Flora, Fauna And Landscapes Of The Mojave Desert

[Sammy]

Hi James,

I just spent about 15 minutes, looking through all your incredible photos! I have never been to the southwest and honestly, never really had the urge. I tell you, those photos make me want to grab my camera and go! It is an awful long drive from New England but, even the drive is appealing to me at the moment.

Thank you so much for sharing the photos. They are wonderful!! I really liked the sprinkler, too. It reminded me of sparklers we used to light on the 4th of July when I was a kid. Happy memories. I also love all the photos of the wildlife. Somehow, anything outdoors just seems to un-complicate my life and helps to ground me.

Thank you so much. I think I am going to have to dig out the camping gear and the camera and head out one of these days soon! :smile:

 

[James B.]

Thanks for the nice comments, Sammy. Joshua Tree is a pretty neat place, am beginning to find out just how big the Mojave really is. Glad you like the outdoors and camping too. I agree, feel grounded after some good un-complicated time spent outside. Hope you get out to camp soon and, thanks again.

 

[Jline]

I think you rock!!! More more lol. You have a good eye James.

 

[Deleted member 6617]

Wow James,

I feel like I just took a mini vacation in the desert! Thanks so much for sharing! Amazing shots!

I agree...More, More, More....

PH

 

[James B.]

Thanks again so very much for the kind remarks. Got really lucky this morning. Have always thought is would be so cool to take a pic of a bird in flight. Was trying to capture an image of a bee, turned around and a Hummingbird was feeding on flowers right behind me.

Think it is a female Anna’s Hummingbird. Had a cheap Tripod that I got at Target for like, $15 bucks. Was using it this AM.
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Hovering with absolute precision, Anna’s Hummingbird intakes fuel. Camera still set to default SR-Auto.
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Then it came round, hovered and gave me this textbook profile at close range. The Tripod is light and easier to handle than I thought. This image was shot at about 75% zoom. Very lucky shot, IMO.
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Think it’s time to begin a Picasa web album. Thanks again for checking out these pics. Wishing everyone a swell weekend.

James B.

 

[James B.]

Hello everyone, here’s some bird pictures.

This little Black Throated Sparrow was in the shade. Used the Levels command in Gimp to help brighten it up.
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The Cactus Wren is really common around here. So far very difficult to take pictures of because they’re so quick and never sit still. In the morning’s sometimes they go crazy with they’re rapid-fire “chuck-chuck-chuck” calls. A very vocal bird, about the size of Blue Jay.
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Was exploring a marsh the other day. Heard a Woodpecker. Took a long time to find it hidden in the foliage. This is Ladder Backed Woodpecker.
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Have a couple other shots coming up later. Wishing everyone a nice Sunday.

 

[goingonhope]

Again, Some great Pictures! Just love that you share these photo's with all of us!

 

[James B.]

Taking bird pics is harder than I thought, goingonhope. LOL. And I missed a neat chance to get a snake picture the other day, when a Red racer crossed my path. Thanks for the nice comments. Was messing around with image editing last night. File this under: "taking a junk image and trying to turn it into something pleasant, or otherwise interesting to look at. Anyway...

This one is a marsh image detail. Used (cartoon) filter, Curves command, and Hue adjustments in Gimp.
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With stuff like this, like to mess with the Hue (actual colors) to make it a little "less real" and more "postcard-ish". Or quasi-artsy...
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[James B.]

Here’s some more from a few days ago.

The Chipmunks are getting more active as it begins to cool down. They are so adorable. Beware little Chipmuks, the Coopers Hawk is often around.
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I like how they blend in with the colors of the desert. They have little burrows everywhere.
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By process of elimination, think this is a Western Fence Lizard. Very common. Have seen some more interesting lizards, and would like to get some pictures of them. Edits to make this image work better include the Curves command and the Unsharp mask (filter).
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Down the road, am hoping for some presentable pics of the Gambel’s Quail, and others. Also want to post up on how the budget camera is going, and at a later time, some image editing stuff for those interested. Wishing all my friends and fellow trauma survivors a nice Sunday, and a safe and productive new week.

Take care everyone. James B.

 

[Sammy]

We have chipmunks here, too. Dozens (it seems) of them in my yard. They are noisy little buggers. But, you are right, very cute.
Thanks for the new photos. I love them! It feels like a mini-vacation every time there are new ones. Looking forward to the next installment!

Happy Sunday to you!

 

[intothelight]

Hi James,

Thank you for all the pics. Your bringing me a part of the country I have never had an opportunity to visit.

ITL

 

[Deleted member 6617]

Incredible what lives outside your back door, so to speak. Thanks for sharing! I look forward to coming here everyday to see the sights! Puts a smile on my face no matter what kind of day I am having! Thank You So Much!