Archive for July, 2008

Sunset beside the Bridge

Thursday, July 31st, 2008

Sunset next to the Bridge

I admit it, it’s underexposed. Adjusting to fix that made it look… unrealistic, as the lighting was primarily supplied by mercury-vapor lamps, giving things an orange glow.

I was tempted to turn up the saturation to emphasize the colors in the sunset, but that would have made the orange-red grass a tad worse. Still, I think I may continue fiddling. I just got back, so this is more or less as it came from the camera (excluding any camera or automatic software based fiddling).

It’s also my first foray into long-term exposure. I would have tried earlier, but wandering with a tripod is a little more difficult.

We’ll see where this takes me.

Cicada / Locust / Green Summer Noisemaker

Wednesday, July 30th, 2008

Cicada

This wee green beastie is a cicada. According to Bug Guide, it’s a Superb Cicada, which sounds awfully complimentary.

It is good at making noise, but it isn’t the most responsive bug that I’ve seen, or at least this one wasn’t. While I struggled to get just a wee bit closer, I got to watch it sing. Interesting movements. Eventually, I suppose I invaded its personal space and it slowly maneuvered to turn its back to me (I’d been snubbed!) and then sauntered to the underside of the branch.

White Flower in Hedge

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008

White Flower in Hedge

This was from back at the Lake. There was what I’ll call a hedge, but it may be closer to “where the mower stops”.

Please pardon the extremely abbreviated entry. I’ve had homework to do and am going to bed now.

You Lookin’ at Me?

Monday, July 28th, 2008

Black and White Pigeon

I didn’t get a chance to take many photos over the weekend, but we did have this one visitor, anyway.

At first we were concerned that it was a sick pigeon, but I’m developing suspicions (especially considering the minor ruff around its face) that it was somebody’s pet with a bit of “show pigeon” in it. After a drink of water, it flew off, but it showed little fear of people. Some skittishness, mind you, but not near as much as I would expect.

… ya know, I hadn’t noticed until just now how much the head markings resemble a mask

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Sunday, July 27th, 2008

Natural Tunnel

After passing the railroad, I walked a bit and found this old road. The trees have grown over it enough that some sections don’t see much daylight. Further in there is an old concrete bridge that crosses another branch of the creek.

Appropriately enough, I’m nearly done with the summer semester of my MBA studies. I’m about halfway through.

Railroad in the Woods

Saturday, July 26th, 2008

Railroad Tracks, Eastbound.

Depending on how far south you go at Rowlett Creek, you may encounter a set of railroad tracks. The trails actually go (if you crouch a little) under the tracks.

Friday Arachnid

Friday, July 25th, 2008

Garden Spider

Another garden spider / cotton spider, though this one was found at Rowlett Creek. Huge thing, too, nearly as big as my thumb (excluding the legs).

So, how many of you looked at your thumb when I said that?

Anyway, it was munching away happily on . . . something, and ignored my intrusion.

Edit: Disclaimer: I’ve been doing the Friday Spider in tribute to the Insect Picture of the Day. Not in an effort to steal his thunder. I had no idea that he did a Golden Orb Weaver when I scheduled this post.

Two Roads

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

Two Paths

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I said “to heck with this, it’s far too hot! I’m going home”,
And that has made all the difference.

With apologies to Mr. Frost.

The cicadas were deafening.

Frog on a Log

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008

Leopard Frog

I’m not sure if I was glad or insulted, but this leopard frog ignored me as I stealthily crashed through the underbrush in search of the perfect angle.

Perhaps the joy of sunning his nose was worth it.

The last Friday Arachnid picture was taken in between shots while I was trying to figure out where it was safe to step/kneel while getting a better shot of this frog.

Shanghai Skyline

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008

Shanghai Skyline

This photo was stitched together from several photos taken (for that purpose) while I was in Shanghai.

It has been a while since I used it, but I used hugin to stitch the photos together.