Backyard Fox Update

It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks in my backyard land of the wild animals, so I figured I would give you an update.

I had gotten to know the routine of the fox and could predict when I would see them. One evening as I sat on the deck with my camera in hand, I noticed something coming through the woods from the direction of the den. It was around 6 PM and the area of the woods was in deep shadows. I assumed it was the adult fox, until if got closer and I saw the enormous size of the animal. It was an adult....very healthy looking.....coyote. My stomach sank as I knew the fox were in danger.

We had a few evenings of the sound of the fox danger call. It was disturbing to say the least. Things have quieted down. The fox no longer live in the den in my backyard. In my heart, I want to believe that they have moved to another safer den. From all of the research I have done, this very well could be the case, as the fox typically have one or two "back up" dens. Occasionally during the night we still can hear the fox call, but it is further and deeper into the woods.

Here are the last set of images that I took of the fox kits. I don't think I will ever see them again so I am thankful that I got these images of them.

This kit was about 5 feet away from me when I shot this.

I'm not sad and don't want you to be sad because in my heart and in my mind these little ones are still playing and roaming the woods and living happy little fox lives. Amen!

Shadow Lake Concord VT

Ten vertical images stitched together to make this image of Shadow Lake on a very blustery morning just before the rain began to fall. I was hoping that more of the lupine in the field would have been in bloom, but they seem to be a little behind this year. On a clear day, a lovely view of the White Mountains in NH can be seen.

Abington MA Celebrates Flag Day 2016

Happy Flag day to you. I hope you are enjoying your weekend. I took a walk through Island Grove, in my hometown of Abington, with my camera today to visit some of the Flag Day festivities.

The Civil War Memorial Bridge was built in 1912 as a part of the town's bicentennial founding. Island Grove had been a place where the abolitionist's would often meet. (Click images to enlarge)

This is Christie Coombs on the right and Clancy Barrett on the left. Christie's husband Jeff was killed on flight 91 on Sept. 11th 2001 terrorist attacks. Christie founded the Jeffrey Coombs Memorial Foundation which raises money to provide financial assistance and emotional support to families in need, as well as funding enrichment programs in the Abington Schools, and Scholarships to Abington students.

This is a steel beam taken from one of the Twin Towers in NYC after the collapse on Sept. 11. Very emotional to see and touch this remaining piece of history.

This is Carol Najarian. Carol is a lifetime member of the Abington Historical Society and the Secretary of the Abington Garden Club.

There was a wonderful Civil War Encampment, as well as a Boy Scout Encampment held at the Grove.

Weather permittng, I hope to return for tonight's festivities.

Pillar of Light Shining up to the Milky Way

This was such a fun night. This image was taken at 1 AM at Windswept Farm in Barton VT. I asked one of my friends to create a "pillar of light" with a flashlight, with the light pointed up to the Milky Way, as I light painted the barn and forefront with a flashlight. This is a 30 second exposure.

Night Sky Over May Pond Barton VT

Held a very successful photography workshop weekend up in the NEK of VT as a fundraiser for my friend David who is battling brain cancer. There were 30 people in attendance........and everyone had a great time, and came home with some beautiful images.

Here are a few night shots that I took at May Pond in Barton. This first shot was taken around 9:45 PM.......the very end of the "blue hour" and before the Milky Way rose high enough in the sky to see.

Here is the Milky Way and it's reflection in the pond.

The bright "star" that you see in the right hand sky in these images is actually the planet Mars.

Storm Clouds and Rainbow over Hull MA

Thunderstorms were predicted in our area last evening, so Mr. S and I took a ride to Hull in hopes of possibly catching some storm clouds. We did!

Before the storm hit......

The clouds were forming and changing rapidly

After the storm passed by. This is a panorama of 10 vertical images stitched together in Lightroom.

Often times, you need to put yourself in the right place at the right time to get the shots. It's a gamble for sure, as we never know what Mother Nature has in store. But next time possible stormy weather is forecasted, try placing yourself in a scenic area, wait it out, and hope for the best. You just may be rewarded for your efforts. Safety being a priority of course. Once the thunder began I immediately went into the car until it was safe enough to go back outdoors.

My Blue Eyed Girl

You haven't seen an appearance by Ryleigh here on the blog recently, so I figured I would share a photograph that I shot of her the other day.

She is 2 and 1/2 years old now. She talks non stop, is very polite, and is extremely funny. Now, she may not intentionally be funny, but we just can't help but laugh at some of the things she says and does. She brings so much joy into our world. There are no words to describe how much she is loved.

xxooooooooxxxxoo