Wildman's Best

[Wildman]

Heavy dropping retardant on the Shinn Fire near Mt. Baldy a few years ago.




A different kind of wet...a small bird that just flew out of a bath in the pond and just before he fluffed himself up and shook mightily.

[ChattyCathy]

Wildman, have you ever thought of entering some of your pictures in a County Fair or other contests?  You'd surely win many first place awards.  My father used to enter pictures in the Orange County Fair and it was quite competitive.  He won a couple of first place through honorable mentions. 

I imagine you have no time to do that, but you'd blow the competition away!  That helicopter shot is outstanding!

[Wildman]

Thanks.  I haven't entered anything as yet.  Maybe someday down the line.   I am going to do a presentation this Friday at the Historical Society meeting in town with a program about the old fire station and about 400 of my photos set to music.

Fire Sunset up near the Trinity River on the Bar Complex last year.

[Wildman]

This Redtail Hawk launches into space in a leap of faith.

[Wildman]

This Hummer made himself at home in the potted Ivy plant on the back porch just before sundown.



This is a first....he's spending the night back there and is not bothered by the dog and cat that sleep out there also. 

[Wildman]

Christy is one of our younger draft horses and has a kind eye and very gentle disposition.  That is good as she is one big horse.   Can you see the camera in her eye?

[Wildman]

Enjoyed talking with the Historical Society folks yesterday at the old fire station about my time there and showing some pictures set to music.  They have done a wonderful job of keeping our village history alive and continue to research into our interesting past.

This Red Tail hawk is gently settling down into the top of a tree.

[Wildman]

In the evening, the horses have all been let out for most of the afternoon and around dusk, they start heading back to their corrals to be fed.  Christy is one of our young Belgain mares and is heading to the feeder.




JC is named after one of our Amish friends in Ohio and is the enforcer of the elder mares.  Her partner, Katy, is the boss mare but JC is the one that enforces the rules.  Sunset with some of the monsoon clouds as a backdrop.



Mocha continues to test the waters and went a little bit too far this time with Sketchy, the ranch cat.; The cat promptly taught her some manners.  The chickens might allow some liberties but a cat has higher standards.



After bouncing the dog a few times, it was time to take a nap.

[Wildman]

Went to our old stomping grounds in San Clemente for a birthday dinner at the
pier.  Brought back lots of memories as a youngster surfing the pier until my arms dropped off.  The waves were small and blown but it brought a smile.




I remember sitting out there in the lineup on the North side until it was too dark to see the waves and my dad would be hollering at from the pier to come in.



This guy was fried but went out for just one more wave.



Finally, the Tall Ships were gathered off Dana Point and were shooting their cannons off as they sailed by in parade at sunset.

[Wildman]

We have several Roadrunners who frequent the pond.  This juvenile bird has been
running around the property hunting lizards and bugs.  Here, the bird is drinking from the pond.




One look and he sees me with the camera and is off....without the "beep-beep".

[WWMtnGal]

Awesome photos again Wildman!!


 

[Wildman]

Thanks.  I'm working on cataloging my photos right now and have discovered just how many I have amassed.  Over 22,000 on one drive and that is not counting the DVD's.

[Bob C]

Over 22,000 on one drive and that is not counting the DVD's.

Man, aren't you glad you didn't have to pay film developing fees for all that?

[sage]

Wildman, Your picture of your horse in the sunset with those branches is just unbelievable.  What a great shot!!!!!!

[Surfer_Dude]

His horses are beautiful, great captures.  But of course I am partial to surfing photos, blown out or not.

[Wildman]

Interesting you mention film....I've had a nice Canon 35mm that I bought on my second tour in Viet Nam but didn't use it because it cost so much to develop film.
Thanks for the comments.  I am planning on getting back down to the beach when a swell is running and see what I can get.

Here is one from the archives that I have always liked.  Sharpshinned or Coopers Hawk.




I'll be seeing this barn in a few weeks on my way up to the mountains.




Patiently waiting their turn to be brushed.




The horses all have a kind eye.

[Surfer_Dude]

That bald eagle is here in town; I would love to see you or anyone else get it with those nice telephotos before he realizes he is technically not supposed to be here.

[Wildman]

I'll start bringing the telephoto and see what we can get.

[gypsywolf]

Nice barn photo. Is that the barn off Hwy 178 in the Kern River Valley?

Actually nice everything photos. The horses photos have a very serene feeling.

The hawk is gorgeous.

[Wildman]

Yes, that is the barn.  Thanks