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Sunday, March 2, 2014

Ibis and Butterflies

Hot and windy today. I don't mind the heat actually, the wind saps my energy, blows off headgear and forces the tweety birds down into cover. But, what the hell, we went out to Santa Ana this morning anyway.

I took a few pictures of some White-faced Ibis. Great birds, wonderful in the air. From a distance they look brown. At the right angle reflecting sunlight they pick up an iridescence and their feathers look like the patina of ancient polished bronze. Just great birds.



Frankly, the birding was slim, so I fell in with the family lepidopterist, Ms Lorna. I don't know or remember the names of the butterflies down here; there are over 300. Lorna does, or knows the families so she can rapidly narrow it down. Butterflies are surprisingly difficult to photograph - two-dimensional, nervous and fluttery, sensitive to movement and shadows, and they will fold up their tent just when you think you're got a good shot.  

Slow, deliberate stalk.
Focus, short prayer, shoot.




























Be well, enjoy the butterflies in your life,
Gunnar

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