7/24/2025 - Birds in the Yard

I was in the pool and saw a lot of birds flying around.  Since I had finished cooling off, I decided to get the camera and a chair to get some pictures.  Most of the birds left but I sat there for a while thinking I had spooked them but no.

I normally have my camera set to fully manual as most of my photographs are of still images that allow me to take my time.  This is the first time setting something to be automated by the camera (the ISO).  I'm fairly please with the results.

Time: 18:53; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
600mm; 1/500sec; f/6.3; ISO 250

Time: 18:57; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
600mm; 1/320sec; f/6.3; ISO 400

Time: 19:00; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
600mm; 1/500sec; f/6.3; ISO 250

Time: 19:00; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
600mm; 1/500sec; f/6.3; ISO 250
Note: The same photo as above, just a significant crop as I had the focus perfectly on the Robin so there was a lot of detail I wanted to expose.

Time: 19:01; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
600mm; 1/500sec; f/6.3; ISO 280

Time: 19:01; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
600mm; 1/500sec; f/6.3; ISO 280
Note: The same photo as above, just a significant crop as I had the focus perfectly on the Robin so there was a lot of detail I wanted to expose.

Time: 19:04; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
540mm; 1/250sec; f/6.3; ISO 1800

Time: 19:04; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
540mm; 1/250sec; f/6.3; ISO 1800
Note: The same photo as above, just a significant crop as I had the focus perfectly on the Grey Catbird so there was a lot of detail I wanted to expose.

Time: 19:10; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
600mm; 1/250sec; f/6.3; ISO 1600

Time: 19:10; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
600mm; 1/250sec; f/6.3; ISO 1600
Note: The same photo as above, just a significant crop as I had the focus perfectly on the Grey Catbird so there was a lot of detail I wanted to expose.

7/19/2025 - Talcott Falls

I once noticed this waterfall on the way up to get my first oil change for the Scout at the dealer but couldn't find it on the way home.  I decided to do a little searching and found it as well as the name of it.  It was a bit disappointing but I've since learned that it is very dependent on the amount of rainfall the area has received.  Since it has been a fairly dry summer, I will need to go back again at another time.  There was definitely more water flowing when I noticed it the first time.  Glad it was a nice day allowing for a really nice ride...

Parking Location: https://w3w.co/tingly.scouts.kidneys
Site Notes: You can view the falls from the side of the road though it may be partially blocked by branches.  Not sure if the short trail is on private property or not, the signage wasn't all that clear.

Time: 11:52; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 27mm; Shutter: 1/125 sec

Time: 11:54; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 44mm; Shutter: 1/60 sec

Time: 11:55; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 25mm; Shutter: 1/125 sec

7/12/2025 - Templar Falls

Very hot day so I wanted something easy.  I forgot how much of climb this actually is!  It isn't that it is a long climb, it's just steep.  When it's over 90 F with a dewpoint that is in the upper 70s F and you're wearing jeans because you rode the bike, you get very hot and sweaty quickly.  And moving in jeans while sweaty is not easy!  It was cool at the base of the lower falls, but there were way too many bugs for me to stay there for any length of time.  Cooling off there didn't help much because I had to climb back up after...

Parking Location: https://w3w.co/confirm.supporter.fizzled
Site Notes: Not accessible at all, you do have to cross the stream so no shoes or waterproof are suggested.

Time: 15:10; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 24mm; ISO: 25; Aperture: f/22; Exposure: 1.6 sec

Time: 15:11; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 24mm; ISO: 25; Aperture: f/22; Exposure: 2 sec

Time: 15:13; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 24mm; ISO: 400; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/125 sec

Time: 15:21; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 24mm; ISO: 1600; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/160 sec

Time: 15:22; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 24mm; ISO: 25; Aperture: f/16; Exposure: 2.5 sec

7/5/2025 - Tibbetts Point Lighthouse

My wife asked to go for a ride because she was having a rough week and just wanted to relax so I took her to a lighthouse (one of her favorite things) that we hadn't been to yet.  It was a beautiful day so I took the front tops off the Wrangler so we could really enjoy the weather.  Turns out that you can't climb the tower because it is still an active beacon.  Yes, ships navigate by GPS now, but they told the Coast Guard that having the light.  So the Coast Guard agree to continue letting it run.  I could be wrong on the Coast Guard, but it is still active so they can't take a chance at someone accidentally cracking the lens.  There are 2 keeper houses here because this location also maintained the East Charity Shoal Lighthouse that is 5 miles away.  One of the keepers had to row out there every night with the oil to keep the light going!  What I find odd about it is that East Charity Shoal Lighthouse is in Canadian waters but was apparently maintained by US keepers.

Parking Location: https://w3w.co/negotiator.faded.grills
Site Notes: They've done a decent job making most everything fully accessible. You would only need something that can handle some rough grass.

Time: 14:31; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 49mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/1600 sec

Time: 14:33; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 64mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/640 sec

Time: 14:37; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 70mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/400 sec

Time: 14:43; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 47mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/1600 sec

Time: 14:48; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 24mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/2500 sec
Note: Way out there is East Charity Shoal Lighthouse

Time: 14:56; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 600mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/6.3; Exposure: 1/1600 sec
Note: And there it is!

Time: 14:56; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 180mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/5.6; Exposure: 1/1250 sec
Note: There is also a foghorn on the property though it isn't in use anymore.

Time: 15:02; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 31.5mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/2000 sec

Time: 15:03; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 70mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/1000 sec

Time: 15:03; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S;
Focal Length: 70mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/800 sec

Time: 15:08; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 600mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/6.3; Exposure: 1/1600 sec
Note: This would be Pigeon Island Lighthouse.

Time: 15:08; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 600mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/6.3; Exposure: 1/640 sec

6/20/2025 - Nanie's Rose Bush

After we got back from Wolcott Falls, I noticed a rose bud had opened on my grandmother's rose bush.  Very amazing to me as a year ago it appeared the plant was dead.  Happy to see that it is starting to flourish.  Don't mind the photo-bomber...

Time: 14:10; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S; 
Focal Length: 70mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/800 sec

Time: 14:11; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S; 
Focal Length: 70mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/800 sec

6/20/2025 - Wolcott Falls

A warm day in which we were looking for an easy walk where it was a little cooler.  Since visiting last year, I've wanted to bring my wife to see it.  With the sun and clouds, it was truly difficult to get the settings correct for the long exposures that I really like.  I was able to get a few.

Parking Location: https://w3w.co/typing.distancing.saddens
Site Notes: Normally, a cart that can handle rough terrain may be able to get to the lower portion of the park.  With the heavy rains this year, the trail has some serious ruts from the runoff.  The view from the platform is fully accessible though.

Time: 12:00; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S; 
Focal Length: 55mm; ISO: 25; Aperture: f/22; Exposure: 1/2 sec

Time: 12:06; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S; 
Focal Length: 26.5mm; ISO: 25; Aperture: f/8; Exposure: 1/2 sec

Time: 12:07; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S; 
Focal Length: 26.5mm; ISO: 25; Aperture: f/22; Exposure: 1 sec

Time: 12:14; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S; 
Focal Length: 70mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/320 sec

Time: 12:15; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S; 
Focal Length: 47mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/500 sec

Time: 12:16; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S; 
Focal Length: 24mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/80 sec

Time: 12:16; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S; 
Focal Length: 70mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/80 sec

Time: 12:16; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S; 
Focal Length: 54mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/125 sec

Time: 12:19; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S; 
Focal Length: 24mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/250 sec

Time: 12:20; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S; 
Focal Length: 70mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/100 sec

Time: 12:24; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S; 
Focal Length: 59mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/800 sec
Note: This is from the viewing platform...

Time: 12:25; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S; 
Focal Length: 39mm; ISO: 100; Aperture: f/4; Exposure: 1/1000 sec

6/16/2025 - Beaver Lake Nature Center

Went for a ride but didn't really know where I wanted to go.  While wandering, I was going to take a different route to the Finger Lakes region when I realized I was passing this place.  I haven't been here in over 30 years so decided to stop in.  What I remembered were a lot of boards placed on the muddy ground, what a difference!  The only issue I had was that I forgot to turn the ISO up until about halfway around the lake.  This means that many pictures didn't come out well, but I did manage some nice ones...

Parking Location: https://w3w.co/purchasing.worked.diary
Site Notes: The visitor center is accessible with views of some very busy bird feeders.  The lake trail is accessible if your cart can handle a little rough terrain.

Time: 12:22; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS

Time: 12:36; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS

Time: 12:48; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS

Time: 12:48; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS
Note: This is the same as the last picture just highly cropped.
Taking full advantage of the 45MP sensor!

Time: 12:51; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS

Time: 12:52; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS
Note: This area is where I remember the boards in the mud...

Time: 13:09; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS
Note: The picture with the very narrow path to this shelter didn't come out well.

Time: 13:20; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS
Note: A little out of focus but I still like it...

Time: 13:25; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS
Note: Taking pictures of this little one is when I realized I should change the ISO!

Time: 13:26; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS

Time: 13:28; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS

Time: 13:36; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS

Time: 13:37; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS

Time: 13:39; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS

Time: 13:54; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS

Time: 13:54; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS
Note: A few steps after the last picture revealed that there is a gap in the trunk...

Time: 14:12; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS
Note: When I see something like this, I wonder what happened to cause the tree
to grow like this.  Nature never ceases to amaze!

Time: 14:18; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS
Note: This little one was all alone, I almost thought it was going to walk over...

Time: 14:19; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS

Time: 14:19; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS

Time: 14:20; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS