Enjoying the Day at Topaz Lake

Labor Day Weekend and World Water Week

What better time to enjoy the cool, clear water at Topaz Lake than during the Labor Day weekend which also marks the beginning of World Water Week that runs from August 31st through September 5th.  World Water Week is an annual global event held in Stockholm, Sweden for the purpose of addressing our planet's water issues. 

Sitting along the shore and watching a family of gulls flying overhead, it is hard to imagine that water has become such a critical world-wide issue.  Even though the western U.S. has been plagued by a drought for a number of years there is always plenty of water available when you turn on the tap.     

The reservoir here of Topaz Lake appears to be holding plenty of water from the Walker River and the farming communities continue to plant and harvest crops, but I wonder how much longer will it be before we are forced to make changes in our lifestyles that are so dependent on water. 

 As I glance across the emerald water, I ponder over the old childhood warning, "You won't miss the water till the well runs dry". 

 The scientists and leaders from 130 countries are converging right now as I write this blog post at the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) to share ideas, exchange views and brainstorm for potential solutions.  

Water, a necessity for survival, is also a vital part of what brings peace and joy to our lives.  Just imagine how barren this landscape would be if void of the water. 

For additional information on World Water Week:

http://www.siwi.org/prizes/worldwaterweek/

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Hummingbirds Preparing for Fall Migration

  

Hummingbird Action with Ariel Displays and Mid-air Dueling

Suddenly late one afternoon in August of 2014 I noticed a larger number of hummingbirds coming to the feeder closest to my house.  As I stopped to watch the birds, I also observed that they were showing much more aggressive behavior by chasing, diving and coming very close toward each other.   The following day, I put out an additional feeder on a hanger where it was protected from the hot afternoon sun. 

Since there was so much action at both of the feeders, I decided to try and get some photos before the sunlight dropped too low.  I set up the tripod with a Nikon 80-200mm 2.8 lens on my camera to crop in on the action as tight as possible.  After metering the light, I wanted to go with the fastest shutter speed that would also allow for the most depth of field, so I selected Aperture Mode at f/8 with 400 ISO which gave me a 1/1250 second shutter speed. 

When I processed my first run of photos, I was a bit shocked at how dangerous the antics of these hummingbirds appeared, almost like they were fencing and using their long beaks as foils.  

Checking on the Internet, I learned that the birds use this aggressive behavior for defending nests and prime feeding territories.  The aggressive behavior becomes worse in late summer as the birds are preparing for fall migration.  Apparently, a new group of hummingbirds were doing a stop-over at my feeder and the local residents were not welcoming the new arrivals.  

Most of the hummingbirds that summer here at Walker Lake are Broad-tails, a medium sized bird, inhabiting subalpine meadows throughout the western U.S.

I was surprised to see a few Black-chinned hummingbirds that I had not noticed at the feeders until now. 

 Typically, the Black-chinned is found more in the Northwestern U.S. and British Columbia.  

The camera catches an angry Black-chinned diving at a Broad-tailed hummingbird.  The dive is used as a threat to an intruder, whether it is another hummingbird, an animal or a human.  Flying up high above the intruder, the hummer may then dive straight down while making a share chirping sound from its tail feathers at the base of the dive. 

 A show of size and strength is used by dueling hummingbirds as wings are raised and tail feathers are flared. 

Angry hummingbirds have been known to lock beaks and spin in circles sometimes using their beaks and claws as weapons.  This heightened aggression can result in injuries or even death.  Fortunately so far the feuds at my feeders have just been the Ariel displays with maybe a downed feather.  

Humans are advised not to interfere with the hummingbird's behavior and allow them to work things out as nature intended.  Putting out additional feeders is about the only recourse.

 Well, after several days life at my feeders returned to status quo and the large group of hummingbirds moved on.  However there are still many days left before October arrives and the last stragglers bid a bitter sweet farewell. 

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Conserving Water in the Old West

More precious than gold?

Taking a drive on a desert trail can often turn up some interesting and intriguing sights when you are open for adventure.  Such was the day on my most recent outing when I came across what appeared to have been a settlement that was built to trap rain water and snowmelt. 

 Many years ago, trapping and containing water was crucial to the survival of settlers in the desert where precipitation levels can range to just a few inches per year.      

Lured by the promise of free public land, a cruel hoax had been played on the homesteaders by speculators that if they came to the west, rain would surely follow them.  Water was to become as precious a resource as gold and John Wesley Powell foresaw the struggles of settling in the dry barren desert. To offset fighting over the scarcity of water,  Powell in 1878 published "Report on the Lands of the Arid Region", thus laying out a strategy to  organize settlements  and conserve this scarce but vital resource.  Powell's idealism sought to prevent the overuse and/or pollution that could come as a result from the rapidly expanding West.    

My thoughts are with Powell as I walk around the mud-cracked retention basin and think about the latest warnings regarding the Colorado River  at an all time record low.  

I look across at Walker Lake and see where this natural desert lake has receded more since the beginning of this hot summer in 2014.  

Powell had the foresight to conserve and protect this natural resource and now that many years have passed since the rush to settle the west, water still remains as critical an issue.  It is a harsh reality when our natural lakes are allowed to dry up but then artificial ones are built with eloquent sounding names. 

 I just wonder what will happen in the western U.S. when the day comes that the ground water can no longer quince all the feverous demands?

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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2014 International Landsailing Championships

Sailors and Yachts race across the Desert Playa in Nevada

What event would lure hundreds of visitors to the dry, hot desert in July other than Burning Man?  That would be the 2014 International Landsailing Championships held during the week of July 14 at the Smith Creek Dry Lake in Nevada.

 All week long the racers compete in fleet races hoping to qualify for the finals at the culmination of the event on Saturday, July 19th. 

Landsailing became a racing sport in 1950 and since 1990, only 3 world championships have been held in the United States and it may be decades before this global competition is held again on U. S. soil.

Other than flat, dry lakes most races are conducted on sandy beaches or airfields.  European racers preferred the desert playa at Smith Creek because unlike busy beaches, the course was better suited to crowd control.  

The racing yachts, AKA: sand yachts or land yachts can reach speeds over 100 mph (120 kmr) and are divided in to four classes. The larger Class 3 and Class 2 yachts have a lightweight fiberglass hull and wing-shaped mast with a wooden rear axle. Class 2 is the largest class with masts reaching 26 feet (8 m).

The racers or pilots recline in a small seat only a few inches off the ground, with goggles and helmet being the only protective gear.  The yachts are steered by foot pedals, while the sail is maneuvered with the hands using a rope or line. Speed is adjusted by the sail and top speed can be reached in only 5 seconds.

   

Sailors relax waiting for the wind. 

 With just a 10 mph (16 kpr) wind, yachts can reach speeds of 40 to 50 mph (64 to 80 kpr).  As the wind increases so does the speed of yachts, which are capable of obtaining speeds two to three times that of the wind.

Early afternoon, the flags begin to move in the wind but the clouds are also starting to build.

  Suddenly the clouds let go and everyone runs for cover. 

 The rain pours down causing some minor flooding.

 The dusty desert playa turns to mud.

  After about 30 minutes the rain stops, the sun dries the mud and the races continue.

 

Two U.S. sailors racing almost neck to neck!  

For more info on Landsailing:

http://www.nalsa.org/
http://www.fisly.org/
http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2013/12/11/landsailing-world-championship-set-july-2014-usa/

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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"Doux Ete" Exhibition, Galarie du Colombier, Paris, France

Celebrating the Sweet Summer of 2014

During the month of July, 2014 I am honored to have three of my fine art photographs selected for the exhibit: "Doux Ete" (Sweet Summer), curated by Lyza Sahertian, Ambassador for European Capital of Culture Umea2014. 

"Summer Oasis", "Westward Ho" and "Court of the Patriarchs, Zion, Utah" are on exhibit at the Galerie du Colombier, Paris, France from July 7--19th along with eight European artists specializing in mixed media. 

All exhibited art in "Doux Ete" is available for purchase, please contact  Galerie du Colombier, 91 Rue Saint Honoré, 75001 Paris, France, Phone: +33 6 08 14 46 50.  http://www.galerieducolombier.eu/

Paris Bouge Events:
http://www.parisbouge.com/event/130325/

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Wildflower Adventures and Summer Solstice

Exploring Further up the Mining Trail on Spring's Finale 

Still determined to go all the way to the top of the mining trail, I choose a day when calm winds were in the forecast.  Around these mountains, changes in pressure systems may come with strong winds which can be dangerous to be caught outside.

I wanted to make my trip on the Friday before the Summer Solstice and catch the moon just as it was setting over the mountains, which would be around 13:10 PDT.  Summer Solstice for the western U.S. would occur on June 21st 3:51PDT when the moon would not be showing.

 On this morning the summer heat was arriving early and it was already beginning to feel hot.  However, it was a clear day and the moon was hanging high in the deep blue sky. 

After turning off the main highway and putting the Jeep in 4wheel drive, I noticed the moon just beginning its descent over the canyon.  I was hoping to get a view of the moon as it was hovering over the top of the ridge.  Just as I approached the entrance to the canyon, a red-tailed hawk began to circle.  What an awesome photo this would make if the hawk came down closer to the moon.  Sure enough, by the time I was set up the hawk flew lower over the top of the canyon.  From all indications, it had a nest on the back side of the rocky slope.  In respect and appreciation to the hawk's space, I slowly drove off after several photos and was thankful for getting to observe this unique moment.

Heading higher up the trail I reached the point where I was level with and across from the Slim Pickins Mine.

  The landscape appeared barren and the dry heat was taking its toll on any plants that might have bloomed.

Off to the trail's edge, a Grizzly-Bear Prickly Pear was enduring the harsh environment and striving  to produce one flower.

Reaching a higher elevation, Sulfur Buckwheat was doing well and many were showing yellow blooms.

 The Rabbitbrush were also in full bloom and accenting the desert with bright yellow.

As I turned to walk back on the trail a single white flower caught my eye. It was the stunning Sego Lilly that blooms in early summer.   Native Americans roasted, boiled and made the bulbs of this Calochortus species into porridge.

Stretched out across the trail was an interesting arrangement of Leafy Spurge that was turning  shades of red, perhaps due to its water source drying up.

The day was moving on and the heat was becoming more intense.  I was beginning to feel like the Leafy Spurge, red and dried out.  Whether to turn back or keep heading up was the question for the moment.

 I always remember some good advice from an older flight instructor, "You've had a good day when you return to the destination with a safe landing".   So I didn't reach the top this time, I did have some interesting adventures and I can plan a return trip in late summer when it cools down.  Just like in the airplane, you get to fly another day if you set your limits and don't go past your abilities.  I was looking forward to a nice cool shower and some cold lemon tea when I arrived back home.

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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