Animal Planet - Thematic Photography

Excluding the human variety I find that I have included animals in my thematic photography posts 55 times in the last two years with dogs making up about half of these.

Nevertheless I propose to start with dogs again this week - dogs you may recognise, although not these shots.

Gem

Gem, a street-wise black Lab mutt, recently crossed the Rainbow Bridge to join this Golden Retriever who had left her two years earlier.

Cody

They left behind the pup that Cody saved who is now the oldest of a gang of three (Lily, another Golden Retriever and Gabby, a Yellow Labrador)

Scout (when he was younger)

They were  excited in 2011 when a strange beast invaded their domain.

Young steer - 2011

They were more used to barking at the more common invaders of their property.

Deer wondering what the noise was all about

Cody was a keen fisherman but he never managed to catch one of these.

American Green Frog (Rana Clamitans) - 2009

Although there were lots of squirrels in the woods, this bold fellow preferred the Paint Creek Trail at Rochester.

It's much more colourful than his cousin they exported to Britain.

Grey Squirrel - 2014

Although I am not a lover of cats there is one in our village that 'talks' to me; I'm expected to reply and not go by without stroking her.

Tortoiseshell Cat - 2014

I could continue as I have 'shot' as many more species again.

You may see choices made by others if you follow the links at Carmi's Animal Planet -  Thematic-photographic-319.

Michigan Summer - Thematic Photography

The summer theme seemed to be an opportunity for me to include some shots from my recent trip to Michigan.

My daughter's dogs (well one of them) is intent on catching one of these at the edge of the lake in their grounds. Not that this fellow was at all concerned.

American Green Frog

On a summer's evening what could be better than a ride in one of these.

Hot Air Balloon

This one landed within 200 yards of the house and then took off again.

Up, up and away

Meanwhile the boats are waiting for a tow to a nearby lake.

Beached (or grassed)

With temperatures nearing 100F it was time for the dogs to be shampooed and trimmed leading to:

Cody (in bandanna) and Scout

Why do you smell so different now?

Even Lily gets in on the act.

Scout and Lily (Cody hidden)

Little does she know  that it's her turn next.

For more summery action you need to turn to others at Carmi's Welcome Summer

A Frog in the Spotlight - Thematic Photography

Let me introduce you to Rana Clamitans, the American Green Frog. I've posted about him/her twice before but I have only just realised that the series of shots I took would also meet Carmi's theme of 'light.' I can't say this was intentional but this series of pictures was taken on the same day over a short period of time and there may be more than one frog involved.

For other tricks of the light visit Carmi at Thematic Photographic 162

Michigan Wildlife Singles

 I make fairly regular trips to Michigan and over the years have collected a few wildlife shots that meet the 'Singles' theme. These shots, except the squirrel, were taken within 100 yards of where we stay.

American Green Frog (Rana Clamitans)

I couldn't resist adding a second picture of him (or her).

Harry, a great blue heron visits the same lake as well:

 Away from the lake a dragon fly hangs on to a conifer bush:

 This one wants all the nuts for himself:

And finally one I had to wait for:

 

I've lots of others, but perhaps that's enough for now.

 To some others 'Singles' check out the hosts post and links at: Thematic Photographic - 133

Rana Clamitans

Last year I spent a holiday in Michigan and decided to try a spot of fishing.

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Have you ever had the feeling that something’s watching you?

I had spent two hours fishing without even a suggestion of a bite from anything other than the ever present mosquitoes when I became aware of a pair of eyes watching my every move.

Rana clamitans, the American Green Frog, was sunning himself on the surface of the lake.

He, or was it she, occasionally stirred a leg to paddle slowly in my direction. Then Cody, the red retriever who spends hours every day trying to catch frogs decided to take a paw. Missed again Cody. Rana just dropped its nose and was off to the depths of the lake.

Before this happened I had managed to get my camera out and take some pictures of the frog and of another at the other side of the lake.

Next day I sent the photos to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources who were kind enough to identify the frog as Rana clamitans.

They gave me links to more details of its life cycle from one of thousands of eggs with up to two years to survive as a tadpole before becoming a frog.