Sunday, February 12, 2012

Out Walkin'

From the interesting to the mundane, I see all sorts of things when I'm out walking. My camera and I decide whether or not they're share-worthy. These made that cut and I hope you don't think otherwise. Here's what I saw one day when out walkin'. Come join me.



snow blind
Snow Blind Friend: It was early in the day and Benny was ready for his walk. For a brief moment, the sun shone brightly. I tossed a stick which our four-legged friend usually chases quite readily. He typically picks it up and runs off with it, lest I try to get it back from him. He doesn't understand fetch and return. On this morning, Benny caught up to the stick but appears to be blinded by this short burst of sunlight.





hazy sun
Hazy Shade of Winter: Did I mention that the sun was only out briefly. Here it is, kissing the day goodbye. It remained pretty dull and hazy after that.





lost mitten
Lost and Found: As I wandered along the park path, I thought I saw a blue jay perched on the fence but upon closer inspection, it was just a lost pair of inside-out mittens or gloves which someone placed upon the fence in hopes of them being reunited with their owner.





mockingbird berry cute
Listen to the Mockingbird: Toward the end of my morning walk, one of my favourite birds made an appearance. The Northern mockingbird flitted and landed nearby to feast upon berries.





mr red
Little Red Bird: Speaking of beautiful birds, this handsome male cardinal greeted me back home. He dined on seeds which were scattered in my back yard. It's quite possible that Frank snapped this shot as he tends to station himself by the back door more often than not. He might be able to tell you for sure.




from across the pond
Here Comes the Night: Late in the day, it was time for another walk. Night time and a dusting of snow makes for some fun photography. The snow added a bit of light to the otherwise well-lit park. This is the view of part of the dock from across the pond.




from across the pond2
The Dock of the Bay: And here's the full view as seen through my lens. You get a better sense that we're standing on the opposite shore, with just frigid water and sleepy mallards in between.

That's our walk for today. As always, you're such fine company. I hope you'll be back in a few days when we walk in the late-day sunshine.

Now, who's up for some hot chocolate?

62 comments:

Kerry said...

Beautiful night shots. Every time I see a photo of a cardinal in winter I become a bit homesick for the northern mid-west, where I grew up, and where cardinals brightened the darkest months. I don't really understand why they wouldn't want to try wintering here in the Pacific Northwest, where it would be so much easier. I personally would feed them sunflower seeds all winter long.

MaggieGem said...

Another wonderful walk... beautiful photos, that mockingbird shot is simply outstanding!

Cloudia said...

Benny's FACE! OMG!

All great shots. The snowy lighted scene LIT me up!

wow- we are not worthy...

Warm Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral

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stephen Hayes said...

I've never actually seen a cardinal. You picture looks like it should be in a calendar.

Anyes said...

Your birds photographs always amaze me, Hilary. I also love the shot before last...magical :-)

Marshmallows on the hot chocolate? Pretty please ;-)

Lisa said...

Benny is so cute. You really found some great things. I dont know what is worse for being blinded. Snow of water.
Your bids are so beautiful. All your photos are and Im in love with the night you captured.
Stunning

Anonymous said...

A lovely little series. I particularly enjoy the evening shots.

Indrani said...

Lovely captures. I like the shot of the blue mitten.

Sueann said...

Such beautiful photos. Love the night shot.
Hugs
SueAnn

Deborah said...

Share-worthy indeed!
Such beautiful photo's and such beautiful things to see ... I LOVED the photo of Benny, it provoked an immediate smile, the little love :o)

Bob Bushell said...

Benny, the birds and the street lighting in the snow by
the river, absolutely incredibly photos.

Brian Miller said...

oh wow that next to last one of the light it amazing...very cool capture...aww bennie is cute too of course...thanks for the walk hilary...

CorvusCorax12 said...

great picture...love the cardinal

solarity said...

The light on the snow is wonderful, being swallowed by the dark of the water. The false blue jay made me laugh when I realized what it was.

Mary Anne in Kentucky

TexWisGirl said...

the mockingbird is beautiful w/ the berries. so neat to know you have them that far north as we have them this far south - all in the same season. :)

benny is such a dear! love your pup!

Rob-bear said...

Benny is comical, saying, "Oh, enough of that!" Loved seeing the Cardinal in particular — we don't get them out west.

I so enjoy you taking me (us) along on your travels, snow, fog, or shine.

Thank you, for the walk, and for visiting my blog. Things are OK here.

Leah J. Utas said...

Absolutely beautiful. I love that tree stump.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Thanks for inviting me to join you.What fun!!! I love those night time shots,they look magical.

DJan said...

The hot chocolate is tasty, too, Hilary. As usual I love the pictures, especially the birds. They are my favorites on this walk. Until next time!

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

As always your photography is fabulous...I actually feel cold after the pond shots....oh wait it is cold here too. Sorry, I tried. Oma Linda

holdingmoments said...

What a great selection Hilary.
I love the birds, of course, and Benny. And the shot of the mittens/gloves is excellent.

CiCi said...

Hanging the mitten out for owner to find is what happens here too. On a power box at end of street. Right now there is a fluffy pink slipper on the box. There are different items of clothing on display now and then.

The photo of the male cardinal is so darn good. Of course it stands out even more against the snow. I cannot get a good picture of the cardinals who visit on the table outside my window. Glare.

The shot of Benny facing the sun is so sweet.

Out on the prairie said...

all very nice, I heard a cardinal starting its spring call yesterday

Betty Manousos said...

such beautiful photos!
this post totally uplifted my afternoon!

i like the night shots most~
simply phenomenal!

Anonymous said...

Hope the pretty blue mittens found their way home!

Mage said...

Just a wow. Beautiful. We used to have all sorts of birds until a murder of crows took over.

chariskalee said...

Gorgeous post Hillary, you are such a talent. And I have to add, I really love Benny too.

Elizabeth Grimes said...

You got some great ones at night! I never can master that trick. :) The one of Benny is hilarious!

Anonymous said...

He's squinting just a bit... lol! Love your mockingbird shot!

ds said...

I so love your walks. Thank you for sharing. The mockingbird is stunning, and of course I'm partial to the cardinal. Hope Benny recovered from his snow-blindness!

messymimi said...

Ah, the fickle winter sun makes for some beautiful scenes. Thank you.

Rosaria Williams said...

I love your night pictures the best. Something I am not able to take because I have a quick camera that insists on flashing.

cheshire wife said...

Even on a grey day there is colour around if you look for it.

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

Oh, sweet Benny! Look, there is the old tree! I also love the blue mittens, the mockingbird, the cardinal, and the night shots. I guess I just plain love taking walks with you, Hilary. :)

Shammickite said...

Hi Hilary! I've been missing out on your blog for a few days, been busy, Scottish Country Dancing, making marmalade, babysitting, volunteering at the theatre, in fact just doing everything but checking your blog! Anyway, I'm here now and as usual, your latest pictures are wonderful. That Benny, he's such a funny fellow.

Jayne said...

Glorious walk, Hilary. The birds, the bay, Benny! You're surrounded with endless beauty, it seems. The mockingbird is one of my favorites, too. :)

Gillian Olson said...

Great walk, especially love the mockingbird, what a wonderful shot of this beautiful bird.

Wendy said...

I'll have some hot chocolate, thank you! With marshmallows on top too!

Your pics are magnificent as usual. I don't think I've ever seen a mockingbird or just not recognized it as such.

The cardinal also stands out in his bright red plumage. Love the dark pic with spots of illuminated snowy trees.

Hmmmm - did you purposely choose songs for your picture titles?

Red said...

We don't have mocking birds or cardinals in Alberta. Thanks for putting them in your post.

lime said...

just love that cardinal and the night shots are so dramatic!

Joanna Jenkins said...

Did someone say hot chocolate?!?!?! Count me in!

The park at night photos are so lovely-- Gorgeous shots.

And the blue mitten-- Somebody has a cold hand,

xo jj

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

You have such a variety of photos in this post, and all lovely. Ya gotta love Benny, of course. And mockingbirds and cardinals are special favorites of mine, as well. The mockingbird is relatively rare around here. We see them once in awhile, but not often enough. You are becoming a master at those night shots, too.

Unknown said...

(Hand raised) I'll go for some hot chocolate! Those night shots are simply stunning and my thought was that you are really a master of the camera settings, Hilary.Good for you and Great for all of us! ;)

Dave said...

Yes, a couple of nice walks thanks Hilary. I liked those birds and specially the night shot of the path lights reflecting in the water - Dave

Moannie said...

Been so caught up in myself that I've missed a good many old friends postings...shame on me, this was magical, especially liked the first picture of the single dock..it looked like a stage setting waiting for the players to take their places.

Anvilcloud said...

Thanks for sharing your walk with some very nice photos.

Zuzana said...

Dear Hilary, thank you for this lovely walk during my lunch break.;) Your photography is always superb and I love the night shots in the park.;) Hug Benny for me, will you.;))
xoxo

LadyFi said...

Wonderful shots as always! Benny looks as if he's meditating...

And that shot with the blue jay is just stunning!

Daryl said...

that old rotten tree looks a lot like a praying mantis .. just sayin'

Suldog said...

Definitely time for hot chocolate. Those photos captured the feeling of the cold. Brrrrrrrrr.

Anonymous said...

Your shots are ALWAYS worth the look! Don't every question that! That night shot is superb!

Linda said...

Lovely shots of all stages of the day. My favorites were the evening at the pond. Oh, and of course, Benny!

Liz Mays said...

I loved every single one. You are spectacular with a camera.

Reena said...

Always love walking with you. And love that Benny's face!

Sharon Wagner said...

Benny just needs some cool shades. And maybe a camera on his collar so you can compare adventures!

beth said...

i love that bridge photo A LOT !!
and i also love the songs the mocking bird sings to me....xo

Dianne said...

I love the look on Benny's face

the birds are beautiful and the night shots are fantastic

Hilary said...

Thanks kindly, everyone. I know I've been more absent than present, lately but please know that I sure do appreciate your wonderful comments.

photowannabe said...

Love the snow blinded Benny...but especially your night shots along the water.
I would love some hot chocolate right now, thank you. It sure would be fun to share a cup sometime.

Unknown said...

My most favorite is "Here Comes the Night".

So pretty!!!

Barbara said...

Love those lights on the dock! Also the one of Benny.. my dogs were after a squirrel this week and I thought of Benny and how sweet he is with the squirrels.

Anonymous said...

I'm so inspired by your night shots, they have a mood that stills me. & Benny always puts a smile on my face. Thanks for the link to the flakes :)