Regifting

An article in today's Clarion Ledger provided scientific proof of something many of us have already known for years.

Titled "Study: Spending Time in Nature Helps Creativity," the article recapped the results of a scientific study by psychologists at the University of Utah and University of Kansas. The study showed that people who spent time in nature, disconnected from all of their electronic devices, scored 50 percent higher on creativity tests. The article went on to explain that the negative effects of "being in front of a computer all day, every day can be offset by spending time in nature."

If too much time spent on your computer, in front of the TV, or staring at your iPad has left you feeling a little drained and weary, give yourself an extra gift this holiday season. Spend some time outdoors.

I hope the photos below will remind you what's out there waiting if you'll take the time to enjoy it.  

Merry Christmas.

Gray Squirrel

Green-winged Teal

Sunrise and Decoys

White-tailed Deer

Mallard Landing

Ring-necked Ducks Passing

White-tailed Deer

Wood Duck in Flight

Wood Ducks at Sunrise

Goosed

Last week I was in Stuttgart, AR for the 77th World Championship Duck Calling contest. Even though most of my time was spent with Muddy Water Camo promotion, I just had to get out and shoot since so many geese were arriving early. Here are a select few.

Enjoy!

Odd Man Out

I received a call yesterday from a man who asked if I would be interested in photographing a piebald deer. He explained that he’d seen it a few times on his game cam and invited me to come to his place and see if the deer showed up. I often get calls from people who want me to come capture a “special” shot or animal on their property. Most of the time the only thing I find is a goose – as in, “wild goose chase.” But this time, I had a good feeling, the weather was perfect, and a piebald deer is rare, so I decided to head out. 

We met yesterday and scoped out the area. I found a great place to set up a ground blind, settled in, and began the wait. At 4:20, a large doe walked out. Then, right behind her, came two 2012 offspring, including the striking piebald. Both young deer were bucks. I’m already excited about next year, when I might get to photograph a piebald with antlers.

Twin Bucks (four months old)

Two Families Together

Doe and Two Fawns (on right)
Doe and Two Yearlings (on left)

Flags Up

Outta Here

A Weeks Worth

This past week has provided some interesting photographic opportunities. The last couple of posts have shown some of them and here are 10 more.

Enjoy!

Teal & Gadwall in Flight

Black & Yellow Argiope Spider & Webs

Great Blue Heron Preening

Tupelo Gum in Fog

Canada Geese in Flight

Great Blue Heron in Cypress Tree

Great Egret in Flight

Bur-marigold & Cypress in Fog

Marbled Orb Weaver in Cypress Swamp

Great Egret Catching Shad

Well Groomed

Watching this great egret preen was very enjoyable, it went on for at least five minutes. He obviously was very intent on being well groomed, giving both sides of his anatomy the feathery attention needed.

Enjoy!

Dawnburst

Yesterday was a good day for On A Roll. The sunrise was one of "those" that constantly changed and amazed for over an hour. Choosing that "right" moment was hard but I went with this one early, I like the color mix.

Spending the last several days shooting gave me some good info on where I needed to be for the best shot. I got a number of other shots that I really enjoyed composing, just not On A Roll. Man I love this job.

Enjoy!

18)  Riverbend Sunrise --- Dawnburst

        Madison County, MS

October  25, 2012 - 6:47 am

Partly Cloudy, 63 degrees

17-35mm, 1.3 sec.@f4

19)  Leaves in Swamp --- Ghostly Reflections

        Madison County, MS

October 25, 2012 - 8:16 am

Fog, 61 degrees

17-35mm, 1/10@f8