Mill as Muse Winners

Tonight was the reception for the Yates Mill Pond Mill as Muse photo contest. They had two categories...park shots and mill shots. And for each of these, there was an adult group and a kids 6-13 group. I entered an American Lady butterfly on a coneflower shot and a blue trail mill through the trees shot. Joey entered a picture of Canadian Geese chasing each other. I'm pleased to report that Joey won 2nd place in the park category for kids 6-13 for his Canadian Geese shot. He was very excited. So was Mom, Dad, and Johnny. He got a ribbon, a certificate, a fancy camera strap, and a small photo album. He also got his picture taken with all the other winners. We got to share some special cupcakes, view all the entered pictures, and meet the other photographers. It was a fun time. As for mom, well, better luck next year.

The photos from the reception are here.

Enjoying the Birds

Johnny and I were at Yates Mill Pond enjoying the birds Friday afternoon. And, Joey, Johnny, Buddy, and I were at Simpkins Pond which is park of Lake Wheeler on Sunday. We saw a Great Blue Heron (assume different bird) each time. Yesterday, I captured this shot and wanted to share. The boys and Buddy and I tracked him around Simpkins Pond for about 45 mintues taking pictures of him in various locations and at various distances. It was a lot of fun. I didn't realize there was a trail around the pond, but now that we know about it and understand where it goes, we'll go on it again.

Also pictures is Joey looking out at the heron on the far shore. This shot makes me feel like we're someplace other than the local park in NC.

The rest of the Yates Mill Pond and Lake Wheeler pictures are at these links.