Reached 6,000 Followers this Week! THANKS!
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
This week was a big milestone for my blog. I passed the 6,000 mark for registered followers! Thanks everybody! 
Let me say I really appreciate your interest and the time you take to check out my outdoor and nature photos. I also wish I had more time to respond to everyone personally, but please accept this note of thanks when you don’t hear from me at other times. The photo I’m posting now could be the same barn swallow in my previous entry, but there were so many flying at impossible speeds, turning on a dime in midair, that I lost track of the individuals. I felt very fortunate to get this one displaying its tail feathers momentarily before it flew off at high speed a second later. I shot this at 1/1300 of a second and F-9, and had to shoot at a faster ISO of 1600 under the available lighting conditions of the time. I used a 200mm F-2.8 lens. Enjoy! (Click on the image to see an enlarged version)
White Violet
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I was pleased to find this White Violet a few days ago growing in the woods at a local Ottawa County, Michigan park. I’ve read that many flowers have guide lines that draw in pollinating insects much as runway lights guide planes in for landings. The lines on this flower will make it much easier for insects to find the right spot to land
Dandelion Masquerade
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
This little Yellow Warbler decided to become one with the dandelions today in Ottawa County, Michigan. I found the little bird masquerading as one of the yellow flowers as the sun came out this morning bringing yet another beautiful and warm Spring day to the area.
Spring Lineup
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I found these marsh marigolds lined up and freshly blossoming over an Ottawa County, Michigan wetland area today. With sunshine and warm temperatures arriving for several days this week, flowers have begun to emerge in West Michigan with more on the way.
Spring Beauty
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I found these tiny, appropriately named flowers called “Spring Beauty” today growing in Ottawa County, Michigan. Each flower is only about 1/2 inch wide opening fully on sunny days. They can be found growing in the woods where they emerge from underground tubers similar to small potatoes. Click on the image for an enlarged and more detailed view.
Ruby Crowned Kinglet
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I found this Ruby Crowned Kinglet today as it was guarding its territory, driving off any other birds that approached within a few yards. It didn’t seem to be bothered by my presence as I photographed the colorful bird from a bridge overlooking a stream in Holland, Michigan.
Water-Rocks-Sand
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
Using a longer exposure, I attempted to illustrate the waters movement near this rock that was partially submerged. The water also produced some interesting distortions of the rocky and sandy bottom of the stream located near Lake Michigan. I liked the abstract effect that resulted in the image which I took recently in Allegan County, Michigan.
Moment in Time
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I captured this brief moment in time of a water droplet in mid air over water displaying concentric circles of waves. The abstract effect I was looking for with the dramatic look of light and shadow, vibrant colors and contrast was gratifying to achieve.
Fossil Block
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I used a macro lens on this block of fossilized creatures that together created a very interesting pattern. The tiny fossils were in a stone slab I purchased from a store I recommend in Spring Lake, Michigan called Cliff Mountain Rock Shop. http://cliffmountainrockshop.com/
Inner Beauty
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
This tulip displayed its inner beauty as I moved inside the bud and used the light from behind the flower to illuminate the interior. A macro lens and tripod was used to reveal more details.
