I attended a flower photography workshop by Tony Sweet and Susan Milestone today at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.  I was there 2 weeks ago and the number of flowers blooming has increased dramatically, so I was able to put into practice what I had learned from Tony and Susan.  Tony uses a wide variety of tools, such as in-camera settings, time of capture techniques and a number of software applications to achieve the image he is after.  His published books are a testament to his skills as a photographer and his post-processsing capabilities. It was a very informative workshop and Tony and Susan provided in-the-field support to each class participant.  Additional images from today can be found under the ‘Gallery’ menu selection and clicking on ‘Meadowlark Workshop’.

Huntley Meadows was bursting with activity today, with Osprey on the hunt for breakfast, muskrat gathering plants, young Mallard and Wood Duck families trolling for food.  Also, Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Green-backed Herons, along with great numbers of Goldfinch, Grackles, Bluebirds, Phoebes, Swallows, Flycatchers, and on and on.  The place was buzzing and the weather outstanding. I spent the day with with my D300 and 200-400mm f4 lens, trying to take it all in.  I have posted additional pictures which can be found under the ‘Gallery’ menu item.  Just click on ‘Huntley Meadows’.

Another update on the Hooded Merganser family….the three remaining youngsters are really growing up fast and looking a lot like mom now.  I don’t know how much longer they will stick around but it was great to watch them develop over the last 5 weeks.

A heavily overcast day made a visit to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, VA a good idea.  The even lighting brought out the best in the ferns and flowers, although most of the plants have not yet blossomed there.  Another couple of weeks should bring on a great show.  Still, the grounds are a great place to walk around at any time.

This time of year the parks are full of youngsters, like this painted turtle catching some morning sun.  After  a week long soaking in rainy weather, even the turtles are happy to get out of the wet for awhile.  An update: I spotted the Hooded Merganser again but with only 3 youngsters in tow.