waiting.
This meercat was the lookout guard at the top of the small mountain.
This raven (I think) caught its meal.
One of the cheetahs posed for me.
The flamingos are back. They are being housed in the former enclosure of the chimpanzees after they were sent to different zoos that had more space for them in a jungle like enclosure. The flamingos are still kept in a glass enclosure because of the avian flu.
What was this zebra trying to tell me?
These are the changes at the zoo. They are planning a move to Elk Grove in a much better location with more space for more animals. It will take about 4 to 5 years. So stay tuned.
Slow Shutter Speed 