Getting down close and personal to images captured from above the subject.
For other flower photos, click here.
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
Posted for Cee’s Flower of the Day and Lens-Artists Challenge – Shoot From Above
Winter in the Midwest brings cold temperatures and scenes of whiteness. Cold mornings also means a chance of frosty leaves on shrubs and trees. I came across the frosty leaves below last winter at Moraine Nature Preserve in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Next is an image taken a couple of days ago at Kensington Metropark in Michigan. Kent Lake was covered in snowy whiteness against a blue sky with scattered clouds. We don’t have much snow yet but temperatures are supposed to drop through the week. As in most places, predicting the weather in the Midwest seems difficult to get exactly right.
What does it look like in your part of the world? Is it cold and snowy or warm and full of sunshine? Are weather forecasts dependable there?
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
Posted for Sunday Stills Monthly Color Challenge – White
For more photos of Winter Layers click here.
After a night of rain, our group of photographers left camp way before sunrise for our Hot Air Balloon Ride. The unexpected rain resulted in a glorious sunrise of foggy transparency over the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Watching the sun rise from high above the ground was breathtaking. It was easy to pretend that our basket of adventurers were the only people on the earth.
That is, until we saw other hot air balloons popping up in the skyline. Nope, we were not alone.
To see other photos from our hot balloon ride, click here.
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
Posted for the One Word Sunday Challenge – Transparent
While on my African safari at Maasai Mara National Reserve, we came across varied groups of animals. One sighting that became familiar among large mammals were nature’s hitchhikers, birds! Oxpeckers, like the ones below, settled on the back of cape buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and other large mammals. I wondered if they were an annoyance to these animals.
At first, I thought the hitchhikers must be an irritation to the animals. I have since found out that these birds, also contribute a valuable service. They remove parasites such as ticks and other uninvited guests.
I am all for avoiding ticks, mosquitoes, etc., but I’d rather not have a bird pecking at me either. How about you? What is your method of escaping annoying little pests?
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
Here are two links to posts from my African Safari, Into the Wild and By Any Means
In the Garden – The colorful symmetry in flowers makes for some beautiful geometric shapes in nature.
Nature’s beauty is always popping out at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Conservatory. When we lived in Indiana, we loved taking the South Shore train into Chicago. The Lincoln Park Conservatory was one of my favorite places to visit. Of course, my camera always went along with me. Right next door to the Conservatory is the Lincoln Park Zoo which is also worth a visit. Best part – both are free!
In preparation for my African Safari in Kenya, I spent time in multiple zoos photographing large animals. For a glimpse at a Thrilling African Safari at the Lincoln Park Zoo, click here.
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
Posted for Becky’s Squares – Geometric January
Giraffes, stately giants roamed the Amboseli National Park with grace and beauty. A spotted threesome, these giraffes appeared to be a family. They didn’t stray far from one another as they kept on eye on our two vehicles of photographers on safari.
For another photo of giraffes, click here.
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
Linked to Embrace the Numbers – CFFC
An amazing scene that I never expected to experience while in Africa was that of a rodent and a heron. A gray heron was making a meal of a rodent that seemed to be more than a mouthful. This feast took a few minutes to play out at the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
First of all, I didn’t even realize that herons ate rodents. The rodent did not give in easily but the heron was persistent. After a long struggle from both sides, the gray heron was finally rewarded with a meal. The entire rodent was forced down the heron’s narrow throat. I don’t think I would believe it if I hadn’t seen it for myself.
One other surprise for me was that it was a gray heron, not a great blue heron. I have seen lots of blue herons in my part of the USA. With so many similarities, I assumed this was also a great blue heron. I was corrected by our guide that it is a gray heron found in Europe, Africa, and Asia. The great blue heron is also larger, has longer legs, a longer neck, and heavier bill.
I am probably not alone in not knowing that a heron’s appetite is satisfied by more than fish. What about you? Did you know?
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
Linked to Bird of the Week. For a photo of a white heron or an elegant egret, click here.
The native Texan that I am loves bluebonnets. While living in Texas, I looked forward to seeing bluebonnets popping up everywhere in the springtime. Unfortunately, bluebonnets don’t grow in the Midwest, but I have found one wildflower that is very similar. Not a Texas bluebonnet, but the Lupine perennis grows all around the Great Lakes.
This Lupine was showing off its splendor at the Great Marsh – Indiana Dunes National Park.
Pretty, ain’t it?
Their purple blossoms made me smile whenever I came across one. I have seen some with white blossoms as well but most of the ones I saw were purple.
I am looking forward to the wildflowers around my new stomping grounds in Michigan. For now, there is a covering of fluffy whiteness all around us. Underneath the pretty snow lies the dormant daffodils, tulips, wildflowers, and so much more beauty to come soon.
Apparently, Texas bluebonnets are Lupinus texensis and are in the pea family, just like our Midwest Lupines. I guess that explains the similarities between the two. If you want to find out more about Texas bluebonnets, click here.
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
For another Macro Monday post “Completely Undone,” click here.
In the wilderness of Africa, elephants protect their young ones by any means. With adults close at hand out in the open, they don’t wander off too far.
We came across this herd of elephants on one of our game drives at Maasai Mara National Reserve. Lagging behind by a few feet was this cute little guy. No worries! He was closely watched and in safe company.
For a look at a Radiant African Sunset, click here.
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
Posted for Ragtag Daily Prompt – Mean and also for Xingful Mama’s Whatsoever is Lovely Challenge.
Catching up on posting pictures from my African safari has given me a chance to take a look back. Seeing wild animals in their natural environment was an adventure of a lifetime. Ten days with an average of two game drives each day was amazing. Some days, we were out before sunrise. Other times, we chased the sunset for as long as possible before heading back to camp.
We came across the lone cheetah above during one of those game drives. Our guide informed us that he is one of two surviving cheetahs known as “The Magnificent FIve”. More of the cheetahs story can be found at Africa Geographic Stories.
On the other hand, gazelles like the pair below, graze together in herds. A larger group provides more protection from predators. These two were part of a herd of about twenty gazelles.
Both of these captures were taken at the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Click here for a look at my first post on my African Safari.
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
While on a game drive at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, we came across a small rainbow of colors. The patches of color that caught our attention were not in the sky but on a shrub. Sitting on the very top was Kenya’s national bird, the lilac-breasted roller. The roller posed like a pro for us before it eventually flew away from the clicking of our cameras.
I assumed that this was a male roller because of its colorful feathers. Obviously, I am not a birder but I did some research. I found out there is not much difference between a male and female adult, other than males are slightly larger. Also, the lilac-breasted roller sits up high to have a better vantage point as it searches for food. So as we were scouting for wildlife, the roller may have been scouting for its next meal.
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
Macro Monday – Tiger lilies growing along the trails, from bud to bloom.
Tiger lilies grow wild along the Indiana Dunes National Park’s – Great Marsh Trail. These were captured during one of my last hikes at the Indiana Dunes National Park before we moved.
I wonder if I’ll find them in Michigan too. I guess I’ll have to wait to find out. That is, unless there is someone in the blogging world who knows what I should expect. Anyone out there?
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
The unrestrained yawns of lions after the satisfaction of a successful morning hunt at the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
During the game drives, we were on the lookout for the elusive male within each pride of lions. When spotted, they were usually hidden behind tall grass and difficult to photograph. We came across this pride after they had their fill and were ready for some rest.
In case you were wondering, I did manage a pic or two of a male lion. One or more will show up on a later post, so come back.
This trip to Africa has been the most memorable for me so far. My jaunts to zoos in preparation for this trip were helpful but quite different.
What about you? Which trip have you taken that stands out above all others up to now?
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
For as long as I can remember I have been sure of one thing about myself –
I love heading out to the trails while it is still dark to watch the sunrise painting the sky. One of the many things I have enjoyed about moving to Michigan is that sunrise happens an hour later. That means a tad more time to sleep in. Not only that, there are great views of the sunrise within walking distance of our front door.
Then, I can head out for short walk to the same place about 9 hours later and capture the sunset. Happiness – experiencing God’s artistry morning and night.
What about you? Are you a morning or night person?
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
With another year over with, I am left with many memories of the past. Here are two attempts at capturing a radiant African sunset at Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
My trip to Africa was the highlight of 2024 and a once in a lifetime opportunity. My last post, Into the WIld many months ago, included photos of a variety of African wildlife. I had promised more photos from my trip but we moved to Michigan just two weeks later. Going through those hundreds of pictures got put on the back burner for a little while.
We are settled in our new home now and more Africa pics will be added over time. It is also time to experience adventures along Michigan trails. Join me through my pics right here. Wishing you a wonderful new year!
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
I recently got back from the farthest and most exciting place that I have experienced. A trip into the wild in Kenya involved a 21-hour flight to travel about 8,000 miles from Chicago to Nairobi. All this for the sole purpose of experiencing an African Safari with a small group of photographers led by John and Michelle Greengo.
At the top of my dream list of things to photograph in Africa were wildebeests. I had that chance on our very first game drive. We saw many wildebeests over our 12 days in Africa but this one (above) seemed to be intentionally posing for the shutters to click.
On the other hand, the Thomson’s gazelles were a bit more shy and did not stay close for long.
Elephants out in their natural environment are regal, fearless, and yet, gentle. WIth small birds walking alongside the elephants’ humongous feet, they never once took a wrong step. Amazing, don’t you think?
The zebras, with their black and white stripes, were adorable and hard to miss when close by. One thing that was surprising to me is that when the zebras were far away, their stripes actually seemed to blend into the background and provided a camouflage effect.
All these photos were taken during our first couple of days in Nairobi so there are many more to go through and more will be posted here over time.
The entire Afican safari was so much more than I had even expected. John and MIchelle Greengo were wonderful as leaders and teachers. Their advice and knowledge that they shared before we left and thoughout the trip was invaluable. I felt challenged by John, MIchelle, and the other fellow photographers to get out of photography comfort zone. My previous adventures to zoos in preparation for this safari were just the beginning.
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
As I was strolling through the World of Primates recently, I came upon a bit of primate tension, but a heartwarming encounter at the Fort Worth Zoo. Two gorillas seemed to be at a standstill. One was looking at the other with a steady glare of silence while the other was definitely sending out a message of, “I can’t hear you!“
I stood there and watched them for quite a while and couldn’t help smiling. I can relate to both of the gorillas. There’s been times when I’ve wanted to cover my ears to block out all the noise of the world. I have probably also sent out an angry glare of silence at one time or another.
Come on! I’m not alone here, am I? Haven’t you felt the same way at least once? Feel free to respond in the comments and I promise not to tell a soul. 😉
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
Cicadas, an anticipated and noisy brood of insects that didn’t disappoint. I came across many of them last month at one of my favorite hiking spots, Moraine Nature Preserve. After making their home beneath the ground for many years, the cicadas rallied and found their way up to the sunshine.
The cicadas were just about everywhere along the trails for a few weeks. With diminished numbers of them today at Moraine Nature Preserve, they were much quieter and outnumbered by dragonflies fluttering about. The one below was the only dragonfly that paused long enough for me to click the shutter.
Both the cicada and dragonfly seemed like pros at posing for a couple of Macro Monday shots, don’t you think?
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
One continent on my long bucket list of places to visit is Africa. More specifically, the country of Kenya. The thought of looking up at Mount Kilimanjaro seems breathtaking. Even more exciting is the possibility of going on a thrilling African safari and photographing rhinos, elephants, zebras, cheetas, buffalo, wildebeest, and so much more out in their natural environment!
Since I have not made it to Africa yet, I am making the most of visits to zoos and enjoying a tiny, pretend version of an African safari.
I know, I know, I KNOW!
It does not come close to the actual experience of seeing wildlife in the openness and heat of Africa. But where else can I practice photographing this amazing wildlife? I might just make it to the Amboseli National Park one of these days and I plan on being ready!
All these photos were taken earlier this year at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo and also the Dallas Zoo in Texas.
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
Beauty in motion in a world down under.. These graceful fish were photographed while visiting the Maui Ocean Center in 2022. Scuba diving must be the best way to experience the breathtaking world of the Pacific Ocean. Since I am not a swimmer, a view from the Aquarium of Hawaii was a way to see underwater.
A view of Maui’s landscape was featured on “Mountains of West Maui.“
All photos are my own. ©Pepper Tron/Heavens Sunshine
No usage allowed in any form without my written consent.
Heaven’s Sunshine – Capturing the beauty of God’s creation through the lens of a camera.