NYC Sunrise Drama

One of the few days that had any color in the sky in the last half of February. Rich golds give a hint of a glorious sunrise and beautiful, sunny (albeit cold) winter day to come. The drama was in whether or not that would actually materialize since most days this month have been overcast, cloudy and often rainy as well. I was cheering for the sunshine, but it was not to be. As soon as the sun lifted into the dark clouds, that was the last it was seen for the day.

Mallard Drake and Reflection

A Mallard Drake looking like he's not a happy duck as he swims in a NJ Meadowlands area.

Black-capped Chickadee in Winter

A black-capped chickadee, with a slight ruffle to his feathers, pausing briefly on a branch, before flying back into the maze of surrounding tree branches on a dark, cloudy winter day.

Sundown Spotlight on One World Trade

One of the rare, colorful sundowns seen recentl . A bright reflection of the setting sun as it bounces off the side of New York City's One World Trade Center Tower and bathes several of the surrounding skyscrapers in golden light, leaving dark shadows where the light does not reach.

Bouquet Roses in Pink and Yellow

Another close-up view of roses in pink and yellow and red alstroemeria from my bouquet last week. Behind in editing and slowly catching up.

Breaking Storm over New York City

A view of the New York City Skyline and Hudson River at the start of the sundown Golden Hour on Tuesday of this week. It was a hopeful, but brief, tease that we would have a break from rainy, dreary weather. But it wasn't to be - within a few minutes of this shot, rain clouds moved on in and the rain returned.

Northern Cardinal and Winter Sky

A vertical view of a male Northern Cardinal perched on a branch catching a bit of pale late afternoon sunlight in the NJ Meadowlands.

Male Mourning Dove

A Mourning Dove on a cloudy cold day.

White-throated Sparrow

A variety of sparrow types can usually be found during the winter in New Jersey. For some reason, this year, I and others have primarily only seen house sparrows. So...I was delighted yesterday to come across this lone white-throated sparrow who posed nicely long enough for me to get a few photos.

NY Skyline Departing Cruise Ship

I freely admit to feeling a bit of wanderlust and yearning to feel some balmy, warmer weather as I watched the cruise ship Norwegian Getaway departing New York City at sundown yesterday evening.

Mallard Duck Portrait

A close up side-view portrait of a mallard drake duck.

Pink Ruffled Roses

A close up view of the lovely, curved, ruffled layers of pink roses.

Tufted Titmouse

A cute little Tufted Titmouse that had been flitting from tree branch to tree branch, but hidden from clear view, finally flew out in the open and stayed perched long enough for one shot.

Beautiful Bouquet

A section of a gorgeous, gift bouquet filled with a variety of colorful, cheerful blooms.

Valentine Greeting

Happy Valentine's Day!

Marsh Prelude to Sundown

A beautifu.l huge sun star in the sky as the sun drops towards the horizon with warm hints of the Golden Hour to come. Photographed at Richard W. DeKorte Park in the New Jersey Meadowlands.

Golden Hour Marsh Grasses

A late afternoon walk in one of my favorite parks yesterday on a beautiful sunny, but chilly, day. As i was heading back to my car, the warm tones of the start of the Golden hour transformed the marsh. photographed at Dekorte Park in the New Jersey meadowlands. Sadly the park is being closed in further and further around the outskirts with commercial development, continuing to reduce marsh and wetland habitat for birds and other creatures.

Sun-kissed Female Northern Cardinal

This beautiful female Northen Cardinal flew up on the branch to enjoy a snack in the glow of the setting sun that bathed her in warm golden light. Someone had strewn sunflower seeds on the ground nearby and it appears that is what she has in her beak.

Mallard Drake on Display

A handsome Mallard duck drake standing in low water in warm afternoon light with his chest puffed up and beautiful feather colors on display with rippled reflection from the water flow.

Watchful Napping

This Canada Goose was enjoying a nap in the warmth of late afternoon sunshine when another goose swam by a little too closely. he opened his eye and kept watch until the intruder passed by and then went back to his nap.

Mallard Female and Reflection

A beautiful female mallard duck, and her reflection, catching golden late afternoon sunlight as she swims in pond waters