Sunday, April 17, 2011

Spring Sunlight

We've been getting our share of April showers but every now and then, the weather settles and the day invites me to explore...


feather with raindrop
Shortly after a rainfall, the sun peeked out from the recovering, hazy sky. My eye was caught by this captive feather waving in the breeze - a tiny droplet of rain clinging to its barbs.




femmallard2
Posing so pretty on a waterlogged branch, this lovely mallard gazes shyly into the camera, showing off her webbed, orange feet.




sunny robin
High atop a budding branch, this spring robin sings a beautiful tune to the late-day sunshine.




latesunreflection
As daylight departs, the golden sunlight reflects upon the water of our local pond. It's time to bid my feathered friends "goodnight."

I'm glad you could join me.

68 comments:

Cricket said...

You always capture such amazing detail in your photographs. Do you see it (or at least know it's there) as you take the photograph or do you have to wait and see what you got? Enquiring minds and all...

Myself, I'm quite nearsighted and so are my photographs ;-) The camera rarely seems to see any more than I do, regardless of settings. I'm working on it, though.

Today, I will say Bob Marley Three Little Birds, even though we only see two, we know the other was there. Every little thing gonna be all right.

Country Girl said...

Each and every photo was a gift. Thanks for that, Hilary ~

ADRIAN said...

Superb all of them. it seems only Americans like to display images against white.
how do you do it?
The Mallard is the second one this week I've seen perching, something I thought was beyond them. Great!

Sueann said...

Such beautiful photos Hilary!! Love the close ups!!
Hugs
SueAnn

Elizabeth Grimes said...

That water droplet on the feather is the kind of beautiful detail I've come to expect from your photos. And that duck almost looks like leopard print. :) We've been having some pretty heavy rain here as well. Looks nice today though. Yay!

Unknown said...

We have to take each day as it comes ..still!!
Heavens, it's going to be May and I'm still going to be wearing my parka.

We have a pair of ducks that are rather fond of the water/gloop in our pool cover , I must remember to get some good photos before we remove their little haven .

Brian Miller said...

nice...i like that sunlight and shadow shot at the end and great capture of the feather...

Out on the prairie said...

Nice to take a walk with you.Lovely shots you have to share.

Joanna said...

These are lovely harbingers of spring.

DJan said...

I just love that feather shot, but all of them are typical Hilary fare. What a wonderful way to wake on a Sunday morning and feast on these!

Sebab said...

Fantastic shots. I love the first picture of the feather best!

ellen abbott said...

love the feather! we have not had a single April shower (well, one tiny one, sprinkled for a couple of hours.)

Kerri Farley said...

Such breathtaking images Hilary!
The feather steals my heart!

Bossy Betty said...

I could sit and look at your pictures for hours.

I just may.


The feather photo is my favorite here.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Thanks for each lovely image.The feather is spectacular.All nature points to a loving Father.

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

I love all of your work but the feather and the late sun reflection are very moving. Superb. The Olde Bagg

Donna B. said...

The webbing on her feet looks so delicate, doesn't it? Feather photo... ooooooh. Love it.

June said...

The duck, of course, is my favorite. She's so prettily shaped and colored.
The loveliness of natural coloring is almost beyond words. Which is why I'm so glad you're such a good photographer!

Thanks for visiting AG, Hilary. Nice to know my memory was faithful enough to remind you.

Anonymous said...

Wow - such exquisite shots! That feather photo is simply delicious.

Lynne with an e said...

A fine feather and fine-feathered friends. Beautiful!

Anonymous said...

All the shots are awesome,best of the lot is the first one

Anyes said...

Hilary, you really captured the magic feeling of the end of a day on your last photograph, the reflection of the sun showing in the water, like a painting. I love it :-)

Anvilcloud said...

Great photos all, particularly the first ... and also the second.

Tammie Lee said...

lovely light
lovely visuals

Mental P Mama said...

I think I shall call you the Duck Whisperer. You always have the very best shots of them!

Dawning Inspiration said...

That feather is beautiful - and what a great capture of the duck!
I keep saying that may will be covered in flowers due to the amount of rain we've had here this month!!

steviewren said...

The feather photo is amazing! Your eye misses nothing.

Tabor said...

See, with patience, beautiful spring is coming to your neighborhood!

Barb said...

That feather on the dogwood branches is magical, Hilary. All your shots make me sigh - I love the golden light.

Bob Bushell said...

Wow, they are beautiful photos, thanks Hilary.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

You make me want to sell my camera! I had thoughts similar to Cricket's about whether you see that detail as you're snapping the shot. I, too, am very nearsighted and never quite know what I've captured until downloading it to the computer.

Beautiful post, as always, my friend.

Robin said...

Beautiful pictures as usual! Spring really does have amazing light!

Mage said...

Thanks, I'm sitting her smiling.

Frank Baron said...

Good stuff. I found myself almost mesmerized by the female mallard's feet. I don't think I've ever really noted the webbing in such detail before. Beauty feather too. :)

Lori said...

Beautiful captures Hilary. How I have missed visiting you here. I hope all is well with you and yours. Love and hugs. XX

Karen said...

How did you ever see that tiny feather with a drop of rain?? That last picture drew me in. My writer thoughts conjured up many scenarios. Wonderful!

Mimi said...

Ah, this is just the way to end my weekend (or begin my easter holidays! Yay!)!
you put together such a lovely set of images, all of which have a serenity about them.
Perfect Sunday night viewing.

Red said...

Good eye on the last picture with the shot taken through the trees of the sun shining on a pond. I like it!

Sandra said...

Gorgeous! Especially the feather.

Unknown said...

Oh! Those are ALL so nice! Love the feather, the reflection, the duck and his WEBS! All of it!

messymimi said...

The picture of the robin makes me want to sing along. No, i promise i won't, but it makes me want to.

Cloudia said...

these are the kind of shots I can only DREAM of capturing!!!

just, wow- best duck ever, the feather has so much crosshatching!

the detail among the branches!



Warm Aloha from Honolulu


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Barbara said...

The feather photo is breathtakingly beautiful, Hilary. The duck is my second feather - amazing detail and focus!

Hilary said...

• Cricket, thank you so much. The details are often not noticed beforehand. Such as with the droplet of water on the feather. I simply loved how the wispy feather appeared blowing in the breeze but it was only when I uploaded it that I saw the droplet. It was a happy surprise. Similarly with the webbing on the duck's feet. I was really aiming for the sweet look in her eye but was pleased with the detail I got from her feet.. I'd never really noticed how transparent they were before. Photography gives me these little gifts all the time. Imagine how much we don't see all the time. :) Thanks for the soundtrack. As always, a fine choice. :)

• Kate, thank you kindly, my friend. :)

• Adrian, the image of the bird was taken in a hurry and I didn't have the correct shutter speed. It turned out too dark and I brightened it in Photoshop, which pretty much took all of the colour out of the sky. It wasn't my preference but that's how it turned out. AND, I'm not American, but this Canadian will forgive you for that. ;) Thanks the kind words. :)

• Thanks very kindly, SueAnn. I'm glad you enjoyed them. :)

• Thank you, Elizabeth. I have to admit though.. as I said to Cricket, above, that I didn't notice the water droplet until I uploaded the photos. Still, I was happy to find it and I'm glad that you enjoyed the photos. :)

• Deb, it sure has been cold here the past few days, hasn't it? Brrr. Aww, I hope your ducks aren't thinking of nesting there. Looking forward to seeing those images. :)

• Thanks very much, Brian. I'm glad you enjoyed them. :)

• Steve, I'm glad you could join me. Thanks for the kind words. :)

• Welcome, Joanna and thank you for the kind words. Much appreciated. :)

• DJan, thank you so kindly. You never fail to make my day with your kind comments. :)

• Thank you, Sailor. That's a personal favourite too. :)

• Ellen, it's been raining a little too much here.. and it snowed some, today. Thanks for the kind words. :)

• Thank you, Kerri. Much appreciated. :)

• Betty, please be my guest. That's such a lovely compliment and I thank you. :)

• Ruth, thank you very kindly. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. :)

• Linda, it pleases me to know you enjoyed my photos. Thank so much for the kind words. :)

• Donna, I thought so too. Kind of transparent. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• June, thank you so kindly. Your comments never fail to bring a smile to my face. :)

• Lady Fi, thank you so much. I'm glad you like it. :)

• Louciao, thank you kindly. Much appreciated. :)

• Thrviewfinder, thank you. It's my personal favourite too. :)

• Anyes, thank you so much. Your kind words are so appreciated. :)

Hilary said...

• AC, thank you. I'm glad you think so. :)

• Tammie, thanks for joining me. :)

• MPM, you quacked me up with Duck Whisperer. Thanks for the kind words. :)

• Stacey Dawn, thank you kindly. I'm looking forward to flowers. We're just scarcely into the buds right now. We've had the showers but we've also had it pretty cold. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Steviewren, thank you kindly. But my eye caught the droplet after the upload. ;)

• Tabor, I'm still waiting.. still patient.. still cold! ;) Thanks for the visit. :)

• Barb, thank you so much for the kind words. Much appreciated. :)

• Bob, thank you very much. :)

• Linda, I'm nearsighted too, and as I explained to Cricket, that droplet didn't stand out to me until I uploaded the image. It sure was a happy surprise though. Thanks always for your kind and encouraging words. I always enjoy your visits. :)

• Robin, it truly does. Thanks for the kind comment. :)

• Maggie, I'm glad to know that my photos put a smile on your face. :)

• Thank you, Frank. I was quite taken with those feet, too and for the same reason. They look almost transparent in places, don't they? I'm glad you like the images. :)

• Lori, I'm always happy to see you drop by. It makes me have hope that you're feeling better. I'm always sending my best thoughts to you and yours. Hug those Littles for me, please. And big hugs to you. :)

• Thank you Karen. That water droplet didn't stand out to me until I uploaded the images but I sure was happy to find it at that time. Thanks always for your kind words. :)

• Well thank you kindly, Mimi. I'm so glad you enjoyed this post. Thanks for stopping by to tell me. :)

• Thank you, Red. It's always nice to know that others enjoy seeing what I capture. :)

• Thank you, Sandra. Much appreciated. :)

• Thanks kindly, Susan. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. :)

• MessyMimi, singing is encouraged. Please feel free. :)

• Cloudia, I beg to differ because you capture beautiful images yourself. But I do appreciate your very kind words. Thank you for that, my friend. :)

• Barbara, thanks so much. Your kind words are very much appreciated. :)

Anonymous said...

Speechless...

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

What a calming visit this was for me tonight, to view birds through your camera lens and imagine the song of a robin singing springtime to me.

Glo said...

As I've said before, I find your photos inspiring and these amazing ones can be added to the list. Wonderful photo of the feather and duck...I couldn't see the duck's knees ;), but I know they're hidden under her feathered skirt. I agree that the details we are privileged to see through the camera lens is something to be truly grateful for!

Dave said...

Your photos are composed with thought Hilary, which makes them interesting and enjoyable to see and to read your quotes or comments about them. Thanks - Dave

Unknown said...

What serendepity catching that feather, complete with dew drop. Stunning photos, as usual, Hilary, and I so agree with Cricket about the details in your photos.

Leah J. Utas said...

Beautiful work. I love the mallard portrait.

Daryl said...

I like walking in your 'hood.. how rare is that red branches feather tree, up there with cloud trees, I reckon

Reb said...

Hilary those are just beautiful. You have to start thinking about getting a gallery showing. Then we can all say "we knew you when" ;)

Dianne said...

the droplet on the feather is so lovely
so sweet
I love how you capture details

sage said...

Such beautiful photos--especially the last one

A Lady's Life said...

lovely shots esp of the duck.

ben said...

Wow ..Great pictures ..

http://www.travelnlife.com/

CiCi said...

Partly because I don't have a camera capable of taking fine photos like these and partly because I lack the talent to truly see in my mind a final result, I am blessed to be one of your followers. And I hope, friend.

Friko said...

A beautiful day, beautifully captured.

Shrinky said...

I am glad I was able to join you, too! I adore that shot of the mallard, isn't he magnificent? You always capture such wonderful frames, what a talent you have, dear Hilary.

beth said...

the shot of the duck....well his feet...let's just say AHHMAZING !!!

Hilary said...

• Thank you, Spanisheyes. :)

• KC, thanks kindly. I'm glad you found my post soothing. You could do with some of that. :)

• Glo, thank you. That duck was hiding her knees. She must have been shy. ;) Thank you so much for your always-kind words. :)

• Dave, thanks so much. Your kind words mean a lot to me. :)

• Jane, I got pretty lucky with the feather for sure. Thanks always for your kind comments. :)

• Thank you, Leah. :)

• Daryl, I'm always glad when you join me on a walk. :)

• FrancescPhoto, thank you. :)

• Reb, you flatter me. Thank you so much for that. ;)

• Thank you, Dianne. I got lucky with that shot but I appreciate your kind words. :)

• Thank you very much, Sage. :)

• Thanks, A Lady's Life. Much appreciated. :)

• Thank you, Ben. :)

• TechnoBabe, thank you so kindly and yes, I do indeed consider you a dear friend. I'm very grateful for that. :)

• Friko, thanks very kindly. :)

• Shrinky, the mallard is indeed a beauty. She has such a coy look in her eye, don't you think? Thank you so much for your kind words, my friend. :)

• Thanks, Beth. I like her feet too. :)

Joop Zand said...

Excellent pictures and a wonderful blog.....my compliments.

greetings from Holland, Joop

Linda said...

Beautiful. I just love your closeups of the birds.

SandyCarlson said...

Your female mallard shot made my day. She is gorgeous.

Hilary said...

• Welcome, Joop and thanks very much for the kind words. They're so appreciated. :)

• Thanks kindly, Linda. I'm glad you enjoyed them. :)

• Thank you, Sandy. Isn't she just a beautiful, feathery soul? :)

Suldog said...

The detail in your animal shots is utterly fantastic. I've never seen a duck's feet like that before, and I've seen ducks in person. Magnificent.

lime said...

my goodness, HOW do you capture a mallard shot like that? incredible!