I guess you have noticed by now that this newsletter is in a new, blog format. This should make it easier for you to upload the newsletters. Actually, you can sign up to receive a RSS feed notice when fresh newsletters are posted (click on “Entries (RSS) at the very bottom of the newsletter. You will continue receiving email notices of fresh postings, as well. With this new format, you may add your comments, and you can access the newsletter archives.
Another feature of this blog format is easy access the photo tour schedule, Larry Ditto contact information, photo gallery and other areas of my web site right from the newsletter. Hopefully, that will make things a lot more convenient for everyone.
You may recall that I’ve been shooting mostly on south Texas ranches this summer and it has been quite productive. I continue to learn more about warm weather shooting. It’s been surprising how good the birds and mammals continue to look right through July. If the ranchers will agree (I think they will), we should be able to get cheaper rates for photographing in June and July. The activity at water holes is really good most of the day with several species coming to water that are seldom seen in the open.
If you want to view the following newsletter photos in full size, click on the photo and it will enlarge. When you are ready to go back to the newsletter, just click on the back arrow.
Even the lowly Hispid Cotton Rat has to get water on warm south Texas days.
Yesterday was the first time a groove-billed ani has appeared at the "morning blind" on the Santa Clara Ranch. The species is always there, but they tend to stay in deep brush until it gets warm.
Bullock's Oriole is a summer resident. This male came to water in late afternoon.
We are seeing javelinas at water throughout the year, but they just started dropping young at the end of June.
"You kids are always under foot".
Common Ground-Doves don't often wade out into the pond to bathe, but the heat brings out interesting behavior in a lot of animals.
On this afternoon, several roadrunners were present at the water all afternoon.
This rabbit was holding down the outer limbs to reach more succulent leaves in the middle of the bush. Many of the animals stay near water to feed since the plants are greenest near water.
By late morning, birds with babies lose much of their fear and bring the youngsters to water.
The Painted Buntings continue to look really nice right up to present. This shot was done yesterday morning.
Several deer have been coming to water from sunrise until about 10:00 AM each day.
OK, let me know how this works for you and what you think about photographing south Texas in the summer. Come on down, put on your shorts and sandals and we’ll do a little photography.
If you want to receive each update of my newsletter postings, just go to the bottom this page and click on “entries (RSS)”.
Larry
Looks really good. Nice shots. To bad the blinds do not have A/C in this 100+ weather.
The A/C is there, but we are waiting for a willing body to dig the trench for buried power lines…1 mile.
All very good snapshots. I am glad you were not in the Coastal Bend Contest.
As always, great stuff….I love the baby quail. I saw my first ones at the BQ5 a few weeks ago. I didn’t know they were soooooo tiny.
Can’t say which is the best. I like the roadrunner dipping for water, but the baby quail are just to cute…..
Keep up the great work and can’t wait to see what your next tour will entail.
Absolutely awesome! I like how you use depth of field to highlight the critters. The “action” shots are unique. As to to A/C – get a quiet generator — no need to dig a trench!
Larry,
As usual, the photos are fantistic. I like the new format. I still plan to get to South Texas sometime this year.
Very nice images. I am surprised there is as much wildlife movement in the heat, although I understand the need for water. Really like the Painted Bunting and deer photos. I like the new format.
always enjoy your pictures. santa clara ranch must be really nice. hope to see it someday.
Larry:
I always enjoy and look forward to receiving new letters. The shots are so beautiful and I know you have had to spend lots and lots of time waiting to get some of Them. Thanks for sharing them all !!!
Great looking Newsletter and as usual, extra great photos.
RE: A/C. Better start digging. Of course, you should come to Victoria. Our TV weather people say its warm here. 101 degrees. I’m not sure where warm turns to hot. So, it must be really hot where you are. Come to Victoria to cool off.
Guess the first comment didn’t take…..I’m trying again……
I love the shots, especially the “chicks”…I saw my first baby quail a few weeks ago, I didn’t know they were sooooo tiny. Your shot of them is awesome. I like this blind location, it’s great, gives one a good look at wildlife and the landowner seems to be doing a great job at keeping it up. Can’t wait to see what your tour schedule looks like…….Thanks for sharing your gift…..be blessed and stay cool……sgs
Thanks to all of you who commented on this first newsletter in the new format. I got this one out in a hurry and it took 4 tries to get most of the spelling corrected.
Special thanks to Paul Denman who did all the technical work setting my site up in WordPress and showing me how this thing works.
For years, I’ve been sitting in the house during July, working on Photoshop and such, but from now on, I’ll be spending a lot more time in the field.
Great improvement Larry. I am impressed. If you get tired of the heat bring you camara to northern michigan sometime. The birds are very impressive this time of year. Temetures in the 70’s
Like the new format and of course the photos. Good to see the responses that show I am not your only admirer. Your photos always bring back old memories of the Valley. Miss getting out to the blinds and watering holes. Keep up the good work.
Rick
Larry,
New newsletter is great. No problems opening it at my workplace like the old one.
The rat image is excellent, he is always facing away from me when I’m trying to photograph him.
I really enjoy your photos, and I know why I enjoy taking a camera to the blind with me. I have fun hunting, but I really enjoy shooting animals with something that can last a lifetime without ending theirs. We all need to see great pictures like that to keep the feeling of life and beauty alive in the outdoors.
Larry great reflections off the water. The juvenile Bobwhite are great
Larry
Always enjoy your works and comments.
If you come to the Panhandle please let Mary & I know.
Love your photos! Always have
Still waiting for my crash course in “How to use all those functions on you Cannon”! Hoping to see y’all soon. Baby #2 will be here in January.
Give my love to Glenda.
Great pixs. My favorite was the ground dove taking a bath.
I like the roadrunner and the oriole shots; and I’d have to admit that the heat brings out some unusual activity in me as well! And I like the blog format. Does it have spell check? Thanks, Larry; geat shots per usual!
Larry, thanks for takng the time to put these newsletters together. Your images and commments are always great. The Cotton Rat pic is awesome. The reflection is so clear you could flip the picture over and fool a ot of people. I really like the new blog format.
I’d be interested in any opportunity to shoot South Texas Ranches again (heck, it’s hot everywhere!) I didn’t see a link to any new tours. Did I just miss it? : )
I can never resist the groove-billed anis but that is a specatcular shot of the roadrunner. Beautiful images, like always!
As usual your photos are really great! I liked the rat, quail and roadrunner shots the best.
The new look to the newsletter is great as well.
Rich
Love the new format Larry…..great pics as well.
gmt
When are you going to post your bobcats?
One of the best sites that I have seen. Very creative and the colorful opening page is irresistable.
I too am looking forward to next seasons workshop offerings. In particular, the “Ranch Trips”.
Above all else, though, is the quality of the images. You still inspire us all to do better.