Tag: Montgomery Township

A rugged tree root overgrown with patches of green moss

I was drawn to the beauty of nature's ground level.

I was drawn to the beauty of nature's ground level, emphasising the overlooked ecosystems underfoot and the cycles of growth and decay in nature.

In the foreground, the early morning light illuminates a rugged tree root overgrown with patches of green moss and clusters of thin, orange-brown grass-like growths. Colonies of this moss are growing all over the small stones and detritus on the southern side of Blue Spring Road. The out-of-focus background reveals the start of Autumn Hill Preserve, with bare trees and warm light casting through the branches. This photograph is from late autumn.

I used the new lens blur tool in Lightroom to enhance the shallow depth of field of the original iPhone 11 Pro image.

Surveying the surroundings

The bird is likely a type of finch or sparrow.

Merlin ID app identified this individual as a female house finch. Female House Finches have streaked brown and white plumage, which provides camouflage among the branches and leaves. They lack the red colouring that male House Finches display.

Her soft, earthy tones express her role in the finch family, not the flashy singer commanding attention but the diligent creator of the nest and nurturer of her young.

House Finches, Carpodacus mexicanus, are small, social birds well-adapted to human environments. The females, measuring 5 to 6 inches long, are predominantly brown with crisp, streaked patterns across their back, chest, and sides. Their solid and conical beaks are adapted to their seed-based diet. They will also consume fruits and insects when available, especially during breeding.

These birds are known for their vigorous singing, and the females' more subtle vocalisations often go unnoticed. Yet, her role is critical. She is the primary nest builder, weaving together twigs, grasses, and feathers to create a haven for her eggs, usually in the nooks of buildings or other artificial structures, a nod to their comfort in urban settings.

Originally from the western United States and Mexico, House Finches have expanded their range to cover the entire country, thriving in various habitats. Their conservation status is of "Least Concern," reflecting their successful adaptation and resilience.

When the moon hits your eye ...

Shaan's appreciation of the full moon inspired a nostalgic reflection of family gatherings on moonlit Caribbean nights.

Shaan returned from a late-night walk and said the full moon looked awesome in the sky and that I should photograph it. So I did.

Growing up in the Eastern Caribbean, the full moon always felt special. Those nights felt festive and magical. My fondest memories are of the moonlit "cookup," which my grandparents used to host at their home on the hill in La Pompe. We would come together outdoors under the moonlight, sharing delicious food, family stories, and laughter. As we walked home later, it felt like the moon had turned the night into a version of daytime.

Near the beach at Port Elizabeth, the moonlight would dance on the calm Caribbean waters, casting a spell that transformed moonlit strolls into something magical. The reflections of the tranquil sea created an enchanting ambience. Those were the moments when Bequia's natural beauty and the charm of the full moon combined to create lasting memories.