A Break in the Clouds

I am not sure what this is (an insect-caused growth or a seedpod?),
but it was about the size of a quarter. I love macro photography! 

When we got up this morning, the skies were grey and overcast... AGAIN! Assuming that it would be another "stay in and stay warm" day, I worked my way through my morning routine at a leisurely pace. However, about half-way through my exercise workout, the sun came peeking through the curtains. I bailed off of the elliptical and hurried through the shower while Dan loaded the camera gear. 

Since daylight is at a premium during the winter months, we decided to stay close to home, rather than spending time "getting somewhere." After a short period of deliberation, we drove out to Theil Road and the Sundance Lodge Recreational Area. The fickle sun had already pretty much returned to its cloud cover, but oh, well... we were at least out of the house. We were on the hunt for eagles along the river. But even before we reached the river, Dan spotted a porcupine! I'm glad that porcupines are slow-moving animals, because "hurrying" through the snow was challenging. We did get a few shots before she waddled off into the underbrush. 

When we reached the river bank, I realized why we weren't seeing eagles ~ the river was almost completely frozen over. That makes for tough fishing! As we stood watching what moving water there was, I noticed the burrs and dried leaves around my feet. Macro time! I even lost my lens to Dan for a few shots. 

While we never did find eagles, we enjoyed the afternoon. It was so nice just to be outside! 

Sure you want to chase that, Dan? ;)

This little feather caught on a group of burrs
was about the length of half of my index finger. 

A New Spot on the River

We now return you to your 

regularly scheduled program. 

It is not uncommon at our shows for someone to say, "You should come out to our place and take pictures." It is unusual, however, for us to take anyone up on their offer. But yesterday we did just that, and were we ever glad that we did! 

Don't scroll down looking for the awesome pictures we got, because we didn't! What we did discover, though, was huge potential. 

As we pulled onto the property along the Yellowstone River yesterday afternoon, we spotted a pair of bald eagles waiting to welcome us. Unfortunately, by the time we got all the gear unloaded and were ready to shoot, the eagles had given up on us and flown across the river. One remained in sight... a quarter-mile or more away. As we waited patiently along the river's edge, one did eventually fly overhead. 

Shortly afterward, our host came out to join us on the river bank. He pointed out the branch where the eagles always perch (where they were when we first pulled up), where the foxes have their den every year, and where the beavers come and go from the riverbank. He suggested that we get some waders and a ground blind and he invited us to come back anytime. 

The clincher in this whole deal came hours after we left. Our host texted us this message:

"You left too early!!! Bald eagle on the ice

eating a fish. Watched it for the better part 

of 30 minutes. Not far from where you were

originally set up." 

Yeah, we'll be going back! 

What's A Girl To Do?

While we are primarily nature photographers, here in Montana, it is currently cold and dark! But we just picked up my new macro lens, and I want to play! So what's a girl to do? Find indoor objects, of course. 

I spent several hours this evening playing with various small objects, but what I really learned is that, like all branches of photography, this is going to take some practice. But I did get a few shots that I really liked. 

Now to get it outside. C'mon, Spring! I want flowers and butterflies!