Place for Kids to Study Nature

“Circle J - Norris Ranch

620 acre field trip site in the Sierra Foothills.

The Education Coordinator gave me permission to photograph the site.

It's a very beautiful place for kids to study nature.


The site has a 5 acre pond too.



American Wigeons in flight.


Same pond...different day.”

“how much did you pay those ducks to line up like that?”

“
A Pair of Mallards

A lot Sarge!
last edited: 2/24/06 9:05:52 PM”

“man, Wind, you take some dynamite photos.......my friend and I go out twice a year for nature and wildlife photo ops.......almost like BP'n, but with cameras....we're digital, are you? What you shoot with?”

“WindWalker - I'd be interested to see some pics by you with a $300 camera. The reason is I'm curious as to how "ordinary" a person of your skill's shots would look compared to with the expensive camera. I realize that skilled photographers can take nice shots with the cheepest of cameras (even homemade ones) - but I just can't help but think that a lot of the beauty comes from the camera. Don't take this wrong - this isn't about you - I'd be interested in seeing a comparison of ANY great photographer ... you, Buck, or any awesome photographer. Mostly out of curiosity. I wonder when I look at my pics what they'd look like with better equipment ... know what I mean?”

“I am mezmerized by those 2 pond shots.”

“Is that an isolated 620 acre tract, surely of no value, should be sold, real estate devlopers could make that into a worthwhile place?
last edited: 2/25/06 7:31:58 AM”

“Chappy, 100% digital (Canon 20D)

Sarge -it's a box with knobs...the real difference is the glass. It never hurts to start with a beautiful subject though ;)

I'm going to presume that lonesurveyor is a TROLL. LOL!”

“No troll here.

I think the photos and that place are just fine as they are.

Merely sarcastically commenting on how so many in our society want to ruin a place like that by developing it.”

“LOL!, Yes lots of new developments in the hills not far from this site...glad this piece is set aside.”

“... so many bad people in America ... perhaps France or the Swiss Alps would be better for you.

[he started it] *sticks out tongue*


last edited: 2/26/06 12:02:31 AM”

“Sarge, I might be able to help a bit on your "is it the camera or the photographer" question...

I hike in some of the same areas as the two guys you mentioned.. Buck & WW, however I gotta tell you my pictures SUCK in comparison!

So... for me a lot of it is the photographer & their ability to see the magnificient shot when the rest of us (me!) are walking along saying things like "wow, look at the pretty tree / montain / lake!" without knowing squat about all the "composition / angle / lighting" things good photographers capture.

My $.02, but I think I'm right on this one! Don't blow $$ on a camera thinking it's going to make the diff, it doesn't, mine is a pretty good digital (as far as I know!) but I just don't capture what those guys do... sometimes on the same frikkin trail looking at the same tree!!!! LOL.”