I’m on a plane flying home from a business trip to Michigan. The signs of the fall are already apparent there and the colors are in the early stages of changing. Before I left I saw a couple of trees just starting the transition. After the warmest summer that the Ozarks has ever experienced there were concerns that there would be no color at all, but the gentle rains after Isaac may have saved the season.
Although Isaac brought less rain and wind than anticipate, he also brought my very first macro photo ops after a long, brown summer,
I have no idea what this is – it was on the ground and it wasn’t brown.
In a pinch, even a greened up weed will suffice as inspiration.
In between showers I would pop outside and look to see what had changed. I love rain or dewdrops on leaves.
If you look very closely and let your imagination fill in the details, I am visible reflected in the bottom center water drop. I’m gonna have to try to do that for real soon 🙂
On July 4th I posted a lament to cancelled fireworks and focused on some lilies that seemed to thrive in a hidden garden at my neighbor’s place. As promised the lilies have gone to seed and the seeds look just like blackberries.
This subterfuge confuses birds to pick them and drop them elsewhere once they discover that they are not tasty berries. I need them to carry some my way.
Another lily that peaked after Isaac was the local favorite, the Naked Lady – not sure why they call it that, but I got a chance to shoot some macro between showers.
Before the leaves change colors, a lot of the local wildlife gets a makeover for fall. This young fawn has lost her spots and is starting to go from a rusty brown to a more grey brown that matches the color of the barren winter trees. The tourists are also changing from motorcycles to minivans.
Even the cardinals are starting to spruce things up – This is one of the birds I posted images of a few weeks ago when he was impersonating a scraggly parrot. His transformation for fall is almost complete and he’s looking pretty dapper.
I don’t know what these are but they are gorgeous, I shot them at the Ponca Elk Education Center last weekend.
The Hummers at my place are fattening up and getting a bit cocky with me. This guy is roosting in my crepe myrtle, totally unconcerned with my proximity to him
In fact – I get a raspberry from him – he’s taunting me, I just know it.
Even the rain doesn’t dissuade this guy from watching over what has become his own personal feeder.
Lest I live under the illusion that I am a hummingbird whisperer and that my birds have accepted me into the flock – here are a couple that I shot at the Ponca Elk Education Center.
Apparently they are more concerned with stocking up on calories for the long journey south than they are with stalkers like me going in for the shot.
The color’s out there, and its about to explode – now is the time to take that camera absolutely everywhere! What’s the color like in your neck of the woods?
the eff stop 
Fantastic photos!
Thanks!
Stunning! My favorite is the second one, don’t know what the plant is, I’m a true city gal. No real colors here yet, but they’re coming soon.
Thanks, someone here locally asked me why I would take a photo of the weed, so still no idea what it is.
I saw a sizable patch of dandelions in the park last spring, took a photo because I thought they were beautiful. My suburban friends didn’t see the same, it triggered “ugh, I have to mow the lawn,” for them. 🙂
When I lived in the burbs I would treat my lazy neighbors lawn to keep them away. I live on 7 acres in the woods now – my neighbors cracked up when they saw “weed and feed” in my garage. Now I find them fascinating at every stage. Someone told me you can eat them – not willing to go that far:)
🙂
You are and elk/hummingbird/every-animal-you-ever-shot whisperer in my book! Great photos.
LOL – thanks!
Great macro shots and the birds are really beautiful – nice of them to pose for you.
It’s green, green & more green here in Melbourne. It seems to have rained amost continuously in the first month of Spring, but I notice the weather forecast is for sunny days & warmer temps next week, so I’ll be keen to see whether the ducks have finally come back to the Botanic Gardens lakes.
If it fines up, I’ll be able to get back to regular walks each week.
Thanks – we skipped the green part this year. But I think fall will make up for it.
Once again, fantastic photos. It is spring here in Australia (and RAINING!) and so it is great to see how it is on the other side of the world.
Fall and Spring are the best – it’s great that we both get to enjoy them together even though they are opposite:) I would love a bit more rain here!
Your photos are wonderful! And reading the comments I really have to second what ‘russtowne’ is trying to describe regarding the way you’re observing your surroundings, It’s a complete joy to follow and discover it all here in a similar way as you did it before when going around and taking photos – marvelling, enthusiastic and impressed.
Thanks so much – I appreciate that. I just love finding new things to explore.
I enjoyed the preview of fall! The hummers really do trust you 🙂 I wish I could get that close to them!
Thanks – They just don’t care about me being nearby – I hear them buzz past while I’m on the ladder putting seed in the other feeders a few feet away. I’m just their waiter – refilling their drinks 🙂
LOL!!!
Wonderful photos – always love the hummers! Just back from Friday morning errands and noticed some change along the ridges – lots of walnut and hickory starting to turn yellow and gold, dogwood and sassafras showing color too. Hoping we have a good year for leaves – didn’t think we would last year because of the drought and it turned out gorgeous! Have a great weekend – going to be lovely! K
I know – last year was spectacular – we got the rain at the right time. If there are not too many motorcycles in ES I just may shoot the springs this weekend.
I love your “eye”, your sense of humor, and observations. I feel especially good when I’m on your blog, and I just figured out why. You observe and snap photos with a child’s eye and sense of curiousity, awe, and wonder–and you help me to experience the same when I see your photos. I can’t think of a higher compliment for a photographer.
Thank you for sharing your special gift! My world is better, brighter, and younger, with you in it!
Russ
Russ – you are about the kindest person I’ve ever encountered in cyberspace – how encouraging! My world is brighter here when you pop by!
fantastic photos! I love the one of the hummer giving the raspberry. Too funny! The colors here in Canada are great. The reds, golds and yellows are beautiful! We are suppose to get some snow next week! Brrr winter is a coming.
Thanks – wow, winter so soon 😦 enjoy that color while you can! I love the hummer too, who knew they had such long tongues 🙂
Viewing this on my phone trying not to fat finger this comment. LOVE these shots. Especially the water droplets.
Thanks! I typed it from the middle seat of a full commuter flight, prolly loaded with typos 🙂