Uploads from MommaD photos, tagged nature

Looking Back

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:50:00 -0700

Well, Happy Hump Day to all! So glad that I've made it through 2 very busy days and have 2 more busy days before returning back to "normal", whatever that is.... :-)

Moose have always fascinated me ... they are so powerful and big, especially those in Alaska. this guy though, however, is from Wyoming - Grand Teton NP precisely.

We spotted this guy as he was crosses nearby to us, but he quickly disappeared off into the brush. I followed it and tried to anticipate where it might emerge, catching glimpses of him every now and then. Thinking that it had eluded our pursuit, I drove back around to head out of the area when I spotted him again. In this image, he was turning around to see me. He stood still for a bit, then proceeded to carry on with his normal activities. Hope to see more moose this year, when I return to Alaska in a few short months.

Thanks for stopping by to view and especially for all of your thoughts and comments.

Web: www.tnwaphotography.com
Blog:
www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

Mama, Wait For Me!

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:29:00 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

Today's image marks the 2 month countdown to our return trip to Alaska. Of course, when I think of Alaska, I can't help but think of the coastal brown bears of Katmai NP & Preserve.

Last year, while we were visiting Katmai, we had the honor to be in the presence of numerous sows and a few young cubs. This particular sow had 2 cubs, who were like "two peas in a pod" as they say. Such siblings, who were never far from one another and were at that stage when they were a bit nervous still of their surroundings and of us being in their world. Well, I think highly interested in us is more like it, and always keeping one eye on us as they traveled in their habitat, often not far from us on the trail. On one point, we were on their trail and so they opted to pass by us in the water. So cute as they nervously swam by us. Mama on the other hand, could have cared less about us being there - for she was way too busy trying to catch dinner, as the salmon were beginning to come in with the tidal waters.

Yes, our 2013 trip will include Katmai NP (no trip would ever be complete without it) and Denali NP. Thinking about venturing over to Lake Clark NP as well this year and a few other "firsts". In another few weeks, planning for Alaska will be in full swing and I couldn't be more excited! Yes, you could say that we've been bitten hard by the Alaska bug ... hard to imagine not going back on any given year. So much to still see and experience!

Thank so much for stopping by to view and especially for your thoughts and comments.

Web: www.tnwaphotography.com
Blog:
www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

Look What I Can Do

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Sun, 19 May 2013 16:45:07 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

For the past several weeks there have been baby burrowing owls at Brian Piccolo Park in Cooper City. I always anticipate the arrival of the babies.

This is the first shot that I took of one of the burrowing owls as it first took flight this year. I had seen one before fly up to the post, but I was totally unprepared, not knowing that they were already at that stage. But this time, I was more prepared. We watched this one testing its wings by taking brief "flighty hops" within the perimeter of the ropes .... then all at once .... up it went onto the post! How fun they are to watch at this stage. Once they are about 2 weeks, the emerge from the burrow to the world outside, then they graduate to feeling comfortable with the surroundings and playing with their siblings, then the short "flights" within the burrow vicinity. Once they start actually flying to the posts for stability in their landings, then ultimately onto the ropes which mark the burrows, which I'm pretty sure is for the development of their balance. The final step in their "flight school" is flying out a bit further ... perhaps venturing out to a nearby tree to hang out for a while, and show off to its siblings that haven't gotten to that stage yet.

Just like a child who learns something new, particularly something that they do for themselves for the first time, you can just witness the look of surprise and pride on their facial expressions ....as if to say "Look at what I can do!".

Can't wait until I can photograph them again in a few short weeks. :-)

Thanks for stopping by to view and especially for all of your thoughts and comments.

© 2013

www.tnwaphotography.com
www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

What Are You looking At?

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:27:51 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

Well, we've been super swamped all day and evening tonight, so this post will be quick......

Thought that I would share another image of one the fox squirrels seen last year at Joe Overstreet Landing (this is the same one photographed leaping onto the fencing). Eventually this fox squireel ran up the palm and turned around and stared at us. It was so amazing to me to see how well camoflauged they can be. This variety of squirrel is also much bigger than the "standard" squirrels I'm accustomed to and they have big bushy tails too. It's always a joy to observe and photograph them. Didn't see any in our trips to the area in 2013 though ... not yet anyway!

Thanks for stopping by to view and especially for all of your thoughts and comments. Hope to get to everyone's images as well at some point tomorrow. :-)

© 2012 Debbie Tubridy

Web: www.tnwaphotography.com
Blog:
www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

I'm So Excited

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Fri, 17 May 2013 03:58:02 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

Lately, it seems as though I've been living for the weekends! All I can say is T-G-I-F !!!

When I woke up this morning and realized that Friday had finally arrived, I had a feeling of elation, excitement, anticipation, and relief. I felt like how I imagine these little sandhill crane colts must feel as they appear to be dancing for joy! OK, maybe I have no idea what they're feeling when they excitedly jump around and suddenly engage in a full on "trot" if you will, but clearly something motivated them to put on this display.

I'm not exactly sure why I'm so excited right now ... for I have a lot of hard work to do this weekend (though I will get to see my daughter for the first time since February), but next week I'll have to go away for work for a week, then be home briefly before embarking on another adventure. Yes, life has been quite busy! I have to admit that I'm a bit sad that I'll be missing a few weeks of the burrowing owl antics that I have been enjoying of late. But I guess it just allows for an opportunity to see something new - though something different, but hopefully equally enjoyable.

Either way, I hope that everyone makes the best of their weekend coming up, doing whatever it is that makes you happy. :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by to view and especially for all of your comments and thoughts. Bear with me with my limited commenting over the next week or so and know that, though comments may be sporadic, I'm still checking out the images along the way.

© Debbie Tubridy / © TNWA Photography - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.

Website: www.tnwaphotography.com
Blog: www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

Looking Good

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:48:23 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

I love taking images of the birds, especially during the courtship time, when their colors are at full display and they have an attitude about them that makes me feel like they're calling out ...Look At Me!

This particular tri-colored heron seemed to be out strutting it's stuff. At first when I saw it, I thought look at that bird, but then I noticed that the bokeh around it was highlighting its beauty and I really felt compelled to get the shot. Patiently it seemed to cooperate with me as I set up, composed, and succeeded at getting the image. I especially love the brilliant red eye! Now that it's almost mid-May, I'll bet all of the showing off is over by now and the young are probably getting quite grown already. Such is life :-).

Thanks for stopping by to view and especially for all of your thoughts and comments.

© Debbie Tubridy / © TNWA Photography - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.

Website: www.tnwaphotography.com
Blog: www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

The Spirit Beckons

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:56:09 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

In the fall of 2012, we took a family reunion vacation to the Yellowstone/Grand Teton NPs area. We had a great time in the big outdoors with my mom, her husband, my daughter Kelli, Tom & I. After we then dropped my mom and her husband off in SLC, we then picked up Kelli's husband Mitchell and toured around Utah - Park City and surrounding areas. Then Kelli, Tom & I went onward through southern Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and into Texas.

One of the places that we visited along the way was Zion NP. What a fabulous place that is - so rich in colors, spiritual in nature, and adventurous for the mind and body. We were treated to spectacular weather, with amazing wispy clouds, and the perfect temperature in the air.

This image illustrates just some of the varied terrain layers of complexity to the area. I found every corner had a "hidden gem" to it and I could literally explore the area for weeks, if not months.

So much to do, so much to see, so much to experience ... not enough time. I need to return to the area on a trip, perhaps in 2014, to better quench my thirst for Zion. Until then, I can flip through my photographs from the trip and reflect on the memories that were made, and smile.

Thanks for stopping by to view and especially for your thoughts and comments.

© Debbie Tubridy / © TNWA Photography - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.

Website: www.tnwaphotography.com
Blog: www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

Ringing The Dinner Bell

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:27:01 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

Recently I have been spending time with some local friends ... the burrowing owls of Brian Piccolo Park in Cooper City. They are residents of the area, but it's May and June when the fun really begins ... as they have their babies, which are born deep down in their burrows, but begin to emerge a few weeks later.

It's so much fun to watch the young owls as they first get their glimpse of the world outside of their burrow ... from the people staring at them, to the activities going on around them, to their dangers that surround them ... it's always something!

On this day, one of the parents flew down outside of the roped off burrow perimeter and quickly snatched up this frog and brought it back from the nest. It's as if they rang the dinner bell - the baby owls ran out and began to tug on the various parts as they tried to eat on it. So interesting to observe their behavior and quite comical at times. :-)

Will be visiting the burrows again this week, as they begin to test their wings hopping around and doing quick jumps, then ultimately flying. They grow up way too fast for me.... though by the looks of the daddy, who spends most of its time in the tree nearby, I'm sure he might welcome it when they finally flee the coup ... or should I say, the burrow.

Thanks for stopping by to view and especially for all of your thoughts and comments.

© Debbie Tubridy / © TNWA Photography - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.

Website: www.tnwaphotography.com
Blog: www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

Where Did It Go?

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:32:24 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

Where did it go? .... The weekend, that is? LOL. It was right here, we were all having fun, then all of a sudden ... poof ... gone!

Of course, this little sandhill crane colt is simply beginning to explore the world around him/her - everyday is a new thing full of surprises. Reminds me of a baby when they first discover things like their feet, their hands, their ability to do something for the first time. You can almost "see" their minds working, as they take it all in.

By now, my little sandhill crane colts are probably not so little anymore. As our children grow too fast, so do these adorable little colts. I would like to think that one day when I return to the same area, that maybe I'll see them again - foraging around on their own, or if it's been several years, maybe even raising their own little ones. I can say one thing .... these sandhills are the best parents! Hope that this little one's daddy was good to its mate yesterday - being Mother's Day and all. :-)

Well, I hope that everyone has the best Monday that we can. Guess what? In 5 short days (I wish they were short) it will be weekend again!

Thanks for stopping by to view and especially for all of your thoughts and comments.

© Debbie Tubridy / © TNWA Photography - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.

Website: www.tnwaphotography.com
Blog: www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

The Elegant Columbine

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Sun, 12 May 2013 04:21:31 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

Just a quick post to wish all of my family and flickr friends a wonderful HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Whether your "children" are of the human, furry, or feathered kind - you're still a mother to them. I especially want to pay tribute to my mom and convey how much I love and respect her.

This image was taken while visiting Emerald Lake of Yoho National Park near the town of Field in British Columbia, Canada. What a gorgeous place that was with so many happy memories. I wish I could take my mom there today, as I'm sure that she would enjoy and soak in all of the beauty that surrounds that place. :-)

Thanks so much for the views and for all of your comments and thoughts. Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend, I know that I am!

© Debbie Tubridy / © TNWA Photography - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.

Website: www.tnwaphotography.com
Blog: www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

Playing in the Pollen

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Sat, 11 May 2013 17:35:26 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

Been busy this weekend so far - shooting and downloading, but no processing yet. Yikes! So, it's off to the archive I go.

This image, taken in 2011 in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, during one of Jeff Clow's Dirt Cheap Photo Tours. We had a great time there, meet a lot of fun photographers, and well, let's just say that the Canadian Rockies did not disappoint. Not sure, if they're even capable of disappointing. :-)

Usually for some reason when I shoot flowers and blooms, I tend to shoot them from behind, but when there's an insect involved, all bets are off. This guy, as you can see, is covered in the pollen, as it seemed to be having the best time playing around in it. Macro work is not my forte at all. It's the kind of photography that I love when I look at other photographers work, but never of mine. Though, for some reason, I do like this one.

Thanks for stopping by to view and especially for all of your thoughts and comments. Hope that everyone's enjoying their weekend!

© Debbie Tubridy / © TNWA Photography - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.
Website: www.tnwaphotography.com

Blog: www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

Ole Blue Eyes

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:29:13 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

There's something so special about birds when they're in full swing of the courtship and mating season. Nature sure does know how to put the colors on for a show .... and this double-crested cormorant surely wears it well.

This image was taken on the Anhinga Trail of Everglades National Park. Was thinking about maybe heading down there soon, but I think that the migrating birds are past, the mating and courtship time is over, but most importantly, the heat, the humidity, and the mosquitos are back.

Planning a trip out to Oregon soon, so if anyone has any suggestions for there or the Palouse region, I would more than welcome it.

Thanks for stopping by to view and especially for all of your thoughts and comments. TGIF!!

© Debbie Tubridy / © TNWA Photography - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.

Website: www.tnwaphotography.com
Blog: www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

Do You Mind If I Tag Along?

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:02:59 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

Tonights post is from January, when we traveled to Merritt Island NWF and were greeted by several Florida Scrub Jays.

Scrub jays measure about 11" in length, weigh about 2.8 oz, and have a wingspan of about 16". They feed on insects, spiders, ticks, mice, small turtles, eggs and young of smaller birds, acorns, nuts and fruits. They forage in low to mid-level vegetation or hopping along the ground.

These scrub jays are quite the social birds and quite beautiful too. They have a very limited habitat, preferring to inhabit areas that are transitional, produced by fire, consisting of scrub, mainly oak, about 10' high with small openings. Its habitat is becoming more and more limited and they are a threatened species in Florida. They rarely travel outside of a 1 mile radius of where they were born and hang around the area helping parents take care of their young.

Interesting to note is that the Florida Scrub Jay is the only bird species that is exclusive to Florida.

When venturing in the habitat, often they make their presence known and will fly along as you hike along the trail. Since they are so friendly, they are often fed by those meaning to do good or have a jay "encounter", but of course, this is highly frowned upon.

They are so beautiful and fun to "meet" along the trail. :-)

Thanks for stopping by to view and especially for all of your thoughts and comments!

© Debbie Tubridy / © TNWA Photography - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.

Website: www.tnwaphotography.com
Blog: www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

Everyday Chores

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:51:59 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

On Sunday, I had the opportunity to visit Blue Cypress Lake in Vero Beach to photograph the ospreys. It was a wonderful early morning when we arrived, but by the time we got the boat ready to venture out to the nests, the sunrise opportunities were gone - covered in the clouds associated by the front coming through. As if that wasn't enough, the clouds also made shooting the ospreys very difficult. I have yet to go through all of my images, but so far, they seem to pale in comparison to our March trip to the lake.

Tonight's image was taken back in March, when I visited Blue Cypress and got acquainted with the ospreys, as they soared overhead - flying from tree to tree, nest to nest, gathering nesting material, bringing back a fresh catch meal or two, mated, etc. That day was a fun-filled day of osprey activities.

While Sunday was a bit gloomy in the beginning of the morning, it did clear up after an hour or two, so all was not lost. Plus, the company was great and a good time was had! Not as many osprey babies as we had hoped, but I'm sure that will pick up in the upcoming weeks.

Thanks for stopping by to view and for all of your thoughts and comments.

© Debbie Tubridy / © TNWA Photography - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.

Website: www.tnwaphotography.com
Blog: www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

A New Beginning

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:39:37 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

Today's image is one actually out of the archives from about 13 months ago. I can recall the day as if it were yesterday.....

Some friends and I had stumbled upon what we thought was an injured killdeer, just laying out on the rocks near a fishing pier. As I approached it, never did it try to get up. Instead, it stayed motionless on the ground. I immediately thought that it was hurt and that we should get someone to help it, but for some reason we continued to take images. It looked a bit nervous and I thought that we should leave the area. Suddenly, another killdeer nervously ran over to it and some vocalization was quickly exchanged. We really thought that it was its mate whom had come back to check on its injured partner. As the wave of emotions for this poor killdeer ran through my heart and soul, all of a sudden it jumped up and the two killdeer swamped positions. It's a miracle! But, in reality, there was no miracle, just us not realizing the "imposter antics" of the killdeer. It was so fascinating to watch.

But the show wasn't over just yet, for soon afterwards, we could see 3 babies under the parent sitting on the nest and a 4th egg yet to be hatched under them as well! And probably the most fascinating of all to me was the fact that the newborn killdeer chicks, fully feathered, were able to get up and walk around their vicinity with their parents! It truly left me with my jaw open and my mind so surprised.

Now, how cute is this little one, as it made it's way over to one of the parents standing on wooden edge of the patio rocks. To make it even more spectacular of an event for me, this little one actually jumped over the plank of wood and onto the grassy area below. Again, my heart skipped a beat or two fearing the baby killdeer might have been injured in the fall ... but it was just fine!

Now I know that I'm a bit challenged when it comes to most birds (without talons, that is), but I sure learned a lot that day and have a total fascination with killdeer ever since. :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by to view and especially for all of your thoughts and comments.

© Debbie Tubridy / © TNWA Photography - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.

Website: www.tnwaphotography.com
Blog: www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

How Rude!

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:20:22 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

Wow, the weekend went by WAY TOO FAST, as far as I'm concerned. When my alarm went off bright and early this morning, this is about how I felt.... rudely awakened! :-)

As I mentioned previously, this is the time of year that in south Florida, we have burrowing owls emerging from their burrows, where they generally have spent the first 2 weeks of their life. It's so fun to observe them at this point in their life - their eyes are so droopy, they look so tired, they're a bit clumsy and unsure on their feet, and they make the best ever expressions at the viewer. I always wonder what they think when they see the photographers pointed their camera gear their way - seemingly always present. :-)

Often, when the babies are out of the burrow, one of the parents heads down and begins a process of digging out fresh sand and consequently tossing it up out of the burrow and onto the owls standing nearby. LOL. Sometimes, when you focus closely on them, they are just littered with sand all over their faces. This poor guy is getting just such an shower of sand in it's face!

I know that as I watch them repeatedly as they grow up before me, I can tell the difference between the various baby owls as they truly do have their very own quirks and personalities, marking, etc. I wonder if they identify with the various observers as well. I know that it sounds weird, but I do believe that they do.... and I think that they know who they can trust ... who respects their space.For only when they're comfortable and acting totally natural can the observer witness gems of behavior - quite varied, but always entertaining. Just love them!

Thanks for stopping by to view and especially for all of your comments and thoughts!

© Debbie Tubridy / © TNWA Photography - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.

Website: www.tnwaphotography.com
Blog: www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

Test of Patience

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Sat, 04 May 2013 16:35:52 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

In south Florida, we have so many hawks, but they tend to be mainly red shouldered hawks. While they are amazing, I tend to gravitate to other types of hawks when I travel, since the RSHs are so common to me.
But this day was different....

This RSH flew by me several times, while I was trying to look for northern harriers, kestrel, or something like that, which were clearly not in the immediate vicinity. So, my attention turned to this hawk.

I saw where it landed, so I grabbed my camera and went in its general direction. Sure enough, it was sitting up in a tree, so I took a few shots from a distance. You know, when you just want to "get a shot", though you know it won't be a good one. After I had "that shot" under my belt, I approached the tree where it was nicely perched in beautiful light. It didn't seem to mind my presence, so I went a bit closer, where it continued to accept my closeness. After a while, I decided to stay put and just watch it, taking the occasional shot or two ... just in case it flew. It would look over its shoulder at me every now and again - maybe to see if I was still there, maybe to tease me, maybe to watch something else in my direction, I don't know. Eventually, this guy simply won the standoff with me over who could stay longer. After all, he was just sitting there - I was the one looking upward with my heavy equipment staring up at him. LOL.

Seriously though, it sure was a pretty sight to see. So, even if the RSH are common for me to see in such places as the Everglades, they still hold an allure and are quite wonderful for the viewer to behold!

Thanks for stopping by to view and especially for all of your thoughts and comments!

© 2013 Debbie Tubridy/TNWA Photography

Eat Small, Frequent Meals

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:25:39 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

We all know this to be true and beneficial, but it's an absolute way of life for the burrowing owls. Yes, it's that time of year again .... burrowing owls and their babies in South Florida!

Burrowing owls, athene cunicularia, have their babies in underground burrows, which means that you don't get a "sneak peak" at them until a few weeks when they're old enough to venture outside of the burrow. It's always an unpredictable moment as to when they will appear and some will emerge before others. Either way, they are adorable! More on that later...

Often, the owls will begin to bring food back to the burrow to either feed its mate or the young ones early on. They dine on a variety of insects and invertebrates and they dine quite frequently! Takes a lot of bugs to fill these guys up! When they feed they sometimes perch up on a pole of in a nearby tree to scout out the area. They then fly down and proceed to hop around on the ground, run quickly, then finally nab their next tasty morsel. Sometimes they will eat a few of their own before they head over to the burrow with some to share.

It always amazes me how observant these owls are also to their surroundings and how quick they are to access something OK nearby versus something that might be a threat to them, such as a hawk flying overhead. Their alert call is unmistakeable and they rally up the troops for what seems like 15-30 seconds before anyone else can often even find the threat. Such keen attentions they have and they are such protective parents to their young as well.

Can't wait to have all of the burrows abuzz with the pitter-patter of new arrivals and the opportunity to watch them grow up before my eyes. :-)

Thanks for stopping by to view and for all of your thoughts and comments.

© Debbie Tubridy / © TNWA Photography - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.

Website: www.tnwaphotography.com
Blog: www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

JUMP!

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:05:48 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

Oh yeah, Friday is here finally!

Today's image is about a fox squirrel that some friends and I spotted as it was running around in search of food. From the first time I spotted a fox squirrel and didn't know what it was, I have been fascinated by them.

We have plenty of squirrels, but this guy was different. They possess such a big bushy tail and are somewhat bigger than our regular squirrels, as well as their coloration and markings are quite different. Either way, I just thought he was so cute as he scurried around, fully aware that we were shooting images of him. Finally at this point, we saw hime headed towards the fence and thought that he would simply run over the bottom slat of the fence, but he had other ideas. He leaped up to a higher level ... almost as if he was jumping for joy! Like he knew it was Friday (but it was actually on a Sunday - LOL).

Thanks for stopping by to view and for all of your thoughts and comments! Hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!

© 2012 Debbie Tubridy / TNWA Photography

Moments That Take Your Breathe Away

nobody@flickr.com (MommaD photos) — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:02:35 -0700

MommaD photos posted a photo:

Happy Hump Day!

So excited that it's Wednesday again - almost as excited as when I saw this adorable little grizzly cub along the roadside in the Igloo Canyon area of Denali National Park!

I just love bears, and my feelings get magnified when it comes to cubs. This cub was 1 of 2 cubs traveling through the brush in the newly fallen snow while feeding upon berries. When I spot them, I literally freeze, get the gear in place, and test my exposure quickly (as well as other pertinent settings). A smile beams from my face and my pulse quickens. At times, I literally think that I forget to breathe. After a moment of snapping off a few shots, I remember .... OK, breathe .... you got your images ... the rest is gravy. Funny how I get conflicting emotions as to whether I should simply view with my own eyes for the full impact experience or continue to shoot for the images I can view over and over to re-live the experience. Usually it's a bit of both that I end up doing. :-)

As I reflect upon this image, that moment of discovery, that smile I had observing it going about its business, I wonder how its doing and hope that I will see it again this summer when I return. :-)

Thanks for stopping by and especially for all of your thoughts and comments!

© Debbie Tubridy / © TNWA Photography - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.

Website: www.tnwaphotography.com
Blog: www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com