gulf shores beach scene at sunset
Life on the Beach

Life on the Beach

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Life on the Beach yes another photo with people in it. But, actually I was watching the Blue Heron bird standing on the beach by the water. The people just happened to be in the background. (video below)

Life on the Beach

I do post photos here a little ahead of the videos I make for You Tube, the videos take a little bit longer. But if you would like to see the videos that go along with most of my post you can check them out here at this link and there is a subscribe button as well to be notified when I post videos. Adventures Outdoors Photography by Sandra J You Tube

I try to put them on You Tube every Tuesday when I can, it is a way to make my photos come to life. Thank you all for visiting this blog and commenting, I do appreciate it and enjoy conversing with you and meeting new people through this thing called blogging.

Have a Wonderful Weekend

Watch this video on YouTube.
Sandra J's Photography

Life on the Beach

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sand piper
New Birds to the Collection

New Birds to the Collection

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New Birds to the Collection, well this first photo is a new bird to my eyes. It is called a green heron. It was at dusk when I took this photo, so it does not show the beautiful color this bird really is. It is a short stocky bird to say the least.

The Green Heron is one of the world’s few tool-using bird species. It often creates fishing lures with bread crusts, insects, and feathers, dropping them on the surface of the water to entice small fish.

New Birds to the Collection

This one is a Blue Heron, but I am thinking it might be a younger one. It is a lot smaller than the ones I usually see and its feathers were much bluer than the adults.

New Birds to the Collection

Of course one can not be on a beach without seeing the sandpiper birds. They are so commical to watch, they walk so fast, well they always look like they are running. They are not vey shy, they come right up to you most of the time to check out what you are doing on their beach.

New Birds to the Collection

by Sandra J

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two ducks in the flowers
Precious Are We

Precious Are We

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Precious Are We, these two lovely ducks were walking along in the park. One looks a little ruffled, maybe it is the younger of the two. I added some flowers to the photo because they just looked like they should be enjoying flowers on this beautiful Autumn day. But there was another duck not far behind them. A grumpy looking duck to say the least.

Precious Are We

Now it could just be the dark feathers around his eye, but he looks like he is having a bad day, giving my the ole stink eye like some of the deer did last year when I photographed them. 🙂

Precious Are We

He is unique, but I have to say his feathers are just as beautiful as the two from above.

His back feathers look like a warm throw blanket, with a beautiful design all his own.

Precious Are We

by Sandra J

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hand made gazebo out of wood in a park
Craftmanship in the Park

Craftmanship in the Park

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Craftmanship in the Park, I happened across this beautiful gazebo in a park the other day. Nature is magnificant, but the craftmanship of a builder can be quite beautiful as well.

Craftmanship in the Park

A simple bridge over a small pond and add some flower boxes on the side can really spruce it up.

Craftmanship in the Park

Craftmanship in the Park

by Sandra J

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brown pelicans flying together
Two by Two

Two by Two

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Two by Two, I took this photo of these two pelicans flying in unison and I was thinking, I wonder how many other photos I have of just two birds and I was surprised to find the photos placed below. None of these photos are photoshopped. They are exactly how I saw them. Two by Two

Two by Two – the Two Tablets were spoken by Him, to restore creation, to to become one as they should be for eternity.

Two by Two two white pelicans flying

The Two Tablets are the inside chambers of your Heart, “Love your Father” outside the chamber, “Love your Neighbor”.

two geese in flight
two geese flying
Two by Two
two bald eagles
swans in water

Two by Two

by Sandra J

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fishing on the beach
Morning Noon and Night

Morning Noon and Night

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Morning Noon and Night, there is always something going on at the beaches. From people just walking on the beach to fishing with very tall fishing poles. (video below)

Morning Noon and Night

To pelicans sunning themselves during the heat of the day. You can find them easy enough during the day stitting on a post in the water, cleaning their feathers.

But come sunset, the beaches empty out, the lights are low. That is when we enjoy a walk on the beach the most. Just remember to bring a flashlight if you lose track of time.

So the evening and the morning were the second day and the dry land could appear.

Morning Noon and Night

Sunrise of Gold

Watch this video on YouTube.
Sandra J's Photography

Have a Wonderful Weekend

by Sandra J

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moss hanging on trees
Trees of the South

Trees of the South

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Trees of the South, I love photographing trees, in the south the moss is what captures my eyes. Elegantly flowing from the tree branches above. Natures way of celebrating the outdoors by decorating the trees with natural tinsel.

Trees of the South
Trees of the South

Trees of the South

by Sandra J

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green palms leaves
Eye Catching Colors

Eye Catching Colors

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Eye Catching Colors, Green and Red. Wonderful colors of Christmas as well. I see roses in bloom down here in the south still and the palm leaves are such a vibrant green. Especially when the sun is shinning through them. It amazes me to see flowers in bloom here in November.

I am so used to seeing snow this time of year, so to see all this color right now is heart warming to say the least. He promises He will water the seeds we plant and bring them to life.

Eye Catching Colors
Eye Catching Colors

Eye Catching Colors

by Sandra J

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gull at the beach
Hot Sand Hot Sand

Hot Sand Hot Sand

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Hot Sand Hot Sand, or just doing a little dance. It is a very windy day and the sand is blowing giving these photos a nice whitish background. The birds don’t seem to mind the sand blowing, but the salt spray tends to leave a sticky residue on your glasses, cameras and skin.

Hot Sand Hot Sand
Hot Sand Hot Sand

Hot Sand Hot Sand

by Sandra J

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osprey bird in flight
The Osprey in Flight

The Osprey in Flight

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The Osprey in Flight, these photos were taken next to the ocean as we walked along the beach. This gorgrous osprey was doing a little fishing. They dive into the water just like the brown pelicans to catch their fish. I did not see them hit the water, but I am thinking they catch their fish with their claws instead. The last photo shows their amazing claws.

The Osprey in Flight
The Osprey in Flight

The Osprey in Flight

by Sandra J

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alligator in water
She Blends Right In

She Blends Right In

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She Blends Right In, there is a small lake in the campground we are at which is the home to this one alligator. When the sun is shinning in the late evenings, it blends right in to its surroundings as the cover photo. This is our first sighting of an alligator.

She Blends Right In

They are such a strange looking animal, I was wondering what they eat, especially in this small isolated pond. There are lots of turtles swimming all around it. So I am guessing if it is hungry enough that would make a meal.

She Blends Right In

There is a board walk over looking the pond, that is where I am standing looking down on it. I will put photos on tomorrow of the pond itself. The reflections are mezmerizing in the late afternoons.

She Blends Right In

She Blends Right In

by Sandra J

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green dragon fly
New Places Means New Wildlife

New Places Means New Wildlife

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New Places Means New Wildlife, one of the fun things about traveling is seeing new things that we don’t get to see on a regular basis. Like this emerald green dragon fly. He was hanging onto the side of the RV today at a new park, so had to snap a couple of photos.

New Places Means New Wildlife
New Places Means New Wildlife

We finally got to see our first alligator as well. She is a beauty and at this small lake there are a few baby alligators popping their heads out of the water now and then. But they disapear fast, so you can only see their little noses in the water and then they are gone.

I mentioned the Osprey a few days ago. Well, we have been seeing it a few times this week and learning where it likes to hang out to eat its lunch. Here it has a fish in its claws enjoying lunch high up in a tree. I now know the call it makes as well so it is easyier to spot it.

New Places Means New Wildlife

New Places Means New Wildlife

by Sandra J

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two pelicans in flight
For the Love of Pelicans

For the Love of Pelicans

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For the Love of Pelicans, who’s bills hold more then their bellies can. 😉

The two pelicans species I have photographed here in the mid west. The Great White Pelicans and the Brown Pelicans. Yesterday I talked about the difference in their size.

For the Love of Pelicans

They do look similar with their actions and how they hold their heads. But,

  • brown pelican

The White Pelican has the largest wing span reaching 108 inches across. Their wings are beautiful and uniform which makes them glidge effortlessly above. They swim on the water and catch their fish by scooping them up in their bills.

freedom of flight pelican

The brown pelican is made for speed and diving. Their wings spans are shorter, their feathers on the wings are ragged and torn.

Because, they dive sometimes from as high as 60 feet. Air sacs beneath the skin on their breasts act like cushions. Also, while diving, a pelican rotates its body ever so slightly to the left. This rotation helps avoid injury to the esophagus and trachea, which are located on the right side of the bird’s neck.

For the Love of Pelicans

This is how a Brown Pelican catches food, diving in head first. They can’t be all pretty and preened when nose diving all day for food.

Have a Great Weekend

For the Love of Pelicans

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the brown pelican
The Beautiful Brown Pelicans

The Beautiful Brown Pelicans

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The Beautiful Brown Pelicans

I am back in my favorite place, where I can see the Brown Pelicans everyday. Those of you who have seen my blog post from way back know that I have photographed a lot of the Great White Pelicans and I photographed them in Iowa of all places. But the brown pelicans are only found down south on the ocean waters.

The Beautiful Brown Pelicans

The biggest difference between the two types of Pelicans is the color of course and then their size. The White pelicans have a wing span of 108″ and the Brown pelicans have a 78 inch wing span. I will show the difference on tomorrow’s post.

The Beautiful Brown Pelicans
brown pelican

The Beautiful Brown Pelicans

by Sandra J

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darren the heron at the beach
Deep Thoughts by Blue Heron

Deep Thoughts by Blue Heron

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Deep Thoughts by Darren the Heron, My Heart Will Go On as I stand here alone on this beach, looking out over the water wondering where she went.

Play the video at the end and then look at the pictures again. That is what I was thinking when I first saw Darren the Heron standing alone on the beach looking out over the ocean.

Deep Thoughts by Blue Heron
Deep Thoughts by Blue Heron
wings of a heron
Watch this video on YouTube.
Sandra J's Photography

Deep Thoughts by Blue Heron

by Sandra J

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red rose
I Am

I Am

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I Am the One that created you, I gave you my life, my breath within you. I gave you words within you to raise yourself from the dead to become like us.

I am the One who gave you hands, to use your talents to create life around you.

I Am

Then He left; I heard His voice in the silence of my heart.  

by Sandra J

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blue heron
Blue Heron on Vacation

Blue Heron on Vacation

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Blue Heron on Vacation, one thing about the birds when you get down by the ocean is, they are not to afraid of people. So they stand right next to you which is great for photo opts. You will find them near people especially if they have a fishing pole in their hands, looking for a easy meal.

Blue Heron on Vacation
Blue Heron on Vacation
sqawking heron
blue heron

Blue Heron on Vacation

by Sandra J

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gull eating a crab
Doing Some Crabbing

Doing Some Crabbing

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Doing Some Crabbing, not being crabby, 🙂 Watching the Gulls find tiny crabs for their meal today along the waters edge. It was sunrise here on the gulf coast so the water is reflecting the golden hue of the sun as it rises this morning.

Doing Some Crabbing
Doing Some Crabbing

A beautiful morning as the water gently recedes from high tide and a view down the beach of hotels lit up in the morning light. This is one of our favorite places to be, the Gulf Coast.

Doing Some Crabbing

by Sandra J

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magnolia seed pod
Abstract Art in Nature

Abstract Art in Nature

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Abstract Art in Nature , nature has a way of creating its own abstract art when you look really close. Shadows and light, lines and patterns and color to top it off.

Abstract Art in Nature
Abstract Art in Nature

Below is a Seed pod on a Magnolia Tree

Abstract Art in Nature

Magnolia Tree

Abstract Art in Nature

by Sandra J

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king bird
The Journey Continues

The Journey Continues

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The Journey Continues, most of you might know that I do love photographing wild life, especially birds. So today I have two new birds that I have never seen before and some new flowers along the way. Well, flowers and trees. I do love seeing different trees, they are all unique and different.

This bird below I believe is a Yellow Bellied Kingbird, now I could be wrong. Sometimes it is hard to find exactly the name of these new birds when you look on the internet and dozens of them come up with my description I put in. But he does look like he has a crown of feathers on top of his head.

The Journey Continues
The Journey Continues

This is an Osprey, a type of hawk. He was quite far away, so the photo is not real crisp. But, it is the first one I have ever seen and photographed. Look at his talons, quite something I think.

The Journey Continues

Have a Great Weekend

The Journey Continues

by Sandra J

by Sandra J

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a red rose
A Rose By Any Other Name

A Rose By Any Other Name

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A Rose By Any Other Name, The importance of a person or thing is the way it is; not because of what it is called.

A name is just a label to distinguish one thing from another. It neither has any worth, nor gives true meaning. Only an individual or thing has a worth when it deserves it; for example, even if we call a rose by an entirely different name, it would smell the same as it does by its name “rose.” 

A Rose By Any Other Name

Let the mist of your breath come across my face and wash the dust from my eyes. Let your hands help me stand up.   So that I may stand in your presence.

A Rose By Any Other Name

A Rose By Any Other Name

by Sandra J

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sunrise on the Ohio river
Camping Near the Ohio River

Camping Near the Ohio River

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Camping Near the Ohio River, the leaves have not changed color here yet as we stopped to camp for a few days. Early morning campfires are going as the smoke is highlighted by the sun rays through the trees.

Camping Near the Ohio River

You can see the bridge off in the distance where you can travel across it and enter Kentucky, yes the Ohio river between Illinois and Kentucky.

Camping Near the Ohio River

We have camped here a couple of times. I took this photo below a couple of years ago from the same park. Sunrise at the Ohio river.

A few photos of the critters around the park are always fun to take. I am guessing this is a ground hog and I don’t think he is seeing his shadow this fall yet. That might be good news.

And these guys are just basking in the morning light. Turtles are always fun to watch.

Camping Near the Ohio River

Camping Near the Ohio River

by Sandra J

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Iowa corn fields
Harvest Time in the Mid West

Harvest Time in the Mid West

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Harvest Time in the Mid West, as we left Iowa on our journey south. I had to take some photos of the daisies growing in the ditches along the country roads of. An abundance of food for the little insects during this time of year and of course what is Iowa if one does not stop and take photos of the tall ornamental grasses around the lakes and Corn. Lots and lots of corn.

Harvest Time in the Mid West
Harvest Time in the Mid West

Harvest Time in the Mid West

by Sandra J

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rail road
Railway or Railroad

Railway or Railroad

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Railway or Railroad, what is the difference between the two names? I always call them railroads, it looks like a road when you are standing in the middle of them and they appear to go on for ever in some areas. I do love photographing them and watching trains go by when I can.

Railway or Railroad

But,  railroad is a permanent road consisting of fixed metal rails to drive trains or similar motorized vehicles on while railway is a track, consisting of parallel rails, over which wheeled vehicles may travel.

Does that statement make sense, not to me it didn’t when I first read it. So I investigated some more.

What is the difference between Railway and Railroad Then?

• Meaning:

• The meaning of both railway and railroad is the same. They both refer to the track on which a train runs.

• Usage:

• In most of the English speaking countries including UK and even Canada, the word that is used to refer to a system of trains running on rails made of iron is railways.

• On the other hand, railroad is the term that is used in the US for trains running on rails.

• Interestingly, railway is the word that is reserved for trams or streetcars in the US.

• Practice:

• Often companies change their names from railroad to railways and vice versa when there are mergers or takeovers to distinguish themselves from earlier companies.

Railway or Railroad

Both railway and railroad refer to the train track. However, US uses railway for tram tracks while using railroad to train tracks.

Railway or Railroad
orange train moto

Just some fun facts today 🙂

red train

Railway or Railroad

by Sandra J

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Sandra J

Sandra J

I am a traveling photographer, I like to travel rural America, the roads less traveled when I can. I love the great outdoors, my Photo Galleries contain Landscapes, wild life and a few just for fun photos. Thank you and have a great day.

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