I love to watch the raptors at work, and with all the prairie dogs on the high plains here to the foothills, there's lots of work. I'm lucky to live between 2 bald eagle habitats and there are hawks everywhere.
Beauties all, G. Very well done. The sunset is especially very Spiritual in its combining Father Sky and Mother Earth in the reflection of the sunset on the waters below.
You have really developed an expertise in your editing - and it didn't take you long to do that. As for your first picture, you have fulfilled what I consider an important aspect, i.e. to have something man-made, even if a minor thing, included in a photo as you have done with what appears to me to be a bench with a bit of white picket fence behind it, and is that a bird-bath near the centre?
You have really developed an expertise in your editing - and it didn't take you long to do that.
Totally agree, Buzz. G's artistic talents have really come to shine very quickly. And they are a great treat for us here. It is really interesting to see a different type of artwork to join that of others.
Thanks, Buzz. Considering that as of mid-April I was only posting basic photos with a frame, I think that I'm making pretty good progress.
The first picture doesn't have a bench or fence, but it does show a few of the steps leading up our back hill to a platform where I do have a bench and a view out over the canyon and our local part of the Santa Monica Mountains. There is a bird bath in the photo. The first photo actually contains a main photo with parts of two other photos edited in.
The original sunset photo was beautiful but I enhanced the colors just a bit which made it even nicer.
To reach that waterfall you have to hike two miles on a narrow path in rugged terrain along the ocean cliffs, and then hike about two and a half more miles deep into a wilderness canyon. You even have to cross the stream several times as part of the hike to the waterfall. It is all incredibly beautiful, but it is a fairly strenuous hike and takes several hours to complete the whole trip.
Thank you so much, Raven Wing. I have been spending more time working on art projects lately than anything. I'm having a lot of fun and will have more pieces to share.
Your time spent on your artwork is obvious, G. I really look forward to seeing your artwork each week, and seeing what new skills you have learned. It really is amazing how far you have come in such a short time, and it is obvious that your inner skills are showing through as well. We can see your enhancement and editing skills are improving every week.
The word "raptor" comes from the Latin word rapere, which means "to seize or take by force." Raptor is a general term used informally to refer to all birds of prey . Bird enthusiasts occasionally limit their use of the term "raptor" to refer to birds of prey who hunt during the day.
Carrying forward a random selection of photos from my earlier years in China - many were probably posted years ago, and it's possible you may remember some of them.
1. A scene in downtown Chongqing, next to the Jialing River
.
2. Traditional Chinese roof lines.
.
3. A museum diorama of the dress of the many ethnic groups in China.
.
4. Not found in the wild west, but in the back garden of a museum in Nanning, Guanxi Province.
.
5. A night view of part of Chongqing.
.
6. Strolling through Ciqukou Old Town, part of Chongqing
.
7. Overlooking Millenium Park, in the ancient Dynasty capital of Kaifeng, Henan Province
.
8. A Pagoda tower, that I think was in the Pudong area of Shanghai.
.
9. I don't remember where I took this photo, but it was among my early ones.
.
10. A diorama of an early train displayed in the Three Gorges Dam Museum in Chongqing.
They are all very good photos, Buzz. Which gives us an inside look at both the real life activities of the Chinese people and the antiquities, which many of us would not be able to see if not for your generosity of sharing your many photos here with us.
I've been reading about cardinal nests and thinking about building one to see if I can get some neat video next year. Apparently they won't take to an enclosed nest box, and need some kind of open ledge or platform (perfect for observing with a camera). I have some spare lumber lying around and have gotten the itch to make birdhouses.
Please do take some pictures or videos of new bird house as you go along to share with us.
I'll do that.
Here are a couple of design concepts I've come up with. The first one is a somewhat non-traditional wren house (bigger, with a large entry hole and a roost), and the second is a nesting platform for cardinals or blue jays (but I'll probably end up with robins in it).
Have you ever thought of using clear plastic for the sides so you can video/photo the nest?
No, I haven't. I don't know how well that would work. It might make the birdhouse undesirable. Then again, maybe not. House wrens are notorious for building nests in just about anything.
I have thought about the possibility of installing a micro camera inside, though. I've seen people on YouTube doing that.
Thank you, Buzz. I very glad you like it. It was one of my very early creations.The framing is a very unusual wood burl that provided a unique background.
I think you would enjoy two latest articles I've posted on the Discovery Group. They might still be noted on the Home (Front) Page if not yet swamped by the political divide.
That is a Chieftain, his Son and his wife. The women always stand behind in respect of their husbands, not because they are treated as being lowly. It is something that is practiced by women in most Tribes. The women in most Tribes are treated with respect and courtesy.
So they are there to show a part of Native American Culture and Traditions.
I've noticed that too. May be due to the fighting over the Afghanistan situation. I have no interest in that so I prefer to share my artwork here, old and new. I really do appreciate this group to provide us with such a venue to share our work, as I am able to see and learn about things and places I cannot see or do in person. And I know I am not alone.
Great photo, Buzz. Is that a photo of China's Pop group? But, you know I never need a push to come here and view all the great artwork and photos, as well as share my artwork with others.
It's just a creative effort on the campus of the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute kitty-corner from where we live. As A.Mac knows, I, too, have been loyal to this group.
Indeed I know you are also a loyal fan of this group, and I look forward to seeing your photos of various areas of China. You know that I am a fan of China's history, culture and traditions. I see a lot of different areas of their ancient artwork of all kids in the historical programs that I enjoy watching. They have nothing to do with China's politics, just their ancient history. So your sharing your photos each week helps to bring that all to life for me.
Thank you, Buzz. I never cease to be amazed at how many of the wood burls work out so well as backgrounds for the primary images, such as this one. It is just a matter of finding the the right wood burl and the right spot on it to provide the best results.
Thanks G. I love working with wood burls of all kinds of trees. Every burl has its own personality and its interesting to match a burl to what I am working on at the time. I have often made some changes to the artwork to work with the burl that offers the best correlation of the two. In the very beginning of creating my artwork I worked mostly with the wood burls, so many of my early artwork is utilizing the wood burls.
My computer is down and I have a brand new iPhone with a great camera. As soon as I figure out how to post photos from my phone I’ll me posting some photos.
Hunting for another great Creative weekend.
yay!!!
I love to watch the raptors at work, and with all the prairie dogs on the high plains here to the foothills, there's lots of work. I'm lucky to live between 2 bald eagle habitats and there are hawks everywhere.
Hi Mac,
Love all of it. Well done!
Beautiful artwork, Mac.
Well, if you're hunting, I expect that you'll do it like you fish - catch and release. So make sure you use binoculars and a camera instead of a gun.
I opened the hawk full size in a new tab. That's a beauty.
Our neighborhood Blue Jay was causing a ruckus the other day because a flock of grackles had taken over our front yard bird feeder.
I never tire of your posting Blue Jays - makes me feel right at home.
Backyard Fantasy
© G. Gam 2021
Sunset clouds reflecting in the Lagoon, Rarotonga, the Cook Islands. If you look closely you can see the waves breaking on the reef.
© G. Gam 2021
Hanakapi'ai Falls, Kauai
© G. Gam 2021
Beauties all, G. Very well done. The sunset is especially very Spiritual in its combining Father Sky and Mother Earth in the reflection of the sunset on the waters below.
Thank you, Raven Wing.
You have really developed an expertise in your editing - and it didn't take you long to do that. As for your first picture, you have fulfilled what I consider an important aspect, i.e. to have something man-made, even if a minor thing, included in a photo as you have done with what appears to me to be a bench with a bit of white picket fence behind it, and is that a bird-bath near the centre?
Oh, and the sunset is quite dramatic. I never got to see that falls when I was on Kauai.
Totally agree, Buzz. G's artistic talents have really come to shine very quickly. And they are a great treat for us here. It is really interesting to see a different type of artwork to join that of others.
Thanks, Buzz. Considering that as of mid-April I was only posting basic photos with a frame, I think that I'm making pretty good progress.
The first picture doesn't have a bench or fence, but it does show a few of the steps leading up our back hill to a platform where I do have a bench and a view out over the canyon and our local part of the Santa Monica Mountains. There is a bird bath in the photo. The first photo actually contains a main photo with parts of two other photos edited in.
The original sunset photo was beautiful but I enhanced the colors just a bit which made it even nicer.
To reach that waterfall you have to hike two miles on a narrow path in rugged terrain along the ocean cliffs, and then hike about two and a half more miles deep into a wilderness canyon. You even have to cross the stream several times as part of the hike to the waterfall. It is all incredibly beautiful, but it is a fairly strenuous hike and takes several hours to complete the whole trip.
Thank you so much, Raven Wing. I have been spending more time working on art projects lately than anything. I'm having a lot of fun and will have more pieces to share.
Your time spent on your artwork is obvious, G. I really look forward to seeing your artwork each week, and seeing what new skills you have learned. It really is amazing how far you have come in such a short time, and it is obvious that your inner skills are showing through as well. We can see your enhancement and editing skills are improving every week.
Very well done!
Awesome, G.
Thanks, Dig. I'm really glad you like them.
Wake up, Everybody!
A PHILLY GROUP!
Looks like lots of folks are still not awake.
Great Video, Mac.
I guess you posted a video, because I can't open it.
Caught this on the top of the hospital I work at. It was doing it's raptor scream up there.
Good catch, Veronica. They do like to scream.
I thought Raptors were prehistoric creatures, or else Toronto basketball players.
.
So that includes eagles, hawks & falcons.
Running a bit late today........A Shawl Dancer
Gorgeous colors.
Thank you, Veronica. I'm glad you like it.
That is beautiful.
Thank you G.
I shawl tell you it's an excellent creation.
LOL! And I shawl thank very much, Buzz. (grin)
Carrying forward a random selection of photos from my earlier years in China - many were probably posted years ago, and it's possible you may remember some of them.
1. A scene in downtown Chongqing, next to the Jialing River
.
2. Traditional Chinese roof lines.
.
3. A museum diorama of the dress of the many ethnic groups in China.
.
4. Not found in the wild west, but in the back garden of a museum in Nanning, Guanxi Province.
.
5. A night view of part of Chongqing.
.
6. Strolling through Ciqukou Old Town, part of Chongqing
.
7. Overlooking Millenium Park, in the ancient Dynasty capital of Kaifeng, Henan Province
.
8. A Pagoda tower, that I think was in the Pudong area of Shanghai.
.
9. I don't remember where I took this photo, but it was among my early ones.
.
10. A diorama of an early train displayed in the Three Gorges Dam Museum in Chongqing.
They are all very good photos, Buzz. Which gives us an inside look at both the real life activities of the Chinese people and the antiquities, which many of us would not be able to see if not for your generosity of sharing your many photos here with us.
Thank you Raven, sharing my photos is my pleasure.
More very cool photos by you. Very interesting.
An adult male cardinal foraging in the yard with a juvenile.
Making sure it gets enough to eat.
I don't know how they find these bugs. I never see them in the grass, but they're obviously there.
Goldfinches.
I only have one birdhouse with wren chicks still in it. I think there are four in there. You can see two of them here.
Great photos, Dig. I like the one of the Papa Cardinal and his hungry Son dining in the always open outdoor restaurant. (grin)
I've been reading about cardinal nests and thinking about building one to see if I can get some neat video next year. Apparently they won't take to an enclosed nest box, and need some kind of open ledge or platform (perfect for observing with a camera). I have some spare lumber lying around and have gotten the itch to make birdhouses.
Please do take some pictures or videos of new bird house as you go along to share with us. That will be interesting to see how you build it.
Have you ever thought of using clear plastic for the sides so you can video/photo the nest?
I'll do that.
Here are a couple of design concepts I've come up with. The first one is a somewhat non-traditional wren house (bigger, with a large entry hole and a roost), and the second is a nesting platform for cardinals or blue jays (but I'll probably end up with robins in it).
No, I haven't. I don't know how well that would work. It might make the birdhouse undesirable. Then again, maybe not. House wrens are notorious for building nests in just about anything.
I have thought about the possibility of installing a micro camera inside, though. I've seen people on YouTube doing that.
Your diagrams are so cool. Awesome, Dig.
I, and I'm sure others, never tire of seeing your wildlife (and garden) photos.
where's our food delivery?
Great photos as always, Dig. You live in a truly wonderful place.
Thanks, G. Did you catch the wren video I posted on the front page?
That was really a great video, Dig. I really enjoyed it.
Thanks, RW. Very glad to hear.
Yes, I just did. Wow. It's an amazing piece.
One to take us on the way to Saturday....one I posted some times ago...
Not only an exciting image, but a fantastic framing of it.
Thank you, Buzz. I very glad you like it. It was one of my very early creations.The framing is a very unusual wood burl that provided a unique background.
That is a very dramatic piece, Raven Wing. Great art.
Thanks G.
Saturday … Floundering around :
© A. Mac/A.G.
... and some are not.
Very imaginative Flounder, summer fisherman enjoying his trip to the shore.
Well done, Mac!
Flounders do make a delicious meal...during any season.
Looks good, Buzz. Yumm!
Great work.
My contribution for Saturday...some of you may have seen it before, but, some may not have. I hope you all enjoy it.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness. _John Keats
Thanks Mac, I truly appreciate your very kind words.
What's not to like?
Thank you very much, Buzz.
I think you would enjoy two latest articles I've posted on the Discovery Group. They might still be noted on the Home (Front) Page if not yet swamped by the political divide.
I'll check it out, Buzz. Thanks for the heads up.
That is an interesting grouping, Raven Wing. Nice.
That is a Chieftain, his Son and his wife. The women always stand behind in respect of their husbands, not because they are treated as being lowly. It is something that is practiced by women in most Tribes. The women in most Tribes are treated with respect and courtesy.
So they are there to show a part of Native American Culture and Traditions.
It appears we've hit a bit of a slowdown this week; maybe it's attributable to vacations or other events. Hope participation picks up.
I've noticed that too. May be due to the fighting over the Afghanistan situation. I have no interest in that so I prefer to share my artwork here, old and new. I really do appreciate this group to provide us with such a venue to share our work, as I am able to see and learn about things and places I cannot see or do in person. And I know I am not alone.
Thank you.
Maybe the members just need a little "push"....
Great photo, Buzz. Is that a photo of China's Pop group? But, you know I never need a push to come here and view all the great artwork and photos, as well as share my artwork with others.
It's just a creative effort on the campus of the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute kitty-corner from where we live. As A.Mac knows, I, too, have been loyal to this group.
Indeed I know you are also a loyal fan of this group, and I look forward to seeing your photos of various areas of China. You know that I am a fan of China's history, culture and traditions. I see a lot of different areas of their ancient artwork of all kids in the historical programs that I enjoy watching. They have nothing to do with China's politics, just their ancient history. So your sharing your photos each week helps to bring that all to life for me.
Here is one for Sunday.......
I liked that one when I first saw it, and still do.
Thank you, Buzz. That is why I like to share some of the old ones I've posted before, as it gives a chance for others to see the ones they like again.
Spectacular image.
Thank you G.
Here's another to keep the flow going...
The burl so perfectly cuddles the mother who cuddles her child.
Thank you, Buzz. I never cease to be amazed at how many of the wood burls work out so well as backgrounds for the primary images, such as this one. It is just a matter of finding the the right wood burl and the right spot on it to provide the best results.
Amazing. The burl framing is so unique.
Thanks G. I love working with wood burls of all kinds of trees. Every burl has its own personality and its interesting to match a burl to what I am working on at the time. I have often made some changes to the artwork to work with the burl that offers the best correlation of the two. In the very beginning of creating my artwork I worked mostly with the wood burls, so many of my early artwork is utilizing the wood burls.
One more for Sunday....A Shaman doing a ritual dance.
Another worth while reboot.
Thank you, Buzz.
Is there a specific purpose for the depicted ritual dance?
Mainly to vanquish evil spirits. Often performed in a ceremony or ritual. It can be for a person, place, or thing, as well as a Tribal gathering.
My computer is down and I have a brand new iPhone with a great camera. As soon as I figure out how to post photos from my phone I’ll me posting some photos.
Looking forward to them, Kavika. Your sunset photos are amazing. As well as many others.
Don't you connect it with a cable? Does your phone's camera have a zoom capability?
I don’t know about connecting it to a cable and yes it does have zoom capabilities, Buzz.
How to transfer files from phone to laptop
I'll leave this open for another few hours since things seem to be picking up.
Thanks to all; see you this coming Thursday or Friday.