Images, Thoughts on Travel, Equipment and Techniques that somehow relate to Nature & Wildlife Photography.
What’s in a word?
First off, I have to apologize for our snail’s pace blog posting and of course, that means letting so much time pass before we sit down to write and share a few pictures. Speaking of words, as the title alludes, blog posting “discipline” is something my husband and I seem admittedly lacking. If anyone out there has a tip or suggestion for stirring up the motivation and discipline here, feel free to give us your ideas. We’d more than welcome your comments and questions. Now on to the subject at hand…… What’s in a word.
When I think of words, particularly adjectives, many are misused and overused to excess. Many of these same words evolve into slang used to describe all manner of emotions, experiences, observations and scenes and definitions can vary from one region of the country to another. Slang is what gives our language life but also confuses and complicates the learning of English.
The word “awesome” became part of our casual dialect about 3 decades ago and continues to be used to respond to anything that may or may not impress someone. In the true sense and definition of the word I personnally prefer to use it for that which really amazes me as astonishing, breathtaking, formidable, stunning, or moving. Awesome. As many slang expressions slowly fade from our vernacular perhaps we’ll get back to using the word as it’s defined.
The point of this minor diatribe is that I’d like to share with you a few pictures of what I consider “awesome. Awesome is nature.
The catalyst for this blog post, the cumulus mammatus clouds that built up over Indian Mountain after a rain, view from our backyard in Colorado. This is the sky that mesmerized me with my mouth agape for at least a half hour inspiring this piece. Awesome! Combine the clouds with a rainbow. Stunning, Breathtaking. One of those sights that makes one run for the camera.Rainbow touching oaks and aspens in autumn off Owl Creek Pass in western Colorado. The best place to go for fall color, dramatic scenery and great photography. Awesome?Storm clouds & first snowfall of autumn on Courthouse Mountain along Owl Creek Pass, on the west slope the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Love this area!First snow of Cimarron Ridge autumn under storm clouds lit by a setting sun breaking through the clouds. Uncompahgre National Forest, Owl Creek Pass, ColoradoIn our own neighborhood the view of the looming Sangre de Cristo Mountains with fresh snow viewed between the red rock walls of Bighorn Sheep Canyon and Cotopaxi, Colorado. Mountains in the right conditions and light can stir awe.Grizzly Bear [Ursus arctos] sow on Sylvan Pass in Yellowstone NP., Wyoming. The beauty, power and sheer size of grizzlies puts them on my list of awesome animals.Rocky Mt. Elk [Cervus elaphus] bulls battle for right to a harem and mating privileges. This event took place in the Madison River in Yellowstone NP., Wyoming Rocky Mt. Elk [Cervus elaphus] bulls battle for right to breed in the Madison River in Yellowstone NP., Wyoming. Having the opportunity to watch such a display of strength and single focus determination simply stuns. This battle went on for at least a half hour although transfixed by the event made it difficult to assess the actual duration.Snow Geese [Chen caerulescens] by the thousands take flight en mass at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, NM. Stand next to and under a flock this large, overwhelmed by the din of geese chatter and you will be awestruck. The annual migration spectacle is an experience to behold.Snow Geese [Chen caerulescens] within a few feet of my camera, take flight from unknown threat in feeding area; Bosque del Apache NWR, NM. Awe equals joy and laughter.Thousands of migrating Sandhill Cranes [Grus canadensis] fill the sky before the Sangre de Cristo mountains, moving between feeding areas during migration rest; Monte Vista NWR, Colorado. It’s a thrill to see these huge flocks of cranes fill the sky especially as they kettle upward in columns to catch a thermal air current to head north or south in the season.Snow Geese [Chen caerulescens] in their identifying V formation passing through a stormy sky with a sun dog rainbow at sunrise at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, NMAnd then there’s the clouds bringing the drama, stirring our senses, taking our breaths away. Bosque del Apache NWR, New Mexico is a fantastic place for stunning dawn and dusk skies.Snow geese [Chen caerulescens] trailing through the sky to their night roosts during an gorgeous sunset at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico. Skies and weather events can be the source of speechless awe.
We're nature and wildlife photographers living in the mountains north of Cotopaxi, Colorado. As naturalists and outdoor fanatics, we commune with nature and attempt to share our wildlife encounters with like-minded people.
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3 thoughts on “What’s in a word?”
Speechless awe over the photos you’ve captured as well. What was the situation with the grizzly? Were you that close to it? And the scenic shots.. Amazing. In the first one with the rainbow I loved the point of the mountain with the sun on it as well. The whole series. Spellbinding.
Thanks Judy for your comments. Regarding the grizzly, that was a fortunate shot taken in Yellowstone as it was feeding along the highway going into the park from Cody. She was munching on the grasses near her yearling cub and since they tend to be somewhat habituated to humans, she was easier to photograph. Nonetheless, we take precautions with our long lenses and shooting from the other side of car. Grizzlies cannont be underestimated despite their tolerance. We weren’t as close as that photograph suggests. So happy that you’ve found our shots “spellbinding”
Pronghorn Run 
Speechless awe over the photos you’ve captured as well. What was the situation with the grizzly? Were you that close to it? And the scenic shots.. Amazing. In the first one with the rainbow I loved the point of the mountain with the sun on it as well. The whole series. Spellbinding.
Thanks Judy for your comments. Regarding the grizzly, that was a fortunate shot taken in Yellowstone as it was feeding along the highway going into the park from Cody. She was munching on the grasses near her yearling cub and since they tend to be somewhat habituated to humans, she was easier to photograph. Nonetheless, we take precautions with our long lenses and shooting from the other side of car. Grizzlies cannont be underestimated despite their tolerance. We weren’t as close as that photograph suggests. So happy that you’ve found our shots “spellbinding”
Yes I was hoping you were not outside the car.