Diane Sangster was in following circles

AuthorFollowersDateUsers in CircleCommentsReshares+1Links
Wajahat Khan3,3082013-05-12 10:50:39150114CC G+
AyJay Schibig18,4262013-05-02 02:58:44334427CC G+
Margaret Tompkins56,4212013-04-14 22:18:2334132481157CC G+
Walter Soestbergen29,5962013-04-13 13:55:182891736091CC G+
Michael Earley16,6542013-03-23 18:55:1549630329CC G+
Brett Lipton5,0022013-03-20 16:41:4729071649CC G+
G+ Weekly Theme Circles6,0842013-02-21 04:00:124781875675CC G+
Walter Soestbergen29,5962013-02-12 22:14:47267682131CC G+
Gailen Mapes30,2762013-02-10 11:35:113249413CC G+
Gailen Mapes30,2762013-01-24 11:27:3931210410CC G+
Walter Soestbergen29,5962013-01-17 18:17:17259321739CC G+
Gailen Mapes30,2762013-01-10 11:20:3830712513CC G+
Gailen Mapes30,2762012-12-24 11:37:46313918CC G+
Brunner Nathan5,4002012-12-24 08:19:0850021422CC G+
Tracy Sydor8882012-12-11 16:13:2250012010CC G+
Gailen Mapes30,2762012-12-10 11:12:12305778CC G+
Michael Earley16,6542012-12-05 17:54:1149916920CC G+
Gailen Mapes30,2762012-11-24 11:45:5532112314CC G+
Gailen Mapes30,2762012-11-10 15:07:0233212410CC G+
Lord Parker31,3502012-10-30 09:17:53377301434CC G+
Gailen Mapes30,2762012-10-24 10:21:0833519414CC G+
Adam Kumiszcza26,8492012-10-17 12:39:58500333331CC G+
Gailen Mapes30,2762012-10-10 10:44:2333513513CC G+
Michael Earley16,6542012-10-03 23:45:31498161123CC G+
Trever McGhee28,4772012-10-02 21:19:094551293373CC G+
Gene Bowker47,8872012-09-25 22:39:58167682153CC G+
Margaret Tompkins56,4212012-09-24 17:57:45492322159226CC G+
Gailen Mapes30,2762012-09-24 11:00:49315161516CC G+
Gailen Mapes30,2762012-09-10 10:15:4131916716CC G+
Reptile Monday8982012-08-27 00:44:584634010CC G+
Gailen Mapes30,2762012-08-24 10:41:453389310CC G+
Lord Parker31,3502012-08-23 20:11:54396161019CC G+
Gene Bowker47,8872012-08-21 13:21:15311242530CC G+
Gailen Mapes30,2762012-08-10 10:33:4934520614CC G+
Michael Earley16,6542012-08-01 17:27:2450091022CC G+
Elle Gray02012-07-28 11:29:387534335CC G+
Peter From58,5652012-07-16 10:10:02496968297CC G+
Reptile Monday8982012-07-16 00:20:14288054CC G+
Ray Bilcliff68,3012012-07-13 20:01:53143271527CC G+
Margaret Tompkins56,4212012-07-13 18:16:16495318192326CC G+
Gailen Mapes30,2762012-07-10 12:48:003591216CC G+
Wendy Stever5,7852012-07-04 14:13:472042518CC G+
Charles Lupica66,8312012-07-02 19:01:47253153125171CC G+
Reptile Monday8982012-06-26 01:51:45238409CC G+
Michael Earley16,6542012-06-20 16:33:2942531725CC G+
Robyn Morrison12,1132012-06-20 12:32:24223201028CC G+
Jan Kabili34,0002012-06-18 14:32:062669316CC G+
Adam Kumiszcza26,8492012-06-18 06:02:16490686374CC G+
Peter From58,5652012-06-04 12:31:56500100105110CC G+
Nils Tschampel4,1752012-06-04 11:02:42309412657CC G+
Peter From58,5652012-05-28 11:01:11463129163136CC G+
BIRD LOVERS Worldwide15,3132012-05-22 03:01:45500312831CC G+
Peter From58,5652012-05-21 09:36:07500105120127CC G+
Ray Bilcliff68,3012012-05-19 12:13:041187516CC G+
Ray Bilcliff68,3012012-05-16 21:26:51107171312CC G+
Robyn Morrison12,1132012-05-16 05:58:43380131920CC G+
Rehan Ahmad22,0432012-05-15 17:58:01194484047CC G+
Trever McGhee28,4772012-05-08 20:24:41162017CC G+
Louis Deryfus3,7712012-05-07 14:29:28161103CC G+
Peter From58,5652012-05-07 10:45:341590208142CC G+
Peter From58,5652012-04-30 09:25:5523909972CC G+
Peter From58,5652012-04-23 10:29:35325253199137CC G+
Michael Earley16,6542012-04-18 08:46:21454311723CC G+
Predrag Nikolić (Banstolac)882012-04-16 16:11:46233200CC G+
Warren Brooks4452012-04-16 10:22:11233100CC G+
Peter From58,5652012-04-16 07:30:40232270304125CC G+
Peter From58,5652012-04-03 13:35:034941247347CC G+
Kathy Dawn5,7992012-03-22 20:58:38225614CC G+
Wilco Wings8,5682012-02-28 22:15:49205526CC G+
Christy Ramsey34,9972012-02-24 14:44:3229210576133CC G+
Bill Wood31,2822012-02-22 01:27:364013211CC G+


Latest postings

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2013-04-11 05:22:44 (2 comments, 3 reshares, 17 +1s)

Bob and I recently spent some quality time with a Bald Eagle named Sequoia. She was shot by some idiot several years ago and has damage to her tail. This prevents her from living in the wild so she lives at the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo where they take great care of her. Here is a link to a short story and photos of this beautiful bird.

http://www.stronckphoto.com/journal/2013/4/10/getting-to-know-sequoia.html

#BirdPhotos  #BaldEagle

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2013-03-16 04:36:19 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 20 +1s)

American Avocets

Although Springtime is not official just yet, these Avocets are already in breeding plumage and busy squabbling amongst themselves. Photo by Bob Stronck.

For +flybyfriday curated by +John Spade 
#birds4all curated by +Walter Soestbergen 

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2013-01-20 21:35:22 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

MagicFlutes Flute Orchestra
http://www.pixel-gym.com/storage/magicflutes/Bacchanale-MagicFlutes.mp3

I thought I would post something a little different tonight. My side activity is playing flute in local churches, musicals and in an organization called MagicFlutes. MagicFlutes is a San Francisco Bay Area flute ensemble of 25-members, made up of piccolos, Eb flutes, concert flutes, alto flutes, bass flutes, and our newest instrument, a Contrabass. Click the link above to hear our group. In this recording we are playing a flute choir version of Saint-Saëns - Danse Bacchanale. Incidentally I am playing the piccolo part for those of you that can pick out the high notes. And yes, I designed the posters for the group.

#flute, #flutechoir , +Classical & Early Music ♫, #classicalmusic  

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2013-01-25 22:47:30 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 15 +1s)

Finding Something to Photograph When Your Subject Disappears

Bob and I recently saw an article about "Sutro Sam" the wayward Otter living in the ruins of the Sutro baths along Ocean Beach. Then we started seeing photos of the little guy and decided like so many others to check him out for ourselves. This past week, we went up a few times in the afternoon and never did see the otter but were amazed at the scenery.

Since Sutro Sam was occupied and unavailable for photos Bob made the best out of the situation and shot these photos at sunset. On a few of the images, lights from the Cliff House above act like mega flash units on the rocks below. This just reminds us that sometimes you just have to find another picture than the one you were originally trying for. 

We left amazed that we've driven by this place so many times and never stopped to take a look.... more »

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2013-01-06 04:23:00 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 13 +1s)

Cinnamon Teal Pair at Redwood Shores, CA

The winter months are the best time of year to view migratory ducks along San Francisco Bay. When you find Cinnamon Teals you will most likely see Wigeons, Northern Shovelers, Canvasback and Pintail Ducks along with other year round birds. Some birding websites refer to these Cinnamon Teals as year round residents although it seems like they are much more visible in the winter.

#birdinfocus curated by +Risto Talman
+Birds4All curated by +Walter Soestbergen & +Ricky L Jones 
#birdloversworldwide curated by +Robert SKREINER
#ducks

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2013-01-05 05:09:46 (4 comments, 2 reshares, 18 +1s)

There's Gold in Half Moon Bay

Bob and I love spending time at the ocean along Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay. Last week we went out there for the sunsets and migratory birds. But It pays to look at the farm fields as we were surprised to see this field so covered in flowers this early. Soon many more fields along Highway 1 will be taken over by these golden yellow mustard flowers. Now if we could find a field like this with some horses, or a bobcat... Oh well, we are happy to just enjoy the flowers.

#farmfriday #farmingfriday curated by +Ellie Kennard and +Steven Kennard 

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2013-01-05 05:53:27 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 14 +1s)

Harbor Seals "Chillin" on a Winter Day

Just south of Pesacadero State Beach we recently watched Harbor Seals on the rocky outcrops. The Seals seem to be enjoying the tumuluous ocean waves. Each time the water washed over the rocks the Seals would rise up in a kind of salute or greeting.

Thanks to +Robyn Peters for the idea to go check them out.


#PacificNWFriday curated by +Bob Harbison   
#feelgoodfriday curated by +Rebecca Borg and +Jason Borg   

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2013-01-01 04:43:17 (14 comments, 0 reshares, 25 +1s)

Happy New Years G+ Friends!

Bob and I spent the day enjoying the beach and stayed to watch the last sunset of the year at Pillar Point Beach in Half Moon Bay. Off in the distance you can see surfers at Maverick's. This is what California Dreamin' is all about...

#newyearseve   #happynewyear   #sunsetphotography  
#LandscapePhotography curated by +Margaret Tompkins 

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2012-12-25 23:34:28 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 10 +1s)

Wishing all my G+ friends a very Merry Christmas! Xena has something to say about it too...

#bokehtuesday  curated by +Bob Baxley 
#albumoftheweek  curated by +Toby Harriman 
#christmas2012   #christmastown   #christmastreelights  

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2012-11-30 22:47:54 (11 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

Bokeh - RIP 11/30/12

Today, we made the painful decision no pet parent wants to make. A veterinarian came to our house and helped send Bokeh to kitty heaven. Bokeh lived 3 months once he developed jaw cancer. This type of cancer is particularly cruel. Originally, we thought he had feline stomatitis because he was only 9 years old. Not only is it jaw cancer painful, eventually cats cannot eat or groom themselves. For the past 3 months I spend much of my time hand feeding, pilling, medicating and comforting Bokeh.

We chose to end Bokeh's suffering once he couldn't eat anymore. Yesterday, he sat in my lap making a soft whimpering sound that told me it was time. Our beautiful kitty was only about 9 years old. I never met such a lively, happy kitty. I hope he is happy and playing now wherever pets go once they leave us.

#caturday

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2012-11-22 23:04:24 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Hope all our G+ friends are having a wonderful day. We are looking forward to a family Thanksgiving dinner and nice break from the work week. #thanksgiving

Also for #thankfulthursday with +Bonnie Pickartz

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2012-10-14 02:00:38 (7 comments, 1 reshares, 28 +1s)

Taking a break at Wavecrest Beach in Half Moon Bay, Ca

In the graphic/photography field it can be feast or famine. For the past few months, Bob and I worked on several projects for clients that kept us so busy we ate meals in front of our computers. Once we wrap up projects we like to head out to Half Moon Bay. This time of year is great for watching raptors and sometimes you get to watch a beautiful sunset too. Hope you all are having a peaceful Saturday night. :) D

For #sunsetsaturday curated by +Dennis Hoffbuhr

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2012-08-31 23:46:08 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 30 +1s)

It's Fly By Friday

The Black Skimmers were out doing their thing in Redwood Shores this past week. Bob and several of his photography friends had a great time trying to photograph these speedy birds in flight. All Bob wanted were sharp photos complete with the catchlight in the birds eye. Oh and some nice Bokeh too. Some people just want it all...

Happy Friday everyone!

For #flybyfriday  curated by +Meg Rousher 

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2012-08-17 22:57:26 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

Legally Blonde - The Musical

Each year the Redwood City Community Theatre puts on a musical complete with a live band. The year its Legally Blonde (a musical adaptation of the movie). I am playing flute and piccolo in the pitt orchestra along 15 other local musicians. The music is really well written, combining classical, rock and jazz. If you are interested, the show runs for the next two weeks starting tonight. Friday and Saturday at 7:00pm. and Sunday at 3:00pm. More info: http://www.rwctheatre.org/Welcome.html

I talked Bob into attending a rehearsal and taking a few photos. The show is very light and happy so I thought these images were appropriate for #feelgoodfriday curated by +Rebecca Borg 

#colorsonfriday curated by +E.E. Giorgi, +Gilmar Smith, +Christina Lihani and +Erin Henderson 

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2012-08-03 13:26:37 (6 comments, 1 reshares, 31 +1s)

White-tailed Kite Pair having a little tiff...

Here is another one of Bob's photos taken this week at the Arastradero Preserve in Palo Alto, CA. 

Another shot for #flybyfriday curated by +Meg Rousher 
#birdsinfocusfriday  curated by +Risto Talman 

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2012-07-28 02:17:13 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 24 +1s)

White-tailed Kite in Flight

This past week Bob has enjoyed watching a pair of White-tailed Kites putting on a show at the Arastradero Preserve in Palo Alto, CA.

For #flybyfriday  curated by +Meg Rousher 

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2012-07-25 03:33:50 (4 comments, 4 reshares, 33 +1s)

Deer Babies
This year has been a good year for Mule Deer (or Black-Tailed Deer). Recently we counted five fawns visiting. They run and play while enjoying our backyard. We suspect they think it is a giant salad bowl so we don't bother to try and stop the deer from eating our plants. The solution is grow some plants they don't like and accept their voracious appetites.

#two4tuesday  curated by +Mary C Legg 

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2012-07-18 01:25:36 (5 comments, 4 reshares, 30 +1s)

Amsterdam - The Jordaan District
With some Dutch ancestry in his blood, Bob wandered the streets and canals of Amsterdam hoping to stir up a sense of place. He tells me that we could be quite happy living along this tranquil canal in the Jordaan District. It once was a poor district and today is upscale while being known for its artists, musicians and entrepeneurs. Incidentally, Rembrandt spent his last years in the Jordaan and the Anne Frank House is on the edge of the Jordaan, on the Prisengracht canel.

For #traveltuesday curated by +Laura Mitchum
#travelphotography, #amsterdam 

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2012-07-14 02:59:32 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 32 +1s)

Please don't eat the daisies or my arm...
Bob says that this scruffy Alaskan Tundra Wolf was just enjoying a leisurely springtime walk. 

For #fidofriday curated by +Wes Lum, +mel peifer,  +Suhaib Ayaz and +Lisa Lisa

and #furryfriday curated by +Ross Campbell 

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2012-07-10 02:46:04 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 16 +1s)

Bullock's Oriole taking a backyard bath...
Bob photographed this handsome Oriole we call "Yellow Bird" bathing in lawn sprinklers. For #backyardbirdingmonday  curated by +Celeste Odono and +Ricky L Jones.

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2012-07-07 19:02:11 (8 comments, 3 reshares, 24 +1s)

Where can I get a tank of these?
Every time Bob and I visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium I walk away wishing I could have a large tank filled with jelly fish. Nevermind that I have no idea how to feed or take care of Sea Nettles. I could watch them for hours. For #underwaterthursday  curated by +Snekker Anders, +Kjetil Greger Pedersen, and +Alessandro Cerè

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2012-07-06 02:01:23 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

Water, water... everywhere...
In our design work for local water departments we can never collect enough stock imagery of water, reservoirs and dams. Bob recently photographed the images shown here at Lyons Reservoir and Dam located in Tuolumne County, Northern California. In addition to photographing the actual dam I asked Bob to create some imagery I can use as background artwork for some upcoming print projects. Posting today for #thirstythursdaypics  curated by +Giuseppe Basile and +Mark Esguerra 

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2012-06-25 04:52:47 (8 comments, 3 reshares, 26 +1s)

Mission San Juan Capistrano - Founded in 1776
Every child growing up in California has studied the history of the Spanish missions. Typically, we built models of our favorite mission and visited those nearby. Mission San Juan Capistrano captured my attention for its incredible beauty and the American Cliff Swallows that make the mission home each each Spring though Fall. Bob and I finally made a trip to this beautiful place and it was everything I thought it was so long ago. The garden shown in this image is such a peaceful place to walk and be inspired by this historical, cultural and religious site. 
For #sacredsunday curated by +Charles Lupica, +Manfred Berndtgen, +Robyn Morrison, +Margaret Tompkins and +Sherrie von Sternberg 

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2012-06-19 04:00:29 (11 comments, 3 reshares, 31 +1s)

A House Finch stopped by for visit
The cheerful red breast of the male House Finch can't help but brighten your day. This sweet twittering bird can be found in most urban neighborhoods. He visited us to remind us about #BackyardBirdingMonday curated by +Celeste Odono and +Ricky L Jones 

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2012-06-17 23:29:24 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

To love and serve in all things – Ignatius of Loyola
Completed in 1914, St. Ignatius Church is located on the campus of the University of San Francisco. The first St. Ignatius Church was dedicated in 1855. There were three more locations with the fourth one being destroyed by fire after the 1906 earthquake. The fifth and present church was designed by Charles J. I. Devlin using a mix of Italian Renaissance and Baroque elements. The floorplan follows that of Roman basilicas. There is so much to see from a architectural or spiritual perspective. Yesterday, Bob and I were in San Francisco. We were happy to come across this beautiful church during our visit. For #sacredsunday curated by +Charles Lupica, +Manfred Berndtgen, +Robyn Morrison, +Margaret Tompkins and +Sherrie von Sternberg 

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2012-06-10 07:40:17 (16 comments, 1 reshares, 27 +1s)

Our Kitty (Bokeh) Relaxing on Caturday
Bokeh spent the morning relaxing on his favorite spot on the back of Bob's chair. He was looking so pretty we thought a portrait was in order for #caturday curated by +Christophe Friedli and +Lee Daniels 

For those that are interested - Bokeh is s Seal Lynx Point Marble Bengal 

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2012-06-09 02:27:10 (3 comments, 2 reshares, 22 +1s)

Black Skimmer Flyby
Named for their unique feeding method. They fly along the water with their lower mandible dragging through the water as it flies. Black Skimmers enjoy great success catching small fish this way. Bob finds these birds to be something of a challenge to photograph due to their speed. Here is one hanging out in Redwood Shores, CA. For #flybyfriday curated by +Meg Rousher.

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2012-06-09 11:32:25 (8 comments, 1 reshares, 25 +1s)

Happy Friday Everyone
What a week! I've been a busy, busy, busy bee. So I thought I would post one from our yard.

For #buggyfriday curated by +Ray Bilcliff, +Margaret Tompkins and +Sherry McBriar   and #ColorsOnFriday curated by +E.E. Giorgi and +Gilmar Smith 

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2012-06-06 00:57:34 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 17 +1s)

The Bogeyman
Bob and I were hiking along Pescadero Creek when we recently came across this face carved into an old tree. When I was a kid I used to walk past a small forest on my way home from school. I was convinced that it was filled with bogeymen. My mom told me that I had a wild imagination but I just knew I was right. This tree would have confirmed everything I thought about forests. Now all we need are flying monkeys from the Wizard of Oz to make this scene complete. For #TreeTuesday  curated by +Christina Lawrie and +Shannon S. Myers 

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2012-06-06 00:36:53 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

Night Herons at dusk...
A pair of Black-crowned Night Herons seem to be hunting together for a meal along San Francisco Bay.

#Two4Tuesday curated by +Mary C Legg 

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2012-05-31 01:54:39 (6 comments, 2 reshares, 27 +1s)

Canada Geese Family
A pair of Canda Geese watch their brood at Redwood Shores, SF Bay. Although they are common sight we never get tired of watching the goslings.

For #WaterBirdWednesday +WaterbirdWednesday curated by +Sherry McBriar, +Margaret Tompkins and +Ray Bilcliff.

2012-05-30 04:12:13 (17 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Anyone out there have a Facebook business page? I've had mine for some time with only 78 likes. And 60 of those are friends. LOL https://www.facebook.com/PixelGym
There is so much more engagement on Google +. What do you all think?

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2012-05-26 19:19:33 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 19 +1s)

Happy 75th Birthday Golden Gate Bridge
In 1933, construction began on the bridge that spans the opening of San Francisco Bay in the Pacific Ocean. It opened only 5 years later on May 27th 1937. Today it stands as a testament to the will and fortitude of American ingenuity. Celebrations are taking place through the weekend.

For #inspirationalsaturday curated by +Khrystiane Friedli, +Mylah Nazario and +Charlotte Therese Björnström
#SanFrancisco #GoldenGateBridge

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2012-05-25 09:27:10 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 22 +1s)

Green Heron Paintography
Having a bit of +Paintography fun with one of Bob's bird photos. This immature Green Heron made a surprise appearance in a local pond. I thought he was perfect subject for painting.

For #pixelbenderismonthursday curated by +Pat A Jordan and +Ralitza Tchiorniy and #Paintography curated by +Ray Bilcliff, +Sherry McBriar and +Gail Beerman

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2012-05-25 01:48:36 (9 comments, 1 reshares, 20 +1s)

The View from Our Deck
The fog rolling over San Francisco is a common sight from our deck in San Mateo, CA. On a clear day we can see the city but this week the fog has been especially thick and rather pretty at dusk. The lights on the lower right are shining from Oakland starting from the construction of the new Bay Bridge to the right Treasure Island. We feel so lucky to live in such a beautiful place.

For #ThankfulThursday curated by +Bonnie Pickartz and
#purplecircle +PurpleCircle curated by +lynn langmade, +Alexis Coram, +Sinead Sam McKeown and +Craig Szymanski

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2012-05-23 21:52:43 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 19 +1s)

Great Egret Dance
The large white bird appears to be doing a happy dance. Perhaps because it's Wednesday and we are halfway to the Memorial day weekend. Or he is warning another bird to stay away, come closer, stay away... oh well he can't decide...fickle bird. Bob made this image at Redwood Shores on the levee adjacent to SF Bay.

What a bird for #WaterBirdWednesday curated by +Sherry McBriar, +Margaret Tompkins and +Ray Bilcliff and #WildlifeWednesday curated by +Mike Spinak

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2012-05-23 03:28:48 (8 comments, 4 reshares, 26 +1s)

The Agapanthus are coming...
In late spring the Agapanthus flowers start to bloom in our garden. Today's challenge was to find a new and interesting way to photograph these flowers. So Bob decided to use 800mm's to make a macro-shot. The idea is to get maximum detail with a nice bokeh effect in the background.

For #TodayTuesday curated by +Brian White,
#Two4Tuesday curated by +Mary C Legg and
#BokehTuesday curated by +Bob Baxley

2012-05-22 04:58:23 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Circle 3/3 (Circle 3 of 3) - BIRD LOVERS Worldwide
This is the "Third Circle" of the Page and the Group BIRD LOVERS Worldwide! All members are asked to share this circle publicly!
The next "Circle 4" will be published within a few days!
If you are a "BIRD LOVER" and if you want to be included in the next circle, then please give here +1 and a short comment and share this circle publicly in your stream (Conditions and rules)!
Important: If you are included in this Circle 3/3, please give +1 and share this circle necessarily in your public stream, so that you are also included in the next circle round. Anyone who does not share, is not included in the next Circle-Round. This is one of our fair rules!

+Gemma Costa - +Heidi Anne Morris - +Sumit Sen - +QT Luong - +Mike Spinak - +Gene Bowker - +Kimberly Hosey - +Jasmina Kimova - +Jan H.... more »

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2012-05-22 02:19:26 (14 comments, 0 reshares, 19 +1s)

Galápagos Marine Iguana
I am just glad these reptiles only live on the Galápagos Islands because they have faces only a mother could love. Bob assures me that although they look scary they are actually gentle herbivores who survive exclusively on algae and seaweed. I had visions of the Creature from the Blue Lagoon chasing the photographers around. Photo by Bob Stronck. For #reptilemonday , +Reptile Monday curated by +Meg Rousher and +Will Pirnasch

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2012-05-21 03:21:03 (7 comments, 1 reshares, 18 +1s)

Mission San Miguel - San Luis Obispo County, California
Founded in 1797, Mission San Miguel is the 16th of the 21 California missions. The main church was damaged during the 2003 San Simeon Earthquake. As of 2011, much of the church and several other buildings have been rebuilt and/or repaired. We noticed this lovely bell tower just over the adobe wall as we were leaving. Sometimes it is a good idea to turn around and look behind you.

For #sacredsunday curated by +Charles Lupica, +Manfred Berndtgen, +Robyn Morrison, +Margaret Tompkins and +Sherrie von Sternberg

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2012-05-18 22:12:32 (20 comments, 1 reshares, 37 +1s)

Forster's Tern - Plunge Dive
Most bird photographers realize that sometimes you have to return to the same place several times to get the shot you envision. Bob wanted to capture the perfect moment when the tern plunges into the water for a meal. Here is the shot he made yesterday along SF Bay.

It never fails to amaze me how these terns are able to locate a small fish from height and plunge dive with such success. This image is best seen on black background at largest display where you can even see the eyes on the fish.

For #WetWednesday curated by +Susanne Schweiger
#WildlifeWednesday curated by +Mike Spinak
#freshpics +Fresh Pics curated by +Trevor Farrell
and #PlusPhotoExtract curated by +Jarek Klimek

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2012-05-17 10:21:52 (12 comments, 3 reshares, 29 +1s)

Black-tailed Jackrabbit
Bob photographed this Jackrabbit along SF Bay on a recent bird photo shoot. They are a common sight around here but this was a particularly attractive specimen for a quick portrait.

For #wildlifewednesay curated by +Mike Spinak

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2012-05-14 19:17:06 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 15 +1s)

Common Merganser Hen and Ducklings
This large duck can be found on rivers and lakes in Europe, northern and central Asia and North America. Like other mergansers, these fish feeding ducks have serrated edges to their bills. They also feed on mollusks and crustaceans. Bob found this hen keeping a wary eye on her brood at Lake Vasona in Santa Clara County.

For #whattheduckmonday curated by +Phil Armishaw
For #naturemonday by +Rolf Hicker

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2012-05-14 01:35:57 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

The Madonna of El Panecillo - Quito, Ecuador
Wishing the ladies of G+ a very happy Mother's Day
Quito is one of the most historical cities in Latin America. Among many architecturally significant attractions is the Mondonna of El Panecillo. On the top of a 200-meter hill is this statue constructed from seven thousand pieces of aluminum. The 45-meter statue depicting the Virgin Mary was created by Agustin de la Herrán Matorras.

I thought this photo would be an appropriate photo for Mother's Day and of course #sacredsundaycurated by
+Charles Lupica, +Manfred Berndtgen, +Robyn Morrison, +Margaret Tompkins and +Sherrie von Sternberg

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2012-05-13 01:01:46 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

Bokeh Loves Da Bird
I am posting this pix of my kitty "Bokeh" playing with Da Bird especially for +Elle Gray and her kitty (Bella). This is the miracle toy to calm down a rambunctious cat. My kitty goes crazy when I pull it out. He leaps and hurls his body through the air to get it. When he catches Da Bird he tries to run away with his kill. Then he sleeps like a baby. It's sold at Amazon or other pet stores.

For #caturday curated by +Christophe Friedli and +Lee Daniels

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2012-05-17 10:23:50 (8 comments, 2 reshares, 26 +1s)

Burrowing Owl in the Grass
Burrowing Owls derive their name from the underground burrows they live in. They have a symbiotic relationship with ground squirrels who dig out these burrows. This small owl (about 9 inches high) can be found in grasslands or any other open dry area with low vegetation. Unlike most owls, Burrowing Owls are often active during the day. This one struck a pose for Bob in the fresh springtime grass..

For #GrassTuesday curated by +Ray Bilcliff, +Marilou Aballe and +Margaret Tompkins

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2012-05-06 20:08:42 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 24 +1s)

Even the Cormorant enjoys a full moon...
Wanted to post this image today in honor of the wonderful full moon last night. Cormorants build their nests on the high tension towers in San Francisco Bay. This one is drying it's wings with the moon glowing as a backdrop.

For #purplecircle +PurpleCircle curated by +lynn langmade, +Alexis Coram, +Sinead Sam McKeown and +Craig Szymanski

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2012-05-06 19:44:40 (10 comments, 0 reshares, 9 +1s)

Music and Churches
For me hearing live music played in a church makes these spaces even more sacred. This weekend I've been playing flute at the Transfiguration Church (shown here) in San Mateo with the Peninsula Musical Arts Association. Each spring and fall this organization brings in professional musicians to accompany their concerts. Here is a sample of their music. And yes, that's me playing the flute in this piece called "Banks of Bonny Doon" http://www.pixel-gym.com/storage/magicflutes/BanksofDoon.mp3

Something different for #sacredsunday curated by +Charles Lupica, +Manfred Berndtgen, +Robyn Morrison, +Margaret Tompkins and +Sherrie von Sternberg

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2012-05-04 19:59:56 (6 comments, 1 reshares, 27 +1s)

Basilisk (Jesus Christ Lizard) - Costa Rica
The nickname "Jesus Christ Lizard", is given to this reptile for its ability to run on the surface of water. Here is a link to a very short video of the "Jesus Lizard" doing just that. The narrator is Randall of the "Honey Badger" fame. His narration of some National Geographic footage is good for a laugh tonight... enjoy - The Miracle of the Daffy Jesus Lizard (original narration by Randall)
Photo by Bob Stronck

For #reptilethursday curated by +Meg Rousher
#PlusPhotoExtract curated by +Jarek Klimek

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2012-05-03 01:15:41 (6 comments, 2 reshares, 23 +1s)

The Octomom of Geese
They're here.... the ducklings and geese are hatching along S.F. Bay. Bob and I think this is the largest brood we've seen in one family. We count 18 in this pix. View large to get a better view of all them.

#WadingBirdWednesday curated by +Ray Bilcliff
#WildlifeWednesday curated by +Mike Spinak

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