View 9: Call of the Wild

Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) howling at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York, on Sunday, February 24. This was the first time I had heard a wolf howl in person. It was a beautiful, soulful sound which touched my spirit even if it wasn’t the deep woods. Sadly, his species was just removed from the Federal Endangered Species List allowing states to allow hunting of these magnificent animals.

All these photographs were taken with the Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D AF VR Zoom Lens I recently purchased. I did not use a tripod and enjoyed the ability to move quickly to capture a photo opportunity. I highly recommend this lens for it’s versatility, zoom focal length and to get sharp images even at 400mm (600mm 35mm) without a tripod.

Left to Right: Red Panda, Bighorn Sheep, Collared Peccary

Left to Right: Gray Wolf, Eurasian Lynx, Peregrine Falcon, Peacock

View 8: Paul Harris

Paul Harris of Syracuse University’s Orange Men’s basketball team during pre-game warmups before taking on Georgetown on Saturday, Februray 16, at the Carrier Dome. SU won over the 8th ranked Hoyas 77-70.

I think Paul Harris might consider modeling after his basketball career is over.

View 7: Black-capped Chickadee

A Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) in the Northern Red Cedar tree next to my house. While not a great shot, it was the best from my first outing with the Nikon 80-400 VR Zoom lens. Did this hand-held, too.

As soon as time and weather permit, I’m off to the zoo to give this lens a proper shakedown.

View 6: Orange Attitude

Nicole Michael of Syracuse University’s Orange Women’s basketball team sizes up her Marquette opponent during a game at the Carrier Dome on Sunday, February 10. SU won 70-67.

View 5: The B’ville Big Chill

The B’ville Big Chill was held for the first time on Saturday, January 26, at Baldwinsville’s Mercer Park featuring a Polar Bear Plunge into the icy Seneca River. All participants fully submerged and quickly ran back into the heated tent to change back into dry clothes and winter outer wear.  The water was enough to bulge one’s eyes out as witnessed by this poor fellow.  You can see the other events below.

Snowman Contest – for kids of all ages and their families.  The snow wasn’t to cooperative but all put on a gallant effort.  The winner was the snowman with the gloves and cane.  Runner-up was the snowman that fell down.

Chili Cook Off – many local resturants took part to see who would impress the panel of judges which included Wayne Mahar, the chief meteorologist for our local NBC affiliate, WSTM (Ch. 3). Ironwood Golf Course Restaurant won the distinction of having the most original chili. The people’s choice award went to the Silver Fox Senior Social Club.