Song Sparrow

Best guess is that this is a Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) in my back yard.

This shot -- the best of the lot -- once again confirms that I'd best not pursue a career as a nature photographer.

Topaz Simplify with BuzSim

Topaz Labs has a suite of PhotoShop filter plugins that are a lot of fun to play with.  I tried out one of them, a  filter called Simplify that sort of does what Alien Skin's SnapArt filters do:  transform a photo into a variety of art styles.

The first filter setting is called BuzSim, and I like the effect that I get from it.  Here's the Wade House (see http://bloggingtheimagination.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-wade-house.html) that I took back in the middle of May.

There are some problems in the lower leaves of the big tree on the left, where they've picked up bluish patches.  If it wasn't for those, I'd pronounce this a perfect rendition.

Lilies of the Eaves

A different patch of lilies just started blooming along side of the house.

The shot has a natural soft focus effect.  That's because I was asked to grab my camera and run outside to see something.  The EF70-200mm f/4L USM telephoto lens was attached, so I was not prepared for closeup work.

Backyard session

I think that this is a Purple beardtongue (Penstemon cobaea).

It's related to the wildflower Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), which I've seen and photographed numerous times.  For the life of me, though, I can't find it posted in this blog.  Terrible oversight.

This shot, showing the inside portion in perfect focus, would not have been possible before I got the ring flash.  It was shot at 1/60 sec;   f/32;   ISO 100.  The great depth of field is the result of the f/32 aperture.

Switching lenses over to a telephoto, I sat still for quite a while waiting for birds to return to my backyard feeder.   Here's my little Chickadee:

This was shot at 1/100 sec;   f/6.3;   ISO 200.  More than ever, I appreciate the patience and dedication of wildlife photographers.  Glad it's not my job.

Backyard Blooms

No bike riding for a couple of weeks now, so the camera is being pointed at some flowers in the back yard.

This lily had been open for only a couple of hours on Sunday when I caught it.

I should know what this flower is, but the name escapes me at the moment.