We have a small artificial lake in the park across from our house. We watched from our front window as the City converted a farmer's field into a lake, soccer field and playground about nine years ago now. It's been particularly interesting to watch the lake come alive and become host to many creatures--birds, fish, turtles, frogs. Of the bird residents, the Canada geese can definitely be a little annoying. There are a lot of them, they are noisy and they can make the shoreline quite unpleasant to walk on (if you know what I mean). But there are goslings currently and they are so cute! There are two families that seem to spend all of their time together.
There is also a mallard family. Here is the mom with her little ducklings. She didn't make it easy for the photographer. Can you see them just behind her along the rocks? She spent quite a bit of time there with them. It must have been a good lunch spot. Earlier the same day, the ducklings swam past the goslings, but do you think I had my camera with me then? Of course not.
As I was taking photos of the geese, I guess I disturbed the heron and it took off all of a sudden. Even the goose looks a little startled. I had the long-range lens on the camera and didn't have a lot of time to react so the photos aren't quite crisp. I love the heron. He's so majestic.
Meeko is really quite wonderful around the birds. He sees them and is interested but doesn't bark or try to chase them. So for his good behaviour, I thought he deserved a little photo session too.
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| Birdie Lover - Meeko |
On Etsy, they have added a new artist profile section to each shop called 'About'. It's optional to use it but it's quite a nice way to include more information about your work. I spent quite a lot of time working on mine. You can read it
here if you are interested. I'm sure I'll tweak it a bit in the days and weeks ahead but I'm pretty happy with it as a start. Maybe you'll learn something about me you didn't know. :)
Observing birds is so interesting, and you got pretty good shots ! They are always on the move, specially with babes !
ReplyDeleteAw, Meeko, I wish I could give you an actual belly rub & scratch that cute face of yours !
Gary & I send our love
xoxo
They don't pose for photos, do they? I also find the long-range lens to be heavy and clumsy. Some day I'll have to set up my tripod there and see if I can get better results.
DeleteA belly rub? A scratch behind the ears? You would be Meeko's friend for life! :) xx
The Native Americans in our area call the heron 'Grandfather Bird' as it will often give an irritated squawk when disturbed. Glad Meeko leaves the bird alone. Herons take off slowly and that beak is razor sharp and can penetrate bone. We have one that visits our garden pond and I make sure one isn't there when I let the dogs out.
ReplyDelete'Grandfather Bird'. I like that name.
DeleteMeeko is indeed a very nice dog - besides handsome..! :-)
ReplyDeleteHe was hoping you'd mention the handsome part. :)
DeleteOccasionally, we will catch sight of a grey heron in the river that runs past the house. They are the most elegant of birds. Our youngest pup looks like a smaller version of your dog Meeko.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer-I think herons are very elegant. I peeked at your blog and saw the pup you are talking about along with your other dogs. You have an active household!
DeleteHerons are quite majestic and special to see, I think their numbers are increasing over here. They can be naughty tho and eat small chicks, I've seen it happen!??? EEEK. Meeko is cute, love his colouring, and big black nose. I'm afraid my dog is handsome, he knows this because I tell him so :) Mr Handsome. He does get other names, quite a lot of other names actually.
ReplyDeleteMeeko is handsome indeed and sees himself as the center of the world, but it's funny how we forgive that trait in dogs. If we're out for a walk and a car stops or someone opens their front door, he's always convinced it's because they want to meet him. It's quite funny. Meeko has a handful of names as well. :)
DeleteOOh forgot to say I love your description on Etsy, that looks very proffesional, and you have worded it so well, Fab!
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie so much! I appreciate having the feedback. :)
DeleteOh, Meeko is quite handsome, isn't he?
ReplyDeleteVery impressive that he doesn't bug those birds at all. Would he chase a frog, maybe? LOL.
I love the pictures of the Heron. They're such amazing birds.
Also, I keep hearing about the "About" section on Etsy. Yours looks fantastic! Love the peeks into your studio, you lucky duck!
Can't wait to see what you create next.
P.S. I wonder what your past-life name was? What a romantic notion. :)
"Hey Meeko, you have another fan!" :) He does chase squirrels if he sees them in our backyard but hasn't figured out how they disappear (the up part)!
DeleteThanks for the feedback on the 'About' page. You'll have to get yours done. I noticed they removed the 'Profile' button yesterday in the left column. I am lucky to have a dedicated studio. Just wish I kept it neater.
Should have asked about my name! Mostly what tarot card readers/fortune tellers say gives me the heebie-jeebies, but I did find that interesting. :)
Grey Heron here = stolen goldfish! I once came home to find him wading thigh deep in the very fish empty pond. He was probably hoping I was restocking it for his breakfast!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your birds shots - they can be tricky things to catch on camera. Meeko looks like a born model though - very camera savvy!
Off to look at Etsy now...
Very kind of you to provide snack food to the local wildlife. :(
DeleteMeeko definitely has the camera thing all figured out.