Tree Swallow

I headed up to the refuge after breakfast this morning, taking advantage of a thin cloud cover to even out the harsh light.  I had lots of fun playing with the rental lens even though most of the shots weren't good enough to keep.  I had a hard time using the monopod because the birds are just too fast and unpredictable in their flight and the 'pod made following them with the lens awkward.  I had slightly better luck with a bean bag over the top of the car door although that wasn't ideal either.  The swallows and martins are just so fast and so erratic in their movements.  I will definitely try this again before I return the lens because, if nothing else, it is a lot of fun.  

So today's shot is a Tree Swallow headed right towards me...until he suddenly veered in another direction, leaving me with several empty frames.  

Did some pottering outside, with Jax there to guard me against ... everything.  He is determined to catch a squirrel (which I sincerely hope he never does) so spent a fair amount of time running them to the fence.  Then he spotted one of the fox down in the lower part of the yard.  The fox laid in the grass and watched while Jax ran hysterically up and down the fence barking.  And of course, the minute I made a move with my camera, the fox was smoke.  Probably laughing the whole time.

I didn't get any planting done today but will tackle it tomorrow.  I really did have fun at the farm yesterday buying flowers!  

Dark, plain and simple today.

xo
Debbi