A young Black Skimmer practices his tecniques.

There is a lesson here for new photographers always have extra chips and battery's. If you think you can get the good shots after you hike back down the beach for a mile I think not. Even the same place the next day It's unlikely to have the subjects, the light, the timing. Really when a trip to the beach may be another 20 years away BE PREPARED like the boy scouts say. The best shots were with my eyes I wish I could down load my brain photos.

"Walk Like This" Charley Brown Pelican said.

Some time ago I visited another pelican. After watching many of them fish near the pier. Some came to rest on the pier. I was awed by their skill to catch small fish tossed to them by some fishermen there on their way home. They never missed a fish even when they were tricked. A few years later I wrote a poem about my visit.

... da daah...

THE FISHER . by Tom Stanley Janca

One day when I was at the sea, this old pelican said to me.

I love to fish. I love to fly. I love to take a dip.

I love to catch those little fish and swallow them with a flip.

I love to turn around and turn around and shake my tail and flutter.

Now it's time to go and fly and fish and dive into the water.

I love to fish. I love to fly. I love to take a dip.

I love to catch those little fish and have them for my supper.

I love to turn around and turn around and shake my tail and flutter.

It's time to go, a kick, a step, I'm in the air, its time to leave the water.

Into the air into the sea a thousand times or more.

Now you know why? I sit on this rock it is to rest upon the shore.

© Tom Stanley Janca.

Big Water Lilly Flower.

Just go for a walk at the Encinitas botanical gardens and every where there are wonders for the photographers to see. I first thought that this Flower was a fake plastic flower stuck in the pond. Well I was wrong. It was real and beautiful and was the size of a volleyball .

There were two kinds of water Lilly's, both were very pleasing to the eye. This flower matches the giant Lilly pads. If not some botanists will correct me and then I can fill in the scientific names.

Water Lilly Pad

I seem to be amazed again. This water lilly pad is about 2 foot to 3 foot in diameter and has 1.5+ inch edge. See my next blog for the picture of the flower.

Eucayliptus Tree

Have you seen the eucalyptus tree in the park?
Just at sunset, before dark,
Black lace against the sky,
Shimmering in the breeze passing by.
Many times I walked right by,
It never even caught my eye.
One day I reached right up and picked a leaf.
It smelled so good I pick some more.
Was just like the medicine Mom got at the store.
Now as each day passes, on my walk by the eucalyptuses.
I smile as I remember all my Mom's Kisses es.

by © Tom Stanley Janca. 2004

Yellow Footed Egret " Do This" a triple neck twist.

And you said it couldn't be done, well here is proof. (Twist not modified)

Black Neck Stilt

Not the typical pose for the black neck stilt. Where is the long legs the long neck.

Oh well I will have to settle for the next big symbol. You know like the smiley face, only this one means!

DO YOU GET MY POINT.