This photo was taken by my trail cam early one morning. I’m not sure what set off the motion sensor but the diffraction of light through our ligustrum hedge made an interesting abstract pattern, almost like a veil.
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Week 31, # 24 Wild Card, Unrivalled
This painted bunting (Passerina ciris) was spotted at Felts Audubon Sanctuary. The Audubon Society Guide to North American Birds says that the painted bunting is often called “Nonpareil,” meaning “unrivalled.” Coming from Illinois the most colorful bird we had was the cardinal. Facebook friends from northern climates were amazed that such a bird existed outside of the rain forest. We are lucky to have such visitors in Florida.
Taken with a Canon 80D camera, Tamron 150-600 mm lens at 600 mm, f/8, ISO 1000, 1/50 sec.
They’re Back

The last few days in early November this painted bunting has been visiting our feeder. I think it is a juvenile or perhaps a female, they have similar coloration. There are two populations of these colorful birds, in Florida we see the Eastern group which migrates to South Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America. I usually see the very colorful males around April.

Happy Halloween

I found this colorful arachnid in my garden. It is a Mabel Orchard Orb-weaver (Leucauge argyrobapta). Captured with my Canon 80D with a Tamron SP 90mm (f/8.0, 1/80 sec. ISO 400).
Macro Exploration



While waiting for an oil change I explored an undeveloped plot and found some interesting subjects. I took these images with my Olympus Tough TG-6 camera that has nice macro features.
Nighttime at Rainy Lake

Aurora, Rainy Lake, MN

During our houseboat trip on Rainy Lake, MN we were fortunate to see the Northern Lights. This was a first for me and a memorable experience.
Stars Over Rainy Lake

This is one of my first attempts at night photography. It was wonderful to see the Milky Way and Jupiter (brightest light). We were blessed with a new moon and several clear nights. This was a 30 sec exposure at ISO 1600 with my Canon 80D (f/4, 10-22mm lens).
Rainy Lake Sunset
We just returned from a week long houseboat trip on Rainy Lake, MN. This was a great way to get away and still shelter with a few close friends. We had a wonder time and saw the Aurora Borealis, loons, beaver, and lots of moss. More photos to follow.
Nymphea
I came across this water lilie in a small water garden in downtown Sarasota. I loved the colors and the ability to get a shot from the side.
Lunch
Still playing with digiscoping and having fun in my backyard.
Scene from my backyard
I’m still looking for photo opportunities while sheltering at home. I caught this Gulf Fritillary on our salvia and couldn’t resist. Wish I had a better background, but….