Spring, Central Park
Every spring Central Park puts on a show of spring blossoms. It’s free. You just have to wander the paths. There are cherry blossoms, magnolias, forsythias, tulips, daffodils and so many other details for the pleasure of all who visit. Once and only once so far, did Julia accompany me. We wandered near and far across the park. It’s was a special day in my memory now. Hey I’m glad we got some quality time together.
Egret Central Park
There is a large lake upon which row boats are rented. People are constantly strolling the edges or picnicking along the banks. So, it’s a surprise to see an egret along the edge. If you can make it in New York, you’re tough. So this guy and I had a stare down. He didn’t back off. It’s a New York kind of attitude.
Central Park Painting
Look around and art is all around us. I love to see painters at work. Surprisingly there aren’t too many who sit and work in public places. Maybe I just don’t hang where there is a lot of inspiration. So it’s a pleasant encounter whenever I stumble across an artist at work.
Central Park Statue
I am reminded of an old joke that starts with: A male and a female statue were given the gift of life. They promptly disappeared into the bushes. Emerging, the male said to the female, “Again?” And she replied, “Yes, …but this time you hold it while I shit on it.” And, yes, even in Saudi Arabia, there are plenty of pigeons.
Central Park
Each spring the blossoms put on quite a show. Some years are better than others. I have an especially soft spot for bright deep blue sky. And with this background the blossoms are just that much more dramatic.
Cherry Blossoms
April 2001, Central Park. There are a few trees that are dependable subjects in the park in the spring. This year I have been past this tree several times and not noticed it. Usually this tree, laden in blossoms stops me. Sometimes things are remembered more vividly in your memory. Here’s proof that my memory still works. This tree is just not as spectacular this year.
Tulip Again
Tulips, same day different tulip, come in all different colors around Central Park. Here I got one with more detail in the petals and used the shadow to highlight the center pistil. I wonder at the color pattern, which must look inviting to the bee that pollinates the flower. I imagine the pattern like landing lights guiding the plane into the runway at an airport.
Tulip
In the spring tulips are dependable photographic subjects. For the most part I have tried it in every possible angle. The subject here was shot in Central Park and from a head on position to focus in on the center. I shot this with slide film. There is too much contrast to see the individual petals, which enhances the center.
Cormorant… and Turtle
12/18/11
It was one of those rare afternoons that this heron posed fishing among the cone flowers by the side of the lake. I got a reflection of the clouds and that nice beam of sunlight shining on the feathers. I was just in the right place at the right moment.
Heron
It was one of those rare afternoons that this heron posed fishing among the cone flowers by the side of the lake. I got a reflection of the clouds and that nice beam of sunlight shining on the feathers. I was just in the right place at the right moment.
Monarch Butterfly, Cone Flower
During my childhood in West Virginia monarch butterflies were everywhere. Now they are not common for me. I had a great photo op one day in Central Park. There were cone flowers and this monarch just sat and posed ever so nicely. The lake in the background was pleasantly out of focus. Imagine that, all this wildlife right in the middle of Manhattan.
Tulips
12/11/11
Central Park. Tulips are a bulbous perennial flower. Well, I’ve had no luck with them. And I can say the same for poinsettia. They are red at Christmas and thereafter never again for me. This stunning bed on the eastside of the park has not been there in subsequent years. But it was a stunning display for that one year. It’s one of those small gems that one stumbles across when you least expect it. There was a great display in Portland, Maine that is perennial. At least I photographed it twice. But that’s another story. Oh, don’t forget to notice the bubbles on the right.
