Ocean Beach Sunset

After being in the house all day and alternating between paperwork, more paperwork and unpacking (yes, still unpacking), I was restless and had to get outside.    Decided to head over to Ocean Beach for the sunset ...

Twp birds from Santee Lakes

It's fun to go back through photos taken last week at Santee Lakes, I found a few more to post (and could use some help on an  ID on these too)

Great-tailed Grackle ?

More photos from Santee Lakes

We were entertained by the coots, but weren't sure if it was courtship behavior or territorial.  I researched this and  have learned that it is territorial --  two males fighting, each defending his territory.  They kept at it for quite some time, and we noticed that every so often another coot would fly in and watch.  

 

















I'm wondering about an ID on this duck.  After looking at many different ID photos, I'm guessing it might be a young pied-billed grebe.  They breed at Santee Lakes I learned.

Santee Lakes

I met up with my photo buddies (Terry Myers, CJ Middendorf & Rich Baker)  at Santee Lakes on Wednesday.  After a morning of photography, we then enjoyed a great lunch at Janet's Cafe.   I went back to the lakes after lunch & found the male & female wood duck.

They are my favorites!  Love the colors.

Ocean Beach sunset

The clouds last night looked fantastic and I hoped for a good sunset photo, so I dove down to the beach.  It turns out a lot of people felt the same because it took me longer to find a parking place than it did to get there.  It was well worth it, though, because the sunset was beautiful.  Hope you enjoy my photos.

Lunar eclipse photographs taken at the Cabrillo National Monument

My 3 photo buddies (Terry, CJ & Rich) and I drove up to the Cabrillo National Monument last night to enjoy the lunar eclipse.  We arrived a bit early and waited in line for the special 6 pm opening, parked  and easily found a place to set up our tripods.  It was a fun evening sharing this with friends.   For other special after-hour events, follow the link here:   Friends of Cabrillo National Monument

Just a few of the photographs I took last night.

First sighting.  

Home again.

Back from a wonderful trip to Nova Scotia with good friends Terry Myers, CJ Middendorf & Rich Baker.   Lots of photos to process, but wanted to share just one of my (many) favorites from the trip.

My overall impressions of Nova Scotia --  colorful fishing harbors, lush green countrysides,  friendly people, and food, oh, the good food!   Favorite meal probably was the scallops, gently pan fried in garlic and butter.  Sorry, no photos of the meal -- I just started eating & couldn't stop  LOL

And, of course, good company, it was fun touring around with CJ & Rich.  Terry & I drove our own car & either followed their path or met up with them for a dinner.