Birds and Photography at Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences

What a beautiful day today for our camera club's spring visit to MBO to see birds being banded in Plymouth. Joe, Ian and I are back home from our travels, Ian's off birding the state, Joe's blogging about Italy (see his great images and posts at http://joesretirementblog.blogspot.com) and I'm back photographing with my camera club. I have many images from my time in France and Italy still to play with, but for today I will post what I did today, which was a lot of fun!

Every Spring and Fall the birds migrate along the Massachusetts coast and Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences has been tracking the birds involved for 30+ years. A group of 20 photographers met there this morning to learn about the process, raise some funds for my favorite non-profit, enjoy the birds and take photos of them in hand. 

Sweet one. White Throated Sparrow.

Inquisitive Blue Jay held by a new intern.

On the  bluffs listening to Trevor tell us about the birds and answer questions.

My friend Bill and his bird who didn't fly away!

Trevor and… I need Ian to ID the birds...

Hairy Woodpecker.

Catching them flying away is such a challenge!

A harried Hairy Woodpecker.

Tufted Titmouse.

Gray Catbird showing off his pretty wings.

Saying goodbye for now...

France by small camera.

These were taken with my iPhone 5S and processed using Snapseed. A few were posted on my Facebook page, so those images may look familiar to some of you that are active Facebook friends.

I love the ease of capturing a moment quickly and unobtrusively with a small camera. The panoramic, HDR and automatic download to my laptop features are great, too.

The street we live on in Arles. Jack Russell is by far the most popular dog in Arles. 

Arles arena.

St Remy ...next 3 images as well.

Van Gogh sanitarium.

Arles, the Rhone river.

Aix en Provence flower market.

Arles street looking pretty.

Camargue horses.

Looking at Gordes, a perfect Provence hilltop town.

Roussillon, best color town award! 

Roussillon, recognize the warm tones?

A Little of Provence, France

Tomorrow Ian, Christy and I head for Lucca, Italy by car as our time in France is sadly coming to an end. What a marvelous 10 days we've had here, so many new things to see, people to talk to and I have so enjoyed soaking up every minute of it!!!  I've tried to capture the feeling of this wonderful place, but come visit if you can! Here are a few of many photographs, best to post them now in no particular order before I move onto Italian sights and sounds. 

                                  

The Eglise Des Freres Precheurs in Arles. What a find! Christy told me about this, open to anyone who wanted to wander in while clean up was taking place from a big event for the Van Gogh opening a few nights before.

 Place de la Republic at night.

Dawn at the Camargue with my friends Christy, Mike, Betty, Linda and my son, Ian who brought us out here to see the Flamingos… beautiful!! 

Place de la Republic, Arles. 

Rue des Thermes by the Place du Forum, Arles.

Abbey on the outskirts of Gordes. 

 Arles doorway, one of many!

Gordes, just after the rain stopped.

Roussillon, another beautiful hilltop town.

At Home in Arles, France

Ian, Christy and I have been in Arles for a week now, and I'm finding my way around fairly well. I can get to the market, La Place du Forum, La Place de La Republic, and back and forth to where we park our car by the river. It's an extremely friendly town, and if my local bakery is closed, as it was today, I can ask anyone passing by and they will direct me to another one that is open. It helps to speak french, but all in our group are saying that they have been met with kindness and a friendly smile. The old reputation of the French being a bit difficult is no longer true! C'est bon!

Nelly is the property manager of the apartment we have rented for the 10 days we are in Arles. We have all commented on how lovely she is, kind and willing to help with any questions. She helped us get settled our first day here, pointed out the parking and took care of the little issues that always come up in a new place. Could not have asked for a more friendly person, and she is so wonderfully French!

This is Nelly's shop, Farfantello, across the street from our apartment. All kinds of beautiful gifts and toys. She invited me back to take pictures, I always like that!

 There are artists everywhere, this shop has lovely pottery… and tulips.

Our apartment, on the 3rd floor. Love the tall windows in the front and back.

Ian looking good in Arles.

Long exposures, I had fun playing with the possibilities.

Special invitational opening for the Vincent Van Gogh gala. Right on our street, we saw the light show they had at the function held at the Church from our windows. 

Le Plaza, we had an excellent meal here!

They may not look friendly, but they have character. At the outdoor market.

Christy buying bread at the outdoor market.

The courtyard below our window, women having lunch. 

The main living area of our apartment. We have 3 bedrooms, a kitchen and 2 bathrooms, spacious, charming and lots of light!

 Ian humoring me, he makes a great model!