House Finch, A Word of Advice

This little couple have given so many fun hours of amusement over the last months.  They play, they bicker and carry on like an old married couple.  I am pretty sure they have raised about 20 babies as the birdbath is often pretty busy.  Maybe she is telling Mr she has a head ache tonight!

I have been taking a bit of photography break with the Olympics on but I need to begin to sort through some of my images.   I have a photo contest I plan to enter offered from Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, using photos taken from the Refuge.  It will be their 3rd one and there are at least 3 categories that I can participate in.   Problem is I can not make a decision.   What will the judges be looking for!

Delicate Growth

I have a love hate relationship with this wisteria.  I have 3, two that do not bloom and this one that does.   All are extreme growers and you can almost see the vines move and flower as you set the camer lens on the plant.  Love the look and hate the trimming and invasive nature, but the flowers are so delicate and lovely that I shall forgive its nature.   This was taken with my 150mm Sigma macro lense and given two very light filters of dry brush.

Seriously Brillient

Isn't this an incredible expression!  From the Alexandria Zoo this is one of the largest land birds originating from Australia and for the life if me I can't remember its species!   I had to take this through a no climb wire fence and so I had to do a severe crop on it.  After I got done with some exposure work I tried a dry brush filter on it and it really picked up the texture of the horn and the glassy eyes.  Such a great contrast. and so brillient!   

Another Editors Pick

I have been a member of BetterPhoto.com for ages
and I get so tickled when one of my photos is chosen for
the final round for their contests.   This is called
Siblings.  Taken with my 100-300 mm Sigma out my
kitchen window.  I posted a bigger version of this on
the previous post.  To see my gallery at Better Photo
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=86733

Yeah, I am a finalist again

Hi Sally

Congratulations! You have placed as a finalist in this month's BetterPhoto
Contest! Over 15800 photos were entered into the competition; it is an honor
to have your image selected among the top 778 finalist photos.

Your finalist photo: Sun Glow (#11705602)

This image can be viewed - along with all of the finalist images - at:
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGall2.asp?catID=45888

During the next few days, the judges select the top winning photos. If
your image is selected as a winner, you will be emailed again.

Again, congratulations!

BetterPhoto Customer Support

http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=86733

The funny thing about this turtle is the last time I was a finalist was with a turtle photo also which can be seen in my gallery link above.   I hope that works if you are not a member!