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

Humming On A Rainy Day

 

 

Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird

 

 

 

This is my second attempt at capturing these amazing little birds. I have to say they are a challenge as they are so fast. I was at a clients a few weeks ago and as I was working away, I saw this Beautiful Hummingbird from the window, and ran and got my camera, and took a few quick shots. It had been raining for most of the day. You can see some of the raindrops on the feeder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took this photo the same day. The little Hummer really liked the colorful glass in this hanging mobile decoration, and so did I.

 

 

 

 

 

 And there she is way up in the tree

looking as pretty as can be.

 

 

 

No person , camera, or lens got wet in the making of these images, as I was standing just inside the patio doors looking out. The bird got wet I think, unless she was fast enough to dodge the rain drops, and she may have just done that, or maybe she didn’t care as she seemed to be in her own little world, and loving it. :)

And as for me; well I reluctantly put my camera away and went back to work. Yes, I got all my work done and headed for home. I was late but that didn’t matter because It was worth it, being able to watch, and capture this sweet little Hummer. :)

 

All images and script by Dianne © dsphotocats

 

 

 

 

 

I can’t believe it is almost the end of Sept. and Autumn snuck up on me and past me before I knew it.

We don’t have much color yet, and it is still fairly warm as in anywhere between 15-20 degrees during the day, and has got as low as 2 degrees Celsius during the night. No Jack Frost here yet! :)

I am hoping to post as few more summer pictures, as I always seem to be trying to catch up, and keep up. I am also looking forward to the colorful tapestry of Autumn. Every Season is Beautiful and has so much to offer.

I want to wish you all a very happy , and wonderful Autumn with all it has too offer.  Looking forward to visiting your blogs as well and seeing, and reading all about what is happening in your corner of the world. 

See you soon!

Dianne :)

 

Nature’s Music

 

 

 

Nature Is Music To My Ears

 

Nature is music to my ears. As I hear the birds singing their songs. Red Winged Black Birds in the marsh. Loons on the lake. A Blue Heron on the river bank. Geese flying over head. The flutter of a Humming Bird’s wings, among other things.

The cry of a new born baby. The laughter of children, and adults alike.

The sound of the wind blowing through the trees.

The sound of crickets on a hot summers night. Frogs in the pond.

Listening to the rain falling softly, and sometimes falling hard to whatever  surface it may hit.

I hear the thunder rolling across the sky, and the sounds of lightning as it strikes.

As I walk by a trickling brook, or a flowing river. The stillness of a lake, and waves hitting the shore. The roar of rushing waterfalls, and the ocean waves hitting the shore and the rocks with force.

These are a few of my favorite sounds of nature, and I have many more. I am eager to listen. I am in “Awe” of nature, and those peaceful moments it brings.  It is music to my ears.

And my heart sings as it beats to the music like an inner drum. Yes, I can hear my heart beat and my own breathing in and out. I am alive and enjoying my Creator God and all He has made.

I love all the senses that God created me with as I hear His still small voice telling me to be still and know that He is God! God is real, and loves me, and you. He is near and to be found at the mentioning of His name, with a sincere heart.

Having even one of the senses should be enough to know there is an “Almighty God and Creator” of all things. 

I can hear, see, taste, smell, and feel. I am Blessed and have so much to be thankful for.  God provides everything I need, and all He asks is that I trust Him with my life, and for my Salvation through Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son.

He is my Lord and Savior. I am Blessed and have so much to be thankful for.

I will be honest and say, that sometimes I forget that. The cares and concerns of life can alter my focus. The picture gets cluttered, and out of focus. Then I need to ask the Lord of my Life to do His work in me, so the picture is clear, and composed according to His Will. I am His creation, and according to His Word, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. That is found in Psalm 139.

Lord please forgive me for the times in my life when I take things for granted. Help me not to complain when things don’t go my way. Instead to pray with a humble, and grateful heart. and always give thanks in every situation , knowing you will work all things for my good. Help me to walk in your ways, and to live for you. To die to my own selfish ways, knowing you will take care of me. You are the Source of everything Good in my life. Help me to be all you want me to be. I am yours dear Lord. Bought with your precious blood you shed for me on the cross at Calvary. Thank you  Father God for giving us your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who died for me, and has risen from the dead and is sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and is coming again according to your Word. Amen

Although Jesus Christ is offensive to this world system we live in … He is the only Way, The Truth and The Life. (John 14:6). The Greatest  Gift to all mankind. The Greatest Gift to me. Thank you Jesus. :)

Script and Photography by Dianne © dsphotocats

 

 

 

 

Young Chickadee In My Back Yard

 

 

Have a Blessed Sunday!

Sincerely Dianne :)

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. :)

Swans _Class Of 2012 Series

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are a few pictures I will let speak for  themselves.

I took them late one afternoon last week after I got off work for the day. I just happened to get there at a good time, as sometimes they are no where to be seen. I am still hoping to capture them learning to fly if possible.  Depends on where their aviation field is located. I sure hope I get to see the air show! That would be so “Awesome”, with or without my camera!

Hope you all are doing well and enjoying life, whatever you do, or don’t do. God Bless.

Dianne :)

Walking With Nature By The Bay

 

 

Red Winged Black Bird Singing His Summer Song

High above me in this tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One little Goldfinch sitting in a tree

Looking as pretty as can be.

As He  looks down

I wonder what do you see

besides me,

perched way up in that tree?

Written by Dianne dsphotocats

 

 

 

 

 

 Seems He is following me,  posed for another picture

I have wanted to capture one of these for a very long time. And today he flew into my path.

I prayed God would Bless me and He did.

I believe God can and does use His Creation to Bless those who’s heart is open to see and hear, not only creation, but the Creator Himself.

 

 

 

 

 Queen Anne’s Lace is one of my favorite Wildflowers

Dainty and oh so Pretty is she.

I like how she stands out in her surroundings.

 

 

 

 

What a pleasant surprise as this Beautiful Butterfly

Fluttered by me and Landed long enough

for me to take this photo.

If anyone knows the name of this Butterfly please let me know.

 

 

 

 

He leads me beside still waters

He restores my soul. 

Words from Psalm 23.

That is what came to mind as I looked into the pond and saw this Water Lilly, and her reflection in the still waters.

Maybe you look at this photo and see something totally different , and that is fine too.

I hope that by looking at these photos , and reading this blog, you will be Blessed .

Hope to find you all well and enjoying the seasons of life where ever you may dwell.  May you see the Beauty beyond whatever circumstances you may face in this life. 

May God reveal Himself to you as you seek Him, and Bless You beyond measure.

Sincerely Dianne :)

P.S If you click on each photo you will be able to see a bigger photo.

Dianne © dsphotocats

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 :)

Introducing “Mute Swans… A New Generation”

 

 

 

But today Mr. Cobb seems to be trying to be the Center of Attention, as he splish splashes away.

 

 

 

As he seems to be having some fun with his family as he takes his bath, splashing His Pen, and nine baby cygnets. Maybe he thought they needed a shower to cool themselves down on a hot day in May.

Yes I am behind once again and it is now June, and I have some catching up to do, if I can.

 

 

 

I think he spotted me and he put on quite the show.

Mr. Cobb seemed to be in a very good mood and quite happy, and proud to be a new daddy.

I was surprised to see nine baby cygnets. That is a big family as they usually average seven to eight cygnets.

He was happy to put on a show for me as I started shooting with my Canon. I took quite a few pictures that day, and this is just a few. I did focus mostly on him because he made it very difficult not too, with all his antics.

 

 

He just went back and forth in front of me, and his family, and seemed to enjoy every moment, as did I.

 

 

Maybe he felt the need to distract me from his family. I don’t really know. I never seen anything like it.

I couldn’t help but laugh, and smile at such a sight.

 

 

Did you ever see such a sight?

Just look at him and the expression on his face. :)

 

 

 

He doesn’t look to graceful here but he sure was having a good time, and so was I.

 

 

For a moment it was as if he were posing for me.

I loved how the water just rolled off of him like beads of pearls.

 

 

It almost looks like Pen was giving him a look,

as if to say, “Just what are you doing”?

And the Cygnets just kept preening themselves.

 

 

Finally he heads for shore.

 

 

I couldn’t believe this pose! What a character!

This one really made me laugh, and it is a wonder that I didn’t have camera shake . I have never seen anything like this.

 

 

It was like he was announcing to the world that he was the luckiest dad and mate in the world.

Mr. Cobb was the “Life Of The Bay” on this fine day.

I counted it an Honor to witness such a sight.

 

 

Here is a picture of the family that was taken a short time later. I did take more photos and will share them on another day.

Hope you enjoyed this introduction to this beautiful swan family.

You can click on each photo to get a bigger view if you would like.

Until next time…

Love and Care

Dianne :)

All photos and writing by Dianne © dsphotocats