My year in review.

[mn shutterbug]

The end of the year is upon us and I sure didn't get out as much as previous years. Due to the price of gas, among other things, I did very little traveling for photo purposes. I didn't even make many of my usual 60 mile drives around here. I even sold my 50D, but my 30D still does the job. In fact, I just bought a second one to have on hand just in case I have something planned and something happens to the other one. I did get a few shots I was happy with, for one reason or another. The following are from June on. In summary, not a lot of outstanding photos for the year, but a few firsts.

Due to it facing me, this is my favorite pheasant shot, even with the weed in front of his breast.



This was my first mink. I did make a trek over to NWR for a day of fun.



I went back again a week later in hopes of finding an otter. No otter, but I did find another mink.



This Rusty Blackbird was a first sighting for me, also at the NWR.

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A cormorant from the same NWR.



Quite a few of these egrets at the NWR. This is my first environmental shot of these in trees.



Yep, a crow. Actually, this is the first time I've ever taken a pic of a crow.



I consider this my prettiest shot of 2011. This Harris sparrow was in my Amur Maple just before the leaves fell.



Last, but not least, I found this Great Gray at the Sax Zim Bog in northern Minnesota June. I was forced to go to a friend's wedding with my wife in Duluth, so the next day I made my wife accompany me to the bog and I got lucky finding this owl. It's not the greatest photo due to the lighting, but I'm still thrilled with it.

[Eric D]

Nice set....HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[Shyanni]

An impressive set of images. I love the way the Grey Owl is partially camouflaged against the tree.

[paulnj]

Some great finds you got in 2011 and that great grey is to die for!

[randimal]

The owl shot is awesome. Nemesis bird for me. I'm going to find one this year.

[mn shutterbug]

Thanks for the comments. I'm still waiting for winter to arrive in northern Minnesota so I can head up there for some owl hunting. Then again, maybe winter will miss us this year.

[mjs1973]

Not sure how I missed this thread before, but glad I found it now. Congrats on the featured photo Mike. I really like the GGO image but the sparrow is my favorite.

[mn shutterbug]

Thanks Mike. I'm kind of torn between the GGO and Sparrow. The GGO was more exciting, but the Harris is technically a better photo, due to the favorable light.

[buglinbilly]

I love your owl photo. Its awesome.

When I was younger and never carried a camera, I saw lots of owls but now I'm out a lot and I never see one. Hopefully my time will come as they are such neat birds. Have a good one. BB