Author: hankster

  • Pepe´ la Pew

    It’s breeding season for Skunks, Coyotes, and Bobcats.
    Bears will be coming out soon.

  • Still hanging around

    It’s been a few weeks since we last checked in on the bobcats who have been frequenting the Garden Studio, and we’re happy to report that they’re still visiting and seem to be enjoying themselves.

    As a reminder, the Garden Studio is located on the outskirts of a residential property. It’s a cozy and peaceful space, surrounded by trees and foliage, and it seems to be the perfect spot for bobcats to rest and relax.

    Over the past few months, the bobcats have been spotted on several occasions lounging in the Garden Studio. They seem to be completely at ease in the space, and have even been caught napping inside.

    One of the most interesting observations has been the behavior of the bobcats around the property. They seem to have become quite comfortable with the presence of humans, and have been spotted exploring the surrounding area during the day. They’ve even been seen walking along the driveway, seemingly unbothered by the nearby houses and people.

    While it’s always exciting to see wildlife up close, it’s important to remember to give them their space and avoid interfering with their natural behaviors. The bobcats in the Garden Studio seem to have found a peaceful haven, and we’re thrilled to be able to observe them from a respectful distance.

    We’ll continue to keep an eye on the bobcats in the Garden Studio and report any further developments. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to appreciate the beauty of nature and do their part in preserving it.

     
     
     

     

     
  • Photographing Birds

    Birds are fascinating creatures with intricate feathers, unique songs, and graceful movements.
    As a photographer, capturing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat can be a rewarding experience.
    However, photographing birds can also be a challenging endeavor.
    Birds are wild animals, they don’t take direction so you have to pay attention and be ready to press the shutter button at the right moment.
    This means you have to understand the camera settings and be able to quickly adjust shutter speed, light sensitivity (ISO), and aperture to get the shot.
    Birds tend to move around a lot, and quickly.
    So having the right shutter speed is highly important.
    Some days are brighter than others, so you have to get the ISO right to avoid images being too dark or blown out from too much light.
    The aperture controls the depth of field and the sharpness of the image.
    Knowing how each of these settings affects the others is the key.
    Anytime you change one part of the exposure triangle (IOS, Aperture, Shutter Speed), you affect the other two.
    Getting them all in harmony will give you the shot you’re looking for.

       
         

     

  • Bobcat Sightings in the Garden Studio

    As a nature lover, I always find excitement in seeing wildlife up close. Recently, my excitement reached new heights when my trail cameras captured Bobcats wandering through my yard. The first time, it was just one Bobcat, then the number grew to three. Now we have three Bobcats the come through our yard on a nearly daily basis. The Bobcats were majestic and graceful, a true symbol of the wild. 

    I have always been fascinated by these elusive creatures, and to have them so close to my home is a true privilege. Bobcats are known for their stealth and their ability to adapt to various environments. This adaptability is what makes them successful hunters, but also what allows them to thrive in rural areas like mine.

    Today, I checked the trail cam footage from several of my cams. I found some really great shots and footage of a single Bobcat coming down a game trail in my yard. I was amazed by the detail captured by my trail cameras. From the tufted ears to the spotted coat, the Bobcat was captured in all its glory. It was evident that this Bobcat was healthy and thriving, which is a testament to the importance of preserving and protecting our natural habitats.

    Having wildlife so close to my home is a source of constant joy for me. It reminds me of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us, even in the most urban of areas. It also serves as a reminder of the crucial role we play in preserving our natural resources and ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy the same experiences I am having now.

    I am grateful for the opportunity to share my bobcat sightings with others and to spread awareness about the importance of protecting our wildlife. Whether you live in the city or the countryside, I encourage you to take a moment to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the wildlife that surrounds us.

  • Discovering the Beauty of Nature through Photography

    Photography has the power to capture moments and preserve memories, but for me, it goes beyond that. It allows me to capture the beauty and essence of nature in its raw form. As a passionate nature and landscape photographer, I have had the opportunity to travel to some beautiful and remote places, capturing nature’s breathtaking views. In this post, I want to share with you my love for nature and landscape photography, and why it is an art form that is close to my heart.

    The Power of Nature:
    Nature is an endless source of inspiration, and every time I step into the great outdoors, I am in awe of its beauty. From the vastness of the oceans to the towering peaks of the mountains, nature has a way of making you feel small, yet connected to something much larger than yourself. The more I travel and explore, the more I realize just how magnificent and diverse our planet is.

    Capturing the Beauty of Nature through Landscape Photography:
    Landscape photography allows me to capture these breathtaking moments and share them with others. Whether it’s the soft light of dawn, the warm glow of sunset, or the vastness of a star-filled sky, landscape photography helps me to convey the power and beauty of nature. The art form also teaches patience, as one must often wait for the right light, weather, or conditions to capture the perfect shot.

    The Importance of Technique:
    Of course, landscape photography is not just about capturing beautiful scenery. It also involves a certain level of technical skill. Understanding the elements of composition, lighting, and exposure is essential to capturing the essence of nature and producing stunning images. It’s not just about pointing and shooting, but rather, it’s about using your camera and your creative vision to tell a story and evoke emotions.

    Conclusion:
    In conclusion, nature and landscape photography is an art form that I am deeply passionate about. It allows me to escape the distractions of modern life and connect with the natural world meaningfully. Whether I’m hiking to a remote location, waiting for the perfect light, or editing my images, the process is always a reminder of just how incredible our planet is and the beauty that surrounds us. I hope my love for nature and landscape photography inspires others to go out and discover the beauty of the great outdoors.

  • Wildlife and Trail Cams

    Here at the House of Zen we love and respect nature and wildlife.
    Our Garden Studio is full of trail and surveillance cameras we use to monitor wildlife.
    We have Coyotes, Bobcats, foxes, deer, raccoons, opossums, fishers, squirrels, rabbits, and chipmunks passing through the area at any given time.
    We even have the occasional black bear wander through.
    This is all very thrilling and just a joy for us to watch.
    Of course, most of these animals come through at night while we’re sleeping, thus the monitoring cameras.
    It is worth noting that the Bobcat is frequently seen during the day. 
    Videos from the trail cam as well as some videos from photo-scouting hikes can be found on our youtube channel My Channel

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