Dawnrise

Early morning at the Coon Rapids Dam

Mississippi Clamming

Mr. MB and I must have taken 50 combined photos of this pretty clam in the riverbed, (under the water surface). The lines and colors caught our eyes in the sunlight. What was odd was the trail behind the clam. I guess I never realized they plow their way along the bottom of the river pushing small stones aside as they travel.

Wait for Me

I spent considerable time playing cat and mouse to get a good photo of this deer. She was quite camera shy at first, making sure something was in between her and the camera. I all but gave up, turned toward the trail and continued my hike. Much to my surprise, she followed me. When I stopped and turned, she kept on walking toward me and stopped 50 feet (15 meters) from me before she stopped. We stood for a few moments staring at each other before she bound off into the woods.

Fishing Pier

Fishing on the Mississippi River is a favorite activity by many.

Colored Waters

A Fawn Is Born

Continuing on my hike along the Mississippi River, I caught movement on the island across the river. This doe was glaring at me and watching over her fawn.

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Sentinal Heron

This Heron is standing on the spillway of the Coon Rapids Dam. High above on the dam walkway, I got a pretty good shot of him.

Spring Revival

Sometimes I think the colors of spring rival the colors of autumn.

Shore Fishing

Every day there are people lined up on the banks of the Mississippi River spending a pleasant day of fishing. The equipment is varied, minnow buckets, worm canisters, coolers, and a Tidy Cat litter container. this square box makes for an excellent way to take home their catch. This couple caught my eye as they were dressed fashionably rather than the typical shorts and t-shirts.

A Walk In The Park

Are we there, yet?
Newborn fawn struggles to keep up with it's mother. They left the grasslands of the park and headed across the parking lot. The mother was cautious as there were plenty of people around. Two people were watching from a picnic table, two were rollerblading, five bicyclists, and us to walking roving photographers.

The little fawn scrambled to keep up with it's long unstable legs. She hopped and bopped around with here legs comically moving about.

If I can't see or hear you, you're not there.
then she got tired. Instead of following her mother across the parking lot, she sought refuse in the shade of this tree.

Too tired to move.
And move she didn't. fifteen minutes later, we left the park, driving by this little deer by the tree. She didn't flinch as other cars passed by.
I have taken and posted a lot of photos from this park since I have been laid-off from work. T is a whole world to enjoy during the day, and I'm taking full advantage of it. This outdoor photography fun will end when the economy changes and jobs are available. Then I will miss this little deer.

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Spooled

Interesting to find things along the shore of the Mississippi River.

Snowy Floral

The return of winter?
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Geese 'O Landing

Geese coming in for a landing with a noisy ruckus. The serene turtle pond is disturbed by these honking geese.

Gabby and Abby

"Hey, don't look back, but there is a biped stalking us".
A bit of anthropomorphizing but have you ever wondered what our subjects think when we are in their space trying to get that perfect photo?

Green Morning Light

Mississippi River backwaters on a bright sunny morning. Yes, once again, I have taken yet another photo from the Coon Rapids Regional Park. There are plenty of hiking trails to enjoy. Some are paved and others are not. A nice walk through prairie fields that give way to forested areas along the river. Earlier in the morning, (and again in the late evening) are the best times to capture stunning colors. It also helps to use a circular polarizing filter to enhance the colors as I have done here. This is not an HDR image.

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Shooting Mode Manual Exposure
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/15
Av( Aperture Value ) 8.0
Metering Mode Partial Metering
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 28.0 mm
Image Quality RAW
White Balance Mode Shade

A sports note; congratulations to FC Barcelona. Yesterday, they won the Champions League in Rome Italy 2-0 over Manchester United. A recap, Manchester United owned the match and played superior football, (soccer) in the opening 10 minutes. That is when Barcelona scored. Afterward, Barcelona controlled the match, catching Manchester United flatfooted and unable to put anything together.

Turtle Log

The sun's warmth draws everyone out to bask in it's glory. Unfortunately, it is rush hour in this pond.

R & R

Rest and Relaxation.
These suburban deer are quite used to people walking the trails through the park reserve. She kept a wary eye on me while continuing to rest in the ferns.

Pavilion

Where many a concert and picnics have taken place inside.

Mother Goose

Out for a brisk walk

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Tagged

Christopher of Denmark tagged me yesterday.
The rules are simple: Tag and link back to the person who tagged you. List six (un) important things that make you happy. Tag six bloggers and let them know they're “it”. We all feel this blogging community to be one of inclusion and friendship.

My six (un) important things that make me happy:
a hike with my camera
post processing photos
the smell of fresh baked bread
veiwing a Manchester United match
baseball
a bicycle ride

My six tagged bloggers :
Chandler A to Z
Babzy Photos
Emm in London
Just Roaming the Cities
Photography by Alex
Cheltenham Daily Photo

Egret Fan

Practice with panning. Now if I can get him to stand still in a pond for a reflection photo.