Waning Winter

- The past week of spring-like temperatures has caused the trees to begin budding out. I hope the that winter is truly behind us because if we have an extended cold spell now it will be hard on the trees and other plants that are starting to wakeup. Canon G11, 1/125 sec @ f/7.1, ISO 100.

Sunset Silhouette

- Winter trees silhouetted by the setting sun. Canon 7D, 1/160 sec @ f/7.1, ISO 800, 50mm prime lens.

Snow Swing

From 2010 Blog

Yesterday's snow was wet and wind driven. We didn't get much accumulation but it did stick to everything. The plants, trees and our backyard swing all got a nice white coating, at least on the parts facing into the wind. Today's sun melted away most of it but provided some nice light this morning. Canon 7D, 1/800 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 200, 50mm prime lens.

400!

From Snow Day

Today's blog post is my 400th since starting on January 1, 2009. I can't believe how this has become part of my daily routine. Thanks to all of my faithful followers and commentators for helping me achieve another milestone. This photo comes from the recent snow fall. A lone gumball sits in the snow at the edge of the street. Hundreds more hang 20 feet overhead. The gumball tree is native to the American south and is officially called the American Sweetgum. Canon 40D, 1/400 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 100.

Split Rail

From Snow Day

This split rail fence casts a clear shadow in yesterday's white snow. Every time I see a split rail fence I think about Abraham Lincoln the world's most famous "rail-splitter". Canon 40D, 1/1600 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 100, 70mm focal length, converted to black and white.

Snow!

From 2010 Blog

Yes it did snow today about 6 to 8 inches at our house. This picture was taken this morning while it was still snowing. Last Thursday night I told my grandson Robert that it wasn't going to snow and he adamantly disagreed. First thing this morning the phone rang and I heard his voice say "I told you so." Canon G10, 1/400 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400, +1 exposure compensation.

From 2010 Blog

I know this is a photo a day blog but I have another picture to share with you. It's a twofer. This afternoon the backyard feeders were jammed with activity. I had four pairs of cardinals, dozens of goldfinches, a pair of blue jays, a few chickadees and house sparrows, and a lone squirrel. This male cardinal was patiently awaiting his turn at the crowded feeder. Canon 7D, 1/50 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, 400mm focal length.

Snow?

From 2010 Blog

Since they are calling for snow tonight, I thought it appropriate to post a picture from December 26, 2004 - the last significant snow fall in Virginia Beach. Yes that's right, 5 years since we have had a major snow storm in coastal Virginia. Oh we've had a few dustings and a few more threats for all of which schools were closed! They are calling for 4 to 8 inches tonight, so let's all keep our fingers crossed for more snow pics tomorrow. Pentax Optio S4 point and shoot, 1/8 sec @ f/2.6, ISO 100, 35mm equivalent focal length.

Twisted Elm

From 2010 Blog

This elm tree is located at the side of my house. Some how it survived for the 29 years we have lived here while several others in the yard died from Dutch elm disease. It also has these very unusual twisting branches resulting from years of crude power line tree trimming. A massive shade tree in summer it is even more interesting during a winter twilight. Canon G10, 1/500 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

362 - Cloud Bands

From 365 Project

A cold front moved into the area around sunrise today. With it came these bands of clouds making for an interesting winter sky. The picture is taken looking east into the rising sun silhouetting the bare tress in the foreground. Canon 7D, 1/6400 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 640.

361 - Firepower

From 365 Project

The Dwarf Firepower Nandina in my backyard have taken on their bright crimson color for the winter. These bamboo like shrubs are great low maintenance additions to any garden and provide interesting color in winter. Canon 7D, 1/125 sec @ f/3.2, ISO 200, 50mm prime lens.