Spider web with buildings blurred in the background

I am not obsessed–no matter what my husband claims–with birding.  I have only listened to my bird song recordings a few times this season.  I have only ordered one new birding-related product (a new version of birding software that let’s you quiz yourself on recognizing birds by sight and/or sound).  I have gone on no long-distance trips for the purpose of birding.

spider lace

I even walk outdoors without binoculars.  This is a bit foolish–especially during the birdathon when every bird counts.  I keep seeing birds I can’t identify without binoculars when I don’t have them on me.  But, I often forget to grab the binocs when Tisen is in a particularly big hurry to get outside.  Somehow it seems wrong to ask him to cross his legs any longer than necessary while I get myself organized.

Drops reflecting the buildings outside

Today I was determined to make an evening bird walk at a marsh.  I haven’t been to this marsh before and I figured there was a good chance I’d pick up a few additional species before the Birdathon ends.

Single strand of water droplets

I took Tisen for a walk before I had to leave.  We made it about ¼ of the way through the park when the first clap of thunder sounded.  It wasn’t even a clap; it was more of a rumble.  It was enough for Tisen–he did an about-face and started pulling on the leash to head back in.  Because we lost Tiger during our lunchtime walk, I wanted to continue the walk and look for him.  But Tisen wasn’t missing Tiger so much.  I got him to turn around and take about 3 more steps, but when the next rumble of thunder came along, he was done.  We ended up jogging back up the path from whence we came.

This spider literally ran into the center of the shot as I was shooting and then ran out again

As the sky opened up, lightening bolts struck left and right, and even hail started to bounce of the windowsills, I noticed a large spider web in the window was catching raindrops.  I decided to experiment with shooting it for the few minutes I had before I needed to leave.  While I had a little trouble because of the background, I got a few images I like.

The Standifer Gap Marsh

By the time I needed to leave, the rain and lightening had moved on.  I headed down to the garage and headed out to the other side of town for the walk.  Traffic was backed up and visibility was nil.  I arrived at the marsh late and then wasn’t sure where the entrance was.  No one else was there.  Not a big surprise considering on this side of town it was still raining and lightening every few seconds.

I got out of the car and walked about 50 yards from the car and back–just long enough to add 2 birds to my birdathon list and take a few photos with the Camera! app–my iPhone safely protected in a waterproof case while my DSLR remained sheltered in the car.

More marsh

Tisen gives Daddy a bath