It's Bluebird Nesting Season

There are three species of Bluebirds in the United States. These are the Eastern Bluebird (shown at right) which ranges from west Texas to the Atlantic to Canada. The Mountain Bluebird's range is, south from Mexico and north to the Pacific northwest, Canada and even Alaska. And finally, the Western Bluebird who's range is most of the west of Texas, from Mexico to Canada.

Since the '60s humans have saved all three species from extinction by putting up bluebird houses. Bluebirds are cavity nesters and their natural homes have been invaded by European Starlings. In the '60s farmers were incouraged to put bluebird boxes along fences creating bluebird trails. Pretty cool idea wouldn't you say?

Come to Mountain Nature & Wild Bird Supply for all your Bluebird nesting needs. We are at 104 N. Main St., Clayton Georgia 30525. 706-782-0838

This was a fun Photography project.

Photo Advertising

Here is a photo project I made for Mountain Nature & Wild Bird Supply. Like nearly everyone else I like sunsets in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevebolton/6890464533/in/set-72157626923270323

I have been a flickr.com user for a long time. Saw some photos from the Black Sea the other day that made me think of all the people in the would who I don't have any idea about, whole worlds of people I do not know about. Do you know of a place called Keiv?

Anyway I decided to post a few people or places unknown to me but, who exist in this world at this minute and the link above will show you one of those people.

Celebrate Clayton 2012

Cold Mountain Nursery came to Celebrate Clayton and they had a showy lot of Geraniums.

Don't forget to check out may Trillium Traveler page: http://www.trilliumtraveler.com/

Walker Camp Prong, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.

Trillium Traveler Time!

It is trillium time to check out my www.trilliumtraveler.com blog. It is trillium time so I am concentrating on that page right now. More to come here later.

He said, If we leave right now we can get there by 6 o'clock. She said, It will be to dark to take pictures.
He said, I can take pictures after dark.

Within minutes we closed the store, it was 4:36. We were on our way to Georgia's Valley of the Giants. She had scanned some old photos of the trees from the early '80s but, the scans didn't turn out that great and we needed some fresh photos for the March issue of the Georgia Mountain Laurel. She was writing the story and now I was shooting the fresh pictures.
Using our GPS we were on our way.

We arrived right at 6 pm with a mile to hike in before the sun went down. The mountains were already hiding the sun and daylight didn't look that promising.

I went ahead carrying my camera bag and tripod. Walking a quick mile left me a bit breathless. I finally arrived at the first giant tree, set up the camera and tripod pushed the button, did the 10 second rush for a self portrait with the tree. It worked but, I wanted a bigger tree. Jean had caught up and passed me by then and was on to find a bigger tree. The trail now was less traveled and there were logs blocking the trail here and there. We hurried on to the next giant. When we arrived was just about dark.

Once again, I set up the tripod and snapped off some photos, quickly determining, I would need a 20 second exposure to capture the remaining light for the photo. I had Jean stand near the tree and, once again  I did the 10 second dash to be in the photo with her and the tree. I spread my arms to show the girth of the tree and held still, waiting the 20 seconds for the camera to take the photo. There you go. We got the shot for the Georgia Mountain Laurel and the one posted here.

Fortunately, I carry a flashlight in my camera bag and all the way back I called to Jean, log here, branch there, sticks on the trail, look out for the rock. It was dark but, it was fun and we got the shot!

The days are getting longer. Spring is coming. Warmer weather in February this year so far. Jean and I hiked the Tallulah Gorge, down from the Jane Hurt Yarn Visitors Center to the swinging bridge, back up the south side (about 800+ steps), across the bridge at the dam and back to the visitors center. Passed this Daffodil along the way. Perhaps this is a good time to remember Valentines Day is February 14! Don't forget your Valentine.

If you are enjoying these pictures and spring inspires you check out my other blog where I will be posting lots of spring flowers as the next few months of spring arrive. You will find it here: www.trilliumtraveler.com. Don't miss out on the fun follow both these blogs! On this blog you will find more of my Comfort Zone, like my paintings, photography and talk about hiking and visiting the great fun places of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. As you can see, I like to take photos of mountain scenes and wild places. And don't forget we will be traveling in the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway and maybe even the Natchez Trace this spring.

To the left is a photo I took the other day from Inspiration Point. The white arrow points to the swinging bridge we hiked over this morning. Down below you can see Oceana Falls, one of 5 major waterfalls in the gorge. And, there are many more large rapids along the Tallulah River that flows through the gorge.

Tallulah Lake

Early morning at Tallulah Falls. We hiked down to the bottom of Tallulah Gorge this morning, again!

Abandoned Chimney

We were up and at Tallulah Falls early this morning.

Two Trees

Just finished up a new 12"x12" painting for my Project 144 set. I call this "Two Trees". As of late I have consentrated on photography so, Project 144 has set on the side lines for a while. Yet it is not forgotten. I am guessing I have completed around 30 of the 144 at this point. Meanwhile, my photography efforts continue. I hope everyone likes this. You may purchase this painting or others in Project 144 for $100 plus shipping. Just leave me a note or email. Thanks.

Went to Black Rock Lake inside Black Rock Mountain State Park, Georgia, USA this morning and found this shot.  There is an upside down mountain reflected in the photo. Click on it for a larger size.

Snow With Sticks

One year ago tomorrow. Not going to happen tomorrow. Not here anyway.