S	M	T	W	T	F	S
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16	17	18	19	20	21	22
23	24	25	26	27	28	29
30	31

Goosed!

2008.03.06

My favorite of the set. This is not cropped in PP. Similar, I know to previous shots, in previous posts, but I REALLY like this one.

I cannot explain my fascination with Geese and why I think these relatively common birds, at least to where many of us live in North America are so fantastic. Perhaps its their beautiful, yet unassuming plumage. Perhaps its their highly contrasing black and white necks and jaw patches. Perhaps its their grace. Whatever it is, I simply cannot get enough of them! Hopefully seeing more, yet similar shots to some previous posts is okay.

In case I am unable to do much posting over the weekend, I hope everyone has the ability to relax, refresh, rejuvinate and recharge!

Mat

35 Comments

Beautiful photos. At the risk of insulting my daughter, you have the best bird shots I have seen yet. Then again, I bet you're why she's getting better at capturing birds being birds.

coyoteself · 2008-03-06: 22:43

Very beautiful photos !!!

Gwadannie · 2008-03-06: 22:58

Nice captures .

leocheung · 2008-03-06: 23:22

Nice, Love the reflections in #2 and the close up of it.

Queen911 · 2008-03-06: 23:40

they are sweet
plain sweetness

sunshineand · 2008-03-06: 23:54

#2 is stunning

slowpete · 2008-03-07: 00:08

Gorgeous photos..especially #2.I love the geese too,they have a sort of majesty.I can hardly wait to hear the sounds of their arrival here in the north,especially after seeing these great captures.

signsnwonders · 2008-03-07: 00:26

Talk to me Goose...

Great shots hun. I like them too, at least to look at. They can be really mean. I remember when I was a kid, having to walk by them to get to the bus stop and them hissing at me and practically chasing me! Scary!

bettyluvsduncan · 2008-03-07: 01:11

You're right, geese are extra common, but still pretty birds. (Unless they are spending too much time on your lawn). I really like the way #2 turned out, nice shots!

etodd80 · 2008-03-07: 01:19

Had they been slightly closer and the goose's head on the left a little more bent, they would have created a heart in shot #3! I love the water in #1 mat...it has a real silky satin feel to it......They are so graceful looking and much more modest than those show off's from yesterday's post ;) Lovely ...just lovely...

focussed · 2008-03-07: 04:33

These are beautiful. I especially like the first two. I agree with you on the attraction to these geese. We have them around here, and I love them. I love hearing them approaching as they fly overhead. When I lived in a place without as many tall trees, they would fly over so low you could hear their wings flapping.

ncshutterbug · 2008-03-07: 05:37

Beautiful birds, even more beautiful shots!

jet28 · 2008-03-07: 06:07

I feel the same about birds. I think it is relaxing to a bird watcher to see their ability to fly freely and land ever so soft on water and to see their grace in the air and on the ground. It is also their curious nature that appeals to us. For we are as curious about them as they are about us. To me flight is freedom and pure enjoyment!
Great snaps Mat! Now get back to tying those flies.Time is a gett-un closer for your trip!!

SheriJ · 2008-03-07: 08:17

I like the second one also. You want to know something that is scary? I make comments on other's blogs and then will go back and read some other comments, Our minds think alike so often. That's kind of scary. I like your sense of humor and it seems a lot like mine and many times, people sometimes take mine wrong. Does that happen to you? Have a great weekend.

tbranscum · 2008-03-07: 08:51

Some fascination simply can't be explained.
Yours is on geese, mine is on crow.
I agree on the quality of #2. The reflection -and the symetry it creates- is very interesting.
I don't care if these shots are similar to some you previously posted, especially since they are really beautiful shots.

Madoc · 2008-03-07: 10:04

I do love #2, but I think I like the first one better. I remember a while back spotting a whole gaggle (that is the right word isn't it) at one of my favorite spots but they of course scattered as I got close enough to shoot. Maybe with my 200 I will be able to get SOMEthing next time! =)

mattandbranson · 2008-03-07: 10:04

Beautiful gooses...I mean geeses :)
Really great shots.

kimauman · 2008-03-07: 12:50

They look so elegant and refined...very nice!

PaperWings · 2008-03-07: 13:52

I love the shots too. I like the geese too, they always look so serene and stately, sophisticated.

picturemom · 2008-03-07: 18:01

#2 is awesome! Love the reflection...peaceful. I almost feel---ZEN! Thanks, Mat!

mowestlan · 2008-03-07: 19:35

Very nice shots - my fav is #3 because of the composition and the golden/green colour tones.

kangshung · 2008-03-07: 22:04

another set great portraits

PEXRI · 2008-03-08: 01:54

You are killing me with all of these great water bird pics!

I just love the reflections.

TheCrazyCroat · 2008-03-08: 10:47

I love #2. The softeness of the water really adds to the photo.

LotoFoto · 2008-03-08: 10:52

I too am a huge fan of your second shot. Beautiful reflections!

I'm in your neck of the woods (well in your state anyway) exploring the vineyards. Beautiful country!

mrutherford22 · 2008-03-08: 11:24