Tuesday, August 26, 2008

West Virginia Skyline


AUGUST 2008

Virginia is not the only place that can lay claim to Blue Ridge Mountains. West Virginia hosts many interesting sunset skylines during the hazy months of summer.
More photos can be viewed at my site: http://www.imagesofwildlife.com/

Summer Flowers





JULY 2008

The summer would not be complete without several examples of flowers. Although it was a dry summer, bright colors appeared in gardens through out the region.

Encampment of Battery B, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery in Vienna, Virginia







JULY 2008

Vienna was host to a Civil War encampment and demonstration this summer. The life of a soldier, doctor and artillery outfit was explained. The question of 'What are those hands and feet doing under the table?' was accurately explained by the doctor who emphasized the true tragedy of war on the human body.

More photos can be viewed at my site: http://www.imagesofwildlife.com/

Great Falls National Park, Virginia side


JULY 2008

Great Falls is such a great place to visit, again, and again, and again. The view is constantly changing.

Lotus at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens - National Park Service



JULY 2008

The lotus arrived early this year by approximately 2 weeks. A blog is too short of a presentation media to show the true beauty of the lotus a Kenilworth. Here are two examples of what this park has to offer.

West Thumb Thermals - Yellowstone

JUNE 2008

Located on Lake Yellowstone, West Thumb Basin is a concentration of paint pots, springs/pools/ and geysers. Paint pots have a temperature of 187-199.8F with dimensions of 30 feet diameter. They were originally names Mud Puffs by the 1878 Hayden Survey. Springs have a temperature of 172-193F depending on the spring. Geysers have temperatures up to 201F. Black Pool is 40x75 feet and was a temperature of 132F when it was black caused by the transparent blue water and the orange algae lining the pool. The pool had frequent boiling eruptions on August 15th, 1991, with water doming to 3 feet causing heavy runoff. The temperature increase killed the bacteria allowing Black Pool to now be blue.





Seismograph Pool is located in West Thumb Geyser Basin. Currently has a temperature of 167F. Previously known as the 'Blue Pool'. Renamed to Seismograph pool after the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake, which measured 7.5 on the Richter Scale.


Geysers and Thermal Pools at Yellowstone

JUNE 2008

Grand Geyser Group or Complex consists of three geysers: Vent Geyser on the left, Turban in the center and Grand on the right. Grand erupts on the average every 7 hours within a 3-hour window up to 200 feet last up to 12 minutes. Vent Geyser is usually has steamy eruptions and usually erupts along and afterwards Grand's eruption. Vent may begin erupting up to 75 feet and then subside to 20-40 feet. Most of the time it is hidden during Grand's eruption. Grand is a fountain geyser. Turban Geyser erupts every 20 minutes, lasts 5 minutes and may be 5-10 feet tall.




Abyss Pool located in West Thumb Basin on Lake Yellowstone. West Thumb Basin is a concentration of paint pots, springs/pools/ and geysers. Abyss Pool descends to 53 feet is 30x57 feet and is normally 172F. Abyss is the deepest pool known in Yellowstone. It varies from turquoise to emerald green to various shades of brown.

Grand Canyon and Yellowstone

JUNE 2008

Yellowstone have numerous waterfalls. This is Undine falls which is 110 feet in two parts located on Lava Creek. It is located about 4 miles east of Mammoth Hot Springs.




Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone has a 308 foot drop .


Mammoth Hot Springs - Yellowstone National Park

JUNE 2008

Mammoth Hot Springs is a large hot spring complex in the northwest corner of the park near Fort Yellowstone. Mammoth is a large hill of travertine created over thousands of years as hot water deposited calcium carbonate. Hot wat from Norris Geyser Basin travels underground via a fault line that runs through limestone which feeds Mammoth. Water is generally about 170F. Algea lives in the warm pools which tints the travertine shades of brown, orange, red and green. Elk, bison and other animals visit during winter taking advantage of the warm springs.

Palette Spring is created by flowing water and heat-loving bacteria growing on the Lower Terraces.


Canary Spring and Terrace in the Upper Terrace of Mammoth Hot Springs. Temp[erature 160F which includes Blue, Jupiter, Naiad and Main Springs. The name canary was in reference to the yellow filamentous algae growing along the edge of the spring. Canary Spring is now known for its ultramarine-colored pool. The water flows down the face of the terrace creating multi-colored bands of algae and cyanobacteria.

Elk in the Grand Tetons

JUNE 2008

The second most photographed subjects behind the bison are the elk. This is the location of a very large elk preserve. In the winter the elk come down from the mountains and winter in the valley between Jackson and the Grand Tetons.







And, one last parting shot of the bison with the Grand Tetons in the back.




More photos can be viewed at my site: http://www.imagesofwildlife.com/

Mormon Row Barn - Grand Tetons National Park

JUNE 2008

One of the most famous photographic subjects are the barms on Mormon Row in the Grand Tetons. Early morning light first hits the Grand Tetons and then the barns making for spectacular photographs. This is of the Thomas and Alma Moulton homestead barn.






Along with the Barns, the bison are the second most famous subjects to photographs. As you can see they are a little raggy while they shed their winter coats.



Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens - National Park Service



JUNE 2008

Kenilworth Park is maintained by the National Park Service (NPS) and is located on the Anacostia River in SE Washington DC. It is a combination of land, water and marsh, which holds many lily and lotus ponds. This is another gem found literally across the river from the US Capital. The location is so peaceful, full of aquatic wildlife and nature, that if you were placed here you would not believe you were within the confines of Washington DC. Photographers have found this to be a special place to come and see water lilies and lotus flowers blooming in June. Bees and dragonflies dart among the flowers offering dramatic effects.

This is one of two spring trips prior to the lotus blooming.

Fort Ward - Defended Washington DC during the Civil War




MAY 2008

Fort Ward is the best preserved of the system of Union forts and batteries built to protect Washington DC during the American Civil War (!861-1865). Periodic encampments are held showing the everyday life of Civil War soldiers and civilians throughout the year. The fort remains approximately 90-95% intact, with the Northwest Bastion restored to illustrate the appearance of the entire fortification circa 1864. A 45-acre park with a museum and a 2000-volume Civil War research library now surrounds the fort. The Fort is owned and operated by the City of Alexandria, Virginia and is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Woodies: Wood Ducks in the wild

APRIL 2008

Wood ducks or woodies are one of the most local colorful waterfowl birds. Their combination and pattern of colors makes them very interesting subject for photographers, painters and birders. They are called wood ducks because the build nests and raise their young in trees and not normally on the ground. They also fly up and rest and preen on branch of trees. They do feed on the ground and in the water and are easily seen walking through the woods. They are very timid birds with keen eye sight and are very easily frightened but will come back to an eating area within a short time frame. Seeing these birds in the wild takes time, patience and knowing a location where they frequent.

Patriots Day: Battle with the British Regulars during their retreat from Concord



APRIL 2008

From: http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/americanrevolution/p/lexconcord.htm:

Old North Bridge Battle and subsequent British March: Seeing the smoke from the fire, Barrett and his men moved closer to the bridge and saw around 90-95 British troops fall back across the river. Advancing with 400 men, they were engaged by the British. Firing across the river, Barrett's men forced them to flee back towards Concord. Unwilling to initiate further action, Barrett held his men back as Smith consolidated his forces for the march back to Boston. After a brief lunch, Smith ordered his troops to move out around noon. Throughout the morning, word of the fighting had spread, and colonial militias began racing to the area.

Aware that his situation was deteriorating, Smith deployed flankers around his column to protect against colonial attacks as they marched. About a mile from Concord, the first in a series of militia attacks began at Meriam's Corner. This was followed by another at Brooks Hill. After passing through Lincoln, Smith's troops were attacked at the "Bloody Angle" by 200 men from Bedford and Lincoln. Firing from behind tree and fences, they were joined by other militiamen who took up positions across the road, catching the British in a crossfire.

This re-enactment took place on the actual location of the 1776 battle. The location is now under the management of the National Park Service.

Patriots Day: Battle re-enactment of Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts






APRIL 2008

The annual re-enactment of the battle between the British Regulars and the Colonials occurred on the anniversary of the battle held on April 19, 1775. The American Revolution began at Lexington and Concord with a clash of arms known to history as "the shot heard round the world." At Minute Man National Historical Park the opening battle of the Revolution is brought to life as visitors explore the battlefields and witness the American revolutionary spirit through the writings of the Concord authors. These pictures are from the 2008 re-enactment.
More photos can be viewed at my site: http://www.imagesofwildlife.com/

Images in the Sand - Connecticut


APRIL 2008
Walking early in the morning or before sunset on the beach is a magical time. Most people have gone and the stillness of the air with sound of the water lapping at the sand is hypnotical. The lapping of the water on the sand can provide some amazing patterns, which most people do not see unless they get out of the car and walk on the water's edge. Amazing that this happens on a daily basis and most people do not know.


Spring Blooms at Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna, Virginia


APRIL 2008

Meadowlark Gardens is a local preserve, which is packed with never ending blooming flowers and trees. It is a truly a gem in the middle of suburbia that people easily pass and not realize is behind it's welcoming gates. Weekly spring changes occur that allow you to visit every weekend and see new blossoms exploding with vibrant spring colors that one should not ignore.
More photos can be viewed at my site: http://www.imagesofwildlife.com/

Early morning at Great Falls, Virginia


APRIL 2008

Great Falls is a wonderful place to visit and I try to get there early in the morning to catch the sunrise, which can be quite colorful. As you can tell, I enjoy coming here.

Cherry Blossoms on the Tidal Basin, Washington DC



MARCH 2008

Spring is officially here when the cherry blossoms make their arrival in Washington! This was an exceptional year with many blooms coming on at the same time and the nice weather that the area was blessed with. I was able to capture more than enough shots of the 'cherries' to satisfy anyone's need for a wonderful shot. The blooms are so delicate yet so beautiful. Truly a sight everyone needs to have on his or her must see/do list.

Full moon over Middle Creek, Pennsylvania


MARCH 2008

Went to Pennsylvania to see the migratory swans and snow geese but the weather did not cooperate and the birds did not layover as they normally do in other years. I was able to capture some very nice full moon shots while I was there.

Arlington National Cemetery - Tomb of the Unknown Soldier


March 2008

Went to the see the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solder at Arlington National Cemetery. It was a solemn ceremony conducted by the finest members of The Old Guard. These are members of the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry headquartered at Fort Myer, Virginia.
More photos can be viewed at my site: http://www.imagesofwildlife.com/

George Washington Parade, Alexandria, Virginia



FEBRUARY 2008


The George Washington Birthday Parade is held yearly in Alexandria on the streets that George Washington actually rode. George was a frequent visitor to Alexandria both for business and personal pleasures. His birthday parade draws many local groups to both participate and watch the parade. Being the month of February, the parade frequently has warm weather.

'The Awakening' at Haines Point, Washington DC


FEBRUARY 2008

'The Awakening' has been on loan and displayed at the East Potomac Park, Haines Point for some 20 years. 'The Awakening' is a 100-foot statue of a giant embedded in the earth, struggling to free himself. Well, this week he did. Well, with the help of several earth movers and a team of men. The company that owns the sculpture has sold it and the new owner plans to move it down the Potomac to a new building complex, National Harbor.

US Botanic Garden Orchid Show



FEBRUARY 2008

In the middle of the gray of winter, it is refereshing to go indoors and see the virbrant colors of orchids blooming. Every year the Botanic Garden host an enlarged orchid show compared to their daily orchid display. Many people come to get out of the cold of February and bask in the steamy presentation of colors these orchids offer.
More photos can be viewed at my site: http://www.imagesofwildlife.com/

Great Falls National Park, Virginia


FEBRUARY 2008

Great Falls is always a never ending changing location to go and see. When we first approach the falls, the first thing that you hear is the roar of the river and that is well before you see it. The power of the water crashing on the stones can be heard from a long distance. Great Falls, for me, is always a great local place to go and relax and listen to the water as it heads to the Cheasapeake Bay and then onto the Atlantic Ocean.

Raptors - Owls and Hawks



FEBRUARY 2008

Shoot (photographed) several owls and hawks in February. Very windy, blistery and cold here in Virginia. We had to wear our cold camo clothing that we normally use for winter shooting in Pennsylvania and New York. The owls are always very cute and the hawks are majestic. I am glad I am not on their food chain.