Dandelion Clocks

Just before the latest monsoon moved in, the first crop of spring dandelion clocks were ticking!

As usual, a larger version is available for viewing here.

Rufous Hummingbird

This little guy appears to have claimed ownership of one of our feeders for a few days, ripping around making angry noises to chase other males (or anything with wings!) away.

Despite the cold weather (high temps in the low double-digits, sleet) he's been persistent - probably attracted by the almost-overwhelming scent of our lilac hedge!

No sign of a female, yet - or rather, if she's around, she hasn't been allowed near the feeder!

And they're great practice for me with my 1D Mark IV, flash practice,  and my new-used Manfrotto tripod!

Larger versions may be viewed in my bird gallery.

Red Tulip

I love it when an unexpected opportunity produces photos that I'm delighted with!

Today I was at ICAN, waiting to start today's session with new arrivals at the shelter, when I noticed a clutch of red tulips in the sun. I took four photos, and they all came out well! Here's one:

Larger versions of the four shots can be seen on my website.

Flood Debris

Yesterday, we were down in the Athalmer wetland area, taking photos of a couple for their engagement. Turns out the water level is very low right now, and we came across this old car wreck:

One wonders about the car's history. The damage makes me think that the vehicle was swept away in flood waters - if so, I hope the driver/passenger/s made it out ok. It looks like its been there for a really long time, though, so it could just have been dumped in the wetlands (or somewhere upriver) back in the day, and the damage is from the pressure of constantly advancing and retreating flood waters.

There was another vehicle even more buried nearby, but it was wheels-up - looked like the chassis of a small industrial truck.


No idea what make/model it is (do you have any ideas?), but Paul reckons its from the 50's. More full size images of the car are here.