Keep On Knocking But You Can’t Come In.

Downy Woodpecker

F/5.6, 1/160, ISO 100

Away on vacation strange knock I hear,

I open the door and what do I see

a Downy Woodpecker up In a tree.

I rush for my camera and run out the door

I snap a few photos and that’s about all.

 

Interesting Fact: Woodpeckers don’t sing songs, but they drum loudly against pieces of wood or metal to achieve the same effect. People sometimes think this drumming is part of the birds’ feeding habits, but it isn’t. In fact, feeding birds make surprisingly little noise even when they’re digging vigorously into wood. ( http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/downy_woodpecker/lifehistory )

 

 

 

 

 

Relax, It’s The Weekend!

Red Panda

F/5.6, 1/40, ISO 1600.

I have to say this Red Panda has the right idea, lay down and enjoy yourself after a hard week of work.  Although, I don’t think you should use the tree, it might be a little bit uncomfortable.  But after all, weekend is here, go grab yourself a beer! I almost forgot, this is a Red Panda from Central Park Zoo, it’s so cute I would like to take it home. Enjoy the weekend and the photo.

 

Interesting Fact:  Although the red panda is sometimes called the lesser panda, it is actually the original panda. Westerners discovered it in 1825, nearly 50 years before the giant panda.  ( http://www.centralparkzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/animals/mammals/red-panda.aspx )

This Tree Is Livin’ On The Edge! The Leaves Can’t Help Themselves From Fallin’ !

Livin On The Edge

F/11.0, 1/125, ISO 140.

Visiting Upstate New York our friends showed us around the area, and when we came across this tree was screaming for a photo.  When I saw this unique opportunity, I could not help myself to sing in my head Aerosmith song “Livin’ On The Edge”.
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Interesting Fact: A single tree produces approximately 260 pounds of oxygen per year. That means two mature trees can supply enough oxygen annually to support a family of four! (

Tree Facts

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Your Kung-Fu Is Good, But You Are No Match For My Great Egret Style!

Great Egret

F/5.6, 1/8000, ISO 1000.

This Great Egret showed off his crazy moves, and hit the road or I should say the sky.  I wanted to learn more by observing this amazing bird, but unfortunately my presence spooked him away and the lesson was over.  The way they walk and hunt, it is actually quite interesting. I would highly recommend next time you see one, to stick around for few minutes, and you maybe see something that you haven’t seen before.

Interesting Fact: Great Egrets fly slowly but powerfully: with just two wingbeats per second their cruising speed is around 25 miles an hour. ( http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/great_egret/lifehistory )

They Bring Fast Food To A Whole New Level.

 

Greater Yellowlegs

F/6.3, 1/640, ISO200.

It is quite entertaining to watch Greater Yellowlegs run after their prey. Those amazing birds made it look so easy, but I recommend no to try this at home, running and eating did not work out well for me. ( Ha Ha )

Interesting Fact:  Greater Yellowlegs mainly eat insects and insect larvae during the breeding season. During winter and migration, small fish, crustaceans, snails, and other aquatic animals round out the diet. (  http://naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/facts/greater_yellowlegs_712.html  )

Lightning Vs Fierworks Face Off!

4th july

F/8.0, 1/250, ISO 140, Photoshop CS6.

Last night, here on the East Cost, lightning bolts occupied the sky and gave us quite a show.  Tonight it is time for the colorful fireworks to put on a performance.  Let’s see who will be the winner…

 

NYC Storm

3rd of July

F/3.5, 1/30, ISO800, Photoshop CS6.

 

Interesting Fact: Only John Hancock actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. All the others signed later. (  http://www.parkrideflyusa.com/blog/2012/07/04/20-fun-facts-about-the-4th-of-july/  )

 

She Said YES!

“It’s a beautiful night, I am looking for something crazy to do. Hey Joanna, I think I wanna marry you.” ( 8:00 PM June 21, 2014 )

 Engagement

F/5.6, 1/125, ISO125

Interesting Fact: Countries such as England, United states, France, and Canada traditionally wear the engagement ring on the left hand. Where as Germany, Russia and India wear the ring on the right hand. ( http://www.jewellerymonthly.com/facts_engagement_rings/ )

I found the Easter Bunny!

Bunny

f/5.6, 1/320, ISO 1000.

Found the Easter Bunny, he has been hiding in Lyndhurst NJ. Except he wasn’t leaving Easter eggs (ha ha).

Cottontail Rabbit

Interesting Fact: Cottontail Rabbits seek out habitats on the fringes of open spaces, such as fields, meadows, and farms, but can adapt to other habitats—including those of humans. http://animals.nationalgeographic.com

PARTY ANIMAL!

Sea Lion

F/5.6, 1/500, ISO 250.

Over the last weekend we visited New York Aquarium in Brooklyn.  This fun loving California Sea Lion preformed quite a show. Brooklyn aquarium reopened recently, after recovering from last year’s storm. Although it’s not 100% functional, but it is fun way to spend a day.

Sea lion fish

F/5.6, 1/500, ISO 250.

 

Interesting Fact: “California sea lions may hunt continuously for up to 30 hours, with each dive lasting three to five minutes.” http://animals.nationalgeographic.com