IOW for Jan 9 - Jan 22, 2023

[jackscrap]

Thank you to everyone who submitted images to the Gallery, always a treat to see what has been capturing everyone's imagination and creativity.
I had some quite difficult choices to make, so many fine images, all so well executed, in the end it was just down to what made me smile. Enjoy

[kathylee]

Thank you for including my picture, I am glad it made you smile. Great pics by pontiac1940 and dandc This was a wonderful and unusual opportunity to see Sand Hill Cranes in Action. Usually there are many photographers in the area but I was alone and the pair had no problem coming within inches of me. I was afraid to even breath not knowing what would happen next, but they went about their business and also provided a wonderful show for me. It was amazing to have an opportunity to witness this and to share my pictures. The crane really did jump straight up in the air!!!!!!

[pontiac1940]

jackscrap Thanks for judging and selecting one of my winter scenes. Congratulations to Dan and KathyLee.  

Jan 23, 2023 23:23:44 GMT kathylee said:

the pair had no problem coming within inches of me.

That is so cool. The few we get here are spooky and will fly if you even think about getting close ... like less than 200 feet. Such pretty birds. 
dandc your white-tailed kite is special. 

Clive

[Jim]

Congratulations, dande, kathylee, and Clive. Well done and enjoyable photos, all. Good analysis also, Jacki.

[hmca]

Tough weeks, Jacki. There were many beautiful images submitted.  Thanks for selecting the images that "spoke" to you.  It was interesting to read your thoughts on each image. Congratulations to Dan, Kathy and Clive. Your images will be added to the 2023 Member Gallery.  Just a reminder to our members selections are made from Member Galleries.  If you haven't created a gallery yet you can find the directions here.

[VickiD]

Congratulations to dandc, Kathylee and Clive. Great photos of interesting subjects. Jacki...I'm sure it was a tough decision--you did a fine job on this one.

[Lillias]

Congratulations Dan, Kathy and Clive. Loved your commentary on each one Jacki.

[dandc]

Thank you for judging this week Jacki and for including my shot among your picks and for your thoughtful comments. Love your shot kathylee - We do an 'almost every year' drive out to see the Sandhill Cranes and have only gotten pretty close one time . . and that was when it was getting too dark to get any good shots. pontiac1940 - Your winter scene is aptly described by Jacki as peaceful, and I'd add beautiful as well. My shot of the Kite was taken a few years ago. We drove out to a preserve and drove right by the kite until I noticed it (I was in the backseat). It was very close to the road and I couldn't believe it didn't fly off when we slowly backed-up and I put down the window to take it's portrait (I took quite a few as you can imagine).

[pontiac1940]

Thanks Dan.

Jan 24, 2023 20:25:36 GMT dandc said:

I took quite a few as you can imagine.

Had to laugh. Huge advantage of digital. Birds that are sitting still are never sitting still, eh? Their heard are (usually) moving and that can affect eye lighting. So we shoot a lot. We have to shoot when we get rare opportunities. 
Love the kite.