14. February 2012 by Friedhelm.

I went out to the Merced Game Refuge to photograph the snow geese. I found thousands of them and photographed shortly before sunset. Te light was absolutely beautiful!

Happy Valentine’s Day and don’t forget to photograph today!

Posted in Wildlife, Merced Wildlife Refuge | Print | No Comments »

20. January 2012 by Friedhelm.

Currently there are thousands of Snow Geese at the Merced Game Reserve.  Many are resting in the shallow water and many more are flying above you. It is just awesome. In this shot I focused on the two geese in the front. Using a f8 stop on my 100-400 lens I got enough background blur to show the many geese in the background without putting too much attention on them.

Enjoy and keep on photographing!

Posted in Central Valley, Wildlife, Merced Wildlife Refuge | Print | No Comments »

4. December 2011 by David.

After taking the photo posted yesterday I turned around and this is what greeted me.

It reminded me of the old line from the Jackie Gleason show in the 60’s, whenever his wife would give him a bad time.

Keep Clicking

Dave

Posted in Central Valley, Airplanes, Merced Wildlife Refuge | Print | No Comments »

2. December 2011 by David.

There’s nothing quite like being near a flock of geese when they take off.

I was lucky, these Ross Geese gave me enough time to get out of my car and I had my very clear telephoto lens (thank you Tamron) already on the camera. When they take off they squawk a lot. I can understand why they make great watch “dogs”.Later while on the other side of the Merced Wildlife Refuge I heard them again and wished I was closer.

Keep clicking

Dave

Posted in Central Valley, Animals, Wildlife, Merced Wildlife Refuge, Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

20. November 2011 by David.

Here’s another patient bird from the Wildlife Refuge.

I think the birds were a little slow waking up that morning. Usually you have to be very slow and careful  as they are quick to take flight. Of course once they wake up it’s back to stealth mode, if you have the patience.

Keep clicking

Dave

Posted in Central Valley, Animals, Wildlife, Merced Wildlife Refuge | Print | No Comments »

19. November 2011 by David.

Last weekend I went to the Merced Wildlife Refuge looking for some foggy landscape shots.

Instead I found clear skies, great light and some cooperative birds. This is a Great Egret (thanks Wanda) one of the species that nests year round. This time of year there are Sandhill Cranes, Ross Snow Geese, Canadian Geese, some ducks and many other species including pheasant.

Keep clicking

Dave

Posted in Central Valley, Animals, Merced Wildlife Refuge, Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

10. September 2011 by David.

With emotions running high this weekend I thought I’d keep it simple.

Keep clicking

Dave

Posted in Central Valley, Plants, Flowers, Merced Wildlife Refuge | Print | No Comments »

28. May 2011 by David.

Mom told me never to point at people, I guess birds are ok.

I was intrigued by the fact that all the branches seemed to be pointing at this bird. The cloud free sky helps keep you focus on the lines and focal point. It was getting dark and a bit of a wind so I jumped my iso to 800, shot at 5.6 and still had a handheld 1/25th of a second. Thank you image stabilization.

Keep clicking

Dave

Posted in Central Valley, Animals, Wildlife, Merced Wildlife Refuge | Print | No Comments »

27. March 2011 by David.

Sandy Mush Road is the road I take to get to the Merced Wildlife Refuge.

On a recent trip, trying to beat the sunset, I stopped to get this shot. Being a ‘line’ guy I of course like the lines that draw you into the photograph. I like the little waver in the road markings as well.

Keep clicking

Dave

Posted in Sunset, Central Valley, Landscape, Merced Wildlife Refuge | Print | No Comments »

13. March 2011 by David.

When you first look at this photograph you see the fancy drake, or male duck.

But if you look a little to the right you’ll see the hen. A predator sees the same and thereby the coloring offers some protection for the hen. I believe these are Mallards and they mate for life. So if you see only one, something has happened to the other.

Keep clicking

Dave

Posted in Central Valley, Animals, Wildlife, Merced Wildlife Refuge | Print | No Comments »