This photo was taken within the Bird Sanctuary in Ridgefield, Washington. I was very fortunate to spot this guy at this time of day. I had heard owls in the area where I was, but was unable to see any. I went back several times looking for an owl, but was unsuccessful at finding any each time, until this time. I was able to take a few pictures, but then my camera battery died. I then thought, "Well I'll just put in my backup battery," yet that one was dead as well, as was my 3rd and final battery.

[Note to any aspiring nature photographers: make sure all of your batteries are fully charged before going out!]

(Bottom)Sometimes you don't have to go very far for a good picture. When we were renting in Abilene, these chickens were in my backyard one morning, so I thought I would just snap a quick pic. while they were there.

Photo of my dad's horse, Stormy.

Fall 2009 along the Columbia River Gorge Highway

Lighthouse in Oregon (photo taken with a disposable camera!)

 

Frog; Crane in sunset

(Bottom) I was walking down a nature trail in a nearby wildlife refuge looking for something to take a picture of and heard something rustling in the grass as I walked by. I immediately stopped and put the camera to my eye and began searching for the source of the noise. I couldn't see anything at first, but then I saw what looked like a snake's head. I began photographing immediately, and getting closer and closer to my subject. After observing the "snake" for a little while longer, I realized that it was actually a frog! I was about 6-7 feet away from it and didn't think I would be able to get any closer, but after much patience and careful walking I was able to get within about 1 foot from this frog and I was able to catch one of my best photos ever!

(Top) A blue heron crane looking for a meal