Rumors of my demise...

Have been greatly exaggerated......

Been so busy the last year or so buying my first home (a lakefront setup) and the ensuing chores like settling in, stacking firewood, stacking firewood, stack... you get the idea.

Well, now that I am settled in and the firewood, did I mention firewood? is all put away I can get back to more important thongs like shooting and working on my cloud survey. See image above. :)
( I broke the rules and centered the horizon- a no no in photography). Plus, I was too lazy to get up and get a different perspective- and it is my blog so I can do whatever I want. Long as it's legal!


Will try and keep it updated wit lots more eye candy,

cheers,
Gary.

Keji Backcountry

Hi All,

I had so much fun at Keji last week that I went back for more! The deluge that happened Sunday morning cut my trip, and shooting a little early, but didn't dampen my spirits. Had a great paddle Saturday in the Big Dam area, and am booked in for some b/c camping there next week.

Saw some cool stuff like a family of Loons, Turtles sunning themselves on logs and rocks, and a pair of Barred Owls hooting and preforming near my site.

Can't wait to get back and see what else draws my eye.

Cheers,

Gary

Photo 1. Backpack hanging from a tree to keep the critters away.

Photo 2. Common Loon family photographed handheld from Kayak.

Canon 5D 300mm F4L IS lens, 1.4 T/C

Photo 3, 4, and 5 Still Brook area at the end of Portage "R"

Canon 5D, 17-40mm F4L lens, B&W Circular Polarizer, on Manfrotto Tripod and Cable Release.

Kayaking "Keji"

Hi All,

Spent the weekend Paddling in my new Sea Kayak at Kejmkujik National Park in SouthWestern Nova Scotia. Within it's 381 square kilometers, are canoe and backcounrty routes.  It is an area originally used  by the Mi'kmaq people. It is an area to be seen best by paddling, as that was their mode of transportation then.

The petroglyph rock carvings they made, and the parks recent designation as a Dark Sky Preserve are  only 2 of many things it boasts.

Onto the shots!

Having recently purchased my first Sea Kayak, I was itching to get it wet at "Keji". Scouting the parks backcountry by boat for future trips ( one must book about 2 months in advance ot ensure a site!), and photographing Loons were my goals. Mission accomplished! The sites are amazing, and I fulfilled a lifelong dream of photographing, and just seeing Loons up close in their habitat. There were several seen, but one allowed me into range to watch and capture some great images of it. It was one of the greatest things I have witnessed outdoors, watching it catch a fish, do it's famous wing flap, and even call a bit.

Needless to say I was a happy camper!

Enjoy,

Gary

Click on thumbnails to see larger image. Prints are also available, e-mail any requests .

          Photo 1. The Sisters Island, taken from my boat upon landing. Canon G11 handheld.

        Photo 2. Black Ducks roosting on the Mersey River.  Taken with a Canon 5D 300mm F4 Is Lens, 1.4 Teleconverter handheld from Kayak. Gotta love Image Stabilization.

Photo 3. Common Loon Swimming, same Camera /Lens combo for remaining images.

Photo 4. Common Loon starting "wing flap"                                                                  

               Photo 5. Loon doing "wing flap" (icon pose).

Paddlefest

Hi All,

Yesterday in Dartmouth Nova Scotia was the annual Paddlefest, where a number of local outfitters get together to promote paddling and let folks try out various boats. It was well attended, and included free climics from navigation to learning to Eskimo Roll. I had a blast, and loved the Wilderness systems Tsunami 140 w/rudder.

All images made with the Canon G11 and B&W Circular Polarizer.

Photo 1. Getting some instruction

Photo 2. Ian from TAO Outfitters.

Photos 2 &3. Gayle from Coastal Adventures teaching the Eskimo Roll

                                            
                                             2
                                        

                                          3

                                          Photo 4. It's not just kayaks!

Happy Paddling!

Gary

Membertou Pt. 11

Hi All,

Response has been overwhelming (well almost), to my last post on Membertou 400. Therefore I am putting another post up with more images of the event.

Enjoy!

Gary

www.pbase.com/pgns/gmurray

Membertou 400 Powwow

Hi All,


This past weekend in Halifax, was the largest Powwow ever in Canada. Membertou was a Chief of the Mi'kmaq in the 1600's, and his family was among the first to be baptized in North America. Membertou 400 celebrates this with representation form bands from across North America. More about the celebration, and history may be found at:

http://www.membertou400.com/about/.


It is a really interesting read, and I encourage all to check it out.


Now to the pictures! There was no shortage of photo opportunities here, and I lucked out and saw a lot of native dancing on the Halifax Commons near the giant teepees. The teepees themselves were quite a spectacle, and it was great to see our aboriginial people's recognized after being marginalized for so long. There were exhibits displaying traditional skills, like medicinal plants, food, music, storytelling, and crafts to name a few.


As a side note, photographing in crowds where everyone is jostling for a better view can be a challenge. As a result, all images were made handheld, and around/through the crowd. Practice is the best advice I can give here.


Teepee's on the Halifax Commons, with buildings in background!
Made with a Canon G11.

Click on thumbnails to enlarge






Images 2-5. Dancing for the appreciative crowd, and enjoying it as you can see. Images made with a Canon 5D, 300mm F4L IS lens, with 1.4 TC., and B&W Circular Polarizer.


2




3




4




5



Hope you enjoy, I did!

Gary.

9 Mile River Trail System

Hi All,

Last Sunday I had the pleasure of trying out my new Canon G11 Compact Camera while out Mountain Biking. It was a great experience, being able to do adventure type sports/pursuits, and photograph.

There is a new Trail system near Enfield Nova Scotia, and all indications are that we have a winner. It is a multi use trail system, which is great for hiking/biking etc.. Being not too rough, but rough enough to feel like one is in a wild area and not a park. The trails are still in development, and approximately 20km are in the plans.
It is also great for hiking, judging by the numbers of people I saw on the trails and my own experience doing it. Birders will enjoy it too, with a variety of habitats and lots of seclusion. The highlight for me was a vocalizing Northern Goshawk which was very agitated, evidence that a nest may be nearby.

There is also a Facebook site dedicated to supporting the initiative.
www.facebook.com ninemileriver


All images taken with a Canon G11, B&W Circularizer Polarizer.

Enjoy, I hope some folks can see this great outdoor area.

Gary

Canon G11

Hi All,

I have recently made the plunge for something that I have been wanting for years. A compact Point and Shoot camera that takes pro quality images while I am on the move, and unable/unwilling to lug around pro SLR gear. The Canon G11 fits that need nicely.

It takes pro quality images with a 10MP Sensor and boasts all the features of a pro SLR to meet the demands of the serious shooter. Image Stabilization, Macro Mode, Panorama "stitch" and 720 video clips to boot. The Panorama feature is awesome, and I am addicted to it now. Also useful is the Macro Mode. Though obviously not as good as a dedicated Macro lens, it makes a pretty decent image. Paired with the Gorillapod, a neat device which has flexible arms that wrap around/attach virtually anything gives tripod like stability. And, without worrying about a tripod getting caught in my bike spokes!

Also available accessories, are a Remote Cable Release, Teleconverters, Filter Adaptors, and even an Underwater housing which I can't wait to get and try out.

Haven't made any prints yet, but other users have reported making "stunning" 12x18 inch prints from large files.

I have only had the G11 for a few weeks, but am loving this camera, especially after a recent mountain biking trip to a new trail system where it really proved it's worth. AM also looking forward to using it in other pursuits where a SLR is impractical.

Images 1&2: Canon G11 and Gorillapod attached to a tree. Photos taken with a Canon 5D, 70-200m F4L Lens. (Should have used my tripod!)

Image 1.






Image 2.





Image 3. Taking a break, and trying out the G11 and Gorillapod.

Image 4. Panorama of ferns using the Stitch feature.

Image 5. Pink Lady Slipper (Mocassin Flower) using Macro Mode.




Hope you all liked the images and G11 review!

cheers,
Gary.

"Trials Of Life"

Hi All,

At yesterday's Victoria's Secret" Mountain Bike Race was Norco Trials Pro Ryan Leech. After racing Ryan put on a show of his trials skills to the delight of all in attendance.

He is AMAZING! It is hard to believe people can actually do this kind of thing. He is on a Cross Canada tour promoting his Trials of Life, www.trialsoflife.com
It is a program of his as a professional athlete to influence youth in a positive way. Judging the way the youth responded to his show, I would say it is working! Great to see someone using his position in such a way.

Videos of his may also be seen on YouTube. Just type in Ryan Leech and sit back and enjoy the show.

Hope you like the images and glimpse into this cool world. Feedback is also always welcomed. Let me know how I am doing!

cheers,
Gary M.

Victoria's Secret

Hi All,

This past weekend at Victoria Park in Truro NS, was the scene of the annual Mountain Bike Race Victoria's Secret. Hosted by Hub Cycle, it was a great event to attend, with the star attraction being trials ace Ryan Leech who also raced before putting on a trials exhibition. WOW!

The course wound through the park, with a nice combination of terrain and a good turnout of racers of all ages. It was great seeing the younger set, and by all accounts they had a blast.
Events like this are a photographers dream, with lots of speed, sweat, mud and sometimes blood!

All images taken with a Canon 5D, 70-200 F4L Canon lens. The first image also featured a B&W Polarizing Filter, and on the remaining images a Canon Speedlight 580EX11 Flash was used for fill light.

The Start




The Race,
Ryan Leech, Trials Ace.





















Enjoy!

Gary M.

Newspaper article quoting me

Here is an article published in the New Glasgow Evening News featuring some of my insights on November 6 2009. Article reprinted courtesy of "The Evening News".

Nature can predict what winter has in store
RAY BURNS
The News

Yogi Berra said: "You can observe a lot by just watching."
That may be true and some think you can observe, or learn, a lot about what the upcoming winter might have in store by watching nature – the birds and the bees and that sort of thing.
Well, entomologist Eric Georgeson said whatever you do, don't listen to the hornets, 'cause they "like to play tricks on us."
The old tale that if hornets build their nests close to the ground it means a mild winter, or at least not much snow, is in the words of Georgeson "a bunch of hooey."
"There are underground nests, too. What does that signify?"
The wooly bear caterpillar is supposed to be another forecaster, but don't trust them.
"The size of the middle bar, the dark bar, if there's a lot of black in there, it's going to be a grim winter," is the tale as Georgeson related it.
Well…"the caterpillars, they lie," he said.
On the other hand, crickets can actually help you calculate the temperature.
Georgeson said listen to the number of chirps a cricket makes in one minute. The temperature is then calculated by adding 50 to the number of chirps minus 40 divided by four. (For Fahrenheit anyway.)
He did say that cluster flies and ladybird beetles getting into your house is a sign that cold weather is on the way.
"The earlier they start getting into the house, it means winter is coming earlier."
As far as rain goes, ants can be trusted.
Georgeson said they have a special organ in their antennae that is sensitive to air pressure. When the air pressure drops and rain is on the way they begin closing up their ant hills and heading underground.
That takes care of the bugs, but what about the critters?
Animals that hibernate are hitting high gear now, said Sue Penney, education co-ordinator at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park.
"Hibernating animals like groundhogs and bears, they're very industrious about fixing their sleeping areas."
And not only are they making sleeping arrangements, they're hungry too.
"The bears start eating non-stop at this time. They need quite a lot of extra body fat. They're eating everything – bark, plants and bugs – anything and everything they can get their hands on. They're not very picky."
When those animals hit the hay for the winter – or head for warmer climes – it's not because they're trying to avoid the cold.
"A lot of people think they go south or hibernate because of the weather. It's all about the food. Lack of food, that's why they leave."
She said the fur bearing animals will have shed their summer coats by this time but they don't really start looking majestic till the new year.
"The winter coats are most beautiful around December and January."
Another thing appearance-wise that's notable is antlered animals shedding their antlers in the winter.
"Once the boys lose their antlers, it's time to bundle up."
Birds don't have the option of bundling up, but they do prepare in other ways that we can see.
Penney said geese are putting their heads together about this time too.
"They're talking about where they're going. They're like snowbirds, doing a lot of talking."
They're also getting in some flying lessons as well.
"They're doing a lot of practising. They go out and practise (formation flying), they don't go far."
Nature photographer Gary Murray spends plenty of time in the wild observing birds through a camera lens. He sees lots of birds flocking together this time of year.
"Birds like robins and juncos will start to form into large size flocks before they migrate...a sign of things to come. Eagles congregate down around Sheffield Mills by the hundreds, they seem to know when to start massing."
He said you can notice shorebirds gathering to fill up before they take flight and of course, crows, coming together each night.
Speaking of night, Murray said songbirds winging their way south can be heard occasionally. "Sometimes at night if you're outside you can hear them migrating overhead. It's not a random act, it depends on winds."
The ones that stay behind with the rest of us for the winter are filling their bellies and hiding places with food.
"Jays are awful hogs like that. I don't really know if they can remember their caches but I've read that tests on chickadees say they can remember up to 600 sites."
Other signs from our feathered friends that winter is upon us come down to appearance. Murray said birds like gulls and starlings change their plumage as the seasons change.
We might slow down when the temperature drops and that's no different for some birds. Hummingbirds – if there are any still left around – get sluggish in the cold.
"Hummingbirds on cool mornings go into a torpor. People have actually lifted them off branches and thought they were sick. They're just waiting to generate warmth from the sun."
I know the feeling.

Greater White Fronted Goose

Hi All,

It's been a while since my last post, I have been busy working on my website www.garymurray.ca

Soooo, today's post is of a native of Greenland...A Greater White Fronted Goose. It appeared in the Halifax, Nova Scotia a few weeks back. Local bird authorities feel that it joined a flock of Canada Geese that were in Greenland, and flew with them to Halifax.

It is the 18th recorded sighting of the bird in the province, but my first, so I just had to make a few trips there to see and photograph it. I was not disappointed, as it is quite cooperative, and usually hangs out in the same area munching on grass. Many photographs ensued. Man, I love digital....most of the time. (except for landscapes that beg for Fuji Velvia).

The Goose is a tough species so hopefully it will survive our Maritime winter and fly back to Greenland in the spring.

A few Mallards, and Black Quacks (Ducks) were hanging out, so I also added a portrait of a Male Mallard to show that even though some birds may be "trashy" they are still great looking, and good photo subjects.

Enjoy,
Gary.
www.garymurray.ca



All photos made with Canon 5D, 300mm F4IS lens/1.4 T.C. Manfrotto tripod, Exposure Unrecorded.


Greater White Fronted Goose

Male Mallard Portrait.