As previously mentioned, I’m having vision issues and haven’t been taking photos because focusing is a real struggle. However, earlier this week I took my camera with me to Standley Lake where I walked with a friend. The day was windy. So windy we got sand in our mouths. So windy, I didn’t want to take time to mess with camera settings. So windy, the gusts buffeted my camera as I took shots. So windy, I didn’t really worry about photo quality. And it shows.
These are American Coots, riding the waves. Standley Lake doesn’t usually have whitecaps, but it did that day.
April 12, 2022
Here’s a coyote my friend spotted across the lake. We’d kept wondering why the coots chose to stay out in the rougher water rather than sheltering in some cove. Maybe they knew this predator was roaming the shore.
We heard a Western Meadowlark and turned to see this perching bird. A quick snap of the camera before I ducked my head against the wind again. It wasn’t until I got home that I realized it was an American Kestrel.
Lastly, here’s what I believe is a Bald Eagle. This photo is garbage, but I can still remember the thrill of standing there on the sand as it flew directly toward us before veering off over the trees.
All in all, a successful outing. A nice walk-and-talk with my friend, nearly 4.5 miles of walking, and some wildlife sightings. (Not to mention the free microdermabrasion treatment as sand blasted our faces).
Tracy Abell 
Omg – you are so fun with the microabrasion from the wind – hahaha
And Tracy – the quick photo you grabbed of what turned out to be an American Kestrel is one amazing photo !
Also –
I would not say the eagle one is garbage – it actually has a ice mood and blends in with the background and is still clear enough to see the spread wings and feel the glory of this bird! Far from garbage
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You are very kind–on all counts. Thank you for taking the time to visit and comment. Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
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🙂
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The wind here has been relentless for weeks. And with drought conditions poses a high fire risk. Your outing sounds quite enjoyable despite needing lead boots to stand up (lol!).
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I’m so sorry to hear that, Sandy. The same here and it’s putting us all on edge, I think. HAHAHA to the lead boots idea! 🙂
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Sorry to hear about the vision issues. I can really only see through a viewfinder because my contacts are so strong I can’t see close up without readers. So I take a lot of similar shots for review later on a big screen and hope something comes out. Always thrilling to see a bald eagle, isn’t it?😀
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Thank you, T. I’m grateful this is only temporary and that things are improving. I get your approach, though…lots of photos in hopes one turns out. You get LOTS of good ones. 🙂 And YES to the bald eagle sighting. Amazing.
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