Photo Outing - Saguaro Lake

Since the beginning of January the GC Photography Group has been out on quite a few "shoots".   Last week we headed out to Saguaro Lake and Pebble Beach Recreation Area and found some natural beauty to capture.  

Not sure of the species, looks too big for a cactus wren.
Possibly a grackle
He was deep in the shadows and made for a great silhouette. 

Saguaro Cactus come in so many shapes and sizes.
This one reminded me of a finger puppet. 

Hmmm.  A Cordilleran Flycatcher perhaps.
To be honest I really have no idea.
I just Google Birds in Arizona and pick one that looks close.  

The sun was reflecting across the lake right into the lens.
Had to do a little work to bring this back but I like the results.
Looks like an evening shot but was actually mid afternoon. 

Some very pretty grasses growing along the lake shore. 

All twisted and gnarly

He let me know with a lot of chatter when I got too close.

Another gnarly old tree

We got to the Pebble Beach Rec Area and we heard a bunch of screaming.
Next thing we know this Osprey is flying by with his dinner gripped in his talons.
He was flying fast and low and I didn't quite get focus.

He found the nearest pole and proceeded to devour his catch. 

Great Blue Heron kept an eye on us from across the river bank.
About a mile down river there are some big old trees filled with Heron nests.
Late March should be a good time to visit and get some shots of them
and perhaps some of their young. 

In addition to the avian fishers there are some of the 2 legged variety as well.
Wonder if the Osprey stole this guys catch.

Some kind of Thrasher me thinks. 

The sunlight glistening off the water makes for a nice backdrop. 

Looks like something out of Jurassic Park.
I'm sure if we waited long enough a dinosaur would have made an appearance. 

Lots more nature shots coming plus some pictures from a Balloon Glow festival.  Thursday we head to St Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery with the Photo Group.  The rest of the week I have committed to my dear wife that I will start working on some of the reno projects.  What have I gotten myself into!

Later.