Putting Up Hay

Pat over at A View From The Edge started a new meme a few months ago for Things In A Row. I had told her I would join in and it has always slipped my mind to look for 'subjects.' On a recent drive Hubby and I came upon a recently mowed field of hay. From our viewpoint of the slanting land we could only see the middle third of the rows. Honestly the words 'crop circles' came into mind because you just couldn't see the whole thing and it looked rather strange not to see the whole row.

You can still see the rows in this shot even though they are the background blur. I really wanted to capture the tall grass left at the edges untouched by the farmer's blade.

The grass wasn't as defined as I wanted so I played around with adding a couple of different textures and blending modes and lighting to achieve the final result. Then I framed it and added a quote.

Posted for Things In A Row and Texture Thursday.

Camera CrittersNot The Prettiest Bird In The Flock

In my corner of the world there are many rural roads one often finds themselves on. This photo was taken on one of those such roads. As we rounded a bend in the road a small field to the right of the road had been cut. I saw this vulture not five feet from the road. I was afraid as soon as the Jeep stopped he would fly. I went ahead and rolled my window down, readied the camera and in truth probably prayed a little.

As soon as the Jeep rolled to a stop I sighted and clicked. A one shot wonder it turns out because immediately on hearing that click he flew which I knew he would do. I'm reminded of the eeriness of what happened next. Driving away I watched him as he headed for the small river opposite the field. As he flew across and down the river other vultures rose up out of the field and followed to the tree tops. I know there were probably ten or more.

I swear I could hear Hitchcock music playing in the background!

Be sure to click on the Camera Critters Badge to visit our host Misty Dawn and all the other participants posting their favorite critters. You never know what you'll find!

Camera Critters, Raven's Wordzzle, and Melli's Dragon Hunt

***Scroll down for Raven's Wordzzle and Melli's Dragons***

It's time for another Camera Critters post. Our charming host is Misty of Misty's Musings where her "dogs keep her sane." Each week we post photos of our favorite camera critters. You just never know what you will find! To check out other participants playing this week or to sign up and join in the fun yourself click on the icon to the left and tell Misty Carletta sent you.

I found this hawk the same day I was discovering covered bridges and quilt barns. As we rounded a bend on the two lane rural road a new mown field of hay was to the right and we could see the hawk sitting near the road. I was sure as we pulled to a stop he would fly away. Yet he stayed and rather calmly let me take pictures. Seems he had a bit of unknown prey to protect.

Intent On His Prey
Calling To Another

I had heard and saw another hawk fly to a nearby tree. It took me some time to find it. Look closely at the center of the photo. They both called to each other as I watched.

He Listens Intently
Don't you wish you could turn your head around like that?

Finally he got tired of my attention and flew to a tree at the other end of the field. I was surprised my camera could capture him at the distance. The photo isn't clear and crisp but my camera did capture a memory I won't soon forget.

Skywatch Friday

Afternoon Delight

The road meanders past acres and acres of farmland.

Suddenly I stop to gaze at the straw statues in the open field.

It's as if they are poised, ready to roll about when my eyes aren't looking.

I laugh knowing one roll would have them unfurling like cinnamon rolls.

Chuckling to myself it's time for me to roll on down the road to where the gravel drive points to home and the moon in the sky beckons me welcome as it glows in the clear blue afternoon sky.

For more Skywatch Friday participants please visit Tom at Welcome to Wiggers World.