Climbing Perspective

Our Tour Guide, Bill Fontana, stopped near El Capitan and told us to look up.  "Can you see the climbers?"  No, was the collective answer from our group.  He then let some people use his binoculars to try to locate the climbers.  I used my camera.  Keep in mind, we are on the valley floor looking up.  We were told these two climbers had started the day before and more than likely camped overnight on El Cap.

My first picture is a shot of El Cap with a circle showing where the two climbers were when I took the shot. The second shot is of the two climbers getting ready to continue their climb.  Amazing!

Dining room @ the majestic yosemite hotel

iPad photo. 

Sun kissing Half Dome Good Night.

iPad photo taken @The Awahnee Hotel (now called the majestic yosemite). 

The Eyes Say It All

All photos were taken at the Sacramento Zoo.

This American White Pelican is not only one of the largest birds in America but it is the only pelican that grows bumps on it's bill during breeding season.  The bumps fall off after the season is done.  

This is a Fulvus Whistling Duck.  I do not recall hearing whistle while I was photographing them.

This Great Horned Owl is a Zoo Ambassador and was so happy to be outdoors in the mild weather.

Funny.  While I was photographing this female Giraffe, a new 6' tall baby Giraffe was being born and getting ready to stand for the first time.  The public will not see this baby for a week or so.  

The beautiful Snow Leopard was no where to be found earlier in the morning.  It eventually came out and gave quite the look.  

This Jaguar was the first animal I photographed.  I told him he was so beautiful and that I truly understand how he feels.  

The King of the Jungle or at least this exhibit, had just jumped up on this rock.  When he gave me that look, I took this shot.  I love the intensity of this shot. 

I do not recall ever seeing a Crested Coua at the zoo before.  The color around it's eye is so pretty.

I normally like to take pictures of birds and other creatures in the wild.  When the opportunity came up to take a Safari Photo Class at the zoo, I decided to go as I am most certain, I will not travel to the countries where these animals live wild and free.  Even though the American White Pelican winters not far from where I live, I could never get close enough to them to take a picture of them. 

I am grateful for the chance to get up close (as possible) to these creatures. 

Hummingbird in the Garden

This gentle bird was so sweet and trusting.  I was honored to take it's photo. 

C Street White Tailed Kites & Nest

Spring!

These are beautiful Great Horned Owlets.  From the left, #3, #2 and #1.  They will be out of this nest in early May.  Mama & Papa raised three successfully last year and are doing a good job on raising these three.   

The weather has been in the lower 70's.  This little guy is enjoying the sun on his back.  

With the warmer days, the lizards are making their appearances everywhere on the parkway.

This is a male Goldfinch with his awesome breeding colors.