Red-Ringed Tupperware Party with (ineffective) Tin Foil Hats

[Lightstream]

The beak thing is all about proportion....that poor little kookaburra just looks like he is going to tip over from all that weight up front.


Maybe that is why he is leaning just a little bit backwards on the branch. He needs a tripod collar for that :D

[Woolburr]

Just makes one wonder what cruel trick evolution played on them. Exactly what do those guys eat?

[wu_wei0]

OK you bird beak experts- what's up with ol' Ugly Bill's bill here?
click for larger: http://static.flickr.com/34/122206363_4be5fd044f.jpg (http://static.flickr.com/34/122206363_4be5fd044f_b.jpg)

[Lightstream]

Just makes one wonder what cruel trick evolution played on them. Exactly what do those guys eat?

http://www.amonline.net.au/factSheets/laughing_kookaburra.htm

Laughing Kookaburras feed mostly on insects, worms and crustaceans, although small snakes, mammals, frogs and birds may also be eaten. Prey is seized by pouncing from a suitable perch. Small prey is eaten whole, but larger prey is killed by bashing it against the ground or tree branch. Laughing Kookaburras often become quite tame around humans and will readily accept scraps of meat. This 'pre-processed' food is still beaten against a perch before swallowing.

[Lightstream]

OK you bird beak experts- what's up with ol' Ugly Bill here?
click for larger: http://static.flickr.com/34/122206363_4be5fd044f.jpg (http://static.flickr.com/34/122206363_4be5fd044f.jpg)

No idea! Looks like a pelican in need of a facelift...

[Woolburr]

Thanks for the info Yoda...

Wu...that is one seriously messed up bird there....wonder if it was injured or has some disease.

Since we are posting messed up birds...here is a goose with a bit of a problem too.
http://www.pbase.com/woolburr/image/70504930.jpg

[Lightstream]

Hey! MY bird wasn't messed up....it's just naturally occurring ;)

You can almost hear the goose saying "duudde.. whereth my beak?"

[Woolburr]

At least he looked fat and healthy.....I didn't see any signs of distress caused by the beak being so messed up. There were probably 30-40 geese on the pond that day...and he was by far the biggest of them.

After I got home and started reviewing the shots...I could help but chuckle a bit and think he probably talked a bit like Daffy Duck.

[Woolburr]

Quiet day....everyone working or shooting pictures....pictures would be a good thing.;)

[saravrose]

Quiet day....everyone working or shooting pictures....pictures would be a good thing.;)

I agree..somehow I'm trying to chalk it up to the rainy weather outside... pictures I have. but, i'm currently stuck at my work computer that doesn't allow anything more complex then surfing the internet...

sari

[Claire]

On way home from work. It's dark & raining. :(

[Belmondo]

On way home from work. It's dark & raining. :(

Claire, you must come to the desert. It's going to be 85F today (30C). The sun is shining, people are playing golf, and the smell of freshly cut grass is in the air. Life is good here.

[Claire]

Claire, you must come to the desert. It's going to be 85F today (30C). The sun is shining, people are playing golf, and the smell of freshly cut grass is in the air. Life is good here.

I like having a change of seasons. I just don't like rainy fall weather. :/

[Woolburr]

Claire, you must come to the desert. It's going to be 85F today (30C). The sun is shining, people are playing golf, and the smell of freshly cut grass is in the air. Life is good here.


Gee Tom...you are such a bundle of joy to those of us having rainy, cold and dreary days....:lol:

[wu_wei0]

Gee Tom...you are such a bundle of joy to those of us having rainy, cold and dreary days....:lol:
will be 70 and sunny here tomorrow! Mid to high 60s most of the rest of the week, I think- at least til Sat, of course. Stuck in the office today and tomorrow though. :(

[Woolburr]

will be 70 and sunny here tomorrow! Mid to high 60s most of the rest of the week, I think- at least til Sat, of course. Stuck in the office today and tomorrow though. :(

Well....aren't you just the little bundle of sunshine as well...70 would be so nice...38 is the forecast high for here today. Yuck, yuck, yuck!!! :confused:

[wu_wei0]

Well....aren't you just the little bundle of sunshine as well...70 would be so nice...38 is the forecast high for here today. Yuck, yuck, yuck!!! :confused:
Why, yes. Yes, I am! :p
You know what you can do to get a little piece of that sunshine.:lol:

38 does sound yucky except for a nice fire, some warming drinks, and a bit of stimulating conversation. stay inside.

[Woolburr]

Why, yes. Yes, I am! :p
You know what you can do to get a little piece of that sunshine.:lol:

38 does sound yucky except for a nice fire, some warming drinks, and a bit of stimulating conversation. stay inside.

:lol: I think I need to go shoot for a bit....or perhaps run over to Charlotte and see if there is a new HHR with my name on it. Can't seem to find a nice one here. Now later this evening...the fire and a toddy or two sounds very tempting...;)

[saravrose]

well hi wu how are you doing today?...

[wu_wei0]

:lol: I think I need to go shoot for a bit....or perhaps run over to Charlotte and see if there is a new HHR with my name on it. Can't seem to find a nice one here. Now later this evening...the fire and a toddy or two sounds very tempting...;)
See, I knew you could make yourself some sunshine!

well hi wu how are you doing today?...

Hi Sari- I'm alive! and fairly happy to be so. :) Things are fine. Loving the short week and the fact that I'll have a son and his true love with me in a couple days. Looks like you have had some adventure lately- and all that pretty snow. ;)
How are you?

[Permagrin]

Claire, you must come to the desert. It's going to be 85F today (30C). The sun is shining, people are playing golf, and the smell of freshly cut grass is in the air. Life is good here.

Tom, do you guys snowbird? I'm just wondering...the desert in the summer would probably kill me! My MIL has a house down there (somewhere...morongo valley or yucca valley...she just got it so I'm not exactly sure where it is...) But it'd be fun to visit her in the "snowbird" season (since that's the only time she's there...)

Gee Tom...you are such a bundle of joy to those of us having rainy, cold and dreary days....:lol:

My sentiments exactly!

will be 70 and sunny here tomorrow! Mid to high 60s most of the rest of the week, I think- at least til Sat, of course. Stuck in the office today and tomorrow though. :(

Is Kansas really the "grapes of wrath" state? I can't imagine it being mid-Nov and 70...we're having tulmultous weather here right now. Yesterday it rained as if the skies shatter and nothing was holding it back. Today it's sunny...

[saravrose]

See, I knew you could make yourself some sunshine!



Hi Sari- I'm alive! and fairly happy to be so. :) Things are fine. Loving the short week and the fact that I'll have a son and his true love with me in a couple days. Looks like you have had some adventure lately- and all that pretty snow. ;)
How are you?

yeah, I suppose i've had a string of bad/ good luck the last little bit.. but, for every unpleasantness another good thing was brought up.. so, had to drive almost three hours to get my glasses fixed, but once there didn't have to pay nearly what I thought I was going to. got stuck, just a little bit in some snow.. but have beautiful photos to show for it.. and in general have been going at a fairly even pace... no crazy work hours, unless ofcourse you count five in the morning crazy...

and i'm currently chatting with my boss about perhaps working for a cruise ship this time next year... He was a director before he came here.. and i'm supposed to let him know when/ if I am serious about it.... could be fun. maybe see something worth seeing, take a few photos and get out of the cold for the winter...

[Permagrin]

:lol: I think I need to go shoot for a bit....or perhaps run over to Charlotte and see if there is a new HHR with my name on it. Can't seem to find a nice one here. Now later this evening...the fire and a toddy or two sounds very tempting...;)

What do you think of those blind spots in those cars? (We had a PT Cruiser for less than a year because of the lack of visibility...just wondered about the HHR in comparison.)

[Permagrin]

yeah, I suppose i've had a string of bad/ good luck the last little bit.. but, for every unpleasantness another good thing was brought up.. so, had to drive almost three hours to get my glasses fixed, but once there didn't have to pay nearly what I thought I was going to. got stuck, just a little bit in some snow.. but have beautiful photos to show for it.. and in general have been going at a fairly even pace... no crazy work hours, unless ofcourse you count five in the morning crazy...

and i'm currently chatting with my boss about perhaps working for a cruise ship this time next year... He was a director before he came here.. and i'm supposed to let him know when/ if I am serious about it.... could be fun. maybe see something worth seeing, take a few photos and get out of the cold for the winter...

Oh, Sari, a cruise ship sounds fun too...! Gosh I wish I was young and un-encumbered again...(not that I hate my life at all, but it'd be fun to drop everything and take a travel job for a season or two....I'd do it now except that I would miss my husband and cats...)

[wu_wei0]

Is Kansas really the "grapes of wrath" state? I can't imagine it being mid-Nov and 70...we're having tulmultous weather here right now. Yesterday it rained as if the skies shatter and nothing was holding it back. Today it's sunny...
Kansas is strange- but no different from OK, weatherwise- cold and yucky with drizzle and threat of snow one day and 80 the next. You just never know.
Even though it rained (well was wet) a lot in October we are way behind in our rainfall quotas. Last year when all the kids were here for thanksgiving it snowed on the MN ones on the way here, was cold but sunny during their stay and then we had 8 inches of snow here the monday after thansgiving as they left.


and i'm currently chatting with my boss about perhaps working for a cruise ship this time next year... He was a director before he came here.. and i'm supposed to let him know when/ if I am serious about it.... could be fun. maybe see something worth seeing, take a few photos and get out of the cold for the winter...

DO IT!! If I had the skills and was young enough to get hired, I would in a heartbeat!

[Permagrin]

Kansas is strange- but no different from OK, weatherwise- cold and yucky with drizzle and threat of snow one day and 80 the next. You just never know.
Even though it rained (well was wet) a lot in October we are way behind in our rainfall quotas. Last year when all the kids were here for thanksgiving it snowed on the MN ones on the way here, was cold but sunny during their stay and then we had 8 inches of snow here the monday after thansgiving as they left.



DO IT!! If I had the skills and was young enough to get hired, I would in a heartbeat!

Crazy weather Wu! My brother was born in OK, and all I remember is the heat...I'm glad we moved to the NW when we did. You should apply over here...we have OSU, which is a really highly regarded university...and Oregon State...it's very liberal and very popular (and neither are far away from us ;) ). I do love the PNW...so much to see/do, in whatever direction you head....

When is your grandbaby due?

[saravrose]

Kansas is strange- but no different from OK, weatherwise- cold and yucky with drizzle and threat of snow one day and 80 the next. You just never know.
Even though it rained (well was wet) a lot in October we are way behind in our rainfall quotas. Last year when all the kids were here for thanksgiving it snowed on the MN ones on the way here, was cold but sunny during their stay and then we had 8 inches of snow here the monday after thansgiving as they left.



DO IT!! If I had the skills and was young enough to get hired, I would in a heartbeat!

skills? we don't need no skills.. just got to be able to carry a tray above your head and free pour a perfect shot.. not much to it.. ;) .. actually Daryl says i'd get hired as a photographer pretty quick, but sad as it is.. there's more money in bartending.. hmm.. I have months to decide. but, sounds better than some other options...

sari

[wu_wei0]

Crazy weather Wu! My brother was born in OK, and all I remember is the heat...I'm glad we moved to the NW when we did. You should apply over here...we have OSU, which is a really highly regarded university...and Oregon State...it's very liberal and very popular (and neither are far away from us ;) ). I do love the PNW...so much to see/do, in whatever direction you head....

When is your grandbaby due?
PNW would be a prime destination, that's for sure. Wish my brother still had his condos up that way so I could come and look. Of course, the kids are still fighting about which ones I will live near. . . MN or AL

My little bean is due around mid June. I will see those two right after Christmas. I can't wait! Still awaiting the pics of the ultrasound, however. Think I might have to pull a mean mama on them and scowl. I learned from the best! lol

[Permagrin]

PNW would be a prime destination, that's for sure. Wish my brother still had his condos up that way so I could come and look. Of course, the kids are still fighting about which ones I will live near. . . MN or AL

My little bean is due around mid June. I will see those two right after Christmas. I can't wait! Still awaiting the pics of the ultrasound, however. Think I might have to pull a mean mama on them and scowl. I learned from the best! lol

You're always welcome here if you need a place to stay, to come on a scouting mission :)

[Woolburr]

You're always welcome here if you need a place to stay, to come on a scouting mission :)

Careful what you say....she will steal the rest of your lampshades.:p

[Woolburr]

What do you think of those blind spots in those cars? (We had a PT Cruiser for less than a year because of the lack of visibility...just wondered about the HHR in comparison.)

The HHR has great visibility.....and good looks...much better than the PT Snoozer.

[wu_wei0]

Careful what you say....she will steal the rest of your lampshades.:p
:p
You're giving me a bad rep!

[Permagrin]

The HHR has great visibility.....and good looks...much better than the PT Snoozer.

We hated the cruiser...not only was the visibility limited, if you put anything in it, it was absolutely gutless...we bought a jeep renegade instead...works so much better for us!

[Permagrin]

:p
You're giving me a bad rep!

OH Wu, it WAS my lampshade after all...

no worries Wool...I'm having some infrared security set up around all lampshades...

[wu_wei0]

Careful what you say....she will steal the rest of your lampshades.:p

OH Wu, it WAS my lampshade after all...

no worries Wool...I'm having some infrared security set up around all lampshades...
I will not believe that I did that 'til I see proof!

[Woolburr]

I will not believe that I did that 'til I see proof!

Give me back my CF card....I'll give you the proof!;)

[Lightstream]

Lampshade has come up again eh :P

[Woolburr]

Some subjects refuse to die.

[Lightstream]

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1185&g2_serialNumber=2
"I LIVE."

[Woolburr]

Moooooooooooooooo.....that is just so sad.

[liza]

LOL!!!! Nice bull.


I am personally wondering if I should go for the 100 macro.... just a thought, but one that has been brewing in my mind for a while. I would like to run a full frame compatible system. And I'm a leeeeeeettle bit tired of the 350D's balky AF.

PG's recommendation of the Tamron 90 macro is interesting, but I also wonder if this will be Bigma #2, ie. bought it, don't like it, sold it and ended up going Canon (when I should have gone all out for the first place). Gripes are the same, no USM/IF/FTM.

I just think the 100 macro is a more versatile lens. The 65 is only for EF-s...and really isn't meant for anything beyond macro work....the 100 is a great macro...compatible with all the cameras...plus it is a decent short tele too. For the small difference in price...the 100 justs seems like a better choice.

I considered the Tamron macro but am glad I found and purchased a good used copy of the Canon 100mm lens on FM. It's worth buying the Canon for the USM and internal focusing mechanism. And, OMG, the image quality is out of this world!


will be 70 and sunny here tomorrow! Mid to high 60s most of the rest of the week, I think- at least til Sat, of course. Stuck in the office today and tomorrow though. :(

It's supposed to be in the 50's for the entire week here. I'm so glad, as I hate gloomy cold weather. I sure wish I had time to relax, but I have portrait bookings on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday and a lot of post processing on Sunday. A lady from Annapolis, Maryland, called me this evening to book a shoot over the weekend when she returns to Illinois to visit her family. Guess she found my website and liked what she saw. :) Oh well, at least I'll have Thanksgiving day off from work.

[Permagrin]

Give me back my CF card....I'll give you the proof!;)

I knew she'd have us over a barrel when we let her just "look" at our cameras...:lol: :lol:

[Woolburr]

I knew she'd have us over a barrel when we let her just "look" at our cameras...:lol: :lol:

Yepper...I'd take Wu on a shoot any ole time...just as long as I had a way to lock up my cards and my lampshades. I need to get out to Dorothyland....there is a certain alley I have to see so I can find out just what lens it is going to take to make a winning shot.

[Permagrin]

Yepper...I'd take Wu on a shoot any ole time...just as long as I had a way to lock up my cards and my lampshades. I need to get out to Dorothyland....there is a certain alley I have to see so I can find out just what lens it is going to take to make a winning shot.

I thought it was raining over there. That place is really quite a photo op...but I think I'd be afraid to go alone.

I went back out to the wilderness sanctuary today.....there were so many beautiful birds of prey...I haven't downloaded my photos though...if I'm lucky, maybe the results will be better. Not that I'll post them, but I'm still hoping for good results someday.

[Woolburr]

One from today....
http://www.pbase.com/woolburr/image/70540218.jpg
This is the icehouse.

[wu_wei0]

Yepper...I'd take Wu on a shoot any ole time...just as long as I had a way to lock up my cards and my lampshades. I need to get out to Dorothyland....there is a certain alley I have to see so I can find out just what lens it is going to take to make a winning shot.
I'll show you my alleys any ol' time you come this way.
I won't touch your CF and you can keep your old lampshades!

I knew she'd have us over a barrel when we let her just "look" at our cameras...:lol: :lol:
I just wish I could find them!! I need more CF cards.

"I LIVE."

NIGHTMARES!! I need my beauty rest!! Lots of it!

[Permagrin]

One from today....

This is the icehouse.

That's quite a place....have you yet posted the award winning shots today?

I'll show you my alleys any ol' time you come this way.
I won't touch your CF and you can keep your old lampshades!


I never promise to not touch someone's CF cards... ;)

[wu_wei0]

That's quite a place....have you yet posted the award winning shots today?

I never promise to not touch someone's CF cards... ;)
OK- I'll touch 'em if he asks me to. how's that? ;)

[Permagrin]

OK- I'll touch 'em if he asks me to. how's that? ;)

:o :lol: :lol: :o

[Permagrin]

You know Wu, I wonder how Wool will feel about our bandying his CF cards...:lol: ;) :lol:

[Lightstream]

Moooooooooooooooo.....that is just so sad.

The picture, the bull, or the straitjacket he's in? ;)

LOL!!!! Nice bull.

I considered the Tamron macro but am glad I found and purchased a good used copy of the Canon 100mm lens on FM. It's worth buying the Canon for the USM and internal focusing mechanism. And, OMG, the image quality is out of this world!


:mrgreen:

That's what I'm thinking too, because I am spoiled by the 60 macro, which is essentially a half-size 100 macro with unbelievable imaging performance. I guess I can never be happy again with less!

NIGHTMARES!! I need my beauty rest!! Lots of it!

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

[wu_wei0]

You know Wu, I wonder how Wool will feel about our bandying his CF cards...:lol: ;) :lol:
I would imagine he'd just let us bandy away -and enjoy it. ;)

[Permagrin]

:lol: ....he's probably post processing......;)

[Lightstream]

:lol: ....he's probably post processing......;)


You should be, too! :D

Don't let those little birds smack ya around :p

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1396&g2_serialNumber=2

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1375&g2_serialNumber=2

The images turned out a LOT better than I thought....I didn't think I had any keepers but there turned out to be quite a few of them. I missed the Calicokat-style shot though, of the bird against nothing but the blue sky. I got it, but it was only partially in the frame, which is a pity.

[Permagrin]

You should be, too! :D

Don't let those little birds smack ya around :p



Funny shot Lightstream!
I should be...I know. I need to see if I got a non-blurry shot today. But the game just got over...I'll probably do mine tomorrow. Though that's what I always say....I've got months and months to catch up on.

[Lightstream]

Funny shot Lightstream!
I should be...I know. I need to see if I got a non-blurry shot today. But the game just got over...I'll probably do mine tomorrow. Though that's what I always say....I've got months and months to catch up on.

You need to re-engineer your workflow to be able to shoot without much PP ;)

All of the shots above were large JPEG, Standard picture style. First shot - no PP. Second shot, crop and USM. I just hit Ctrl-F and Photoshop applies my last filter, which was USM in this case. Ctrl-S, save and done. Longest part was deciding how to crop it ;)

Here is a 'true owl' snacking on a mouse done in the same workflow, in fact, in the same batch.

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1450&g2_serialNumber=2

[wu_wei0]

I'll probably do mine tomorrow. Though that's what I always say....I've got months and months to catch up on.

same here. :(

Nighty night, y'all.

[Lightstream]

same here. :(

Nighty night, y'all.


night....and don't dream of no bull ya hear :D

[Permagrin]

night wu...talk to you tomorrow!

[Lightstream]

Owl hiding in the shade showing off its spindly little legs. I didn't realize it was knock-kneed until I saw this pic.

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1447&g2_serialNumber=2

I don't hesitate to break out the full RAW workflow and give each image personalized attention if the situation warrants it, but for my own personal shooting, I am fine with this quick workflow. Can't see how it could have been improved with RAW anyway.

That's the resolving power of the 100-400 at work......the owl is really not very big at all:
http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1444&g2_serialNumber=2

[Permagrin]

Owl hiding in the shade showing off its spindly little legs. I didn't realize it was knock-kneed until I saw this pic.
[/IMG]

That first one is adorable...my sister-in-law is knock kneed and it so reminds me of her!

[Lightstream]

That first one is adorable...my sister-in-law is knock kneed and it so reminds me of her!

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/img/crackup.gif she'd better not hear you say that!

Thanks for the compliments. Not trying to 'rub it in', just trying to say, if a klutz like me can pull it off, you can too.

BTW....for "cute factor" try this one:

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1414&g2_serialNumber=2

Almost like this other bird is saying "do you REALLY love me?" in the picture :p

[Permagrin]

well, I went to look at today's efforts...I think this is my best one...(remembering of course that one cannot walk near to these birds at this time of year...) These are just two of the couple of dozen birds we saw. They were feeding quite well at sunset and it was so difficult to shoot right then...that and we were dodging those blasted duck hunters...
100-400 w/ISO at 3200 (it was much darker than it looks)
http://LC-images.smugmug.com/photos/111822503-M.jpg

[Lightstream]

well, I went to look at today's efforts...I think this is my best one...(remembering of course that one cannot walk near to these birds at this time of year...) These are just two of the couple of dozen birds we saw. They were feeding quite well at sunset and it was so difficult to shoot right then...that and we were dodging those blasted duck hunters...
100-400 w/ISO at 3200 (it was much darker than it looks)
http://LC-images.smugmug.com/photos/111822503-M.jpg

Oooh...nice! Wild bird too? Is that a 100% crop?

Surprisingly little noise though, looks like ISO 1600-level performance to me (such is the 5D!)


And "Duck hunter" carrying anything but Canon glass is blasphemy here :p

[saravrose]

very nice Perma.. I like the DOF...

[Permagrin]

Oooh...nice! Wild bird too? Is that a 100% crop?

Surprisingly little noise though, looks like ISO 1600-level performance to me (such is the 5D!)


And "Duck hunter" carrying anything but Canon glass is blasphemy here :p

Yes, the whole area is wild animals...it's just a reserve...but they do allow duck hunting (apparently a small amount) during the season. Heavy sigh...you could be photographing some beautiful ducks and then BLAM...again, heavy sigh. There are wild eagles galore around here...and various kinds of hawks...it's a smorgasbord for bird photography...and yes, it was a 100% crop at least...they were far away from us....had to zoom in that much just to see it! We were allowed as far as the bird viewing platform...all the other area was closed off for the winter nesting...

[Permagrin]

Thanks Sari...one of these days I'm sure I'll look back on these attempts and laugh but for now, it's progress...no matter how much anyone else laughs ;)

Lightstream, now you see what I mean, when I say I NEED the 5D's ISO capabilities. We're always out in poor light...it does pretty well, I think...considering the cond. Husband's 30D wasn't shooting as well, though it did pretty good, on 1600.

[saravrose]

Thanks Sari...one of these days I'm sure I'll look back on these attempts and laugh but for now, it's progress...no matter how much anyone else laughs ;)

Lightstream, now you see what I mean, when I say I NEED the 5D's ISO capabilities. We're always out in poor light...it does pretty well, I think...considering the cond. Husband's 30D wasn't shooting as well, though it did pretty good, on 1600.

very cool and i'm pleased you are having a good time.. Oh, I found out our winter carnival is the last weekend in January and runs for nine days.. You should really consider coming this direction it is a sight to see and some incredible experiences to be had.. I really, really want to go on the Elk feed one of the local ranchers does...

sari

[Lightstream]

Yes, the whole area is wild animals...it's just a reserve...but they do allow duck hunting (apparently a small amount) during the season. Heavy sigh...you could be photographing some beautiful ducks and then BLAM...again, heavy sigh. There are wild eagles galore around here...and various kinds of hawks...it's a smorgasbord for bird photography...and yes, it was a 100% crop at least...they were far away from us....had to zoom in that much just to see it! We were allowed as far as the bird viewing platform...all the other area was closed off for the winter nesting...

Oh well. I would sympathize with the duck but then again I eat duck rice so I should refrain from being hypocritical. "I'll have half a duck, takeaway please" ($8.50, we'll bring our own rice)

I have been around certain animal lovers who are so rabid in their defense of animals that they come across as hypocritical, shallow and radical. Sadly, some of these people I have to put up with long term.. I won't name 'em or what their connection is to me though. It's ok to like animals but beyond a certain point they start to become slobbering drooling idiots who don't know where to draw the line. This is what soured me on dogs early in the game, seeing how they went overboard with them. Till today I don't really like dogs as a result.

[Permagrin]

very cool and i'm pleased you are having a good time.. Oh, I found out our winter carnival is the last weekend in January and runs for nine days.. You should really consider coming this direction it is a sight to see and some incredible experiences to be had.. I really, really want to go on the Elk feed one of the local ranchers does...

sari

I'll put it on the calendar...and after the first of the year, (when things calm down) how about we talk and see if it'll work out. I'd really like to come!

[saravrose]

I'll put it on the calendar...and after the first of the year, (when things calm down) how about we talk and see if it'll work out. I'd really like to come!

I know what you mean.. up through Christmas everything is always a mad house... would love to have you...:D :D

hey Maureen!!.. Maureen!!.... wanna come to a winter carnival, go see some hot springs in eight feet of snow, take a hayride to an Elk herd, and generally goof off up in the mountains... bloody mary's made by me..:D :D

[Lightstream]

Thanks Sari...one of these days I'm sure I'll look back on these attempts and laugh but for now, it's progress...no matter how much anyone else laughs ;)

Lightstream, now you see what I mean, when I say I NEED the 5D's ISO capabilities. We're always out in poor light...it does pretty well, I think...considering the cond. Husband's 30D wasn't shooting as well, though it did pretty good, on 1600.


You'll find similar comments from me, because I always end up in a black hole of some sort. The 5D is truly MAGNIFICENT in low light, and we can afford to cope with slightly slower glass (1-4 is not exactly "FAST") and still come out ahead. That's why I don't feel constrained using a 24-105 f/4L, because of high ISO performance. If you nail the exposure as you did it can look incredible.

Here is a little blue fairy wren that gave me all of TWO seconds to bring the 100-400 up and shoot. I got 4 shots (in 4 different poses, that's how fast the little bugger is), I'll just post one. No time to even change ISO since I was pointing it at something else in the shade, but it sure doesn't look like any ISO 1600 I have seen.

BTW, while pixel peeping the 28-105 shots in my archive, most of them were ISO 400, and I cannot believe the amount of noise in them. This is the same 350D which I said had superb ISO 400 performance. Guess I REALLY AM being spoiled by the 5D!! :confused:

BTW - straight outta the camera JPEG, no NR, only a crop/watermark. No sharpening, this one didn't need it.

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1486&g2_serialNumber=2

[Permagrin]

no it definitely doesn't look like 1600! Cute little bird. I've never seen one before.

[Lightstream]

no it definitely doesn't look like 1600! Cute little bird. I've never seen one before.


Neither did I. The day I saw the cow in the sheepskin straitjacket, on the drive back, I was really tired so I pulled over to catch a nap. I was awakened by one of these jumping up and down on my mirror and making quite a lot of noise! Every time I reached for the camera it would fly away only to reappear a minute later and do the same jumping thing. When I finally sneaked the camera into position to fire it flew away and never came back.

Luckily I got a chance to nail one of these at the sanctuary and they provided a chart with identification, so I know its name. The other one had the same pretty cyan/black marking around its face so I knew it was not your average garden sparrow.

[Permagrin]

This is what it looked like out there while we were photographing the birds...

http://LC-images.smugmug.com/photos/111830726-M.jpg

[Belmondo]

This is what it looked like out there while we were photographing the birds...



That's a lovely shot. Have you thought about possibly making your watermark a little less conspicuous? It really detracts.

[Permagrin]

That's a lovely shot. Have you thought about possibly making your watermark a little less conspicuous? It really detracts.

How's this? (took me a while because I'd forgotten how to adjust the thing...though several people have said it was overpowering...)

http://LC-images.smugmug.com/photos/111837171-M.jpg

[wu_wei0]

How's this? (took me a while because I'd forgotten how to adjust the thing...though several people have said it was overpowering...)


WOW! gorgeous. and great birdshot!

I can't sleep. :( and I see the prodigal son has not returned.

[Belmondo]

How's this? (took me a while because I'd forgotten how to adjust the thing...though several people have said it was overpowering...)




Much better. Well done.

[Permagrin]

Poor thing...I know what it's like to not be able to sleep and have to be up early!

(thanks for the compliments on the shots)

Don't know where our prodigal went...hopefully he was not mugged at the ice house...otherwise he won't be back to appreciate our witticisms...(not that it's the only reasone I hope he wasn't mugged, of course!)

[Permagrin]

Much better. Well done.

thanks :) (probably should have attended to it a while ago...just goes to show that I'm easily influenced when it's very late at night :lol: )

[wu_wei0]

Poor thing...I know what it's like to not be able to sleep and have to be up early!

(thanks for the compliments on the shots)

Don't know where our prodigal went...hopefully he was not mugged at the ice house...otherwise he won't be back to appreciate our witticisms...(not that it's the only reasone I hope he wasn't mugged, of course!)
of course. but it is a good reason.
Maybe he got lucky and got some sleep.

[Permagrin]

of course. but it is a good reason.
Maybe he got lucky and got some sleep.

Try some nyquil or something...nothing like a professor with sleep deprivation! (unless you've told them all you have narcolepsy...then it'll be fine)

[wu_wei0]

Try some nyquil or something...nothing like a professor with sleep deprivation! (unless you've told them all you have narcolepsy...then it'll be fine)
Nothing is ever fine when it comes to student reviews! Every little everything is blown up and reported like it will cause the destruction of humankind if the prof is allowed to take another breath. lol

It is always harder on nights when I teach a late class. I'd just like to convince someone not to schedule me to teach at 8 am the following morning!

[Permagrin]

Nothing is ever fine when it comes to student reviews! Every little everything is blown up and reported like it will cause the destruction of humankind if the prof is allowed to take another breath. lol

It is always harder on nights when I teach a late class. I'd just like to convince someone not to schedule me to teach at 8 am the following morning!

Skip the review...go straight to the musical number and I guarantee no one will ask questions...especially if you use props. ;)

[Lightstream]

thanks :) (probably should have attended to it a while ago...just goes to show that I'm easily influenced when it's very late at night :lol: )

It's late. Send me a couple of L primes. ;)

BTW, fantastic photo.. and the reduced size watermark helps

Nothing is ever fine when it comes to student reviews! Every little everything is blown up and reported like it will cause the destruction of humankind if the prof is allowed to take another breath. lol

It is always harder on nights when I teach a late class. I'd just like to convince someone not to schedule me to teach at 8 am the following morning!


Geez, sounds like the uni is really stacked against you....

I remember the days when they were stacked against us....nothing we ever said or did mattered - they didn't even conduct reviews, they simply didn't care!

[Permagrin]

It's late. Send me a couple of L primes. ;)



"I'm sorry I am unable to take your call right now. Please leave a message at the sound of the tone" *click*


:lol:
(thanks: re the photo I mean...no lenses for you BUB)

[Lightstream]

"I'm sorry I am unable to take your call right now. Please leave a message at the sound of the tone" *click*


:lol:
(thanks: re the photo I mean...no lenses for you BUB)

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

*mumbles to self* "This one needs to be baited with scotch.....who knows what I can nick off with besides a lampshade after she's had a few" :D

[Lightstream]

Interesting: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=242019

Christmas gift exchange on POTN. :)

I might see if I have something to give away...

[Permagrin]

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

*mumbles to self* "This one needs to be baited with scotch.....who knows what I can nick off with besides a lampshade after she's had a few" :D

Never again,...now I'm on my guard against the wiles of scotch...and I'm going to stay far away from POTN next time I have any...:p

[Lightstream]

Never again,...now I'm on my guard against the wiles of scotch...and I'm going to stay far away from POTN next time I have any...:p


We in the computing business have a saying "DO NOT DRINK AND ROOT!"


"root" in the computing context refers to the highest priviledge level one can have on a computer, such as administrator accounts on Windows systems. One CAN do substantial damage if drunk at the keyboard, while logged in as a root account :D so therefore, drunk sysadmins should be kept away from a keyboard as a means to this end....

"root" in certain socio-cultural contexts refers to, uhh, lots of uNF uNF, or, uhmm, getting laid.


.. this saying is apparently applicable to both contexts. ;)

[Permagrin]

We in the computing business have a saying "DO NOT DRINK AND ROOT!"


"root" in the computing context refers to the highest priviledge level one can have on a computer, such as administrator accounts on Windows systems. One CAN do substantial damage if drunk at the keyboard, while logged in as a root account :D so therefore, drunk sysadmins should be kept away from a keyboard as a means to this end....

"root" in certain socio-cultural contexts refers to, uhh, lots of uNF uNF, or, uhmm, getting laid.


.. this saying is apparently applicable to both contexts. ;)

Well, in the first application I will certainly stay away from my computer & POTN....well, in the second one I will too...;)

[Lightstream]

Well, in the first application I will certainly stay away from my computer & POTN....well, in the second one I will too...;)


I routinely violate #1 actually. I laugh at people who are scared to bring food/drinks near their computers. Heck, my keyboard has to dodge Jim Beam, not just Coke. A friend of mine once killed his fancy wireless keyboard, he let me know they don't appreciate fine red wine either. I have never succeeded in killing a keyboard by accident.

As for #2, I would worry if anybody felt the necessity to share #2 with us on POTN....

Interestingly, there was an incident a while ago about a couple of highschool kids who used a camera phone to film themselves, uhh, doing it. Video included.

Jealous rival of the girl's steals her handphone and the clip hits the Net...


All I can say is.. "SAFETY THAT CAMERA AND PLACE IT ON THE FLOOR, NOW!!"

[Maureen Souza]

hey Maureen!!.. Maureen!!.... wanna come to a winter carnival, go see some hot springs in eight feet of snow, take a hayride to an Elk herd, and generally goof off up in the mountains... bloody mary's made by me..:D :D

That's an offer too good to refuse. I still think we ought to get Lisa, Suzie, Wu and Liza to come for a girl's weekend. How hard can that be?

When do you want me to come?:D

[Woolburr]

Wow....a party...complete with pictures...I'm impressed...this is almost as cool as the actual sleep I had...first time in a couple three days.

[Lightstream]

Wow....a party...complete with pictures...I'm impressed...this is almost as cool as the actual sleep I had...first time in a couple three days.

Wow, I would be bitchy as hell if I didn't sleep well/at all for so long!

All things considered you are holding up well....

[Woolburr]

It isn't a ton of fun to be a dysfunctional sleeper. Especially when you go into zombie mode. The good news is that this place is an international forum...so there is almost always someone awake here to converse with.

[Lightstream]

It isn't a ton of fun to be a dysfunctional sleeper. Especially when you go into zombie mode. The good news is that this place is an international forum...so there is almost always someone awake here to converse with.

You can consider me part of the 'night shift crew' :D (Other End of the World has its advantages). The forum does tend to go pretty quiet when the US users pipe down though.

Saw you re-edited your gearlist again.....too many people asking too many questions? :p

[wu_wei0]

Geez, sounds like the uni is really stacked against you....

I remember the days when they were stacked against us....nothing we ever said or did mattered - they didn't even conduct reviews, they simply didn't care!

Not me - all profs really, in a way- and not just here. Student as consumer and all that. . . It's only good business to listen to the customer when the competition for them is so strong.

I did go into this with my eyes (half) open:lol::lol: since studying higher ed is one of my "things." I was just surprised by the variation in in how much different schools, and even depts, place on different things.

[Lightstream]

Not me - all profs really, in a way- and not just here. Student as consumer and all that. . . It's only good business to listen to the customer when the competition for them is so strong.

I did go into this with my eyes (half) open:lol::lol: since studying higher ed is one of my "things." I was just surprised by the variation in in how much different schools, and even depts, place on different things.

I must admit I went in when there was an oversupply of people in my line, during the "Dot com" era. Terrible days. No wonder they could do anything to us and get away with it.. :( sadly those days have colored my view for good.

It's good to know there are still good people like you in there, though...

Have a backup plan. Have a few.

[wu_wei0]

Wow....a party...complete with pictures...I'm impressed...this is almost as cool as the actual sleep I had...first time in a couple three days.

WooHoo!! that was the hope.

It isn't a ton of fun to be a dysfunctional sleeper. Especially when you go into zombie mode. The good news is that this place is an international forum...so there is almost always someone awake here to converse with.
True to all, says the current zombie. . . .gurble blatam gurble!! ( translation: brains, I must have brains!!-- take that any way you choose ;))

[Lightstream]

Coffee, the brain substitute. :p

[wu_wei0]

Coffee, the brain substitute. :p
Giving that a go right now! we'll see.

[Woolburr]

Yuck....coffee...nasty...gag...

[wu_wei0]

would you prefer tea or cocoa? I have those, too.

[Lightstream]

Yuck....coffee...nasty...gag...


PG will jump all over you for that ;)

[Woolburr]

Hey...I drink Pepsi for breakfast....I am not a big fan of hot drinks...

[Lightstream]

Ahh, finally someone who agrees - Mountain Dew, best business breakfast there is.. fear the caffiene!!

[Woolburr]

Ahh, finally someone who agrees - Mountain Dew, best business breakfast there is.. fear the caffiene!!

MD is some of the scariest stuff on the planet....ever take a look at it under a black light?

[Lightstream]

Nope, should I? Whatcha see, little green aliens?

[Woolburr]

If you are lucky...the little green men are all you will see....;)

[Lightstream]

Come on, don't keep me in suspense :D

[Digital_Duck]

COFFEE?
Boring .....

gimmeeeeee ESPRESSO!

[Woolburr]

COFFEE?
Boring .....

gimmeeeeee ESPRESSO!

Care to have that in an IV?

[Woolburr]

Come on, don't keep me in suspense :D


I don't have an Dew or I would try to get a shot of it....used to turn a very funky glowing green under a black light. The old toxic waste look......:lol:

[Lightstream]

I don't have an Dew or I would try to get a shot of it....used to turn a very funky glowing green under a black light. The old toxic waste look......:lol:


Very cool. I don't have a black light...

[wu_wei0]

Hey...I drink Pepsi for breakfast....I am not a big fan of hot drinks...
Make mine diet.
I alternate between several drinks. it is usually a "liquid breakfast" - not counting the pills of various sizes that come with (premature) aging. ;)

Right now, I don't keep caffine laced sodas inthe house. too tempting.

[Digital_Duck]

Care to have that in an IV?

one in EACH arm while slamming a cappuccino?

[Digital_Duck]

see?

my avatar is even WIDE EYED :-D

[Woolburr]

Make mine diet.
I alternate between several drinks. it is usually a "liquid breakfast" - not counting the pills of various sizes that come with (premature) aging. ;)

Right now, I don't keep caffeine laced sodas in the house. too tempting.

I try to avoid pills at all costs....save for the occasional muscle relaxer or Motrin for those emergency moments.

The last 8 icehouse pics are ready to post....coming soon to an urban section near you!;)

[Woolburr]

see?

my avatar is even WIDE EYED :-D

Makes me wonder what the folks upstream of you have been dumping in the river. Never mind...just figured it out....must have been the fumes from the Apex fire.......:p

Do you bounce off the walls like this regularly?

[Lightstream]

I try to avoid pills at all costs....save for the occasional muscle relaxer or Motrin for those emergency moments.

The last 8 icehouse pics are ready to post....coming soon to an urban section near you!;)


Is this where we are supposed to start singing "Ice, ice baby..." :mrgreen:

[Woolburr]

Or "oh joy...more?"

[Lightstream]

It seems we have forgotten to welcome Digital Duck to our thread.....WELCOME! Make yourself comfortable :D

[Woolburr]

I'm guessing DD is letting that IV soak in.....mmmmmmmmmm.....Caffeine!!!

[wu_wei0]

I try to avoid pills at all costs....save for the occasional muscle relaxer or Motrin for those emergency moments.

The last 8 icehouse pics are ready to post....coming soon to an urban section near you!;)
That's smart. Only regularly take what I have to- 1 2x a day, 1 once a day. I don't have a big appetite. :lol: Wish I could avoid them. Perhaps a healthier living situation will get rid of both of them.

whoopee! maybe I'll get a chance to check them out before class- but likely not. They'll be a post-class treat.

[wu_wei0]

Or "oh joy...more?"

This is the one.

Welcome DD! Caffeine all around. it's on me. ;)

[Woolburr]

Caffeine all around. it's on me. ;)

That should give the students a chuckle....the crazy lady wears her caffeine!;)

[wu_wei0]

PG will jump all over you for that ;)

nah- it just means more for her! :)

[wu_wei0]

That should give the students a chuckle....the crazy lady wears her caffeine!;):lol::lol:
They've likley already seen worse. :p
most of the ones in this class have taken 4- 5 or so classes with me. I wonder if htere is anything I could do to surprise them.

Thanks for the smile before class. My students will appreciate it s much as I do:D

[Lightstream]

nah- it just means more for her! :)


You could look at it that way ;)


They've likley already seen worse.
most of the ones in this class have taken 4- 5 or so classes with me. I wonder if htere is anything I could do to surprise them.

Thanks for the smile before class. My students will appreciate it s much as I do



Come in WITHOUT your caffiene first. Shock is more like it. :D :shock:

[Woolburr]

:lol::lol:
They've likley already seen worse. :p
most of the ones in this class have taken 4- 5 or so classes with me. I wonder if htere is anything I could do to surprise them.

Thanks for the smile before class. My students will appreciate it s much as I do:D

No problemo....the icehouse finale is posted.

[Lightstream]

Seen the icehouse.... wow, they actually moved the big crate or whatever it was?

[wu_wei0]

You could look at it that way ;)





Come in WITHOUT your caffiene first. Shock is more like it. :D :shock:
ROFLMBO

Actually- if they catch me with caffeine a couple of them are likely to get snitty. some of them don't think I take care of myself right. They sound like my kids sometimes. I guess they think I need a keeper. ;)

[Woolburr]

Yepper...I am amazed....there were several characters there with an old truck when I stopped by to grab a few more shots. They had torn the whole door and doorway shown in this picture completely out.
http://www.pbase.com/woolburr/image/50254433.jpg

You could see drag marks on the floor and there were two broken come-a-longs lying on the ground outside the door....guess it was heavier than their pulling tools...

[Lightstream]

The things people do....

[Woolburr]

Several things have disappeared from there in the not so distant past. There were 4 or 5 large machines...pretty much all metal...that just seemed to evaporate....I suspect that if one were to pay a visit to the metal recycling/scrapyard facility about half a mile down the road, you might just see where they went. Must be scrap steel prices are up...

[Digital_Duck]

Makes me wonder what the folks upstream of you have been dumping in the river. Never mind...just figured it out....must have been the fumes from the Apex fire.......:p

Do you bounce off the walls like this regularly?

this isn't bouncing ... :lol:

this is all about seeing things for myself and refusing to accept what others see through their eyes until I see it ....

Nothing to do with the Apex fire - possibly being pre-retired as well as having been in the vicinity of the Love Canal in the late 70's :rolleyes: allows for more energy displacement.

[Woolburr]

Nothing to do with the Apex fire - possibly being pre-retired as well as having been in the vicinity of the Love Canal in the late 70's :rolleyes: allows for more energy displacement.

Another NY transplant to NC? My neighborhood has a fair representation of the state...Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Queens and Binghamton on this street alone.

Pre-retired....there is an interesting term!

[Permagrin]

WooHoo!! that was the hope.


True to all, says the current zombie. . . .gurble blatam gurble!! ( translation: brains, I must have brains!!-- take that any way you choose ;))

Sounds like a very twisted & dangerous version of the Wizard of Oz...


Coffee, the brain substitute. :p

Oh yes, as well as the personality substitute, heck it substitutes for tons of things around here...including the "I need comfort because I've decided to not buy gear until well after Christmas" substitue...

Yuck....coffee...nasty...gag...
Hey...I drink Pepsi for breakfast....I am not a big fan of hot drinks...

Wool, you have such a refined palate where alchohol is concerned and then you tell me you drink pepsi (holy bleah, batman) for breakfast...I suppose you put catsup on eggs too...

Ahh, finally someone who agrees - Mountain Dew, best business breakfast there is.. fear the caffiene!!

You sound like my son. MD is his idol...and he's like a berserker chipmonk when he drinks it...

MD is some of the scariest stuff on the planet....ever take a look at it under a black light?

No doubt!

Care to have that in an IV?

More coffee, yes.....please.

[wu_wei0]

Sounds like a very twisted & dangerous version of the Wizard of Oz...


Yup. My life in a nut('s) shell. . . . twisted and takes place in KS, anyway. Not too much dangerous about it- at least not in the funs sense of the word.

[Woolburr]

Wool, you have such a refined palate where alcohol is concerned and then you tell me you drink Pepsi (holy bleah, batman) for breakfast...I suppose you put catsup on eggs too...


Good heavens no....fried eggs get nothing but salt and pepper...scrambled eggs do benefit from a squirt or two of Frank's Red Hot Sauce. The only time I use ketchup is on my cheeseburger...and then just a dab...to go with the horseradish.

[Permagrin]

Yup. My life in a nut('s) shell. . . . twisted and takes place in KS, anyway. Not too much dangerous about it- at least not in the funs sense of the word.


Okay, then WARPED....it'd be a funny book...a warped Wizard of Oz...

[Permagrin]

Good heavens no....fried eggs get nothing but salt and pepper...scrambled eggs do benefit from a squirt or two of Frank's Red Hot Sauce. The only time I use ketchup is on my cheeseburger...and then just a dab...to go with the horseradish.

Ah, you're back....here we were, last night baiting...waiting for your return and no matter what we said, you never came...

(I like the door shot but I haven't yet seen your others...)

I love horseradish...okay, I'll forgive your lack of coffee..

[Woolburr]

Yup. My life in a nut('s) shell. . . . twisted and takes place in KS, anyway. Not too much dangerous about it- at least not in the funs sense of the word.

We gotta get you a life....your son is apt to kidnap you and take you to MN for deprogramming. We can't have that.;)

[Woolburr]

I was trying to watch the football game and did a face plant on the keyboard...decided to throw myself at the bed....actually remained there until 6am....

[wu_wei0]

Okay, then WARPED....it'd be a funny book...a warped Wizard of Oz...
THe Warped Wu of Oz

Ah, you're back....here we were, last night baiting...waiting for your return and no matter what we said, you never came...


Yeah! what she said!!

We gotta get you a life....your son is apt to kidnap you and take you to MN for deprogramming. We can't have that.;)
I'm all for a life. How do you suggest I go about locating one. Walmart is all out of 'em.

Kidnapping is the current plot. IF Josh is foiled then the next one from MN tries, then it is left to the AL son to do that deed.
As far as deprogramming- I think they believe (finally) that it is a lost cause. They have even relented and said I'd be allowed to interact with my future grandchildren.

[Woolburr]

I suppose it is 80 and sunny in KS today?:lol:

[Permagrin]

THe Warped Wu of Oz



Yeah! what she said!!


I'm all for a life. How do you suggest I go about locating one. Walmart is all out of 'em.

Kidnapping is the current plot. IF Josh is foiled then the next one from MN tries, then it is left to the AL son to do that deed.
As far as deprogramming- I think they believe (finally) that it is a lost cause. They have even relented and said I'd be allowed to interact with my future grandchildren.

Good title....but if you start wearing sparkly red slippers dear, we may have to talk. Your friends though (on here at least) do resemble the motly OZ crew for sure...

It's too bad you aren't closer to one side of the continent or the other...sad when kindred spirits are spread all over the place :lol: :lol:

[Permagrin]

I was trying to watch the football game and did a face plant on the keyboard...decided to throw myself at the bed....actually remained there until 6am....

I watched the game. You didn't miss much. Eli played horrible again. The giants struggled through most of it and Jacksonville played better than they have been playing. And Jack DelRio looked better in a suit than I expected...even if it did have snaps (how tacky is that) instead of buttons...