Goose on the Loose

A wild goose wandered into our driveway and gardens and stood within 5 feet of Jim.  It investigated our sundial and took a shower while Jim watered the new grass seedlings.  Most of these are grooming photos after taking the shower.  Amazing and amusing interactions!  The goose shower is posted on youtube at http://youtu.be/bydEHmN5_3A

Winter Photography

I thought it might be interesting to share ideas about what to photograph in Winter.  I would really like to get some audience suggestions on this one, so please feel free to comment and add your own suggestions, no matter when you see this blog (next year, next month, etc.)

I did some internet searching and brainstormed about all the ideas I could remember, so from the perspective of a Maryland resident, here is what I came up with for interesting photography:

1. Wildlife is easier to spot in the winter.  Try Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge MD for birds, including eagles
2. Great Falls National Park sunrise
3. Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis WV for winter evergreens
4. Ice patterns on window glass or on water, ice on plants
5. Icicles (I even tried catching the melting water with a star filter, but it takes lots of patience)
6. Red berries on plants
7. Snow photos of buildings and snow in landscapes like mountains, with water, blowing snow (use +1 or +2 exposure or a gray card)
8. Storm photos right before or after a storm
9. Fog photos
10. Snowy buildings with warm light coming from windows
11. Cityscapes at twilight 30 minutes after sunset or before sunrise-see http://www.date-and-time.net/  for  a twilight calculator
12. Caves are usually around 50-55 degrees year round
13. Astrophotography when the sky is clear and less hazy
14. Bryce National Park or Yosemite in snow
15. Florida-Corkscrew Swamp, Big Bend boardwalk at Fakahatchee Strand, off Hwy 41 near Everglades city,  Anhinga Trail near the entrance to the Everglades
16. Indoor studio type shots with a photo tent or flash

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Wildlife in St. Mary's County

I have heard that you can see more wildlife in the winter time when the trees don't hide the birds and deer.

Where are some of the good places to view wildlife in St. Mary's County?

I'm especially interested in bald eagles, whistler swans, blue birds and great blue herons this time of year.

I've mostly seen cardinals outside my house. I didn't even have to leave the comfort of my house. I knew there was a reason we put the bird feeder near a window! Here is my recent 3rd place winner from the St. Mary's County Camera Club recent competition.