Plus, evidence that I can do something other than photograph birds.
1/2500, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Six days ago I found a group of six hen Cinnamon Teals huddled together in a spot that I could only see through a narrow window in the phrags between us. At first the two foreground hens were perched peacefully on the floating phrag stems but eventually the duck on the right got tired of sharing their mutual perch so she chased off the other hen, which is when I took this photo.
It’s a busy, nearly monochrome photo but I thought the behavior was interesting.
Yesterday morning I had every expectation to go shooting so I’d have some newer photos to post to my blog. The forecast was for sunny (not partly sunny, not mostly sunny, but sunny) skies, but when I got up the wind was howling and it was mostly cloudy for the rest of the morning. Needless to say, I stayed home.
So, what did I do instead?
I spent most of the day grocery shopping and slaving away in the kitchen and ended up with a boatload of cheese manicotti. We had manicotti for dinner last night and I’ll freeze most of the rest. I’ll give one pan of it to my ex-wife and still very good friend Diane Olson. Diane’s addicted to my manicotti and has been for decades, so she always (and I do mean always) gets her fair share.
See, I can actually do something other than photograph birds. Evidence, if not proof, that I’m not a one trick pony.
Ron
PS – I’m reasonably sure that the ducks in the first photo are Cinnamon Teals and not Blue-winged Teals, but I’m not positive.
Ron, even if all you could do is photograph birds that would still be pretty awesome.
Manicotti, I am very impressed..
I thought of you yesterday when I had a female wild turkey in my yard! I was trying to take a photo (with phone camera) it was difficult. I was trying to be quite and get as close as I could . It makes me value your photos, skill and patience even more.
Take Care,
Kaye
Thanks, Kaye. I had a chance with a small flock of Wild Turkeys a few days ago, but they insisted on staying in places where they were backlit. I got some photos but they’ll never see the light of day.
I was in no doubt that you are a multi-trick pony. And skilled. Windy days make me antsy and irritable. Little I attempt on very blowy days turns out well.
EC, I feel the same about windy days – a legacy from my growing up days in Montana.
Today’s post sparked a conundrum — go out with my camera or cook up some manicotti. Darn ya.😃
Kent, bite off more than you can chew and try to do them both?
Ron,
I live close. When should I drop by? 😉
(Or maybe I just go to the recipe link…)
Stephen
Better hurry, Stephen. It’s going fast. I just delivered Diane’s to her.
Composition is important, both in photography and cooking. And those manicotti are beautifully composed! Go, Ron!
P. S. The teal are fun, too. I always enjoy teal antics.
“Composition is important, both in photography and cooking.”
Excellent point, Ellen.
+ disclosure, cake? Maybe offended being ignored.
Maybe…
Perfect Thanksgiving photo with all the shades of brown. Nice fall shot. And great job on the manicotti!
Thank you, Kathleen.
I loved the photo of your colorful-looking counter-top ! A suggestion
for your next howling-wind day: try making a bunch of tamales.
They’re delicious, messy, definitely is good to have two or more people involved, and a pitcher of of margaritas feels well-earned and makes the process even more fun !
Kris, I tried making tamales once but was defeated by the masa. Now I just buy them frozen. Besides, for me masa plus margaritas would be a recipe for disaster…
A multi talented man – teacher, biologist, ornithologist, traveler, gardener, photographer, Italian Chef, etc. Fun post Ron. Glad you stayed home. Howling winds does that for me as well.
Thanks, Everett. I’m not saying how well I do all those things, but I do’em.
I love the photo of the Cinnamon Teals. The one exiting the scene looks as if they are politely ignoring the rude behavior of the squawking one chasing it away.
Looks like a very productive, and delicious, day.
You are indeed a man of diverse talents.
Thanks, Michael. I may not be a gourmet but I’ve always enjoyed cooking. And consuming the results of course.
It is nice to see you sharing your other passions! Great pics of both subjects.
Brett, I visited Diane (and Laurel of course) yesterday. She told me you’re feeling better. Good!
PS – I really like the photo of the teal, too. I’m wondering what the exact exchange was in teal-talk.
Good question. Something like “Get off of my turf”?
One MUST have fuel for all the photography and culling! 😉 Chocolate donuts only go so far! 🙂 Good job and a lot of work. 🙂
The monochrome effect of the teals in that light is wonderful!
“One MUST have fuel for all the photography and culling! Chocolate donuts only go so far!”
Judy, thanks for the excuse to indulge my weakness for chocolate donuts. Honestly though, I only eat them on mornings I go shooting.
Definitely not a one trick pony – you’re a funny guy! And I’m sure that I’m not the only one who would like the recipe. Those look delicious.
Thanks, Nina.
https://www.featheredphotography.com/blog/2019/10/28/cheese-manicotti-recipe-one-of-my-favorites-by-request/
Thanks for the recipe!
You are welcome.