Getting to know you...

...Getting to know all about you.

Large is better in this long format.

I have been missing out on some good shots while out kayaking and decided that a little water camera would be just the ticket. Today, my new water-pal arrived in the mail and I took it out for a test drive. I ended up getting a Nikon underwater camera, so as long as I don't drop it in the drink, I'm safe to snap away out on (or under) the water. This little thing will never take the quality of an image that my DSLR does, but in the first half hour that I had it out, it proved very useful! I would never have gotten this close to the mallard family from land (even with my longest lens). They would hear me coming and scoot away. Today, however, I was paddling around looking up at the trees on shore not really paying any attention to the weeds at the edge of the water. I didn't even see the ducks until I was floating 20-30 feet from them. Heck, I may not have seen them if they hadn't gotten up... they blend in to this island of weeds so well when they are nestled in. So, lucky for me, when they moved I was within range and got several keepers of the family.
This is the same group I photographed a few weeks ago when they were smaller. All of the babies are accounted for, and as you can see, are nearly as big as Mom.
Then, as I took my last shot of the ducks I turned to face forward, and up popped the loon just 15 feet in front of my kayak! The shot is into the sun, but I was pretty stoked with that moment. :)) She quickly dove back down and seemed to be fishing for a while... up, down, up, down. I paddled around some more and eventually our paths crossed again. This time the sun was to our backs. I wasn't as close, but thought this shot was fun as well.
I wasn't sure what to expect from from this camera, but with all of the moments I was able to capture on the water in such a short time today, I'd say it was a good idea.

I had fun watching a father daughter pair of Yellow-bellied sapsuckers today. No shots, but they were at the oranges for ages and then in the trees near my window. Dad was now teaching her how to get her own food. As well as teaching a little patients... while Dad got his food first... peck! The young one kept trying for Dad's mouth, but eventually caught on that she needed to follow his example and get it herself.

All and all, today was a day to smile about! Oh, did I mention that it was chilly again today? Really too cool for kayaking in shorts like I usually do. But I was too anxious to wait for another day, so I rolled up my jeans and hopped in. Everything was a little wet before I was done, but I really didn't mind a bit. ;)