22 Apr 14. Back in the days of undergrad school, the advances being brought about by the electron microscope were not only rewriting the sciences, but also doing a pretty good job of holding my attention. I remember purchasing just about every textbook around, regardless of the requirement for any particular course I was taking, if it in any way related to the subject being studied and could even slightly increase my understanding of it. I still have those books, but I imagine if I were to purchase something similar today, those which I purchased in the 60s would seem very lacking in content. But every once in a while I still enjoy pulling those texts off the shelf and marveling at the complexity of design they so adequately present. Although the image for today is one of moss, the rendering of it in B&W brings back thoughts of neuronal interconnection as might be displayed in several of those old books. Nikon D300s; 18 - 200; Aperture Priority; ISO 400; 1/160 sec @ f / 7.1.
23 Apr 14. As I mentioned a couple of days ago we were fortunate to see many Bald Eagles on our visit to the Olympic Game Farm. Most of them were juveniles, but they were eagles none the less. What was somewhat surprising to me was that they like bread, at least the brown colored bread they sell you for $2 a loaf and allow you to feed all the animals not in cages or pens. They claim that this is a govt regulation, but I think it is a bunch of hooey!! In any event, the critters love the bread and it is great fun to feed them. This young eagle was seriously guarding the bread that had obviously missed its intended recipient(s), a group of yaks, and was munching it down as fast as possible while simultaneously guarding it from all intruders. This shot was taken as the bird finished one piece and was making its way to another. We both couldn't help but laugh a bit as it looked like a big chicken with bloomers making its way over the ground. I shot at a shutter speed which I hoped would stop most of the bird's motion, but leave just enough blur to indicate that it was moving. The image has had a bit of contrast added to what the camera recorded, and I've added a little light to both its breast and eye as they were both a bit on the dark side. Nikon D30s; 18 - 200; Aperture Priority;ISO 200; 1/320 sec @ f / 8.
