Flight 01 in Sequence

 

Mr. Cob starting down the runway

 

 

 

 

Clear The Runway

 

 

 

 

Here He Comes

 

 

 

 

Treading The Water

 

 

 

 

Gaining Speed

 

 

 

 

This Looks Like Hard Work

 

 

 

 

 Paddling And Spreading Those Wings

 

 

 

 

Up Goes The Landing Gear

 

 

 

 

Down Goes The Landing Gear As He Pushes Forward

 

 

 

 

Up And Away He Goes

 

 

 

 

He Puts On The Brakes, Now For The Landing

This was a short distance flight to show the young ones how to do it.

Stay Tuned

In the next episode I will show one or two of the young ones learning to fly.

I took quite a few pictures and the lighting was a challenge. This is what I took… out of my camera other than a bit of cropping and resizing. 

Some of the young ones started to fly right after big daddy, but it all happened so fast, and I captured what I could, hand holding  my 170-500 lens which weighs roughly 4.5lbs not including the camera. I didn’t have time to set my IS on Panning.

These may not be wall hangers, but I had fun capturing these swans taking off into a short distance flight.

I was so happy and thrilled to witness this. I couldn’t believe my eyes when the 10 swans swam out to where there were a large number of geese and ducks and corralled them out of their way (Flying Path), and got ready to fly. I took some pictures and at times just watched them in “Awe”. of what I saw. This family of swans and cygnets have come along way. The cygnets have transformed into Beautiful Swans. Soon it will be time to say goodbye unless they leave on announced. I think it is called the “Call Of The Wild”. South they will head. How far I do not know.

This is the second family of swans in the last few years that I have had the pleasure of following for a season. I hope and pray I will get yet another chance to witness another family of swans next Spring and Summer. But will enjoy these while I can.

Until next time :)

Dianne © dsphotocats

Toronto Zoo Series

 

 

 

The Blue Macaw was the center of my attention this day! Yellow and Red Macaw hanging out just above. The clue being the yellow, and red tail feathers to the right in this photo.

 

Seems everywhere I go, I see birds. Birds fascinate me and I could not imagine a world without them.

I learned something I never knew before this past week. Did you know that by throwing your chewing gum away, outdoors, that you could kill and innocent bird? Birds apparently mistake it for bread or food, and when they swallow it, it gets stuck in their inners and they suffocate, and die. They can not digest gum. Makes one think or at least it should. Please don’t litter, and if you feel inclined please tell others not to throw their gum where an innocent bird or animal may find it. And I thank you, because I love birds. :)

 

 

 

 

 

This guy reminds me of “The Friendly Giant”

You know,”Look way up Rusty”

I loved watching that TV show growing up. Remember Jerome? Seeing this Giraffe brings back good childhood memories for me.

 

 

 

 

 

Apparently Hippo’s Like Apples. Seems so small, considering where it is heading. That is one huge mouth. I think I will stick to feeding treats to my little dog, Jesse. :) 

 

 

 

 

I took this picture through the thick glass window. Would you look at those nails, or claws. I would not want to meet one of these in the wild. I get the willy’s just thinking about it. We don’t have any of these running free in Ontario like they do in Western Canada and other places in the world. “But” we now have Cougars and a few years ago one was spotted in a field on the outskirts of our fair city. I think I would rather visit them at the Toronto Zoo, “Thank you very much!

 

 

 

 

I think Mr. Cougar was having a bad day at the Zoo.

I couldn’t get a full body image and had to aim my lens so it would focus between the thick mesh fencing. I would not want to meet one of these beautiful cats in the wild. Wild he is! Look at those eyes and teeth. I have heard so many stories of human encounters with these big cats, and my heart goes out to those who have been attacked by these predators.

 

 

 

 

 

This is one bird that I hope to one day see in the wild, flying free as an Eagle should. This Northern Bald Eagle was rescued and most likely not survive in the wilderness on its own. Just as many of us have stories of survival, this great Eagle has a story of its own.

 

All photos and script by Dianne © dsphotocats

 

These are just a few of the photos I took at the Toronto Zoo this past week. http://www.torontozoo.com/ExploreTheZoo/ It was a hot summers day, and the lighting was a challenge at times. It was suppose to be a mid 70’s day but per usual this summer the temperature climbed. I did enjoy my day at the zoo and stayed until closing time.

Well it is a beautiful Labor Day Monday and I took the day off work. Think I will head outside and enjoy some late summer air and sunshine. Hope to visit and do some catching up as well.

Hope to find you all well and enjoying this fine day.

xx’s Dianne :)

 

P.S I added a few new pictures of my family on the side bar, including my new Granddaughter. :) Her name is Briana Marina and was born on Aug. 27th weighing in at 5lbs. 3 ounces.  I may add some photos at a later date with permission of parents. I now have five Granddaughters and one Grandson. I am truly Blessed beyond measure. :)

Cygnets Growing Fast/Class Of 2012

 

 

This is a time of Transition for these Cygnets.

 

 

 

 

Taking a late afternoon break back at their nesting home

 

 

 

 

The Cygnets are about 2mos. old now.

 

 

 

 

This is a time of Transition for these Swan lings.

They are not as cute as their bodies are growing quickly. But they are Beautiful in their own way.

This is a time of learning many new things from their parents to help them survive and grow into Graceful Swans just like their parents.

I have noticed that these swans are a very close family.It truly is remarkable that out of 9 cygnets, 8 have survived, where as a couple years ago, only 4 out of 8 had survived. I am thrilled to see so many. Because of their size now, I think they will all survive. The Cygnets are most vulnerable when they are small.

 

They are growing their feathers and in the Fall they will learn to fly. I do hope I get to witness that and get a few shots of them in flight. Depends on whether they stay close by or go out into the deep or move to the other side of the Bay. We will just have to wait and see.

It has been my pleasure to witness them and share them with you. Thank you for your visits and comments.

 

The Class Of 2012

 

Written and photographed by: Dianne © dsphotocats

All Is Calm … Swans On The Bay

 

 

 

A Calm and Peaceful Day  Along The Shore Of The Bay

 

 

 

Mr. Cobb is on guard watching over his family. He is not showing off today. All is calm, and all is bright.

It is a Beautiful Day filled with warmth and light.

I love watching these swans and photographing them when I can, as you all know by now.

It is often very challenging to capture what I see due to the bright harsh sunlight as it shines off the water of the Bay.  But it is worth the effort. I forget about the world around me for a time, and all the cares of life. All is calm, and all is bright. It brings a peaceful moment filled with Joy.  I am in “Awe” of what I see as I witness the nature that surrounds me, and the Creator of it all.

I don’t get to travel very often and so I do appreciate the Beauty that surrounds me, even if it is common to some.

Ah! But I do get to travel  through the eyes of each one of you, and other wonderful bloggers, and photographers around the world. We all have something to share, and what is common to one, is new and exciting to another. At least that is how I see it. Thank you for all each one of you share. And now on to the next photo. I never know what I am going to write when I start my update. It truly is “Random Thoughts and Photographs”, and comes from my heart. Oh ya, I guess I better stop jip japping and get on with it. Ha!

 

 

 

 

A Very Touching Sight To See

As mother swan tends to her swanlings.

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Penn and her 9 Swanlings (Cygnets)

Just before coming on shore for a time of preening, and a time of rest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Off they go on yet another adventure and to get a bite to eat. I think they were out to have some Bay Vegetable Soup. :)

 

That is it for now. These photos were taken on May 29th.  I may never get caught up but what’s a gal to do.

Just take it as it comes and share when I can.

  There is a time for everything and life goes on. I hope life is good to you, and full of wonder at the things you see around you.

And I pray for those around the world who due to their political environment and circumstances among other things, do not see the Beauty. There is Hope in Jesus. God help us all to love one another, and some how  make a difference in this world we live in.

To all my blogger friends and those who drop by, may you have a good day filled with Peace, Hope and Love.

Sincerely, with Love and Care

Dianne :)

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Matt. 10:27-31).

"Sparrow" is the name given to several different species of birds in the Bible -- they ate grain and insects and gathered in noisy flocks. Sparrows would often build their untidy nests in the eaves of houses, but were not driven away when they built their nests in the Temple (Psa. 84:3). These insignificant little birds were such social creatures that a lone sparrow was the symbol of deep loneliness (Psa. 102:7).

In the days of our Lord sparrows were sold for a very low price -- two of them for a copper coin (Matt. 10:29). A copper coin, an asarion, was a very small Roman coin, was worth about 1/16 of a silver denarius, and was therefore worth less than a quarter in U.S. currency today. Those who were poor and could not afford to sacrifice a sheep or a goat might bring a sparrow to the Temple (cf. Lev. 14:1-7).

So insignificant were these little birds that if you bought four sparrows the seller would throw in one more for free (Luke 12:4-7). It was this extra sparrow of which Jesus said, "and not one of them is forgotten before God." His care for His creation is so great that even this extra sparrow is noted and observed by God!

The point our Lord was making is this: if God is concerned about the tiny sparrow and notes its fate, how much greater must His concern be for man, who is immeasurably greater in value than the sparrow!

God's Eye Is On Things We Deem Insignificant

Sometimes it seems that God is the only one who cares for sparrows. Cats and birds of prey like to hunt and eat them, and little boys have been known to torment them. Adults complain about how they multiply and consider them pests. Yet, Jesus said, "not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will" (Matt. 10:29). It is interesting that Jesus chose the most common of all birds to teach a profound truth: in God's eyes, no one is insignificant!

God not only provides food for "the birds of the air," but He also "clothes the grass of the field" (Matt. 6:25-34). The "lilies of the field" were the scarlet poppies -- they bloomed for only one day on the hillsides of Israel, and yet in their brief life they were clothed with a beauty which surpassed "Solomon in all his glory," and when they died they were "thrown into the oven."

In the days of our Lord ovens consisted of a clay box set on bricks over a fire. When it was desired to rapidly raise the temperature of it, some handfuls of dried grasses and wild flowers were thrown inside the oven and set alight. The flowers had but one day of life; and then they were set alight to help a woman to heat an oven when she was baking in a hurry; and yet God clothes them with a beauty which is beyond man's power to imitate. If God gives such beauty to a short-lived flower, how much more will he care for man?

Surely, the generosity, which is lavished upon a flower for one day, will not be forgetful of man, the crown of His creation.

 

God Does Not Always Prevent Evil From Happening To Us

Though God does provide care for the sparrows, the fact that "not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will" (Matt. 10:29) means that sometimes bad things can happen. Although He watches over the sparrows, this does not prevent them being hunted by predators. Although He watches over every one of us, this does not mean that our lives will be free from care.

God had placed a "hedge" around Job (Job 1:8-11), but allowed Satan to tempt Job (Job 1:12). In the midst of his trials he did not lose his trust in God (Job 1:21). In one of the most beautiful passages in the book of Job, we hear Job say of God, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15).

We can be assured that with every temptation there will also be a way of escape. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1 Cor. 10:13). My brethren, there are no special cases! When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!

God's Care Continues For Us

We may not esteem the tiny sparrow, but Jesus used it to illustrate our heavenly Father's watchful care: "you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:31). If God is concerned about the tiny sparrow, how much greater must His concern be for man, who is immeasurably greater in value than the sparrow!

There is no place for worry in the life of a sparrow, and no attempt stockpile supplies for the future -- yet their lives go on. The point Jesus is making is not that the birds do not work; it has been said that no one works harder than a sparrow to make a living; the point He is making is that they do not worry. Sparrows do not strain to see into a future, which they cannot see, and do not seek to find security in the things they have accumulated for the future.

Worry is needless, useless and even injurious (Matt. 6:25-32). Worry, which wears out the mind also, wears out the body. Worry affects our judgment, lessons our powers of decision, and renders us progressively incapable of dealing with life. Worry is a manifestation of our lack of faith in God (Matt. 6:30). We need to learn to be content (Phil. 4:4-13).

In the midst of turbulent times Habakkuk said, "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls -- Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Hab. 3:17-18).

God's continued care for us should bring contentment in our lives. "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." (1 Tim. 6:6-10).

Conclusion

In 1904, a songwriter, Mrs. Civilla Martin, went to visit a bedridden friend in Elmira, New York. Mrs. Martin asked the woman if she ever got discouraged because of her physical condition. Her friend quickly responded: "Mrs. Martin, how can I be discouraged when my heavenly Father watches over each little sparrow and I know He loves and cares for me?"

On her journey back home, Mrs. Martin completed the writing of her new text, which has since been a source of much encouragement to many of God's people:

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, why should my heart be lonely and long for Heaven and home, when Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear, and resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; though by the path He leadeth but one step I may see: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, when songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him; from care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

God's care for us is immeasurable -- He allowed His only begotten Son to die in our stead (John 3:16). When we consider the "riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering" this ought to soften our heart, "knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance" (Rom. 2:3-4).

God's care for us will sustain us throughout life, for "we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28).

God's care for us extends beyond the grave and into that home of the soul, for those who "do His commandments" have the right to the tree of life, and "may enter in through the gates into the city" (Rev. 22:14).       

His Eye Is On The Sparrow by David Padfield

 

 

 

 

 

I found this very encouraging and hope those of you who take the time to read it will be encourage also.

Hope all is well and you all have a great week ahead.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

Hanging Out At The Back Yard Cafe

 

 

Hey what’s for lunch?

 

 

 

I was kinda hoping for some carrot stew

 

 

 

Oops, I think I am on Candid Camera

 

 

 

I don’t know why they make these tables so small

 

 

 

No one told me it was standing room only

But the food is pretty darn good.

Think I will come back for seconds.

 

 

 

I didn’t know they had a Bouncer at this Café.

What do you mean I have to wait?

 

 

 

Hey mom, don’t forget my take-out order

 

 

 

Think I will check out the menu

Seems kinda nuts around here today.

 

 

 

Dear Lord… Thank you for our food,

that you have provided for us,

and Jesse who scares away that mean old puddy cat.

 

 

 

I told you we should have made reservations

 

 

The End on this episode, and I hope you enjoyed some of what I saw and heard at my Backyard Cafe on a Beautiful warm, sunny afternoon while sitting on my back deck.

All writing's and photographs by  Dianne © dsphotocats

 

I hope to find you all well and having a wonderful Spring.

For those of you who wonder about my mom, she is home once again , and we appreciate your prayers for her as she continues to battle Chronic Kidney Disease.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

My Watchdog, Jesse

Hug A Zebra Day

 

 

 

 

Hug A Zebra

 

Did you know

Today is hug a Zebra Day?

You say oh my gosh

I did not know!

So hug your Zebra with all your might.

If you don’t have a Zebra,

Then hug The One your with.

If you are all alone,

then hug the First Person or Zebra you see!

Or give Yourself a big old hug,

and say I love me.

You say oh my gosh

I could never do that.

What would people say?

Can you imagine that?

You could always send a hug,

to all your Blog Friends,

Or go out and find a Zebra.

No matter what you decide to do

or who you hug .

Have a wonderful day!

Poem written  by Dianne dsphotocats

Dianne © dsphotocats

 

 

 

 

These photos were taken a few years ago at the Toronto Zoo. It was a very bright sunny summer day. The sun was harsh in the top photo but the pose was perfect. I just happened to be around at the right time. I will gladly sacrifice perfect lighting for this perfect pose. I couldn’t believe my eyes when the mother zebra put its legs around her baby in the form of a hug. Isn’t nature wonderful! I think it is awesome how God makes even the animals to have such affection towards their own. God uses His Creation to show us His Love. At least that is my experience. God can reveal Himself to anyone who is truly seeking to find Him.

Romans Chapter 1:20  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse.

Isaiah 55:6  Seek The Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near.

I even think of our dear pets and how they show us so much Love and Affection. What a Blessing they are to us. God can use anything that He created to reveal Himself to us. God is not limited. He is Almighty, and the Author of Love. God is Spirit, and God is  Love in it’s Purest Form.

Although it is not until Feb. 14th, I would like to wish you all a Happy Valentines Day.

Love and Hugs to all my Blogger Friends

Dianne :)

A Walk Around The Block

 

If the daffodils are blooming then we know for sure that spring is here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Robin busily making a nest.

 

 

 

 

A Starling making a nest in a tree

 

 

 

 

 

A Squirrel in a tree having a snack

 

 

 

 

This guy was either posing for the camera or else he was ready to take me on. I thought it was so funny the way it stood up , and looked at me.

 

 

 

 

I couldn’t resist this pretty face.  Pansy’s are one of my favorite flowers.

 

 

 

These are a few of the things that captured my attention on my walk around the block of my city street, near my home. It is so nice to be able to finally see signs of Spring. I took these pictures last Sunday after noon. It was one of a few days where the temperature reached the mid 60’s, and it felt wonderful. It was a bright sunny Spring day.

 

Take care, and God be with you all, and keep you safe, and sound. I wish you all many sunny, and happy days ahead.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

Red-Tailed Hawk

 

 

Red-Tailed Hawk Coming In For The Landing

 

 

 

I  cropped this photo from the original photo above, so you could get a better look.

 

 

My husband and I decided to pack up the cameras and take a Saturday afternoon drive. The sky was sunny and blue when we left , but wouldn’t you know it, as we headed out of town the sky  became grey, and it started to snow, and the sun disappeared behind the blanket of grey. We decided to change our direction and headed down an old country road that we haven’t been on before. Then out of the corner of my eye I saw a rather large bird perched in a tree in the distance. I parked the van on the side of the road , and grabbed my camera which had a 55 -  250mm lens, and walked toward the bird in the distance, tromping through the deep snow. As I tried to get close enough to take a decent photo, it flew away to another tree in the distance , and so I quickly took this photo. I never did get closer and it soon flew away out of sight. I was very thankful to get to see this bird, which at that time I had no idea what it was, until I got home and looked it up in my book. I believe it to be a Red-Tailed Hawk. If I am wrong please correct me. But it does look identical to what I saw in my bird book.

Wouldn’t you know it! As we headed back towards home it was sunny with blue sky. It was a balmy – 6c degrees out. But you know I am happy because I got to see this beautiful hawk in flight, and hear it sheik as if telling me to go away, I am camera shy. I am camera shy too, but I don’t sheik. :)  This was a first for me. I have never seen a Red –Tailed Hawk up until this day. Rest assure, I will be taking that road less travelled again, Lord willing.

I hope you all are having a wonderful day. 

xx’s Dianne :)