November is slow for the nature and wildlife photographer here in the Carson Valley.  The bears are heading for their winter beds.  The leaves are gone from the trees.  The raptors are slowly returning to the Valley.  The wild horses are winning at hide and seek.  We’ve had some early snow, which has provided some good photo opportunities, mostly of the mountains.  I’ve been working with Photoshop a lot, trying some new editing techniques.  I’ve done a couple images in Lightroom, too, but I think I like Photoshop a little better.

Here’s a few images from the last couple weeks.

This Red Tailed Hawk wasn’t mad at me – he was squawking at a crow flying behind me.

Driving on Genoa Lane one day, and this Hawk was doing litter control watch. Not sure I’d throw anything out the window of the car with him around.

…and somebody must have done something, ‘cuz he was off in a shot. A good friend advocates that movement in images should always be left to right. I thought about it here, but left it alone.

I love the Kestrels, but they are difficult to get. This one was shy and refused to turn around for me.

This guy was more cooperative. I asked him to sit on this branch and look left. I love this picture!

I got my first Eagle of the season.  Driving up Mottsville Lane last week, and there he was on a utility pole.  He sat for a minute or so, and then took off.

I can’t get enough of the Bald Eagles and look forward to the coming Eagle season. I think this is one of our resident birds – it’s a little too early for the transients to arrive.

I love the detail I was able to capture. I’m making big plans for this image.

Last Sunday, Edsel woke me up early to show me the amazing sunrise.  I tried to resist and stay in my warm bed, but ultimately got up and made these images.

I made this image just before the sun popped over the horizon.

I turned around to see the Sierras just before sunlight struck.

And here’s a couple more panoramas, just for fun.

I worked this image in Lightroom. I need much more practice in LR.

This is the full width of the Sierras in Douglas County. This concept has potential for the future.

One last shot – I was out on a snowy morning and tried to make an image of the ‘welcome to Gardnerville’ sign in Sunset Park, at the border between Minden and Gardnerville.  A 24″ x 36″ print of this picture is on display in the Gardnerville town office.  I need to get a nice spring, summer and fall shot so they can display a different picture with each season.

Welcome to Gardnerville!

Until next time – enjoy!!  PHOTOROGR