Hanging With the Wild Ones

Cheetahs have sharp, keen eyesight searching the grass for prey.

A Cheetah can run 100 meters in 4.59 minutes - that is about 40% faster than the Olympic record.

There are only about 7,000 - 10,000 of these beautiful cats left.

The Toronto Zoo has 3 new, young White Lion cubs. The male is called Fintan, which means “little fair one,”. The two females are called Lemon and Makali, which means “daring.”

White Lions are very rare and none are living in the wild.

The rare genetic marker that makes the White Lion unique has yet to be identified.

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We splurged for an Annual Pass to the Toronto Zoo. I love how we now can go on a moments notice and not feel pressured to stay a long time to get our monies worth. The hope is to collect our own photographs of our favorite animals and create our own coffee table book. I am looking forward to seeing the Toronto Zoo in all four seasons as we usually just go in the summer.

Today I am participating at: Outdoor Wednesday, and Camera Critters

Wordless Wednesday: Post Bath Sleepy Head

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Participating in: Camera Critters

Call Me Kismet

Call Me

Fate

Destiny

Kismet

The super powerful Kismet has just sprouted these past few weeks! Kismet may be tiny but she is a very vocal, demanding Princess that makes sure her court pays heed!

The name Kismet comes from a character that appeared in DC Superman Comics. Kismet existed between dark and light, illuminating the pathways. Kismet offers people the choice between good and evil in the Superman story line, so listen up when she barks.

On that note, I'd say this little spitball hunter life will be quite an adventure.

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I am participating in the FlickR base group

"The Daily Dog Challenge" Prompt #300 is "Adventure"

With a spunky attitude, named after a Super Hero I think Kismet grasp onto all the adventures she can.

Also joining in at: Sweet Shot Tuesday

Friendship

A Real Friend

Is One Who Walks In

When the Rest of the World

Walks Out

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The Scene:
Lying on my back to capture an upward, wide angle perspective of Becky.

The Plot:
In true Cavalier fashion, Becky calculates the best strategy to move in, take position on my chest and skillfully execute a Cavalier Hug. Better known as "smother thy person with my snout".

Summary:
Mission accomplished. No persons were harmed in this exercise. Can't say the same for the smudged lens.

I am truly inspired by so many pet photographs in this weeks photo challenge at I Heart Faces. Our judge is none other than Seth Casteel of Little Friends Photo who is known for his amazing Underwater Dog photography.  

Also Linking Up With: Quotography

Backyard Friends

All week butterflies have been gracing my backyard. I'd no sooner grab my camera and they'd be gone. Today, this lazy fellow was most co-operative! I love how sharp his/her antennas are and how it appears to almost have tail feathers. I think this Monarch Butterfly qualifies as my entry into this weeks 
"Your Sunday Best Photo Challenge"
Follow this link to view other photographers best photo submissions for this week.

Usually things are pretty quiet in our backyard - well unless Kodee is sounding off at a squirrel or raccoon. This poor Mom made a huge mistake this spring and chose to have her babies in a neighbours garage. They tried to capture Mom and babies together but the Mom escaped. The babies were old enough to be set loose in the country. I can't say I miss the line of baby raccoons following Mom along my fence line as in previous years, but I do feel sorry for her. She was frantically searching for them for a long time.



Wildlife seems to be having a rough time around our house this year. On our front lawn we have a huge Manitoba Maple tree. When my daughter was young she found the beginnings of a tree - all 2 inches of it at my parent's farm. She planted it in a margarine container to bring home. My Dad warned me you couldn't kill   them and one day it would be huge - not to plant it. Did I listen - no and now 20 year later it takes up 3/4 of my front lawn! The quote to have it removed was well over $800 - yes Father did know best. This robin took up residence in it this spring. Good spot I thought - it sure beat the nest it tried to build over my patio door last spring or so we thought. The nest had a few babies in it but the next morning we found the nest on the ground and one baby bird dead.



I having a lot of fun with my two new lenses; the 15-85mm and 85mm. The more I shoot close ups the more I want a true macro 100mm lens! If you enjoy macro photography, I know the flowers and vegetables by Barbara Leven will inspire you. Also watch this video produced by B&H Photo Video.  During the filmed seminar, Barbara not only shows her artwork but she also discusses what lenses she uses and what steps she takes in post production  using photoshop.




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Participating in Macro Monday, I Love Macro, Your Sunday's Best

Trouble's Calling

Becky girl! Get with the game - you chew a stick - poof! It's gone. Now balls, they last forever!
[I know! Another ball photo but you try getting Kodee to drop it during summer! Not happening.]

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Linking up with; Camera Critters

Puppy Breath

In Your Bag
[Photo A Day June Prompt For "30 Things About Me" Series]

I promise!! I didn't put the puppy in my bag - although the thought did occur to me! My camera was in my bag - for a very important photo shoot.

Fact 17 About Me
I have never seen a newborn puppy. I am really thrilled that the first new born puppies I got to see were also very special to me. These puppies belong to Becky's litter mate. Meet Lil' Girl; the lone female with 4 brothers. She may be the tiniest but I am betting she is first to crawl out of the litter box!



Sharing with: 
Photo A Day June

Procrastination

Out and About

[Photo A Day June Prompt For "30 Things About Me" Series]

Way behind here on my photo a day - but I will catch up! Day 16 was on the weekend and we had a bit of excitement happening! A very special litter of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies that are quite dear to my heart, were born. You can count on me to be posting a few puppy photos in the future!

Fact 16 About Me
Sad as it is, "procrastination" is a word I am chummy with. However I am also good friends with "stubborn", so my 30 photos will be posted eventually!

Blooper Photo ~ Where'd Da Ball Go?!

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Sharing with: 
Photo A Day June